Meet Johan

As a legacy Don, Johan always had a good feeling he would be attending Loyola Blakefield, especially after seeing how his brother, Josh '22, took advantage of everything we have to offer. Then Johan discovered the Ignatian Honors Program. He was excited about being able to read Julius Caesar in IH English class, learn about the Roman Empire in History, and ponder Jesus and his works in Roman times. “I appreciated how it was all connected.” Johan reflects on one of his favorite teachers, Mr. LaBella who taught IH English. “First, we would write about a topic to begin class and then dive deeper into that topic. I loved how it was a discussion-based class.”

Johan is President of the Asian Student Union here at Blakefield. “We create a space for Asian Americans to talk about being in a predominately white institution and what that looks like in our lives.” After he and classmate, Adam Zhou '25 attended the first in-person conference hosted by Loyola in 2022, they were excited to help plan the 2025 conference including organizing a student-teacher panel. There were 150 participants in attendance drawing from all schools in Maryland.

Being a man for others is one of Johan’s favorite aspects about being a Don. “Loyola has set an example of service for others.” Johan does his part by participating with the Safe Center, a program started by Van Brooks ’06 that offers tutoring in math and English to inner city youth. “We even helped them prepare for the HSPT.” Last year, Johan presented his work with Safe Center at Loyola’s Justice Summitt. “This was great way to get the word out about what Safe Center provides.”

Johan wants to be remembered as a well-rounded guy who is happy to pitch in wherever he’s needed no matter how small the role. We’re confident he achieved that goal. We wish Johan the best as he heads down to Georgia Tech in the fall to study computer-engineering.

Fun Fact: I like to try new food spots with my brothers after we play basketball!