A Spectacular Summer Bridge

Jesuit Summer Bridge (JSB) celebrated a phenomenal 16th year of making an impact on local middle school boys, in an instructional and nurturing environment at Jesuit, with a dignified graduation ceremony Friday (July 10) inside the Antinori Center for the Arts.

In front of large gathering of family and friends in the arts center's Shembekar Auditorium, the graduates came up on stage one-by-one to receive their graduation certificate from JSB principal Jonathan Barlaan ’07, and several more received individual graduation awards from Barlaan and the JSB faculty – Jake Pedrero ’12 (Language Arts – 9th year with JSB), Erick Alvarez Gil (Math – 2nd year), and Oscar Lopez ’20 (Critical Thinking – 1st year).

But first, they received a special keynote address from Dameon Clay. Clay, who has been a counselor at Jesuit for four years, spoke powerfully about striving to become ‘Men for Others’ as the JSB students progress from middle school to high school and beyond, developing into good citizens and leaders.

The most prestigious recognition at JSB graduation was the Men for Others award, which was earned by Evan Velasquez (grade 6), Jeronte Norton (7), and Zen Keenan (8). Additional award winners were:

• Excellence in Mathematics: Velasquez (6), Eldren Du Toit (7), Yared Stefanos (8)
• Excellence in Critical Thinking: Lucas Guerrero (6), Norton, Jackson Crawford (8)
• Excellence in English Language Arts: Velasquez (6), Du Toit (7), Clayton Martinez-Robinson (8)
• Highest Test Score: Velasquez (6), Du Toit (7), Eric Relys Fernandez (8)
• Most Improved Test Score: Grayson Greene (7), Darius Westervelt (8)
• Outstanding Counselor: Max Morgado ’27
• Sportsmanship Award: Martinez-Robinson

“This year’s summer bridge program was inspirational,” Barlaan said. “It is the most students we have had in several years, so to have this many (48) coming to school every day for five weeks over the summer, eager to learn and work hard, is humbling.”

In addition to the daily instruction in Language Arts, Math, and Critical Thinking, the JSB students took an amazing field trip to ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Bricks 4 Kidz Tampa returned to Jesuit Summer Bridge once again this year for an "in-house" field trip; and enjoyed a special flapjack breakfast from former JSB principal Paula Collazo.

In addition to Barlaan, Pedrero, Alvarez Gil, and Lopez, the JSB staff consisted of Jesuit admissions director Steve Matesich ’91; alumni counselors Gage Holeman ’25 and Henry Bravo ’26; and Jesuit student counselors  Joseph Acosta ’27, Juan Amador ’27, Evan Borreca ’28, Austin Boyle ’27, Brody Martinez-Robinson ’27, Max Morgado ’27, Salvatore Sessa ’27, and Luke Wills ’27.

The program included 48 boys from 22 different schools around the Tampa Bay area, conscientious students from moderate socio-economic backgrounds who attend a mix of public, private, charter, and home schools. Each morning included focused academic instruction in math, critical thinking, and language arts (grammar/reading), and JSB participants also learned leadership skills and created great friendships.

Each of the five weeks had a special theme, a positive characteristic that was emphasized, demonstrated, and reinforced throughout the week: Intentional, Thoughtful, Disciplined, Honorable, Respectful. Each day concluded with electives such as art, science, and sports. 

More than 70 JSB graduates have gone on to attend Jesuit High School – the Critical Thinking teacher this year, Lopez, is a JSB and Jesuit alum – and great colleges and universities such as Boston College, the University of Chicago, and Florida State. 

JSB is offered at a steeply discounted cost to the participants due to the generosity of benefactors, most notably Nancy and Mike Petters ’77. For years, the Petters' have demonstrated a leadership commitment to JSB and to providing unique opportunities for local youths to experience a Jesuit education. Other benefactors have included the Tiger Lilies, the club comprised of mothers of Jesuit alumni.

For more photos from graduation and several posts about JSB from the past five weeks, visit the Facebook page Jesuit High School of Tampa after July 12. For individual photos of each JSB participant receiving his graduation certificate, email crivera@jesuittampa.org.