Ethan Zhao – MAGIS

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After months of planning, Strake Jesuit has finally launched its foray into the Great Ignatian Challenge. Bryce LaRue ‘25, student body president, is spearheading this massive project and describes the Challenge as a “spirited food drive competition between Jesuit schools across the country with a goal of filling local pantries.”

Since its foundation in 2016 by Fordham Prep alumnus Jim Rowan, the Challenge has collected and donated more than 2.2 million pounds of food to local communities across the nation. Further, as a competition between over 20 Jesuit high schools, each school competes for the chance to win thousands of dollars to grow their financial aid programs. “It’s really a win-win situation for everyone,” Bryce noted.

Just under a month into the drive, our school has already managed to collect over 26 thousands pounds of food! “Overall, it’s been going really well considering it’s our first year,” Bryce explained.  “The other week for the Texan’s tickets day, we donated over 8250 lbs of food to West Houston Assistance Ministries within three hours. It was one of the largest donations they’ve ever received.” 

For context, a Ford F150 weighs about four thousand pounds, meaning our school has donated more than six F150s since the Challenge began. Already, this has been, Bryce noted,  “one of the largest food drives a school in Texas has ever done, and it’s only our first year.”

For Bryce, the best part of the drive is watching students get involved. “I love the drop-off incentive days,’ he said. “One student brought in 280 pounds to win the Houston Texans tickets, and it shows how students are really caring about the drive more than expected. It’s been a huge drive with so many moving parts, but it’s been great to chair it and work with the student community.” 

Although the drive is approaching its conclusion, its momentum isn’t stopping anytime soon. Plans for 2025 are already underway with initiatives to encourage greater participation from the student body. 

“This challenge is a learning process for us too,” Bryce offered. “We are already looking towards next year and hope to form student communities in April or May to start brainstorming. For students, this can become a great leadership opportunity. We want to foster growth to make this challenge not just a one-time thing, but a tradition, year after year.”

Indeed, the Challenge matches our school perfectly. It embodies being a Man for Others and helps us to live out that mission. “We have a focus on how many pounds we need to win or to help our aid program,” Bryce mused, “ but we can also realize the beauty and greatness of donating so many pounds of food. It’s inspiring to see everyone in the community work towards a common goal.”

The Great Ignatian Challenge will run until November 23rd, so if you haven’t donated already, make a plan and be sure to drop off your donations in Loyola or Kostka! After Thanksgiving break, keep an eye out for the Challenge’s results and more upcoming opportunities to be a Man for Others.