Jesuit High School Portland

It was wonderful to see our alumni in the Bay Area over the weekend and hear about their wonderful work. As a bonus, we saw the Jesuit baseball team play at Santa Clara. The alumni gatherings are a great way to reconnect and form new friendships. Stay tuned for the regional gatherings scheduled this fall!

Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which marked the official beginning of our independent nation, we pray in thanksgiving for our country’s ideals and dreams of freedom. May the Lord guide us in pursuing those dreams in the way we walk together as a blessed people. As we look carefully and prayerfully at the future, we pray:

God our Creator and guide: May our country’s efforts aim at “restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples…cooperating generously for the common good.” (Excerpt from Pope Francis’ address to the United States Congress in 2015)

On this 4th of July, we wish you a wonderful holiday spent with family and friends. May God continue to bless our country.

Last week, a group of students led by Andrea Casey ’97 and Michele Gray served at L'Arche Tahoma Hope in Tacoma, Washington. The service immersion focused on learning about community life in L’Arche, which is a network of communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities live together. Our students got to know community members while working together on their organic farm, participating in recreational activities like karaoke and cooking, and learning about disability justice and different styles of communication!

Happy Golden Jubilee to Father Craig Boly, S.J., ’62! Fifty years ago today, cherished Jesuit High School alum, educator, and chaplain Father Craig Boly, S.J., ’62 was ordained into the Jesuit order. Inspired by the Jesuits' humility, he joined the order after graduating from Jesuit High School in 1962 and was ordained in 1974. Over the years, Fr. Boly taught and served in various schools and parishes in the Pacific Northwest before returning to his alma mater as chaplain in 2021.

“Fr. Boly has a wonderful gift of presence, and his gentle, pastoral demeanor and hopeful nature rooted in the Jesuits’ unique way of proceeding have been blessings to our school and the community,” says Jesuit High School President Thomas Arndorfer.

Congratulations, Fr. Boly! We are grateful for your dedicated service and the many gifts you bring to our school. Read more: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/father-craig-boly-sj-62-celebrates-golden-jubilee-50th-ordination-anniversary

Congratulations to Abby Cox ‘24, who was named Gatorade’s 2023-24 Oregon Soccer Player of the Year! The award celebrates the top high school athletes in the nation for their excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community. In her senior season, Abby scored 18 goals and had 17 assists. Abby plans to play soccer at Texas Christian University this fall. Way to go, Abby! Read more here: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/athletics/post/abby-cox-24-named-gatorade-oregon-girls-soccer-player-of-the-year

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, also known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day,” or “Emancipation Day.” On this day in 1865, news of emancipation finally reached Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in the United States. This historic moment represents freedom, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality. We honor this day by remembering the journey toward liberation, celebrating progress, and living out the tenets of the Graduate at Graduation by being committed to doing justice.

“O God, we know and have seen Your goodness, and because of it, we cling to the hope that unity and liberation for all are within our grasp. Continue to show us Your goodness, that we may have the strength to advance Your kingdom with humility and grace.” -Catholic Health Association

Summer service projects are in full swing! On the Urban Immersions this week, sophomores learned about houselessness in Portland, cleaned up trash around the city, and distributed hot meals, hygiene kits, socks, and other much needed supplies for those living on the streets. Further south, our group of students and adults at the Arizona/Mexico border with the Kino Border Initiative are learning about immigration and working closely with the rural communities near Nogales. Our Courts for Kids group is on day five of their service immersion in the Dominican Republic, where they are working with the local community to build a sports court. Follow on Instagram for pictures and updates on our students in the DR!

Congratulations to our 2024 Presidential Award Winners! These Jesuit High School community members were honored at Baccalaureate Mass on June 1 for their unwavering commitment to serving our school and their communities.

Age Quod Agis Award – Al Kato
St. Peter Canisius, S.J. Award – Fr. Craig Boly, S.J. ’62
Alumnus of the Year Award – Lisa Valera Boli ’95
Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Award – Tricia Heffernan

Read more about these outstanding individuals: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/jesuit-alums-and-community-members-honored-as-2024-presidential-award-winners

Congratulations to Dr. Lara Shamieh, who was named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars most influential teacher! This award is given by the U.S. Secretary of Education on behalf of President Biden. Dr. Shamieh was nominated for this honor by U.S. Presidential Scholar and Jesuit grad Stella Wang ’24, who chose Dr. Shamieh as the one teacher who has inspired her and contributed most to her success. Read more: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/dr-lara-shamieh-named-a-2024-us-presidential-scholars-most-influential-teacher

Congratulations to our Class of 2024 graduation award recipients! These grads were honored at our Commencement ceremony this past weekend for their outstanding contributions to our school and larger communities.

Valedictorian – Roshen Nair
Salutatorian – Surabhi Sharma
Senior Loyalty Awards – Mary Pearl Haney & Sabatino Stacchi
Fr. Henry Schultheis, S.J. Christian Commitment Award – Rory McWeeney
Jesuit Schools Network Awards – Angel Ruiz Lopez & Soleil Scott

Another big congratulations to our two faculty members who were recognized at Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday!

Educator of the Year – Director of College Advising Peter Johnson
Sandy Satterberg Award for Excellence in Ignatian Pedagogy – History teacher Paul Klausenburger

Read more about these awards: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/students-and-faculty-honored-during-graduation-weekend

Happy last day of school, J-High! We hope you have a relaxing, safe, and wonderful summer. We can’t wait to see you back on campus in the fall!

Thank you to our incredible alumni in Tucson and Phoenix for attending our regional gatherings! It was wonderful to see everyone and share exciting developments within our community. Your accomplishments are inspiring! We cherished the opportunity to reconnect. San Jose alumni: Our gathering will be mid-July. See you then!

Congratulations, Jesuit High School Class of 2024! Today’s commencement ceremony was buzzing with joy and excitement as we watched our seniors walk across the stage into the next phase of their lives. Every extraordinary graduate has made their mark as beacons of hope, people for others, classmates, teammates, and friends. They have made our school and their communities better, setting examples of love, friendship and leadership. Now, we get to watch these incredible new alums go forth and set the world on fire. We miss you already, Class of 2024! AMDG.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

At last night’s Baccalaureate Mass, we prayed together with our seniors and their families and reflected on the moments that brought the amazing Class of 2024 to this milestone weekend. We gave thanks to God for the gifts that this incredible class has brought to our school, and for the faculty and staff, family members, and peers who have been guiding lights throughout their journeys. We can’t wait to keep celebrating you today, Class of 2024! AMDG.

Congratulations to our men’s lacrosse team, who took home the state championship for the third year in a row tonight! They defeated Lakeridge 12-7 in the state title game tonight. Go Saders!

Congratulations to Coach Kirsten Ruchaber, who recently became the winningest women’s tennis coach in Oregon state history! Last Saturday, Coach Ruchaber coached Jesuit’s women’s tennis team to their 17th state title – a record-breaking 11 of which were won under her leadership. Read more: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/athletics/post/coach-kirsten-ruchaber-becomes-winningest-womens-tennis-coach-in-oregon-history-with-11th-state-title-victory

On May 17, five Jesuit students attended the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles. ISEF hosted nearly 2,000 high school students from 49 US states and almost 70 countries. Qualifying for ISEF is a huge accomplishment on its own, but three Jesuit students also took home awards in their categories! Congratulations to these incredible young scientists!

🥇Siddharth D'Costa ’25 and Arjun Malpani (student partner from Sunset High School) won first place in the Chemistry category for their project, “Synthesis and Characterization of Property-Optimized Ionic Liquid for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Discovered via Novel Deep Learning Model"

🥈Anay Aggarwal ’26 and Manu Isaacs ’26 won second place in the Mathematics category for their project, “An Elementary Method for Fast Modular Exponentiation With Factored Modulus"

“I’m so proud of all our science fair students, particularly those who made it to ISEF,” said Dr. Lara Shamieh, Jesuit’s Director of Student Science Research and biology teacher. “Their work is going to change the world for the better – they truly are women and men for and with others.”

Read about the research projects Jesuit students presented, their experiences at ISEF, and their future aspirations: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/jesuit-students-shine-at-international-science-and-engineering-fair-first-and-second-place-wins-for-innovative-projects-in-chemistry-and-mathematics

Today, we pray in gratitude for the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. We remember those in our families and communities, including our alums, who selflessly died in service of the protection of others and the advancement of freedom. They inspire us to live with kindness, courage, and the pursuit of a blessing of peace. May we carry their legacy as women and men for others, striving to make the world a better place for all.

“And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called. And be thankful.” (Col 3:15)

It’s been an exciting weekend for Jesuit tennis! Congratulations to both our men’s and women’s tennis teams and coaches for their incredible state championship wins!

Special shoutouts:

🎾 Carissa Gerung ‘24 placed second in state for women’s singles
🎾 Reif Larsen ‘24 placed third in state for men’s singles
🎾 Aaron Yan ‘24 and Tristan Hernandez ‘26 placed third in state for men’s doubles
🎾 Kate Paine ‘25 and Kitty Ayotte ‘25 placed fourth in state for women’s doubles

We couldn’t be more proud of our awesome tennis teams and coaches!!

Today the Class of 2024 had their Senior Liturgy with faculty and staff and then enjoyed lunch and lawn games. Another milestone this week: Receiving their "Jesuit Alumni" mugs from Alumni Director Kathy Baarts. You're on the home stretch, seniors!

Stella Wang ’24 was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Stella is one of just two students in Oregon to receive this exemplary recognition and is also a National Merit Scholarship winner. Congratulations, Stella, on this remarkable achievement! Read more here: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/stella-wang-named-us-presidential-scholar

Congratulations to our women’s lacrosse STATE CHAMPS! Tonight’s game was the perfect way to end this awesome season, with a final score of 12-9. Go Jesuit!!

Check out our amazing students as they shine in a range of activities, including drama, hockey, Model UN and more! We’re thrilled to highlight their outstanding achievements in a Super Sader Shoutout. Read more here: https://www.jesuitportland.org/our-community/news/news-details/~board/school-news/post/super-sader-shoutout-spring

Thank you to all who made Nashville Nights, our 54th annual Auction, a remarkable success! On May 4, over 500 guests, including parents, alumni, past parents, and friends of Jesuit, came together to support Jesuit. Combined with a hugely successful online auction, we raised over $1 million for our students, programs and school. We are continually astounded by the unique generosity of our community. THANK YOU!

Special thanks to our Auction Chairs – Traci Daskalos, Marisa O’Neill, Beth Sage, and Jessica Stalick – as well as all of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters who spent countless hours ensuring the success of Jesuit's biggest fundraising event. We couldn't do it without you!

Stop by the Spirit Store Sidewalk Sale this week! Get some great end-of-the-year deals on Jesuit tees, long sleeves, polos, and outerwear. Up to 30% off select items. Discount t-shirt bins from $5-$10. The Spirit Store is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 pm.

On May 9, we welcomed the Class of 2028 and their parents and guardians to our campus! Students were assigned to teams and participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt led by our student ambassadors and Admissions Director Erin DeKlotz, while parents and guardians met in the Moyer Theatre to hear from a panel of current students and parents about the JHS experience. It was a great day of getting to know our incoming families, and we can’t wait to see them on campus again in the fall!

Congratulations to men’s track and field for their combined state championship win!

On Wednesday, Brooke Gatto ’17 paid a visit to Elaine Kloser and the JHS Drama Club! Brooke is currently performing in the National Tour of Annie (which is at the Keller this week!). She shared her experiences with life on the road in professional theatre and did a Q&A with the students. Thank you, Brooke!

Some more photos from the golf state championship last night! Congratulations again to our men’s team state champions and to Kate Lee ’25 for her individual state championship win! Another big congrats to our women’s team, who placed third, for their amazing season! Thank you to our incredible men’s and women’s golf coaches, Matt Schulte, Scott Lakey, Michele Gray, and Laurie Wagner.

Congratulations to our men’s golf team for their phenomenal state championship win!!