Ramblers Return for the 2024–25 School Year

Freshman Orientation—August 18–20
Loyola welcomed incoming freshmen with an immersive two-and-a-half-day orientation that began with Mass and parent programming on Sunday, August 18. Mass was presided over by Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ. Following Mass, students kicked off their orientation with icebreakers and locker assignments. Meanwhile, parents attended a session led by Principal Tim Devine '88 before joining small group discussions with experienced Rambler parents.
 
Monday was a busy day for Loyola's newest Ramblers who returned to campus for orientation activities including a welcome assembly, iPad training, sessions on annotation, learning to pray the Daily Examen, and more. Freshmen had the opportunity to get to know the school and their classmates while learning about Loyola's RIPLOC values, the life and legacy of St. Ignatius, and what it means to be a part of the Rambler tradition. They also had a chance to explore the campus during a school tour, took their ID photos, and enjoyed more icebreaker activities in classrooms.
 
On Tuesday, the freshmen walked through an abbreviated class schedule to meet their teachers and master the layout of the building. They also learned more about how to get involved at Loyola, how to prepare for class each day, and even got some helpful tips from student leaders. The afternoon brought a friendly dose of competition and built camaraderie as freshmen competed in a Rambler cheer-off in the East Gym. They finished the day with field games including tug of war, steal the bacon, and more on Hoerster Field.

Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Orientation—August 20
Upperclassmen returned for orientation on Tuesday, August 20. In addition to walking through an abbreviated class schedule, returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors attended an assembly, where school leaders welcomed them and discussed the meaning of RIPLOC, sharing ways students can embody these values throughout their time at Loyola.
 
The 2024–2025 school year officially began on Wednesday, August 21.

Mass of the Holy Spirit—August 23
The Loyola Academy community celebrated its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday, August 23, The Mass is a longstanding tradition among Jesuit high schools and universities, dating back to 1584. It provides students, faculty, and staff a moment to pause, pray, and seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in living out our mission to be women and men for others in the upcoming year.

The incoming Class of 2028 processed into the West Gym accompanied by enthusiastic applause from the upperclassmen during a Freshmen Clap-In—a tradition started by Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, in 2022.  Fr. Greg presided over a beautiful Mass and was joined by concelebrants Rev. Peter Breslin, SJ; Rev. Arkadiusz Ciemiega, SJ, (campus minister); Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, (campus minister); Rev. Ted Munz, SJ, (Loyola Academy board of trustee member); Rev. Charlie Rodrigues, SJ, (Loyola Academy board of trustee member).

Thank you to the following students for their help and participation in Mass: J.P. Aruna '25 (call to worship), Simone Abbasi '25 (first reading), Kaitlyn McGovern '26 (intersessions), Matty Erickson '25 (gift bearer), Kate O’Donnell '25 (gift bearer), Jordy Jacome '25 (cross bearer), and Michelle Dutkin '26 (lectionary). Many thanks to our student-musicians Jack Ehlert '26 (voice and guitar), Danny Blanchard '25 (piano), and the student choir for lending their talents to make this Mass a beautiful celebration of our faith and community.