FEATURE The student body celebrates Mass and morning Convocation in the Tiger Palace while the Chapel of the Holy Cross is under construction “It’s what happens on campus each and every day—our teachers and students challenging themselves to meet that standard of excellence in every aspect of school life—that’s a testament to how that tradition has strengthened and spread through Tampa Bay and beyond.” (continued on page 16) JESUIT PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2016-17 15 These numbers help put the enrollment in context: Jesuit students in 2016-17 graduated from 102 middle schools and 76 different zip codes across 6 counties (plus a few who attended middle school out-of-state). “Those numbers alone are impressive,” Matesich said. “But numbers don’t begin to do justice to our student body. These are among the most talented and involved students from those middle schools. These are young men with a vivid and ambitious vision of what they want their futures to look like—and that starts with preparing for college at the very highest level.” This precedent of excellence makes for a more competitive and decorated applicant pool. In turn, Jesuit’s student body isn’t just coming from increasingly diverse backgrounds and locales – it’s growing, too. In fact, in the past 10 years, enrollment has expanded by 140 students, from about 650 in 2007 to 790 in the 2016-17 school year. The well-roundedness of Jesuit, the centuries-old commitment to the complete formation of young men – academically, spiritually, in extracurriculars, in service, in athletics – ensures that no matter why a family chooses Jesuit, they end up receiving so much more over the four years and beyond. “While our students often come from different counties and backgrounds, they share something that’s even more special: A common commitment to excellence,” Matesich said. “A desire to be a part of a community that strives every day—collectively and as individuals—to be the best they can be in each aspect of life.” More students, and more qualifi ed students, have been applying. Admitting those qualifi ed students is one thing. Enrolling them is another – for some, the tuition is an excessive burden. Fortunately, Jesuit has a longstanding commitment to educating any qualifi ed boy who wishes to attend regardless of his family’s fi nancial capability, assigning a heavy importance to the school’s Financial Aid program. As such, Jesuit’s Financial Aid program has strengthened and grown in stride with the school’s enrollment numbers. With more than 25 percent of Jesuit’s students currently receiving need-based aid, the Financial Aid program is instrumental in helping the school honor and maintain this commitment. Thanks to emphatic and generous contributions from Jesuit families and supporters, a Jesuit education has continued to be available and affordable for admitted students, even as the enrollment has climbed. In 2015-16, Jesuit distributed close to $1.6 million in fi nancial support to its students. This year, Jesuit is distributing $1.95 million, with the average aid award of about $8,200 totaling more than half (about 55%) of the $14,975 tuition. “Students are the lifeblood of any school,” Matesich said. “Jesuit’s unwavering commitment to a strong Financial Aid program enables us to attract more goal-oriented and selfmotivated students than ever before.” Word of mouth has always been a great marketing tool. If a friend speaks positively about something, you will be much more inclined to try it, whether it’s a car, shoes, or a taco stand. Or a school. The Jesuit education brand, internationally and locally, has generated respect and appreciation
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