Last Sunday, November 22, hordes of grandparents eagerly attended this year’s Grandparents Day, a day dedicated to giving grandparents an insight to the everyday life of their grandsons. Since 2003, Jesuit has welcomed grandparents to walk through the school halls and learn about the Jesuit education, additionally allowing alumni to see how Jesuit has evolved over the years.
The day began with a Mass led by Father Jay Hooks in the Terry Center. The homily placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of grandparents, the knowledge they possess and their integral role in guiding their grandchildren through life by sharing their countless experiences. After the Mass, Jesuit provided multiple tables filled with donuts, coffee, and juice before the students led their grandparents through the school. Grandparents were especially intrigued by the museum Jesuit provides, and docents happily explained any piece and answered any questions per request.
Mrs. Jessica Maddern, Senior Director of Development for Jesuit, commented that “This [grandparents day] is a really good model, especially with the students guiding their grandparents rather than someone who works here,” allowing for a deeper understanding of Jesuit through the students’ eyes. She also mentioned that students need to ensure that they show their grandparents “what Jesuit means to them.” This could mean showing the grandparents Jesuit’s weight room, theater, gym, or even the commons, based on what places of the school have the largest impact on the student’s day.
After leading his grandmother around Jesuit, Michael Clarkson ‘17 reflected on Grandparents Day, saying, “It was a nice experience…It gave me a chance to spend time with my grandma, whom I haven’t seen in a while.” Cooper Marshall ’17 had a similar experience: “My gamma and I had a swell time at the mass, and she really appreciated all of the art throughout the school.” Personally, my grandmother also enjoyed the artwork, especially the 9/11 exhibit, for she did not know that Jesuit doubled as a museum. For next year, Michael hopes that there will be tables that allow him “sit and eat the donuts instead of walking with [them],” giving him a chance to sit down with his grandma and possibly introduce her to some of his friends.
Grandparents Day excels at teaching both Jesuit’s mission and the impact it has on each student’s life to the visiting grandparents, incorporating even more people into the Jesuit community.
