Washington Jesuit Academy

James Rice, a 2007 WJA graduate and soon to be graduate of Bullis School (2011) gave a moving benediction at the May 25th graduation ceremony.  With a glowing nomination from Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mr. Rice will be attending the Naval Academy Prep School this fall

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Good evening.

In a 2004 Principal’s conference, Father Michael McMahon offered the following perspective on the Jesuit Model of Education:

QUOTE:  “Man is not merely a citizen of this or that country; he is born to be a citizen of heaven. Therefore, in all truth, we can say that the purpose of education is a preparation for life, proximately this life, but ultimately everlasting life.

He further adds:  QUOTE - “If you are just shooting for intellectual knowledge and you are not strengthening the will and forming the character at the same time, not only is education defective, but it is capable of being “even dangerous,” and possibly extremely so! Education prepares nature to receive and cooperate with Our Lord’s grace. We are instructing the intellect, training the will, and forming the character -in other words, the whole man -based upon serious principles.”

The Washington Jesuit Academy is celebrating its 7th graduation today - and for that, we must give thanks to God.  As alums, each of us has taken the road less traveled by attending the Academy, our future successes are unfolding with every step we take.  We walk proudly (chests out, stomachs in, firm handshake) moving with a sense of purpose and direction.

As we celebrate this special class and the previous six classes of WJA graduates, we wish to thank the families, sponsors, faculty, staff, volunteers, mentors, friends, and supporters who refuse to stop believing in the power of quality education for all.

May God Continue to Bless You.