From the Ground Up

Twenty years ago, a group of dedicated Jesuits and laypeople were intent on improving the lives of historically underserved young men in Washington, D.C. Mark Tuohey, the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA)’s first board chair, was among these individuals. Tuohey, who served on the board at Gonzaga College High School, along with key individuals in the Georgetown Preparatory School and Georgetown University community, saw a great need for a Jesuit-influenced middle school. Their goal was to provide a Jesuit education to students who were deserving and capable but did not have the financial means of their peers. They set out to execute a unique education model that was to be both academically rigorous and reflect the Ignatian ideal of cura personalis, to care for every individual as a whole. Their goal was to prepare these young men for high school and college, and empower them with the skills and tools to be successful for a lifetime.

Bill Whitaker served as the Academy’s first President, and together, they partnered with the city to lease a property and assemble a faculty. They worked closely with the Jesuit community, corporate connections, and individuals to establish a donor base. Those

who supported WJA in its early stages invested in an idea, with

no guarantee of success. They were drawn to the core elements of WJA’s model and hoped that it would produce a tangible impact on the students and families they were serving. Two years following its inception, WJA secured its permanent home at 900 Varnum Street NE. The decision to purchase this property ensured permanence, safety, and capacity for growth. What began

as a simple property with converted classroom and office space is

now a home to 131 students, and numerous teachers and faculty who enjoy the benefit of: • Converted classrooms and teacher workspace • The “Well,” which includes our cafeteria and technology center • Family Center • Writing Center • Wellness Center, supported by 3 full-time counselors • Fully equipped fitness center • Turf Field

• A home away from home

The acquisition and transformation of our space reflects not just the immense growth of the Academy, but the impact of the gifts of our benefactors that have enhanced our students’ experiences for 20 years. While WJA was originally to serve as a middle school, we now educate students in the fourth and fifth grade as well. This academic year, our fourth-grade class doubled in size. As our ability to serve a greater number of students increases, so does our impact, all of which would not be possible without our generous community of friends and benefactors.

“We understood that if we could walk together and be bold and respond to the challenges that were in front of us every single day in this city, that we would do God’s work in many ways.”

–Bill Whitaker

“Everyone involved at the beginning is proud of how the school has prospered and improved, and the young men are the beneficiaries.”

–Mark Tuohey

Generational Impact

The advancement of this institution would not be possible without sustained support. The Washington Jesuit Academy grew from an idea to a household name. As Mark Tuohey and others provided a foundation on which the Academy could grow, generations following will be instrumental in securing our future. Jody Tuohey began with the Washington Jesuit Academy in August 2022, but her admiration for WJA dates back 20 years, through her fatherin-law, Mark Tuohey, and other individuals connected to WJA. Jody, a graduate of the University of Virginia, holds a Master of Teaching with a focus on Special Education. She was drawn to the mission of the Academy in its earliest days. While she wanted to pursue an opportunity at WJA, her focus was on raising a family. Jody served in several part-time positions at various schools, but always knew she wanted to make her way to WJA. Two decades later, educating students at the Washington Jesuit Academy remained a priority. In August of 2022, a position for a Learning Specialist became available. Jody’s experience, passion for our mission, and dedication to supporting students with diverse learning needs made her a perfect fit. She now serves as a Learning Specialist and works with students who benefit from additional learning support in Reading and Math.

Jody Tuohey and Moussa (Grade 4).

“The foundation is here for WJA to be here forever.”

–Matt Carroccio

Investment in the Washington Jesuit Academy continues in the Carroccio Family. Peter Carroccio, one of WJA’s original board members, sponsored Jabari Greenwood (WJA Class of 2011). Greenwood, who remained connected with Carroccio, graduated from Towson University in 2019 and now works for Rockrose Development Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the company where Carroccio serves as Managing Principal. Today, Matt Carroccio, his spouse, as well as Matt’s brothers and their spouses, sponsor a fifth-grade student. Matt first learned of WJA when news of its formation was shared throughout the Gonzaga College High School community. Through his connection, Matt and his brothers learned of an opportunity to sponsor a student. They have been investing in students’ education at WJA ever since. The depth and continuation of the Carroccio Family’s involvement has not been by obligation, but by choice and recognition of the unique education model at WJA. From Matt’s service on WJA’s Board, he notes that, “What WJA has done has

proven that we have the ability to give [students] the education they

need to have the opportunity to live great lives.” As we enter the next 20 years, Matt Carroccio, like many others, understands the importance of ensuring the Academy’s longevity. When asked how we can build upon this foundation, Matt remarks one word—“family.” Matt hopes that his children will be the next generation of supporters of the Washington Jesuit Academy.

Carolyn and Matt Carroccio, Christopher Carroccio, and their student Dilan (Grade 5) at the Spring 2022 Sponsor Luncheon.

Investment in our students extends far beyond their five years on 900 Varnum Street. Jerry File’s involvement in the Washington Jesuit Academy is a perfect example of this. File learned of the Washington Jesuit Academy two decades ago, through his acquaintance with WJA Founder Bill Whitaker and Father Henry Haske. File greatly admired both individuals, and when asked to be involved in WJA, he was delighted to serve. File and his late wife, Debbie, have sponsored a WJA student since the school’s founding. As a sponsor, he makes an intentional effort to correspond with and support his students. The File’s first student, Blair Meek, currently serves in administration as an instructional coach at SEED Public Charter School in Southeast Washington. He recounts

the thoughtful postcards and multiple written notes that the Files exchanged with him since he graduated from the Academy in 2006.

Most recently, Meek and his fiancé attended WJA’s 20th Anniversary Gala as guests of File. File, who currently sponsors a 6th grade student, looks forward to continuing to maintain meaningful relationships with his students. Mark Tuohey, Peter Carroccio, Jerry File, and all those involved since the beginning are to credit for WJA’s early reputation for providing a distinct educational experience. We recognize and admire the continuation of support and involvement that is critical to ensuring that WJA can continue to serve our students, alumni, and families for generations to come.

The Next Chapter

Marcus Washington, President of the Washington Jesuit Academy, first came to WJA with the intent of staying for a few years. He’s been here for thirteen. Washington states that, “There is an addictive element to working at WJA.” As our students succeed, we are driven to do even more to expand and enhance the impact that we have on their lives. As the new President of the Washington Jesuit Academy, Washington is fueled by the pursuit of impacting more students, more families, and more alumni. While we recognize and celebrate the success of the Academy for the past two decades, Washington’s goal is to position the Academy for optimal success for the next two decades, and beyond.

WJA is in constant pursuit of improvement and identifying how we

can better serve our community and the world. In 2019, WJA partnered with Bellwether Education, a non-profit education administration group that works with education organizations to amplify their impact. Bellwether conducted a thorough evaluation of WJA’s impact on students and capacity for greater impact in the coming years. While much of the evaluation results validated our education model and approach, Bellwether delivered several recommendations for our pursuit of growth. Washington remarks that, “The fight is never over… there is always more to be done.” Washington will focus on continuing to forge strong relationships with those connected to WJA as well as expanding our community to include the next generation of benefactors.

“There is an addictive element to working at WJA.”

–Marcus Washington

President Marcus Washington embracing Amari (Class of 2022) before his graduation ceremony.

“A lot of our students love to come back and talk about how successful they are […] They love to come back and say ‘Listen, this is hard. This is what I went through. Thank you for helping me through all of it.’ ”