While many activities stay within the walls of the Academy, an expanding number of girls are crossing campus lines for their extracurriculars, traveling to the Academy’s brother school, Jesuit. Whether they take the stage in Jesuit’s theatre program, join the sidelines as cheerleaders, or compete in track and field events, these students are making new spaces for themselves and taking opportunities that blur the boundaries between the worlds of Jesuit and the Academy.
Layla Evans (‘26) has been a member of the Masque since the spring of her sophomore year, participating in “Into the Woods,” “The Sting,” “Les Miserables,” and “Puffs.” “I’ve got to have a place to shine at Jesuit,” Evans says. “I think it really gives everyone a chance to show their talents in an inclusive space.”
Jesuit’s theatre club, known as the Jesuit Masque, is open to girls from schools around Tampa to fill female roles in their shows. The most common population of girls in the program is from the Academy. These girls share their positive experience as members of the Masque and its impact on their theatrical journeys.
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Rylan Meredith (‘27) also began with the Masque her sophomore year, starring as Cosette in “Les Miserables” and Hannah in “Puffs.” “It’s such a fun place to be,” she said. “I have met some of my best friends through the Masque and I love having the opportunity to perform on a different stage.”
Many Academy girls also travel to Jesuit for athletics. Katie Hoar (‘27), a high-jumper and 400-runner on the track and field team, says that she likes the environment of Jesuit. Hoar says, “I like the change of scenery and being away from school because it helps me not think about work. They have more resources that have helped me learn a new sport that I now love.”
Madison Pfeffuer (‘26), a senior Jesuit cheerleader, says, “I enjoy it because it’s like seeing new faces and I like building friendships with other cheerleaders. It’s a different environment and it’s not just the same place we are used to.”
As Academy girls expand their horizons beyond their own campus, they build important friendships, opportunities, and life skills. Because of them, the gap between the two schools becomes smaller and connections and relationships prosper. As said by Layla Evans, “It’s super important to go beyond your comfort zone and try new activities, and Jesuit is a great way to do that.”
