Washington Jesuit Academy

The Washington Jesuit Academy’s Office of Student and Alumni Success is kicking off the college app journey with a bang! A group of our rising high school senior alums just wrapped up an intense bootcamp to jumpstart the college application process. From refining personal statements to mastering interview skills, they’re more prepared than ever. But that’s not all—this week, they also visited Salisbury University and UMD/Eastern Shore to get a real feel for campus life and start envisioning their future. The excitement is real, and the possibilities are endless!

We're busy getting everything prepped and polished for the return of admin, faculty and students…and the excitement is building! From freshly painted walls to new classroom setups, every corner of our school is being spruced up.

We can’t wait to see smiles and hear the halls filled with laughter and learning again.

Saturday was a beautiful day for the 19th annual Salty Dog Classic at the Salt Pond Golf Club in Bethany Beach, DE. Huge thanks to Billy Gerrish and the Gerrish family for hosting this fantastic annual event that supports student scholarships at WJA. We know everyone had a wonderful time on the links for a great cause. Thank you!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bill Belichick Foundation for supporting the Washington Jesuit Academy! WJA is honored to be one of the 25 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a $10,000 grant from the Bill Belichick Foundation. This generous contribution will help us strengthen and expand our athletics programming. We are proud to partner with the Bill Belichick Foundation in fostering a love of sports and teambuilding among our students.

Read the full press release here: https://billbelichickfoundation.org/the-bill-belichick-foundation-distributes-350000-in-scholarships-and-grants-and-announces-winners-of-the-2024-stx-lacrosse-equipment-grant/

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, who dedicated his life to the service of others through education and spiritual growth. His vision emphasized the principles of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and striving for the greater glory of God (AMDG - Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).

At our core, WJA believes in nurturing every aspect of an individual—intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. This holistic approach to education helps shape leaders who are compassionate, thoughtful, and driven to make a positive impact on the world for the greater glory of God.

Holly from recently visited campus this summer. Hero Dogs Inc improves the quality of life of our nation’s heroes and enhances the services of community organizations. Service and Therapy dogs play an important role in Social & Emotional Learning by helping students build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community. Dogs like Holly can have a pawsitive impact on emotional well-being and academic success!

Thank you to Mrs. Kuhn for sharing Holly with WJA!

WJA Swim Club stays cool on one of the hottest days of the year!

The WJA Swim Club equips 4th-8th graders with the life-long, life-saving, life-enriching skill of swimming, growing their knowledge and love of the water.

Swimming is the only sport that can save a life. And yet, 79 percent of children in families with a household income of less than $50,000 have no or low swimming ability (USA Swimming Foundation).

Many thanks to the Alisbah/Bossung family for establishing, hosting and fully funding the WJA Swim Club.

Daniel Mebrahtu, a member of the WJA Class of 2021 and a rising senior at Gonzaga, spent four weeks this summer participating in The School of Public Service (SPS) program. This coeducational program is designed for rising high school seniors with strong academic backgrounds and a demonstrated interest in government, public policy, and public service. Daniel joined approximately 45 peers from around the world in Washington, D.C., engaging with Supreme Court justices, members of Congress, and tackling current public policy issues. The program emphasizes diverse perspectives, aiming to foster an environment where students can excel academically and contribute positively to the SPS community. During this intensive program, Daniel improved his public-speaking and critical-thinking skills while exploring potential college and career paths in public service.

Franklin During, WJA Class of 2020, participated in this program last summer and returned this summer as counselor. Franklin just graduated from DeMatha Catholic Highschool as a Principal’s List student and one of the top 10 track and field athletes in Maryland. Franklin is heading to Dickinson College in the fall.

Happy 4th of July from WJA! We hope your day is filled with great moments with family and friends. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Time is running out - today is the final day to give to WJA’s 24 in ’24 campaign! The gift you make to WJA today will have a profound impact on our students’ lives and leave a legacy for generations to come. WJA is establishing a cycle of hope, resilience, and strength in our students in these ways:

#22. Leadership skills development 🔑
#23. A legacy of brotherhood ♾️
#24. Celebration of our students’ growth, hard work, and transformation at 8th Grade Graduation 🎓

There is still time to help our students achieve excellence before our fiscal year ends at midnight – all of the ways to give can be found at the link below!

https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

#24/7

At WJA, we know that it is essential for every student to have the specific skills and resources they need to be successful today and in the future. Here are some of the critical ways WJA supports our students #24/7:

#19. Tuition-free private education 📖
#20. Cultural exchange & immersion opportunities 🗺️
#21. Meaningful connections & community engagement 🔗

Less than 48 hours remain in our fiscal year, and there are so many ways to give to WJA – follow the link below and donate today!

https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

#24/7

Our students form lifelong bonds with one another and consider WJA a family. We work closely with each student to identify their needs, develop personalized plans, and provide multiple layers of care. Here are some of the essential ways WJA supports our student’s growth:

#16. Social & Emotional Learning 🌱

#17. Certified school counselors providing Individual and small group counseling 🫶

#18.1:1 Parent/teacher consultation on navigating students’ needs, goals, and achievements 🧭

Help WJA be more than just a school for our students and alumni - donate today at the link below:

🔗https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

#24/7

At WJA, lessons go far beyond the classroom – our teachers educate, nurture, and guide our students “from 4th grade through a lifetime.” When you make a gift to WJA’s 24 in ’24 campaign, you are helping provide students with:

#13. Talented, committed teachers 🎓
#14. Individualized study plans & tutoring services 📚
#15. Spiritual retreats & formation classes 🙏

Just one week remains in our fiscal year – donate to WJA’s 24 in ’24 campaign at the link below!

https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

#24/7

WJA is blessed to have so many supportive and dedicated friends within the community. We are pleased to introduce George Kappaz, a longtime student sponsor. He and so many others provide mentorship, guidance, and serve as role models for WJA’s deserving young men. Student sponsors help WJA provide our students with:

#10. Advanced technology & resources for modern learning 🖥️
#11. Hands-on learning opportunities 🔬
#12. Special presentations & guest speakers 🎤

Join amazing supporters like George in making a difference and help us reach our goal of raising $24,000 by June 30! Donate today at the link below!

https://www.wjacademy.org/donate-online

#24/7

Today, we commemorate the emancipation of the last African Americans who were enslaved in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. This day is a powerful reminder of the journey towards freedom and equality.

Let us honor the culture and contributions of African Americans throughout history and today. Together, we stand united for justice and equality.

We have an important update on WJA’s 24 in ’24 campaign!
Plus, here are even more ways we support our students #24/7:

#7. 3 recess periods ⚽️
#8. Exciting field trips that expand horizons 🚌
#9. Diverse clubs & activities that foster creativity🎨

Help WJA empower our students...click the link below to donate to 24 in ‘24 today!
https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

Dancing into the start of our new school year with the Summer Enrichment Program—three months ahead of other schools starting in the fall!

Today, we celebrate the strength, love, and dedication of fathers who inspire us every day. Whether you're a father, stepfather, grandfather, or a father figure, your role in shaping lives and nurturing dreams is invaluable.

Meet Kevin Winston, Jr., a proud WJA Class of 2018 alumni and projected first round pick in next year’s NFL draft! Kevin’s journey to success was fueled in part by the incredible support he received at WJA, which included:

#4. Rigorous curriculum & challenging coursework 📖
#5. Help with navigating high school & college process 🚀
#6. Emphasis on health & wellbeing through athletics 🏈

Help support WJA students reach their full potential like Kevin...click the link below to donate to 24 in ‘24 today!

https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

#24/7

Join us in celebrating WJA’s Class of 2024 by helping us reach our goal of raising $24,000 by June 30!

To inspire you, we will be sharing 24 ways WJA cares for our students. Introducing the first three ways:

🍎 Three nutritious meals a day
🏫 Nurturing learning environment with small class sizes
📚 Extended-day and extended-year schedules help students stay academically focused

These are just a few of the reasons WJA works so well for our students – follow our campaign from now until June 30 to see more of the ways we are committed to supporting our students and alumni #24/7 – and give your support at the link below today!

https://www.wjacademy.org/donateonline

Congratulations to the Class of 2024, who join a distinguished group of over 400 WJA alumni and Men for Others. We are so proud.

Many thanks to our graduation speaker Kendrick Ashton for delivering an inspiring message and WJA alum Josh Blair (C/O 2019) for giving the Benediction. Thank you families, teachers, faculty, alumni, sponsors, benefactors and friends for supporting the education and futures of these bright young men.

Last week, we welcomed 6th - 8th graders from the Washington School for Girls to participate in a Math Bee with our students. Mr. Boland (6th and 8th grade math teacher) hosted the bee and presented math problems of varying difficulty as students competed within their grade level. We are always eager and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with WSG as we both seek to enrich our students' education experience.

Cura personalis means care for the mind, b o d y, and soul | Proud of our track team who competed in a CYO meet this past weekend - and all of our students who participated in athletics this year, pushing themselves to the next level in the classroom, spiritually, and physically.

📸: Mr. Jones

Many thanks to everyone who joined us for our 2024 Pickleball Tournament! We are incredibly grateful to our Co-Chairs, Kim Browne and Melissa Sullivan Greissing for organizing this event, Congressional Country Club for hosting us, and each of those who sponsored this evening.

Congratulations to our tournament WINNERS!
Erne (Intermediate): John Kinzer and Mike Higgins
3rd Shot Drop (Advance): John Huffstetler and Michael Scherer
Around the Post (Beginner): Aaron Weeter and Grant Weeter

Thank you ALL for joining us for an evening of pickleball and to learn more about the Washington Jesuit Academy. We hope you will join us again next time (or visit our campus on Varnum Street)!

to Jadon (Grade 7) winning the Caleb Cares Hero Award for the month of April! Jadon is kind and respectful to everyone he encounters and sets the perfect example of how to treat others the way you wish to be treated. Proud of this and thankful to and for their continued support!

Today is the day to - Give where you live and invest in organizations that are making your community a better place! ANYONE can give to this 24-hour movement that celebrates the work of nonprofits and encourages investment in them. As WJA continues to serve and impact the most deserving students in the Washington, DC region, we encourage you to make a gift today.

Visit the link in our bio to make a gift and enjoy these photos of other great nonprofits that WJA partners with!