What’s recently happened?
On September 27, during the Homecoming football pre-game, the Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) band room was dedicated to Rocco Carioto, the late band director who passed away in February. Carioto’s family was presented with a plaque from the band seniors and marched to the band room.
Girls Volleyball ended on a high note. The team went to Semi-State with a 33-3 record and a 12 winning streak. The team brought home its third consecutive Sectional title and later brought back the Regional title, but fell short to Angola High School in the first stage of Semi-State.
On November 12, the National Honor Society (NHS) hosted a blood drive with help from Versiti. Students who were at least 16 years old signed up and donated and received service hours. A lot of people in local neighborhoods who are in need of blood transfusions or other treatments that require blood but can’t be done with the lack of donations.
“The students at our school should participate because there is a high demand for blood,” said Senior Blood Chairman Alexandra Magallanes.
What’s coming up?
For over a decade, BNI band has been invited back to the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade to perform. This is the second most watched parade on this day. The band is excited to play once again on November 28 starting at 8 a.m. The parade starts on State Street, From Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Downtown Chicago.
Girls Basketball has started up again. Although the team is not starting how it would like with two tough losses, the team is seeing the positives. The team is looking forward to seeing growth and competition, and is excited with three new additional starters to the lineup that have contributed a ton.
“Our goal is to continue to grow while making a run in the postseason,” said Senior Quinn Fehr.
It is almost one of the most magical times of the year, and BNI is celebrating with some Disney sparkle. Children 12 and younger with their parents are invited to the annual Royal Brunch on December 7 at 10:30 a.m. This magical event will include brunch, swag bags, character interactions from princess and Santa Claus, crafts, makeovers, and more!
Staff spotlight:
Aibel Joseph is the Campus Minister. He started his teaching career at BNI in 2022 as the senior Theology teacher and later moved to Campus Minister this school year. He wanted to switch because he wanted to do more about the faith while still having a class.
He was placed at BNI for his masters for the first three years. He wants to continue his career at BNI because Principal Lorenza Pastrick has a mission based vision for the school.
“I love the staff and students. The staff are funny and make you feel at home. The students are fun to be around because of their interesting perspectives,” said Joseph.
Joseph went to Saint Mary’s University in Twickenham, London and went for his masters at the University of Notre Dame. He moved to the United States (U.S.) in the summer of 2022.
He wanted to be a lawyer but he thought of his faith and wanted to teach it. Joseph then decided to be a teacher because he didn’t think his Theology teachers were persuasive.
“I wanted to be the teacher who genuinely believed in what he was teaching,” said Joseph.
As the Campus Minister, he is in charge of all of the spiritual events such as the Masses and retreats. Joseph is trying to initiate new things at BNI including a Bible study and Adoration in the morning.
“I just want to give kids an opportunity to experience more spiritual things. My number one priority if anyone walks through my doors, is to talk and listen to make them comfortable,” said Joseph.
In his free time, Joseph enjoys watching sports. He played soccer and cricket in the United Kingdom which sparked his interest. His favorite soccer team is the Manchester United Football Club. He also enjoys watching football and his favorite teams are the Kansas City Chiefs and Notre Dame.
Student spotlight:
Brandon Jimenez is an active senior at BNI. He participates in cross country, swimming, and baseball. He is also a member of NHS, Chess Club, and a student ambassador. Jimenez has been playing baseball since he was seven years old and he is currently the pitcher.
“It was a way to get out of the house and hang with my friends outside of school,” said Jimenez.
A few of his accomplishments include most improved in swimming and placing seventh for swim Sectionals.
He has been working hard academically to try to get a 4.0 grade point average. As a senior, he has been enjoying his last ride. Jimenez is trying to have a moment with every senior to have fun memories to look back on.
His favorite class is U.S. Government. He really likes how his teacher, Jose Arteaga, makes the class entertaining and easy to understand.
“My favorite memory I have is walking up to class and seeing Mr. Arteaga in the same pink shirt that I was wearing,” said Jimenez.
In his free time, he likes to scroll on TikTok, practice a sport, or play video games with his friends. He also likes to watch wrestling with his family. His favorite wrestler is CM Punk and he is excited to see John Cena at Royal Rumble.
Jimenez is thinking about majoring in marine biology, audio engineering, or environmental engineering. He has always cared about the environment and all the plastic in the ocean and wants to be a part of the solution.