Luke Nettune

Luke Nettune is an avid hunter and fisherman, and though he admits he’s never conquered a python, being adept at the computer programming language is just one of his many talents.

His first service opportunity through the YMCA multi-sport league for individuals with special needs was something that initially gave him trepidation, said the high school junior. 

“Admittedly, I walked into the Champions League Valentine’s Day Party freshman year reluctantly, not knowing what to expect. Yet, something remarkable happened. Through playing Jenga with Lucas and Sarah, helping Miguel build a giraffe cage with Jenga bricks, and talking basketball with George, I noticed something miraculous,” he said.

“Their enthusiasm for life was contagious. I came expecting to help them, but their unconditional love for all inspired me.” 

A seventh generation Texan, Luke is a member of the Jesuit varsity tennis team, president of the chess club, writes for the school newspaper, and serves as a school ambassador. As state treasurer for the Texas Junior Classical League, an organization that fosters modern study of ancient Greek and Latin, he manages an annual budget of more than $100,000.

He was awarded the 2024 Catholic Foundation Scholar Hal Tehan Award, a scholarship given to one junior in the Diocese of Dallas for excellence in leadership, academics, community, and church involvement.

Jesuit junior counselor and co-director of the debate team, Dan Lingel, described Luke as one of the most compassionate and empathetic high school students he’s met. 

“He sees the ‘Men for Others’ motto of the school as a demand especially when he takes on a big brother mentor role both inside and outside the school. Luke is one of the most respected and liked members of the junior class and would make every classmate’s top five list of kind, caring and compassionate ‘brothers,’” Lingel said.

Luke has a passion for service, especially helping youth who are neurodiverse. He has led school-wide service projects as part of the Ignatius Service Corps, has served as a Special Olympics tennis coach, and has coached Notre Dame School of Dallas students as a leader for Bowling Buddies. Last year, he co-founded Families Inspiring Neurodiverse Individuals (FIND) to spread awareness about a strength-based approach to neurodiversity. 

“I think helping people with special needs will be something I do my entire life,” he said. “I feel like it’s super important to show people that they are people deserving of God’s love, and we need to serve them,” he said. 

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration comes from my grandparents. They’ve always been willing to sacrifice their time to support me … attending nearly every one of my sports games and cheering me on through victory and defeat. Beyond their unwavering support, I also deeply admire their strong Christian faith and how they’ve dedicated their lives to serving others. My grandfather especially has influenced me through his compassionate service as an eye doctor in East Texas for almost 40 years. Watching the genuine care and kindness he showed for each and every patient is something I will strive to emulate in my life, no matter my professional career.

What advice do you have for other youth wanting to make a difference? 

Start small and don’t be afraid of failure. It can seem intimidating trying to make a change, but always remind yourself of the “why” in what you are doing. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and to reach out to others. You will be surprised by how willing people are to help.

Where is the best place in the Park Cities or Preston Hollow for a power lunch, and what do you order? 

Burger House is my favorite place in the Park Cities for lunch. I always order a double cheeseburger with a vanilla malt.

What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?

My Christian faith is what motivated me to be involved in the community and serve others. Jesuit’s model is Men for Others. As children of God, we are called to go out and spread his love through serving the weak and vulnerable in society.

Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

I don’t know, but hopefully in a role where I am serving others in my community.

What do you love most about your community?

What I love most about the Park Cities community is the strong sense of unity and support. A perfect example of this was last year’s University Park Centennial Celebration. Seeing everyone coming together, celebrating our town’s history, genuinely enjoying each other’s company, and creating memories showed me just how connected and supportive our community really is. It’s nights like those that remind me how special and close-knit our community is.

What’s a fun fact someone wouldn’t know about you?

I love to play tennis, golf, go hiking, and read a good book.

What are you most excited about for the future?

I am so excited to enter my senior year of high school and really start to contemplate and understand what I want to do in life.