Foster Jenné Delivers Powerful Message on Brotherhood in Final Fraternitas Friday

Posted June 6, 2025

On most Fridays during The Academy’s school year, an 8th grader steps up to the chapel podium to deliver a “Fraternitas Friday” speech for the entire school body, reflecting on one of the school’s core values. In the final presentation of the year, Foster Jenné offered a heartfelt message on brotherhood, honoring his older and younger buddies who helped shape his Academy experience, and also inviting each of his fellow Class of 2025 brothers to join him on stage in a powerful display of unity. Read the full transcript of his tribute to Academy Brotherhood below.
 

Good morning, parents, students, and faculty. This marks my 10th year at The Academy. I have gained a deeper understanding of our four pillars: scholarship, leadership, integrity, and brotherhood. Each is important, has made me who I am today, and will carry me forward. However, it is the brotherhood that I hold closest. The Academy has taught me that being a brother isn’t always about sharing a bloodline, but much more. 

On the first day of Pre-K, Samuel Velez ‘19 became my buddy and my very first and closest brother. He stood tall. Well, compared to me, because I was tiny then. But he made me feel safe. He helped me cut my food, and I'm not sure, but he probably made sure I ate my vegetables. He always remembered my birthday and made me feel like I had a place at The Academy. He made me want to grow up and be an amazing buddy like him. Finally, in 5th grade, it was my turn. I was matched with Sam N. Sam was quiet and shy at first. I tried my best to make him laugh and engage. Now we talk all the time at lunch, and we have the best time as brothers and buddies.

Fast forward to when I was in 6th grade, when our lacrosse team was playing Regan. Lacrosse is my passion, and it is always a great day when I play. But, to be honest with you, I remember absolutely nothing in particular about the plays made or goals scored in that game. The only thing I remember was that both my buddies from SAA came to support me. Sam, my 2nd grade buddy, left his own baseball game early to come and watch me. And my older buddy Samuel, who is in college by this time at Ole Miss, took a day out of his college break to encourage me. They both showed up. They were both there for me. They were there as my brothers. Not brothers by blood or household, but brothers by choice. Brothers of The Academy. It is in these moments that the small things matter most and mean the world to people. This small action deeply impacted me, since it showed me that brotherhood is more than a word; it is a connection with someone.

We had a new lacrosse coach this year, and it took a while for us to collectively find our stride as a team. In the regular season, we played Smithson Valley, which was declared the winner after a questionable goal was counted. So, when we were matched up against them in the semi-final playoffs, our team was eager to set the record straight. We all showed up extra early for warm-ups. We were ready, and at the sound of the whistle, we played hard. We were up by several goals, but they inched their way back to tie it up in the third quarter. Although nerves were high, we came together as a team. We scored a goal, they scored a goal, and then we answered with two more. We clinched the win 9-7, and as the whistle blew, we couldn’t hold back our happiness. We sprinted in joy as we realized that we would be going to the championship.

As Academy brothers, we stormed the field and celebrated our victory together. It was a special moment.

But, we couldn't celebrate for long as we had to gear up for the final match against Alamo Heights. While we had been thirsty to beat Smithson Valley, we were now ready to devour Alamo Heights. The energy was high going into the game. Many students and teachers graced us and came out to watch our game, like Coach Mac, Mr. Smith, Ms. Garcia, SgtMgr Smythe, and Mr. Wilson. Showing up meant so much to us—thank you! But the game didn’t go as we planned. It didn’t come together for us like it did against Smithson Valley. We dug deep, rallied together, but it just wasn’t enough. As the clock ran out and the final whistle blew, we fell short by three goals. Alamo Heights won the championship 6-3.

As with tradition, win or loss, we ran to our goalie. But it wasn’t the cheering and cries of joy charging Lane like it was the week before at Smithson Valley. Instead, it was a slow, long walk, shoulders slumped, with some of us in tears as we came together. Our hearts were broken. We did not say anything as we were huddled tightly. All we did was hold each other in silence. 

As I processed this loss over the next week, reviewing the films of the plays from each of the games, I kept coming back to these two moments. This is when it hit me. This is when I appreciated the gravitas of our brotherhood. When we won, we won together. When we lost, we lost together. We relished in one another's victories, and we shared solace in our disappointments. Through it all, just like my buddies were there for me, we are there for one another. This is brotherhood. 

With that, I’d like to introduce you to each of my brothers, one by one. After all, we are all in this together. Please come forward and stand with me when I call your name.

Ford, the smart one. The spelling and geography whiz, who might just solve all world problems while being a Broadway actor. 
Tattan, the competitive one. Most likely to pitch in a World Series. 
Grayson, the artist. Quiet, yet a fiercely faithful friend.
Luke B., the kind one. Always helpful and a great friend. 
William, the scholar. Our steadfast leader we look up to. 
Marvelous, the friendly one. He is always happy and puts others first. 
Callum, my twin. The happy medium between charismatic and crazy—he is always fun. 
Holden, the musical one. He’s quiet, yet brave enough to try new things. 
Francisco, the playful one. He can easily lighten the mood. 
Alexander, the athlete. The one who can make a full-court basketball shot on the first try. 
Max, the chill guy. Easy-going, he weathers all storms. 
Hudson, the car guy. He invests deeply in what he is passionate about and is an unstoppable force. 
J., the prankster. He knows how to lighten the load through laughter. 
Asher, the author. Calm, creative, and fun. 
Lane, the anchor. As both the football center and lacrosse goalie, he is the unsung MVP. 
Henry, the history guy. He knows everything about WW II. 
Anish, the golf star. Anish is always up to something. 
Cam, the sunglasses guy. Level-headed, but can be funny if he wants to. 
Lucas, the comic guy. Just amazing at drawing comics and making card games. 
Conley, the strong one. He keeps us grounded and on task in whatever we are doing. 
Silas, the onion guy. Most likely to be a salesperson, he is a gentle giant. 
Cuate, the hunter. Well-rounded and a good friend. 
Luke S., the fluffy hair guy. Future lacrosse Olympian. 
Stavros, the Shakespearean actor. Loyal, grounded, with the perfect dose of funny. 
C.D., the skater. C.D. is known to be the first to stand up for what is right 
Joaquin, the comedian. Voted funniest in the class. 
Enzo, the fisherman. Always up to go fishing. 
Trammell, the tall one. He is the only other one who made a full-court shot first try. 
Peter, the grandpa, since he is the oldest. Our faithful friend, whom I hope will be driving us all on a bus to school next year.

One week from today, I will stand beside my 30 classmates as I do now, and we will walk through the Bondurant Gate and step over the line. Most of these guys have been with me the full 10 years. When you think about it, that is the majority of our childhood. These young men have been with me through the highs and lows of my life. What makes us brothers is that we laugh together, we learn together, and we are a shoulder to cry on when Mr. Moore hands back his red-inked papers together. But most of all, we are there for each other, win or lose. They are people I will not forget. 

These young men are my brothers from The Academy.