Former and future Crusaders Matt, Sara, Savanna, Carter and Colton Stewart
Going to Jesuit High School had always been a dream for Sara Wilkins Stewart '97.
She remembers her dad, Mike Wilkins '69, coming home from a meeting at Jesuit and announcing that the school would soon admit young women. After receiving news of her acceptance, Sara's dream became a reality.
Fast forward to September of 1993: Sara's freshman class at Jesuit made history as the first class admitted with the same number of young men and young women.
"It was a big story in Portland," says Sara. "There were TV cameras and reporters on campus our first day of school; we were surprised by all the publicity."
Sara played varsity soccer and participated in a variety of clubs during her freshman year at Jesuit. That spring she met junior baseball player Matt Stewart '95, and they began dating. Campus ministry, clubs, and service contributed to the cultivation of the compassionate, caring individuals Matt and Sara are today.
"Matt and I would have never met if it wasn't for Jesuit," says Sara with a smile.
Matt lived on the eastside of Portland. At that time only a few students came from across the river.
"We grew up together and our lifelong friends are from high school," says Sara. "We all have a close connection to one another and to Jesuit."
After high school, Matt attended Pepperdine University, and Sara, Loyola Marymount University. Despite the distance, the two stayed together. After college, Matt returned to Portland, sparking a successful career in sales while Sara pursued a career as an elementary educator in Los Angeles and later at St. Clare's School.
In 2002 the couple married and began a family. After taking time off to be with her children, Savanna, 13, Carter, 11, and Colton, 9, Sara found her true passion at De La Salle North Catholic High School as their Events and Corporate Outreach Manager.
"Advocating for others is who I am," says Sara.
Matt and Sara strongly believe faith-based education gives children a foundation that, although they might not realize until later in life, is instrumental in how they view the world.
"It is a challenge today to raise responsible children who have empathy and compassion for others," says Sara. "Jesuit instills this concept of social justice and service to others that we hope our children will experience firsthand as future Crusaders."
Savanna, Carter and Colton attend Cathedral School where Matt and Sara are active volunteers. The family finds joy in volunteering together and continuing the tradition of service at the annual JHS Alumni Food Drive.
"Sara and I try to live our lives as men and women for others and to teach the values that we learned at Jesuit to our three children," says Matt.
Several years ago the couple felt the responsibility as parents to have a plan in place for their children's future.
"During the process it was a natural and easy decision for us to include Jesuit in our estate plans," says Sara.
Matt emphasizes that it is not a requirement to be a particular age or have a certain amount of money in the bank to be a part of the Legacy Club: "It is about supporting the Jesuit mission and the students of today and tomorrow any way we can," says Matt. "Jesuit is a very special place to us; our education helped shape the foundation of our marriage and family."
We are grateful to Legacy Club members like Sara and Matt who are contributing to the future of Jesuit High School. If you would like to help create a legacy for Jesuit High School, please contact Diane Salzman at 503-291-5497 or development@jesuitportland.org.