The following is a message from Rev. James R. Van Dyke, S.J., president of Georgetown Preparatory School, Rev. Stephen Planning, S.J., president of Gonzaga College High School, and Mr. William B. Whitaker, president of Washington Jesuit Academy.
Dear Friends,
Since 2002, the Jesuit Gridiron Classic has been a highlight of the fall for both the Georgetown Preparatory School and Gonzaga College High School communities. Begun as a way to support and raise money for the newly-founded Washington Jesuit Academy, the Classic has helped create a wonderful spirit for a great cause, bringing attention to the Capital's newest and boldest Jesuit apostolate. It has been a great success on so many levels.
This year we celebrate the 17th Annual and final Jesuit Gridiron Classic. As Georgetown Preparatory School and Gonzaga College High School come together to support the Washington Jesuit Academy on the football field one last time, we are humbled by the tremendous support from all of our communities over the years. The two schools will meet tomorrow to conclude the friendly rivalry on the field; however, the impact of this game will long live on and be remembered with gratitude.
In its time, the JGC match up has raised nearly $2 million towards scholarships for the young men at the Washington Jesuit Academy. Furthermore, and perhaps equally as important, it brought community awareness to the Academy in the founding days and has given us an opportunity to celebrate the three schools and the core values we all hold so dear. This event has brought us all together in camaraderie and tradition.
We THANK each and every one of you who has offered your support to this game and to the Academy's mission of educating "Men for Others" in the Jesuit tradition. You have played an important role in the line of opportunity that WJA offers its students and you have embodied the true spirit of community through your generosity of time, resources, and gifts.
Although tomorrow's game will mark the end of this chapter, we look forward to exploring future ways in which our three communities can come together. Once again, THANK YOU for the steadfast support of the Jesuit Gridiron Classic football game for seventeen wonderful years!
With incredible gratitude,
Rev. Stephen Planning, S.J.
President, Gonzaga College High School
Rev. James R. Van Dyke, S.J.
President, Georgetown Preparatory School
Mr. William B. Whitaker
President, Washington Jesuit Academy