Jaynotes Fall-Winter 2011-12 - Jesuit Home

Volume 38, Number 1
The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orleans
Five Days Are the
Most Important
of the Year at Jesuit High School
•
Fall/Winter 2011–2012
Why Is This One of Them?
Curious About the
Other Four Days?
The Answers
Inside Will
Surprise You! Fall/Winter 2011-12
1
Volume 38, Number 1
FALL/WINTER
2011-12
Dear Blue Jay Alumni, Parents, Students, and Friends of Jesuit:
In the 2011 Graduation issue of Jaynotes, the
introduction to Daniel Cooper’s valedictory address stated the following: “Interestingly, since the
school instituted eighth grade in 1951-52, Cooper
is the first valedictorian speaker who did not attend
Jesuit all five years. He entered Jesuit as a freshman
in the 2007-08 school year.”
The first part of that statement is correct —
eighth grade was instituted at the start of the 195152 school year.
The middle part of the statement is incorrect.
Cooper did attend Jesuit only four years, but he
was not the first valedictorian speaker to have
done so. Several Blue Jays, and the daughter of one
alumnus, took the time to write in order to set the
record straight.
Dr. Jim Brown, Jr. ’77 was the first: “Off hand
I know that my father James E. Brown, Sr. M.D.
was valedictorian of 1953, and Desmond Brown
(no relation) was valedictorian of 1976. Both were
four year men.”
Michael Helwick ’64 was the next to chime in:
“In 1964, when all grades were given as numerical scores between 0 and 100, Donald Ellis and I
actually tied for the highest cumulative average.
Donald was a 5-year student in 4-A, and I was a
4-year student in 4-D. Father Stallworth had us
draw straws, and I won. I gave the valedictory address, and Donald gave the salutatory address.”
I’m not sure if drawing straws would work
today.
Dr. Bob Giardina, Ph.D. ’63 writes that he was
the salutatorian and his classmate Eugene Castillion was the valedictorian. “We both started together as freshmen… Thanks for printing a retraction. While some people may feel more strongly
about this than I do, I do think that the statement
in the article as it now stands does diminish what
Gene Castillion and I, and other 4-year Blue Jays
were able to accomplish, that is, getting to the
top of our respective classes without the benefit of
starting as pre-freshmen.”
The source of the original information is irrelevant. I accepted the statement as true when
I should have straightened my reporter’s hat and
done some digging. I stand corrected.
Yours truly,
Pierre DeGruy ’69
Director of Communications/Editor, Jaynotes
New Teachers Join Faculty for 2011-2012 School Year
Jesuit High School welcomed seven new faculty
members for the 2011-12 school year. Seated
from left are Allie Timberlake (college
counselor); Wesley Laurendine (physical
education and assistant coach for basketball);
and Nancy Guliuzo (chemistry). Standing
from left are Scott Thompson ’92 (world
geography and assistant coach for cross country
and track and field teams); Jed Delahoussaye
(sacred scripture and Christian morality); Paul
Frederick, Jr., S.J. (physical science and
Christianity); and Larry Dagate (Algebra II,
analysis, and assistant coach for baseball).
This is the second time around for two of the
teachers — Dr. Delahoussaye previously
taught theology at Jesuit in the late 1990s, and
Thompson served as an instructor in the social
studies department. Mr. Frederick is a Jesuit
scholastic (and unrelated to longtime Spanish
teacher Paul Frederick).
(Their bios are posted on the academics home page
of Jesuit’s web site.)
Jaynotes, the magazine for and about alumni,
parents, and students of Jesuit High School
of New Orleans, is published by the Office of
Institutional Advancement. Opinions expressed
in Jaynotes are those of the individual authors.
President
Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76
[email protected]
Director of Institutional Advancement
Thomas V. Bagwill II
[email protected]
Director of Communications
Pierre DeGruy ’69
Jaynotes Editor
[email protected]
Director of Alumni Affairs
Mat Grau ’68
[email protected]
Director of Special Projects
Br. William Dardis, S.J. ’58
[email protected]
Creative Director
Meghan Weaver
[email protected]
Executive Development Coordinator
Krista Roeling
[email protected]
LEF Coordinator
Logan Diano
[email protected]
Alumni Coordinator
Wendy Schneider
[email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator
Marilyn Beauford
[email protected]
Letters, photographs, and correspondence
are welcome and may be submitted to
[email protected] or mailed to:
Jaynotes
Jesuit High School
4133 Banks St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
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On the Cover
To the untrained eye, this Friday Morning
Assembly is just an ordinary day. Fr. Raymond
Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 knows better. Read the
President’s Message to find out why.
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1
PRE SIDEN T’ S ME SSAGE
Unlocking the Doors to the
Five Most Significant Days
of the Jesuit School Year
Many of us have heard the term “elevator speech,” that
ideally crisp and concise summary of a project or proposal
designed for delivery in the time it takes to complete a ride
in an elevator. A lot, of course, depends on the speed of the
elevator and the height of the building; but one gets the idea
that there’s no room for a lot of extraneous matter.
Now let yourself imagine trying to give an elevator speech
about Jesuit High School. Where would you start? What
images or stories would you employ? What would be your
focus? What impression do you want to leave with your
listener (and with any other folks in the elevator who take time
from their cellphone conversations to eavesdrop)? It can be a
good mental exercise—and not a bad party game if you’ve got
the right crowd.
In preparing for this year, I tried my hand at getting a
description of Jesuit High School that could make its way into
a wide variety of conversations and speeches. Now I don’t claim
that my results can be delivered in an elevator ride (unless,
of course, it’s in a movie whose plot demands a long breakdown for an elevator cab full of people, who would certainly
be expected to be singing the Jesuit Fight Song by the time of
their rescue).
So what’s Jesuit High School all about? I invite you to
examine what I consider the five key days in the Jesuit school
year. Look in on the activity centered at Carrollton and Banks
on these days, and I suggest that you’ll get a sense of what I
find to be Jesuit at its best. (An editorial word: These days
are not ranked in any order of importance. They’re roughly
chronological in the school year, but I do emphasize the word
“roughly.”)
The Mass of the Holy Spirit
As an apostolic work of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit High School
exists for the greater glory of God and the good of souls. Thus,
while we are fundamentally a school and must never lose sight
of that essential educational mission, our sights are set on a
goal much higher than good SAT scores, admission to a fine
college, or even a broad intellectual and cultural education that
allows one to be a life-long learner.
Jesuit exists to help those associated with it to get to heaven.
Somehow, despite the very limited human material that we all
are, each of us is called to use all our gifts and talents in such a
way as to proclaim the greatness of God and to cooperate freely
with Him in the work of salvation. We are called to echo the
words of our Patroness, “Let it be done to me according to Thy
word.” If that prospect doesn’t bring one to prayer, nothing
will. Thus, it is right and just for us to begin the school year
with the centuries-old tradition of Jesuit schools by invoking
the power of God’s Holy Spirit, asking for the gifts of that
Spirit to enlighten our minds and to inflame our hearts with
the knowledge and love of God’s will for us and for our activity
in the year—and then to empower our every action to be an
instrument of that will.
PAG Sunday
When St. Ignatius and the first generation of Jesuits began
establishing schools, they did so on the condition that the
schools would be fully endowed by the prince or populace of
the cities in which they were to be located, so that there would
be no charge for the services of the school. Jesuit education was
never meant to be the exclusive preserve of the wealthy. Jesuit
The five key days in the Jesuit school year are (from left) Mass of the Holy Spirit, PAG Sunday, Open House,
Thanksgiving drive, and an ordinary day anywhere on campus.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
1
PRE S I D E NT ’ S M ESSAG E
High School has maintained this principle
to the greatest extent possible during our
history.
The real cost of providing a first-rate
education is considerable, and it grows
each year. This is as it ought to be. A good
and dedicated faculty and staff should be
compensated justly and generously; school
facilities should be maintained properly;
and co-curricular, athletic, and support
programs should be supported fittingly.
This year, the cost per student of a Jesuit
education approaches $10,000.
However, it is Jesuit High School’s
long-standing tradition not to meet those
costs by setting tuition at this level. The
kind of education that we want to offer
is one open to as wide a social range as
possible. Therefore, our decision for this
year was to raise only three quarters of
our expenses through tuition, seeking to
maintain tuition at a level that attests to
Jesuit’s accessibility.
To help bridge that gap, Jesuit invokes
that legacy of our first schools from more
than 400 years ago. Through the Parents’
Annual Giving drive, we call on all
parents to become the latter-day nobles
and patrons of this school by doing their
best to assure that a Jesuit education is
available to all. In this effort, they are
joined in partnership by thousands of
Jesuit alumni who contribute to the Living
Endowment Fund and by many generous
friends who donate to Jesuit’s endowment.
PAG Sunday culminates this summons
to all parents to participate as they can
in this important part of Jesuit’s life. It is
thus a day that represents a continuing
commitment to provide an “education
within the education,” allowing young
men from all parts of our region to grow
together as brothers into the men God calls
them to be.
students and their parents or who man
the tables of various departments and
co-curriculars. These Blue Jays represent
the present reality of our alma mater, but
they also stand as the key bridge to all that
Jesuit can become in the next year of its
life. They are a connection with the future
that leaves me, for one, full of hope and
gratitude.
2 3
4
2
JAYNotes
Open House
One of the great things about working in
a school is that it keeps one’s eyes fixed
on the future. From the entering students
wondering how this new phase of their
lives will unfold, to the seniors anticipating
their entry into the world of university
studies, there is an exciting movement
forward.
Each year, Jesuit takes a similar step
toward the future by inviting young men
and their families to see who we really are,
to learn what we offer, and to consider
whether Carrollton and Banks will be
the best place for each particular young
man to develop over the next four or five
years of his life. The preparation for, and
the activities of Open House constitute
Jesuit’s commitment to the next generation
of Blue Jays, a determination to remain
an important part of the educational
landscape of New Orleans.
The presence of alumni, parents
of current and former students, and
faculty attests to this commitment and
determination. However, the highlight of
Open House is the current students, young
men who lead small groups of prospective
Thanksgiving Drive
This is a day like nothing that I’ve seen in
any other school. It’s a great day because
on this day, every resource of Jesuit High
School (students, alumni, faculty, parents,
staff, and friends) is directed to one goal
and one goal only: the service of others.
Jesuit’s mission calls for the formation
of “men of faith and men for others.”
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving
demonstrates this formation in action. For
weeks before, students have contributed
canned goods or cash to provide for needy
families. Alumni have marshaled resources
to purchase turkeys (kudos to the Class
of 1983) or to provision an additional
100 baskets. Robért Fresh Market opens
before dawn to allow for the purchase of
perishables. In the same chapel where it
prayed for the gifts of the Holy Spirit at
the year’s start, the school community
gathers to thank God for His many
blessings, to ask that we may imitate Him
in His generosity, and to pray for those we
will serve.
One of the reasons that the Jesuits
entered and remained in the enterprise of
PRE SIDEN T’ S ME SSAGE
education is the hope for the effect that
men of faith and men for others can have
on the world in which we live. The zeal of
our students, the on-going commitment
of our alumni, and the work of faculty
and staff all combine to make possible this
day—and all Jesuit’s service projects—and
thus to ensure that our mission reflects
the age-old truth that we do not exist for
ourselves alone.
Any Ordinary Day
Each of the preceding days has a specific
focus and is clearly marked as a red [or
bolded blue] letter day on the calendar.
But however important these days are, by
their nature, they are out of the ordinary.
We don’t and couldn’t do these activities
every day, but life at Jesuit entails much
more activity that is replicated every day.
And that’s what makes any ordinary day
one of the key days of Jesuit High School.
There are 1,350 students at Jesuit and
about 110 faculty and 30 other staff; there
are about 2,700 parents of current students
and over 7,000 parents of former students;
there are roughly 12,500 living alumni
of Jesuit—along with their spouses and
friends. Now take any regular day of the
school year and work out the math. How
many human interactions are there in any
given day at Jesuit High School?
Certainly, take into consideration
formal interactions such as teaching,
coaching, moderating, and counseling;
communications such as telephone
calls or emails to and from parents and
5
alumni; and meetings, whether a oneon-one conversation, a morning Mass, a
co-curricular group activity, or a lunch
gathering of alumni. But also consider all
the informal connections that make up the
fabric of a day: a wave in the hall, a joke
during ten-minute break, a pat on the back
for a good try at a practice, the ebb and
flow at a table during lunch. It’s no great
work to come up with millions of points
of connection from the time Jesuit’s doors
open at 6 AM until the last activity here
has concluded—often 12-15 hours later.
On a particularly active day, the number
could well go into the tens of millions.
Look then at your own experience of
Jesuit. These “ordinary days” are really
quite extraordinary. They are the days in
which we form the kind of community
that can direct all of its energies to service
at Thanksgiving, the kind of community
to which we invite future generations,
the kind of
community
that spares no
effort to remain
accessible, in
short, the kind
of community
that realizes
its need of the
Holy Spirit to
assume each
and every day
its fundamental
mission: the
(Opposite page, from left) At the Thanksgiving
drive, Blue Jays load boxes for delivery; parents
and students tour the campus during the 2011
Open House; (This page) Josh Allwein ’12 reads
at the Mass of the Holy Spirit; parents make calls
and tally donations during PAG Sunday. (Below)
Seniors Chad Hopkins and Jordan Holmer in
computer science class on an ordinary day.
greater glory of God and the good of souls.
Each ordinary day is a privileged
opportunity for each one of us connected
with Jesuit to use well the gifts we have
received, to live out the demands of justice
and the call of charity, to grow in goodness
and holiness and to encourage others in
their growth, to be a means by which
God’s grandeur shines forth. Each ordinary
day creates the conditions to live out the
Prayer for Generosity, seeking the grace to
serve God as He deserves, laboring without
asking for any reward save that of knowing
we do His will.
–Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’ 76
Fall/Winter 2011-12
3
A N N U S M I RA B I L I S
When
Girls
Became
Cheerleaders
From the 1975 Jesuit Yearbook
Jesuit’s Last All-Boys Cheerleading Team
(alphabetically) D. Comar, R. Funck,
M. Fuxan, J. Grady, J. Hillery, M. Morales,
(Capt.), T. Milazzo, E. Zeringer.
Jesuit High School’s cheerleaders have been an integral, intimate, and venerable part of the Blue
Jay athletic scene for many decades. Since the 1930s, Jesuit’s cheerleaders have been counted
on (especially at football games) to whip the fans, the so-called “12th man,” into a frenzy of
cacophony. The noise, so goes the theory, juices the athletes with a jolt of Blue Jay spirit,
making them play better, fight harder, and, hopefully, win.
Cheerleading is easy when Jesuit is winning. When the
fortunes of Jesuit’s teams sag, the mood of the fans likewise
plummets. It falls to those eternal optimists, the Jesuit
cheerleaders, to infuse fresh Blue Jay Spirit into the crowd. It is
not easy for cheerleaders to cast aside their own dejection and turn
deafening silence into noise. Sometimes it is easier to incite a riot.
From the 1930s until the mid-1970s, Jesuit’s cheerleading
teams were comprised of Blue Jays, mostly seniors and, for
continuity, a couple of juniors. Thirty-six years ago, at the start
of the 1975-76 school year, and a few years after the feminist
movement swept across the United States, girls integrated the
heretofore close-knit fraternity of Blue Jay cheerleaders for the first
time in Jesuit’s history. At the same time, an all-girls’ “Pep Squad”
formed, a group of dancers who became known as the Jesuit
Jayettes.
Did Blue Jays revolt, riot, or picket the games? Did alumni
protest by refusing to make their annual donations? Did the earth
continue to spin on its axis? No, no, and yes.
The announcement published in The Jayson, the student
newspaper, on October 10, 1975, was low key. Headlined “Coed
Cheerleading Squad Perform for Games and Rallies,” student
reporter Jim Murphy wrote:
A football game is not just a football game without cheerleaders.
This year, after years of the traditional all-boy cheerleading squad,
Jesuit High School has put together a coed squad of 19 cheerleaders.
4
JAYNotes
These 1975-76 cheerleaders are Barbara Blatt (senior, Mt. Carmel),
Beth Cook (senior, Dominican), Gretchen Couvillion (junior, Sacred
Heart), Jill Eumont (junior, Ursuline), Cindy Foto (junior, Mt.
Carmel), Marc Fuxan (junior), Chris Guarisco (senior), Bill Hess
(senior), Alice Hew (junior, Riverdale), Karen Kramer (junior, Mt.
Carmel), Michael Lulich (senior), Kevin Mulligan (senior), Jimmy
Murphy (junior), Donna Peijroux (senior, Ursuline), Cathie Piazza
(sophomore, Chapelle), Ed Rapier (senior), Rhonda Werling (junior,
Sacred Heart), Mitch Wilson (senior), and captain David Comar
(senior).
The tryouts were held for interested boys and the girls last May.
After the squad formed, practice began right away under the
supervision of Miss Caroline Rossie, a Tulane student who volunteered
her time to instruct and teach the cheers, stunts, and gymnastics.
During the summer, the squad practiced twice a week.
In the latter part of July, the cheerleaders spent five days at
Dominican College, participating in a session of their cheerleader
camp. This camp was established to give us a better insight as to what
was expected of the cheerleaders. For their efforts, the cheerleaders
received two excellent ratings and two superior ratings; and, more
importantly, the “Pep Pennant,” the most coveted award at the camp.
With the football season rapidly approaching, the cheerleading
program moved into high gear. Uniforms were ordered and everything
was ready for the first pep rally, which was held during the orientation
program. The first game, the jamboree win over Kennedy, marked
ALUMNI
the first appearance of girls representing
the school as cheerleaders, which is an
achievement in itself.
The cheerleaders would like to remind
the students that their purpose is to lead in
the spirit; the spirit at the games is greatly
dependent upon the students at the game and
the spirit they contribute.
That same issue of The Jayson also
carried a no byline article headlined
“All-Girl Squad Discussed” which
focused more on the creation of the “Pep
Squad” than the addition of girls to the
cheerleading team.
Jesuit Football fans have been treated to
an added dimension in the viewing of Blue
Jay athletic contest this year – an all girl
“pep squad.”
The pep squad, consisting of 30 coeds
from surrounding high schools, has been
instituted as a means of improving interest and enthusiasm towards
Jesuit sports. Primarily the group dances in the stands to the band, as
well as with the routines of the cheerleaders.
The idea of the squad was introduced by the principal as a
compromise to the Student Council’s request that the “Dominican
Debs” be allowed to perform at Jesuit events. After much study,
discussion, and political maneuvering, it was decided that Jesuit High
School would organize its own pep squad to fill this need.
Tryouts were held, and an elite corps of females was assembled.
Under the direction of Mrs. George Dimitry, the group began carrying
on regular practice sessions to learn and improve upon its routines.
Response from the school community has been overwhelmingly
favorable toward the group. The only criticism seems to be that the
girls are not placed in a prominent enough position at football games.
In the school year’s final issue of The Jayson (May 9, 1976), an
article appeared with the headline “Students Applaud as Another
Jesuit Tradition Bites Dust.” Student reporter Terence Casey
wrote:
Since this extraordinary epoch in which we live is riddled by
relentless change and revolution away from treasured traditions, one
should not be overwhelmingly astounded to discover that repercussions
have reached Jesuit High School. Even our bastion of custom and
ritual, Jesuit, succumbs to society’s pressures. Thus some students
sounded off against the newly instituted coed pep-squad. “Listen,” one
student responded, “I’ve been here long enough. An all-boy pep squad
has always been here, and I see no reason to change. The girls will
neither keep us from winning nor help us win football games.”
Most students, however, applaud the idea. They feel it will do no
harm to try out the new pep-squad. As another student nearby replied
to the first comment, “Tradition for the sake of tradition is insane.
Rigidity as well as irresponsible change is a dangerous thing. Besides,
From the 1976 Jesuit Yearbook
it’s only a
few girls helping us out. If they serve us well, fine, we’re better off. If
they’re lousy, throw them out. It’s as simple as that.”
Ms. Carol Santaniello, who enthusiastically took the initiative to
actually get a pep squad, seems rather confident that the student body
won’t tell the girls to “hit the road.” Ms. Santaniello obtained help
for the squad from Ms. Caroline Rossi. Ms. Rossi is the choreographer
who helped out the Newcomb “Newcomers.”
Says Ms. Santaniello, “At the tryouts, Caroline was quite impressed
at the latest talent exhibited by the Jesuit students who tried out. All
they need is imaginative coaching, and Caroline is really anxious to
give what she can to Jesuit.”
When asked about busting tradition with the admission of girls to
the squad, Ms. Sanataniello replied, “I am not out to feather-bed the
pep squad with girls, but only to make our cheerleaders something to
be proud of. To do that, the admission of the girls is imperative in my
opinion.”
Therefore, all of our traditions, no matter what they are, must give
way to the primary Jesuit Tradition of Excellence, even if it means
having girl cheerleaders.
Cheerleading today at Jesuit is a big-time co-curricular. The
girls come from all over the metro region and most are skilled
gymnasts. The team performs all sorts of hair-raising routines
in which the smaller girls are tossed like footballs high into the
air, spinning and flipping, before coming down in the arms of
their colleagues. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association
recognizes cheerleading as a sport and during the year sponsors
competitions amongst schools.
Girls have been part of Jesuit’s cheerleading teams for such a
long time that if they would ever be given the boot in favor of
resurrecting an all-Blue Jay squad, a riot would not be a farfetched ramification.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
5
HOMECOMING 2011
Michael McGlone ’68
2011 Alumnus of the Year
6
JAYNotes
ALUMNI
Sublime Character and Unassailable
Integrity Are the Hallmarks
of Mike McGlone ’68
Michael A. McGlone of the Class of 1968, whose
distinguished legal career is surpassed only by his
unselfish character, quiet demeanor, and
unquestionable integrity, was presented the 2011
Alumnus of the Year Award last October at Jesuit High
School’s Homecoming Mass.
“Mike McGlone is a gentleman who does much good in our
community without seeking any recognition,” said Jesuit president
Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76. “In a quiet but highly effective
way, Mike shows by his deeds what the term Man for Others looks
like when translated into practical action.”
A few weeks earlier, McGlone was driving to Baton Rouge
for a meeting when Fr. Fitzgerald called with the news of his
selection as Alumnus of the Year. McGlone was so rattled that
he immediately swerved into the adjacent lane, dropping his cell
phone. He regained control of the car, along with his composure,
only after pulling over to the shoulder of the road and stopping.
“Wow, what a day and what an honor, surpassed only by the
birth of my first grandchild,” recalls McGlone, who did, in fact,
officially become a grandfather hours before leaving for Baton
Rouge that day. “I did not have the vocabulary to express my
emotions on receiving such great, but undeserved, recognition.
But it certainly is a tremendous salute to my fellow Blue Jays of
the Class of 1968.”
After his 1968 graduation, McGlone continued his education
with the Jesuits at Loyola University of New Orleans where he
received a business administration degree in 1972, and in 1975, a
juris doctor degree.
McGlone is a partner in the New Orleans law office of Kean
Miller, where he specializes in admiralty and maritime law,
personal injury defense, and federal and state appeals. With 37
years of trial and appellate court experience before a wide variety
of state and federal courts throughout the United States, he is the
firm’s senior-most admiralty and maritime lawyer.
Fr. Fitzgerald, who became president of Jesuit High School on
June 1, 2011, had the “great pleasure and distinct honor” of
introducing his first Alumnus of the Year with these words:
Mike McGlone
is a man who is
distinguished in
his career — as
a law student
serving on Loyola’s Law Review, a partner at the Kean Miller
law firm, an attorney noted for his expertise in admiralty and
maritime law, the author of numerous articles, and the recipient
of many well-deserved awards.
But these professional accomplishments, which do indeed
mark him as distinguished, are not the reason for which he
is Alumnus of the Year. This rather goes to his character — a
character that is seen in the way that he uses the gifts that God has
given him, the way that he uses his talents, his knowledge, and his
expertise.
Very quietly, without fanfare, and without seeking his
own glory, he has put these at the disposition of others and
invested heavily in the future, both of his family but also of our
community and our church. Mike has served, and continues to
serve, as a guide, as a counsel, and as a voice of wisdom for St.
Mary’s Dominican High School and his alma mater, Jesuit High
School. He has thrown himself into the tasks of making sure that
these institutions, so strong in the past, will grow even stronger for
our future that lies ahead of us.
In 1998-99, he served as chairman of Dominican’s Parents’
Annual Giving drive, and since 2005, a member of Dominican’s
board of directors. Mike chaired Jesuit’s 1994-95 Parents’ Annual
Giving drive and has served on the President’s Advisory Council
since 1995. He chaired the PAC in 1996-1997.
Mike’s expertise, combined with his generosity, was one of the
chief forces that made it possible for Jesuit to open as soon as it
Fall/Winter 2011-12
7
HOMECOMING 2011
did after the ravages of Hurricane
Katrina. In reviewing some of
Father McGinn’s notes from that
period, it is very clear how much
he relied upon Mike’s wisdom and
counsel, and how ready, willing, and
able Mike was to share.
Mike and his wife Suzanne
have been united in marriage for
34 years, a union blessed with three
children — Kevin (a Jesuit alumnus
from the Class of 1995), Katie, and
Meghan. Only a few weeks ago, his
first grandson Aiden was born and
we look forward to seeing him as a
young man in Jesuit’s High School’s
Class of 2030.
It is my particular honor to
present to you Michael McGlone,
Jesuit High School’s 2011 Alumnus
of the Year.
(Alumnus of the Year archives are
on the Alumni home page of Jesuit’s
web site: jesuitnola.org/alumni.)
Mike McGlone and his family in front of the altar in the Chapel of the North American
Martyrs: From left, Katie, his wife Suzanne, Meghan, and Kevin (Class of ’95).
Honored and Humbled, Mike McGlone
Gives Thanks
Michael McGlone ’68, who is Jesuit’s 54th Alumnus of the Year, addressed fellow
Blue Jays at the annual Homecoming Mass held on October 9, 2011 in the
Chapel of the North American Martyrs.
I’m very honored and humbled to stand
before you today. Your presence here is in
no small measure a testimonial to your
individual and collective feelings towards
this institution. It is here where we spent
our formative educational years. It is here
where we were molded into what we were,
what we are, and what we will become. It
is here where we all return.
8
JAYNotes
To the alums of Jesuit, this place is
somewhat magical — always caring, always
giving, always here. To others, to those
who are not alums, Jesuit is somewhat
mystical. It is expressed over and over as
“that Jesuit thing” or “you guys are a cult.”
We have reputations and traditions that
have long since been established and which
are continually enhanced and expanded
upon, certainly more so with the passage
of time.
After Katrina, it was a privilege and
a pleasure (which only increased) to be
asked by Father McGinn to assist with
some problems being experienced by this
school’s underwriters. Unfortunately, it
was necessary to file a law suit. All the
individuals involved in that litigation who
ALUMNI
came to Jesuit’s aid, and I do mean all, had
a connection to this school. Most were
alumni, some were parents of alums — the
folks in construction, the engineers, the
project managers, and outside retained
experts.
Shortly after being asked to assist Jesuit
in this endeavor, reality struck. I realized
that it would be necessary to prepare and
send reports to those in this school. I
recalled very vividly some of the teachers
we had who were still here, particularly
Mr. (Paul) Frederick, who told the E class
for three consecutive years on a repeated
basis that we could not learn Spanish
because we did not yet know English.
What it really meant was you proofread
again, and thereafter, held your breath.
One would tend to view this type of
litigation involving the interpretation of an
insurance policy as dull or boring. It was
anything but, because of the absolute total
cooperation experienced from all of those
who this school would rely upon in order
to present its case.
This litigation involved Lloyds of
London, not the entire market, but one of
the oldest and strongest syndicates. I thank
everyone involved for their cooperation.
I thank the secretaries and paralegals who
had to manage an exponentially expanding
volume of paperwork. I thank my partner,
Anthony Williams of the Class
of 1992, one of the young guys, for
everything he did in connection with that
litigation. There’s “that Jesuit thing” again.
This legal matter created a perception
among our opponents that there was
a combined, collaborative conspiracy.
Imagine that! A bunch of Jesuit guys
getting together to assist their alma mater.
One of the defendants was represented by
an alumnus, who very quickly resolved
his issues because he was conflicted. The
remaining opponent, again relying on that
mystical thing which was thought to be a
conspiracy, at some point was moved to
resolve his issues.
I thank the firm of Kean Miller which,
upon being advised that the matter would
be handled on a pro bono basis, not
only did not object, but also offered the
assistance of its insurance specialist in
Baton Rouge. Anthony and I declined. We
thought that two Blue Jays were enough
for one syndicate. It wasn’t like it was the
entire market.
I thank the Class of ’68, a divergent
group of guys who, as time has passed,
have become something akin to a close
knit fraternity. A group of guys who share
their successes, but who are there in times
of sorrow to render a collective supporting
shoulder to the involved classmate.
And I thank my family who is here
today — my wife Suzanne and our
children, Kevin (Class of ’95), Katie, and
Meghan; my brother Pat, Class of ’70; my
children’s spouses, Amy and Jarred; and,
the brothers and sisters-in-law.
For me, September 20, 2011 was a very
memorable day. It began at 3 a.m. when
Kevin and his wife became parents for
the first time, simultaneously making my
wife and me grandparents. I’m still trying
to get used to that role because I don’t
know whether I should feel old, think old,
or look old. Just the idea of being called
grandpa is something special, but also
intimidating.
Later that day, Father Fitzgerald
announced to the President’s Advisory
Council his selection of Alumnus of the
Year. I’m glad no one has asked for an
encore of that day. Father, as you’ve already
noted, please reserve a spot for Aiden in
the eighth grade class of 2024 or 2025.
He did have a Jesuit bib placed on him
within 24 hours of his birth, thanks to
my classmate Mat Grau (who is Jesuit’s
alumni director).
I thank all of you who are here, what
you do, what you have done, and what you
will continue to do for Jesuit High School.
It cannot be measured and no one will
attempt to do so.
Finally, when addressing a group
of this size, I’ve always thought it was
better to leave too soon then to stay too
long. Somewhere here today, while not
in the flesh but certainly in the spirit, is
Father McGinn, who roamed these halls
and served this school for 19 years as its
president. I don’t know where he is, but
wherever it is, he is checking his watch to
make sure that I don’t go over time.
So in conclusion, thanks to one, thanks
to all.
(For space purposes, this is an edited version of his remarks. Click here to listen to
Mike McGlone’s address in its entirety.)
Fall/Winter 2011-12
9
HOMECOMING 2011
The Ability to Communicate
One of the traditions at Jesuit High School is for the Alumnus of the Year to address current
Blue Jays. On October 10, 2011, Mike McGlone of the Class of 1968 had the privilege of
speaking to a Morning Assembly at which he explained why the ability to communicate is
perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of a Jesuit graduate.
Good morning, fellow Blue Jays.
I am often asked, “What is the most
distinguishing characteristic of a Jesuit
graduate?” For me, it is easy — the ability
to communicate.
Whether your communication is for
those of you inclined towards math with
formulas, the theater with gestures, or the
ability to speak and write, the graduates of
this school write like no other.
Regardless of what your college
counselors say, a résumé in which Jesuit
High School of New Orleans appears
10
JAYNotes
below the college where you graduated,
it gets the attention of the HR (human
resources) department. It gets the attention
of the person reading the résumé and just
about anyone in New Orleans.
So treasure your years here. While you
may not appreciate what is happening now,
you will later in life. You are, and will be
forever, invisibly and indelibly tattooed
with the moniker “Jesuit.”
You will form lifelong friendships while
you are here. Following your graduation
years, invariably you will stand in each
other’s weddings and be present for the
baptism of your classmate’s children.
You will celebrate successes and sorrows,
and toward the end of one’s life, your
classmates will be there to bring you to
your final resting place.
So enjoy your years with Jesuit. You are
like no other. You are now, and forever will
be, Blue Jays.
(Click here to view the video of
Mike McGlone ’68 addressing
Morning Assembly.)
The Alumnus of the Year addresses Blue Jays at
Morning Assembly on October 10, 2011.
ALUMNI
BACKTOBANKS
This annual celebration of Homecoming, which took place Saturday,
October 8, 2011 in the Traditions Courtyard, always attracts a large
crowd, especially Jesuit alumni who are now grandparents toting
grandchildren. Back to Banks is like an old-fashioned family picnic.
Grilled hamburgers, refreshments, live music, a caricature artist, a train,
and SpaceWalks that one could get lost in. Throw in the Jesuit football
team, cheerleaders, the Jayettes, and all that spirit that accompanies them,
and Back to Banks is a fall event not to be missed next time around.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
11
H O M I N E S PRO A L I I S A W AR D
Hank Ecuyer ’51
2011 Recipient of the
Homines Pro Aliis Award
Hank Ecuyer, a 1951 graduate of Jesuit High School who has
embraced his alma mater’s call to service, was honored with the
Homines Pro Aliis Award.
Hank Ecuyer ’51 is the 2011Homines Pro Aliis
Award recipient for Jesuit High School. Each year
the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus recognizes
individuals who have consistently demonstrated outstanding
service to their community, to the Church, and to the various
Jesuit ministries in the New Orleans area.
Ecuyer has embraced his alma mater’s call to service from
the day he graduated. Over and over again, Ecuyer has given of
himself to better the Jesuit community.
As class captain, Ecuyer has made sure that his Class of 1951
remains connected and of service to each other and to their alma
mater. Five-year reunions, yearly lunch gatherings, and other
class events all have their beginnings in Ecuyer’s hand. Alumni
events such as the Thanksgiving drive, Homecoming and Back
to Banks, Open House ushering, the Jesuit Fishing Rodeo, and
the Blue Jay Golf Tournament have benefitted from Ecuyer’s
leadership. For more than 20 years, Ecuyer has offered the school
wise counsel in all matters relating to alumni affairs through his
active participation, first on the alumni board, and then on Jesuit’s
alumni steering committee.
Somewhere along the line Ecuyer decided to set aside one
day each week to help Jesuit. And so if Ecuyer is in the alumni
12
JAYNotes
office, it must be Tuesday. His primary job is to assist Brother
Billy Dardis, S.J. ’ 58 with the task of updating alumni contact
information. He also assists Brother with managing the “In
Memoriam” lists of deceased alumni and their relatives. Alumni
have often asked, “How in the world did you know my relative
died?” The answer, of course, is Brother Dardis and Hank Ecuyer,
both of whom scour various archival documents, including old
transcripts, to ensure accuracy of this important information.
Asked why he volunteers, Ecuyer replies, “Jesuit means an
awful lot to me, not just for what the school did for me, but also
for my son John, who is a 1983 graduate.”
Ecuyer gives and gives and gives, and never counts the cost
and never asks for reward. Hank Ecuyer may be the consummate
volunteer alumnus.
Also receiving the award was J. Storey Charbonnet ’85,
recognized for his work with Good Shepherd Nativity Mission
School. Jesuit parent Edmond Montaldo was recognized for his
volunteerism with Boys Hope/ Girls Hope. Montaldo, and his
late wife Betty, volunteered at Jesuit for many years. Their son,
Edmond III, graduated in 1980 and grandson, Edmond IV, is a
2008 alumnus.
Click here to read more about the Homines Pro Aliis Award and
view photos of the event.
ALUMNI
Update on the 2012
PAG and LEF Drives
W
hen I think of advancement, I
think of David Wright. Former
and current students know Jesuit’s iconic
math teacher places much more emphasis
on the process of getting to the answer
than the answer itself. At Jesuit, we view
advancement much the same way. Giving
is very much the product of what happens
on the front end.
Quality classroom instruction means
parents are much more likely to support
Jesuit’s Parents’ Annual Giving drive,
which is led by chairman Terry Billings
’74, 15 tri-chairs — Jose Abadin,
Mike Bourgeois, Philip Coote,
Mark Cousins ’74, Skip Crabtree,
Eric Derbes ’83, Gerald Duhon ’85,
Andy Galy ’84, Snapper Garrison
’81, Geary Mason ’79, Philip
Nimmo, Brian North ’83, Chuck
Ponder, Eric Simonson ’82, and
Mike Varisco ’83 — and, more than
300 captains.
This year’s PAG effort will, once again,
raise more than $1,000,000 to help make
up the difference between the $10,000
that it costs to educate a young man at
Carrollton and Banks and the $7,400
Jesuit charges for tuition. A CEO who
proposed an economic model like ours in
a board room might be fired on the spot.
At Jesuit, the model is endorsed by our
president and embraced at every level.
It is a conscious decision to start
the year more than $2,000,000 in
the red which allows Jesuit to remain
socio-economically diverse. What a
Brian North ’83, Mike Varisco ’83, and Jose Abadin, known for their Superdome-sized
spreadsheets, tally the numbers for the Class of 2013 during the final PAG Tri-Chair meeting
on September 7 in St. Ignatius Hall.
blessing it is to have such a talented and
dedicated faculty, and generous parents
who recognize the quality education their
young men receive at Jesuit.
An area of growing support involves
our parents of alumni who see their
Blue Jays succeeding in college and
in their early professional lives. Many
of these appreciative parents continue
to financially support Jesuit. Many of
them return to Carrollton and Banks to
volunteer at receptions and recruiting
events. Recognizing this continued and
burgeoning interest, we have expanded our
Parents of Alumni leadership team that
now includes four couples — Charlie
and Joan Freel, Rudy and Suzette
Herpich, Bill and Lauren Poynot,
and Marc and Darlene Robért.
Our team is discussing the possibility of
offering spiritual formation opportunities
for our parents of alumni, creating a
parent-to-parent mentoring program, and
resurrecting the Alma Mater Awards.
Class reunions and luncheons, along
with popular events such as Back to Banks,
the Homecoming Mass and Reception,
the Commencement Luncheon, the Golf
Classic, and the Fishing Rodeo, keep our
alumni connected to each other and to
their alma mater. That sense of connection
is the key reason many of our alumni give
so generously to our Living Endowment
Fund drive. This year’s LEF campaign is
led by chairman Bob Bartlett ’75, who
is assisted by 2010-11 chairman Rocky
Daigle ’85 and chairman-in-waiting
Glenn Gillen ’85. They are supported by
hundreds of alumni volunteers who return
to campus to connect with their classmates
during our fall and spring calling events.
And some of our alumni who look back
fondly at their time at Jesuit are in a
position to leave extraordinary gifts in
the form of insurance policies, stock
donations, and charitable gift annuities
and trusts. Frank Clarke ’46 recently
informed me of his intention to leave his
alma mater $500,000. When Mr. Clarke
attended Jesuit, tuition was just $100.
“I remember that because I flunked my
first year miserably, but the school gave
me another chance and I came around,”
Clarke recalled. “I was so grateful for the
opportunity to attend and remain at Jesuit
that, to the pleasant surprise of my parents,
I paid the last $100 (his senior year
tuition) myself.”
Advancement will always be about
garnering the resources necessary to carry
out the larger mission of Jesuit. However,
we have an obligation to look beyond the
numbers, to continue to create avenues for
meaningful involvement and connection,
and to never take that generous level of
support for granted.
Wright? Right!
—Tom Bagwill
Director of Institutional Advancement
Fall/Winter 2011-12
13
W H E R E Y ’ AT
Robert Pascal ’33 is professor emeritus in
residence at LSU’s law school even though he
“retired” from its faculty in 1980. Bob received
law degrees from Loyola of New Orleans, LSU,
and the University of Michigan. After World War
II, he joined the law faculty at LSU. Through
the years Bob has taught at the University of
Chicago Law School; the University of Rome,
Italy; and Loyola University of New Orleans.
LSU’s Law Center web site notes, “Professor
Pascal’s notorious position as defender of the
civil law of Louisiana, as teacher and scholar, are
legendary.” In recognition of his brilliant career,
Loyola University conferred on him the degree
of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in 1995. Bob
recently expressed his appreciation to Jesuit High
School, writing: “In 1929-1933 I was privileged
to have a Jesuit High School education. I have
only one regret — my opting for the very new
‘scientific curriculum’ in 1931 and not remaining
in the classical curriculum — a shame! In spite of
that I have succeeded very well in the academy.
My high school years at ‘Jesuits’ prepared me well
for my experiences.”
Al Gelpi ’47
is alive and well
and, with his wife
Barbara, living
in Stanford, CA.
Al retired from
regular teaching
at Stanford
University several
years ago but still
jumps back into
the classroom
periodically. Al
reports, “I’m
writing another book on American poets, singing
in the choir of the Stanford Catholic community,
and trying to learn to play guitar. I am happy
to report, in Mark Twain’s famous quip, that
the report of my death is greatly exaggerated.”
Al is referring to a mistake in the last issue of
Jaynotes in which the “In Memoriam” column
correctly listed the death of his brother, Fr.
Donald Gelpi, S.J. ’51. However, Fr. Gelpi
was identified as the brother of “the late Albert
J. Gelpi, Jr. ’47.” Al said his wife “received
several alarmed queries” from classmates and
friends before they could snuff the rumor of his
premature demise. Jaynotes apologizes to Al and
Barbara, and their friends, for the false alarm.
Eugene Murret ’50 is in Serbia working
with a USAID Rule of Law project to assist that
country’s Misdemeanor, Higher Misdemeanor,
and Administrative Courts with improving their
operating efficiency, increasing transparency and
accessibility, and improving the competence of
judges and their staffs through rigorous training.
Terry Brennan ’55 recently retired as
president of Brennan & Associates, Inc., an
employee benefit consulting and actuarial firm in
Atlanta.
14
JAYNotes
Stephen Leech ’55 retired eight years
ago and writes: “We left Metairie after Katrina
and built a house in Haughton, near Bossier
City where my oldest daughter has lived for 25
years. I spend my time golfing and volunteering
principally for church, the Knights of Columbus,
and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.”
Lawrence Grundmann, Jr. ’57
works: In Search of Equality: The Chinese Struggle
Against Discrimination in Nineteenth-Century
America. He also edited a four-volume anthology,
Asian Americans and the Law: Historical and
Contemporary Perspectives. Charles has visited
China a number of times to lecture. He continues
to serve as secretary of the board of directors of
“The 1990 Institute,” a U.S.-based not-for-profit
organization deeply concerned about conditions
in China. The institute provides a forum that
investigates the challenges facing China while
proposing related solutions without involvement
in the politics of either country.
writes: “After my career in the energy field,
both nationally and internationally, my wife
Kathleen and I retired to Lake Oroville, which
is California’s second largest reservoir lake with
over 167 miles of shoreline. We both work
as volunteers in the community. I serve as an
appointed member of the Butte County Water
Commission. We enjoy boating and have a boat
in the marina that we can see from the deck
of our home. We enjoy traveling, especially to
Hawaii, where we were married almost 30 years
ago. We also enjoy traveling back to New Orleans
as often as we can.”
Wilfred Middleton, Jr. ’62 left New
Orleans just before Katrina hit. “My mother and
I ended up in Houston,” writes Wilfred. “I am
now living at Treemont Retirement Community.”
Michael Melancon ’58 is retired as an
emeritus professor but continues to lecture in
Russian history at Auburn University. Michael
received the Southern Slavic Conference’s Senior
Scholar Award last year and continues to actively
research and publish in the area of Russian
history.
Julian “Jay” LeSaicherre III ’64
Jack DuArte ’59 has his latest novel available
on most e-publishing platforms as well as at
Barnes and Nobles. Spitfire, the third installment
of his World War II series, is set in Great Britain
in 1940, immediately before and during the epic
Battle of Britain. Fighting a superior number
of Luftwaffe bombers and fighters, the valiant
Royal Air Force wages a desperate air battle
to save their country from certain defeat. Two
brothers are pilots of 54 Squadron Spitfires, the
great British fighter planes that are Britain’s only
hope for survival. Jack promises “a spellbinding
conclusion that will keep the reader glued to the
final pages.” A decorated Vietnam Veteran, Jack
live in Lexington, KY with his wife Susan, their
dogs Brewster and Tucker, and their miniature
horse Darleigh.
Charles McClain ’60 has retired as lecturer
in residence and vice chair (emeritus) of the
University of California Berkeley law school’s
Ph.D. program in jurisprudence and social
policy. However, he
continues to teach part
time and pursue research
projects. Charles is the
author of numerous
scholarly works, books,
and articles. He has a
particular interest in
American legal history,
with a special emphasis
on the legal history
of Asian Americans.
As such, Charles has
published widely in this field, including a book
that is considered one of his most important
Michael Nolan ’63 has been elected president
of the board of the Catholic Foundation of New
Orleans. Mike, who is the president and chief
executive officer of Fifth District Savings Bank,
keeps close ties to Jesuit by serving on the school’s
Board of Directors as well as the President’s
Advisory Council.
continues to actively work in sales with Pel
Hughes Printing in New Orleans.
Thomas Long
’67 was recently
appointed as
chairman of the
community advisory
board of WWNOFM, the public radio
station (89.9 FM) in
New Orleans. Tom
is the founder and
president of Thomas
Long Corporate
Communications,
a firm which specializes in brand marketing,
advertising, public and media relations, and crisis
management. He is also a longtime member of
the board of trustees of Cabrini High School.
Roy Brennan ’69 and his wife Carolyn
celebrated his 60th birthday and 35 years of
marriage last summer with a two-week “dream
vacation” to Hawaii. Roy is a retired engineer and
moved his family to Puyallup, WA some 30 years
ago. Roy enjoys wood-working and is a skilled
cabinet maker. He and Carolyn love to visit New
Orleans and Roy rarely misses a class reunion.
Michael Mitchell ’69 is director of security
at Ochsner Health System, where he has worked
for the past 36 years. Mike writes that “retirement
is in sight and lookin’ good.” He plans to play
even more golf than he plays now, which is only
once a week, and usually with his friend and ’69
classmate, Robbie Gaffney. Mike and his wife
Marilyn have two grandsons. Their son Luke
’02 is a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Scott Key ’70 is co-founder, owner, and chief
financial officer of three companies that are based
ALUMNI
in Belle Chasse — Kencoil, Inc., Scott Armature,
L.L.C., and Scott Armature Sales & Storage,
L.L.C. (SAS&S). Scott’s companies employ some
135 workers. Kencoil manufactures electric motor
and generator coils for a variety of companies and
industries worldwide. Scott Armature services
and repairs electric motors and generators for
industrial clients primarily in the Louisiana Gulf
Coast region. SAS&S sells many name brands
of electric motors and the company’s facility is
the largest climate controlled structure of its type
in the New Orleans area. Scott is married to his
high school sweetheart Shelby Stumpf. They have
four children and four grandchildren. Scott says
he always enjoys asking New Orleanians who he
meets where they attended high school.
Ronald Porter ’71 writes that he has
had “the fortune of practicing diagnostic and
interventional radiology since 1986 at Jupiter
Medical Center in Palm Beach County (Florida).
My oldest daughter Brittany graduated from
Florida State University, while my next daughter,
Brooke, is a freshman at Wake Forest. My
youngest, Fallon, is in her sophomore year at
Cardinal Newman High School.”
Christopher Barrilleaux ’72 has recently
achieved the status of grandfather (see Bib
List entry under his son Ian Barrilleaux ’96).
When not engaged in
grandfatherly duties,
Chris maintains his
gastroenterology practice
as a partner in East Bank
Gastroenterology of
Metairie and LaPlace.
Additionally, since 2006,
he has served as the chief
medical information
officer of East Jefferson
General Hospital, leading
the move to digitize medical record-keeping.
Chris enjoys photography, reading history,
traveling, and dabbling in foreign languages.
Ralph Dwyer ’73 has a new job as the
manager of the construction department for the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
(Dulles International and Reagan National
Airports). “This is a fantastic opportunity and
truly a gift from God in these turbulent times,”
writes Ralph. “This was my 12th, and hopefully
final, move as I’ve chased airport work across the
country.”
Kenneth Moise ’73 recently moved to the
University of Texas Medical School in Houston
where he is the co-director of its Texas Fetal
Center. He is involved in performing and
developing surgical interventions that will benefit
the unborn child.
Wayne Macaluso ’74 is the chief executive
officer of DETEL Computer Solutions in Baton
Rouge. Wayne brings to the job more than 30
years of management experience in strategic
planning, marketing and sales force development,
and management in technology based industries.
DETEL, one of the Gulf South’s largest privately
owned technology companies, provides custom
technology solutions to schools, universities, and
businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi. Wayne
is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army
Reserves and a Gulf War veteran.
an excellent foundation in trigonometry and
attended the awards program in honor of Glenn.
Glenn is the president of Gillen Design Systems
and GC Towers. He and his wife, Dawn, along
with their three children, Madison, Mallory and
Patrick, live in Metairie.
David Paternostro ’75 retired as a captain
Lewis D’Aubin ’86 produced a television
after 30 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve.
He completed a one-year deployment to Bahrain
as a training officer for U.S. Naval Forces, Central
Command. David, who was the officer in charge
at Isa Air Base, was awarded the prestigious
Legion of Merit in September 2011 by the
Commander of the Fifth Fleet. During his Navy
career, David supported more than 50 Space
Shuttle missions as a mechanical systems officer at
the Johnson Space Center outside Houston.
Steve Hubbel ’76, a financial consultant with
Stokes & Hubbel Capital Management, has been
elected treasurer of the Catholic Foundation of
New Orleans.
Brian Adorno ’77, an attorney and CPA,
has been elected vice-president of the Catholic
Foundation of New Orleans. Brian is a member
of Jesuit’s President’s Advisory Council.
Jeff Hartlage ’79 recently completed his 11th
Ironman Triathlon. He resides in Southbury, CT.
Gerald Herbert ’82 relocated back to New
Orleans last year after 28 years in the Northeast
region (Boston/New York/Washington) working
as a news photographer for the Associated Press.
“It’s great to be back home and part of the Jesuit
community in NOLA,” writes Gerald.
Lee Estingoy ’84 is corporate counsel, sales
manager, and art director for an electronics
company in Kansas City. “We make electronics
and electric motors that power remote control
toys — cars, trucks, boats, helicopters, and
aircraft,” writes Lee. “Besides the hobby
applications, our stuff finds its way into
NASCAR vehicles, military drones, artificial
hearts, and lots of other applications that make
our insurer cringe. Yes, I get paid to play with
toy planes.” Last year, Lee and his wife adopted a
child from China.
Glenn Gillen ’85
received the Distinguished
Engineering Alumnus
Award from UNO’s
College of Engineering.
The award was based on
his innovative designs
of elevated precast
foundations. Thanks
to these patented
foundations, Glenn also
received the 2009 Best
Overall Design Award for
innovative use of concrete in Louisiana by the
American Concrete Institute (ACI). During his
acceptance speech, Glenn thanked all his teachers,
including those at Jesuit, particularly Mr. David
Wright, who provided his former student with
documentary about Dr. Momus Alexander
Morgus, fondly known in New Orleans as
“Morgus the Magnificent.” The program aired on
WVUE-TV in October 2011.
Rudy Horvath ’86 was recognized by Nichols
State University during the school’s “Who Makes
a Difference Luncheon.” This event honors 100
teachers nominated by incoming freshmen at
Nichols State. The award recognizes Rudy, who
is a teacher and coach at Cabrini High School in
New Orleans, as someone who goes above and
beyond to help motivate students achieve their
full potential.
Jim McCormick ’86 co-wrote two songs
that made it to Billboard’s “Hot Country
Singles” chart in January. Jim, who works out of
Nashville, co-wrote Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t
Know Her Like I Do” and Craig Campbell’s
“When I Get It.” “I’m real proud of both songs,”
says Jim of his recent success. “It’s a window of
opportunity for me, a chance to build on some
momentum in Nashville.”
Clinton Gary ’87 is director of marketing at
the law firm of Arnall Golden Gregory L.L.P.
in Atlanta. He brings more than 16 years of
professional services marketing experience that
includes successfully leading multiple strategic
planning, branding, web site, and management
initiatives. Clinton is an active member of
the Legal Marketing Association and last year
served on the Atlanta Chapter Leadership
Committee. He is a frequent speaker on the
topics of branding, experience management, and
technology innovation in professional services
marketing. Clinton and his wife, Tara, live in
Johns Creek, GA with their two children, Sidney
(age 13) and Conner (11).
James Adams ’88 has been elected to
the board of the Catholic Foundation of New
Orleans. James is employed by Hancock/Whitney
Bank and serves as the captain of Jesuit’s Class of
1988 leadership team.
Dustin Dupepe ’89 married Tristan Carroll
Rappold in October. Dustin is an agent with
State Farm Insurance. He and Tristan live in
Mandeville.
Eric Kramer ’91 became the medical director
of the Metropolitan Human Services District
(MHSD) Access Center in June 2011. The Access
Center is the single point of entry for outpatient
psychiatric services with MHSD in Orleans, St.
Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes.
David Moragas ’92 has been elected to
the board of directors of the law firm Galloway,
Johnson, Tompkins, Burr, and Smith, which is
headquartered in New Orleans. David specializes
Fall/Winter 2011-12
15
W H E R E Y ’ AT
a commercial real estate company with offices
in New Orleans and Birmingham. He joined
the company in 2009 and helped it to expand
its footprint in the South by opening the New
Orleans office on Carondelet Street in the CBD.
David Moragas ’92
in providing strategic counsel for businesses and
insurance companies in wrongful death and
catastrophic injury litigation; insurance defense
and coverage; construction litigation; toxic tort
litigation; commercial property damage and
business interruption litigation; lease disputes;
and, subrogation litigation.
Brian Ogden ’92 is a radiologist on staff at
John Alden Meade ’94 joined a new
law firm based in New York City — Bernstein
Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, L.L.P. “My wife
Charlotte and I have a one-year old son, John
‘Jack’ Arthur Meade,” writes John. “A future Blue
Jay, God willing!”
Joseph Ruli ’94 is vice president of financial
reporting at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit
Union in Live Oak (near San Antonio). Joe
relocated his family from Houston in July 2011
to Cibolo, TX.
Regan Wall ’94 is the regional vice president
Ochsner Hospital’s main campus on Jefferson
Highway.
for RS Investments in Northern California. He
married in October 2011 and he and his wife live
in San Francisco.
Andrew Duggan ’93 helped establish Studio
Ian Barrilleaux ’96 is the charcuterie master
Outside, a new landscape architectural design
firm in Dallas. Andrew’s current projects include
a new botanical garden in Georgia and the master
planning of several youth camps in Chicago.
Andrew and his wife Kerri still miss the great
seafood of New Orleans and are busy enjoying
raising their three children — Caroline, Hailey,
and Christopher.
Chad Melancon III
’93 is completing his
second year as a tenuretrack assistant professor
in the Department
of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology at
the University of New
Mexico in Albuquerque.
In addition to teaching,
Chad supervises a
research group that is
focused on discovering
new naturally occurring
chemicals made
by microorganisms that have antibiotic and
anticancer properties, and therefore, may be
useful as drugs. After receiving bachelor degrees
in chemistry and biology from the University
of New Orleans, Chad earned his Ph.D. in
biochemistry from the University of Texas at
Austin in 2006. Chad is the proud father of a sixyear-old daughter, Samantha Mei-wen Melancon.
Joseph Giarrusso ’94 has been named
a fellow of the Louisiana Bar Association. Joe
practices law with Liskow & Lewis in New
Orleans. Joe is an active member of the Young
Leadership Council, where he has served in many
capacities, most recently as president in 2011. He
has also served as a coach of Jesuit’s Mock Trial
Team. Joe and his wife Cassie have two daughters,
Sofia and Marta.
Joseph Mann, Jr. ’94 is vice president
and managing broker at Retail Specialists, Inc.,
16
JAYNotes
for Cochon Butcher, a butcher shop, a sandwich
counter, and a wine bar that is located on
Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District.
Butcher, part of the Donald Link restaurant
group, specializes in house-made meats, terrines,
and sausages. He and his wife, Shannon, are the
happy parents of a one-year-old daughter. (Read
his entry in Bib List.)
Hudson Higgins ’96 has accepted a sales
position in the oil and gas industry. He is the
captain of the Class of 1996 leadership team.
David Truxillo, Jr. ’96 is vice president
of specialty markets for Chartis Accident and
Health. He is in charge of the New York-BostonPhiladelphia regions. He and his wife Bridget
have lived in New York City for two years. They
have a two-year-old daughter, Rosalie Denise.
“NYC is fantastic, even with an infant in a onebedroom apartment,” writes David. “The LSU bar
is close and the Saints bar is even closer. I took
on the VP role in May 2011. I work with sales
and underwriting teams in NYC, Philly, and DC.
I am responsible for creating and implementing
strategies to increase production through new
business, maintain existing business, and increase
profitability.”
Justin Massa ’97 is the founder and CEO
of Food Genius (getfoodgenius.com), a food
data company that provides Consumer Packaged
Goods (CPG) manufacturers, the food service
industry, marketers, and app developers with
access to data on restaurants, their menus, and
consumer behavior of customers while dining.
Justin has been married to Abbie Torgeson
Massa for five years and they have a two-year-old
daughter, Marlowe Nola Torgeson Massa.
Ryan Mayer ’97 and George Jeansonne
’97 are the founders of Louisiana Expeditors, a
permit consulting, acquisition, and management
company for the South Louisiana real estate,
construction, and design industries. The company
provides turnkey solutions for obtaining agency
and regulatory permits.
Brandon Briscoe ’98 is an associate with
Flanagan Partners L.L.P. in New Orleans. After
receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism
and mass communications from the University
of North Carolina, he earned his J.D. from the
George Washington University Law School,
where he was a Dean’s Fellow and an editor of
the International Law Review. Brandon serves
as a lector, acolyte, and tour guide at St. Louis
Cathedral. In October he married opera singer
Sarah Jane McMahon.
Scott Poitevent ’99, a lieutenant in the U.S.
Navy, works as an explosive ordinance disposal
officer in Indian Head, MD. Scott received both
his undergraduate and masters degrees in systems
engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Scott married Lt. Leigh Courtney Bastable last
September in the chapel of the United States
Naval Academy in Annapolis. Scott and Courtney
live in Alexandria, VA.
Blake Babcock ’00 and his wife, Dr. Jessica
Mackey Babcock are second year residents of
general surgery at Hahnemann Hospital in
Philadelphia. Blake and Jessica were married
December 9, 2009 by Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J.
Dean Roy ’00 returned to New Orleans to
become the senior director of decision support
at West Jefferson Medical Center. After moving
home, he honored his father’s memory by
completing his first marathon with Team in
Training, the fundraising arm of the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society. During the past two
years, he has raised more than $10,000 for blood
cancer research.
Peter Thriffiley ’00 has been named a fellow
of the Louisiana Bar Association. Peter is an
associate with the New Orleans law firm Simon,
Peragine, Smith & Redfearn, L.L.P. He graduated
in 2004 from the University of Texas, where he
was a member of the Texas Cowboys honorary
service organization. Peter received his J.D. from
the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU in 2009.
Peter and classmate Rene Louapre ’00, an
attorney with McGlinchey, Stafford, P.L.L.C.,
are co-authors of the “Dining Out” column
published in OffBeat. (Read more on Rene in the
accompanying sidebar about Gambit’s “40 Under
40.”)
Nick Fraiche ’01 is a deepwater drilling
engineer with Shell Oil Company.
Matthew Greco ’01 is a mechanical engineer
specializing in research and development at Ion
Geophysical in Harahan. He and his wife, the
former Jennifer Curole, recently celebrated their
two-year wedding anniversary. They were married
by Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J.
’76.
Todd Charles Taranto ’01 is an attorney
at Janke & Associates, A.P.L.C. specializing in
maritime, probate, and succession law.
ALUMNI
Conrad Williams ’01 was married on the
coast of Maine in June 2011. He is completing
a one year fellowship in pediatric pain and
palliative medicine in Akron, OH.
Kyle Funck ’03 moved to Houston in July
2011 to work for investment bank HFBE, Inc.
Will Johnson ’03 resides in St. Petersburg, FL
and is working at Gemini Power Systems, Inc., a
distributor for General Electric’s energy services
division and seller of a wide variety of power
equipment and batteries.
Mark LeBlanc ’03 has been named a member
of the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team which
will compete in this summer’s Paralympic Sailing
Regatta in Weymouth/Portland, England. He
was chosen based
on his strong solo
performances in a
single-handed 2.4
meter class vessel
at two paralympic
sailing events that
were held earlier this
year in Florida. “It is
such a great feeling
to finally seal the
deal and be named
a member of the Paralympic Sailing Team,” said
Mark, who was born without a left forearm. “I
am grateful to everyone who supported me as I
worked toward this goal.” At LSU, Mark was a
two-term president of the university’s sailing club.
Sean Siebenkittel ’03 is a season sales
account executive with the Columbus Blue
Jackets of the National Hockey League in
Columbus, OH.
Andrew Legrand ’04 graduated from Loyola
University New Orleans School of Law and has
opened the doors to his own practice, focusing on
helping locally-owned small businesses with any
number of problems. Check out his web site and
blog: nolasmallbizlaw.com.
John McAuliffe ’04 graduated cum laude
from Washington and Lee University with a
double bachelor’s degree in politics and European
history. He received his J.D. in May 2011
from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Last
November John married Laura Lynne Denny.
Surviving Everest: Chris Cannizzaro ’03 Climbs
to the Top of the World
Chris Cannizzaro ’03 just might be the only
Blue Jay who has been to the top of the world. In
April and May 2011, Chris experienced the oncein-a-lifetime adventure which he will never forget.
He “transcended” to the summit of Mt. Everest,
the world’s highest mountain at 8,850 meters
(29,065 feet). Chris was the only American in
the “2011 Russian 7Summits Expedition Team,”
which consisted of a dozen climbers, most of
whom were Russians.
Chris was already an experienced climber before
tackling Everest. Among his conquests are:
• Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters; 19,341
feet), located in Tanzania and the highest
mountain in Africa;
• Two peaks of the Cascades range in the State
of Washington — Liberty Bell (2,353 m;
7,720 ft) and Mt. Shuksan (2,783 m; 9,131
ft); and,
• Aconcagua (6,959 m; 22,831 ft), part of the
Andes mountain range located in Argentina.
In February 2010, Chris and the expedition
he had joined successfully reached the
summit of Aconcagua. In January 2009, five
climbers perished while attempting to reach
the top.
Before climbing the two mountains in the
Cascades, Chris participated in an eight-day
course of extensive rock and ice climbing near
Seattle. After Aconcagua, Chris was ready for
Everest and he began to rigorously train for more
than a year, a punishing routine that included
daily runs of 10 miles and swimming one hour
to build up his lungs and cardio. Meanwhile, he
saved his money and bought the appropriate and
necessary equipment, gear, and clothing. Chris
spent the final three months in Asia acclimating
himself and making sure that all of his various
clothing and gear were straight.
Chris says he knew that there were all sorts
of things that could go wrong and dangers he
had no control over. He also knew that mental
preparation, detailed planning, and being in
top physical condition increase the odds of a
successful climb. He says the 2011 Russian
Team offered the best in full service mountain
expedition with minimal risks.
Once in place, the team spent 30 to 40 days
climbing up and down the lower and midsections of Everest, setting up camps, resting, and
practicing scaling sheer vertical walls of ice. It
is all part of a critical and mandatory process of
conditioning and acclimatizing climbers to reduce
the risks of moving too high and too fast.
On May 20, 2011, Chris and the other members
of the Russian Team climbed from an altitude of
7,650 meters to 8,250 meters,
setting up High Camp in
hopes of making their assault
to the summit.
The expedition was now
in the grip of the so-called
“Death Zone.” At this altitude
of 8,000 m and higher,
atmospheric and weather
conditions pose significant
hazards to human survival.
Many climbers resort to
oxygen tanks to breathe.
Ferocious
winds blow
stinging snow
horizontally.
The temperature
often plunges
below minus 40
degrees. If any
parts of the body
are exposed, even
for less than a
minute, frostbite sets in. Above everything else,
those final 600-1,000 meters to the summit of
Everest is no lark in the park. The ice-covered
paths are slippery and treacherous.
Chris and the rest of the expedition had only an
eight-hour window to reach the summit. Anyone
who could not make the climb in those eight
hours would be turned back for their own safety.
After resting for several hours, the group was
ready for the final leg of their journey. Chris and
the team left High Camp on May 20 at 7 p.m. —
in pitch black darkness — for the summit, their
headlamps providing strange sweeping arcs of pale
illumination.
In the next regular issue of Jaynotes scheduled for
publication in late summer (following the special
issue about John Ryan Stadium), Chris will relate
a fascinating story about his perilous climb to
the summit and the even more dangerous and
frightening pitch black descent from the top of
Everest. When his eyeballs froze and blindness
set in, a thrilling adventure suddenly became
terrifying. Eight team members went up Everest.
Only seven came home.
Chris Canizzaro, king of the mountains, did
make it all the way to the top of Everest and back.
He cheated death, and he’s been safely home in
New Orleans since June 2011. Chris is currently
finishing his first year at Loyola University New
Orleans College of Law. Compared to his Everest
adventure, law school is a breeze for this Blue Jay.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
17
W H E R E Y ’ AT
LET US KNOW...
Grant Adolph ’05 works at the Metairie office of
Evan Thomas ’09 is a junior majoring in business
Carr, Riggs, & Ingram, a regional CPA firm. Grant
married Tricia Marie Hess on October 1, 2011 in
Jesuit’s Chapel of North American Martyrs.
at Loyola University of New Orleans.
John Canada ’10 was one of five college students
Jay Trusheim ’05 received his B.S. degree in
biological sciences from LSU and is a third-year
medical student at LSU’s Health Sciences Center. In
January, Jay married Christin Poche Hron.
Daniel Walk ’06 started work as a biomedical
engineer with the Institute for Global Health
Technologies and Beyond Traditional Borders at Rice
University in Houston.
Spencer LeBlanc ’07 graduated from the
University of Colorado with a degree in physics and
is in graduate school at Auburn University studying
experimental plasma physics. Spencer’s goal is to earn a
Ph.D. in physics.
Warner Sevin ’07 is working as a research assistant
in the physics department of UNO where he is also
attending graduate school.
John Alongia ’09 is studying German and political
science at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. John
writes: “I will return to finish my last semester at LSU
this fall and hope to return to Europe for a Masters
program.”
from around the
country selected by the
American Chemical
Society to attend the
United Nations climatechange conference
held in Durban, South
Africa last November.
A sophomore at the
University of Alabama,
John interviewed world
leaders in the climate
change field while
educating his peers about
global warming and
similar issues. Dr. Robin
Rogers, who is chairman of the university’s chemistry
department had this to say about John: “His ability
to communicate is perhaps one of John’s biggest
strengths. Even as a sophomore, he already has broad
experiences and interests combined with technical
ability that allow him to understand and readily assess
complex issues for discussion.”
WHERE Y’AT!
You enjoy reading about
fellow Blue Jay alumni and
they enjoy reading about
you. Take a moment to tell
’em
WHERE Y’AT!
E-mail the editor: degruy@
jesuitnola.org. Send one or
two high resolution digital
photos. Or mail to Jaynotes,
Jesuit High School, 4133
Banks St., New Orleans, LA
70119
Alumni are encouraged to
donate online. Your gift to
Jesuit will help the school
in many ways. Click here
to DONATE ONLINE TO
JESUIT.
Gambit Spotlights Five Jays in “40 Under 40” Feature
Brechtel
Kyle Brechtel ’99, Ryan Gootee ’91,
Becker Hall ’97, Rene Louapre ’00,
and Christian Jensen ’99 are five Blue
Jays included in Gambit Weekly’s 14th annual
“40 Under 40” feature which recognizes New
Orleanians for their accomplishments and
contributions to making our city an even
better place to live, work, and raise families.
Kyle Brechtel ’99 is the executive managing
partner of Brechtel Ventures, which takes in
six McAlister’s Delis in Louisiana and three
in Illinois; the Merchant Café in the CBD;
SmartCompliance, software for insurance
billing; and, Compass Construction. Kyle
recently earned his MBA from Tulane and
he serves on the board of directors of Team
Gleason.
Ryan Gootee ’91 owns Ryan Gootee
General Contractors, L.L.C., which has
completed several large construction projects
such as the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the
Performing Arts, the Eisenhower Center at
the World War II Museum, and the Audubon
Institute’s Zoofari Café. There are several
18
JAYNotes
Gootee
Hall
current projects in the pipeline that RGGC’s
35 employees and numerous sub-contractors
are working to complete for a diverse group of
clients. During the past seven years, RGGC has
completed a number of projects for Jesuit High
School, beginning with emergency remediation
of the entire first floor of the school’s buildings
following Katrina. The company’s quick work
enabled Jesuit to reopen the Monday after
Thanksgiving 2005, the first flooded high
school in New Orleans to open post-Katrina.
Most recently, RGGC completed Jesuit’s newly
opened John Ryan Stadium, the school’s first
off-campus athletic facility on Blue Jay Way,
located only five minutes from Carrollton
and Banks near the Orleans-Jefferson Parish
boundary. Ryan also serves on the boards of
several non-profit organizations.
Becker Hall ’97 and Rene Louapre ’00
were inspired by 4-year-old Ben Sarrat, Jr. (the
son of Ben Sarrat, Sr. ’95), who was diagnosed
with brain cancer in 2008. (Young Ben died
February 25, 2010, having just turned 6-yearsold on December 4, 2009.) After meeting
and learning about Lil’ Ben, Becker and Rene
Louapre
Jensen
decided that combating pediatric cancer
would become their cause célèbre. The two
lifelong friends created the non-profit Hogs
for a Cause, which hosts an annual culinary
celebration featuring pig roasts. Hall, an oil
and gas investment banker, and Louapre, an
attorney, use all the pork they can roast to
raise money for grants that provide support to
families and other organizations dealing with
child cancer. In March 2012, the annual event
attracted 7,000 people to City Park and raised
a staggering $100,000. Becker and Rene’s goal
is for Hogs for a Cause to become the country’s
premier pediatric cancer outreach charitable
organization.
Christian Jensen ’99 is the co-founder
of Desire NOLA, a non-profit which has
awarded more than $150,000 in grants to
small businesses in the aftermath of Katrina.
Christian is also the president of Transportation
Consultants, Inc., which handles transportation
logistics for international commerce industries.
(Read the full stories about this quintet of Blue
Jays on Gambit’s web site: bestofneworleans.com.)
ALUMNI
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Jacob III ’57 on the
birth of their third granddaughter, Alli Marie
Nezat, August 3, 2010. Alli is the great-greatgranddaughter of the late Francis Jacob, Sr.
1908 (College of the Immaculate Conception)
and the great-granddaughter of the late Francis
Jacob, Jr. ’30.
Dr. and Mrs. Jack W. Morrison ’62 on the
birth of their grandson, Bryce Baron Folkers,
August 31, 2011. Bryce is the great nephew of
William Blake III ’63.
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde D. DeLoach ’67 on
the birth of their granddaughters, Thessalie
Elizabeth Stuntz, March 12, 2008; Carrington
Anne Stuntz, December 29, 2009; and, Marielle
Estelle Manning Stuntz, November 7, 2011.
Dr. and Mrs. Wilfred O. Prados III ’73 on
the birth of their granddaughter, Karinne Elise
Prados, August 3, 2011. Karinne is the greatgranddaughter of Wilfred O. Prados, Jr. ’48 and
the great niece of Kenneth Prados ’74, David
Prados ’75, Donald Prados ’77, Stephen Prados
’78, Daniel Prados ’80, Bryan Reuter ’81,
Michael Prados ’83, and Gregory Prados ’88.
’94, and Christopher Harris ’98.
Mr. T. Bryant Jenkins ’92 and Dr. Liyun Li
on the birth of their daughter, Sydney
Xiao Li-Jenkins, August 7, 2010.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Landry ’97 on the
birth of their daughter, Gianna Maria Landry,
May 18, 2011.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris S. Zeringue ’97 on the
birth of their son, Christian Robert Zeringue,
the birth of their twin sons, Anders Michael and January 19, 2011. Christian is the nephew of
Floyd Pitcher ’86, Aaron Zeringue ’87, and
Elijah Francis Jurovich, July 23, 2011.
Ovid Davis ’98.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan C. Leach ’93 on the birth
Mr.
and Mrs. Jeffrey N. Fockler ’98 on the
of their twin daughters, Landry Grace and
birth
of their twin sons, Jackson and Jonas
Emilie Kathryn Leach, August 3, 2011. Landry
Fockler,
January 31, 2011.
and Emilie are the nieces of Tim Leach ’89.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Litchfield ’98 on
Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Mansfield ’93 on
the birth of their daughter, Alyssa Catherine
the birth of their daughter, Caroline Mary
Litchfield, April 20, 2011. Alyssa is the
Mansfield, November 4, 2009. Caroline is the
granddaughter of E. John Litchfield ’69 and the
granddaughter of William J. Kelley ’67; the
niece of Brian Litchfield ’95, Stephen Litchfield
grand niece of Lee Kelley ’76, Stephen Kelley
’81, and Peter Kelley ’83; and, the niece of Peter ’01, and Jason Litchfield ’04.
Mansfield ’96 and John Kelley ’00.
Mr. and Mrs. Dustin M. Yates ’98 on the
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Meade ’94 on the birth birth of their son, Bennett Michael Yates, March
10, 2010. Bennett is the nephew of Joseph
of their son, John Arthur Meade II, December
Giglio ’10.
13, 2010. John is the step-grandson of Louis
R. Koerner, Jr. ’58, the step-nephew of Louis
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan M. Malone ’99 on the
Koerner III ’83, and the nephew of Charles
birth of their son, Matthew Ryan Malone,
Meade ’91 and Daniel Meade ’96.
March 14, 2011.
Mr. and Mrs. David E. Redmann, Jr. ’87
on the birth of their daughter, Laura Redmann, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Quintana ’94 on the Mr. and Mrs. Ryan M. Robicheaux ’99 on the
September 29, 2011. Laura is the granddaughter birth of their fourth child, Mary Rose Quintana, birth of their daughter, Agnes Mae Robicheaux,
May 19, 2011. Mary Rose is the granddaughter March 10, 2011. Agnes is the granddaughter
of David Redmann ’56 and the niece of Mike
of Robert R. Quintana, Jr. ’55 and the niece of of Glenn J. Scheyd ’67 and the niece of Glenn
Redmann ’89, Tommy Redmann ’92, Kevin
Scheyd, Jr. ’95.
Don Quintana ’01.
Redmann ’95, and Jonathan Redmann ’98.
Mr. and Mrs. Julian S. Hillery III ’00 on the
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Ruli ’94 on the
Mr. and Mrs. Eric W. Boegel ’89 on the
birth of their daughter, Sara Vaughan Hillery,
birth of their son, William Eric Boegel, March birth of their third child, Clare Frances Ruli,
September 23, 2011. Clare is the granddaughter August 2, 2011. Vaughn is the granddaughter of
24, 2011. William is the grandson of George
Julian S. Hillery, Jr. ’76.
of Joseph T. Ruli ’42.
L. Zimmer ’65 and the great nephew of John
Zimmer ’64, and Alan Zimmer ’72. He is the
Dr. and Mrs. Keith G. LeBlanc ’00 on the
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan G. Kowalski ’95
great nephew of John Zimmer, Jr. ’11 and
birth of their daughter, Grace Marie LeBlanc,
on the birth of their daughter, Rafeal Stoffa
Nathan Zimmer ’14.
August 11, 2011.
Kowalski, September 17, 2011. Rafeal is the
niece of Chris Kowalski ’91.
Mr. and Mrs. Todd E. Schrenk ’89 on the
Mr. and Mrs. Cory T. Stuart ’00 on the birth
birth of their son, Wylie William Schrenk,
of their son, Owen Thomas Stuart, October 7,
Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Litchfield ’95 on
November 5, 2011. Wylie is the nephew of Jeb the birth of their second child, Patrick Fox
2011. Owen is the great-grandson of John D.
Schrenk ’93 and Matthew Schrenk ’96.
Thomas ’47 and the nephew of Alex Stuart ’05.
Litchfield, December 7, 2011. Patrick is the
grandson of E. John Litchfield ’69 and the
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. McEachin ’91
Mr. and Mrs. Loy E. Ernst III ’01 on the birth
nephew of Michael Litchfield ’98, Stephen
on the birth of their daughter, Jane Elizabeth
of their daughter, Ava Corinne Ernst, October
McEachin, July 25, 2009 and their son, Thomas Litchfield ’01, and Jason Litchfield ’04.
14, 2011.
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. McGlone ’95 on
Moore McEachin, Jr., September 23, 2011.
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy S. McCaffery, Jr. ’01
the birth of their first child, Aiden Michael
Mr. and Mrs. Sean P. Burke ’92 on the birth
on the birth of their son, Peter Ignatius
of their third daughter, Macie Elizabeth Burke, McGlone, September 20, 2011. Aiden is the
McCaffery, November 27, 2011. Peter is the
November 2, 2011. Macie is the niece of Kelly grandson of Michael A. McGlone ’68.
grandson of Timothy S. McCaffery, Sr. ’78 and
Burke ’94.
Arthur D. Dupre, Jr. ’76; the great nephew
Mr. and Mrs. Ian M. Barrilleaux ’96 on the
birth of their daughter, Amelie Rose Barrilleaux, of David Dupre ’79, Dickie Dupre ’83, and
Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Hall ’92 on the
February 6, 2011. Amelie is the granddaughter Michael Dupre ’88; and, the nephew of Arthur
birth of their first child, William Carroll Hall,
December 8, 2010. William is the grandson of of Christopher N. Barrilleaux ’72 and the grand Dupre ’04, Jonathan Dupre ’09, Matthew
Dupre ’12, Tyler McCaffery ’12, Christopher
niece of Jonathan Barrilleaux ’74.
the late Barry S. Hall ’66 and the nephew of
Dupre ’14, and Joseph Dupre ’16.
Carlos Calix ’92.
Mr. and Mrs. Raul Michael Sonza ’96 on
the birth of their daughter, Lucia Noelle Sonza, Mr. and Mrs. David J. Brennan, Jr. ’05 on
Dr. and Mrs. Michael B. Harris ’92 on the
the birth of their son, David J. Brennan III,
January 25, 2012.
birth of their son, Drake Matthew Harris,
November 15, 2011. David is the nephew of
September 21, 2011. Drake is the great-greatMr. and Mrs. David M. Truxillo ’96 on
Paul Brennan ’10.
grandson of William Harris 1898 (College
the birth of their daughter, Rosalie Denise
of the Immaculate Conception); the greatTruxillo, March 27, 2011. Rosalie is the greatgrandson of the late Louis Bernard ’19 and
granddaughter of the late Lloyd L. Drury ’42,
Send Biblist info to: Krista Roeling (roeling@
the late William Harris ’32; the grandson of
the grandfather of David M. Truxillo ’73, and
jesuitnola.org) and she will send you a blue or
William Harris III ’61; the nephew of William the niece of Brad Oster ’97.
pink Blue Jay bib!
Harris IV ’86, Wesley Harris ’91, Peter Harris
Fall/Winter 2011-12 19
Mr. and Mrs. Francis A. Jurovich III ’93 on
I N M E M OR I A M
Each edition of Jaynotes lists those members of the Jesuit High School community
who have died. Please remember our recently deceased in your prayers.
ALUMNI... Milton L. LeBlanc, Jr. ’38;
T. Ben Lockett ’38; Dominic J. Martello
’38; George J. Taquino, Jr. ’39; Charles
J. Babington ’42; John W. Pitkin, Jr.
’42; James J. Kenney, Sr. ’43; John D.
Monteiro ’45; Harold C. Balmer ’47;
Frank T. Birtel ’48; James P. Raymond,
Jr. ’48; Charles W. Steinbaugh ’50;
Gerard T. Gelpi ’52; Alvin L. Murphy
’52; Mario J. Scramuzza, Sr. ’52; Harold
W. Grisamore, Jr. ’53; Michael J. Markey
’53; Walter F. Wolf, Jr. ’54; Philip D.
Endom ’55; Thomas D. McCaffery,
Jr. ’56; Charles L. Ducote ’59; Odus J.
Lynd, Jr. ’60; Michael F. Escudier ’62;
Mark A. Tessier ’65; Jerome Fein ’69;
Dean R. McCloskey ’78; Christopher
R. Sedita ’78; Branden J. Plaisance ’96;
Timothy F. Amedee ’97.
WIFE OF... Leonard P. Alberstadt ’55;
the late Charles Bordes III ’43; the late
Floyd F. Bourgeois ’38; the late Francis
D. Caballero ’46; the late Eugene T.
Calongne, Jr. ’46; John S. Campesta,
Jr. ’53; the late Richard J. Carrere ’40;
the late Clarence C. Clifton, Jr. ’45;
George C. Connolly, Jr. ’44; the late
Stan P. Cowley ’29; the late Maurice A.
Cristadoro ’36; the late Ray A. Cureau
’43; Larry A. Ducombs ’65; Cletus G.
Fleming, Jr. ’51; the late Robert K.
Gallmann ’51; the late John J. Gaudry
’39; Milton F. Hilbert, Jr. ’38; the late
William T. Housey, Sr. ’36; the late Paul
R. Kalman, Jr. ’38; Nicholas W. Lafranz
III ’64; the late John F. Lally, Jr. ’33;
the late Richard K. LeCorgne ’61; the
late Marcus M. McWaters ’29; the late
Billy R. Moore, Sr. ’42; the late Jules J.
Mumme, Jr. ’26; Joseph M. Perret ’38;
Thomas A. Planchard ’67; Philip H.
Roussell ’58; the late William A. Roy
’32; the late Robert D. Samsot ’22; the
late Robert J. Stamm, Jr. ’29; the late
Uriel J. Theriot ’33; the late Herbert W.
Waguespack, Jr. ’34; the late Joseph O.
Weilbaecher III ’55.
FATHER OF... Brett E. Beter ’08;
Michael T. Birtel ’86; R. Douglas
20
JAYNotes
Bostick, Jr. ’60; Warren R. Bourgeois
III ’74; Todd M. ’93 and Matthew D.
Brown ’95; Andrew M. Browning ’06;
Gerard C. ’70, Kenneth C. ’77, Kevin
M. ’81, and the late Robert J. Conrad,
Jr. ’68; Allen T. Copping ’80; Glynn R.
Cyprien ’85; Raymond A. Daigle, Jr.
’85; J. Robert Davis III ’87; Michael E.
’91 and Jean-Paul A. Escudier ’95; J.
Alex ’97 and James S. Fein ’00; Joseph R.
Fenasci ’99; Otto C. Gartin III ’89; G.
Beauregard Gelpi ’80; Stephen A. Glaser
’71; H. Stephen Henriques ’81; Michael
S. Hohan ’06; Ralph W., Jr. ’66, Cletus
A. ’81, and the late Tristan P. Junius ’71;
Nolan L. Kuan ’93; Michael D. Landry
’79; Michael M. Legleux ’00; Darren E.
Margavio ’85; Michael J. Markey, Jr.
’78; Thomas D. McCaffery III ’81; James
M. ’83 and Richard M. McDermott ’87;
Coleman T. Organ ’68; Wayne P. Palmer
’74 (stepfather); Ross A. ’92, Ryan J.
’93, and Stephen L. Parrish ’97; Sean
M. Patterson ’89; J. Kevin Poorman
’69; Lawrence J. Radosta ’69; David J.
Schwarz ’84; Mason J. ’13 and Collin J.
Thibodeaux ’15; George M. Vujnovich
’74; Cannon A. Wiest ’02.
MOTHER OF... Timothy D. Bordenave
’77; Benedict J. Baptiste ’81; Michael C.
Bordes ’78; Christopher C. Brown ’89;
M. Richard ’65 and the late William G.
Caldwell ’58; E. Thomas Calongne III
’72; G. Leighton Ciravolo ’94; the late
William D. de Laureal, Jr. ’61; Daniel A.
Doskey ’92; David M. Dragon ’72; the
late Charles G. Eberhardt ’59; Edward B.
Fabacher III ’83; Scott S. ’79 and John P.
Fleming ’87; Gerald M. Frances, Jr. ’71;
Edward B. Gaden ’68; Richard J. Gaudry
’72; David C. Graham ’73; Robert T.
Greene ’62; Kevin C. Guidroz ’78;
Douglas E. Hagardorn ’60; John J. IV
’83 and Nicholas P. Hazard ’84; Robert
F. ’69, Bruce P. ’82, Paul J. ’84, and the
late Donald J. Housey ’71; Richard F.
Keen ’71; Gerard A. Kennedy ’70; Wally
B. Kenney ’58; Pierre D. Kirk ’63; John
F. III ’61 and the late Ralph C. Lally ’64;
Myles C. Lewis ’11; M. Joe Mann II ’86;
the late Lawrence J. Merrigan ’64; B.
Richard Moore ’73; Robert F. Murphy
’56; the late Todd M. Nebel ’81; August
A. Palumbo ’66; O’Neil J., Jr. ’73, Patrick
J. ’74, Thomas G. ’77, Timothy M. ’80,
Michael J. ’84, and Kelly L. Parenton
’90; Robert S. Perret ’71; J. Cooper ’68
and Keith T. Petagna ’74; J. John ’63
and Charles F. Raviotta ’70; Sidney H.
Raymond ’89; the late Thomas J. Rice,
Jr. ’62; Robert L. Samsot ’61; Charles
J., Jr. ’67 and Chris J. Schoennagel ’75;
Edward J. Skeins, Jr. ’65; Michael G.
’62 and Robert E. Songy ’64; Philip T.
Sweeney ’04; Lucien J. Tujague, Jr. ’76;
Dominic F. Tusa ’71; L. Keith Vincent
’72; the late Herbert W. Waguespack
’60; the late Chad A. Warren ’94
(stepmother); Joseph O. Weilbaecher IV
’84; T. Edward Weiss ’69.
BROTHER OF... Christian P. Amedee
’90; the late Joseph C. Bostick ’40; Terry
M. Brennan ’55; Darren M. Brown ’79;
the late J. Kenneth, Jr. ’41 and the late
Michael J. Butler ’42; the late Arthur A.
III ’35 and the late John B. Caire ’40;
the late Richard M. Dawes ’45; Keith F.
DeSonier ’67; Franklin V. ’56 and the
late Donald P. Endom, Jr. ’53; Joseph
Fein III ’68; the late Louis G. Grush
’44; the late Joseph T. Hogan ’34; Bryce
J. LeBlanc, Sr. ’40; the late Robert P.
Lockett, Jr. ’33; Rev. Lloyd A. Lorio, S.J.
’44; Gerald R. McCaffery ’58; Lon L. ’80
and Glen M. McCloskey ’81; Hon. Abel
J. McNamara ’54; Ivan J. Miestchovich,
Jr. ’66; the late Joseph J. Monju ’36;
Donald L. ’47, Robert F. ’56, and the late
James J. Murphy, Jr. ’46; the late Gerrard
E. Raymond ’56; the late Joseph A.
Sedita, Jr. ’74.
SISTER OF... Joseph F. ’63 and Robert
S. Angelico ’76; Rev. John F. Armstrong,
S.J. ’65; the late Arthur A. III ’35 and the
late John B. Caire ’40; Patrick H. ’63,
Byron J. III ’67, Glenn A. ’72, and the
late Michael P. Casey ’62; the late Carroll
A. Chauvin ’38; William G., Jr. ’67 and
John H. Cherbonnier ’69; Raymond P.
ALUMNI
’77 and David J. DeCorte ’79; the late
Harold J. ’43 and the late George B.
Dittmann ’43; Fred ’39, Richard P. ’42,
and the late Joseph L. Erichson ’37; the
late Charles C., Jr. ’37 and the late John
J. Farrell ’40; Joseph V. Franks II ’63;
the late Andrew F. Gonczi, Jr. ’37; the
late Charles A. Hoffman, Jr. ’41; Omer F.
Kuebel, Jr. ’56; the late Bert R. Leaveau
’44; Sim J. Ledet, Jr. ’01; the late Richard
A. Levy ’34; Mark A. McDowell ’83; the
late Sidney J. Menard, Jr. ’49; George
R. Pabst, Jr. ’55; Peter A. Pellegrini ’55;
the late Leander H., Jr. ’37 and the late
Chalin O. Perez ’40; James M. Robarts,
Jr. ’59; Earl S. Robinson III ’85; the
late D. Louis Roussel ’53; Edgar B.
Saunders, Jr. ’51; Michael W. Sciortino
’38; Michael A. Smyer ’68; the late Joseph
A. Vella ’28; John F. Vogt, Jr. ’34; the late
Rev. Msgr. John A. Weber ’37.
SON OF... The late Henry J. Beter ’31;
the late Joseph B. Fazzio ’29; Robert
J. Gaspard, Jr. ’87; the late Harold
S. Grehan, Sr. ’16; the late John F.
McCloskey, Jr. ’48; the late Hubert H.
St. Mard ’29.
DAUGHTER OF... The late J. Patout
Burns ’25; the late Byron J. Casey, Jr.
’35; the late Charles S. Dittmann 1904;
the late Walter A. Pond ’16; Edmond J.
Preau, Jr. ’62.
GRANDFATHER OF... Philip F.
Adra ’01; David V., Jr. ’01 and Timothy
B. Batt ’04; Joseph J. Bevinetto ’07;
David M. ’95 and Richard P. Biven
’01; Kenneth C. Bordes ’00; Charles
L. Bourg ’10; Jason K. Bourgeois ’04;
Christopher R. Bowes ’02; David J., Jr.
’05 and Paul S. Brennan ’10; Michael
A. Brodt ’05; Dustin J. Broussard ’06;
John Paul Brown ’13; Gerard C., Jr.
’98, Robert J. III ’00, Edward T. ’04,
and Kevin M. Conrad ’15; Sean M. ’05
and Scott J. Cronin ’08; John K. Dawes
’11; Raymond A. Daigle ’15; Craig S.,
Jr. ’05 and Harrison R. Daste ’15; Chet
A. Fischer ’98; W. Christian, Jr. ’86
and Douglas J. Gambel ’87; Michael V.
Giardina ’02; Todd P. Golemi ’95; Miles
J. Gray ’03; Benjamin P. ’02 and Evan
J. Harrington ’06; Robert L. Hatfield
III ’06; Jared M. Holden ’01; Logan J.
Hornung ’15; Reginald T. Jackson II
’16; R. William III ’93, Nathan J. ’97,
and Damian C. Junius ’14; Westley R.
Keiser ’05; Louis S., Jr. ’94 and Ryan D.
Klotzbach ’00; Jonathan P. ’88, Ryan C.
’91, and Timothy J. Koenig ’94; John T.
Lambert III ’04; Francis P. Landry ’07;
Donald E. ’92 and Joseph F. Lavigne
’94; Sim J. Ledet, Jr. ’01; Clay J. LeGros,
Jr. ’06; Mark T. Madura ’12; David M.
Mahoney ’11; Peyton T. Markey ’15;
Kristopher L. Martinez ’02; Charles N.
Mentz IV ’12; Benjamin S. Moscona ’94;
Adam J. Naquin ’13; Ryan E. O’Malley
’05; Brett D., Jr. ’03 and Gregory S.
Pellerin ’05; Ewell C. Potts IV ’00;
Clayton R. ’10 and Preston B. Reisig ’13;
Lance M. ’97 and Kyle M. Sannino ’01;
Nicholas T. ’97 and Alexander J. Scalco
’14; Mark W. Schellhaas ’08; Ashley R.
’00 and Corey M. Schexnaildre ’08; Eric
H. ’05 and Michael H. Simmons ’09;
Steven J. ’97 and Timothy P. Springer
’02; Tyler A. Story ’14; Jarret M. ’07 and
Jordan M. Teachworth ’08; Madison
J. Tillery ’13; Jason R. Tomlinson ’93;
Todd P. Trosclair, Jr. ’98; Alexander M.
’10 and Evan T. Wolff ’14.
GRANDMOTHER OF... Paul G.
Abramson ’96; Ryan M. Adams ’04;
Ryan S. Adams ’06; Christopher C. ’09
and Benjamin D. Anderson ’09; John
B. Appel, Jr. ’86; Elden B. Arnoult
III ’89; William M. Baldwin III ’12;
Arden N. Ballard II ’02; Antoine M.
Barriere ’80; William P. Baudouin, Jr.
’15; David M. Becnel ’03; Wilson A.
Blum ’08; Brad C. ’94 and Michael C.
Bordes, Jr. ’08; Charles L. Bourg ’10;
Nicholas B. Braden ’97; Michael G.
Carriere ’97; Frank J. Catalano ’89;
David S. Chategnier ’95; Matthew M.
Coman ’88; Stan P. III ’95, John C.
’98, and Kevin P. Cowley ’05; Savare
J. DeFelice III ’92; Mark IV ’99 and
Marshall W. Delesdernier ’02; Douglas
L. Dillon, Jr. ’15; Neal D. ’95 and Trent
M. Falgoust ’98; Joshua P. Favalora
’00; Philip J. Flettrich IV ’13; Adam
R. Gaudry ’00; Tristan D. Greene ’87;
Pearce L. Grieshaber ’97; Joseph D.
Hart ’10; Kristopher M. Haydel ’00;
Edward A. Herty IV ’94; Connor G. ’10
and Brendan P. Jackson ’11; Raymond
J. Jeandron III ’02; Jason M. ’97 and
James H. Keen, Jr. ’99; John T. Lambert
III ’04; Michael D. Latham ’07; Joseph
J. Laura IV ’06; Michael J. Licali ’82;
Justin M. Martineau ’07; J. Edward
McAuliffe III ’04; Andrew W. McGowan
’05; Adam M. Menszer ’02; Evan A.
Moeller ’97; Andrew G. Necaise ’05;
Joseph R. Newsome III ’09; Charles J.
’95 and Christopher M. Neyrey ’99;
Blake S. ’07, Austin G. ’10, and Grant
N. Nichols ’14; Frank J. Palmisano ’03;
Jake A. Palumbo ’92; Max C. Perret
’14; Francis J. ’07 and John C. Petagna
’10; James C. Rather, Jr. ’90; Joseph W.
Reilly, Jr. ’01; Michael R. Riddick ’15;
Nicholas A. Rivera ’04; John A. ’80 and
Paul A. Rodgers ’82; Scott A. Rosman
’05; Anthony S. Rotolo ’95; Ryan D.
Russell ’96; Evan M. Schiavi ’09; Mark
C. Schoennagel ’04; Steven L. Sellers
’16; Christopher M. ’01 and Andrew
M. Serio ’04; Colby A. Simoneaux ’14;
Andrew R. Songy ’90; Patrick C. Staiano
’03; Stephen B. Stuart ’94; Peter S., Jr.
’00 and Michael C. Thriffiley ’03; Joseph
C. Trosclair ’09; Wade J. Trosclair ’07;
L. Keith, Jr. ’94 and Kyle J. Vincent ’06;
Ricardo G., Jr. ’94 and Jason G. Vita ’97;
Bailey O. ’15 and Wyatt O. Weilbaecher
’16; Bryan M. ’79 and David P. White
’83; Kirk O. Williams ’87; Jason D.
Wood ’04; Luke C. ’10 and Wade A.
Wyckoff ’12; Gregory J. ’87 and Jeremy
M. Yuslum ’90; Mario D. Zavala, Jr. ’09;
Joel E. ’99, Ryan C. ’01, and Christopher
P. Zetzmann ’04.
GREAT GRANDFATHER OF...
Nicholas P. Knowles ’07.
GREAT GRANDMOTHER OF...
Cody C. Chaisson ’13; George A.
Coman III ’10; Gerard J. LeBlanc ’13;
Alexander J. Rabalais ’15; Patrick M.
White ’13.
The list above represents information
received through December 31, 2011. For
current announcements, please check the “In
Memoriam” page on Jesuit’s web site.
Information and corrections should be
directed to Bro. William J. Dardis, S.J.:
[email protected].
Fall/Winter 2011-12
21
PR I N C I PA L ’ S C OR N E R
The Politics and Realities
of Resurrecting the Catholic League
T
he road that has lead to the
“hoped-for” reorganization of
the Catholic League beginning in
2013-2014 has not been as long and winding as some might think. But not having
the Catholic League for two years certainly
has been a strange and different reality for the schools that used to comprise
the league. While many people have the
understandable notion that I pushed for
the legislation solely to allow the Catholic
League to return,
that is not
the whole
picture.
Just what is
the whole
picture?
Arguably,
the driving force
behind the
legislation
that brought
about the cessation
of the Catholic League
is grounded in the
perceptions that many
people have had about
the extremely successful football
programs
of two
non-public
high
schools in
the state.
While it is
not necessary to
name those
two
high
22
JAYNotes
Sophomore
Riley Conroy
schools, it suffices to say that many principals believed it was time to create legislation that would attempt to address the
perceived problems. Related to that driving
force was the additional notion on the part
of many public school principals that nonpublic schools have numerous advantages
because students can attend those schools
no matter where they live. Students at
most public schools are restricted by “attendance zones.”
Over the years, and mainly because
of the two perceptions mentioned above,
there have been numerous attempts to
“split” the Louisiana High School Athletic
Association (LHSAA) into public and nonpublic schools. Fortunately, for the sake
of all of the student-athletes in Louisiana,
those attempts have always been beaten
back by a majority of the state’s high
school principals. However, at the 2006
LHSAA convention, legislation passed that
restricted schools to compete in athletics
for two years in the classifications dictated
by their enrollment numbers. That
legislation took effect for the 2006-2007
and 2007-2008 school years.
Up to that point in the history of the
LHSAA, schools had the opportunity
to “play-up” in classification. The two
non-public schools mentioned earlier
had almost always chosen to play-up in
classification. The prevailing notion among
those principals who voted for the 2006
LHSAA legislation was that those two
schools would “fall back into the pack”
if they were forced to compete against
schools of their same size. The reasoning
here was that the better athletes would
not attend those two schools because
they would not get the attention of the
athletes playing at schools in the higher
classifications.
It was during the 2007-2008 and 2008-
2009 school years that numerous principals
in the metro area began talking about a
return to the days when schools could playup as high in classification as they desired.
This “talk” was based mostly on the notion
that “freedom to choose” was an important
value for schools and for us as a country, in
general. I don’t recall that there was a plan
for any one principal or group of principals
to propose legislation at the January 2009
LHSAA convention to change the current
rule that restricted schools to play in the
classifications dictated by their enrollment
numbers. But I do recall that the deadline
in mid-November 2008 was approaching
to submit legislation for the January
2009 convention, and I was not aware
of anyone who indicated he or she was
planning to do so. Thus, I crafted and sent
to the LHSAA a proposal that would have
allowed schools to play-up once again as
high in classification as they desired.
In mid-December 2008, principals
received the final agenda of the proposals
to be voted on at the January 2009
convention. I fully expected to see
numerous proposals addressing the
playing-up issue. However, I was surprised
to see that, other than the one proposal
I submitted, there were no others that
addressed the issue head-on. There was
time to promote the legislation prior to the
LHSAA convention, which is typically held
J E S U I T TO D A Y
in January. I talked it up a bit, sending
emails and letters to some principals, and
contacting others by phone. However,
what I did then was a far cry from a fullcourt press to pass the legislation.
In the area meetings leading up to the
vote, it was not possible to gauge where
the other principals stood regarding
the issue. When the day came for the
proposal to be formally introduced on
the floor of the convention, I stated my
case for it and sat down. To say I was
surprised at the voting results would be
an understatement. The proposal failed
by only 30 votes.
After that 2009 vote, I was contacted
by numerous principals who urged me to
try again in 2010. I was also encouraged
to enlist the help of at least one principal
from a public school. I was able to secure
the support of the principal of Varnado
High School which was interested in
playing-up from its 1A classification
mainly because its teams had to travel
Senior running back Paul Stanton eludes two Crusaders during the October 22, 2011
fairly long distances to play opponents
game against Brother Martin.
in the same classification. It made sense
for Varnado to play-up into the 2A
enrollments which placed them in either
sense because most schools that wanted
classification so it could compete against
the
3A
or
4A
classification.
to play-up in classification wanted to
schools in their vicinity.
The legislation failed by a mere six votes play-up only one classification anyway.
In the time frame between January
at
the
2010 convention. It was a done
Additionally, the one-class-only proposal
2009 and January 2010, the Varnado
deal
now
for
the
2011-2012
and
2012would enable the rebirth of the Catholic
principal and I pushed harder for the
2013
school
years.
The
Catholic
League
League because it would allow a trio of
legislation to allow schools to play-up
would cease to exist, at least for two years,
schools — St. Augustine, Holy Cross, and
in classification as high as they wished.
and
other
schools
would
also
be
relegated
Archbishop Shaw — to play-up from their
There was some talk of principals from
to
the
classifications
dictated
by
their
4A classification, and join other Catholic
other schools joining us as co-authors
enrollment
numbers
in
the
fall
of
2010.
schools that remained in 5A.
of the proposal, but that support simply
There were no playing-up proposals
Also working in favor of the one-classdid not materialize. It was crucial for the
at
the
January
2011
convention.
Such
only
proposal was the guarantee that those
legislation to pass at the January 2010
legislation
would
not
have
any
effect
on
two
non-public
schools mentioned at the
convention because re-classification would
what
was
already
on
the
books
for
the
beginning
of
this
article would only be able
be occurring again in the fall of the 20102011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years.
to play-up as high as 3A. These schools
2011 school year. If the legislation failed,
However,
a
different
strategy
for
the
would most likely never see enrollment
schools would once again be forced to
January
2012
convention
was
beginning
to
numbers that would place them any higher
play in the classifications dictated by their
take
shape.
than a 2A classification. Thus, the schools
enrollment numbers for the 2011-2012
This new strategy avoided asking for
would not be able to play-up any higher
and 2012-2013 school years. Approval
the
whole
“enchilada.”
Instead
of
schools
than 3A. Recognition of that reality would
of the legislation would also ensure that
playing-up
in
classification
as
high
as
allow 4A and 5A principals to vote for it
schools which comprised the Catholic
they
desired,
the
new
strategy
would
without any worry that these two schools
League would be able to play-up into the
limit schools to jumping up a single
would join their classifications. Sadly, there
5A classification. At the time, a few of
classification
and
no
further.
This
made
Continued on Page 39
these schools were experiencing declining
Fall/Winter 2011-12
23
ART
T
H A INCKLSEG N
I VAI M
NG
E DRIVE
Thanksgiving Drive 2011
In the Quest to Become a “Real Man for Others,” Blue Jays Will
Stumble Before Seeing the Light
A group of sophomores with
their carefully packed boxes
by Jason Britsch ’12
As a senior here at Jesuit, I know firsthand how powerful an act of service
our Thanksgiving drive is. I’ve been
helping to serve needy families for
about five years now. I can safely say
that this drive — more than any other
event at Jesuit — helps to give us a
better understanding of real service.
How can I say this? Let me explain with a few personal
testimonies. I begin by telling you about one of my first
Thanksgiving drive experiences of delivering, which is a task that I
hope many of you are fortunate enough to take part in.
My very first experience wasn’t anything eye-opening. It wasn’t
life-changing. It was average and everything that I expected it
24
JAYNotes
to be. We took a few baskets to a needy family’s house. Now,
this family was a single mother with about five children. It was
a medium-sized house but probably not large enough to fit
everyone comfortably, like it should. We went inside and there
wasn’t any fancy pottery or paintings on the walls. There was a TV.
It wasn’t a nice TV, but it was a TV. There was some furniture here
and there. It was a very simple house.
I looked at my friend and we were all thinking this is a family
that could use the food we’re offering. We are doing a good thing.
We gave the family the food and they were extremely gracious. We
wished them a happy Thanksgiving and left.
I remember exactly what I was thinking as I left that house.
I’ve done a great thing. How awesome! I feel very good about
myself!
And that’s what I think was the problem. It was a real shame
that I had been thinking those thoughts because I missed the
entire point of the Thanksgiving drive. Many of us have this
notion if we serve and serve well, we will feel really good about
ourselves. We will have some sense of self-gratification.
While this isn’t bad, unfortunately, it leads some of us to
J E S U I TATO
L UD
MANYI
believe that we serve in order to experience feeling good about
ourselves. I want to emphasize to you that that is absolutely not
why we are out there. We are out there because we are men for
others who are called to serve.
I did not understand this concept at the time. I thought it was
about me and how I felt. And so I had to learn the real meaning
of service in a more difficult way.
The following year I think I took my biggest step in realizing
the true service of the Thanksgiving drive. On a delivery, I had a
really amazing experience. When I pulled up to the house, I wasn’t
looking at a house. It was a shack in every sense of the word. It
was made of random planks of wood nailed together shoddily. The
roof looked as if it could cave in at any second.
It didn’t get any prettier when I walked inside the house.
When I got in there, I was immediately slammed with the smell
of pungent smoke, an odor so powerful that I literally struggled
to breathe. I tried to hold my breath without appearing to be
rude. I felt like gagging. I looked to my right and saw a little girl,
probably about seven. She as curled up in a blanket on the couch.
I can’t say for sure that she had her own room and I would
not have been surprised if she did not have her own bed. From
outside, that house looked like it had three rooms. It definitely
was not big enough to shelter that single mother and her three
children. And so I went through the motions with my classmates
and we gave the family their food, told them happy Thanksgiving,
and as we left, they were very happy.
What was different about this run? I was not happy. I did not
have a feeling of self-gratification. And I was so very thankful
that I didn’t. The problem when I did get that feeling was that I
basically told myself that I have done enough. But the fact is, our
part is never really done with this service.
I left that house with a feeling of disgust and remorse. I asked
myself, “How could anyone live like that? Why doesn’t anyone
Ms. Nilda Rivera’s senior Homeroom 1202
delivers to a local family.
do anything about
it? Why don’t I do
anything about it?”
It was important
that I asked that
question of myself
because I realized
that I wasn’t doing
enough. I wanted
to give more of
myself and this is
what drove me. It
was a feeling that I
never experienced
whenever I left
happy and satisfied
that I did everything
Senior Jason Britsch
the right way.
speaks to Blue Jays at the
I don’t want to
Thanksgiving prayer service
confuse any of you.
There is nothing
wrong with getting that sense of self-gratification when you’ve
done good service. What I’m saying is don’t let that feeling fool
you. Our service has nothing to do with seeking that feeling of
happiness and self-gratification.
We should be seeking the exact opposite feeling in which
something terrible is missing. When we feel that awful feeling,
then we understand that we have not done everything that we
can do. We are not finished chipping in. When we feel like we’re
finished chipping in, then we really don’t understand the first
thing about service.
We are never done serving. A true man for others will never
believe he has done enough and that his service is completed. He
will, instead, ask to do more service and
to give more of himself.
My challenge to every single one of
you is, regardless of what your task has
been during this year’s Thanksgiving
drive, do not allow yourself to be content
with your accomplishments.
I don’t want you to worry about that
feeling of happiness and satisfaction
that I believe most of you are probably
expecting.
I encourage you to allow yourself to
be moved and to feel remorse regarding
the needs of the people you are helping.
You will expect more from yourself —
one of the elusive measures of a real man
for others.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
25
THANKSGIVING DRIVE
Thanksgiving Drive 2011:
A Few Good Reasons Why We
Do NOT Do What We Do Today
by Eric Leefe ’03
At the beginning of the school year,
Fr. Fitzgerald addressed the faculty about
the five most important days of the year.
Today is one of those days. Today all the
resources that we have as a school are
directed at one thing — service. Some of
our new students may be asking themselves
why do we do this? Why do we put so
much effort into this one thing?
Well, there are three reasons that have
nothing to do with why we do it. The first
is that we don’t do it to be thanked. This
can be hard to get over. I remember when
I was in 11th grade here, in Mr. (Harry)
Clark’s homeroom. We arrived at the first
house to deliver the food baskets. From
the moment we set foot on that doorstep,
to the moment we drove away, that family
could not have been more grateful.
“Thank you so much, you don’t
know what this means to us,” the family
repeatedly told us. “You are making our
Thanksgiving and it would be impossible
without you.”
And that was great. But then we went
26
JAYNotes
to the next house. It was exactly the
opposite — the family was rude. “Oh
yeah, put the basket by the door,” said one
member of the family, adding a question.
“What, you didn’t bring yams?”
It left me feeling really disillusioned.
“What’s the point of this?” I kept asking
myself. “Why are we doing this when these
people don’t even appreciate it?”
I think many of you will have the
same experience today. But for me, I had
to remember that we were not there to
be thanked. The point is not that we are
recognized for what we do. The point is
that we do it.
The second reason that is not why we
do this today — we don’t do it so we can
better appreciate what we have. That’s a
little too easy and it takes all the humility
out of it. Today is not about us and what
we have. It is about those we serve and
how we can serve them.
The third reason that we do not do
it — we don’t even do it because it is the
right thing. We do it because we need to.
(Above) Blue Jays from the Class of 1983 unload
turkeys from a delivery truck.
We need to do it to become who we are —
men for others.
When I think back about my
own participation as a student at our
Thanksgiving drives, I ask myself, “Why
was it so meaningful?” I think because
today is a day when we become much
more than a high school. We all become
much more. You become much more
than high school students. And this is for
everyone, whether you single-handedly
took care of all the families for your
homeroom or you just threw a couple of
dollars into the collection. Everybody is a
part of what we do and we do lots around
here.
All the academics, athletics, and cocurriculars — they are all reflections of
who we are. Today we really get to the
heart of it. Today we become who we really
are. We need to humble ourselves and to
be challenged. We need to come face-to-
J E S U I T TO D A Y
When I think back about my own participation
as a student at our Thanksgiving drives,
I ask myself, “Why was it so meaningful?”
I think because today is a day when we
become much more than a high school.
face with the hardship and the needs of
others.
I said earlier that we do not do it to
appreciate what we have. If that is all that
we take out of this, then we have not really
removed ourselves completely from the
picture. It is only by removing ourselves
completely from the picture that we can
give freely of ourselves and see Christ in
our lives.
We don’t look to be thanked or to
appreciate what we have. We see today not
as a mirror in which we view reflections of
our own images. View today as a window
through which we see Christ in our lives
and in the lives of others. It is only by
looking through this window, by going
beyond ourselves and beyond self-focus,
that we can see Christ in our lives. We
need to see Christ by looking through that
window because that is who we are.
I already said we are here to be thanked.
In fact, it is we who are grateful. We have
been given the great privilege of doing this
service. We are grateful that we could help
those in need and that we can be present
with them. We are grateful that we have
the opportunity to meet Christ through
them.
Senior Collin Stansberry has said
it all quite nicely in his essay about the
service trip he and his classmates took to
Nicaragua this summer. Let me share with
you a little of Collin’s essay:
“What we did in Nicaragua was
not easy. However, nor did it call
for super-human strength, a heart
of gold, or a lion’s courage. The
only thing that we needed was
the realization that we had the
means to help human beings who
were incapable of providing for
themselves.
Our capacity to help the people
of Nicaragua did not elevate us
to a level above theirs. Rather, it
humbled us and opened our eyes to
what it means to be a human being.
We only gave water to the people
of Rio Blanca. They gave us a
sense of accomplishment and, most
importantly, a crash course in how
to love and how to completely take
ourselves out of the equation to focus
on what is best for our neighbor.
The people of Rio Blanco gave us an
opportunity to see God face-to-face.”
That is exactly the opportunity which
we have today — to see Christ face-to-face
in those we serve. Today we go forth with
humility and gratitude for this opportunity
to do God’s will.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Tomorrow
we give thanks to God for all that he has
given to us. But today, we give thanks to
God for all that we can give to others.
Eric Leefe of the Class of
2003 is in his third year
of teaching mathematics
at Jesuit High School.
Leefe is the moderator
of the Anime Club and
Outdoors Club. He is
also the co-moderator of
the Student Council.
(Opposite page, from left) Mr. Eric Leefe ’03
addresses students during the Thanksgiving prayer
service in the Chapel of the North American
Martyrs; Mr. Joey Latino oversees his freshmen
Homeroom load baskets. (This page, left) Alumni
unload a pallet of canned goods. (Above) Alumni
move turkeys to the Student Commons.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
27
ART
M
E DIACLLLEI ONNA M
STOR
E
IES
In my work on Early Modern England, I usually see Robert Southwell
mentioned as a poet, and that he was. But when I peruse his writings,
his priesthood dominates everything else. Since my time at Jesuit I
have made annual retreats at Manresa, deepening my understanding of
Ignatian spirituality. In my graduate work, I have studied the early Jesuits
and the ways that the Spiritual Exercises guided all their ministries.
In this way, Southwell speaks to me as both a historical subject and
a saint. During my research trip to London, I made the Jesuit parish
— Immaculate Conception Church — my spiritual home. Attending
Mass with Jesuits whose predecessors were killed for celebrating the
sacraments gave me a greater appreciation for the Eucharist. The last
day of my trip was the Feast of St. Ignatius, and the parish held a special
Mass for alumni of Jesuit schools worldwide. It was a great honor to meet
others and share the various ways the Jesuits have contributed to our
spiritual and professional formation.
—Mark Duggan ’04
Robert Southwell, S.J. (1561-1595)
M
by Mark Duggan ’04
y favorite spot at Jesuit High School has
always been the small chapel. I especially
remember the window depicting a Jesuit
martyr: a priest kneels before his assassin,
turns his eyes to heaven, and pulls back his cassock to
prepare for the falling axe. To me, this image says that if
death is unavoidable, it is best to embrace it and give witness
to Christ. But martyrdom is more than death. Martyrdom is
communication. A martyr is a sort of author, instructing us
not merely how to die for Christ, but how to live. Fittingly,
then, St. Robert Southwell (pronounced “SUH-thall”) was
both author and martyr, teaching us through his writings
and his death how to live as Christians. He and the priest in
that window have a lot in common.
In the almost five centuries since St. Ignatius established
28
JAYNotes
the Society of Jesus, Jesuit priests and brothers have
lived and died for the faith throughout the world. These
missionary martyrs embody the zeal that defines the Jesuits’
history. We admire them for courageously facing death in
foreign lands. But the underlying mission of the Society
and the Spiritual Exercises has always been to “help souls,”
whoever and wherever they are. And, if we consider what
martyrs like Southwell did with their lives, we find that
death was simply the final stage of a long ministry. In fact,
Southwell reminds me of many priests I have known — as
teachers, spiritual advisors, retreat directors, and friends.
Robert Southwell was born in England in 1561, went
to the Jesuit school in Douai, France, and then entered
the Society at Rome, where he was ordained in 1584.
Because of his background, he was called to return to
J E S U I T TO D A Y
Protestant England and minister to his suppressed Catholic
countrymen. He could bring them sacraments and lead
them in the Exercises. He could encourage people suffering
persecution. So in 1586, he and an older Jesuit crossed the
English Channel in disguise.
Southwell knew what happened to others who made
this dangerous journey, like the bold Edmund Campion,
executed in 1581 after a famous public trial. (St. Campion
was profiled in a Medallion Story in Jaynotes Winter/
Spring 2009-2010; Volume 36, Number 1.) When priests
entered England in the late sixteenth century — the fabled
Elizabethan period, so often romanticized in the movies —
there was a very strong chance they would die. As much
as we try to separate politics from religion today, at this
point in history there was little distinction between the two.
The Pope had excommunicated Queen Elizabeth in 1570,
officially freeing her subjects from following her. In reply,
Elizabeth treated Catholics as traitors and priests as domestic
terrorists.
Nevertheless, Southwell established an innovative literary
ministry that I see as a typically Jesuit adaptation of secular
media to spiritual ends. He had a gift for poetry and used it
to guide his readers through the Spiritual Exercises amidst
persecution. The Jesuits maintained a secret printing press
in England but stamped “Imprinted at Paris” on everything,
hoping to fool Elizabeth’s censors. They even apologized
for any errors caused by the fictitious French publishers’
ignorance of English. With ink his gunpowder and paper his
fuse, Southwell subversively attacked oppression, exhorting
Catholics to remain faithful.
Protestants and Catholics alike valued Southwell’s
poems for their literary value —remember, this was the
age of Shakespeare. By working through their own media,
Southwell brought Ignatian spirituality to a wide audience.
For example, the poem “Saint Peter’s Complaint” is
an exercise in contemplative prayer. Ignatius described
contemplation as imagining oneself in scenes from the
Gospels, especially the Crucifixion, to develop a relationship
with Christ. Southwell places the reader in the person of
Peter, lamenting his denial of Christ but overcome by God’s
forgiveness when he sees the cross:
O sacred eyes, the springs of living light,
The earthly heavens, where angels joy to dwell,
How could you deign to view my deathful plight,
Or let your heav’nly beams look on my hell?
But those unspotted eyes encount’red mine,
As spotless sun doth on the dunghill shine.
Few Protestants in England would have read this as
an Ignatian approach to scripture. But following the
Exercises, Southwell’s poem invites the reader to consider
how we are all Peter, neglecting the Truth when it becomes
inconvenient, yet loved by God unconditionally.
Southwell’s writings grew directly from his ministry to
Catholic families. St. Philip Howard, the Earl of Arundel,
was imprisoned from 1585 until his own martyrdom a
decade later, but his wife Anne helped Southwell find a safehouse. Southwell’s longest work, “An Epistle of Comfort,”
began as encouragement for the Howard family. Later, he
wrote a day-by-day manual of Ignatian spirituality for Anne,
published posthumously as “The Rules of a Good Life.” In
this way, Southwell adapted the Exercises to circumstances
where public gatherings or formal retreats were impossible.
Despite their covert operations, English priests rarely
eluded capture for more than a few years. Southwell’s
time came after writing “An Humble Supplication to Her
Majesty,” a polite but firm rebuttal to accusations that
Catholics were politically subversive. Southwell insisted that
his fellow priests’ only goal was “to labour for the salvation
of souls, and in peaceable and quiet sort, to confirm them
in the ancient Catholic Faith in which their forefathers
lived and died.” He argued that priests, whose “studies
are nothing else but philosophy and divinity,” made poor
insurrectionists. But that only antagonized Elizabeth’s
government, and Southwell was arrested in 1592, identified
by his unmistakable auburn hair, his hiding place betrayed
by an informant.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
29
M E D A L L I O N STOR I E S
After more than two years of torture in the Tower of
London, during which he stalled his interrogators to help his
friends elude capture, Southwell was finally hanged, drawn,
and quartered at Tyburn Tree, London’s busiest gallows.
But his writings remind us that in death we find new life.
In the final pages of the “Epistle of Comfort,” Southwell
encourages his fellow English Catholics that good will yet
come of their suffering:
“I doubt not but either they or their posterity shall see the
very prisons and places of execution [become] places of
reverence and great devotion; and the scattered bones of
these that in this cause have suffered, which are now thought
unworthy of Christian burial, shrined in gold.”
Southwell was right. A few yards from where he died,
there is now a convent of Benedictine nuns, devoted to
perpetual adoration of the Eucharist at the martyrs’ shrine.
Southwell was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one
of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His feast day
is celebrated February 21. I was able to visit Tyburn, now
a busy London intersection, on the anniversary of another
priest’s death. Someone had placed a dozen roses on the
marker.
Even if we are no longer drawn and quartered, our times
are not so different. Catholicism is still assailed by those
Sounding a High Note
TWO BLUE JAY BAND MEMBERS SELECTED
TO PERFORM IN HONOR ENSEMBLES
Juniors Peyton Fine (left) and Ian Rohr were
honored last fall with their selections to the
prestigious Louisiana All-State Ensembles.
Peyton performed on the alto saxophone in
the Louisiana All-State Concert Band. Ian
performed on the tuba in the Louisiana AllState Symphonic Band. Congratulations to
these outstanding Blue Jay musicians.
30
JAYNotes
who misunderstand it or perceive it as a threat. Southwell’s
ministry inspires us to uphold the faith despite persecution,
official or otherwise, and share it with others in ways
appropriate to our times. In his martyrdom, he reminds us
that a life well-lived is not always a long one, and is rarely
an easy one. But if steadfast adherence to the Truth requires
death, let us hope that we, like Southwell, can lead a few
others to Christ along the way.
Mark Duggan graduated from
Jesuit High School in 2004. He
majored in history at LSU, wrote an
undergraduate thesis on the “Glorious
Revolution,” and graduated in 2008.
He is currently studying for a Ph.D. in
history at Rutgers University in New
Jersey and is working on a dissertation
about English martyrs after 1649. With a grant from the
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Andrew spent six weeks in
London in the summer of 2011 conducting preliminary research
for his dissertation. During that time, he worked in the British
Library manuscripts room and the archives of the British
Province of the Society of Jesus.
J E S U I T TO D A Y
Lorraine Hess with sons
Ben ’15 and Jonathan ’12
Janel Raymond with
sons Kyle ’12 and
Christopher Wilson ’14
Rachel Hery and
son Colin ’15
Michael Duran ’13 and
his mother Mary Redmann
Duran
Colleen Blagrove and son C.J. ’14 and Mariette Maus with sons
Thomas ’16 and Jacob Cassagne ’15
Annual Mother-Son Mass
Fosters Mutual Love and Respect
Michael Ceraso ’12 with
his mother Michelle
On a Sunday morning in October
2011, more than 500 Blue Jays and
their mothers gathered in the Grand
Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel
on Canal Street for their annual
Mother-Son Mass and Breakfast.
This popular event always yields an
enjoyable morning of camaraderie
and this one was no different.
The event certainly enhances the
relationship between mothers and
their sons and also fosters mutual
love, respect, patience, and kindness.
Blue Jays enjoy seeing their
classmates and their mothers catch
up with their son’s best friend’s mom
(and meeting new mothers as well).
At this year’s event, senior Michael
Ceraso took to the podium to
pay a special tribute to his mother,
Michelle Ceraso. His tribute is
posted on the Parents’ Events Photos
page of Jesuit’s web site. Click here
to view the story.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
31
ART
W
ORI L
CD
L EY O
NU
AM
T HE D A Y
World Youth
World Youth Day (WYD) is a remarkable worldwide encounter with the Pope that is celebrated every
three years in a different country. The 2011 WYD was celebrated in Madrid from August 16-21 by tens of
thousands of young people from all over the world who want to fervently commit or rededicate themselves
to Christ. A group of about 50 Blue Jays, with their chaperones, experienced a transformative pilgrimage
in the days prior to the culmination of their trip at WYD. As Jesuit senior Taylor Billings relates in his story,
the Blue Jays who made the pilgrimage to Spain were special witnesses to the universality of the Catholic
Church. Their powerful, spiritual, and even mystical experiences burned indelible impressions in their eyes
and minds, and more importantly, on their hearts and souls.
The castle where Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier
was born is located in the village of Javier.
32
JAYNotes
J E S U I TATO
L UD
MANYI
Day
A Pilgrimage that Changes
Young Lives
by Taylor Billings ’12
On the plane to Spain for the World Youth Day and the Pilgrimage throughout that country in August
2011, I was uncertain how the trip would affect me. Leaving on a trip that is “sure to change your life,”
particularly in a religious way, I was excited. But it was a very nervous excitement. However, as soon as the
plane touched down in Barcelona, I immediately felt something special.
The first week was spent on retreat in northern Spain in places where St. Ignatius of Loyola lived and
prayed. Since St. Ignatius is my Confirmation saint, all of this was moving and emotional. One day in
Montserrat we hiked to the cave where young Ignatius laid his sword before the statue of Our Lady after an
all-night prayer vigil. We listened to a talk about laying down our own defenses just as Ignatius.
As I began to surrender myself to Christ, I was inundated with God’s love and the Holy Spirit. Immediately I pursued
Reconciliation and have never felt happier or more at peace than when I walked back up that mountain. It felt as though God
was walking right beside me, talking to me, and comforting me with every step. When we reached the top of the hill where
the statue had been relocated, I fell to my knees in prayer. I was overcome with God’s grace and felt closer to Christ than I
ever had before.
If the trip had ended after Montserrat, I would have returned home satisfied with a completely worthwhile experience.
However, arriving in Loyola — the home of St. Ignatius — I realized that Montserrat was just
a sign of things to come. We celebrated Mass twice in the Chapel of the Conversion, the
very room where Ignatius became a “Soldier for Christ” while recuperating from a leg
injury suffered in a battle at Pamplona. All of us were in awe at the power of God’s
love at this point.
What struck me most was that the love of God could transform Loyola, who
admittedly was a sinful and misguided man, into one of the most influential leaders
in the history of the church. In feeling the depth of God’s love, I realized how
shallow my efforts had been to return that love. In no other situation or setting
have I learned more about the good that comes from living my life For the Greater
Glory of God. In Montserrat, I took off the armor that separated me from God. In
Loyola, I re-armored myself, this time with God’s abundant love.
When all of us arrived in Madrid for World Youth Day, we were
Fall/Winter 2011-12
33
ART
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ORI L
CD
L EY O
NU
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T HE D A Y
A statue of St. Ignatius
is displayed in the
Chapel of Conversion.
rewarded with a glimpse of the sheer
size of this event. The opening Mass
for WYD was attended by more than
500,000 people, which was the largest
crowd most of us had ever laid eyes on
(well, to that
point in our
young lives).
Upon
arrival, the
Pope was
greeted by
throngs of
cheering
Catholics in
the streets.
People from
all across the
world were
throwing
parties and
singing
religious
songs. We
witnessed the
universality of
the Church,
discovering
that the experiences of our group at the
Ignatian sites were parts of something
much greater than ourselves. Each
night, we had the luxury of refocusing
on God through adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament and singing praise
and worship songs. The next day
the “Way of the Cross” showcased
magnificent life-size statues of Jesus’s
passion at each station. That night we
had trouble sleeping in anticipation of
the all-night vigil to be celebrated by
the Holy Father.
My jaw dropped when we arrived
at the vigil site. The field for this event
was three square miles, and it barely
contained the two million people who
had come for this extraordinary service.
At the Papal Mass, I was stunned that
so many people could pray together
in one spot and I was completely
awestruck by the fervor that carried
them all.
We left Madrid that night on fire
for Christ, ready to live our lives for
God, and to carry our faith with us
everywhere.
I hope and pray that together, as
friends and brothers, we will continue
to spread God’s love here at Jesuit and
beyond.
Several Blue Jay pilgrims enjoy their front row view on the
Paseo del Prado while waiting to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
34
JAYNotes
J E S U I T TO D A Y
On Seeing the Pope
by Jeremy Reuther
In this age where digital imagery and
streaming video can bring the most
remote experiences into the comfort
of our homes, we might wonder how
impressive a pilgrimage to see the Pope
can actually be in the life of a young man.
From the inside cover of the school-issued Bible, to the
religious images that hang in our homes and classrooms,
to the YouTube search-engine relief of 15 minutes of spare
time, we can look at an image of the Pope just about any
time we desire. However, to see the Pope amid the swells
of chanting pilgrims, cheering “Benedicto!” as the Roman
Pontiff takes to Plaza de Cibeles in downtown Madrid, is
quite another experience.
At the opening ceremony, watching the events on a digital
screen eight blocks away from the Holy Father seemed no
different than watching a Papal address from my armchair
back home.
35
JAYNotes
My disappointment led me to cast out a net among the
group, hoping for an elite task force to sacrifice a day of
sight-seeing in Madrid to get as humanly close to the Vicar
of Christ as possible. My companions and I endured seven
hours in the Spanish sun, staking a front-row claim on the
Paseo del Prado. When I finally saw him in that frantic
plaza, I found myself filled with a similar excitement of
seeing a celebrity, but without the emptiness that normally
accompanies the exaggerated interest in American pop stars.
I felt proud of being Catholic because the experience was
filled with a notion that, for once, this profound admiration
was unquestionably fitting. It was not simply that I have
long been inspired to the life of faith by the profound
insights of this great theologian. Rather, my heart was filled
with peace in cheering for the Pope because the celebrity of
the Pope is the celebration of that Other in whose name the
Pope is sent, that Other for whom my heart truly longs.
Jeremy Reuther ’01 is chairman of the theology
department at Jesuit High School and one of several
chaperones to the group of Blue Jays who experienced
World Youth Day last August. Reuther has a masters
in Theology from Our Lady of Holy Cross College
and is in his seventh year of teaching at Jesuit. He is
also the moderator of the Freshman Sodality.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
35
ART
F
L Y II N
CG
L EWNI TAH
ME
THE JAYS
Football Team Was 12-0
and on a Roll, and Then
Came the Bears
Ben Martinez ’35
Al Widmer ’43
Jesuit vs. Holy Cross: A Rivalry Like No Other
Jesuit vs. Holy Cross is a “Great
American Rivalry,” not just because
the two teams have battled it out on
the football field more than 90 times.
It is a “Great American Rivalry”
because both schools value what it
is and what it stands for — intense,
yet fair, competition that brings out
the best among the players, as well as
good sportsmanship.
It is an event designed to recognize
that the present is built on the
foundation of the past, and that
in doing it right today, the past is
honored.
And so, in the 91st renewal of the
classic on Friday, September 9, 2011,
today’s Blue Jays did it right. They
prepared well. They competed hard.
They emerged victorious.
In honoring the past, the 2011
“Rivalry” celebrated Blue Jay great Al
Widmer ’43 as Jesuit’s Legend of the
Game. In three Jesuit victories over
the Tigers during Widmer’s playing
days, the former wingback (who also
played defense) had five interceptions,
two returned for touchdowns; one
fumble recovery; two touchdown
passes; and, one rushing touchdown.
In all, Widmer accounted for a total
of five touchdowns.
One of the new features of the
“Rivalry” has both schools honoring
an alumnus who served his country
in the military. The Jesuit community
used this inaugural opportunity to
36
JAYNotes
honor Benigno “Ben” Martinez
’35, who served on the front lines of
World War II as a medic in Italy.
Two current senior Blue Jays
also received recognition — Rhett
Reynolds as the senior letterman
with the highest GPA and Deion
“Debo” Jones as the game’s Most
Valuable Player.
Indeed, it was a night of
celebration. From the pre-game
tailgate party to the many fans of both
teams sporting their special game day
T-shirts to the parade featuring the
schools’ bands and a float showcasing
Jayson, Thunder the Tiger, and the
“Golden Football” trophy to the spirit
sections in the stands of Tad Gormley
Stadium, the 2011 edition of Jesuit
vs. Holy Cross lived up to its label as a
“Great American Rivalry.”
The score was a lopsided win for
Jesuit, 37-0. It was the Blue Jays’
fourth consecutive victory over the
Tigers and padded the lead Jesuit
has in the series, 53-37-1. Finally, as
the winner of the 2011 game, Jesuit
retains the “Golden Football” trophy,
which is on display at Carrollton and
Banks.
(Discover all sorts of interesting trivia
about the rivalry between Jesuit and
Holy Cross. Visit BlueJaysTigers.com via
the football home page on Jesuit’s web
site.)
Jesuit’s 2011 football team had
many reasons to be proud when its
glorious season came to an abrupt,
premature, and heartbreaking end
on the day after Thanksgiving. The
Blue Jays were knocked out in the
quarterfinals, again. On a bitterly cold
Friday night in 2010, West Monroe
ended the Jays’ quest for a state title
by sending them packing in the
quarterfinals.
This time around, the Blue Jays were
sitting in the driver’s seat as the number
two seed in the playoffs. Confident
and poised following a pair of lopsided
playoff wins (the Jays scored a total
of 89 points while holding their two
opponents to 34 points), Jesuit faced
Carencro in the quarterfinals at Tad
Gormley Stadium on that same Friday
evening after Thanksgiving. A win
would graduate the Blue Jays, for the
first time since 1998, to the semifinals.
With 5,000 staunch supporters to
cheer them on, the Blue Jays had the
deck stacked against Carencro, which
had not been to the playoffs since
2006. But it really did not matter
because those Bears of Carencro came
out of hibernation, throwing buckets
of iced water on the Blue Jays. At the
end of four quarters, the Jays were on
the short end of the 28-17 score, and
just like that, were knocked out of the
playoffs. Ouch!
“Carencro was a great team,” said
Jesuit senior middle linebacker Debo
Jones. “That’s their bread and butter,
running the ball, and they did it
effectively. We fought, that was all we
could do. We left it all on the field. It
just didn’t turn out the way we wanted
J E S U I TATO
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it to. This is a tough one.”
Before Carencro ended their season,
the Blue Jays boasted a perfect 12-0
record, the best by a Jesuit team since
the school’s undefeated 1946 state
champions. “I’m proud of our kids,”
said head football coach Wayde
Keiser ’78. “I’m proud of what we’ve
done. I’m proud of what we’ve done
for Jesuit football. I think we’ve set the
bar high. We’ve set a high standard for
Jesuit football and I’m proud of our
kids for doing that.”
its 2011 Class 5A All-State Team,
the sports writers selected two of his
teammates — running back Paul
Stanton (1,746 yards and 21 TDs)
and punter (and kicker) Ralphie
Freibert, who averaged 36.7 yards
per punt and placed 14 of his 36 kicks
inside the 10-yard line.
In selecting its “Elite Football
Team,” the Clarion Herald chose
Freibert, Jones, Stanton, and offensive
lineman Todd Jacquet. The Clarion
also honored Coach Keiser as “Coach
of the Year.”
Association naming him to the AllState Cross Country Team.
Senior Alex Sherry
Cross Country Places
5th at State Meet
Wayde Keiser ’78
Looking back, Jesuit’s 2011 football
team had a great year. Crowned district
champions, the Jays were undefeated
after 10 regular season games. For the
entire season, Jesuit (12-1) amassed
474 points and yielded 170 points to
their opponents. In three games, the
defense shut out the other teams.
For their efforts, many Blue Jays
were recognized and honored in the
post-season. The Louisiana Sports
Writers Association selected linebacker
Jones as “Outstanding Defensive
Player” in the state. Jones finished with
179 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, eight
sacks, three interceptions, and three
fumble recoveries.
In addition to naming Jones to
Jesuit’s cross country runners tried
valiantly to successfully defend their
2010 state title, but the Jays faced their
stiffest competition in years when the
meet took place in Natchitoches last
November. The result was a 5th place
finish at the state meet. There was
a bright moment at the meet when
junior Neal Fitzpatrick placed
second in the 5K race with a time
of 15:26.22. His efforts resulted in
the Louisiana Track & Field Coaches
Junior Neal Fitzpatrick
Swimming Team
Runner-up at State
Meet
Jesuit’s swimming team won the
2010 state title by a single point. The
Blue Jays tried mightily to defend their
title at the state meet last November.
But this year, it was not even close. No
one had to hold their breaths while
judges rechecked score sheets. The
Jays placed second in Division 1, and
this was nothing to sneeze at. And the
Jays captured the Metro Tournament,
so all was not doom and gloom. The
competition at the state swimming
meet, held in Sulphur, seems to be
better and better with each passing
year. The Jays accumulated 323 points
and raced well, only it was not enough
to catapult them past Catholic High of
Baton Rouge, the 2011 winners with a
score of 344.5 points.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
37
ART
T
HE IJ
CEL SE UNI TA M
T E A C H E R T E ST I M O N I A L
Pig Legacy
by Jeff Wilson ’91
As a Blue Jay senior in Mr. Malcolm Villarrubia’s AP English
class, Jeff Wilson scoffed at one of the first homework
assignments. A nursery rhyme about pigs! Mr. Villarrubia, who
is a 1966 alumnus, wanted Jeff and his classmates to dissect
the rhyme inside out. Jeff thought the assignment was a cinch and was confident that his paper would
thoroughly explain, expound, even elucidate on the rhyme’s hidden themes and its author’s intentions.
The pigs would be his pork for the rest of the course. In a testament to the 32 years “Mal” Villarrubia has
devoted to the students and faculty of Jesuit High School, Jeff explains that the feast truly has been a
teacher’s most remarkable and enduring gift…
PIG LEGACY
Though we all remember pieces of the nursery rhymes of
childhood, we never expect those simple verses to have a profound
impact on our lives. For me, such expectations changed forever
in my first week in Mr. Malcolm Villarrubia’s AP (Advanced
Placement) English class.
When I began my senior year at Jesuit High School in 1990, I
was a young man who had a passing knowledge about writing —
I had been composing poetry and short fiction for six years – but
little actual knowledge about what made writing great. Like most
adolescents, what I thought I knew, was — well — everything.
About everything!
I felt about many adults as Twain did about his father — they
knew nothing when I was fourteen and I was shocked to discover
at seventeen how much they had learned in three years!
In the first week of Mr. Villarrubia’s class, he assigned a nursery
rhyme for homework. We were to take it home, parse it, learn
its details, and leave it sprawling on the pin. By the next day, we
should understand both the market economics and the internal
loneliness inherent in “pigdom.”
Ever the clever lad, I wrote a response in which I argued that,
as readers, we could never be entirely sure of authorial intent.
Perhaps the pigs were involved in class warfare; perhaps the rhyme
was an indictment of laziness or entitlement ethics. How could we
know for sure? Any interpretation of those porcine actions would
be supposition, the absolute worst method of investigation.
I failed that assignment, but Mr. Villarrubia did not fail me.
Instead, he pushed me to dig more deeply and thoroughly into
literature than I ever had done before, to find the textual evidence
to support an original theory. He demanded critical thought and
work ethic and the responsibility of self-discipline, and he did so
with a guiding principle of academic excellence and with a helping
hand for the difficult season.
Those three demands — work ethic, critical thought, selfdiscipline — are what I consider today not just the three
38
JAYNotes
hallmarks of a Jesuit education, but the three qualities of a man.
Mr. Villarrubia aimed at the grand world of reading and
writing an arrow of intellectual curiosity that was bursting with
potential. More importantly, it was not the learning that the
successful teacher gave the student, but the love of learning —
that lifetime gift that cannot be replaced.
When I was hired by Jesuit 10 years after my graduation, I had
the great honor and pleasure of working with Malcolm Villarrubia
in the English department, the domain of a cast of characters (to
be sure) who are dedicated to making young men the best for the
world.
As the Jesuit faculty’s current director of professional
development, Malcolm is now largely removed from the classroom
(an unarguable loss to students). However, the English faculty
at Jesuit still holds its charges to Mr. Villarrubia’s standards —
responsibility, critical thought, work ethic.
I had many skilled and dedicated teachers during my five years
as a Blue Jay at Carrollton and Banks, several of whom are still in
the classroom five days a week.
But it is to Malcolm Villarrubia that I owe the greatest debt.
Every day, in my own classrooms, I try to pay it back.
R. Jefferson “Jeff” Wilson graduated from Jesuit
High School with the Class of 1991. He has a
B.A. in English from UNO. In 2001, Jeff joined
Jesuit’s English faculty and has served as a teacher
and, for five years, department chairman. He
currently teaches English I, English III (American
Literature), and a senior elective, Creative Writing.
He is the moderator of Calliope, the student literary
magazine of Jesuit High School.
Whenever Jeff eats pork chops, he is reminded of the “pig legacy” which Mr.
Villarrubia has generously distributed over the years to the hundreds of Blue
Jays in AP English classrooms.
Fall/Winter 2011-12
38
J E S U I T TO D A Y
A
Fond
Farewell
to Archbishop Philip Hannan (1913-2011)
Students and faculty, more than 1,400 in all, bid a final
farewell to Archbishop Philip Hannan, whose funeral
procession passed in front of Jesuit High School on the
afternoon of Wednesday, October 5. Blue Jays, along with
their teachers and school employees, lined the route of the
funeral procession for three long blocks, from Banks Street
to Canal Street.
Picture From the Past
Blue Jays solemnly bid Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel a
farewell salute as his funeral cortege passes in front of Jesuit
in this photograph captured in the 1965 Blue Jay Yearbook.
Click here to view the full coverage of Archbishop Hannan’s
funeral procession.
Archbishop Rummel’s funeral
November 1964
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Continued from Page 23
was vehement opposition to the one-classonly proposal from the principals of 3A
schools for the obvious reason that those
two schools would have no place to go but
3A if they chose to play-up.
Varnado did not support this new
proposal at the January 2012 convention.
However, I picked up the support of
Wesley Watts, who is the principal of
Zachary High School in Baton Rouge.
When the proposal came up, I once again
made my pitch. Then I waited. It would
be another close call. When the votes
were tallied, 158 principals voted for the
proposal while 125 opposed it.
It was a good day. I extend my thanks
to those 158 principals who supported
the proposal. I also thank the Jesuit
community and other school communities
that were encouraging and supportive
throughout this arduous multi-year
process. Thanks to all.
AMDG
—Mike Giambelluca ’82
Fall/Winter 2011-12
39
C L ASS O F 2 0 1 2 S C H O L ARS
C
Class of 2012
PRODUCES 32 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS, ONE NATIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT SEMIFINALIST, AND FOUR NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS
The National Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC) recognized
32 seniors from Jesuit High
School’s Class of 2012 as
semifinalists in the annual Merit
Scholarship Competition.
Additionally, one senior was recognized
as a National Achievement Program
semifinalist and four seniors were named
National Hispanic Scholars. Fourteen
other senior Blue Jays were recognized as
Commended scholars.
No other high school in Louisiana has
as many National Merit Semifinalists as
Jesuit, which also ranks in the top tier of
40
JAYNotes
Catholic secondary schools in the United
States, according to data provided by the
NMSC.
The faculty and administration of Jesuit
High School extend their congratulations
to these Blue Jays on their significant
academic achievements.
Front row from left: Todd Jacquet
(National Achievement Semifinalist),
James Puente (National Hispanic Scholar),
Matthew Anjier, Evan Arceneaux, Andrew
Barrett, Taylor Billings, Jason Britsch,
Zachary Carmello
Second row from left: Michael Ceraso,
Blake Cookmeyer, Christian Debuys, Keith
Delaune, Brennan Dorsey, Darcy Guo
Third row from left: Adam Haydel,
Christopher Hazlaris, Alexander Hebert,
Nicholas Hourguettes*, Dylan Kennedy,
Mark Madura
Fourth row from left: Jonathan Nguyen,
Jacob Pritt, Jeffery Sanches, Jr.*, Alexander
Sherry, Benjamin Sketchler
Back row from left: Travis Smith, Cristian
Soler, Collin Stansberry, Zachary Tosh,
Alexander Villarejos*, Stuart Wilson, and
Matthew Young
* Also a National Hispanic Scholar
Absent from photo: Adam Kehoe;
Javier Molina
J E S U I TATO
L UD
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MARK
YOUR
CALENDARS!
Commencement Luncheon
May 4, 2012
Blue Jays representing nine decades will gather at the
Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street to officially welcome the
Class of 2012 into the ranks of the Jesuit Alumni
Association. Hon. Mitch Landrieu ’78 is this year’s
featured speaker. Sign up on the Event Registration page of
Jesuit’s web site.
Jesuit Fishing Rodeo
June 23, 2012
Jesuit fishermen will roam the lakes, marshes, and Gulf in
search of first place trophy fish during the 20th Annual
Fishing Rodeo, which takes place Saturday, June 23. The
weigh-in will be in Jesuit’s Traditions Courtyard. Online
registration will open in April for alumni, students, parents,
and friends at jesuitnola.org/events. The cost is $35 per
adult and $20 for fishermen 18-years-old or younger. The
fee nets all fishermen an official Fishing Rodeo t-shirt,
all-you-can-eat lunch, plenty of door prizes, and trophies for
the winning catches. For more information, email
event chair Michael McMahon ’85 at
[email protected].
Summer Day Camps
Day Camp. The full six-week program runs from June 4 July 13. Before- and after-care is available. Experience all the
activities Summer Day Camp has to offer, such as field trips,
picnics, movies, tours, swimming, outdoor games, and more.
For more information, contact Troy Baglio at
486-6631 or email [email protected].
Jesuit is also offering Sports and Academic Camps,
including: baseball, basketball, football, hurdling, lacrosse,
soccer, wrestling, science, and study skills.
Information, fees, and registration forms for ALL Jesuit
Summer Camps are posted at jesuitnola.org.
Jesuit Class Reunions
Information about Class Reunions for graduation years
ending in “2” and “7” is posted online at jesuitnola.org/
alumni. Alumni are encouraged to sign up online on the
events registration homepage. Below are the dates for this
year’s class reunions:
1982 1952 1972
1997 1962
1992
April 20-21, 2012
May 5, 2012
May 11-12, 2012
May 11-12, 2012
May 18-19, 2012
May 18-19, 2012
1967 1987
2002
1977 2007 June 1-2, 2012
June 1-2, 2012
June 15, 2012
June 22-23, 2012
June 23, 2012
Boys ages 5-12 are encouraged to attend Jesuit’s Summer
Fall/Winter 2011-12
41
4133 Banks Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Parents of Alumni: If you are receiving your son’s copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the
magazine directly to him. Let us know if you enjoy reading Jaynotes. We will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. E-mail changes to: alumni@
jesuitnola.org.
Play Ball!
special Edition 2012
s • John Ryan Stadium Grand Opening
The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orlean
Be on the lookout for
a Special Edition of
JayNotes commemorating
the Grand Opening
Weekend of John Ryan
Stadium, the new
Home of the
Blue Jays.
Check out the festivities,
including photo galleries, of
John Ryan Stadium’s Grand
Opening on Jesuit’s web site
www.jesuitnola.org.