What’s recently happened?
Homecoming Spirit Week was College Go Week at Bishop Noll Institute (BNI). Students had fun in preparation for the big weekend. On Monday students dressed in college gear. Tuesday was pajama day, Wednesday was rhyme without reason, Thursday was soccer moms versus barbecue dads, and Friday was warrior wear day where students go all out in blue and gold.
For the first time, BNI had a powderpuff game, which is a girl’s flag football game. The games were held after school on Thursday on the football field. The sophomores won against the freshman and the seniors won against the juniors.
A lot of the students came out to support the girls. The students were supportive and showed school spirit. Teachers, football coaches, and football players helped out by coaching and planning plays.
“I have actually never thrown a football until that day before the game. I had a lot of fun playing with the team. Everyone’s jokes and positivity were fun to be around and I would love to do something like that again,” said Senior Daniella Zvonar.
The Pep Rally was held on the football field. Seniors ran out to the center field to kick off the event. The band played the fight song while seniors and freshmen had a contest of who could sing the lyrics louder.
Students from every grade level participated in field goal kick off, red light green light, freshman versus sophomore tug of war, juniors versus seniors tug of war, and seniors versus teachers tug of war. The bleachers were full of excitement and cheer.
After juniors and seniors voted for Homecoming court and seniors voted for King and Queen, the results were announced at halftime of the football game against Thomas Edison High School. Johnathan Jerry and Sophia Nowacki got their crowns and celebrated. This Homecoming game will be one of the most memorable games because BNI has not won a Homecoming game in several years.
One of the requirements at BNI is retreats. Freshman had their retreat during Spirit Week. Campus Ministry and National Evangelization Teams (NET) put this on. The theme of their retreat was “choose joy” and how to do that by freely choosing God. They played different games and told stories.
“My experience was very good and the people running it were nice. We listened to stories, played games, and prayed in the Church,” said Freshman Iris Tolnai.
Class Mass was just reinstated last year. Class Mass is when each class goes to Saint Margaret Mary and has Mass after school once a month. At all school Masses, it is held in the field house. Grade level Masses are nice because it is held in a Church and it feels like a traditional Mass. There are more opportunities to participate in grade level Masses as well.
“I enjoy class Masses because the Homily tends to be a bit more personal to you or your grade level. I also enjoy participating or helping during Mass in any way,” said Senior Victoria Morfin.
What’s coming up?
The band participated in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Scholastic prelims on October 5 which was the first time the group went to this competition in almost 40 years. The band received a bronze rating and will be going to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for Bands of America (BOA) on October 19.
“I am beyond excited to compete at BOA. Our band director, Tre’von James, will push us until we leave the field,” said Sophomore Johan Perez Pravia.
The Girls Volleyball team has a record of 29-3. With the incredible regular season coming to an end with a game against Calumet New Tech High School on October 17, the team is looking forward to Sectionals. The team has a lot of talent from the six seniors and want to keep its winning streak and focus on making it to at least Semi-State.
“Our team has a lot of talent and it’s really great playing and connecting with them. I am excited about the end of this season and next year too,” said Junior Oluwatamilore Olusola.
Sectionals are right around the corner for every sport. The Boys and Girls Soccer teams both fell short for the Sectional champion title. Cross country Sectionals are on October 19 at Highland High School.
Staff spotlight:
Jeff Smolinksi is a freshman Theology teacher at BNI. This is his third year of teaching. He went to Calumet College of Saint Joseph. Before becoming a teacher, Smolinski worked for Jewel Osco as a store manager for 47 years and a sit down office job. He also taught religious education to fifth through eighth graders for seven years.
He went to college for two years and got married when he was 20 years old. Jewel Osco had a training program so he started as a stocker. He liked retail because it is fast paced, hectic, and fit his personality.
Smolinksi decided to retire from Jewel Osco in March of 2022 because he wanted to teach religion at his parish but ended up coming in contact with BNI. Smolinksi helps coach baseball. He likes teaching freshman Theology because if they don’t learn now, by the time they are seniors they will walk away from religion.
“I think I do a good job of relating to people, especially younger people. The transition from eighth grade to high school would be awesome because they are just getting out of eighth grade. Freshmen can be scared going into high school and I want to guide them along the way,” said Smolinski.
His favorite thing about working at BNI is it is a family operation. Lorenza Jara Pastrick, the principal, set the tone; she talked about her school family – she came from BNI – and about her journey to helping students succeed. It is a family atmosphere.
“Finding the student who is struggling and giving them a chance. I like trying to save them. When they answer an optional question about their personal life, it amazes me how many people open up,” said Smolinski.
Smolinski used to be an avid runner before getting a hip replacement. He likes to play golf and go on walks. Smolinski makes class fun by looking up ideas such as Bible Jeopardy. He hopes to continue working here for at least three more years.
Student spotlight:
Joey Garcia is a junior at BNI. She plans on going to the military and enlisting in the Navy after high school.
“My dad is one of my biggest inspirations and that is why I want to enlist,” said Garcia.
Garcia plays center back for the Girls Varsity Soccer team. This year she became one of the three captains of the team. The soccer team has had some rough patches but has gotten everything under control and understands the layout better.
Garcia has recently become a student ambassador. She loves going to BNI because of the culture.
“Meeting new people and getting to talk to them easily is one of my favorite things about this school,” said Garcia.
She is looking forward to getting the underclassmen ready for next season. Later this year, she wants to apply for scholarships to get into a good college after the Navy.
One of her favorite memories from BNI are the Pep Rallies. The energy in the school is unmatched and it is exciting.
Garcia’s favorite class she is taking is Forensics. The teacher is very engaged which makes it fun. She wants to do something in the criminal field because of that.
Garcia likes to read and try to cook. Her favorite book is “The Secret History” by Donna Tarrtt. She is trying to learn how to perfect her rice making skills.