What’s recently happened?
On Saturday, February 3, the Marquette Catholic High School Girls Basketball team became sectional champions. These Lady Blazers clawed its way to victory in a nail-biting match against the Triton High School Trojans, ending the game 52-39. This victory was led by Sophomore Laniah Davis, who scored 30 of Marquette’s 52 points. On Saturday February 10, The Blazers will compete against Morgan Township High School for the Regional title.
This epic victory concluded Marquette’s Catholic Schools Week. While this sectional championship was happening, back at Marquette, Homecoming Court was announced. This year’s Marquette Homecoming Court is led by Homecoming Queen Iyanna Estes and Mr. Marquette Rogelio Valdes.
Included in the Catholic Schools Week celebrations was an annual mass with Bishop Robert McClory of the Diocese of Gary. Marquette was joined by its partner schools Nativity of Our Savior Catholic School, Notre Dame University, Queen of All Saints Catholic School, St. Patrick Catholic School, and St. Stanislaus Catholic Elementary School.
“Catholic Schools Week is the best part of going to Marquette. It helps to build student morale and gives us something to look forward to,” said Senior Misty Patel.
On January 27, the Marquette Singers competed at the ISSMA Regional competition. The group received several gold medals and will be advancing to the State competition on February 17.
What’s coming up?
Marquette has begun preparations for its upcoming spring musical, “Sister Act.” The musical is based on the movie of the same name. It is about a lounge singer named Deloris Van Cartier in the 1970s who witnesses a murder and is placed into witness protection in a convent. The production is led by senior Iyanna Estes, who is playing Deloris.
“I’m excited for the musical because the difference in each character is going to be so fun to notice, and people wouldn’t want to miss the energy!” said Estes.
Marquette’s “Sister Act” will be opening on Friday, March 8, and there will be showings that Saturday and Sunday, and on the following Friday and Saturday. The musical’s final showing will be a Sunday matinee on March 17.
Staff spotlight:
Leanna Smith is the new 10th grade English teacher at Marquette. She began teaching at Marquette at the beginning of the 2024 spring semester.
“I've always heard great things about Marquette teachers and students. Marquette is a college prep school, and I am elated to have the opportunity to support students in gaining the knowledge they'll need to get into college and be successful,” Smith said.
Before coming to work at Marquette, Smith taught kindergarten for three years. She also delivered professional development training to K-eight teachers. She has always loved to help kids. Since she was young, Smith has known that she wanted to teach.
“Growing up, I would play school with my little sister at home and would have her pretend to be a student while I would be the teacher. I chose English specifically because I love reading/writing and want to inspire and foster that love within my students,” said Smith.
Smith has a deep respect and love for her students. She thinks of them, as well as her colleagues, as family. This shared respect between her and her students makes her students feel comfortable and safe with her, and she is quickly becoming a favorite teacher among the Marquette students.
”The best part of being a teacher is the ‘family’ you build within the school community. Having this school ‘family’ with my colleagues and students makes coming to work not feel like work. I look forward to teaching each one of my classes. Each group of students provides different personalities, discussions, and questions,” Smith said.
Smith loves to watch her students thrive and succeed in her classes. She does her best to make learning enjoyable for every kid who comes through her classroom. She strives to plant her love for learning and English within her students and foster that love.
“My advice for my students would be never to stop learning. Education doesn’t stop after high school or university. There are many skills, information, and lessons to learn beyond school! Be open to it,” said Smith.
Smith is also currently working on a children’s book, which she hopes to have published this year.
Student spotlight:
Deia Mark is a senior member of the Marquette Theater Department and has just begun rehearsals for her final musical. She is playing Mother Superior in “Sister Act.” Mother Superior is the high nun of her convent.
“She is very stern and likes to be very traditional,” said Mark.
This is Mark’s sixth play with the Marquette Theater Department. Since her sophomore year, Mark has bloomed into a vital part of the Marquette Theater. Her powerful voice and enthralling stage presence are enough to fill seats all on their own.
”I started doing theater because as a kid I would always watch my cousins perform on stage, and I grew to love theater. I wanted to try it while I had time in high school,” said Mark.
Mark’s favorite part of theater is the fun moments behind the scenes during the plays. She enjoys everyone laughing and having fun together.
Mark advises underclassmen to not be afraid and to try new things while they have the chance in high school.