Student Life Center

by: Phil Gutierrez (9th)

When reflecting upon our experiences at Jesuit, I am sure we can all agree that it fulfills every aspect of our lives. But does it fulfill every part of our day? I mean, did anyone notice that we didn't have a cafeteria that we could eat in? Or that we have to coordinate the schedules of the little theater and the athletic program so that everything runs smoothly in the gym? To tell you the truth, we've all known that (what a surprise, right?), but now someone is going to do something about it. That someone is the Jesuit High School development team, and they've been working on the solution for some time. The "Men for Others" fundraising campaign has raised at least 2.9 million dollars for a 3.2 million dollar Student Life Center comprising of:
--a theater to be used for Drama productions
--a room for band rehearsals and performances
--an large snack bar with an area for students to hang around in

This building, whose groundbreaking ceremony will take place during the summer of 1999, will be located in the field between the student parking lot and the Chem Lab.

The Student Life Center is expected to be completed by the fall of 2000. The following are a few details regarding the JHS addition:
--The gym, whose Little Theater will be moved to the Center, will be fully geared towards athletic events (such as for the basketball and volleyball teams) on a full time basis.
--A snack bar will also exist inside the Student Life Center, but will retain its existence within the gymnasium. However, it will only be open when sports events take place within the gym; the new snack bar will be open to the students during lunch and break periods.
--Band will finally move out of the former chapel into the Center as well, where their classes will be held. The classrooms will also double as an area where performances will take place.
--The new theater will also serve as a multi-purpose room, with sliding dividers (such as those that divide the gym and the Little Theater) to make room for varying audiences.

The new Student Life Center will define the existence of our school: to provide for our students ample opportunities in all areas of life. I am sure that this addition will certainly help us carry on the tradition of the Jesuit education, and most importantly, contribute in the formation of tomorrow's Men for Others.