What’s recently happened?
Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) Girls Basketball got its first two wins of the season on December 2 and 6. The overall season so far has had a tough start but with the coaches guidance it has helped the team get back on track. The team hasn’t let past games dictate future achievements. Practices felt more engaging leading up to the big wins.
“Competing in each game is challenging at some points because I play junior varsity and varsity. Practices were pleasant leading up to the wins and I felt more involved. I ask God to keep my body healthy throughout the season,” said Junior Andrea Gonzalez.
On December 7, BNI hosted the annual Princess Brunch. It was a chance for little girls to dress up, take pictures with princesses, do arts and crafts, get their hair and nails done, and play games. BNI cheerleaders, some students, and alumni from the class of 1973, made the magical day possible.
“It was fun to be there because I got to meet all the little girls and ask them what their favorite princess was,” said Junior Victoria Quiroga.
Market Day at BNI is something all students and teachers look forward to. Economics teacher John Gleason implemented market day a few years ago and ever since it has been a big hit. Seniors have to make items such as a desert or craft and sell them. Students and teachers can use United States Dollars or Gleason-bucks, which is fake money that is rare to get unless you are a teacher or a student in his class.
What’s coming up?
Bowling is back in session. The bowling team has been constructing on releases and hitting strikes. The energy on the team is a big family and supportive no matter what the outcome is. The team has a match on December 19 against Munster High School at Stardust Bowl III in Dyer.
“We all share good laughs and have positive energy. If you don’t have a good shot, your teammates will encourage and help out. I am always proud of the team because it is about having fun,” said Junior Thomas Zarndt.
This year BNI has its first official Girls Wrestling team, which consists of seven girls. They were excited to have a team but they can wrestle other girls instead of guys. The majority of the team are first years so they are learning as each match goes on. BNI hosts a home conference meet against Wheeler High School on January 15.
”It is a lot of work but it is a lot of fun. Practices are filled with different drills to get us prepared for tournaments,” said Junior Alice Tolnai.
A requirement at BNI is going on retreats. Kairos has been an upperclassmen retreat which is a three to four day overnight stay. The upcoming January 7 to 9 retreat is at La Salle Manor in Illinois where the last group of seniors and a group of juniors will attend. Students who have been on Kairos are asked to be a leader for the retreats throughout the year.
Students get to reconnect with their faith as young adults and connect with their peers that they usually don’t talk to. Many students have said that they go to Kairos with some friends and leave with new friends that they can rely on for the rest of the year.
“I went to Kairos with a closed mind; but after my experience on the retreat I feel happier. I have learned to work on myself and relationships especially with God and new friends,” said Senior Jasmine Sarkanovich.
Staff spotlight:
Kevin Smith has been working at BNI for five years. He is the academic advisor for seniors and half of the junior class. He is the Dual Credit (DC), Advance Placement, and Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery coordinator. He also teaches Freshman Seminar and DC Sociology this year.
“Getting to know the underclassmen is nice. Once they get to their junior or senior year, I am not meeting them for the first time, so you get to see another side of them, and it is easier to help them,” said Smith.
Smith spent 10 years working in higher education such as Indiana University Northwest for admissions work. Smith chose BNI for several reasons. His wife graduated from the school with current BNI Principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick. He enjoyed going to the school when he worked in admissions because the students were always respectful and he also started being the assistant coach for BNI hockey in the 2014 season.
“I know so many alumni from BNI that have pride from graduating and it made me want to be a part of that,” said Smith.
Smith went to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with the intention of becoming a health and physical education teacher. His second year in college, he changed his major to health promotion. This was to help his community be educated on health topics.
His long term plan was to go back to school for epidemiology and work for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
He wanted to switch to the high school side of things to work on the whole applying to college experience. Smith wanted to help kids with the confusion of everything college and career related.
Smith’s favorite thing about working at BNI is the environment and students. The students want the best for themselves and are good kids.
In his free time, he goes to all of his kids' extracurricular activities. He is the Athletic Director at Our Lady of Grace. Smith started to play hockey around seven years old and still enjoys playing today.
Student spotlight:
Catherine Ralphson is an outstanding sophomore at BNI. She was on the junior varsity volleyball team this season. Some of the clubs she is involved with include meditation and yoga, student ambassador, Biology Club, women’s empowerment, campus ministry leader, Hispanic Student Union, Speech and Debate team, and the Drama Club as the social media and marketing manager.
She loves the volleyball team because that is where she has made the most friends.
She has been on the honor roll for the past three years. Ralphson is looking forward to being more involved with her clubs and activities while keeping up with her academics this school year. She’s excited to look at colleges next year.
“I am super excited for next year to happen to be filled with school spirit,” said Ralphson.
Ralphson’s favorite memory this year so far was going to Regionals and Semi-State for volleyball. Her favorite class she is taking is Health and Wellness.
“It is super interesting. Mr. Tyler Milby is an amazing teacher who is cool and personable which makes the class enjoyable,” said Ralphson.
In her free time, she loves to hang out with friends and family. She also enjoys roller and ice skating and competitively rides horses for the past five years. Ralphson is also involved with club volleyball.
She is planning on going into a career with psychology. This is because she has experience dealing with grief and wants to help people through their lives.