Jesuit Dads' Club

'Dads for Others' serving the Jesuit High School community

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

A school-record 15 National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2026 were recognized today at Jesuit, along with 13 Commended Students!

With their families in attendance at Convocation, principal Mike Scicchitano recognized the 28 seniors, who earned the honor from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. with exceptional results on the PSAT taken their junior year. The total of 28 combined Semifinalists and Commended Students is the second-most ever at Jesuit.

The 2026 National Merit Semifinalists from Jesuit are: Diego Alvarado-Borjas, Henry Bravo, Jesse Cogburn, Jack Fults, Brady Jackson, Preston Jomon, Richard Jones, Traynor Little, Justin Lopez, Sagar Lopez, Charlie Muzi, Henry Nalley, Anthony Odio, Noah Reese, and Garrett Smith.

The 2026 Commended Students from Jesuit are: Austin Blewitt, Robert Bossowski, Mitchell Echevarria, Rocco Falcon, Connor Flynn, Benjamin Gentile, Gavin McMillon, GianLuca Pasquotto, Lukas Ruiz, Richard Scott, John Sumagang, Tobin Swiger, and Grayson Teske.

This year, National Merit has recognized some 17,000 Semifinalists nationwide from more than 1.6 million in the class who took the PSAT. The score required to be a Semifinalist varies from state-to-state and year-to-year, and this year in Florida the qualifying score was 219. Jesuit's 15 Semifinalists is No. 1 among Catholic schools in the state.

For much more information about the Jesuit students recognized today and National Merit, go to:
https://t.co/6voTo00Jrn

#AMDG #NationalMerit #AcademicExcellence @JesuitsUCS

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Here we go - the ramping up to the 2025-26 school year is underway!

All Jesuit students were on campus today for their portrait photos and grade-level meetings, and the freshmen also received their locker and technology while the freshman parents enjoyed a reception in the cafeteria.

Tomorrow is Freshman Orientation, where the Class of 2029 will experience their daily schedule with assistance from the junior and senior Big Brothers.

Friday, all students are back for Schola Brevis, which will culminate in a celebration in the Tiger Palace for the 2025 wrestling State Duals champions, before the first full day of the school year on Monday.

Here we go!

#AMDG #MenforOthers #JesuitHighSchool @JesuitsUCS

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Go Nick! #AMDG

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Nick DeMarinis '01 honed his basketball skills in the Tiger Palace, and *tonight* at 9:00pm on ESPN2 he is one of 8 finalists (along with former @FSUFootball and Tampa Bay @Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson) vying for the 2025 Pop-A-Shot National Championship!

TV segment about DeMarinis by Kevin Lewis of @abcactionnews: https://t.co/2JWOOZZrRp

2025 Pop-A-Shot National Championship competitor profiles: https://t.co/o1HDOHH2m1

Video of DeMarinis winning the San Antonio qualifier: https://t.co/4TW0NAk8zC

#AMDG

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

A message to the school community from Jesuit principal and interim president Mike Scicchitano:

This morning, we awoke to the sad news of the passing of The Holy Father, Pope Francis. As we mourn his loss, let us offer prayers alongside those of the universal Church for the repose of his soul and the consolation of all Catholics around the world.

The Jesuit fathers are privately offering Masses and prayers for the repose of the soul of the Roman Pontiff. When school reopens tomorrow, we will pray as a school community in homeroom for this intention. On Wednesday, we will begin the day with School Mass for the eternal rest of the successor of St. Peter.

May Pope Francis rest in peace.

#AMDG @JesuitsUCS

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

This is great news! Congratulations Robbie Shaffer, you will do great.

We miss your father and are praying for your family.

#AMDG

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Jesuit and the Academy of the Holy Names are passing the swimming & diving torch from Coach Shaffer to Coach Shaffer.

Robbie Shaffer ’19, a two-time State Champion swimmer at Jesuit who became an assistant coach to his legendary father, Bill Shaffer, is the new head coach of the Tigers and Jaguars.

Robbie Shaffer was a collegiate swimmer for Loyola University New Orleans, and he assisted his father with the Academy Aquatic Club and the Jesuit/AHN high school teams.

Bill Shaffer coached Jesuit for 29 years and AHN for the past 17 seasons, mentoring generations of “Men for Others” and leading each school to three State titles, including the 2A State crown for @holynamestpa this past fall. In December, he passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind the best swimming programs in Hillsborough County history.

“I was grateful to be able to coach this past high school season with my dad,” Robbie Shaffer said. “He built the program to what it is now, and I'm excited for the opportunity to continue to build the program, as my dad and the rest of the coaching staff have over the past couple of decades.”

The mantra “One Team!” will continue to guide the Jesuit and AHN swimming programs, as Robbie Shaffer, like his father did for decades, fosters a family-focused environment and encourages excellence in and out of the pool.

“Being a Jesuit graduate, former swimmer, and now a coach, I understand what it takes to perform at that top level, and I'm looking forward to this upcoming season and seeing what these young swimmers can accomplish.”

#AMDG #JesuitSwimming

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Welcome to Jesuit, Father Giacabazi!

#AMDG

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Jesuit High School today announced its next school president, naming Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, S.J. as the 22nd leader in the school’s 125-year history in Tampa.

Father Giacabazi, who is currently the principal at Rockhurst, a Jesuit high school in Kansas City, Mo., has been a member of the Board of Trustees at Jesuit in Tampa for the past eight years.

“I have witnessed the exceptional culture, tradition, and success of Jesuit High School, and I am thrilled to join the school as its president and help further build on that extraordinary foundation,” said Father Giacabazi, 42, who will officially begin his tenure this summer. “Jesuit has a very strong faculty, staff, and administration leading an outstanding student body. Together we will grow and develop the foundational priorities outlined in the school’s strategic plan – advancing academic opportunities, forming a community of faith, and strengthening student life and leadership at Jesuit High School.”

The announcement is the culmination of a diligent four-month national search process following the departure of Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. at the end of August. Father Hermes was Jesuit’s longest-tenured president (16 years) since its founding in 1899.

The Chairman of Jesuit’s Board of Trustees, Bill Muir Jr., and the Board established a special presidential search committee led by former Board Chair Joe Caballero ’86.

“Joe and the committee have found the right leader, a remarkable leader, to guide and propel Jesuit into its next chapter,” Muir said. “Father Giacabazi has a deep understanding of the school’s mission and will build on the powerful foundation put in place over the years by Jesuit’s many talented leaders, faculty, and staff members.”

The search committee worked in partnership with the Province in which Jesuit High School is an apostolate, the Jesuits USA Central and Southern. Caballero had previously served on the 2008 committee that selected Father Hermes.

“We were blessed with a pool of extremely strong applicants, which was no surprise with the school in such good standing,” Caballero said. “As we worked through the process during the fall, we became increasingly assured that Jesuit’s next president would be a tremendous leader who will be embraced by the school community, continue to build on the school’s tradition of excellence, and affirm its Catholic, Jesuit identity.”

Father Giacabazi will meet Jesuit’s faculty and staff, students, and administrators this week. He will periodically be on campus during the spring before officially starting at Jesuit this summer, in preparation for the 2025-26 school year. Jesuit principal Mike Scicchitano has been the school’s interim president during the current school year, and Scicchitano will continue in the dual roles of principal and interim president through the completion of the 2024-25 school year.

Father Giacabazi is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University, where he majored in Political Science and International Studies with minors in Spanish and Theological Studies, and he joined the Society of Jesus the following year. He has significant experience in a variety of roles at Jesuit high schools, beginning with three years at DeSmet Jesuit in St. Louis and then nine years at Rockhurst. He has taught Spanish, Theology, and Social Studies, served in campus ministry, been a Department Head, and for the past five years has served as principal and Chief Operating Officer at Rockhurst.

He also has a wealth of pastoral leadership and governance experience. In addition to his lengthy Board tenure at Jesuit in Tampa, he served three years on the Board at Creighton Prep and seven on the Board at Rockhurst. For more biographical information about Father Giacabazi, click here.

“Throughout the process, it became clear that Father Giacabazi is an outstanding leader with a strong grasp of the school and its culture, and with the skill, acumen, and experience to lead Jesuit High School into another successful era,” Muir said. “We are excited to make this announcement and bring Father Giacabazi to Jesuit as the school embarks on the next 125 years of forming young men in the Tampa Bay area.”

#AMDG #MenforOthers #JesuitHighSchool @JesuitsUCS

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

There is still time to make your tax-deductible contribution to Jesuit for the 2024 tax year. Please visit https://t.co/y4Y3V87UHj or Venmo @JesuitTampa to make your gift today.

Thank you to all who have made a contribution to benefit Jesuit's students!

#AMDG #MenforOthers

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Come to Jesuit on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. for Open House! If you are in 8th grade, this is the best way to find out about Jesuit! #AMDG

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Jesuit High School opens its campus Thursday evening for Open House 2024!

Some 1,000 prospective students in the Class of 2029 and their families will walk Jesuit's beautiful 40-acre campus and meet the students, faculty, and staff of the institution that has been forming young men in the Tampa Bay area for 125 years, since 1899.

Open House begins at 7:00pm at the heart of campus inside the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Following short presentations, prospective future Tigers – Open House is designed for students presently in 8th grade and their families – will break into tour groups led by Jesuit students. They will experience the school from a student's perspective, taking in the array of academic and extracurricular opportunities, from the arts, athletics, campus ministry, and the vast club offerings to staples of the curriculum such as foreign language, engineering, theology, math, social studies, science, and English.

We'll see you here Thursday night!

#AMDG #MenforOthers @JesuitsUCS

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Saturday morning at Jesuit was filled with Homecoming festivities, as the Tigers defeated Brandon 43-0, honored their seniors, and celebrated the Homecoming Court & Queen.

Ava Fernandez of the Academy of the Holy Names, who was accompanied by Ryan Thompson '25, was crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime of the football game.

By that time, the Tigers had built a 36-0 lead, as Will Griffin '26 threw four TD passes, including a pair to Kaleb Smith '26.

Before the game, the senior football players, cheerleaders, and band members were all individually recognized on the field with their family members.

For much more, including the Homecoming Court members and JV football rout Thursday over TC, go to: https://t.co/vvLH0hP5qb

For many more photos, go to the Facebook page Jesuit High School of Tampa: https://t.co/1tmiTsLr5C

#AMDG #Homecoming2024

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Logan Hardin '25, the president of Jesuit's Peer Ministers, offered a prayer as the Jesuit school community, Tampa Bay area, and west coast of Florida braces for Hurricane Milton:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts seeking Your grace and protection. For You who command the winds and the seas, nothing is too powerful. We ask You to send the Holy Spirit’s mighty hand upon Hurricane Milton. Calm its force and provide safety for all in its path. Putting our lives wholly in Your hands, we trust in Your power to shield us from danger and to bring peace where there is fear. We know that You have this world and our lives in Your hands. Cover our homes, our loved ones, and Jesuit High School with Your protection, and as always, give us the strength to trust in You and Your power to bring great good out of evil. We pray all this through Christ our Lord and under the patronage of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Amen

#AMDG @JesuitsUCS

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

#MenforOthers

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

From Florida to Indiana to Colorado to London, Jesuit's Class of 2024 is heading off to college! Click below to read about many of the destinations of the largest graduating class in Jesuit history.

#AMDG

https://t.co/JBrNSS70Ac

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Thank you @JesuitTampaFL teachers!

#AMDG

[Jesuit Baseball @JesuitBaseball]

Faculty-Staff Appreciation Night at Jesuit!

Our phenomenal teachers enjoyed a great meal by the Bell Tower on this gorgeous evening before walking into Hyer Family Park to be recognized before tonight's game.

THANK YOU, TEACHERS!

#AMDG

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Great work, men!

#AMDG #MenforOthers

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

The Dads' Club does it all at Jesuit, including coordinating monthly father-son service at @FeedingTampaBay. Thank you Dads' Club for all you do!

The next Dads' Club event is the Fishing Tournament on April 6, click to register!

https://t.co/YJI8vpsYId

#AMDG #MenforOthers

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

One of the best nights of the year - thank you to everyone who makes it possible!

#AMDG #MenforOthers

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Hundreds of Jesuit High School students and their fathers are filing in to the ballroom at the Hilton Tampa Downtown for tonight's Men for Others Dinner!

#AMDG #MenforOthers

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Jesuit Dads’ Club Meeting!

Friday (March 15) at 7:30am in MPR - breakfast provided

Special Guest: Pete Young, Director of Communications

Sign up here, we'll see you there! https://t.co/L5is0v7C6u

#AMDG

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

#MenforOthers

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

The Dads' Club's monthly father-son service outing to Feeding Tampa Bay earlier this month sorted 10,264 pounds of food, helping to provide 8,553 meals!

#AMDG #MenforOthers @FeedingTampaBay

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Great work by the Mothers' Club, the campus looks phenomenal!

#AMDG

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

1/ Last week, the Jesuit Mothers’ Club did an amazing job decorating campus for Advent and Christmas.

#AMDG #MothersforOthers

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Embracing the essence of gratitude and generosity today!
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving!
#AMDG #MenforOthers

[Jesuit Dads' Club @ClubJesuit]

Getting the students on the phone to say thank you to donors is such an important life skill! #AMDG #WellDone

[Jesuit Tampa @JesuitTampaFL]

Monday and today, during their lunch periods, Jesuit students have been making phone calls to donors who've contributed to Jesuit to say thank you.

#AMDG #ThanksForGiving