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Rivalry with a Purpose: Supporting WJA on Eye Street
The second annual Jesuit Lacrosse Classic returns to Eye Street this year, bringing together the communities of Gonzaga and Georgetown Prep for a day of sports and service. While the matchup on the field promises an exciting display of local talent, the true purpose of the event is to support the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) and the shared mission that unites all three institutions.
The day’s festivities will begin with a pre-game tailgate benefitting WJA, where guests have a chance to gather for food and drinks while celebrating the ties that bind these three Jesuit schools. This sense of community and shared mission was on full display last week when the lacrosse team captains and Athletic Directors from both Gonzaga and Georgetown Prep visited WJA’s campus on Varnum Street. They spent time with WJA student-athletes, sharing their love of the game, discussing the responsibilities of leadership, and reminding the younger players that the Jesuit tradition of competition is always rooted in faith and "cura personalis," or care for the whole person.
Founded in 2002, WJA provides a tuition-free, comprehensive Catholic education to boys in grades four through eight from underserved communities in and around the nation’s capital. The relationship between Gonzaga and WJA is one of deep-rooted brotherhood and long-standing support: there are currently 11 WJA alumni enrolled at Gonzaga, with three more set to join the Class of 2030 this fall. Since the Academy’s founding, more than 60 WJA students have continued their education on Eye Street. In addition, WJA Head of School Marcus Washington is a member of the Gonzaga Class of 1998 and serves on the school's Board of Trustees.
The day’s festivities will begin with a pre-game tailgate benefitting WJA, where guests have a chance to gather for food and drinks while celebrating the ties that bind these three Jesuit schools. This sense of community and shared mission was on full display last week when the lacrosse team captains and Athletic Directors from both Gonzaga and Georgetown Prep visited WJA’s campus on Varnum Street. They spent time with WJA student-athletes, sharing their love of the game, discussing the responsibilities of leadership, and reminding the younger players that the Jesuit tradition of competition is always rooted in faith and "cura personalis," or care for the whole person.
Founded in 2002, WJA provides a tuition-free, comprehensive Catholic education to boys in grades four through eight from underserved communities in and around the nation’s capital. The relationship between Gonzaga and WJA is one of deep-rooted brotherhood and long-standing support: there are currently 11 WJA alumni enrolled at Gonzaga, with three more set to join the Class of 2030 this fall. Since the Academy’s founding, more than 60 WJA students have continued their education on Eye Street. In addition, WJA Head of School Marcus Washington is a member of the Gonzaga Class of 1998 and serves on the school's Board of Trustees.
By coming together for the Jesuit Lacrosse Classic, both Gonzaga and Georgetown Prep reaffirm their commitment to WJA’s vital mission of providing high-quality education and comprehensive support for the next generation of Jesuit-educated leaders.
Celebrating 200 Years of Jesuit Education in the Nation's Capital
