The Plank

Plank Article Lucas Rucker ’24

Review: Ted Lasso is full of talent and compelling story-telling

The dramatic comedy “Ted Lasso” aired its first episode on the streaming service Apple TV+ on Aug. 14, 2020, and the last episode of its 2nd season aired Oct. 8, 2021. The show was developed by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. 

In the show, an American Division II college football coach, Ted Lasso played by Jason Sudeikis, is hired to coach for a Premier League soccer team in Britain by its new owner Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham. Ted’s coaching abilities are underestimated by both the team and the country but he perseveres because of his undying optimism.

Plank Article Oliver Leinberger ’23

Review: Valorant offers an intense, competitive, and unique FPS experience

On June 2, 2020 “Valorant,” a competitive addition to PC gaming, hit the market. 

“Valorant,” released by Riot Games, is a first-person shooter multiplayer game that currently involves 16 different playable agents and seven unique maps each with their own unique features. Valorant, also known as “Valo,” is constantly releasing brand new exciting content, including new agents and maps that continue to draw current players closer to the game while simultaneously bringing new players to the fanbase. 

Plank Article Cole Beckman ’22 Oliver Leinberger ’23

Ms. Windi Mitchell Returns to Jesuit as a Theology and World Religions Teacher

Ms. Windi Mitchell is not new to the faculty at Jesuit High School Sacramento, she previously worked at Jesuit in 2017-2019 before returning to Jesuit for the 2021-22 school year. Ms. Mitchell has a lengthy history of working with Jesuit institutions as a coordinator for Service and Justice, a theology teacher, and a Jesuit volunteer. 

Plank Article Marcos Lopez ’23

Jesuit works to make freshman transition smooth despite COVID-19 challenges

Making the transition from middle school to high school has always been an integral part of a student’s growth. Jesuit High School Sacramento goes to great lengths to make this transition for freshmen as easy as possible. 

Coming off of a year that saw a global pandemic limit campus and community life, Dean LaRoddric Theodule is looking to improve and reinvigorate the campus, starting with the freshmen. Dean Theodule explains how the Freshman Retreat was an integral part of the freshmen’s development at Jesuit. 

Plank Article Matthew Herold ’22

Veterans Appreciation Club Gives Back to Vets in our Community

The Veterans Appreciation Club is one of the several new clubs this year at Jesuit High School Sacramento.

The club was founded by William Ruggles ’22 to focus attention on veterans in our community and to donate needed goods to local military hospitals. William was inspired to start a club focused on giving back to veterans because of his own family’s military history, which goes back several generations.

Plank Article Harley Sherman ’22 Kevin Mun ’22

Jesuit football beats Davis High School and Sheldon High School in the run up to playoffs

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity football team beat the Davis High School Blue Devils 41-15. This win gave Jesuit a record of 8-1 and brought their winning streak to eight. 

The team continued to command the field, particularly quarterback Trenton Dewar ’23, who threw for 147 yards. Another standout performance was running back and linebacker Tatum Pappas ’23 who rushed 92 yards, recorded five tackles, and scored a touchdown. By the end of the first half, the Marauders amassed a 35-0 lead. 

Plank Article Oliver Leinberger ’23

Jesuit technology team and buildings and grounds crews played a major role in stopping the floods

An intense storm brought power outages, flooding, and the cancellation of classes on Monday, Oct. 25 at Jesuit High School Sacramento. Through a lot of hard work and dedication from Jesuit’s Technology Office and our Buildings and Ground crews, the school was able to invite students back to campus the next day. 

Many staff members, one being Plant Manager Paul Speers, played a major role in stopping the floods and finding a way to turn the power back on. He explains what happened when the issue started and what they did to fix it. 

Plank Article Samuel Gosal ’22 Braden Acosta ’24

Ms. Hilary Ahl uses her expertise to help Jesuit students in the Academic Support Center

The newest addition to the Jesuit High School Sacramento Academic Support Center this year is Ms. Hilary Ahl, the new Assistant of the Academic Support Center. 

Before coming to Jesuit, Ms. Ahl had her own tutoring business where she helped students of all ages in math, science, and SAT prep. She found it very satisfying to see growth in students from not being well organized to finding a focus. 

Plank Article Oliver Leinberger ’23

Jesuit works to give students opportunities to build community

After being unable to fully come back to campus during the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19, students at Jesuit High School Sacramento returned this year to fully in-person activities with an eager desire to come together and grow the relationships they have formed in the Jesuit community. 

As students adjust to in-person learning and activities this school year, one of the most important aspects Jesuit has been focusing on is building community and coming together to form new relationships.

Plank Article Andrew Maulino ’24 Lucas Rucker ’24

The North American Martyrs embody the spirit of being a “Man for Others”

Oct. 19, marked the celebration of the Feast of the North American Martyrs. These patron saints of Jesuit High School Sacramento serve an important role in our community, to Jesuits, and to Catholics everywhere.

The group consists of eight saints: Saint René Goupil, Saint Isaac Jogues, Saint Jean de Lalande, Saint Antoine Daniel, Saint Jean de Brébeuf, Saint Noël Chabanel, Saint Charles Garnier, and Saint Gabriel Lalemant. These saints were all French Jesuits who died on a mission to North America in the 1600s. 

Jesuit gets back-to-back victories over Cosumnes Oaks and Elk Grove

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity football team beat the Cosumnes Oaks High School Wolfpack 41-6 at Jesuit High School, continuing a six-game winning streak and boasting a record of 6-1.

Jesuit started off with a touchdown in the first three minutes of the game. Only two minutes later, Jesuit scored again on a 70 yard rushing touchdown. By the end of the first half, the Marauders recorded two more touchdowns for a total of 28 points and were able to hold COHS to 6 points.

Plank Article Klarenz Basco ’22

Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month

Beginning in 1968, Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month is a month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the history, achievements, and culture of Hispanic people and the impact they have had on the culture of the United States. The month is celebrated each year beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. 

During the month, Latinx and Hispanic students and teachers from Jesuit High School Sacramento answered and explained what the month means to them, who some of their Latinx role models are, and why they believe it is important to celebrate the month. 

Plank Article Evan Mayers ’22

Kairos 151 initiates the Kairos season

Jesuit High School Sacramento seniors are currently preparing to take part in Kairos 151, a traditional spiritual retreat held multiple times throughout the school year. 

The goal of Kairos is to bring together the seniors in a continuation of building the Brotherhood while also allowing each student the opportunity to explore their own personal relationship with God. 

Plank Article Luke Kriss ’23

Review: Can Dune deliver a blockbuster…finally?

“Dune,” the upcoming $165 million blockbuster by Legendary Pictures, is based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 book of the same name. Released on October 22, 2021, and directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film includes actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, & Stellan Skarsgård.