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The Jesuit Academy eighth grade class spent the day at Creighton University on Tuesday, January 28 as guests of the University’s EDGE program, which serves to provide Creighton students with a holistic approach to academic advising, the pursuit of advanced studies in graduate/professional school, and career planning. The Creighton EDGE program has teamed up with Jesuit Academy to provide Jesuit Academy students with insight into post-secondary education. Students participated in a range of activities during the campus visit. The day began with the students being greeted by staff members from the EDGE program and a tour of Creighton University’s Old Gym, home to the Athletic Department’s Academic Learning Center, weight room, athletic training room, and basketball practice courts. Lisa Chipps, Academic Coordinator for Creighton Athletics, gave the tour. Chipps spoke to Jesuit students about the balance students must find to be successful, what standards are expected of student-athletes, and stressed that every class a student takes counts. While on the tour of the Old Gym, Jesuit students also visited with Brad Schmidt, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. Following the tour of the Old Gym, Jesuit students traveled across campus to the Harper Center, where lunch was provided. Over lunch, students heard from Dr. Ed O’Connor, University Provost, and T.J. McDougal, Assistant Director of Admissions. Both individuals stressed that the work students complete now and into high school contributes to the total package that universities look at during the admissions process. Dr. O’Connor shared with the students that one of his favorite quotes is “Luck favors the prepared mind.” He asked that students reflect on how this applies to each of their lives. A visit to the Office of Multicultural Affairs followed lunch, where students heard from Creighton University men’s basketball student-athletes Will Artino and Mogboluwaga “Mo” Oginni, and Diversity & Inclusion Officer Len Gordy, whose time on campus is split between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the men’s basketball team. Artino, a junior Communications major, spoke to the students about taking care of business off the court so that business can be taken care of on the court. Realizing that basketball will end one day, Artino shared that he is doing what he needs to in order to prepare himself academically for life after basketball. The balance between studying, life, and practice takes a lot of work, but is worth it. Oginni is a Biology major focused on Pre-Medicine. He said that the balance comes down to time management and that if a student needs help, it is available. Oginni is attending Creighton on an academic scholarship through the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Both student-athletes also stressed the importance of giving back to the community that supports them. Gordy imparted to Jesuit students that there would be people in life who tell them what they can and cannot do, something he experienced as a young black man. The most important thing is for them to make up their minds about what they want to do and then make that happen. Excuses cannot be used if they wish to be successful. The staff at the Career Center then shared with Jesuit students the services offered to all students of Creighton related to identifying a satisfying career. Many times students do not realize the possibilities beyond careers people often think of, such as teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse. The Career Center serves to assist students throughout their entire academic career. Students then visited the Kiewit Fitness Center, Skutt Student Center, and toured a dorm room in Kiewit Hall. The students shared their surprise at the size of the dorm room and discussed what might happen between roommates of differing cleaning and living styles. The visit to Kiewit Hall was followed by a final stop in the Reinert Alumni Memorial Library, home of the Creighton EDGE program. Staff at the EDGE program greeted the Jesuit students with treats and wrapped up the day by sharing that they would be visiting Jesuit Academy soon to participate in some fun activities with the students. Jesuit Academy wishes to thank the Creighton University EDGE program for their continued support and for the academic partnership they have engaged in with Jesuit Academy. Pictures from the day can be viewed below.
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 Students are the reason that Jesuit Academy exists! We think it's important that you meet them and learn about the things Jesuit students are accomplishing in the classroom and in their communities. Look forward to a student feature each month.
This month, we introduce you to 7th grader Henry. For the past two summers, Henry has led tours of the Great Plains Black History Museum's exhibit of the Negro Baseball League. This exhibit was put on in conjunction with the College World Series. Henry first found out about the opportunity in 5th grade. Students across Omaha were asked to read the book Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball Leagues and then write a 500 word essay. Students were then interviewed, with only 12 students selected to be tour guides. Henry was the only student from a private school selected. Henry served as a tour guide in the summers prior to 6th and 7th grade. Henry likes everything about being a tour guide. The most famous person he has given a tour to is Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray. Should the exhibit return for another year, Henry will be back on the job and looking forward to your visit. Great job Henry! On Wednesday, January 22, Jesuit Academy students were recognized for their achievements during the 2nd Quarter/First Semester Awards Assembly. Awards were presented in all subjects across all grades, as well in areas such as Most Organized, Best Penmanship, Service to Others, Citizenship, Perfect Attendance, and Academic Honors. Second Quarter Men For Others Award Winners.
The highest honor given each quarter to a student in each of the grades is the Men For Others Award, which recognizes a student who has best exemplified the Jesuit mission. Students awarded with the Men For Others Award have their pictures displayed in the student commons area and are treated to lunch with Fr. Neitzke and Mr. Wharton. Congratulations to all of the award winners!  Time is a precious resource and one that always seems to be in short supply. Jesuit Academy is blessed to have a group of individuals serving seventh and eighth graders as mentors, contributing time each month to ensure the success of our students. In honor of January as National Mentor Month, it is our pleasure to introduce two of our mentoring pairs.
Jeff and 8th grader Freddy are in the first year of their match. Each month they meet over lunch at Jesuit to check in on Freddy’s academic progress and talk about some of Freddy’s interests, which include art and baseball. Jeff believes when young people recognize that people are interested in them and their success, students will respond accordingly. Freddy proves this to be true. He is excelling academically and is focused on his goals of attending college and becoming a police officer or entering the Army. Freddy values the help provided by Jeff in discussing his plans for his life after Jesuit. Seventh grader Jerome and mentor Tom are also in their first year together. Tom is committed to providing the time and support to a student, just as he received from his coaches, teachers, and family. Each month when Jerome and Tom meet, Tom asks Jerome to identify a few things in which he can challenge himself on. At their next meeting, they review what these challenges were, as well as what Jerome did to achieve success against these challenges. Tom and Jerome are also working on one and five year plans to map out what is needed to achieve Jerome’s goal of majoring in business in college. Jerome appreciates having another male figure in his life that is committed to helping him do what is right for his future. Both mentors believe that the opportunity to mentor a Jesuit Academy student is an extremely rewarding experience and that what a mentor shares with a student can have a positive impact long after that student has completed school. Thank you to Jeff, Tom, and all of the mentors supporting Jesuit Academy students! |
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