Strake Jesuit Valedictorian and Salutatorian 2023

It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Cristian Barinaga as the valedictorian and Jackson Amorosa as the salutatorian for the Class of 2023! 

Cristian Barinaga will attend Purdue University as a Stamps Scholar and plans to study Electrical Engineering. He founded the school’s Crusader Educator tutoring club, connecting over 30 Strake Jesuit student-tutors to peers and other students in the Houston area. He also served in his faith, leading Freshman and Kairos retreats, serving at daily and school-wide Masses, and assisting in many Pastoral Ministry Center events. During his time at Jesuit, Cristian was involved in a variety of organizations: he was on the Advisory Committee for Crusader Crew (Freshman Orientation), a three-year house captain in the school’s student council, president of the Crusaders for Life Club and Strake Jesuit Photo Club, and on the Junior Discipline Board. Moving forward, Cristian hopes to integrate his passion for innovation with his dedication to Catholic Social Teaching and confront humanitarian issues, such as lack of reliable electricity, internet, and sanitation. 

Jackson Amorosa will attend the University of Notre Dame and plans to study engineering. He served his community in a number of ways throughout his high school career. He volunteered at the retirement community, Gardens of Bellaire, the Houston Food Bank, and Camp Blessing, a Christian summer camp for people with disabilities and special needs. While he was a competitive gymnast outside of school, Jackson was able to participate in multiple activities at Strake Jesuit. Jackson played Quiz Bowl, practiced martial arts, and was a commentator for Crusader Sports Network. He was also a Kairos Retreat Leader and a Ciszek Advisory Leader for two years. Jackson’s biggest hope for the future is that he continues on a similar path that he set for himself in high school; a path that includes a good work ethic, a developing friendship with Christ, and a commitment to being a good role model for his younger siblings. Jackson dreams to have success in college by excelling in the classroom and meeting new people. After college, Jackson hopes to have the opportunity to find a job that he is passionate about and where he can strive to be the best version of himself.