What’s recently happened?
The stress of the midterms finally wore off for Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) students after the well deserved Christmas break. Kids came back from nice vacations and relaxed in preparation for the second semester.
Before the break, the Business Honor Society held a drive for a non-profit charity, Soles for Souls, that donates various items to individuals in need across the Region. The President, Jonathan Johnson, and Vice President, Julian Villagomez wanted to do this community service project.
The marketing team was in charge of getting the word out to the students and soliciting donations, and had a full van of items and had to make several trips. The Business Honor Society is looking forward to doing this service next year.
“We were truly honored to come together as the BNI Business Honor Society to donate and support the less fortunate, embodying the spirit of love and generosity. May our contribution be a blessing to those in need,” said Advisor Janell Harvey.
The swim teams competed in the Greater South Shore Conference meet on January 11. They have been practicing to rebuild the team.
The boys placed fourth overall. Brandon Jimenez placed fourth in the 200 free and fifth in the 500 free. Edwin Ortega Ramirez placed sixth in the 50 free. Saul Cordero placed third in the 100 free. Jayden Basulto, Oretega Ramirez, Sebastian Zuwala, and Cordero placed fifth in the 200 free relay.
The girls team placed fifth overall. Alejandra Martinez placed seventh in the 50 free. Klara Humenikova placed second in the 100 breaststroke. Alison Braviere, Alexandra Lopez, Martinez, and Humenikova placed fourth in the 200 freestyle.
What’s coming up?
Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is starting on January 26. It is a way to promote BNI for prospective students and celebrate the school. It is filled with fun events and spirit days for everyone to enjoy.
One of the CSW events is the first-ever BNI Alumni Career Day coming up on January 28. The Advancement Department wanted to bridge a gap between current students and alumni who are established in their careers, whether early on or decades in. It is an opportunity for students to network and learn what possible careers are available.
There will be around 50 alumni participants. The day will have different sessions where the speaker will speak to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students got to fill out a form to sort out their desired career fields.
“Career day is important because exposing high school students to various career paths early will encourage them to think about their future in a meaningful way. Figuring out what you want to do at 17 or 18 is scary. Alumni Career Day is happening to inspire students that they can be in the same spot in 10 to 15 years as their or alumni speakers, or better,” said Alumni Network & Event Coordinator Nicolás González.
Staff spotlight:
Antonio Chapa is new to the BNI family as a math teacher who teaches Finite, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. Previously, he worked half a school year at Clifford Pierce Middle School and a year at Crown Point High School. He started to coach cross country and track and field there and now is a coach at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
He went to Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis for a year and a half with a running scholarship and finished college at PNW. He attended graduate school at Wayne State University, finishing his athletic eligibility.
Chapa didn’t know he wanted to be a teacher but he did want to work with people. He had great teachers, family, and coaches who were mentors which led him to where he is now.
“The foundation of being a teacher is being around and interacting with people. I also really love numbers, so math came naturally to me,” said Chapa.
He went to BNI because he has family ties to the school. His parents, an uncle, and a cousin all have graduated from BNI. Chapa also loves his coworkers and students.
“I really love the people. I enjoy getting to know the students and their families. It has been a great school year, and I am happy to be here,” said Chapa.
In his free time, he likes to be outside hiking and running. Chapa also enjoys working out as well as playing chess and pool. He is entertained by watching sports like boxing, football, and basketball. Some of his favorite sports teams are the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox.
Chapa also likes going to church, spending time with family and friends, and listening to all types of music genres.
Student spotlight:
Shalom Villalpando is a junior at BNI. She is the co-leader of guitar club, art club, and has been doing makeup for drama club since freshman year. She loves being a part of the drama club because everyone is nice and it is a great community.
“I enjoy hanging out with my friends and being able to participate in things that I love to do,” said Villalpando.
Villalpando is looking forward to strengthening and gaining more friendships at school, learning more, and getting good grades this school year. She is excited to look at colleges and meet new people for her upcoming final year in high school.
She wants to go into pre-medication and pursue pharmaceuticals and is thinking about law and politics or the military. She wants to help make new medicine and make it more accessible to people as well.
“I am an immigrant, so where I come from medicine is usually very expensive and hard to get. I want to be able to help others to gain access to medication they need,” said Villalpando.
Villalpando really enjoys Jose Arteaga’s style of teaching the Dual Credit United States History class because he makes it entertaining and fun to learn about.
She likes different types of art such as drawing and sculptures. She enjoys reading politics and listening to debates. Villalpando has also played the violin since she was 12 years old.