Jesuit Academy Celebrates Catholic Schools Week

Jesuit Academy participated in the 40th annual National Catholic Schools Week January 27-31 to celebrate Catholic education. The theme for the week was “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

Throughout the week, students participated in activities ranging from community service events to an all-school field trip. On Tuesday, Jesuit 8th grade students visited Creighton University 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.  Also on Tuesday, Jesuit 7th grade students visited the Heart Ministry Center to assist with organizing the food pantry.

In place of Wednesday’s prayer service, the 7th grade class performed a play entitled “The Life of St. Ignatius,” written by Damian Torres-Botello, nSJ, a novice currently working at Creighton University.  Dan Kennedy, nSJ, directed the students.   Mr. Kennedy is a novice currently working at Jesuit Academy.  The play was enjoyed by the entire school and presented the story of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits. 

On Thursday, Jesuit 8th graders attended Mass at St. Cecilia Cathedral, alongside 1,200 other 8th grade Catholic students from around the city.  Archbishop George Lucas celebrated the Mass. 

The Jesuit Academy Spelling Bee took place Thursday afternoon, with both a team and individual winner. Two teams of five students, one from each grade, competed against one another in a competition facilitated by 7th grade teacher Mr. Franklin and 8th grade teacher Mr. Lindley.  The Sharks and Tigers went head-to-head, with the Tigers being named the team winner, reaching 25 correctly spelled words before the Sharks.  The individual honors went to 6th grader Carl.

Friday morning the 4th graders and all new students participated in dental exams provided by the team of Dr. Hoover, Dr. Hoover, and Nancy.  Students were treated to goodie bags of floss, toothpaste, and a toothbrush following their visit.  The 4th graders then received a pizza party lunch for winning the week-long competition of collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste for the Heart Ministry Center.  The class collected nearly 200 items. 

On Friday afternoon, nearly all of the students and staff celebrated the week by going bowling.  Taking over almost half the bowling alley, students were divided into teams, with an 8th grader student serving as captain on each lane.  Several students proved to be pretty strong bowlers, with a competition ensuing between some of the staff and several 8th graders.  Everyone enjoyed almost two hours of bowling before returning back to school for dismissal. 

Please enjoy the pictures below highlighting Jesuit Academy and Catholic Schools Week.