Fall 2022 Landmark

TRIUMPHS and TRANSITIONS

For Everything There is a Season….

Ecclesiastes 3:1

At Loyola, as the seasons change, we always prepare ourselves for some inevitable transition. Graduation is a good example. Once again, in mid-May, we gathered at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament to watch another joyful group of young men receive their diplomas and begin their transition to life after Loyola.

But in the last school year, we witnessed other transitions, too. In this issue, you’ll read about the retirement of our wonderful Spanish teacher and debate coach, Mrs. Kathy Gross-Jacek. There’s another feature on the reassignment of two of our “God Squad” members, Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, and Jack McLinden, SJ. Even Landmark itself continues to transition.

We’ve added a new opening letter from our principal, Wyatt Jones III, `98. We’ve also included a new section called “Teacher Spotlight” that will appear in each issue and focus on a member of our outstanding faculty. My hope in adding these features is to bring you as close as possible to the daily goings-on of the school to help you experience the wonderful environment in which we work and the wonderful people who work here.

As for triumphs, we were blessed to have an abundance of them last school year. So much goes on at Loyola season after season that it’s often difficult to decide what to leave in and what to leave out of the publication. I believe, though, that we’ve managed to capture most of the news that makes Loyola the amazing school it is.

Individual accomplishments. Team achievements. New friends join. Old friends depart. Big victories. Small miracles. Triumphs and transitions. Read all about it. Welcome to the latest edition of Landmark.

Roger Jankowski Director, Marketing & Communications

In Christ,

Board of Directors 2021-2022

Kathleen (Katie) Morgan Adams

Charles Angell

J. Michael Bernard (Board Chair) W. C. Connelly

Lord Byran DeGraffenreid

Rev. R.J. Fichtinger, SJ

Kevin Hand

Dr. Mable Jones, Ph.D.

Dr. Cheryl Delaney Kreger, Ed.D. Bruce McDonald ’00

Christina McKenna

Cathy McNamara (Chair Emeritus)

Rev. Theodore Munz, SJ

Rev. William Murphy, SJ

Dr. Ben Pogodzinski, Ph.D.

Tom Pyden

Terry Rhadigan

Hon. Michael J. Riordan

Barbara Runyon

David R. Smith

Terence Thomas Michael Tyson

President David R. Smith

Principal Wyatt L. Jones, III ‘98

Dean of Students

Michael Black ‘01

Director of Advancement

William R. McGrail

Director, Finance & Operations

Therese Marz

Director, Marketing & Communications

Roger Jankowski

Dear Friends of Loyola,

One of the less well-known traditions at Loyola occurs the week after our latest class of Bulldogs graduates at the Cathedral.

The remainder of our students are still in the building, finishing their studies for the year. The hallways are less crowded, and the familiar faces and voices of our seniors are suddenly not there. The schedule is still the same, but the school immediately feels different.

On the final Friday before exams, the remaining juniors, sophomores, and freshmen take their regular seats for Morning Prayer, but the “senior section” on the far right is empty. Everyone notices, but no one mentions it.

After our usual Scripture reflection and group prayer, Principal Jones comes to the podium and invites the juniors to stand up and “move over” to the senior section. They are congratulated and given a blessing. The sophomores are then asked to “move over” and be recognized and blessed as upperclassmen. In turn, the freshmen are congratulated on completing their first year and directed to “move over” to the sophomore set of bleachers for their blessing.

Suddenly, everyone’s attention falls on the “empty” section now on the far left. At this point, all students and staff stand to bless this vacant section where our new freshmen will soon be seated. True to our school “vision,” we pray for these “exceptional sons” who will soon join the “joyful brotherhood” of Loyola and grow to become a “powerful legacy.”

I love this tradition as it marks the “triumph” of the completed school year…but it also signals the “transition” to the new school year to come. Thanks to all the members of our Loyola family for being part of the "triumphs and transitions" captured in this edition of Landmark.

Dave R. Smith President

Men for Others.

AMDG,

Letter from David R. Smith, President

Dear Loyola Community,

As I reflect on the past year, I can only thank God for the Loyola faculty and staff members for their flexibility and responsiveness. Returning from remote learning presented unforeseen challenges that no one was prepared for. The social-emotional impact, along with the integration to full academic days, forced us as an institution to rethink education. Loyola High School has always prided itself on meeting the needs of students academically, physically, and most importantly, spiritually. However, there were plenty of days when a student or staff member's mental health was a priority and instruction took a back seat.

Our ability to pivot through these unprecedented times is a tribute to the tenacity and commitment of all our stakeholders. Many members of our community experienced some significant personal loss due to illness or violence. As a community, we corporately prayed for one another, and it is in the spirit that we were able to make it through.

We experienced other transitions, too.

Our most tenured and beloved teacher, Mrs. Kathryn Gross-Jacek, retired after 25 years of exceptional service to the young men of Loyola. Her impact and contributions are unmatched.

As a senior in high school, I can vividly remember this small Caucasian woman walking into my classroom. At first glance, I was sure she wouldn't last long. Boy, was I wrong! She commanded the room with grace and assertiveness. She earned our respect, but also our hearts.

As a colleague, she taught me the importance of service, or as the Prayer for Generosity states, "to give and not to count the cost." Selflessly she gave her all, day after day, even when people didn't appreciate her. It was never done with the intent of receiving recognition. Loyola will never be able to replace Mrs. Kathryn Gross-Jacek, but her legacy lives on through the five alums who currently work here whom she taught, plus so many other alumni who continue to contact her just to stay in touch.

Transition is difficult, it is the unknown that creates anxiety. I am learning to be fully present and accept change as an opportunity for growth. As we embark on a new school year, I am optimistic that God resides in the hallways and the hearts of the individuals here at Loyola. Because of that, I know this will indeed be a fantastic year!

Sincerely,

Jones III,`98 Principal

Men for Detroit.

Wyatt

Life at Loyola

We keep day-to-day life engaging, informative, enlightening, and downright interesting for our Loyola High School students. Here are a few of the unique and exciting activities and events our young men experienced.

Traveling Art Show Features

Black Catholic Heroes

From Feb. 22 to March 11, Loyola’s Prayer Room was home to the Black Catholic Ministries’ Traveling Art Show. This traveling art display showcased depictions of Black Catholic heroes such as candidate for sainthood Sr. Thea Bowman, legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, the late basketball star Kobe Bryant, and many others. They were painted by 12 artists from the College of Creative Studies. The exhibit was part of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s efforts to promote art featuring minority figures and culture, while also prompting conversations about greater inclusion within the Church.

Meeting with FBI Director

Our students often attend events held at the Detroit Economic Club as part of the Club’s excellent “Student Program.” These events provide an unparalleled experience for our young men to engage in thoughtful discussion with today’s local and national leaders and DEC members. Such was the case when student members of Loyola High School’s Leadership Council had the opportunity to hear distinguished guest Mr. Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Director Wray thoroughly engaged the audience by speaking on the subject of “Accomplishing the Mission: Bringing New Partners to the Fight to Counter Evolving Threats.” Afterwards, our young scholars were thrilled to be able to pose with Director Wray for a group photo to commemorate this memorable occasion.

Happy Birthday Boxes

Thanks to a grant from the Michigan Community Service Commission, students and staff at Loyola helped ensure that a special group of kids had the kind of “Happy Birthday” that every child deserves. Partnering with Latino Family Services and Wolverine Human Services, our young men created and delivered special birthday boxes and bags for children living in foster care and those who are in vulnerable families. Each colorful bag contained a personal birthday card, cake mix, frosting, decorations, gifts, and prizes for the children to make it easier for their families to celebrate their special day.

Budding Scientists

Loyola juniors were hard at work in Mr. Geoghegan’s chemistry class learning about the history and development of atomic theory and partaking in a lab on solubility, conductivity, and flame tests. Using the flame, students tested a series of known solutions for the color they produced then based upon those results, they determined the cation in four unknown solutions.

A Celebration of Color and Spirit

The power of art continues to educate and inspire Loyola High School students. In just one example focusing on world cultures, students designed and created individual art tiles on the back of Mrs. Kathy Gross-Jacek's classroom. The purpose of the project was to depict how color gives life to words. Specific words such as courage, love, faith, strength, compassion, and more appear in multiple languages, including Korean, Swahili, Chinese, Ukrainian, Albanian, English, Spanish, French, German, and others. When taken as a whole, these individual “word tiles” form an inspiring mosaic that “speaks” to the viewing audience.

Honor Roll Students Enjoy Pistons Field

Trip

Loyola’s first quarter Honor Roll students were rewarded with a field trip to watch the Pistons' minor league affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, in their inaugural home opener against Sioux Falls at Wayne State University. While there, our students had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Frank Garza, the father of Luke Garza, Pistons rookie, who was also the national college “Player of the Year” in 2020-21. Mr. Garza discussed the value of hard work and commitment with our students. It was an exciting day for our young men - one filled with sports and life lessons that will serve them well in their academic careers and beyond.

Cooking Up Christmas Spirit

It's a Loyola High School tradition for our faculty and staff to make a Christmas breakfast for students, and our wonderful team showed up in record numbers! The culinary crew flipped French toast, made waffles, cooked sausage, cut fresh fruit, and more. Students joined in the Christmas spirit by wearing holiday pajamas and donning ugly Christmas sweaters as part of the celebration. It was a heartwarming way to send our students off to celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends.

The VIP “Moms” Breakfast

In May, just before Mother’s Day, we revived a Loyola tradition: Breakfast for Loyola moms. But this time around, we expanded it to include moms and other very important women in our young men’s lives. Everybody loved it. The breakfast was catered, our students made special cards, and they presented each mom and VIP with a flower. Attached to the flower was a card that featured the poem, “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. After breakfast, the ladies joined Loyola students, faculty, and staff at Morning Prayer, which was led by our chemistry teacher, Mr. Dan Geoghegan. For his readings, he aptly chose scripture that focused on the importance of women in our lives. It was truly a lovely way to start the day.

Serving the Greater Good

On Global Youth Service Day, all Loyola students spent their science class period outside in a clean-up effort that was both educational for them and beneficial to our community. Our young men learned about the harm that garbage wreaks on our environment, particularly through the contamination of our water system, as well as how it adversely impacts the human population by resulting in diseases ranging from asthma to cardiovascular disease. They finished the day by clearing out our Community Vegetable Garden and planting vegetables for our neighbors to enjoy come summer.

Experience Leads to Increased Empathy

In another Global Youth Service Day initiative, Loyola senior Darnyl Copeland created an impactful project titled “Understanding Through Experience.” With the help of his Loyola classmates and aided by select props, students gained a greater understanding of what it’s like to live with disabilities such as visual impairment, physical impairments, hearing disabilities, dyslexia, and others. The events culminated in a “March for Respect” through the school’s surrounding neighborhood, promoting anti-bullying, anti-violence, and respecting others. Darnyl received a Hershey's “Heartwarming Young Hero” grant in support of his empathic idea, as well as additional support from World Medical Relief.

Reenacting Powerful Civil Rights Moments

At Loyola High School, we celebrated Black History Month throughout February, closing strong with a powerful re-enactment of some of American history's most riveting moments. Students were divided into five groups and were shown a historical picture of a Civil Rights incident or event. Their assignment: to recreate that moment and photograph it to better understand what their ancestors experienced while fighting for their rights. The effect on our young men was dramatic, compelling, and palpable.

Participating in the “Mass for Commerce”

At the end of October, our choir was blessed to be asked to perform at the 28th annual “Mass for Commerce” at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Loyola High School’s choir was joined by the choir from Regina High School. Together, these talented students provided music during the liturgy. In addition, Loyola High School President Dave Smith served as lector for the Mass. President Smith, our young men, and additional Loyola staff in attendance then mingled with colleagues and friends at the breakfast that followed. The “Mass for Commerce” brings together business professionals from across metro Detroit who seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and their Catholic faith in their personal and commercial dealings.

French Toast Farewell for Seniors

In celebration of our seniors’ last week of school, Annie Scheriff, the talented chef for the Jesuits living at Detroit Mercy, cooked a delicious breakfast for the guys. She whipped up a feast that included fantastic French toast, scrumptious sausages, fresh juice, and smiling faces afterwards. Annie is a dear friend and huge supporter of Loyola. We thank her for 10 years of love and support and for sharing her ministry of cooking with the Loyola Community.

A Scholarly Tradition

Each year, in the course of our rigorous 360-degree educational experience, a number of young Loyola scholars distinguish themselves with extraordinary academic achievement that qualifies them for membership in the National Honor Society (NHS). In May, 23 new members were welcomed to the NHS with the traditional candlelight induction ceremony held in the gymnasium. Presided over by President Dave Smith and Dean of Student Formation Michael Black, `01, the inductees were joined by cheering faculty, proud families, and beaming friends.

Breakfast of Champions

A full house was on hand the morning of April 27 to attend the Loyola Work Experience Program “Partner Appreciation Breakfast” at the beautiful Detroit Golf Club. Special thanks to Cathy and Norm Schmitt for hosting the event, and kudos to Program Director Kenneth Gardner for putting it all together so well. Student-workers joined their corporate partners at each table and Loyola administrators were there to help make everyone feel welcome. In addition to enjoying a scrumptious breakfast, guests were presented with a special gift, took part in an awards presentation, heard some heartfelt speeches about how rewarding this program is for our partners, and then closed the morning with some celebratory selfies. A great time was had by all. Nice - ahem - work, Mr. Work Experience Director!

Welcome to Our Community

Chris Avila

Chris Avila joined our development team in 2021 as a Development Associate focusing on the area of grant writing. His responsibilities include identifying potential grant opportunities from large foundations and other organizations, then overseeing the application process through completion. Chris immediately demonstrated his “team spirit” by signing on as the assistant coach of Loyola’s baseball team when he arrived at the school. A native Detroiter, Chris is a big fan of all our Detroit sports teams. He is passionate about the overall future of the city. Chris is a graduate of Detroit Cristo Rey High School, as well as Paul Quinn College in Dallas, where he studied business administration with a focus on fundraising and philanthropy.

Michael Reid-Collier, `11

Michael Reid-Collier is a proud alumnus of Loyola, graduating as 2011’s Valedictorian. He joins us now as Loyola’s first paraprofessional. In this capacity, he offers extra assistance to students in need. Additionally, Michael oversees Loyola’s after school academic seminar. After graduating from high school, Michael completed his bachelor of criminal law at Michigan State University, then continued his studies and earned his master’s degree in criminal law. Before joining Loyola, Michael worked as the manager of the Juvenile Justice Department at Methodist Children Home, and he also worked at Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services as a youth worker supervisor. Michael enjoys playing chess and is also an avid video game player.

Roderick Holyfield

Roderick Holyfield returns to Loyola as our evening security officer. This assignment marks his third engagement with Loyola. He originally started in 2009 as our director of security, a position he held for seven years. He later returned briefly to work as an assistant in the Loyola Work Experience Program before re-joining us in January 2022 in his current position. Considered to be the “grandfather” of Loyola, Mr. Holyfield keeps a close watch over our building as well as our young men. Known as “Pops” to current students and scores of alumni, Mr. Holyfield serves as a valued mentor to our young men and the Loyola brotherhood at large. When he’s not at Loyola, he cherishes his time spent with all 14 of his beloved grandchildren (11 boys and three girls), as well as his great-grandson.

Patrick Lawless

Patrick Lawless joined Loyola in February as our Title 1 Intervention Teacher for English Language Arts. In this capacity, Patrick provides individualized support to eligible students who need it. He began his teaching career in visual arts 10 years ago. During his internship at Western Michigan University, he began tutoring several of his art students in their other classes after seeing these highly creative, intelligent individuals struggling to connect with core content. After his first year as an art teacher at Galesburg-Augusta High School in west Michigan, he also took over a program that helped support students’ diverse learning needs. Since returning home to metro Detroit in 2017, he has served in schools all over Detroit and the suburbs as a teacher, coach, and mentor for students. He believes that Loyola has set a standard for producing successful young men, and as stewards of the community. He is excited to be a part of our mission.

Ricky Gerald Bell

Ricky Bell joins Loyola as our new math teacher, educating our young men in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. A lifelong Detroiter, Ricky graduated from Edwin Denby High School in Detroit, then earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Wayne State University. He also earned a master’s degree in economics from Wayne State University. Ricky is a resident of Midtown Detroit and is a big fan of the University of Michigan basketball and football teams, as well as all four of Detroit’s professional sports teams. Ricky likes to travel, attend jazz concerts and poetry events, and visit the different museums located in Midtown Detroit.

Edward Glass

Edward Glass joined Loyola’s faculty as an English teacher in 2022. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and holds a B.A. in integrated marketing communications, as well as a master’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. He earned his teaching credentials from the College of Education at Saginaw Valley State University. Edward began his career in the corporate world working in a myriad of fields, from marketing and communications to sales and public relations. He is elated to join the faculty at Loyola as it represents the continuation and evolution of one of his core passions: To be a part of a community that makes a difference, while making a difference within his community.

MISSION STATEMENT

Loyola High School of Detroit, a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition, nurtures a culture of hope and academic success for young men challenged by an urban environment and prepares them to be men of Christian love, justice, and service who act with integrity, compassion, and courage.

MRS. KATHY GROSS-JACEK

Kathryn “Kathy” Gross-Jacek has taught just about every graduate of Loyola High School since 1997. She taught the school’s current principal, assistant principal, admissions director, dean of students, and a few other staff members. It’s rare when she doesn’t hear from one of those former students via text or telephone call when a milestone or a holiday is celebrated. “It’s when they call or say you made a difference and they say you were always there for me when somebody else wasn’t,” Mrs. Gross-Jacek said. “Those are the special moments.”

Most recently, they’ve texted her that Loyola won’t be the same without her. Mrs. Gross-Jacek, the school’s current longest-serving employee since it was founded in 1993, retired at the end of last school year.

“She is so pivotal to our success as an institution, primarily because of her resilience,” said Loyola Principal Wyatt Jones III, `98 who first met Mrs. Gross-Jacek in a senior year, second semester English class in 1997. “You don’t replace her,” he said. “You really try to find a way to keep the spirit and energy and synergy she brought to our building.”

The range of activities and awards she’s brought to Loyola are multiple and mind-boggling. When a student’s father suggested she start a debate team, she threw herself into that. The results: Loyola has won eight state championships in policy debate. For seven years in a row, a Loyola student has been named the state’s top policy debater. Two years ago, Loyola also had the top overall debater in Michigan.

She drove the team to tournaments at Harvard, Georgetown, and elsewhere in a used van she bought herself for $3,000. The trips included side trips to historical monuments and treks through national forests and parks. “Every time they get to a top of a mountain, they can’t believe they did it,” Gross-Jacek said. “Then they don’t want to leave once they see the views.”

Gross has taught every subject at the school except for art, theology, and physical education. Principal Jones said that she seems to “include that in all her classes, anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.”

For years, she also taught a variety of skills in her home economics class - how to plan a budget, the elements of good nutrition, the mannerly way to issue invitations to social events, and how to cook, bake, sew, and quilt. She’s taken Loyola boys to u-pick berry and fruit orchards so they can make homemade canned jam and jelly. The students have shipped jams and jellies to service members across the globe.

Her students have relished participating in multiple volunteer projects. When Hurricane Irma struck Houston in 2017, students made cookies for the U.S. Coast Guard troops from Detroit who were deployed to the disaster zone. Students made 56 apple pies for all the police and fire stations in Detroit one year as part of the 9/11 Service Project to

commemorate the first responders who died during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. Her students made neck support pillows for hospice and chemotherapy patients at local hospitals. Students in one of her classes raised $6,000 by cooking chicken dinners and staging 3x3 basketball tournaments to contribute to a national effort to reduce hunger called “10,000 Meals.”

“Every time we do service,” Gross-Jacek said, “their first questions is: ‘When can we do it again?’”

She searched out contests where Loyola students could submit poems, essays, or deliver speeches to win scholarships. Her writing skills and commitment to innovative learning resulted in Loyola receiving tens of thousands of dollars in grant money.

In 2019, she was among the elite first group of teachers to receive the “Amazing Catholic Educator Award” from the Archdiocese of Detroit. The award recognizes individuals for creating “a school culture that is proudly Catholic, academically excellent, accessible to all, and sustainable for the future.”

For the last weeks of her career, Gross-Jacek spent several 13-hour days overseeing Loyola's participation in Special Olympics competition. Through her efforts, Loyola is one of only 25 schools nationwide in a program that pairs special education students, such as those with learning disabilities, with general education students. As pairs, they compete in various sports. For example, Loyola's Unified Bocce Team won gold in the 2019 competition, and Gross-Jacek was their coach.

Two years ago, she married Dave Jacek, her date to the Annapolis High School Prom in 1972. Between them, they have seven grandchildren. They plan to travel and, says Gross-Jacek, “getting up each day and deciding anew what to do.”

In retirement, she leaves Loyola Classroom 306 adorned by a studentled masterpiece of art on the back wall. It’s a collage of color and ceramic tiles inscribed with favorite words of Loyola students, in a variety of languages, that spans the width of the room from floor to ceiling. “Every student made a tile and included a positive word in whatever language they desired,” from English to Urdu. Gross-Jacek's tile spelled out the word “Hope” in Ukrainian – in solidarity with children fleeing Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine. But it also could symbolize what she has brought to every lesson she’s taught at Loyola.

“You don’t replace her, you really try to find a way to keep the spirit and energy and synergy she brought to our building.”

- Loyola Principal Wyatt Jones III, `98

Student Retreats

The God Squad Inspires the Brotherhood with Another Year of Retreats

Under the direction of Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, and Mr. Jack McLinden, SJ, (affectionately known as The God Squad), each class shared their own annual retreat together. It’s a key part of their spiritual formation in the Jesuit tradition at Loyola. Each retreat is individually planned and conducted around the class and the young men in it. Along with our daily prayer on campus, retreats are at the heart of our brotherhood.

Relationships with Self, Others, and God

Sept. 24 was a perfect autumn day as the class of 2025 gathered on Belle Isle for their daylong freshman retreat together. For many, this was their first retreat ever. Together they explored the theme of “Relationships with Self, Others, and God.” Joined by faculty and junior and senior student leaders, the day included fun team challenges, group discussion, prayer, listening, and sharing. By the end of that beautiful day, they had experienced the spirt of the Loyola brotherhood for the first time as a class. Fittingly they closed their day with the singing of their new Alma Mater.

Freshmen:

Sophomores: Walking on Water

In the midst of a stormy sea, Jesus challenged Peter to leave the boat and come to Him across the waves. At their Oct. 29 daylong retreat, the sophomores focused on Jesus’ challenge to Peter’s faith. Joined by senior student leaders, they spent the day in prayer, discussion, and a unique outdoor activity. Together they helped each other through a challenging low ropes obstacle course. Along the way, they paused to reflect on the many ways we are all called upon to follow Jesus. The day at Our Lady of the Fields Camp in Brighton concluded with the blessing of each classmate and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Juniors: The Power of Prayer

Just prior to Holy Week, the class of 2023 departed for the St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center for a two-day overnight retreat on the peaceful grounds of this beautiful facility. Here they explored the rich tradition of Christian prayer together. Over the course of the two days, they created rosary bracelets, prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and walked the Stations of the Cross. They celebrated the Eucharist together and learned how to pray in a labyrinth to create time and space to listen to the Lord. By deepening their relationship with God and each other, the juniors strengthened the Loyola brotherhood and returned to campus energized and spiritually refreshed for the journey ahead.

Seniors:

Kairos. On God’s Time. Living the Fourth

In the Jesuit tradition of high schools around the world, the Loyola Class of 2022 spent three days together on Kairos, God’s time. On Dec. 1, our seniors began the first day by preparing boxes of food for families in need, true to their call to serve as Men for Others, Men for Detroit. On days two and three of the retreat, they then went to Our Lady of the Fields Camp in Brighton. Their theme, “Living the Fourth,” called on retreatants to live out the promises they make on the final day of Kairos by continuing to serve others. By doing so, each retreatant finds out who he is and what impact he can have on others. Together they prayed and listened as adult and student leaders spoke, and they took to the beautiful grounds for large and small group activities. On Thursday evening after Mass, they received letters of faith and support from family, friends, and faculty. On Friday, each student read his pledge aloud and received a Kairos cross from an alumnus. Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Kairos has become a rite of passage for the seniors in our brotherhood.

Basketball

Bulldogs Score District Championship as Coach Dennis Morey Earns “Coach of the Year” Honors

After achieving a 15-5 regular season record and going 6-0 in the Catholic League, our Bulldogs took home their fourth consecutive Michigan High School Athletic Association District 54 championship and seventh championship overall. This year, Coach Morey did it with a team that included only two returning seniors. The other coaches in the Catholic League took note and voted him “Coach of the Year” for his outstanding efforts. Congrats to the team and to Coach Morey for standing together and maintaining their winning ways.

Baseball

Bulldogs Turn a Triple Play

This year marked Loyola’s first season playing baseball in the Catholic League and in the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Their successful debut included three impressive stats: Loyola won its first baseball game, its first Catholic League game, and the team notched its first win in the playoffs. Congratulations Bulldogs on getting to the quarterfinals in season one.

A Championship Season

Congrats to Shenard Foster who, in early March, competed in - and won - the Individual State Wrestling Championship at Ford Field in Division 4. In his preliminary matches, he went 3-0. On the final day, he won Loyola’s first state championship in wrestling ever! He also holds the distinction of being the first private school state champion from the city of Detroit. Foster finished his perfect season with a 17-0 record as captain of the team. Kudos, too, to sophomore Jalyn Wilkerson who placed 3rd in districts and finished his season with a 6th place showing at regionals.

Wrestling Rugby Football District Champs

Bulldogs Brave the Mud to Become “The Tens” Champions

Our Bulldogs have been competing in the Michigan Youth Rugby Association (also known as Rugby Michigan) for four years now. Each year, the organization holds a statewide tournament known as “The Tens.” (In “The Tens,” teams of 10 athletes compete rather than the usual 15.) “The Tens” tournament marks the culmination of the season for all the teams and this year Loyola, led by Coach Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, won the championship, defeating both Catholic Central and Troy United in the process. Way to go Ruggers!

From another year advancing to the state high school playoffs to winning their third district championship in a row, our Bulldogs played hard all through the 2021-22 season. Congratulations to our young men on their grit, persistence, and determination, as well as on defending their district title.

Awards and Recognition

Job Well Done: Recognition, Awards, and Outstanding Achievements

Accolades for Loyola’s students and staff came from numerous sources and covered a variety of topics, proving that although we’re a small school, we’re a well-rounded one. It also shows that more and more people are taking notice.

It's ‘Positively’ a Clean Sweep for Loyola

Debaters Take Top Tournament Honors

Loyola junior Alexander Mayers (left) was the first-place speaker and won the varsity championship at the Detroit Urban Debate League in February. Alex and his debate partner, Christian Burke (right), also placed 3rd in the state competition held later in the year. Congratulations to these persuasive young communicators.

Three students from Loyola High School who shared the power of positivity were awarded the first-, second-, and third-place awards in the Northwest Detroit Optimist Club’s annual essay contest, marking the first time in the club’s history that the top three winners all came from the same high school. Junior Devon Darnell (pictured left of Club President Kathryn Joyner) took first place while senior Jacob Sangster (pictured right) took second place. Sophomore Trevor Oliver (not pictured) rounded out the top three. In addition, two members of Loyola’s championship debate team, juniors Alexander Mayers and Darnyl Copeland, took the first- and second-place awards for the oratory challenge. All shared their perspectives on optimism and its importance in challenging times.

Art and Poetry Lead to $20,000 Scholarships for Two Students

Congratulations to Loyola High School seniors Myles Hughey and Aaron McCloud for their outstanding showing in the Detroit Pistons Black History Month Competition. These dedicated young men each won a $20,000 scholarship in the statewide competition. Myles took the top prize in the art category and Aaron was the first runner-up in the poetry contest. This marked the third year in a row that a Loyola student won the top award in the competition. The young men were met with great fanfare on their return to Loyola as students, faculty, and staff lined the halls to welcome them home with a drum roll and a standing ovation.

Principal…Educator…and Author

Congratulations to our principal Wyatt Jones III, `98 on the publication of his new book, The Urban Playbook: A Guide to Building Genuine and Sustainable Relationships with Black Boys. The book draws on Principal Jones’ experiences as an educator of young Black men in the city. According to The Michigan Chronicle, it’s a “culmination of real-life stories of tragedy and triumph and best practices for teachers,

aspiring mentors, and parents who are raising young Black men.” In describing his journey from educator to author, Jones said he was “blessed” to be impacted by so many young men who come in broken with challenges and watch them graduate years later. Loyola is blessed to have a leader as talented, committed, and caring as Principal Jones.

Esteemed

Teacher Wins

National Henry Ford “Teacher Innovator Award”

Congratulations to Spanish teacher and debate coach Kathy Gross-Jacek for being one of only nine educators from across the country to be named a grand prize winner in the Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Awards.

The winners in this prestigious competition are selected based on their ability to demonstrate habits of an innovator. The awards recognize teachers who inspire students to challenge the rules and take risks, who demonstrate how to be collaborative and empathetic, and who teach the value of learning by staying curious and learning from failure. During her 25-year tenure at Loyola, Mrs. Gross-Jacek has always embodied all these qualities, plus so much more. We couldn’t be happier for her…or prouder of her!

Up First: City Council Member Awards State Champion Wrestler

The office of Detroit City Council member Angela Whitfield-Calloway, District 2, paid a visit to Loyola High School in March to honor our State Wrestling Champion Shenard Foster and his teammates on the Bulldog wrestling team for their achievements throughout the season and in the state tournament. Foster finished the state finals 4-0 to win the first-ever Division 4 state wrestling title for Loyola High School (for more on that story, see page 17). Foster’s achievements were capped off by recognition from MLive when he was named Metro Detroit Athlete of the Week for Feb. 28-March 5. Congratulations to Shenard and the entire team!

Next: Entire City Council Awards Loyola and Its Wrestling Team

The City Council also prepared a special “Spirit of Detroit” award for Loyola and the wrestling team. The award was presented “in recognition of exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of life.” Accepting the award on behalf of the school was our principal, Wyatt Jones III, `98.

Coach Dennis Morey Named “Coach of the Year”

Our athletic director and varsity basketball coach, Mr. Dennis Morey, was named “Coach of the Year” by his peers in the Catholic High School League this year. For the full story on this well-deserved honor, please see page 16.

Bulldogs Win On and Off the Field

Our student athletes are respected everywhere for their character and competitiveness. The Bulldogs earned that reputation over the years by going up against schools many times their size…and winning!

So, every time one of our young men is singled out for praise, we take very special pride in them and their individual accomplishments. As Men for Others, Men for Detroit we celebrate the honor they have brought to our brotherhood.

Congratulations to Anthony, Deon, Shenard, Khairi, Ja’Mell, Ryan, Dashawn, Jotham, Amare, and Victor!

BASEBALL HONOREES:

All-Catholic Anthony Garrett, senior Deon Horton, senior All-League Shenard Foster, senior Khairi Simon, junior All-Academic Ja'Mell Frazier, sophomore

BASKETBALL HONOREES:

All-Catholic Dashawn Martin, junior Ryan Martin, junior Jotham Nweke, junior All-League Amare Stevens, junior All-Academic Victor Robinson, junior

Work Experience Program

High School Students Learn and Grow Through Loyola Work Experience Program

Beaumont Health System has been a longstanding partner in our Work Experience Program. Recently they featured a story on their internal website highlighting how rewarding this experience has been for them. The article is reprinted here with permission and provides excellent insight on just how valuable the interaction is between our partners and our student-workers.

by Sharon Stanton, Beaumont Health System

For 15 years, Beaumont Health has partnered with the Loyola Work Experience Program to give high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain practical business experience as part of their required curriculum at Loyola High School.

Loyola students spend one day a week and one Friday a month away from the classroom, working in an office environment, learning how to operate in a business setting, building a network of professional contacts and understanding what to expect in future employment situations. For the 2021-22 academic year, Work Experience students worked at the Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak and Troy campuses.

Raphael (below) works in the Outpatient Pharmacy at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe. His primary duties are greeting and interacting with customers and ringing up medications. Raphael says the program is a positive experience for him. He described his work environment as a friendly place where he can thrive. “The employees share what they are doing with me so I can learn. Everyone is so kind, respectful and attentive. I feel very lucky to have been placed here because this job is a gem,” he said.

William Mundle, manager, Outpatient Pharmacy locations at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Lenox and Troy said, “Raphael is a great worker. He is happy and uplifting and the staff loves working with him. Loyola students are top notch.”

Mikail (above right) works in Patient Registration at Beaumont, Troy, greeting and providing direction for patients. He also helps with filing and other clerical duties. Mikhail wants to study business in college and one day own his

own store. He feels the Work Experience Program has helped prepare him for his future. “It’s helped me with my social skills,” he said. “I find it easier to talk with people now.”

Mikail’s supervisor, Fatima Benedettini, said, “I have enjoyed watching Mikhail’s confidence grow in his time with us. As soon as he was shown the process, he jumped right in and got to work. He explains things clearly to patients and he knows when to ask questions, which is an important skill. He has done well in a demanding role in an extremely busy department.” A high school junior, Mikail looks forward to returning to Beaumont to continue work in the fall.

For many Loyola students, their placement through the program provides their first work experience. It’s an opportunity they look forward to, and many students report that the program changed the direction of their lives. Some stay on and work for their Program Partners during the summer while finishing high school. One student even continued working with his Partner throughout college and for more than 10 years after he earned his degree. Loyola High School has had 12 consecutive years of 100% college placements for seniors, and the majority of graduates earn two- or four-year degrees and go on to have successful careers in health care, law enforcement, firefighting, the military and even as professional athletes.

“The Loyola Work Experience Program opens doors and helps build confidence in our students, who practice compassion and empathy as they serve our patients and families. We are grateful to all of the staff members at Beaumont who invest time and energy into this program to help make it a success,” said Betsy Schulte, director, Volunteer Services, Beaumont, Grosse Pointe and Troy.

As the school year draws to a close, Work Experience Program students like Raphael and Mikail leave with a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that they made a difference for the people they worked with, and those people are now connections they can carry forward with them. The teams at Beaumont, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak and Troy look forward to welcoming Loyola students back next fall. As Debbie Donald, program coordinator of Volunteer Services at Beaumont, Royal Oak said, “Having the Loyola students on-site is one of the highlights of my job!”

“Having the Loyola students on-site is one of the highlights of my job!”

-

Debbie

Donald, program coordinator of Volunteer Services at Beaumont, Royal Oak

A Proven Partnership to Help Students Succeed

The first program of its kind in the Detroit area, the Loyola Work Experience Program is a pillar of a young man’s educational experience at Loyola. Find out what makes it so special, and learn why all our partners are so pleased and proud to participate.

Why Our Program Works

One of the unique elements of a Loyola education is that, as a prerequisite for graduation, all juniors and seniors participate in our Loyola Work Experience Program. Started in 2003, this program allows our students to spend one day per week in the offices of our program partners where they gain practical, real-world work experience that helps them find success beyond their academic studies. Working in a business environment, Loyola students gain professional role models, refine a strong work ethic, and better understand the expectations of future employers. At the same time, students build personal pride from assuming part of the financial responsibility for their own education.

Loyola currently has program partners from many industries and companies such as Ford Motor Co., Beaumont Health System, IHS Markit, and DTE. Our partners report many benefits to their company culture: An increased level of energy from having young people in the workplace, a solid contribution from value-added student work, and a potential talent pipeline to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion. Most importantly, partners typically report “joy” in being part of a program that develops “Men for Others, Men for Detroit.”

Loyola is still in need of Work Experience Program Partners, and you can help. Do you know any business owners who might be interested in learning more about this truly rewarding, working relationship? Or, do you know any employees at corporations who you believe would want to hear more about all the value our program offers? If so, please contact Program Director Kenneth Gardner at (313) 861-2407, ext. 526. Or, reach him by email at: kgardner@loyolahsdetroit.org

Loyola Stages Impressive Launch of Frederick Douglass North Star Scholarship Program

On the morning of Feb. 14, which is also Frederick Douglass Day, Loyola students and school administrators came together in front of a live audience to recite inspiring quotes from this former slave who went on to become a great author, editor, orator, and abolitionist hero. This theatrical experience set the stage for the launch by President Dave Smith of a notable new initiative at the high school: The Frederick Douglass North Star Scholarship Program. The $10,000 scholarship is named after the Black American leader and the newspaper he founded, The North Star.

The distinguished audience that day included scholarship donors, as well as members of the Black Business Leader Advisory Group. Press from

various print, television, and radio outlets were also on hand to report on the events of this momentous occasion at Loyola.

After announcing the new program, Smith said this scholarship has the power to close the gap in supporting a Loyola High School student. He noted that the cost per student at Loyola is $20,000 annually, but students pay no more than $4,300 annually. Loyola families pay what they can afford, which averages to about $1,200 per student. Most of the funding for a student’s education comes from private donors. So, a scholarship of this magnitude has the potential to make all the difference in a young man’s future.

Selection of the Young Scholars

Frederick Douglass Scholars will be recommended by Loyola faculty in their sophomore year. Candidates must reflect the zeal of Frederick Douglass in his lifelong fight for the abolition of slavery, his dedication to the betterment of all American citizens, and his skill as an author and orator.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

-Frederick Douglass

Under the guidance of history teacher Mr. Phil Pettelle, himself a Frederick Douglass enthusiast, scholars will complete a special course of study on the life of Frederick Douglass and his causes in their junior year. As a senior, each student will select a speech written by Frederick Douglass and deliver a section of it to the Loyola Black Business Leader Advisory Group Breakfast on Feb. 14, Frederick Douglass Day.

The Frederick Douglass North Star Scholarship Program has been launched by a donation from the Roni and Dennis Murphy family who included with the financial gift an artifact of Frederick Douglass’ from his time as “Recorder of Deeds” for the District of Columbia—a signed land contract.

Supporting a Frederick Douglass Scholar

Various levels of support are available for those interested in contributing to the education of a Frederick Douglass Scholar at Loyola High School. To contribute, or to learn more about the program, please contact Bill McGrail, Director of Advancement, at: 313-861-2407, ext. 503, or by email at: bmcgrail@loyolahsdetroit.org. You may also visit our website at: loyolahsdetroit.org.

Reflect. Rejoice. Retreat.

In a complex and busy school year, we have all come to appreciate the opportunity our retreats afford us to come together as a team to pray and reconnect with our mission. Last school year, we were blessed to have two retreats that did just that.

Exploring the Henry Ford

Our first retreat occurred last August, prior to the start of the 2021–22 school year. It was led by Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, who celebrated Mass for faculty and staff at the school, then divided us into groups as we traveled to the Henry Ford to explore the day’s theme of “Imagination. Innovation. Justice.”

Viewing exhibits that included examples of American innovation, moments and milestones in the Civil Rights movement, and “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited,” the morning’s activities served up food for thought as we noted inspiring examples of change in modern life. It was exhilarating to witness how far we’ve come on land, in the air, and in space. It was heartwarming to embrace the passion and genius of Muppets creator, Jim Henson. It was profoundly moving to stand on the Montgomery, Alabama bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in a singular act of heroism that changed the nation. Individually and collectively, we were awash in emotions. Reflecting later that morning as a group, we examined how we can bring about change in our lives, our community, and the lives of our students. A wonderful day!

Our Heritage and Our Roots

For our end of year retreat in April, Fr. Adam organized a tour that was built around the theme: “The Footsteps of Our Mission: Jesuit and Catholic.” In this retreat, we celebrated the two feet we stand on in our mission at Loyola: Our Jesuit heritage and our Catholic roots.

Our retreat began downtown, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church which has long been connected to Detroit’s Jesuit Community. Exploring the church’s rich history in the city, we learned about its longstanding commitment to prayer and spirituality through past and current outreach programs for the disadvantaged. Today, there especially exists a special commitment to the needs of the poor and homeless manifest in the Pope Francis Center, which is located next door.

The Pope Francis Center serves the homeless with the love and support of nutritious meals, personal hygiene facilities, and laundry facilities for clean clothes. They also provide regular medical, dental, podiatric, and legal clinics for their guests, as well as job and housing assistance. Seeing firsthand the daily struggle of the homeless in an urban environment was an experience not to be forgotten.

Our afternoon stop took us to St. Charles Lwanga Church (formerly St. Cecilia’s), which has played such an important role in the history of Loyola High School. As parish Pastor, Fr. Theodore Parker, gave us a guided tour of the church and its legendary gymnasium, we were able to reflect upon the support we have received – and continue to receive – from the Archdiocese.

After returning to Loyola, we celebrated the Eucharist, shared our heartfelt reactions, and closed out our very special day with purpose restored. Retreats such as these help us keep the importance of our mission fresh and remind of us of the strength and character of the great people we share it with each day.

They’re All In! They’re All Excited! They’re All Ready to Make the Big Reveal!

We make a big deal out of Decision Day because, well…it is a big deal. This is the 12th consecutive year that 100% of our seniors were accepted to college.

Moms, dads, families, and friends were elated. Faculty and staff were so proud. The students themselves were over the moon as each waited to make his big announcement.

Our great friend and supporter, legendary Detroit Pistons’ announcer George Blaha, was here, too, sharing wisdom and words of advice. WXYZ and WDIV were on hand, as well, and both ran extensive stories on the event during their evening newscasts.

It truly was a big day for Loyola and the young men whose four years of hard work and perseverance made it happen. Congratulations to our college-bound young men.

Seniors light up the room with their smiles as they happily don the T-shirts of their new college or university, much to the delight of classmates, families, and friends.

We can’t wait! Our seniors enter the gymnasium, ready to make their exciting announcements.

Special thanks to our inspiring VIP guest, Mr. George Blaha, who talked about how valuable his own Catholic education has been throughout his life.

Seniors showed off their college spirit wearing their new college T-shirts.

Baccalaureate Mass:

Celebrating the Blessings Bestowed by God

Baccalaureate Mass is a time-honored tradition at Loyola High School. This beautiful liturgical ceremony is offered in thanksgiving for the blessings God has bestowed upon our graduates and their families. Its origins go back to medieval European times. So, it was especially appropriate the Loyola family gathered on the grounds of Christ the King Church where, for nearly 100 years, families have celebrated Mass and marked the major events of their lives.

It was a sacred night of joy beneath the eaves of this venerable Detroit church as students, families, friends, faculty, and staff celebrated the journey of our graduates. Now Men for Others. Men for Detroit.

Along with the Class of 2022, another Man for Others reached a major milestone that night. Upon the altar, Mr. Robenson Siquitte, SJ, a native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who three days earlier had been ordained to the diaconate in Toronto, took his place in the celebration of the Mass for the first time as an ordained deacon.

Steeped in the great traditions of the Jesuits and the Loyola brotherhood, and imbued with a special sense of immediacy by the presence of Deacon Siquitte, SJ, this Baccalaureate Mass at Christ the King will be long remembered by the class of 2022.

Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, raises the cup during the Eucharistic Prayer as Deacon Siquitte, SJ, prays.

Another family member joins in praying the special blessing over seniors.

Three happy generations pose for a family portrait after Mass.

A Loyola senior carries the cross as he leads the opening procession into Christ the King Church.

As Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, delivers a special blessing of the seniors, family members extend their hands over the students.

Jack McLinden, SJ (left), and Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ (right), join another proud Loyola mother and father as they surround their senior son after Mass.

Celebrating the Class That Couldn’t Be Stopped

On May 19, another extraordinary group of Loyola young men marched out of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, diplomas in hand as Men for Others. Men for Detroit. This is the class that faced the pandemic down when the campus was forced to close in March of their sophomore year, and had to switch to virtual learning for their entire junior year.

Commencement speaker, Detroit Public Schools School Culture Facilitator Ridgeley Hudson congratulated the group with an emotional appeal to

go forward and make a positive impact in the world. Appropriately each was pinned with the Golden "L" lapel pin now signifying them as graduate members of the Loyola brotherhood wherever they go. It was joyful noise indeed as families, friends, and faculty cheered the success of these young graduates who, despite the obstacles, upheld the tradition of 100% college acceptance for the 12th consecutive year.

As the ceremony begins, the excited audience turns to face the rear of the church as the young men process up the aisle to the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The graduates’ joy and exuberance are on full display as the new alumni prepare to receive their Loyola pins from other members of the Loyola brotherhood.

President Dave Smith opens the ceremony by welcoming the audience to the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Principal Wyatt Jones III, `98 poses with a happy graduate.

Commencement speaker Ridgeley Hudson motivates the graduating class to go out into the world and make their mark as Men for Others, Men for Detroit.

Mr. Dennis Morey II, athletic director, basketball coach, and world history teacher, presented the student athlete awards.

Mr. Collin Horn, our physical education teacher, has a beautiful smile which was on full display as he watched the ceremony from a pew in the faculty section.

New graduates proudly sing the school’s alma mater after all the young men have received their diplomas.

The official “pinning” ceremony takes place as each new alumni receives his golden ‘L’ pin from senior alumni who return each year to be a part of this moment.

Board Chair Mr. Michael Bernard (standing between President Smith and Mr. Black, `01) was in attendance to congratulate every one of the new graduates after they received their diplomas.

Class of 2022

Valedictorian Tyshawn Braxton Salutatorian Jacob Sangster

Jesuit Schools Network Award Kirron Wilson

Athlete of the Year Award Shenard Foster Student-Athlete Award Joshua Nichols/Kirron Wilson Spirit of Loyola Award Anthony Garrett/Kirron Wilson

Justin B. Bettie Wayne State University

Keontae J. Booker Georgia Storm Preparatory Academy

Cordell, P. Bowens Trine University

Carlos S. Bradfield, Jr. Grand Valley State University

Tyshawn Braxton Michigan State University

De’Marion R. Caldwell Schoolcraft College

Tyree R. Cobb Adrian College

Kendall J. Edmonds Bing Youth Institute Trade

Shenard A. Foster Notre Dame College

Anthony J. Garrett Glenville College

Tyran L. Griffin Alma College

Brandon Grimes Wayne County Community College

Jason J. Hardy Jr. Grand Valley State University

Deon C. Horton Wayne State University

Myles D. Hughey Macomb Community College

Jaidyn Jackson Northpark College

Crishtion King Omega Preparatory Academy

Marcus McClendon Jr. Arizona State University

Aaron J. McCloud Columbia College

Gerell R. McGee Bing Youth Institute Trade

Aaron Montgomery Oakland Community College

Robert E. Murrey, Jr. Central Michigan University

Rahmon S. Murry, Jr. Independence Community College

Joshua Nichols University of Michigan

Amir A. Rider Grand Valley State University

Jacob Sangster University of Michigan-Dearborn

Jordan X. Small Wilberforce University

Eli Smith Washtenaw Community College

David B. Sonaike Wayne State University

Lonzie L. Tramble, III Clark Atlanta University

Jaden C. Wilson Oakland Community College

Kirron M. Wilson Olivet College

Nicholas D. Young, Jr. Bing Youth Institute Trade

Ms. Demetria Johnson, our administrative assistant, plans many of the events at graduation. Here she is joyfully taking a selfie with some of the graduates she helped guide through their high school careers.

Excited graduates are called to stand in front of the altar as they are about to receive their special gold “L” pins that only a select group of men can wear.

Graduates process down the aisle as Loyola’s school song is played.

Members of the audience listen intently and with anticipation during the opening moments of the ceremony.

Vaya Con Diosthe Journey of Two Jesuits

Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ,

Prepares for New Assignment

Jack McLinden, SJ, to Begin Doctoral Theology Studies

In 1540, St. Ignatius Loyola envisioned a band of well-educated, traveling missionaries who would preach and administer the sacraments wherever there was the hope of accomplishing the greater good. Today that tradition continues and the Detroit high school that proudly carries his name is saying goodbye to two great friends. Two wonderful Jesuits. Two Men for Others.

Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ

Teacher. Preacher. Minister. Mentor. Retreat Master. Coach. Rugger. Wrestler. Jesuit Priest. Our Friend for Life.

Since July of 2016, Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, has been at the heart of the Loyola brotherhood guiding our young men on their journey to manhood, as they develop intellectually, grow in their faith, and strive to become Men for Others. Men for Detroit. Now, in the tradition of the Society of Jesus, he is being called to a new challenge – that of assistant principal at Brebeuf Jesuit High School in Indianapolis.

The Formation of a Jesuit.

There are five stages of Formation in preparing for the life of a Jesuit priest. The process varies somewhat depending on each individual’s age and educational background.

At every stage, they are called upon to minister in a variety of diverse and ever-changing environments.

• Novitiate (two years)

• First Studies (three years)

• Regency (two to three years)

• Theology (three years)

• Tertianship (better part of a year)

Fr. Adam was born in California and grew up in Cleveland where he attended St. Ignatius High School. After graduating from Holy Cross College with a B.A. in religious studies in 2003, he entered the Jesuits and began the rigorous five stages of formation all Jesuits must undergo prior to ordination, which can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years. Along the way, Fr. Adam’s journey took him to teach in Kenya, Nigeria, Jamaica, Chicago, and Detroit. After his ordination in 2015, he completed three Master’s Degrees before arriving at Loyola. He earned his M.A. in theology from Xavier University in Louisiana (Institute for Black Catholic Studies), an M.A. in divinity from Santa Clara University, and an M.A. in social philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago. In May of this year, he received his Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

During his tenure at Loyola, he has served as priest, theology teacher, rugby coach, co-wrestling coach, and leader of the “God Squad.” He has earned a permanent place in the hearts of Loyola parents, students, faculty, and staff. Fr. Adam, you will always be an honored member of the Loyola brotherhood you so selflessly enriched since the day you arrived in Detroit. Good luck and Godspeed!

Jack McLinden, SJ

Teacher. Preacher. Minister. Mentor. Retreat Master. Baseball Coach. Pitcher. Jesuit Scholastic. Our Friend for Life.

Coincidentally, Jack McLinden, SJ, is also a graduate of the same Cleveland, St. Ignatius High School Fr. Adam attended. He was recruited to play baseball at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania where he pitched, and graduated magna cum laude as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in religious studies and classics.

He joined the Jesuits in 2014 and completed his two-year novitiate in St. Paul, Minnesota. While there he did staff and case work in domestic violence and crisis response at Tubman Family Crisis and Support Services in Minneapolis.

From there, he earned an M.A. in women’s and gender studies from Saint Louis University with graduate studies in philosophy and theology. He also received a teaching mentoring assistantship there. He taught and helped graduate students grow through collaboration. He also taught and mentored at the Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis, IL.

Now Jack has headed to California to continue his graduate and doctoral studies full time as he begins his Theology phase as a Jesuit Scholastic. He will attend Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley. Jack’s formational journey will lead to ordination as a Jesuit priest in June of 2025.

During his time at Loyola, he served as theology teacher, co-baseball coach, and a proud member of “The God Squad.” Jack, you have also earned a permanent place in the hearts of Loyola parents, students, faculty, and staff. We are proud and grateful to have been a part of your journey to ordination and honored to welcome you to your lifetime membership in the Loyola brotherhood. Good luck and Godspeed!

Loyola Receives Across the Board Coverage for Launch of Frederick Douglass North Star Scholarship Program

It was the triple crown of news coverage as reporters and crews representing print, television, and radio arrived at Loyola on Feb. 14 to cover the launch of our important new Frederick Douglass North Star Scholarship Program. Huel Perkins from Fox 2 Detroit reported on it that evening on the 6:00 p.m. news, Lloyd Jackson from WJR Radio did a feature story the very next morning, and an extensive story ran in the Detroit Catholic the next day, too. President Dave Smith and Principal Wyatt Jones III, `98, along with several of our students who participated in the launch event, were all interviewed by the media and did outstanding jobs. In addition, several days before the launch, Teresa Tomeo from Ave Maria Radio hosted President Smith and Principal Jones on her program, Catholic Connection, to talk about this exciting new opportunity. In all, it was wave of great coverage for an extremely admirable cause.

Varsity Basketball Gets Great Coverage in Student and Athlete

Student and Athlete had a terrific story about Loyola's varsity basketball team win against their Dearborn rival, Divine Child, and going 6-0 in the CHSL AA Division. Congratulations to Coach Morey and the entire team!

It Was Big News When the City Celebrated Loyola’s State Champion Wrestler

When representatives from the Detroit City Council came to Loyola High School to present state champion wrestler Shenard Foster with a special award, WDIV News was right there with them to cover the story. The full segment included interviews with Foster, as well as Fr. Adam DeLeon, SJ, one of the wrestling team’s coaches.

WXYZ Covers Loyola Students’ Historical Civil Rights Re-Enactments

Loyola’s modern-day re-enactment of several powerful, pivotal Civil Rights photos was one of the featured segments covered by Channel 7 News anchors Carolyn Clifford and Dave LewAllen during Black History Month.

Detroit Catholic Shares Good (Green) News About Loyola

When Loyola teamed up with DTE and their MIGreenPower program, we became the first high school in the state to take part in the program, which is helping reduce the school's carbon footprint. The Detroit Catholic wanted to learn more and spoke with Loyola’s Roger Jankowski, director of marketing and communications, to hear what inspired the school to participate.

Photo: Student and Athlete

Loyola Makes DBusiness News for Marketing Partnership with Detroit

Mercy

Loyola Director of Marketing and Communications

Roger Jankowski was featured in a DBusiness story that covered the “real world” client/agency partnership between the two schools –a partnership that takes UDM students beyond a textbook simulation and puts them into a world where they create actual ads, social media posts, press releases, and more for Loyola High School.

It Was an Easy Decision to Cover This Day

Bulldogs Football Makes Front Page News

A big win for Loyola led to a big story in Student and Athlete . Loyola rallied to a hard-fought 18-12 victory over No. 9-ranked Detroit Central and the high school sports publication made it a lead story.

WJR Finds Out Just How Well Our Work Experience Program

Works

In an interview with Director Kenneth Gardner and one of our stellar student-workers, WJR’s Lloyd Jackson found out what makes our Work Experience Program one of the pillars of a Loyola education, and why so many business partners are thrilled to be a part of the program.

When stations spend a minute and a half on a story, it approaches what is known as an “anthem” in public relations parlance. Loyola received not one, but two, such anthems for Decision Day. WXYZ anchor and reporter Simon Shaykhet spent a good portion of the morning at Loyola interviewing students, parents, and families for his terrific story. WDIV reporter Jamie Edmonds also gave the school great coverage in her story, which included interviews with Principal Jones, our students, and our special guest, George Blaha. Everyone was elated with the terrific press our school and our young men received!

Varsity Basketball Scores Again with Feature Article in Student and Athlete

Coach Dennis Morey and the varsity basketball team were featured in Student and Athlete for winning their 5th District Championship in a row!

Photo: Student and Athlete

New Signs of Success at Loyola

On a brisk morning last October, students, faculty, and staff arrived at Loyola to be welcomed by brand new signs identifying our school. The updates enhanced our presence and created a little more pride within the community. Perhaps best of all, as folks drive east and west down Fenkell, we're making them aware of all the exciting possibilities that await potential new students who choose Loyola High School.

New signs welcome visitors at our main entrance on Pinehurst.

Visitors

Fun and Fellowship

Candy Canes and Bowling Lanes

Special thanks to our Director of Finance and Operations Therese Marz who took on another important assignment at Christmas. As Loyola’s “Head Elf,” she led the team that planned our annual Christmas party on the afternoon of Dec. 10. The festivities took place at Garden Bowl, America's oldest bowling alley, on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit. Everyone had a “ball” bowling a game or two while enjoying pizza, refreshments, and no egg nog! What a great way to get in the proper “frame” of mind to enjoy our Christmas break. Ho! Ho! Ho!

traveling east and west on Fenkell are treated to a new sign featuring images of school life at Loyola. The new, brick flower box adds another bright touch to our campus!

These Detroit Mercy Students Aren't InternsThey're Loyola High School's Ad Agency

For the past two years, Loyola has been engaged with the Communication Studies Department at University of Detroit Mercy in a unique, “real world” partnership that offers the university’s students practical communications experience while providing our school with tangible marketing products and solutions. The innovative partnership involves a client/agency relationship that comes with deadlines, pressures, challenges, revisions…and ultimately some very good marketing work.

Learn more about it from a student’s perspective in this article written for "The Varsity News."

PR Students Partner with Loyola on Projects

BY ANTOINE J. DAVIS / VN STAFF WRITER

Detroit Mercy students enrolled in this spring semester’s Principles of Public Relations class are getting a glimpse at the industry through a collaboration with Detroit’s Loyola High School. The CST 2400 course is not just note-taking and exams. Students are responsible for content creation.

The collaboration was the idea of Roger Jankowski, director of marketing and communications at Loyola, an all-male Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition with about 150 students, grades 9 through 12.

“I felt we had such a breadth of talent just a mile down the road … at Detroit Mercy,” said Jankowski. “There had to be a way to create some sort of synergy between the two schools.”

Jankowski and Tom Pyden, board member and chair of the marketing committee, met with Cynthia Langham, communications studies department chair and adjunct professor Alexander Hichel, who teaches the class. They decided a “client/agency”

approach would be more beneficial to everyone involved.

“Essentially, working together, we would combine academic learning with industry expertise to provide real projects,” said Hichel.

During the first weeks of class, Detroit Mercy students were divided into four groups. These groups became “agencies.” Projects, based on data supplied by “the client,” Jankowski, are assigned weekly with some being individual assignments and others being group assignments. All include guidelines and deadlines.

“Types of projects have included understanding an organization’s brand, creating social media post visuals and text,” said Hichel, who is also director of recruitment and communications for the College of Liberal Arts & Education.

Video discussion boards are used to familiarize students with workplace collaborations.

Hichel hopes that her students will appreciate and grow from their real-world experiences. “I want students in this class to know that the work they do matters, and to approach it as such,” Hichel said.

Allyson Zeigler, senior elementary education major, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing the hands-on experience as the draw for her. “I really have no background knowledge or experience with this, so jumping straight into this class with the partnership … has been such a great way for me to truly grasp the field of public relations,” Zeigler said.

Maxine Moore, a junior communications major, said she likes that Loyola uses their work.

Both Hichel and Jankowski are hopeful that this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration.

“I am thrilled to have so many bright, young PR minds helping tell our many Loyola stories in new and different ways to as many audiences as possible,” Jankowski said.

15325 Pinehurst, Detroit, MI 48238 loyolahsdetroit.org

On Thursday, May 5, Loyola High School launched a new tradition at the school: “Mission Thursdays.” These casual Open Houses provide a great way to reconnect with our mission…or learn about it for the first time. They take place on the first Thursday of every month during the school year (September to May), and everybody is welcome – supporters, friends, members of our community, and guests.

“Mission Thursdays” are fun, informal, very informative, and always engaging. Attendees at our launch day in May heard from our president, faculty, and students regarding all the exciting things happening at our high school. Everyone agreed it was a great, uplifting way to start the day.

The next “Mission Thursday” is Nov. 3. Please join us on campus at 8:30 a.m. for the start of the program. Or, come early for our 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer. Coffee and pastries are served, and we will conclude at 9:00 a.m. For those who wish, tours of the campus will be available. We’re already off to another exciting year and we have lots of good news to share. We hope you’ll join us (and even bring a guest).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Therese Schueneman at: (313) 861-2407, ext. 505. Or: tschueneman@loyolahsdetroit.org.

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This year, we will be returning to the beautiful campus of Sacred Heart Major Seminary to celebrate the legacy of our wonderful donors. The night begins with a 6:00 p.m. Mass followed by dinner and an entertaining and engaging program featuring Principal Wyatt Jones III, `98 and some very special guests. The evening concludes with the presentation of the Magis Award to our recently retired and universally admired Kathryn Gross-Jacek. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

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