JUNE 1ST, 2022
THE BI-WORD
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
Experience Bishop Ireton’s Student Retreats
Anatasia Astounds Audiences
Countown Until Prom
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LETTER FROM THE STAFF Dear Readers, Thank you for picking the final 2021-2022 BI Word. This edition highlights the senior class and events from the past school year. We greatly appreciate your continued support throughout the years and all the wonderful suggestions and help we have received from various students, teachers, and faculty. Have a great summer and we will see you in the fall!
Journalism Staff
BI-WORD STAFF JANE ELKINS - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JACK GRZEBIEN - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THAD WORTH - EDITOR CHRISTOPHER STONE- STAFF WRITER JAMIE KAISER - STAFF WRITER CAMI PEREZ - STAFF WRITER OLIVIA DICARLO - STAFF WRITER
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Advising the Graduates
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Sign up for the All-Night Graduation Party
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The Class of 2022’s Four Years at 05 Ireton
Pushing Through Finals
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Bishop Ireton Summer Camps!
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Gas Prices on the Rise
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Spring Sports Return!
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Wrapping up Spring Sports
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New Scholars Program
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New Year, New Classes
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ADVISING THE GRADUATES
Teachers bid the graduating seniors farewell and provide valuable insights about life after high school “Dear BI Graduate of 2022: You have made it, crossed that “finish line” in the first of many ”races” that you will be engaged with in this thing we call “life”. As you peer out into your future you will see many challenges, both good and bad, many heartaches as well as many joys. What will get you through this race of life to the final finish line will be your Faith. As one who has participated in many “races” in this life, it is your Faith that will get you through and bring you great success as you come to your own finish line in each of the races that we all face in life. Victory will never be elusive, but it will be easier with Faith and walking with Our Blessed Lord on your life journey. Good luck in this new chapter of life that awaits you. May God Bless you now and always.”
Mr. Rauer
“Thank you for writing and for putting together this great initiative. My advice comes from one of St. Paul’s letters. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Peace in Christ.”
Father Noah
“Live in the moment. Be grateful. Do not shrink back. Take on hard challenges. Make good choices (they are usually the hard ones ...). Give back (to whom much is given, much is expected). Love deeply. Nourish your faith. Live the 4th.”
Mrs. Kelly
“Class of 2022, congratulations! We are so excited for you and delighted to celebrate your successes. In many respects, the last few years have been exceedingly difficult. Through it all, I’ve been inspired by your fortitude, good humor, and compassion for one another. As you reflect on your time at BI, I hope that you are equally heartened and encouraged - what you have done, together, is nothing short of remarkable. I am truly happy for you all, just as I am excited to hear about your next endeavors. Godspeed.”
Dr. Murphy
CONGRATUL ATIONS
ADVANCE ALWAYS
LIVE JESUS
GO CARDINALS
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The Class of 2022’s Four Years at Ireton By Jack Grzebien
The Bishop Ireton Class of 2022 has the rollout of a new uniform, an enlarged building, many teachers and new students, and of course many performances and athletic events. While the class’s four years have not been the easiest due to Covid and the loss of a dear classmate, the students continued to work through these challenges and prove to be the successful young people their parents, teachers, and classmates have known they were. Freshman year, students spent their first day on campus on August 27, 2018. Most graduating seniors started at BI that day and since then will have spent 1362 days as a Cardinal before graduation. At the start of freshman year everyone could easily tell a freshman apart from anyone else in the building as they had to wear the new uniform. This look became customary as the next year everyone had to wear it. Freshman year also saw great triumph, in athletics for the girls lacrosse team as they took home the WCAC Lacrosse title to Ireton for the fourth year in a row. Freshman year concluded with the beginning of construction projects and the anticipation of what the building could look like come the start of the next school year. Sophomore year began as any year does. Many students had been on campus earlier in August gearing up for their sports season. The Cardinals started off the year successfully with a football win on Homecoming weekend against
St. John Paul the Great and a well done performance of Little Women by the Bishop Ireton Theater Department. The construction of new facilities and improvements continued on throughout the year as the Resource Center doubled in size students ate in the gym, on the bleachers, while the new Murphy Hall was being built. As students returned from Christmas break an occupancy permit had been received and students were able to start eating lunch in the new cafeteria. With all the great happenings around the school, everyone was excited to complete their sophomore year. However, March 13, 2020 is a day that few students will forget. This was the first day Bishop Ireton was closed for Covid-19. Most students believed they were going to have a long weekend and others students believed they might miss a week of school at the longest. No student was prepared for the transition that took place but everyone, with the help of the school, adjusted the best they possibly could and finished out the school year with asynchronous remote instruction. Junior year, Bishop Ireton reopened the school with a hybrid synchronous model, a new block schedule was also put into place. The schedule for that year was two days of at home learning followed by two days of inperson learning. Ireton was one of the few schools in the area that had in-person students at all and that benefited the students greatly. October of junior year the
Ireton community experienced the devastating loss of friend, teammate, and classmate, Aidan Kwelberg. Aidan was an important part of the community as a teammate to many, but most importantly he was a friend to all. Sports made a return that year with abbreviated seasons. Although athletes may not have had the same intensive playing schedule as other years, all were happy to be able to compete at the high level they had seen in years prior. The Fine Arts programs also found ways to showcase their talent with a Virtual Veterans Day Concert and the Theater Department producing a live streamed performance of “OBSTACLES: An Evening of Short Plays.” Senior year started with a complete return to school five days a week and the students were all happy to be back. Students were able to enjoy some normalcy back in the cafeteria without spacing and had the opportunity to participate in a full fall season of sports with the state and conference tournaments which had previously not been available due to Covid. The Bishop Ireton Theater Department had two amazing performances during the Class of ‘22 seniors year. Murder on the Orient Express and Anastasia were two very succesful shows. The Theater Department worked tirelessly through the pandemic to put these on for the school. Senior Bradley Klinck remarked that “Anastasia was a great show and I was proud to see my fellow classmates on the stage again after a rocky two years.” The seniors’ four years at Bishop Ireton were nothing short of amazing. This class has been through more than any high schooler should have to endure. The community at Bishop Ireton, centered around Christ, with the help of administration and Father Noah helped this class persevere through the hard times and helped students celebrate the good times. They have overcome heartbreak, a pandemic, and hours and hours of homework, studying, and projects that all brought them closer to the finish line. The hard work and effort has paid off for this class as they head off to college in the fall.
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Bishop Ireton Summer Camps By Cami Perez
Bishop Ireton offers a great way to spend your summer. It is a six week long opportunity to do all sorts of different activities. The summer camp program offers sports, arts, computer science, Harry Potter camp, literature, special effects makeup, theater, choir, band and even babysitting training. All these great camps are easy to do, fun things young people can enjoy while making new friends and growing skills. The camps last from June 13th to July 22, 2022. Enrollment can be completed by going in the drop down tab to bishopireton.org and then going to the Athletics section and clicking summer camps and enrollment. Bishop Ireton’s nurse and director of the summer camps, Mrs. Mitchell notes “So far, so good for enrollment. It goes up until the day of the camp and we have some campers on the waiting list but we have lots of
New Scholars Program By Olivia DiCarlo
Bishop Ireton’s Distinguished Scholars Program is a recently established program. The Scholars Program began with the class of 2024, and is open to students who have a 3.75 GPA or above. Students in the program will start off by choosing an area of concentration such as STEM,
space for new campers.” With lots of fun and great activities this is a great way for kids and young adults, normally starting with rising 5th graders, to maintain an active brain and exercise their bodies and minds. Bishop Ireton offers a morning camp (9am-12pm), afternoon camp (1-4pm) and a full day camp (9am-4pm). These varied time frames allow everyone to have a chance to see what great things Bishop Ireton has to offer. The camp runs MondayFriday except for June 20th and July 4th. With over 30 camps to choose from, people can choose to do one camp in the morning and another in the afternoon if more than one camp interests them. For those doing a full day of camp, kids will have lunch during the camp from 12-12:45 pm everyday. Junior at Bishop Ireton, Humanities, or Fine Arts. The most popular area of concentration is STEM. By the end of high school students in the program will graduate with a minimum of 29 credits. Throughout the 4 years of this program they study and conduct research on their specific topic. Students are required to choose at least 3 related electives including one at the Dual-Enrollment or AP level. During program meetings that are held once a month, students discuss their topics with others that have similar topics. Students will share ideas and concepts to help them and others reflect. Students begin to write their capstone paper sophomore year. Junior year and during the summer, they complete an internship and senior year students will present their research to a panel of adults and fellow peers. Students in the program will receive a special recognition, completion of the program will also be included on students’ transcripts. Not only does this program show well on records, it also reflects on academic strength and growth of
Sorcha Lewis, helped run the football camp in the summer of 2021 and she says “My favorite part about the summer camps was playing games with the kids and helping Ty Gardner, the Athletic Trainer, with various jobs. I think other people should join the camps because you not only get service hours, and a free shirt, but you also get to just have fun. I do plan on being a part of the camps again because I need service hours and I need something to do over the summer. I also just know it will be another fun experience.” Even if football is not the branch of the camp you want to join, you can still have tons of fun and make new friends while having new experiences in the summer.
knowledge throughout high school. Leading this program is Ms. Raiza Vega,directs the Distinguished Scholars Program. Ms. Vega is an alumni of Bishop Ireton and faculty member of the science department, some advice from Ms. Vega is “Before joining the program, students need to ensure they have a desire to complete independent research on a topic they love.” The Scholars Program is a strong successful program and is growing day by day here at Ireton.
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New Year, New Classes By Thad Worth
At the end of each year students request the classes that they want to take the next year. Some of the classes are required, such as math, history, English, science, religion, theology, PE, world language and computer science. Others are fine arts credits which a student must have taken at least two semesters of a fine arts class by the time that they graduate. These include classes such as ceramics, graphic design, sculpting, band, yearbook and journalism. Finally, there are electives, or courses that students have the option to take. Some electives include World War I/ World War II, personal finance, psychology, and public speaking. These offer opportunities for students to study subjects that interest them in depth, and learn more about them then what they would have normally learned.
In the past few years, Bishop Ireton has focused on expanding its STEM program (science, technology, engineering, and math). B.I. has especially built up its technology programs, with 17 computer/technology courses. Courses include Web Page Design and Multimedia, Cybersecurity I and II, and Honors STEM Guitar, where students build their own electric guitar. Engineering has three courses, Introduction to Engineering Design, Honors Principles of Engineering, and Honors Digital Electronics. Science has not been forgotten, with 12 classes offered, from Biology to AP Chemistry. The mathematics department offers 14 courses including eight AP (Advanced Placement) or honors classes. These challenge students to go beyond their comfort zone and learn new concepts.
One student, Tyreke Fairclough is a rising senior and is looking forward to his classes next year. Tyreke plans to major in cybersecurity in college. This is why he is taking Cybersecurity I and II. Tyreke also wants to take US & VA Government, Intro to Probability and Statistics, Active Physics, and Theology of the Body. He suggests that rising Juniors take Anatomy or Art, saying that students have the opportunity to do fun projects in both classes.
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Sign Up for the All Night Grad Party!
By Jane Elkins
Bishop Ireton’s All Night Grad Party is one of BI’s longest standing and most cherished traditions that celebrates all graduating seniors. The party will be held at Lee District Recreation Center from at 11 pm until 5 am on May 27th until May 28th. This year’s theme for the party is “Cruise Ship” and many different cruisethemed activities will take place including a treasure hunt, ‘casino’ games, and swimming. Other activities and games for seniors to enjoy include raffles with lots of different prizes, trivia games, caricature drawings, along with many more surprises that one can only find out about at the event.
At the party, a buffet table will be offered that will provide food and drinks all night, so students attending do not have to worry about being hungry or thirsty at any time. Seniors should attend the all-night graduation party not only because it will be a fun night with various activities, but it will also be the last opportunity to celebrate graduation with the entire graduating class in a safe environment. Tickets for the event cost 100 dollars, and it is not too late to sign up. All members of the Class of 2022 are encouraged to celebrate graduation with your class in a safe and fun environment.
midterm exams in December. While the Class of 2022 seniors will not be taking exams this year. Freshman Vincent Brown spoke about how he feels about taking final exams at Bishop Ireton and what he thinks he needs to do to succeed. “It’s kind of nerve racking just because it’s really my first year going at this many By Jamie Kaiser exams in only a week but I feel like I will be ready. To be able to succeed I think just studying As the school year winds little by little and not studying down it only becomes more the night before each test will intense for Bishop Ireton make me more prepared. I students who prepare to take also think just a good night’s final exams. Each year many sleep and a good breakfast are students crack down on their underrated when it comes to studies and spend many how people do on tests.” hours preparing for the end of Additionally, Junior Kate the year final exams. Clark added what she has taken Each and every class from previous years of exams has some sort of final and what the do’s and don’ts examination whether it is a are for each year’s exams. “ I test, project presentation. would say just being prepared Each one brings its own each day makes things a whole challenges and needs for lot easier than people believe preparation. New coming it to be. Being prepared usually Class of 2025 students will gives people clear minds and likely get their first ever in my opinion that is the best experience of final exams state of mind for someone to but should not be too take a test. Studying a couple overwhelmed after taking days or even a week before
the test helps just because things become a little more permanent in our brains. I would also say that an obvious mistake is cheating. It is better to get a 60% on a test than a zero at the end of the day and it’s not worth it, so studying is definitely the best bet. To finish, I think that getting good sleep can also help.” To conclude, Senior Joseph Johnson touched on his feelings of not having to take exams this year relieved or missing out? “ I was so pumped when I heard that we didn’t have to take final exams as seniors, mostly because that end of the year stress is just nonexistent and really lets me enjoy my last few weeks as a highschool student. I for sure don’t feel like I’m missing anything if anything. I am excited and more relieved. As the Final exams conclude the end of the school year, we wish all the luck to those who feel worried and hope the best to all the rest.
As the school year comes closer and closer to the end, graduation for seniors is just around the corner and many seniors await the next stage of their lives. Bishop Ireton recognizes this important accomplishment and provides many different end-of-year celebrations for seniors to enjoy. Along with the highly anticipated graduation ceremony and celebration that will take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C, Bishop Ireton also offers an outstanding all-night graduation party which is organized, sponsored, and staffed by PTO volunteers.
Pushing through Finals
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Gas Prices
By Thad Worth
Wrapping Up Spring Sports By Olivia Dicarlo
With summer around the corner people will be taking road trips and going to the beach to spend time with friends and family. Looming over these carefree summer days is the shadow of inflation. In the past few months inflation has reached 40 year highs. This has caused the price of everyday items such as milk, meat, bread, and especially gasoline to go up. Coupled with supply-chain issues, the cost of groceries, toys, and other consumer items have been steadily rising. With prices rising, what is the cause of inflation, and what have people been doing? According to the American Automobile Association, the price of regular unleaded gasoline has increased by $1.41 or more than 45% from May 12th, 2021. The price of diesel has risen even faster, with a gallon of diesel increasing by $2.42 or 77% up from $3.14 over the same period. The cost of fuel has risen the most in Western states such as Oregon and California and the Northeastern states such as New York. The Midwest and South have the lowest average prices. Georgia has the lowest prices for fuel, with the average cost of gasoline being $3.95 while California has the highest with the average cost of gasoline at $5.85. There are several reasons for these differences in price. One reason is taxes on gasoline. According to KTLA News, taxes and fees add up to over $1.15. In other states such as Hawaii and Alaska, fuel must
be imported, raising costs. In states near refineries situated on the Gulf of Mexico, along with lower taxes on fuel, keeps the price of a gallon of gas below the national average. There has been much coverage in the media over the profits that oil and gas companies have made from the rising oil prices. Congressional Democrats have attacked oil companies such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Shell for their increase in profits. Representative Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) has said “Big Oil is lining their pocket…” Exxon CEO and President Darren Woods defended Exxon’s increase in revenue saying that the company earned $23 billion in 2021 after losing $22 billion in 2020. The Biden Administration has blamed the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russian oil for the rise in gas prices, while Republicans have blamed President Biden and his increase in regulation along with his executive order preventing the completion of the Keystone XL Pipeline which would have brought Canadian oil down to refineries in Texas and Louisiana. They have also attacked Biden for courting authoritarian regimes such as Venezuela and Iran by asking to buy oil from them. Both are known for their human rights abuses and Iran sponsors terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah in Lebenon, the Houthi militants in Yemen, and supported the Assad regime in Syria, which has commited crimes against humanity
This 2022 season of Spring sports included, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Lacrosse, Boy Tennis, Crew, Softball, Golf, Baseball, and Track & Field. Spring sports began tryouts during the third week of February, and games began in March. Boys tennis began the spring season with a win over Alexandria City High School, and ended the season with a 3-5 record in the WCAC and a record of 7-5 overall. Softball had an early win of 21-0 against O’Connell and ended the WCAC season 2-6 and overall record of 2-9. Baseball began with a close win of 6-5 over Riverdale Baptist and ended with a tough 3-2 loss against Good Counsel. Overall baseball’s WCAC record was 5-8 with an overall record of 15-10. Track and field began with 5 first place finishes at their opening meet and is ending the season with a record of 3-10 in the conference and an overall record of 6-16. Girls lacrosse opened up the season with a 14-1 win over Bishop McNamara and ended the WCAC season with a 12-10 loss against Good Counsel in the championship game. Boys lacrosse also had a great win of 18-3 against Bishop McNamara and ended the season with a hard fought game against O’Connell in the first round of the WCAC playoffs. Crew began the season with a ragotta for the Bishop’s Cup, but ended up falling short against O’Connell and ended the season competing in races up north. Golf began the season with a 5-4 win over The Heights, and ended the season with senior night against DeMatha, and the golf classic which raises money for projects, the athletic department, and gives back to the oblates of St. Francis Desales.
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A Prayer for the Class of 2022
In Gratitude, We Pray God of joy and hope, We thank you for this time of graduation. Your spirit of wisdom has empowered our hard work and discipline in such a way that our hunger for learning has been nourished with knowledge, discovery, creativity, and determination. As we prepare to walk across the stage to receive our diplomas, let us walk in prayerful gratitude for the many blessings that have made this moment real and filled with great potential. In gratitude, we pray for our families and the many who have sacrificed and worked to see us to this hopeful moment. In gratitude, we pray for the professors and administrators who have challenged, cared, and crafted us along this academic journey. In gratitude, we pray for fellow students who have taught us more about friendship, collaboration, and sharing. God, even as we have faced challenges and accomplished much, we understand that our lives move into a new chapter where there will be more challenges to face and more will be demanded of us in order to accomplish good things. May yourgrace cover our anxieties and fears so that we may stay encouraged about the future. Give us patience and hope to energize our search for work that is just and makes proper use of our gifts. Give us courage to face the challenges of carving out a place in society where we might live in peace, service, and gratitude. Give us strength to resist the temptations of greed, laziness, pride, and envy as we strive to do and be our best. May your spirit guide us as we unfold the next chapters of our lives. Help us to enliven hope in the world and bring good things to Your Kingdom. And, may this celebration be a reflection of the blessings that we find in knowing and loving you. For this is the day that You have made. We are glad and rejoice in it! - Author Unknown Published on JesuitResource.com
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Thanks for reading and farewell to the Class of 2022!
