BI Word - April 2026

THE BI-WORD Vol. 7 April 2026

Eucharistic Procession Pg. 3

Neurodiversity Awareness Month Pgs. 4-5

Month of the Military Child Pgs. 6-7

Find the Cardinal, Win a Prize Pg. 2

Meet the Staff Angela Ciatti Sophomore, Editor-In-Chief

Natalie Drey Junior, Managing Editor

Eden Boyd Junior, Senior Columnist

Madison Ingram Junior, Senior Columnist

Benjamin Smith Junior, Senior Columnist

Abby Stump Junior, Senior Columnist

Khaliq Carson Senior, Columnist

Silas Devonish Senior, Columnist

James Jennings Junior, Columnist

Liz Joyner Junior, Columnist

Sophia Larose Sophomore, Columnist

Joe Subasavage Sophomore, Columnist

Thank you for reading, Cardinals!

Before you start reading this edition of the BI Word we wanted to remind you that we are still doing Find the Cardinal, Win A Prize!

Remember the rules: If you find the Cardinal (shown below) within this issue, email Mrs. Royle at beth.royle@bishopireton.org, before 3:05 on 5/6, say where you found it, and our staff will pick the winning name out of a hat for a Ireton surprise! ind f o t r e b Remem e to find th nal. i d r a C t c corre in a h t i w t o n It is e to r u s e b ; o log ne find the o below.

Congrats to Abby Crum, ‘26 and Julia Yi, ‘29 for winning the March Find the Cardinal, Win a Prize!

Faith in Motion: Eucharistic Procession Eucharistic Procession Faith in Motion:

By: Angela Ciatti On April 21, Bishop Ireton held its first ever Eucharistic Procession. The entire school community gathered on Fannon Field for prayer and processed along Cambridge Road to walk through the streets with Christ. The Procession culminated outside of the Chapel where we prayed and praised God’s presence among us. Head of School, Ms. Kathleen McNutt, enthusiastically said that this was a highlight that Bishop Ireton intends to make an annual tradition. She summed up the Procession by saying, “My hope is that each student, staff member, neighbor, police officer and passerby felt closer to God simply by His tremendous presence in our midst. Events like these get us all closer to Heaven!”

Father Moschetto shared that before he started at Bishop Ireton he had been thinking about doing a Eucharistic Procession. Much to his delight, when first meeting with Mrs. McNutt, she shared her desire to have one. He added, “At that point I knew it was something inspired by the Holy Spirit, and we started work on how to make it happen.” As Father carried the Monstrance, which held the consecrated Host beneath a canopy, surrounded by altar servers spreading incense and ringing bells, he had one overarching thought: “I was thinking about gratitude: gratitude for this community and the faith that is here, gratitude for a beautiful day to have the procession (albeit a bit warm), and most importantly gratitude for Christ in the Eucharist.”

To walk in faith is one of the most powerful things we can do and on that day, with one body and one journey, one could feel God’s presence among us. Father Moschetto and Mrs. McNutt are working on next year’s Eucharistic Procession with another goal. Father hopes we can “add to it and help students engage in prayer on an even deeper level.”

Neurodiversity Awareness Month By: Liz Joyner Throughout the month of April, we celebrate Neurodiversity Awareness Month. It is a time for us to recognize and spread awareness for those who have learning disabilities and other neurological differences. We celebrate Neurodiversity in April because World Autism Day is celebrated on April 2. During the month, it is incredibly important to recognize these differences and thank those who support them every day. Neurodiversity Awareness became an official recognition day in 2008, and 10 years later in 2018, Siena Castellon developed Neurodiversity Awareness Week (CMD-IT). The expansion of awareness for those with learning differences has led to different ways, not only around the country, but right here in our own community, to support those who need it. One way we do this at Bishop Ireton is through a variety of special service programs, one of which is our school’s Options Program.

Tommy Schultz ‘26, and Peer Mentor Clover Kennelly ‘26

On April 25, Best Buddies participated in the Friendship Walk in Washington D.C. Mr. Albert Hall, faculty moderator for Best Buddies also shared that “Quarterly, we have made visits to Alternative Paths Training School in Mount Vernon to play games and interact with their students. We partnered with the Uno Club to have a party that several Options program members attended.”

Created in 2020, the Options Program provides “a special education program for students diagnosed with moderate intellectual disabilities, providing students with an individualized inclusive, student-centered Catholic education” (Bishop Ireton Website). Dr. Agnieszka Snyder, Director of Special Services, stated that the Options Program “serves students who are more significantly impacted by their disabilities and require individualized instruction to access the curriculum.” And with the help of peer mentors and teachers, Bishop Ireton provides students with the opportunity to learn in an environment that offers a strong Catholic education while also equipping them with the skills needed for future success. The students in the Options Program are a valuable part of the Bishop Ireton community and when asked what they had to say about what their Bishop Ireton experience, junior Ethan Wenier said his time at BI has been “life-changing” while senior Kate Danaher added “Bishop Ireton High School - I love it!” I know all of the students here share those same sentiments.

Sage Duskie-Billen ‘27 and Ryan Keefe ‘27

“Who is your favorite teacher?”

Ryan Keefe ‘27: Mrs. Royle

Peter Hart ‘29: Ms. Wiedemer

Ethan Wenier ‘27: Mr. Waldman

Another way Bishop Ireton offers support for those with learning differences is through the Peer Mentor program. According to Dr. Snyder “our peer mentors play a vital role in supporting these students” sharing that they “[help] them navigate both their academic and social experiences.”

And as the Options Program continues to grow, so does the need for peer mentors. Currently there are 60 peer mentors who find it a fulfilling experience to go to classes with their mentee.

Junior Brock Baumann, and seniors Luke Sparrow and Marcella Forrer all serve as peer mentors for our Options Program. They all say that being a peer mentor has been a meaningful experience.

Kate Danaher ‘26 with peer mentors (counter-clockwise, L-R) Peter Hart, ‘29, Will Santos, ‘27, and Luke Sparrow, one of the Peer Leaders, was recognized at the Porto Ethan Wenier, ‘27

Charities Advocacy Awards Gala for his outstanding work as a peer mentor here at BI, and received the St. Timothy Award, which is given to one student at each of the four Diocesan schools. It recognizes their dedication to not only our community and service, but also shows their passion for enriching their knowledge, and the knowledge of others around them. In response to receiving this award, Luke stated that he was “honored and beyond blessed to be able to receive this award from Porto Charities” saying that “being among the four given this award means so much to me and the work that I have done in the Options Program over these past years.

I am truly thankful to everybody in the Options Program, without their help I would not be who I am today.” Bishop Ireton is so grateful for not only Luke’s work, but the work of all the peer mentors, and we are fortunate to be in such a loving community with all students who bring joy and meaning to each day.

Month of the Military Child at Bishop Ireton

By: Natalie Drey

April is the Month of the Military Child. There are over two million people serving in the United States Armed Forces throughout the six branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, and the Space Force, with additional members serving as part of the National Guard. And with the millions of adults serving, there are just as many millions of children supporting their parents.

First celebrated by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy and created by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986, April celebrates the strength and resilience of military children.

Growing up as military kids, there are significant challenges and sacrifices that have to be made, whether it be parent deployments, long days without seeing their parents, or moving around both the country and the world. Some have to cope with familial losses while others adjust to life when their parents return disabled or struggling with mental health.

Almost every military child has moved in his or her life either to another house, another state, or another country. Wherever they end up, they have to adjust to a new lifestyle, new friends, a new house, and new systems and rules. Some live on military bases while others learn to live in new neighborhoods and cities.

There are approximately 1.6 million military children, or “brats” as they are sometimes referred, and a number of them call Bishop Ireton their home.

“I am so proud of my dad for serving. I am lucky to say I have him as a role model in my life who volunteered to be part of something bigger than himself in order to serve and protect our country and freedom. He has inspired me so much to the point where I now am considering the military as well.”

Evie Ludvigson ‘27: Army

“Being a Military child has affected me in several ways. First, I believe it has given me the ability to separate and try new things without worrying about friend groups. Second, I think it has given me the chance to see all different people from all different walks of life. Third and finally, I believe it has changed what I would have learned, if I would have stayed in one place.”

John Giesey ‘29: Army

“Every two years, I had to leave one life and completely start over, wondering how much things were going to change. While the life of a military kid isn't an easy one, I wouldn't change it for the world! I love that I have met so many people in my life and experienced so many things that have shaped me as the person I am today.”

Rose Stack ‘27: Air Force

Natalie Drey ‘27: Navy

“My dad’s time in the military was hard for me and my sister when we were younger, but as I got older I learned how much he loved our country and I’m super proud of all he did for the military.”

Nick Milewski ‘26: Navy “Constantly moving and 'starting fresh,' as my dad says, made it easier for me to adapt to new environments and change. It's made building connections and navigating through uncomfortable environments extremely simple.”

Sophia Larose ‘28: Air Force

Love in Action: 2026 Service Day By: Eden Boyd

Spring has finally sprung! This time of year, Bishop Ireton is full of hustle and bustle - with finals and AP exams near, graduation quickly approaching, and temperatures heating up, the BI community is lively and always in motion.

Another newer tradition occurring during the spring is our annual Service Day. On this day, students in their respective advisory groups leave campus, spread out over the Alexandria area and complete acts of community service.

When Assistant Principal of Student Life Mr. Tim Dodds was asked about what the community wanted to accomplish on this day, he answered that the central goal is to “live by our Salesian values and charisms as we walk in the world as Cardinals. It's not simply to participate in obvious, concrete tasks that uplift our community that are easily identifiable.” This year, 46 advisories participated in Service Day.

In reference to the wide array of projects our student body conducts each year, Mr. Dodds also said “while those actions in small doses may not seem meaningful or drastic, they are a part of something absolutely profound when augmented by nearly 1,000.”

Here are some photos of our Cardinal team out in the wild and more can be found on the back cover!

FLYING FROM THE NEST: CARDINALS TAKE LEARNING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM By: Angela Ciatti The same week Cardinals returned from spring break, many were leaving the nest to experience the world outside of the classroom. Here are some of the highlights from these trips!

Military Science & WWII Classes Visit USAF Air Mobility Command Museum Mr. Michael Rauer’s Intro to the Art of Military Science Class as well as the World War II class had a very unique experience going to the USAF Air Mobility Command Museum at the Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. Mr. Rauer explains the events of the day: “during a nearly three-hour visit, the students were able to climb in an 83-year-old C-47 Sky Train that actually dropped members of the 82nd Airborne Division over Normandy on 6 June 1944.

Additionally, the students were able to tour a B-17 Flying Fortress and study the details from both inside and outside the aircraft. Students were able to fly a Cessna 174 flight simulator on the final approach to Dover AFB (No one crashed!). Outside on the tarmac the students were able to tour inside a number of vintage aircraft and explore the enormity of the C-5A Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the US Air Force inventory.” It was a very cool experience to learn about Military aircraft and its role in WWII.

Students and Faculty Go to the Virginia March for Life On April 22, 2026, 31 students attended the annual Virginia March for Life in Richmond. It was a beautiful day as the students and three members of the faculty, Fr. Moschetto, Ms. Caroline Duffy and Mr. Micheal Rauer, witnessed to protecting life at all stages. While in Richmond, Cardinals also met with Bishop Burbidge at the end of the route. It was a wonderful experience for Cardinals to stand up for what they believe in with fellow Virginians who believe in the same thing protecting life at all stages and knowing the goodness and dignity that comes at each one of them.

Computer Science Honor Society Visits Georgetown University The Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) visited Georgetown University to learn more about computer science outside of the classroom lessons. There, students had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Lisa Singh, director of the Massive Data Institute and Professor Jeremy Fineman who taught a lesson in parallel algorithms. Students also got any questions answered by Computer Science Students and Professor Buffum.

They toured the campus and walked through the iconic clock tower building, Healy Hall.

It was a great experience to learn about computer science while on the historic campus of Georgetown

Mandarin Classes Visit the China Folk House Ms. Lisa Li’s Mandarin Class also went out of state to West Virginia to visit the China Folk House. There, “students were given a feel for cultural diversity in China” and “during the visit, the students explored traditional Chinese folk house architecture, learned about religious life in that region, and gained hands-on skills in creating linocut artwork beyond the Chinese language learning outside the classroom,” explains Mrs. Li. Not only did the students learn about Chinese culture and diversity, but they also were able to explore the architecture of the house, which, as Mrs. Li recalls, was “originally constructed in the Yunnan province, southwest of China, a rural area called Cizhong, as a regular residence.

Due to flooding and the government's project launching in the area, the house was torn down. The original wood materials were shipped to here, West Virginia, and were used to rebuild as the China Folk House.” Not only was this a trip about culture, but also about history and rebirth as the house that the class got to visit was originally in China.

These field trips provided once in a lifetime experiences for our Cardinals to learn about their interests in the real world and step outside of the classroom and see what they have learned in the classroom in action!

National Poetry Month By: Abby Stump

National Poetry Month, celebrated every April, is a time to recognize the power and creativity of poetry in our everyday lives. Schools and libraries often take this opportunity to highlight the importance of literature and encourage students to explore different forms of expression.

As Assistant Librarian Ms. Anastasia Vestermark shared, “I think I can speak for most librarians by saying that we love to celebrate literature and book related holidays! Poetry Month is especially fun to celebrate because we get the opportunity in the library to showcase such a beautiful and creative side of literature; and hopefully inspire students to learn about poetry and to be creative in their writing.” Activities like displays, readings, and writing challenges help bring poetry to life and make it more accessible to everyone.

Bishop Ireton organized a fun and interactive event to get students involved. “We have a display of English teachers' favorite poems, and we are asking the school to try and match each teacher to the poem they selected. At the end of the month, we will reveal the matches! Also, check out our Instagram page @iretonlibrary for Poetry Month related content!” These kinds of activities not only make poetry more engaging, but also help students connect with their teachers and peers through shared interests. National Poetry Month reminds people that poetry comes in many forms, as the school Librarian Ms. Courtney Foster explained “National Poetry Month is an opportunity to share the beauty and diversity of this form of literature. There are so many different types of poetry to be enjoyed: from formal to free verse, rhymed to unrhymed, serious to ridiculous. If you think you don't care for poetry, chances are you just haven't found the form that speaks to you yet!”

Our teachers also see this month as a chance to inspire their students. Ms. Rosie Driscoll, one of the English instructors and a published poet, shares that “For me National Poetry Month is a fun time to intentionally share the wonder of poetry with my students.” Ms. Driscoll added, “I would love for each person at BI to discover at least one new poem this month. You could ask family members, friends, teachers, or co-workers what their favorite poem is; check out the library's display of BI English teachers' favorite poems; or search online for poems by topic at sites such as The Poetry Foundation or The Academy of American Poets, which created National Poetry Month 30 years ago.” Mark your calendars for April 30 when Mrs. Driscoll says “[They have] one of their fun mini-celebrations, Poem in Your Pocket Day, which invites people to pick a poem you love and share it with someone in some way.” Altogether, National Poetry Month encourages everyone to explore, enjoy, and share poetry in meaningful ways.

Favorite Poems!

Mrs. Driscoll "Wild Geese"

by Mary Oliver

Ms. Vestermark

“Annabel Lee”

by Edgar Allan Poe

Mrs. Foster

"Crooked"

by G. K. Chesterton

Sringtime!

‘RING’ING IN

By: Madison Ingram

It’s springtime, and this season, we’re springing into prom! The theme for this year was “Secret Garden” and the Cardinals looked di“vine! The night was full of singing and dancing with our very own Track and Field Coach DJ Bob Artman on the beats. The Cardinals also celebrated seniors Grant McNamee and Maggie Luff for being this year’s Prom King and Queen!

Thank you to all of the faculty and staff, including the Alexandria City Police Department, for keeping everyone safe as we celebrated the occasion. Another big thank you to our Student Life staff for putting together this amazing event!

Some members of the junior class had a special moment during Bishop Ireton’s Ring Mass on April 20. There were 17 juniors who received rings that were blessed by Father Moschetto. Their parents came to support them and the auditorium was full of Cardinal pride. The students received their rings on stage, taking a photo with our Head of School, Ms. Kathleen McNutt.

First on the Fairway: Bishop Ireton’s Inaugural Girl’s Golf Team hits the links By: Joe Subasavage This year, Bishop Ireton started its first girl’s golf team. The team was created after the WCAC decided to separate boys’ and girls’ golf. According to Head Coach Mr. James Eaton, Head of School Ms. Kathleen McNutt, was a big advocate for an all-girls team at this school and those in the conference. Coach Eaton was concerned about finding players, but he happily reported that there are nine golfers on this first ever Bishop Ireton Girl’s Golf Team. Captains Maeve McGuire ‘28 and Kensi Sylvia ‘26 lead the team that includes: Miah Malur ‘29, Sofia Keefer ‘29, Emily Torrey ‘29, Emily Jacobs ‘29, Finn Kunik ‘28, Nora Wieczorek ‘28 , and Alyssa Podoff ‘27.

Maeve McGuire said, “I've never had more fun on the golf team, and it's all because of my amazing teammates. All of our girls are so supportive and genuinely fun to be around. I'm excited for what great things we will do next year.” Sofia Keeler echoed that sentiment by saying, “I was surprised to hear that there was going to be a girls golf team! It is so cool to have the first ever golf team here at Bishop Ireton. I have loved the coaches and my teammates ever since tryouts. This golf team has been the highlight of my year and I truly found a family here at BI.” The team plays in the WCAC with seven other schools. They use the same courses as the boy’s team and play practice rounds and matches at Mount Vernon Country Club while using the range at East Potomac Golf Links. Coach Eaton believes in his team and worked hard to give them the same opportunities as the boy’s team. “My goal is for every golfer to have the same opportunity to practice 4 days a week. It has been challenging but we have made it work with a lot of help from the athletic department.”

There is no doubt this team is driven to succeed. With the support of everyone at Bishop Ireton, the girl’s golf team is ready to tee up a legacy. And with Coach Eaton at the helm, they are well on their way. “I am a big advocate for more girls in golf. It can be a stuffy sport and one that can be intimidating for some. So having the avenue for girls to play against other girls is so awesome.

I have a daughter at BI, but it feels like I have 9 more.”

The girls are waiting to see if they will make it to the WCAC Champtionship. Good luck and hit ‘em straight!

Signing on the Dotted Line By: Angela Ciatti Congratulations to our Bishop Ireton Cardinals who signed their letters of intent to play collegiate sports! All ten athletes are excited to play at the next level. But don’t forget, “Once a Card, always a Card!”

Y L I B A RE D

AK

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Dominic Atwater - Football - Catholic University of America Maxwell Boudreau - Rowing - Rollins College Jude Cook - Lacrosse - University of Mary Washington Peter DiBella - Rowing - University of San Diego Cooper Donaghy - Lacrosse - University of Mary Washington Jack Lungren - Football - Christopher Newport University Ethan Strange - Lacrosse - Virginia State Fiona Sullivan - Rowing - University of Washington James Walker - Rowing - Rollins College Emma Zielezienski - Soccer - Norwich University

FAST GR

Join us for Mass in the Chapel at 7:10 and Breakfast in Campus Ministry to Follow th

Every Tuesday Starting April 14

A CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS B Y: B E N S M I T H The Evening of The Arts is an annual celebration where students of the Fine Arts department can share their achievements in theater, music, visual art, dance, and poetry. This year, attendees can look forward to a large array of displays and performances including, but not limited to live musical numbers, dance performances, and short theatrical performances. New this year, the event will include poetry readings. The addition to poetry this year is exciting for many people in the BI community. Ms. Rosie Driscoll, one of our English teachers, shares her enthusiasm: “I’m excited to work with student performers to add poetry reading to the evening’s program!” This event is highly inclusive of all BI artists.

So Egg-citing! The Chicks have Arrived!

So Egg-citing! The Chicks have Arrived!

Earlier this spring, four baby chicks arrived to Cambridge Road. Sadly, they have left the nest to continue their adventures, but incase you did not see them, see the picture to the left and their names below(in order of L-R)!

Thomas Eggison Steve Harreggton Kenchick Lamar Pickles We can’t wait for another flock next year!

Coming Up

01

May Crowning

22

Senior Farewell

25

Memorial Day

29

Graduation

May

May

May

May

(Asynchronous Learning Day Grades 9-11)

03

First Exam Review Day

June

10 June

(Start of Exam Cycle)

Last Day! (Grades 9-11)

Love in Action 2026