Strake Jesuit Valedictorian and Salutatorian 2024

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Zachary Jones as the valedictorian and Alessandro Directo as the salutatorian of the Class of 2024! 

Zachary Jones will attend the University of Notre Dame to study applied and computational math and statistics. At Strake Jesuit, Zach was a four-year member of the chamber orchestra, serving as the first chair violist in his senior year. He was a three-year letterman on the water polo team, who placed as region finalists this season. He was also involved with the Freshman Retreat, serving twice as a small group leader, and represented the Gonzaga House on the House Council. Outside of school, Zach was in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving Eagle Scout in September 2023. In the future, Zach hopes to remain close to his many cousins and family members who have supported him thus far, even as he moves away for a few years. As a lifelong Astros fan, he is interested in the realm of sports and business statistics and paying forward the gift of his education through teaching. 

Alessandro Directo will attend Rice University to study engineering. He has shown a strong commitment to service, traveling to Mexico multiple times to attend service projects centered around giving English and faith-based classes to young children. Every summer, he volunteers at Leadership Camp Texas, helping young boys grow into great leaders by fostering virtues and learning leadership skills. In addition to his community service, Alessandro has been a dedicated member of the Strake Jesuit Rugby team since his freshman year, serving as captain and leading the team to multiple winning seasons. During his time at Strake Jesuit, he was also president of the Ultimate Frisbee Club and the Filipino Student Association. In the future, he hopes to pursue an MBA and seek engineering-related entrepreneurial opportunities in Houston.