Meet the Staff
Benjamin Smith Junior, Senior Columnist
Khaliq Carson Senior, Columnist
James Jennings Junior, Columnist
Boyd Junior, Senior Columnist
Abby Stump Junior, Senior Columnist
Sophia La Sophomo Column
Eden
Thankyouforreading,Cardinals!
Beforeyoustartreadingthiseditionofthe BI Word,wewanted tothankyouforyourparticipationinourfirstyearof Find the Cardinal, Win A Prize!
Asyoufocusonexamsandlookaheadtosummer,thereisnot goingtobeaFindtheCardinalinthisissue,butwelook forwardtoreturningwiththisnewtraditioninthefall. In the meantime, let’s rewind and congratulate again all the people who have won this year.
Thankyouforreadingthe BI Word,andwehopeyouhaveafun andsafesummer!
Congrats to McKenna Flaaen ‘29 for winning the April Find the Cardinal, Win a Prize!
Ryan Fannon ‘27
Mirabelle Brantley ‘26
Chloe Scott-Stopa ‘29
Christina Ciatti ‘29 Ms. Anastasia Vestermark Assistant Librarian
Abby Crum ‘27 and Julia Yi ‘29
May Crowning reflects faith and tradition
By:EdenBoyd
OnMay1,2026,theBishopIretoncommunityheld MassforitsannualMayCrowning.ThisisaCatholic devotionduringthemonthofMaywhenwehonorthe BlessedVirginMarywitheachseniorgirlplacing flowersatMary’sfeetandarisingseniorgirlina leadershippositionplacingthecrownonMary.This year,Ireton’s2026-2027StudentCouncilPresident Vivienne(Vivie)Daviswaschosentocrownour Mother.
Viviefeltgratitudeaboutherroleinthe MayCrowningandwas“honoredtobe abletocontinuethetraditionofhaving theincomingSCAPresidentcrown Mary.”Shecontinued,“Ifeelconnected toMarybecauseherexamplereminds methatleadershipisreallyaboutserving others.”Inherupcomingroleonthe studentcouncil,Viviehopesmostthat heractionsthroughleadershipcandepict thesamefaith,strength,andcompassion thatwerepresentintheBlessedMother.
Honoring Cardinals Who Served
By: Angela Ciatti
DidyouknowthatMayisMilitaryAppreciationMonth?Duringthismonth,wecelebrateandhonorallthosewhoare currentlyservinginthemilitaryandthosewhohaveserved.AtBishopIreton,thereareseveralmembersofthefaculty andstaffwhoareveterans:
Mr.MichaelRauer,HistoryTeacher;Dr.TomCross,HistoryTeacher;Ms.JanellCline,MathTeacher; Ms.EmilyGunlycke,MathandScienceTeacher;Mr.SteveSmith,FacilityOperationsManager;Ms.RachelleButts, ArtTeacher,Ms.TerriKelly,ComputerScienceTeacher;andMr.DavidPough,HeadSoftballCoach. Theynotonlyhavededicatedtheirlivestoservingourcountrybuttheyhavedonesowithpatriotismandpride.Our Cardinalveteransansweredafewquestionsaboutwhatitwasliketoserveandofferadviceforourstudentswhomay beconsideringjoiningthearmedforces.Readontolearnabouttheseeightindividualswhohavegivensomuchtoour countryandworld.MayGodblessthemandmayGodblessAmerica!
Whatdidservinginthemilitarymeantoyou?
“ServiceinthemilitarywasanhonorformeasIwasfollowinginthe footstepsofmanygreatpeopleandfamilymemberswhohadservedinorderto keepusfreesowecanenjoythelibertiesandfreedomsthatwehavetoday.”
Doyouhaveanyfondmemoriesofbeinginthemilitary (memorable,meaningful)?
“Ihavemanymemoriesfromservice;twothingsthatIrememberquitewell; longagowhenvisitingNormandyandtheD-Daybeaches,hearingthesound ofTapsbeingplayedat17:00.(5p.m.)broughttearstomyeyesasIthought aboutthesacrificeoftheirlifethatthosewhoareinterredhadmade.Another memoryIhavegoesbacktotheweeksbeforemyfamilyandIdeparted Germanyforthelasttime.Wewerepackingupallofourhouseholdgoods, loadingthemintothemovingcontainersandonthetruck AnelderlyGerman gentlemanwhoIrecognizedaslivingdownthestreetfromusbutneverreally spoketouscameuptome InnearlyperfectEnglishhesaidtome‘Thankyou forbeinghere,’smiled,andwalkedaway”
Whatdidservinginthemilitarymeantoyou?
“Thatword“serving”saysitall,asitbecamemyidentityforalargepart ofmylifeandshapedmuchofwhoIamtoday Iwanttobetherefor others,whetherthat’sintheclassroomorinaforeignwar.”
Doyouhaveanyfondmemoriesofbeinginthemilitary (memorable,meaningful)?
“Icouldfillseveralbookswithfondmemories,andIlovehavingfriends alloverthecountry Butcompletingparatrooperschoolat19was definitelyimpactfulandmemorable Infact,Isubmittedastoryaboutthat forthisyear’sCambridgeRoadmagazine”
Whatdidservinginthemilitarymeantoyou?
“Servinginthemilitarywasanhonor.Itgavemetheopportunitytoservemy country,leadothers,andmakesacrificesforthegreatergood.”
Doyouhaveanyfondmemoriesofbeinginthemilitary (memorable,meaningful)?
“OneofthemostmeaningfulpartsofmyservicewasthepeopleImet Istill keepintouchwithmanyofthem,andweshareabondthat’shardtofully understandunlessyou’veserved.Themilitaryallowedmetoformunbreakable connections.OneespeciallymemorableexperiencewasworkingwiththeSouth KoreanArmy-despitethelanguagebarrier,wewereabletoconnectthrough musicandoursharedmilitaryskills.”
Doyouhaveanyadviceforstudentswhoareconsideringthemilitary?
“Therearemanydifferentwaystoserveyourcommunityandyourcountry. Learn asmuchasyoucanaboutthosethatinterestyou.Findtheonethatletsyou“be yourselfandbethatwell.”Militaryservicewasagoodoptionformebecauseit allowedmetoleveragemystrengthsandgavemelotsofopportunitiestolearnand grow.”
Doyouhaveanyfondmemoriesofbeinginthemilitary (memorable,meaningful)?
“IhadmanymeaningfulexperienceswhileservingintheNavy However,Ifound thatthemostmeaningfulexperienceswerereallyinthesmallandoftenquiet moments-standingonthebridgewingunderthestarsonthe2-7amwatch, helpingSailorsapplyforUScitizenshipduringweekendduty,andgettingtoknow myshipmatesfromalloverthecountryandallwalksoflife-sharingstories, laughs,worries,hopes,anddreams.”
sMlimE. y G u n lycke,USNavyforeight and a sraeyflah
Doyouhaveanyadviceforstudentswhoareconsideringthemilitary?
“Ifyou’reunsureaboutwhatyouwanttodowiththerestofyourlife,the militaryisagreatplacetostart.Itcanhelpyoudevelopasenseofdirectionand discipline Thetrainingtheyprovideistop-notch,andwhenyourtimeinthe militaryisover,you’llhavevaluableskillsthatcanbeusedinthecivilianworld andthroughouttherestofyourlife”
Doyouhaveanyfondormeaningfulmemoriesfromyourtimeinthe military?
“MytimeinthemilitaryiswhereIdevelopedmylovefortravel.I’venow visited41countriesandcounting.MyfirstmajortripwastoBarcelonaforthe 1992Olympics.IwasalsostationedinBerlinduringthefalloftheBerlinWall, whichwasanunforgettableexperience”
Whatdidservinginthemilitarymeantoyou?
or 2 3 ysrae
“Itmeantmanythings Ihadattemptedtogotocommunitycollegebut betweenthe3jobsIhadtoworkandashortperiodofhomelessness,Iwasnot verysuccessful IsignedupandwassettoprocessinBaltimoreonSeptember 12,2001.Thatprocessingdateendedupgettingpushedduetotheeventsof 9/11.
Iwasabitmorescaredaboutjoiningbutitultimatelybecamethefirstbig thingIdidscared.Ittrulychangedthedirectionofmylife.Itgavemepurpose anddirectionandultimatelyledmetomytruegift.WhileIwaspregnantwith mysonIwastakenoffthelineasamechanicandputintothetrainingoffice forsafety ItwastherethatIlearnedthatIhadagiftofeducatingandguiding youngAirmen”
Doyouhaveanyfondmemoriesofbeinginthemilitary(memorable,meaningful)?
“Ihavetwo.OnewaswhileIwasdeployedtoAfghanistan.Theywouldputonkaraokeeverysooften.Iwasencouraged (playfullybullied)intogoingupandsingingasong.ItoldthemIwouldn'tunlessIhadbackupdancers.Theyagreed.I endedupsingingtheHokeyPokeyeverykaraokenightandatitsheightIhad18Armyfolksdancingthehokeypokey whileIsangoffkey.
Thesecondfondmemorywasseeingmyson'sfacewhenIgothomefrommydeployment Ihadbeenworriedhehad forgottenmebecausehewasonly1yearsold Buthiseyeslitupwhenhesawmeandmyeyesgotblurry(tears) The feelingofthatmomentisoneIhaveneverbeenabletoputintowords EverytimeIhavetrieditnevertrulycapturesthe intensityofthefeelingIhad.”
Whatdidservinginthemilitarymeantoyou?
“Servinginthemilitarywasprofoundlymeaningfultome.Theworkfelt genuinelyimportantbecauseitdirectlycontributedtoprotectingthefreedoms thatdefinetheUnitedStates Thiscountryexistsandthrivesbecause individualshavebeenwillingtomaketheultimatesacrificeinitsdefense I washonoredtoplayapartinsafeguardinglibertiesthatdistinguishAmerica fromanyothernationintheworld.”
Doyouhaveanyadviceforstudentswhoareconsideringthemilitary?
“Myprimaryadviceistoapproachthedecisionprayerfully.Considercarefully whethermilitaryserviceisthebestpath.Whileitoffersanoutstanding opportunitytoserveyourcountryinameaningfulway,itisnotsuitedfor everyone Theroledemandssignificantcommitment,involvesconsiderable hardship,andcanentaillife-alteringsacrifices Itshouldneverbeenteredinto lightly”
r . DavidPough,USArmyfor20
Doyouhaveanyadviceforstudentswhoareconsideringthemilitary?
“Yesofcourse,don'tlookatthemilitaryasjustfighting.Themilitaryhasevery jobyoucanthinkoffromacarpentertoaweldertoanelectrician.Usethe militarytofurtheryourfuture.Theyhaveeveryskillandcertificatethatyou couldneedorwant.Soifyoufeellikeservingyourcountryandifyouwant greatskillsatanotherjobofyourchoice,thenthemilitaryisagreatstepping stoneforyourfuture”
Doyouhaveanyfondmemories(memorable,meaningful)?
“IthinkthebiggestmemoriesthatIhavearethepeoplethatImet.Iwouldsay someofmyclosestfriendsarethepeoplewhoIwenttocombatwith.Tothis day,theyhaveneverchangedonme.ThatiswhatIvaluethemost.”
Mr.PoughwasalsoaDCArmyboxingcoachfor7yearsaspicturedleft.
TherearealsomanyfamiliesatBishopIretonwhohavespouses,parents,orotherfamilymembersinthemilitary Thankyou toallofthosewhoareonthehomefrontprovidingconstantsupporttotheirmilitaryfamilymembers Oneparticularperson whotakestimeoutofherdaytosupporthermilitaryfamilymemberisHeadofSchoolMs KathleenMcNutt,whoseson-inlaw,Mr SamMarkle(BI‘19)isanavalaviatorandiscurrentlydeployed Sheansweredafewquestionsaboutwhatitislike beingtheonewithherfamilybackhomeastheysupporthiminhiswork.
1.Whatisitlikebeingpartofthefamilybackathomesupportingyour daughterandson-in-lawduringhisdeploymentoverseas?
. Sam Markle(BI ‘19),USNavy
Mr. Markle is on the far right, closest to the plane’s steps
“Thegreatestchallengeofprovidingsupportisthenumberofmilesbetween us!Whilemyson-in-lawisdeployed,hiswife-mydaughter-istakingcareof theirhomeandworkingwhiletherestoftheirfamilyisacrossthecountry Havingmovedtotheirhomeonly6monthspriortohisdeployment,thingsare stillnewthereandmeetingpeopleisstillbrandnew. Idomybesttoshrinkthe milesthroughdailycallsandFacetimetohelpkeepconnectedandletherknow we'rereadytosupport,ifonlytoprovidealisteningearandlotsofloveand encouragement.”
2.Howdoesitmakeyoufeeltohaveaconnectioninyourfamilytothe military?
“Iamsoproudofmyson-in-lawforhisservicetoourcountry,andIamso proudofmydaughterforherwillingnesstosacrificeandservethroughherrole asaspouse. Ittakescourageandfortitudetomakesuchachoice,andIserve throughsupport!”
3.Whatareyoulookingforwardtothemostwhenyourson-in-lawreturns backhometoyourdaughterandyourfamily?
“Ilookforwardtoseeinghimwithher!Ihaven'tseenhiminpersonsince November Ialsolookforwardtoseeingthejoyonmydaughter'sfacewhenhe isback Ontopoftakingcareofhome,shehasbeentrainingthenewpuppy theygotjust3monthsbeforeheleft He'sahandful,soIknowmydaughter looksforwardtosharingtheload!”
Mary Kate Costello, Valedictorian
Caps Off to the Class of 2026!
By:LizJoyner
TheClassof2026,comingintohighschoolpostpandemic,isnowenteringitsnextphaseaswellequippedyoungadults.Asstudents,friends,and soon-to-bealumniofBishopIreton,theyhave positivelyrepresentedtheschoolandservedas stewardstothecommunity.Andastheylook ahead,theimportantthingistoneverforgetallthe memoriesandfriendshipsmadehereonCambridge Road.Fromajam-packedadvisoryday,tobeating thefacultyintheSeniorvs.Facultybasketball game,theClassof2026hasleftanindeliblemark onBishopIreton Astheymovefromthehallsof BishopIretontomultipledestinations,wehope theyareheartenedbytheversesfromtheiconic “Graduation”songbyVitaminC:“Aswegoon/ Weremember/Allthetimeswe/Hadtogether/ Andasourliveschange/Comewhatever/Wewill stillbe/FriendsForever.”
ValedictorianspeakerMaryKateCostelloreflected onherowntimehere,sayingthat“BIissospecial tomebecauseithasdevelopedmeasapersonin manydifferentways.Ilikehowitisaverywellroundedschoolandhasopportunitiesforstudents togrowspiritually,academically,andathletically.”
DanielSantillan,theSalutatorianspeaker,hasa similarmessage:“BI'sfaithfocusisveryspecialto me BeingaregulardailyMassattendee,thefaith hashelpedmedevelopasenseofinnerpeaceasI gothrougheachday.I'mforevergratefultothe priestsatBIfortheirguidanceinshapingmeto becomeabetterperson”Soalthoughthisroadis comingtoanend,wehopethattheClassof2026 realizestheimpacttheyhavehadontheBishop Iretoncommunityandwewishthemallthebestin yournextchapter.
Mrs.Briody
“[I am] proud of all their accomplishments [and] I cannot wait to see how they shape our world in the years ahead.”
Dr.Vaccaro
"It sounds cliche, but I hope the members of the Class of 2026 remember that they can achieve more than they think they can They are amazing people and I look forward to enjoying their successes in the future."
Where
do you see yourself in 10 years?
Teachers Deserve
an A+
By:SophiaLarose
NationalTeacherAppreciationWeektakesplaceduringthe firstfullweekofMay.AtBishopIreton,wewishwecould celebrateourteachersallyearlong!TheBIteachersgiveustheir time,wisdom,andcareandoftenusetheirownresourcestohelp studentsdeveloptotheirfullpotential.Teacherappreciationweek isthetimewhenwethankourteachersforhavingsuchapositive impactonusandforhelpingusintheclassroomwhichwill eventuallyhelpusaswenavigatetheworldoutsideofCambridge Road.
When Did A teacher go above and beyond for you?
“Ms Garciareallywentaboveand beyondtohelpme.Shehelpedme duringclass,sheofferedhertimeafter school,andwehadlotsof conversationsabouthowtobest supportme.”
TheteachersatBishopIretonaretheheartoftheschooland whatmakethiscommunitysospecial.Mr.JustinWaldman,one ofthescienceteachers,enjoysthecamaraderie:“WhenIfirst startedhereyearsagowalkingintothebuildingItrulyfelta senseofbelongingwhichhasnevergoneaway.”Thereasonthe studentsfeelthesamewayisbecauseoftheexampletheteachers setforus.Theycreateawelcomingandinclusiveenvironment andweappreciatethemduringtheweekinMayandalltherest oftheweeksoftheyear,too!
SeniorLaurenWhitman,theStudentCouncilAssociation (SCA)President,speaksforeveryonewhenshedescribesthe teachersatIreton:“TheteachersatBIareheretoshapeusinto theconfidentyoungadultsthatweare!Theydotheirverybestto pushusoutsideofourcomfortzone,togrowrelationshipswith, andtohelpusbecomepeoplewhoarereadytotakeonlife.Ilove theteachersatBIbecausetheywantwhatisbestfortheir students.”SeniorTrevorPickard,theVicePresidentoftheSCA, echoesmanyofthesamesentiments:“TheteachersatBIare extremelypassionateabouttheirwork.Theylookafterevery studentandtheyarealwayswillingtohelpafter.Ilovethe teachersatBIbecausetheygivetheiralltoeachandevery student.”
Allthereislefttosayis:THANKYOU!Weappreciateallthe workyouputintoyourclassesandstudentseveryday!
“Ihadagnarlybaseballinjurymy sophomoreyearandIwasoutof schoolfor1.5weeks.Mrs.Baehre arrangedforeveryoneinourclassto signacardforme,whichwasavery meaningfulgesturethatIremember tothisday.”
SCA President, Senior, Lauren Whitman
SCA Vice President, Senior, Trevor Pickard
Ms. Gina Garcia, World Languages
Mrs. Sheila Baehre, English Teacher
By:MadisonIngram
NationalNursesWeekisthesecondweekofMayandtheBI Cardinalscelebratedourtwoschoolnurses,Ms.Christine DanaherandMs.KieranMitchell.Theyplayalargerolein ourcommunity,andthoughyoumaynotneedthemallthe time,theyarealwaysheretohelp.
Mrs. Danaher works in the school clinic, and has thirty-five years of experience being a nurse. Four of those years have been spent working for Ireton’s students and staff. She tells us that being a nurse is a special calling: “I love being a nurse. Nursing provides a wonderful opportunity to make someone's life better in a personal and meaningful way. I consider it a privilege to be able to help improve my patients' health and their life circumstances.” She cares deeply for all of the students who come to her for help, and we appreciate her for her constant dedication. Mrs. Danaher especially values her time working with all of the Cardinals by sharing that “I love working with the students at Ireton. They enrich my life and I learn something new everyday. I enjoy hearing their stories, aspirations, and appreciate their hard work in learning how to navigate through difficult and trying times.” If you see Mrs. Danaher in the halls, stop and thank her for all that she does at BI!
Mrs. Mitchell works in our Student Wellness center, and has been a registered nurse for nineteen years. She has been working as a school nurse for twelve years, and of those twelve, six have been with our Bishop Ireton community After working as a nurse for such a long time, this year she is retiring: “It’s bittersweet to leave Bishop Ireton but I’m excited to start my next adventure living in Capon Springs,WestVirginia.” Mrs. Mitchell treasures all of the students with whom she works, but some of her favorite memories are seeing her Hawks from St. Louis Catholic School become Cardinals and watching their accomplishments after they graduate. She is always full of love: “I’ve made lifelong connections with the Cardinal community and enjoy celebrating all of your successes!” Thank you, Mrs. Mitchell, for everything you have done for us at Bishop Ireton, and we wish you well with your retirement in Wild,Wonderful,WestVirginia!
CBS Journalist Robert Costa Visits Bishop Ireton and Rho Kappa
By:NatalieDrey
OnMonday,May11,2026,BishopIretonandtheSocialStudiesHonorSocietyRhoKappawelcomed Mr.RobertCosta,anationalcorrespondentfor“CBSNewsSundayMorning”andchiefWashington analystforCBSNews StudentsfromRhoKappaandfromtheBroadcastProductionandTechnology andJournalismclasseslistenedtostoriesaboutMr.Costa’syearsasajournalist.
HeregaledthecrowdwithinformationabouthisinterviewswithmultipleimportantfigureslikeSenator BernieSanders,PresidentDonaldTrump,andformerPresidentJoeBidenandhowhedeveloped relationshipswiththem.Infact,Mr.CostalandedthefirstinterviewwithunknownSenatorSandersand wrotethefirstarticleabouthiminTheWashingtonPost.Costaimpresseduponthestudentsthathelives byonemotto:“Assumenothing.”Infact,hekeepsthesetwowordsonanoteonhiscomputertoremind himselfthatoneshouldnevermakerashjudgmentsaboutanyonebecauseyouneverknowwhenyou mightcrosspathswiththemagain.
Mr.Costagenerouslyansweredquestionsfromstudentsaboutthemedia,publicspeaking,and interviewingtips.Healsoreflectedonthewaythatsocialmediahaschangedthejournalismprofession, whatmakessomeoneaneffectivejournalist,andhowjournalistsusethischanginglandscapetodotheir jobswell.Heunderscoredthateveryone,includingthisgenerationwhichisinundatedwiththe24-hour newscycle,shouldlookformediasourcesthatofferadifferentperspective.Heimploredthemtobe opentootherviewpoints.
Mr.CostadefendedtheideaoftheFirstAmendmentwhereeveryonehastherighttospeakabouttheir beliefsandstandupforwhattheybelievein.Headdedthatitisequallyimportanttoacknowledgethat peoplewithdifferentbeliefsfromourownshouldalsobeallowedtospeak.
Mr.Costachargedtheaudiencetoholdontoamessageofhope.Heunderstandsthatitiseasytobecome disillusionedandevendepressedaboutthegrowingnumberofhorriblethingsgoingonintheworldandin thenews.But,heemphasizedthatthegoalshouldbetoremainpositive.“Itisyourtimeandyourcountry,” hetoldstudents.Inhisstoriestothestudents,hemadesuretoemphasizetheabilityofhowa“nobody”can becomea“somebody”andhowlearningandpracticinghumilityiscrucialtosucceedinginlife,notjustto beingajournalist.
BesidesmeetingRhoKappastudents,Mr.CostaalsometprincipalDr.TimothyGuy,headofschool Ms.KathleenMcNutt,historyteacher,Ms.KrisRier,andjournalismteacher,Ms.BethRoyle.
Reflectingonhisvisit,AlisonNienaber,classof‘27andaRhoKappaofficer,gaveheropinionaboutthe impactofMr.Costa’svisit:“Ihopestudentswilllearnthevalueofgoodjournalismanddiscovercareersin socialstudieswhichdonotnecessarilyhavetobecloselyassociatedwithacandidateoroffice.Ialsohope theylearnhowtobejournalistsoftheirownandstayinformedbyinvestigatingcurrentevents.”
Mrs Rier,teacherproctorforRhoKappa,alsorecalledtheinfluenceofMr Costaonthestudents:“Mr Costa'svisitimpartedsomuchvaluableinformation.Iverymuchhopethathismotto"AssumeNothing" resonateswellbeyondMonday'svisit.Mr.Costatouchedonsomanyimportantqualitiesforstudentsto develop:tobecuriousandavoidmakinginstantjudgmentsaboutpeople,toberegularconnoisseursof reliablemediaonallendsofthepoliticalspectrum,andtodeveloprespectfulwaystoengagewitheach other.”
Mr.CostadescribedhowhehasinterviewedPresidentTrumpnumeroustimes,oncewhenMr.Costawas 26yearsoldwhenTrumpwasabusinessman HeconnectedhowPresidentTrumpdefiedalloddsto becomethePresidentnotonce,buttwice,andleftthestudentswiththismessagetheycanapplytotheir ownlives:“Thenumberonequalityisnotintelligence.It’snot,unfortunately,grace.It’snothumor.It’s perseverance…Perseveranceisthenumberonethingthatkeeps[and]makesthemwhotheyare.” IfyouareinterestedinlearningmoreaboutMr Costa,youcanwatchhimon“CBSNewsSunday Morning”orreadhis#1NewYorkTimesBestsellerthatheco-authoredwithBobWoodwardcalled “Peril.”
GirlsGolfHistoricSeason
By: James Jennings
The Bishop Ireton Cardinals girls golf team teed off at the University of Maryland to play in the WCAC Championship. This was the first time all season that the BI girls golf team played a full 18 hole course
Alyssa Podoff ‘27 was first to start for BI with Nora Wieczorek ‘28 second, Sofia Keefer ‘29 third, and finally, Maeve McGuire ‘27, who is the captain of the team. With the UMD course carrying winds up to 20 mph that day, the girls shot for their average scores and succeeded with McGuire pushing the team past PVI to second place Maeve later made a strong showing in the individual VISAA states on Tuesday, May 12 at the Williamsburg National Golf Course.
Coach James Eaton had nothing but pride when talking about the heart of this team: “I am so proud of every girl that tried out for a sport where all eyes are on you every shot. Golf is a sport no matter how athletic or rich you are, it will humble you ” He also says that he is “looking forward to the growth of the girl’s program with our first season under our belts The girls know now what it will take to get to the next level and hopefully make VISAA. I know they all have the potential and passion to accomplish this goal.” It was a great way to end the Bishop Ireton girls golf inaugural season and we won’t “fore”-get about this amazing start to a new program. Congratulations to all!
Committed Cardinals
By:KhaliqCarson
BishopIretoncelebrateditsfinalSigningDaybyrecognizingagroupofoutstandingCardinalswhowillbecontinuing theirathleticandacademicjourneysatthecollegiatelevel.Surroundedbyfamily,teammates,friends,andcoachesin BishopIreton’sAuxiliaryGym,theseseniorswerehonoredfortheirdedication,leadership,andthelastingimpactthey havemadeonBishopIretonathleticsandtheschoolcommunity.
Congratulationsto:
JakeBahr-Randolph-MaconCollege-Basketball
EvanBrown-ChestnutHillCollege-Basketball
SilasDevonish-BowieStateUniversity-Basketball
AnnieSimon-TheCatholicUniversityofAmerica-Softball
Shown Above: Maeve McGuire, ‘27 at VISAA States
Bishop Ireton Athletes Take Top Honors at Local Banquet
By:JoeSubasavage
OnThursday,May21TheAlexandriaSportsman’sClub(ASC)hostedits69thAnnualAwardsBanquet.TheASCisa non-profitorganizationfoundedin1947andforalmost80yearstheASChascelebratedlocalathletesandcoachesfrom thefourAlexandriaCityhighschools:BishopIretonHighSchool,EpiscopalHighSchool,AlexandriaCityHighSchool, andSt.Stephens&St.AgnesSchoolaswellastheCityofAlexandriaRecreationDepartment.Thebanquetisthe culminationofallofthehardworktheathleteshaveputinovertheyear.Andthisyear,BishopIretonathleteshavewon 10awardsforAthleteoftheYear.Congratulationstoall!
jason day ‘27, and regan schultz ‘26, Cross Country
ReganSchultz:
“IfeelverygratefultobenamedASCathleteoftheyear.Therearesomanygreatrunnersin AlexandriaandIfeelhonoredthattheychosetoselectme”
JasonDay:
“BeingnamedtheXCAthleteoftheYearbytheAlexandriaSportsman’sClubmeansalotto mebecauseitshowstheprogressI’vemadeoverthelastfewyearsandallthehardworkand trainingthatwentintoimprovingeachseason.WinningtheJoeHalmMemorialCityCross CountryChampionshipswassomethingIhadbeenworkingtowardsincefreshmanyear,so receivingthisawardisverymeaningful.I’mproudtorepresentBishopIreton,especially sinceourvarsityboysteamwonthecitychampionshipforthefirsttimeinmorethana decade.”
CoachBobArtman:
“ReganSchultzandJasonDayarethebestdistancerunnersinthehistoryoftheschool Theircrosscountryseasonsweretheresultofgreattalentbutalsohardworkanditshowed onthecourseweekinandweekout.Theybothdeservethisaward.”
FionaSullivan:
“I i h b namedAthleteoftheYearbytheAlexandriaSportsman’sClubandto etonHighSchool.Overthepastfewyears,I’vewatchedtheBishop dynamicandworkethicimprovesignificantly,andbeingpartofthe rntheprogramintoacompetitiveteammeansalottome.I’mreally bepartofthiseraandtoseehowmuchwe’vegrown”
CoachSteveHall:
withanAll-ConferenceFirstBoatatourWMIRAChampionshipsthis hopIretoninthis18-schoolcompetitiverowingconference Buther arisontotheworksheputsineachandeverypractice,aswellasher ownOYO(OnYourOwn)workoutstobuildherstrengthandstaminaforracinginthis toughsport Indoingso,sheliterallymakestheGirlsRowingteambetterasshesetsthebar forwhattraininganddedicationlookslike. It’snowonderthatshewasselectedtorowfor theUniversityofWashingtonHuskieswomensrowingprograminthefall.TheHuskiesrank intheTop5programsnationallyjustabouteveryyear,soasyoucansee…thehardworkand dedicationbringsgreatresultsinoursport!”
MaxBoudreau:
“ItfeelsgoodtoberecognizedforallthehardworkmypeersandIputinthisyear!Afulfillingand happyendtomysenioryear.”
CoachSteveHall:
“MaxhasearnedtheBIBoysRowingMVPHonorsthepasttwoyears.Heisanothergreatexampleof training,hardworkANDacademicachievementwhichisaperfectcombinationforhisAlexandria Sportsman’sAward.AsaCaptainfortheBoysRowingteam,hesetstheexampleoftraining,hardwork andattendanceatpracticethattheboyscanfollowandindeedtheylookuptohim(bothmetaphorically andphysically).Hehasledtheboy’steamtogreatcompetingsuccessandhelpedboostBIRowingboth locallyandnationallyhehasmadetheteambetter Maxhasbeenrecognizedwitharowingscholarship toDivisionIIRollinsCollegeinWinterPark,FLwhichbeganrowingin1903andisRanked#2overall forRegionalUniversitiesintheSouthandthe#1BusinessSchoolinthestateofFlorida”
AnnieSimon:
“IamsohonoredtobenamedAthleteoftheyear!WhenIreceivedthenewsthatIwasgoingtobea recipientofthisAwardIquiteliterallyjumpedforjoy.ItissoamazingandIcouldnotbemoreexcited.“
CoachDavidPough:
“Forfourunforgettableyears,shewasn’tjustthestartingshortstopfortheCardinals-shewasthe heartbeatoftheprogram Afour-yearstarter,teamcaptain,andAll-Conferenceselectionatshortstop,she ledbyexampleeverysingleday,helpingcarryherteamtothesemifinalsthroughgrit,sacrifice,and relentlesspassionforthegame Butstatisticsandawardsonlytellpartofherstory Herloveforsoftball wasmatchedonlybyherloveforthisschool,thisteam,andthenameacrossherchest Whetherdiving foraballinthedirt,liftingupateammateafteratoughloss,orleadingherteamwithquietstrengthand unwaveringpride,sheembodiedwhatitmeanstobeaCardinal Herlegacywillnotonlyberemembered inwinsandaccolades,butinthestandardsheset,theheartssheinspired,andthepassionshepouredinto everyinningsheeverplayed Thankyou,Annie”
ConnorSeibel:
“IfeelextremelyproudtoberepresentingIretonandI'mgladI'vehadtheresourcestohelpgetmethere, includingmycoaches,teammates,andfamily”
CoachesStephenandBenGerke:
“AsaseniorcaptainoftheBIBoysIceHockeyteam,ConnorSeibelledtheteaminpoints,andcappedoff hisfinalseasonbyscoring4goalsintheteam'sMAPHLChampionshipwinvs Gonzagaandearningthe designationastheAlexandriaSportsman’sClub'sAthleteoftheYear”
GinnyPurkey:
“IamhonoredtorepresentBishopIretonasanAthleteoftheYear Thisawarddoesn’tjustreflectallofmy hardwork-italsoshowsthesupportofmyteammates,coaches,parents,andeveryoneelsewhohashelped megettothispoint I’vetakenalotofprideinbeingaCardinal,andI’mreallygratefulthatIgetto representBIonelasttime”
CoachesStephenandBenGerke:
“IntheBIGirlsIceHockeyteam'sfirst-everseasonasaprogram,GinnyPurkeyledtheteaminpointsasa 9thgrader,takingtheleaguebystormandearningtheAlexandriaSportsman’sClub'sAthleteoftheYear honorsintheprocess”
Maxwell Boudreau ‘26, boys Rowing
Connor Seibel ‘26, boys Ice Hockey
Ginny Purkey ‘29, girls Ice Hockey
Georgia Grace Ruhlen ‘26, Cheer
Silas Devonish ‘26, boys Basketball
Nina McEldon ‘29,
girls Basketball
GeorgiaGraceRuhlen:
“IamsoveryexcitedtobereceivingtheAlexandriaSportsman'sClubathleteoftheyearaward forcheerleadingforthesecondyearinarow!ItissuchanhonorandI'mgratefultobe recognizedfordoingthesportIlove!”
CoachCatherineCocolis(CoachC):
“ThisfallandwinterseasonVarsityAwardcheerleaderrepresentswhatitmeanstobeaCardinal athlete,showingconfidenceineverythingshedoes.GeorgiaGraceleadsbyexamplebothonand offthemat,alwayspushingherselftoimprove.Herstrongworkethic,positiveattitude,and commitmenttotheteamhavehelpedraisetheleveloftheentireprogram.Sheperformswith prideanddetermination,settingahighstandardthatreflectstheheartofBishopIretoncheer!”
SilasDevonish:
“MyreactiontobeingtheASCAthleteoftheYearwasprettynormal;Ididn'tgetexcitedor anything,it'swhatIexpectedofmyself.Therefore,Iseethisasawayoftrustingmyworkand allthehoursIputintothissporttogettothispoint,andIhavenootherchoicebuttostrivefor thebetter”
CoachEJDawson:
"Silashasbeentheheartofourprogramforthepastfouryearsasourstartingpointguard Heis oneof,ifnotthehardest-workingplayersI’veeverhadtheprivilegetocoach,bothonandoff thecourt Hiscompetitivenessanddrivehelpedhimbecomeourschool’sall-timeleadingscorer withover1,600pointsandthewinningestplayerinprogramhistorywith70wins Justas impressive,Silashasbeenamodelstudentintheclassroom,maintainingovera3.0GPAallfour years,andwatchinghimgrowintothepersonheistodayisexactlywhywedothis."
NinaMcEldon:
“WhenIfoundoutIwonAthleteoftheYearIwasveryexcitedbutmostlysurprisedbecauseI'm afreshman.GoingintotheseasonIhadhighexpectationsformyselfbutwinningAthleteofthe Yearjustaddedontopofthatandoutdidmygoals Itmeansalottome Ialreadyhadalotof anticipationgoingintotheseasonandevenwaybeforethat,IwantedtocometoIretonsincethe beginningof8thgrade,sowinningthisawardonbehalfofIretonmeansalottomeandgives meevenmoreexcitementfortheupcomingseason”
CoachKeshaWalton:
“WhatmakesNinatrulydeservingofthisawardisnotjustherproductiononthecourt,butthe consistencyandmaturityshedisplayedthroughouttheentireseason Sheaveragedover12 pointsand8reboundspergamewhiledefendingmultiplepositions,makingwinningplays,and embracingwhateverroletheteamneeded.Sheisanunselfishteammate,arelentlesscompetitor, andsomeonewhoelevateseveryonearoundher.Herpoise,humility,andcommitmentto excellencebothacademicallyandathleticallyrepresentexactlywhatthisawardshouldhonor.”
Celebrating Bishop Ireton’s Students Receiving the Sacraments
By:NatalieDrey
OnSaturday,May16,severalofBishopIreton’sstudentsreceivedthesacramentsoftheCatholicChurch Underthe watchfuleyeofFatherJosephMoschettoandtheologyteacherMr MichaelHernandez,multiplestudentsreceivedtheir firstsacramentsofconfirmation,theEucharist,andbaptism
FatherMoschettoexplainshowtheOrderofChristianInitiationforAdultsorOCIAwasfirstchampionedatBishopIreton byIreton’spreviousChaplainFatherNoahMoreywhofeltthatitwouldbebeneficialfortheschool.FatherNoahsawa growingneedfromthestudentbodyonhowtobecomeapartoftheChurch.
WhenFatherMoschettoarrived,hebeganworkingwithMr.HernandeztobegintheOCIAprogramatBishopIreton.Father MoschettoisverypleasedwiththenumberofpeoplewhoofficiallyjoinedtheChurchovertheweekend:“Itwaspretty remarkable Itwaslike,whoa,theHolySpiritisreallyatwork,andthesestudentshaveencounteredHim Iamdeeply movedtohavehadtheprivilegeofgivingthemtheSacraments!”
Mr Hernandez,whohelpedleadtheOCIAprogramatBishopIretonwithFatherMoschetto,criedtearsofjoyseeinghis studentsbecomepartoftheChurchthroughbaptismandconfirmation HerecallsfeelingtheHolySpiritbeingpresentin BishopIretonfromthemomenthestartedworking.“Ultimately,thisistheworkofgraceintheheartsofstudents,soitis beautifultoknowandseethefruitsofhowtheHolySpiritisatworkhereatBI,”Mr.Hernandezsaidtocelebratethenewly confirmedandbaptizedstudents.
SophomoreFinnHigginsreceivedthesacramentofconfirmation.HeexplainstheimpactofBishopIretoninhisCatholic journey:“ItshapedmebyprayingeverydayanddoinginschoolMasswhichreallygotmebackintothefaith.Iwasalways aCatholicbutIstoppedpracticingduringcovidbecauseitwasreallytoughtocontinueandbeagoodCatholic Comingto thisschoolgotmebackintotheCatholicpracticesandtraditionsandshapedmetowanttobemoreinvolvedwhichledto mydecisionofgettingconfirmed”
KaityHoewing,classof‘29recallsherexperiencegettingbaptized:“AssoonasIwasbaptized,andIfeltthewateronmy head,Ifeltatpeace.IfeltlikeIdidn'tneedtoworryaboutanythingafterthat.”
Congratulationstothefollowingstudentsinreceivingthesacraments: Baptized:
TommyCanty'29;SabrinaDunton'27;KaityHoewing'29; RileyMagyar'29
ReceivedtheEucharist/CommunionorenteringtheChurchvia confirmation:
ElenaAldana'28;IsaacBelicev'29;MatthiasBorges'27; LucasCaraballo'28;FinnHiggins'28;BasianaJennings'28; CooperKalan'27;JuliaKusterer'28;CarterLowrance'29; IsabellaPalomino'27;LucyRoth'29;DaniellaShiels-Cobar'28; AveryVanlandingham'28;RileyWarren'26
Theater Arts Cappie Nominees
By:BenSmith
PhotoCredit:EuronaEarlTilleyPhotography
MultiplestudentsfromtheBishopIretonTheater ArtsandCostumingTeamhavebeennominatedfor awards.ErinAllen‘27hasbeennominatedforthe MarylandTheaterGuideReturningCritic,anaward giventoCriticsintheirjunioryear.SashaGuerra‘26 hasbeennominatedforFeaturedActorinFemale RoleinaPlayforJaneAusten’s Emma.CW Johnston‘26alongwithNancyMcDougal‘27and KeiraShearon‘28oftheBITACostumingTeam havebeennominatedforthecostumestheycreated forIreton’sfallshow, Emma.Wewouldliketo congratulatethesestudentsontheirgreat achievementsthisyear!
Putting BI on the Map! Putting BI on the Map! Putting BI on the Map!
By:AngelaCiatti
SophomoreJamesFeeleytraveledtoBoston,MAtoparticipateinthe NationalGeographySpellingBee.HisjourneybeganinMarchinBishop Ireton’sHellmuthLibraryfortheschoolgeographybeewhereheemerged victoriousandhisnextstopsweretheregionalbeeandthenthestatebee!
Jamesrecallsitall:“Itwasreallyunexpectedtomakeittothatlevel I didn'tevenexpecttowintheschoolmatch-Iactuallyshowedup10 minuteslate.GettingtotheNationalcompetitionwasn'tevenonmy radar.”HethankedBIandhishistoryteachersfortheirsupport:“Ifeel incrediblygratefultoBishopIretonforpreparingmeforit,especiallymy historyteachers,Mr GandMrs Rier I'mverygladthatDr Crossbrought thisopportunityheretoBI,andIreallyhopeitcontinuesintothefuture.”
Dr.TomCross,whoteachesAPHumanGeographyandisthesponsorfor theschoolbee,wasproudofFeeley’sperformanceandhasarequestfor James:“Itwasawesometoseehimdosowellonanationallevel!Hedid notneedmyhelpatallbutIhopehe'llconsidertakingmyAPHuman Geographyclassinthefuture.”
James,theworldisyouroyster!Congratulations!
JamesFeeley‘28,attheNationalGeographyBee
I
Final Exam Schedule
June 3rd
Congrats Class of 2026!!
