President’s Message

A Cause for Celebration

In the founding document of the Society of Jesus, Regimini militantis ecclesiae, we find the words of Saint Ignatius concerning the efforts of the Jesuits: “Above all things let them have at heart the instruction of boys and ignorant persons in the knowledge of Christian doctrine, of the Ten Commandments, and other such rudiments as shall be suitable, having regard to the circumstances of persons, places and times.” This vision, written about in 1540, has been vigorously realized by the Jesuits missioned to Jesuit High

School in New Orleans since 1847.

Older alumni will tell you that the Jesuit priests, brothers, and scholastics who taught them were some of the most dedicated and inspiring men they have known. You could count on even the youngest

Jesuit teacher, in his portentous black cassock, to have been schooled in philosophy and theology and practiced in devotion to the

Jesuit saints and the Jesuit mission.

The vocation served as the impetus for learning the secular subjects, transforming them from mere earthly matters to real manifestations of God’s glory. 175 years later, with the exponential growth of the school and with fewer Jesuits on campus, lay teachers no less dedicated and inspiring have filled the ranks and carried on the work alongside the Jesuits still assigned to Carrollton & Banks. Younger alumni sing the praises of the teachers, coaches, counselors, disciplinarians, benefactors, and others who made learning come alive for them, who changed their lives, and who helped them to become the men they were made to be.

With jubilant hearts we shore up our dedication and focused devotion with a genuine appreciation for the labors of those who have gone before us. We rejoice this year, in a special way, in the many graces God has bestowed on our efforts to serve Him, the source of all truth, charity, and splendor. Our dodransbicentennial is a real cause for celebration.

The anniversary signals to the world who we are and what we stand for, as well as why we stand for it. And—as so many teachers will testify—as we teach everyone, we teach ourselves. Join me in prayers of thanksgiving as Jesuit High School and its supporters celebrate 175 years of continuing the mission that Saint Ignatius Loyola saw fit to implant in our hearts. 

Rev. John Brown, S.J. President

JAYNOTES | SPRING / SUMMER 2022 JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

President

Fr. John Brown, S.J.

Director of Institutional Advancement

Christian Bautista

Director of Alumni Michael Prados ’83

Executive Development Coordinator

Krista Roeling

Creative Coordinator

Brittany Donnes

Communications & Alumni Assistant

Myles Kuss ’16

Volunteer & Events Coordinators

Maura Owers Cindy Wooderson

Assistant to the President for Mission

Jeremy Reuther ’01

Major Gifts Coordinator

Jamie Roy

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christian Bautista ’06 Brittany Donnes Myles Kuss ’16 Jacob Reeder ’19

STAFF CONTRIBUTORS & EDITORS

Thomas Bagwill II Myles Kuss ’16 Maura Owers Michael Prados ’83

ON THE COVER:

The custom artwork on this edition's cover was produced by Jesuit's creative coordinator, Brittany Donnes. Above the traditional Carrollton Avenue doors are images from the stained glass of Immaculate Conception Church on Baronne Street. Replete with symbolism from the 175 years of Jesuit's history, the cover celebrates Jesuit's past, its Ignatian legacy, and its Catholic identity.

FEATURES

8 Off They Go!

Class of 2022 Graduates 235 18 Commencement Luncheon

Adm. Brett Giroir ’78 Addresses Seniors

20 175th Anniversary

Jesuit's Dodransbicentennial 22 The Drama of Salvation

Philelectic Society 26 Footsteps of Leaders

Bryan Bairnsfather & Jon Orillion 28 Jesuit Formation

Fr. Robert Murphy, S.J. ’95 Final Vows

40 Rugby Takes Undefeated

State Title

42 Record Breaker

Jack Larriviere ’22 56 Focused on Faith & Identity

Christian Bautista ’06

62 Report of the President

Fiscal Year 2021-2022

IN THE NEWS

1 President’s Message 32 Academic Results 34 Blue Jay Bazaar 52 Where Y’at 58 Bib List 60 In Memoriam

Spring/Summer 2022 Vol. 48, No. 2 Jaynotes is published twice a year by the Jesuit High School Office of Institutional Advancement.

HOW TO REACH US

Jesuit High School 4133 Banks Street New Orleans, LA 70119 Email: jesuitnews@jesuitnola.org Where Y’at articles and photographs may be submitted online at jesuitnola.org/where-yat.

REBIRTH

of Blue Jay SPIRIT

Our class gave Jesuit the year that it needed. This year saw a rebirth of Blue Jay excellence and spirit on all fronts. It was more than just a return to form for Jesuit. There was a new energy. We exceeded expectations. We added on to the legacy of the men who came before us.

Any experienced gong-striker knows that the only way to achieve a loud, crashing sound with the proper tonal resonance is to warm up the tam-tam with soft taps from the mallet. Our class spent its sophomore and junior years quietly tapping the gong of our potential. Our senior year brought crashing waves of victory, celebration, and brotherhood. The cross country, swimming, and rugby teams brought home state championships. The wrestling and lacrosse teams fought all the way to the state finals, not to mention the football team, whose journey was fueled by an enormous student section at every game, complete with body paint, towels, and headbands. We put every last ounce of Blue Jay spirit into the gizzard. Mu Alpha Theta won first place at the state tournament. The band earned all superior ratings and was cheered on by a thriving gizzard. Our class introduced the famed gong, and with each success, its vibrant sound could be heard from morning assembly month after month in the courtyard. The cafeteria was renovated and the Blue Jay Café was opened to students, who jumped at the opportunity to buy a coffee in the morning. Led by our class, Jesuit not only returned to its pre-Covid excellence, but it soared in accomplishments and spirit.

With this unrestrained burst of Blue Jay spirit and excellence, our class also came to embody what it means to be men for others and men of faith. Loosening restrictions meant that the 100-hour service project for all rising seniors could take place. From being counselors at special- needs camps out of state to working at summer camps here in the city, we served with selflessness and love of

neighbor. We were always told of this almost unreachable “man for others” standard that Jesuit engrained in our minds, but these service projects put that idea into real, concrete action. Besides what Jesuit requires of us, Jesuit students answered the call to service by helping the victims of Hurricane Ida and returning to Grace at the Greenlight to feed the homeless in the mornings. Our class gift is a scholarship to Jesuit for a young man who would otherwise not attend this distinguished school. We are constantly fulfilling the call to be men for others and leave behind a legacy that will benefit every Blue Jay who walks through the courtyard. Spiritually, our class led retreats for the underclassmen that couldn’t take place in previous years and that even some of us could not partake in. The men in my class have exceptional character. I have witnessed our class grow from boys into compassionate, humble, and disciplined men. It was with the help of faculty like Father Dyer, who in a way is graduating from Jesuit with us, that our class was able to do this. Father Dyer is an example to all of us, dedicating himself to our spiritual and educational development. I want to thank him on behalf of my class for his impact. It is because of him and all the faculty at Jesuit that we have become the men that we are today.

Because of our class, the Jesuit experience has been reborn and reinvigorated into something unimaginably rewarding and gratifying. What I have seen from my fellow classmates makes me confident that our accomplishments at Jesuit, while significant, pale in comparison to the potential we possess as we go out into the world. Our extraordinary character is a testament to the work that God has done in us and will continue to do in us. Now we are free to take our success and growth here at Jesuit and use it to excel in college and in life. There will be times when you feel like you are challenged or feel held back by limitations. Think of these moments like warming up the gong, only preparing for the clash of victory that is sure to come. Take this lesson and the success of rebirth that we have experienced this year, and bring it into the world with you as men of faith and men for others. 

— NICHOLAS NOBILE

SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS Presented to the CLASS OF 2022

Each year Jesuit High School recognizes seniors and underclassmen who have achieved significant academic and athletic honors. Among the awards presented to members of the Class of 2022 were the following.

ACADEMIC & CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

THE BLUE JAY PARENTS’ CLUB AWARD for excellence in scholarship is awarded to the senior who is graduating with the highest grade point average for four years at Jesuit High School. This year, the award was merited by Louis M. Bercaw, Dylan D. Bracey, Matthew J. Busenlener, Luc O. Carriere, Nicholas M. Nobile, and Matthew A. Vuong.

The valedictorian for the Class of 2022, Nicholas Nobile, delivers his speech at Commencement

THE REVEREND WILLIAM J. RYAN MEMORIAL AWARD (donated by the late Dr. J. Joseph Ryan in memory of his brother, Rev.

William J. Ryan) | Excellence in social studies | Nicholas M. Nobile THE FRANK T. HOWARD MEMORIAL AWARD | Excellence in physics | Nicholas M. Nobile THE SUSAN & GARIC SCHOEN AWARD | Excellence in computer studies | Dylan D. Bracey THE FRANK T. HOWARD MEMORIAL AWARD | Excellence in English | Nicholas M. Nobile THE JESUIT 500 CLUB AWARD | Excellence in Latin | Jackson N. Gasquet THE WILLIAM HELIS MEMORIAL AWARD | Excellence in Greek | Nicholas M. Nobile THE L’UNION FRANÇAIS AWARD | Excellence in French | Cooper L. Sudderth THE PAQUETTE FAMILY AWARD | Overall excellence in French | Daniel K. Ralph THE UBALDO TRELLES MEMORIAL AWARD | Excellence in Spanish | Roberto S. Matthews THE LOYOLA UNIVERSITY AWARD FOR MATHEMATICS | Highest overall average in mathematics | Nicholas M. Nobile THE PROFESSOR MICHAEL CUPERO MEMORIAL AWARD (donated by Cupero’s grandson, Col. Hamil M. Cupero ’56) | Overall musical excellence | Louis M. Bercaw & Michael Paul Fine THE REVEREND FRANCIS A. FOX, S.J. MEMORIAL AWARD (donated by Mr. Harry Morel, Sr.) | for instrumental music | Aidan M. Schwarz THE VINCENT LIBERTO AWARD | 2nd place in instrumental music | Matthew A. Vuong THE QUIZ BOWL AWARD | Outstanding achievement in Quiz Bowl | Zane Madi THE EXCELLENCE IN THEOLOGY AWARD | Gabriel J. Sacasa THE CULTURE OF LIFE AWARD | Exemplary leadership as a member of the JHS Pro-Life Club | Gabriel J. Sacasa THE EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD | National Honor Society (NHS) member who provided exemplary leadership to the chapter | Alexander W. Nguyen THE EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD | NHS member who has completed the most community service | Roberto S. Matthews THE ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA AWARD FOR THE MEMBER OF THE YEAR | NHS member who embodies the four pillars of the

NHS: character, leadership, service, & scholarship | Christian J. Collins THE AMERICAN LEGION BRONZE MEDAL FOR SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE | MCJROTC cadet who earns the highest

GPA | Dylan D. Bracey THE AMERICAN LEGION BRONZE MEDAL FOR MILITARY EXCELLENCE | MCJROTC cadet who distinguishes himself through military bearing, discipline, character, & citizenship | Joseph W. Finger THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROTC BRONZE MEDAL | MCJROTC cadet who distinguishes himself through dependability, good character, & discipline | Peter N. Gravolet THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS MEDAL | MCJROTC cadet who exhibits outstanding leadership both in the program and other activities | Samuel D. Mermilliod

Vincent J. Liberto II received

the Julia Ferguson McEnerny Memorial Trophy, an award established to honor one graduating senior who possesses those qualities which symbolize “the most representative student of Jesuit High School.” Christian J. Collins received the

Very Reverend Father Pedro Arrupe Award, which recognizes the senior who has exemplified the spirit of being a man for others by his participation and excellence in service. Gabriel J. Sacasa received the

Reverend Father President’s Spiritual Leadership Award, which is presented to the senior who has exerted the greatest spiritual influence on others by living a life exemplifying his Catholic faith.

THE SENIOR PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD | Being present for all classes, having obtained no absences, tardies, or early departures on a school day | Jack R. Scott & Mitchell J. Stevens II

ATHLETIC AWARDS

THE WILLIAM D. & MAYBELLE POSTELL AWARD (DONATED BY THEIR SON, JOHN BLAKE POSTELL ’59) | Basketball player with exemplary leadership, scholarship, and spirit | Matthew G. Knight THE RODRIGUEZ FAMILY AWARD | Most valuable varsity swimmer | Zachary M. Davis THE CHESTER M. RIETH AWARD | Track letterman with exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and spirit | Jack R. Larriviere THE MICHAEL D. CONWAY AWARD | Most valuable player on the varsity soccer team | Zane Madi THE EDWIN F. STACY, JR. WRESTLING AWARD | Outstanding wrestler who excelled in academics and exhibited exemplary leadership | Jackson P. Ballay THE COACH EDWIN W. TORIBIO MEMORIAL AWARD | Senior football letterman who best combined scholarship and athletics | William J. Pouyadou & Caleb P. Tolbert THE MORRIS B. REDMANN, JR. MEMORIAL AWARD | Outstanding football letterman with best combined scholarship and athletics | Jack R. Larriviere THE DON FORD AWARD | Best football lineman of the current year | Joshua M. Berault THE DANIEL “RUSTY” STAUB MEMORIAL AWARD | Baseball letterman with exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and spirit | Holden C. Hess THE MOST VALUABLE BOWLER AWARD | Bowler who best exhibited sportsmanship, leadership, and determination, while also demonstrating a high quality of excellence as a student-athlete | Gary W. Sims II THE MOST VALUABLE TENNIS PLAYER AWARD | Tennis athlete who exhibited exemplary leadership and outstanding tournament performance | William C. Cain THE MOST VALUABLE GOLFER AWARD | Golfer who exhibited exemplary leadership and outstanding tournament performance | Merrick T. Rotolo THE JOSEPH MICHAEL WORLEY MEMORIAL AWARD | Senior who, by his unselfishness, sportsmanship, and spirit, enhanced the athletic program either as a player, manager, trainer, or student | Jacob C. Caldarera THE ROBERT T. CASEY MEMORIAL AWARD | Varsity athlete with exemplary sportsmanship and spirit | Joseph D. Barnett THE LARRY GILBERT FAMILY MEMORIAL AWARD | Best all-around senior athlete on the varsity teams | Jack R. Larriviere THE AWARD FOR ALL-AROUND ATHLETIC ABILITY | Most outstanding ability found in a student-athlete in an individual sport | Dennis H. Dougherty