Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) had its official last day of the 2020-2021 school year on May 26. However, several exciting events took place right before and after the last school day.
After a fire destroyed a large portion of the St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home in East Chicago, Indiana, several BNI students took charge and wanted to do whatever they could to help. The National Honor Society sponsored a bake sale – “Fuel Up For Finals” – and raised $800. The student council sponsored a $3 comfy day and donated all the money to help with the aftermath of the fire. BNI students are always willing to help render service whenever possible.
On May 27, 95 graduates walked the stage and officially became part of Bishop Noll Alumni family joining over 21,000 other people in this prestigious group.
On the morning of May 27, graduates and their parents attended the Baccalaureate Mass at The Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, Indiana with Bishop McClory presiding over the mass.
Graduates Mary Buksa and Diego Villanueva-Nunez read the readings, while Noah Reid and Ariana Ferreira read the petitions. Nora Wragg, a member of the BNI Class of 2020, sang at the mass alongside former BNI Choir Director David Herr who played piano. The BNI Brass Ensemble was in charge of the music. Principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick, a member of the BNI Class of 2001, gave her “mass moment” after the ceremony ended and applauded the class of 2021 for their patience and perseverance through this difficult year.
Special thanks to Campus Minister Stacia Bolakowski who was in charge of the Baccalaureate Mass along with the junior representatives.
In the evening that day, graduates and their four guests attended the commencement ceremony in the Bishop Noll Fieldhouse. Salutatorian Jacqueline Vazquez and Valedictorian Carmelina Komyatte gave their speeches and student representatives Ruby Meza and Everett Lamberson gave thank-you speeches to the parents. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, limited guests were allowed which meant Principal Pastrick was the commencement speaker as well. She focused on telling the graduates that their future is up to them and no one else.
The BNI Class of 2021 is ready for their futures, and plans on making a positive impact in today’s society. They are truly spreading their wings whether they continue on with their education, go into the workforce, or serve our country.
Some of the colleges that the newly BNI alumni are attending include Boston University, Purdue University Northwest, Wabash College, University of Notre Dame, Loyola University Chicago, Valparaiso University, St. Mary’s College, Ball State University, and Southern Texas University.
Several students are also attending trade schools. Angel Garcia will be doing ROTC at Purdue University Northwest, Gisselle Rodriguez is going into the US Army, and Kiara Rivera is going into the US National Guard.
On May 28, the senior prom took place at Whiting Park Pavilion. The prom queen was Olivia Baczkowski and the prom king was Dmitri Lopez. The prom court consisted of Mely Diaz, Alejandra Castellanos, Aclynn Rodgers, Natalie Ramirez, Everett Lamberson, Gabe Nunez, Eduardo Torres-Cruz, and Amaurii Fallen. The night was filled with great food, music, and a photo booth.
Baczkowski reflected on the event with her fellow students.
“Prom was an amazing experience, it was the perfect last hoorah for our class to party and hang out together, no tests or grades or responsibilities, just music and dressing nice,” Baczkowski said. “It was the most laid-back time we have had together, which is why I think it was the perfect ending to a crazy year.”
Overall, Bishop Noll Institute ended its school year on a high note, receiving the title of best private school in the 2021 The Times Best of the Region. Students and staff successfully completed the school year with the options of in-building learning or virtual learning.
The BNI Community will truly miss the class of 2021 and wishes the best for them in their future endeavors.