Last week during first period AP Calculus, Boys Soccer Captain, senior Juan G., was surprised by his family and representatives from the BODYARMOR Series with the prestigious 'Power of Sport' Award, recognizing his exceptional sportsmanship.

Juan's honor stems from a simple act of kindness during the BODYARMOR Cup Finals soccer tournament which took place on September 28. When an opposing player from Prairie Ridge suffered a severe wrist injury, Juan—though not involved in the play—stepped in to help. He brought water, an ice pack, and checked on the player’s condition. His compassion impressed the Prairie Ridge head coach so deeply that he nominated Juan for the award, which is given just four times a year nationwide.

“The game was a very intense match and we were tied 1-1 with about 10 minutes left,” Prairie Ridge boys soccer coach Josef Schroeder said. “Trent fell hard on his wrist, where he ended up dislocating and breaking it in multiple places. While he was waiting for the ambulance, Juan stayed with him and offered towels, water and kept on checking on him. He truly put our player's health and safety before his team and the game. It’s probably why he wears No. 10 on his jersey, because that was 10 of 10. At that moment, he was an even better human being by helping our injured player. I can't say enough to see student athletes do the right thing.”

Out of 128 teams and more than 2,000 high school soccer players in Illinois, Juan is the sole 2025 recipient.

Adding to the celebration, Juan was also named Player of the Year for the Chicago Prep Conference. Athletic Director Jason Dillon expressed his Cristeros pride for Juan and his recognition. "When a team’s top athlete is also a standout human being, it’s a powerful example of being Together for Others," he said.

As part of the award, Juan will attend a Chicago sporting event of his choice, joined by the injured Prairie Ridge captain, and BODYARMOR will make a donation in Juan’s name to a local charity.

Reflection by Maria Luevano Salazar ’01, Vice President of Mission 

At Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, our Catholic Jesuit identity is more than a tradition, it is a living mission that shapes every aspect of our community. Rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, our commitment to faith, justice, and service is made tangible through the presence and ministry of three Jesuits who walk alongside our students, faculty, and staff each day. 

This year, we are blessed to have Emmanuel Arenas, SJ, Daniel Park, SJ, and Fr. Patrick Hyland, SJ on campus. Each brings a unique background and set of gifts, and yet all share a deep devotion to Ignatian spirituality and a passion for accompanying young people on their journeys of faith and formation. 

Emmanuel Arenas, SJ has started his third year of regency at Cristo Rey Jesuit. His work with Campus Ministry has been instrumental in fostering Ignatian values among our students. Whether leading retreats, planning liturgies, or engaging students in meaningful conversations, Emmanuel brings warmth, energy, and spiritual depth to everything he does. As a teacher and moderator, he models cura personalis—the Jesuit value of care for the whole person—through his thoughtful mentorship and joyful presence. 

Daniel Park, SJ joins us as a Jesuit Regent and Social-Emotional Counselor. Born in South Korea and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Daniel brings a global perspective and a heart for service. A member of the UMI Province of the Society of Jesus, he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Spiritual Integration at Fordham University. Throughout his Jesuit formation, Daniel has served in diverse ministries, including prison chaplaincy at Rikers Island, liturgical ministry in Detroit, and service at Abraham House in New York. Fluent in English, Korean, and conversational Spanish, Daniel brings a deep commitment to accompaniment, formation, and holistic care. He looks forward to supporting Cristo Rey students in their academic, spiritual, and personal growth. 

Fr. Patrick Hyland, SJ joins Cristo Rey this year as Special Assistant to the President. A recently ordained Jesuit priest, he brings a rich background in education, ministry, and social justice. Raised in Cleveland in a large, faith-filled family, Patrick first encountered the Jesuits at Saint Ignatius High School and later at Boston College, where they served as mentors and spiritual guides. His path has taken him from teaching in Cleveland and Detroit to volunteering in Ecuador, and most recently to theological studies in New Orleans and Madrid. Fluent in Spanish and deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality, Fr. Patrick is passionate about walking with young people and guiding them in faith, justice, and service.

Together, these three Jesuits embody the spirit of St. Ignatius, meeting students where they are and helping them discover God’s love in their lives. In classrooms, they bring scripture and theology to life. In Campus Ministry, they help shape transformative experiences through retreats, prayer services, and liturgies. In counseling and pastoral care, they offer guidance and support, nurturing the emotional and spiritual well-being of our students. 

Their presence is felt throughout the school—in hallways, at athletic events, in after-school activities, and wherever students gather. They are living examples of our mission to form young people who are committed to faith, justice, and service. 

As St. Ignatius once said, “Go forth and set the world on fire.” Through their ministry, these three Jesuits inspire our students to live boldly, love deeply, and serve faithfully. They help us cultivate vocations, deepen our devotion to Jesus and Nuestra Madre, La Virgen de Guadalupe, and live the teachings of St. Ignatius every day.