Imagine a high school where the SAT results for the graduating class are more than 100 points above the state average. Critical reading, math and writing skills are well above the national average as well. This school is Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, located on Indy’s north side, known for its high-performing students and rigorous curriculum. Although academic excellence can be associated with the campus and its students, diversity doesn’t always make the list.
But the school has greatly increased its enrollment of minority students over the past several years and is looking forward to its annual Celebration of Black Culture event hosted by parents, staff and one of the school’s oldest student diversity organizations, the Black Student Union.
This year’s event, with the theme “Melting Pot of Africa,” will take place march 17 from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the school. While the event is not open to the public, students and members of community organizations are invited.
In previous years, the event has included cultural drinks, food, vendors, artists, open mic performances and more. This year will also include storytelling and hair braiding.
When parent volunteer Trish Jackson became aware of the school’s Black History Month celebration, she knew she had to get involved. This is now her third year of involvement.
“That first year I volunteered, I saw a need. I wanted to help show what our heritage is all about. The program just needed a little touch,” said Jackson, who also helps plan the school’s Asian Festival and another event called The Coffee House. “There is more to us than rapping, dancing, spiritual poems and food.”
Jackson notes the celebration has taken place for years with the help of active parents, students and staff, but once many of those parents’ children graduated, some of the excitement left along with them. Her goal is to help enhance the event.
Freezell Brown, who has been the director of diversity and inclusion at Brebeuf since 1993, said this isn’t the only thing the administration is doing to recruit more minorities.
“We are looking to build relationships with various organizations that serve minority populations by reaching out and inviting people to our campus. We also do professional development training with our staff to make sure once those students arrive on our campus, they feel welcome,” Brown said.
About 25 percent of the student body attends the school on need-based financial aid, which crosses several racial lines, said Brown, who mentioned since his time at the school, diversity numbers have increased from about 15 percent to 21 percent. “When we are out in the community talking about Brebeuf, we tell people not to let the price tag deter them.”
Jackson said one of the reasons she enrolled her child in Brebeuf is its dedication to college preparation.
“The academics and one-on-one attention fit really well for our family,” she said. “They really allow their students to handle their schedules as if they are in college. The diversity is definitely growing, and there are a number of organizations for them to take part in.”
For now, Jackson continues to work on enhancing the cultural programs at Brebeuf, along with staff members and students.
“The Asian Festival was amazing,” commented Jackson. “We had henna tattoos and much more. When you walked into the room, you thought you were in Asia, and that’s what I hope the Celebration of Black Culture will turn into.”
For more information on Brebeuf Jesuit College Preparatory, visit Brebeuf.org.
