Summer Bridge Graduation

Jesuit Summer Bridge (JSB) celebrated its graduation ceremony Friday (July 11) inside the beautiful Shembekar Auditorium, completing its 15th year of making an impact on local middle school boys in an instructional and nurturing environment at Jesuit High School.

In front of family and friends, 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, Cameron Ruff ’13, and Erick Alvarez-Gil. 

But first, they received a special keynote address from Michael Miller ’09. Miller is a former Jesuit teacher and director of student activities. He spoke to the graduates about taking what they've learned from Summer Bridge and bringing it back with them to their respective middle schools, and being leaders among their peers as budding 'Men for Others.' Before Miller spoke, Jesuit student Ethan Smith ’27 addressed the families about a tutoring program he has established to help middle school students.

The most prestigious recognition at JSB graduation was the 'Men for Others' award, which was earned by brothers Andre Cabreja (7th grade, St. Joseph Catholic School) and Jose Cabreja (8th grade, St. Joseph Catholic School). Additional award winners were:

• Excellence in Mathematics: Yared Stefanos (Villa Madonna), Brian Carmona Serrano (Trinity School for Children), and Nathaniel Nelson (Trinity School for Children)
• Excellence in Critical Thinking: Victor Cotto (Southshore Charter) and Alexander Hernandez (Academy Prep of Tampa)
• Excellence in English Language Arts: Eric Relys Fernandez (St. Joseph Catholic School) and Ethan Alexander (Trinity School for Children)
• Highest Test Score: Cotto, Takeshi Kajimoto (St. Joseph Catholic School), and Princeton "PJ" Pledge (Starkey Ranch)
• Most Improved Test Score: Alexander and Kajimoto
• Outstanding Counselor: Logan Hardin ’25
• Sportsmanship Award: Pledge

"We've had a phenomenal five weeks," Barlaan said. "We were are able to accomplish so much, while also getting to know each other and learn many things outside the classroom. It has been focused, enriching, and fun all at the same time."

Aside from the daily instruction, the JSB students took amazing field trips to the Florida Aquarium and to Steinbrenner Field. Also Bricks 4 Kidz Tampa came to Jesuit Summer Bridge once again this year for an "in-house" field trip.

In addition to Barlaan, Ruff (critical thinking), Pedrero (language arts), and Alvarez-Gil (math), the JSB staff consisted of Jesuit admissions director Steve Matesich ’91; graduate counselors Xander vanBelzen ’22 and Logan Hardin ’25; and Jesuit student counselors George Al-Ali ’26, Diego Alvarado-Borjas ’26, Austin Boyle ’26, Henry Bravo ’26, Rocco Falcon ’26, Brody Martinez-Robinson ’26, Rogan McLaughlin ’26, Chris Thomas ’26, and Will Thomas ’26 Will Thomas also served as photography assistant, capturing wonderful images of JSB at Florida Aquarium and elsewhere.

"Everyone bought into the program and invested themselves every day," Barlaan said. "The faculty and counselors created a great atmosphere for learning, growth, and development. This program is always one of the highlights of the year, witnessing the tremendous growth in these young men."

The program included boys from 16 different schools, conscientious students from moderate socio-economic backgrounds, mostly from public schools. Each morning included focused academic instruction in math, critical thinking, and language arts (grammar/reading), and JSB participants also learned leadership skills and made friends. Each day concluded with electives such as art, science, and sports. 

"It is great to be able to teach middle school students about Jesuit and the Jesuit way – about being a 'Man for Others,'" Barlaan said. "Hopefully, we instilled those values."

More than 50 Jesuit Summer Bridge alumni have later enrolled at Jesuit High School, with many currently at Jesuit and many more who have graduated from Jesuit and gone on to attend universities such as: Boston College, Central Florida, CEU Cardinal Herrera University (Spain), Univ. of Chicago, Embry-Riddle, Erwin Tech, Florida A&M, Florida State, Georgia Military College, Univ. of Kentucky, Norfolk State, North Florida, Saint Leo, South Florida, Univ. of Tampa, Tennessee State, and Valparaiso.

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