A new school president greets more than 940 students at St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy when the school year begins August 14. Rev. Joaquin Martinez, S.J., took the helm of the Jesuit all-boys school July 1, following a national search for a president. Fr. Martinez, who comes from the California Jesuit Province, will be formally missioned as the school’s leader at a Mass September 6 in the St. John Berchmans Chapel.
With students as his main focus, Fr. Martinez, says, “The mission of St. John’s Jesuit and the commitment of faculty, parents and students to quality Jesuit education are quite impressive. I look forward to meeting alumni and so many in the greater community who are dedicated to keeping St. John’s Jesuit at the forefront of educational initiatives. It is truly a blessing to be here.”
Fr. Martinez has Master’s degrees from Harvard University as well as Loyola University in Chicago and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. “We are so happy to have such a dynamic, inspirational leader as president,” says Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Rideout. “ |
The school year begins with more innovative courses. Principal Tim Malone says, “In keeping with our commitment to provide select career exploration courses, we are offering an Introduction to Business course in conjunction with the University of Toledo. Class time will be split between SJJ and the University where we will make use of the excellent facilities in their Business School.” Mr. Malone says business exploration enhances opportunities students already have in pre-law, biomedical frontiers, and pre-engineering courses.
The study of Arabic, already being taught in the SJJ Academy, moves into the high school curriculum. It along, with Chinese, ““addresses the growing emphasis on both languages and cultures in the world today,” explains Cheri Bischoff, assistant principal.
As the Academy program of 7th and 8th grade boys enters its fifth year, enrollment is full with 100 students. A self-contained Academy technology lab, an expanded exploratory program with before school mini-classes and off-site learning experiences in the Arts and Sciences add to the Academy’s offerings. “Enhancements continue in the gifted and enrichment program,” Principal Chris Knight explains. “We are gratified by the success we have experienced and the tremendous interest in the program. We’re excited about all the opportunities and plans to make the program even more unique and innovative.”
Brad Bonham, director of admissions, encourages junior high students to sign up to be a “Titan for a Day.” He says, “We can talk about the St. John’s experience and give a family all the statistics and facts about how superior a Jesuit education is, but coming in and experiencing the life of the school speaks for itself. We are happy to answer any questions regarding how to make an education here a reality. More than 70 percent of our students receive some financial assistance with tuition, so I encourage anyone who is interested to give me a call.” Mr. Bonham can be reached at 419.865.5743 ext. 248.
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