A New Year Begins at Loyola Academy
8/21/2026
Welcome Back, Ramblers!
The halls of Loyola Academy are once again filled with the energy of a new school year as Ramblers returned to Lake and Laramie for the start of the 2026–2027 academic year. Loyola is especially pleased to welcome the Class of 2030 and their families to the Rambler community as they begin their Loyola journeys.
Watch Principal Tortorello's Welcome Back message.
The school year began with three days of Freshman Orientation designed to help Loyola's newest Ramblers make connections, become familiar with campus and prepare for high school. After gathering with their families for Mass, freshmen spent the next several days meeting counselors, classmates and teachers; learning about the Daily Examen and Loyola's Ignatian traditions; and becoming familiar with their schedules and campus. Upperclassmen student leaders shared advice and encouraged the Class of 2030 to explore the many opportunities available at Loyola, while activities throughout orientation helped build class spirit, friendship and a sense of belonging.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors returned for orientation before the entire student body came together for the first day of classes, beginning a new year of learning, growth, connection and discovery.
Beginning the Year in the Spirit
The opening week culminated with one of Loyola Academy's most meaningful traditions: the Mass of the Holy Spirit. Celebrated at Jesuit schools and universities around the world, the Mass invites the community to begin the academic year in prayer and seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit for the year ahead.
Before Mass began, the Class of 2030 entered the West Gym for the traditional Freshmen Clap-In, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from Loyola's sophomores, juniors and seniors. The tradition marks an important moment as the entire student body formally welcomes its newest Ramblers into the Loyola Academy community.
Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, served as principal celebrant, joined by concelebrants Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, and Rev. Peter Breslin, SJ. Deacon Karol Cygan, SJ, proclaimed the Gospel.
In his homily, Fr. Greg reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they can guide students through times of growth and change. Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, he connected these gifts to each stage of the high school journey—from gaining knowledge and understanding to developing the wisdom, counsel and strength to accompany others. He reminded students that these gifts are “of God and from God, but for you and for others,” encouraging them not only to receive them, but to use them for the good of others. In doing so, he said, Ramblers continue their formation as women and men for others.
The celebration also included a special blessing for Principal Steve Tortorello, who began his tenure as principal this summer. Surrounded by the students, faculty and staff he has been called to lead and accompany, Tortorello received the community's prayers as he begins his first school year as principal.
Together, these opening days gave Ramblers both new and returning an opportunity to reconnect, welcome new members of the community and begin the year grounded in Loyola's Jesuit mission. As the 2026–2027 school year gets underway, we look forward to accompanying each student as they discover their gifts and continue becoming the people God calls them to be.
Welcome back, Ramblers—and a special welcome to the Class of 2030!
Special thanks to the many students, faculty, staff, Jesuits and musicians who shared their gifts in service to our community and helped make the Mass of the Holy Spirit a meaningful celebration of faith and the beginning of a new school year.