What’s recently happened?
Marquette Catholic High School (MQT) has officially and successfully wrapped up its first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. The students have been working hard since coming back from Thanksgiving break on December 2. From that date until December 20, the Blazers have been working hard in school studying for final exams, working on final projects, and finishing up their coursework for the first semester. Additionally, the MQT Academic Advising team has been working hard on the master schedule for the upcoming spring semester. Filling in blanks, classes, and much more in preparation for another successful semester. Great work students and staff on the end of the first semester.
Just because classes were done doesn’t mean there wasn’t any action. On the last day of final exams and the last day before the long-waited Christmas break, the Girls Basketball team took the court. Facing off in the home of the Westville High School Blackhawks, the team played some Blazer basketball.
Heading into the game, the Blackhawks were the undefeated, top-ranked 1A school, looking to extend its win streak over one of its rivals, the Blazers. In the Blackhawks’ home gym, the crowd was electric and incredibly loud. Going point for point in the opening quarter and briefly into the second, the game was intense and thrilling to watch.
The Blazers’ team, made up of many players from different grade levels, worked incredibly well together to pull off the victory 64-42. Some outstanding players from the game included two juniors, Addison Penziol and Laniah Davis. These ladies were the leading scorers on the Blazers’ side, Penziol with three 3-pointers totaling 15 points and Davis with 18 total points. In addition, Sophomore Marissa Pleasant scored for the Blazers in the tight game.
“The game was thrilling. It was a catfight at first, but after halftime, we pulled away. It was exhilarating and rewarding to beat the top-ranked 1A school at the time. I think we were satisfied with the victory,” said Pleasant.
Additionally, the spectators on the Blazers’ side in the stands were pleased with the outcome. Dan Bartnicki, academic teams coach at MQT, got in on the action.
“My wife and I have attended several games this year and plan to keep coming back. The basketball team is incredibly exciting, has a deep bench, and it is clear that our team's speed is incredible. As a coach, I love watching how supportive they are and how well they are coached. It is obvious that we have a great blend of talent, leadership, and synergy on this team. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds,” said Bartnicki.
Keep up the great work ladies!
What’s coming up?
The Blazers are back on campus for the spring semester starting January 6, 2025. New schedules have been distributed and posted on the school websites for students to access. For many students and staff, Christmas break was restful time spent with loved ones and a much-needed break to gear up for the new calendar year and new semester.
MQT will host its annual Kairos retreat for juniors and seniors January 9-12. The leaders, who participated in last year’s retreat, have been hard at work planning out this year’s retreat. There are eight student leaders as well as four adult leaders. Students retreatants will leave after school and spend the weekend on this retreat learning many things.
One of the best things about this retreat is the secrecy that is put in place. The retreatants are asked to keep an open mind about all the new experiences and things they will learn about themselves and others. The best way to describe it is an opportunity to focus and learn. One will get out what they put in.
The leaders have put a lot of time and effort into this experience and are hoping it will be beneficial for all involved.
Staff spotlight:
Dan Bartnicki is an active member of the MQT community. He is the volunteer Academic Teams coach focusing on Academic Quizbowl and Academic Super Bowl. He has been in the academic coaching field for eight years. He is also a member of the MQT Board of Directors for close to three years. Additionally, he has been a performer in the MQT Performing Arts program in its showing of “1776,” alongside his daughter Leah, who is a junior at MQT.
All his life, Bartnicki has been involved. Graduating from Griffith High School, he participated in many things.
“I was involved in soccer, choir, student government, and the spring musicals. I went to Wabash College where I majored in History. I joined Kappa Sigma fraternity, performed and toured the country with the Glee Club, active in intramural sports, and worked as a campus tour guide and campus visit coordinator,” said Bartnicki.
After graduating from Wabash College, he moved onto law school at IU-Indianapolis. He wrote for the school newspaper, competed and coached the Moot Court program, and was voted to deliver the student address at his graduation. Following that, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate, later rising to Captain. After completing his tour duty, he returned to Northwest Indiana and worked in private practices before going to work at the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.
Currently, he is the Deputy Director of Administration and management responsibilities over Human Resources, acquisitions, building services, public affairs, and emergency operations.
Bartnicki enjoys being in front of people in any form such as speaking, performing, and much more. He liked to find ways to sneak this into his daily situations such as cracking jokes with clerks at the grocery store. This matches his easygoing personality. He also considers himself a fun-loving humorist who happens to be good at organizing things and people.
Bartnicki hosts an Academic teams party every year at his house. There, participants will enjoy food and friends while also preparing for the upcoming season of Academic Super Bowl. This year’s topic is Ireland. He put together an “Escape Room” in his house where two teams compete to race to the end. It is a lot of fun and a big hit for the students.
”Read the room. Life is really that simple. Pay attention to people, events, and activities around you. There is a time to push and a time to rest. There is a time to lead and a time to follow. One cannot succeed by constantly pushing or constantly trying to lead everyone. You will tire yourself out and make everyone around you frustrated. Make sure you do an equal amount of both – your peers will thank you. I live this lifestyle. I coach by it, I work by it, I parent by it,” said Bartnicki.
Student spotlight:
Marissa Pleasant is a sophomore at MQT who is also very involved in and out of school.
“I am involved in golf, basketball, and track. Alongside sports, I participate in student government, yearbook club, and the Blazer Spirit crew. Outside of school, I play AAU basketball for Region Rebels. I also work at County Line Apple Orchard in the fall,” said Pleasant.
In her free time, she likes to paint, bake, cook, lift, and run. She considers herself a good cook and has a possible interest in pursuing a career in culinary arts. Other future plans possibly include attending an ivy league school to major in Veterinary Science. Some backup plans include Criminology, Physical Therapy, or Marine Biology. She wants to be a veterinarian.
Pleasant has two siblings: Kayla and Andrew. Kayla is 17 and a senior at Portage High School. Andrew is Marissa’s twin brother and also a sophomore at MQT. They all live with their parents.
Pleasant’s mom is her biggest supporter, encouraging her to try everything while providing for her. Pleasant doesn’t have to worry about food or water because of her mom’s hard work, allowing for more time to focus on school and sports. She’s been surrounded by good coaches and great friends. She feels lucky to have healthy relationships with so many people.
One big change for Pleasant has been her shift from public school to private school. This allowed her eyes to be opened to so many new opportunities that have gotten her where she is today.
Pleasant is busy now, but has goals for the future, too.
“I think it would be really awesome if I became valedictorian of my senior class. In order to achieve that, I have to stay on top of school and homework,” said Pleasant.
While Pleasant is young, she has good advice and lessons from her activities. She says that with hard work and dedication, you can make what’s impossible, possible. All activities require a focus. If you put your mind to an end goal and work to achieve it, good things are bound to happen. This doesn’t mean there aren't challenges, because there are. You need to overcome each obstacle and never give up. Persevere through the struggle.
“Comparison is the thief of joy. You should never compare yourself to someone else as they have been through a whole different journey to bring them to where they are. Stay focused on your future, not someone else’s present,” said Pleasant.