BI Word - February 2025

High Fives for February!

MEET THE STAFF!

Back row (left to right): Gigi, Tyler, Delaney, JD, Amelia, Annaliese Middle Row (left to right): Hannah, Zoe, Ryan, Emme, Ava Front Row (left to right): Anna, Abi

Hannah Cohen: Junior, Reporter: I am a member of the Drama Club.

Abi Jiron: Senior, Reporter: I play the piano and do track and field.

Ryan Keefe: Sophomore, Reporter: my favorite animals are lions+squirrel monkeys and my favorite shows are stranger things+Outer Banks.

Gigi Knight: Senior, Reporter: I transferred here last year, and I did classical ballet until i switched to basketball sophomore year.

Zoe Lembelembe: Junior, Reporter: I play soccer and I am partially deaf in my right ear as well as color blind to blue and orange.

MEET THE STAFF! continued...

Annaliese Ludvigson: Senior, co-editor: I am the editor-in-chief of cambridge road and i love to spend time in nature.

Amelia Martinez: Senior, Reporter: I have been running spring track for the last 3 years and I love drawing and painting.

Ava Morse: Sophomore, Reporter: I write novels in my free time and I can type fairly quickly and accurately with my eyes closed.

Tyler Richards: Senior, Co-Editor: I play lacrosse and I am left-handed.

Delaney Scanlon: Senior, Co-Editor: I managed the BI Cross Country team and throw shot put and discus. I am also a twin.

Emme Schuety: Sophomore, Reporter: I dance ballet at MSA and ran on the ireton cross country team.

JD Toof: Senior, Reporter: I played varsity football, was captain of the varsity wrestling team and am the oldest of four boys.

Anna Wisneski: Senior, co-editor: I am a head constructor in the set design team at BI and the way to my heart is through sandwiches.

What Does Black History Month Mean to You? By: Gigi Knight

Black History Month is a crucial time for the Bishop Ireton community to intentionally learn about the history and experiences of Black people in America. This includes reading about key historical moments, watching films that highlight influential figures, exploring new art forms and musical genres, and, most importantly, building relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. By engaging in these activities, the community moves beyond mere acknowledgment to appreciation and solidarity. Black History is American History, and understanding the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals fosters a more informed and united community. Bishop Ireton’s Diversity efforts aim to extend awareness beyond a single month, encouraging ongoing learning and meaningful dialogue for a more welcoming and supportive future.

Additionally, celebrating minority groups during these dedicated months broadens perspectives, fosters representation, and educates everyone on the rich histories and achievements of diverse communities. This helps break down stereotypes, encourages meaningful conversations, and creates a culture where everyone feels valued, empowered, and inspired to embrace their identity while appreciating the uniqueness of others.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate our rich culture. It is also a painful reminder of the past and the ongoing fight for equality. There is still work to be done!”

Mrs. Whitley, Assistant Dean of Students

“Black history month is about the celebration and appreciation of Black people, our culture, and our community, and reflecting on all we have been through and how we came up from it to improve this world.”

Braden Lanier ‘25

“It means that we should spend more time acknowledging the things that African Americans have done in this country and that it is more than just one month.”

Joseph Bernard, Head football coach and head of student operations

“I think it means remembering those who went through suffering and bad experiences so that Black people could have opportunities today.”

MJ Jones ‘28

“ Black History month means celebrating Black excellence, the freedom of black people, and having the ability to exist as I am today.”

Kai Davis, ‘27

“ Black History Month provided the opportunity to see stories, achievements, and experiences of people who looked like me, highlighted in ways that weren’t always present in the standard curriculum. It became a time of reflection, pride, and deeper understanding of the resilience and contributions of Black people throughout history.”

Mr. Powell, Advancement Services/Database Manager, Diversity Director

“Black history month means spreading diversity and inclusion everywhere we are and also being appreciative of where our black ancestors came from and what they did for us to be here today in the world.”

Tamra Ntambwe ‘25 “Black history month is about honoring the achievements made by black people.”

Wyatt Klein ‘26

Staff Spotlight: Deputy Devon Neckles By: Emme Schuety As we walk through the halls of Bishop Ireton, we see lots of friendly faces including teachers, friends, and countless members of the BI staff.

Although there are a lot of staff members and it’s hard to know everyone, it is important to try. We are introducing you to someone who might look familiar or might not! You may have seen him after school as you were leaving or at a basketball game after school.

Meet Deputy Neckles, a Master Deputy with the Alexandria Sheriff's Office.

You’ll mostly see him in the afternoons or at sporting events. Deputy Neckles is here to keep things running smoothly. “We just keep the security and safety of the school paramount for all you wonderful kids and adults,” says Deputy Neckles. His favorite part about working at BI is meeting so many new people. He encourages everyone to come say hi to him and to not be intimidated by his uniform. He hopes to spread positivity to the students and staff because according to him, “It costs nothing to put a smile on somebody’s face.”

Deputy Neckles became a Deputy when his plan to advance his basketball career and go overseas took a different direction after multiple injuries.

Following these injuries he decided to use his degrees to focus on law enforcement; despite this he never lost his love for basketball. If you saw him hooping it up on the court during the Senior and Faculty basketball game, you know he can play. His height and dominance on the court had many wondering if he was part of the Ireton staff. He answered that question by saying, “Technically, anyone that gets a check from BI works here. So when I play in the staff and the student game, I qualify as staff.”

He loved playing in the game and we loved watching him.

Next time you see Deputy Neckles, say hi! He may be a beast on the court, but he is a wonderful addition to Bishop Ireton and someone who you can count on for keeping you safe while putting a smile on your face.

Fun Facts!

Deputy neckles is also a Bailiff for Chief Judge of the Circuit Court in the City of Alexandria. he also has a Degree in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Communications!

From Touchdowns to Time Off By: Abi Jiron and Amelia Martinez The announcement of a surprise day off on March 10, 2025, was met with cheers across Bishop Ireton. Bishop Burbidge promised all of the schools in the diocese a day off if his beloved Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl! And the birds answered that call with a resounding victory, which made everyone at Ireton as happy as the Eagles fans!

The Philadelphia Eagles had a stunning Superbowl win that kept Bishop Ireton cheering until the last seconds of the game. From the start, the game was one-sided, with the Eagles never allowing the Kansas City Chiefs an opportunity to mount a comeback. Both teams played a great game which ended with an Eagles victory of 40-22.

Kathleen McNutt, the head of the school, sent a message to the Bishop Ireton community that was met with much excitement. “If the Philadelphia Eagles WIN this Sunday, there will be NO school on Monday, March. 10, 2025.” And win they did!

The Eagles may have brought home the Vince Lombardi trophy, but the students and faculty are also big winners who get to enjoy an unexpected day off in the middle of March. We thank Bishop Burbidge for his generous gift, and we hope everyone enjoys their free time on March 10th!

Celebrating One of Our Own: Vicky Eichler By: Ava Morse

Mrs. Eichler is a distinguished teacher at Bishop Ireton who was awarded the prestigious Salesian Medal of Honor. This award is given to those who exemplify the virtues of St. Francis de Sales in spirit, action, and attitude. Over her thirty-six years of teaching at Bishop Ireton, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to her faith and community. I recently had the honor of interviewing her about her life in and outside of Bishop Ireton.

What do you like to do in your free time?

“I spend a lot of my time with my husband Matt, my son Harry and my dog Diesel. Diesel is young and keeps us laughing a lot! I love to paint and draw in my studio.”

Who was the biggest influence on you in your career?

“Brother Bill Worff OSFS was a friend in college who helped me by encouraging my desire to become an art teacher. When he went on sabbatical to finish his master’s degree, he asked me to be his sub for the year. I started a few months after graduating from Catholic University of America. Sadly, 2 years later he was diagnosed with cancer. Mrs. Marguerite Scafati called to ask if I would help him and ultimately replace him. Coming back to BI had a huge impact on me by giving me a community where I could grow and develop as a teacher.”

What is your most memorable moment as a teacher?

“There have been many art shows, swim meets, ski trips, Europe trips and a trip to Australia/New Zealand and Hawaii.”

Who or what gives you motivation every day?

“My love of art, my love of creating new things and my love learning new techniques and sharing them with my students!”

What is your favorite biblical verse and why?

“I don’t necessarily have a favorite bible verse but Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Talking about beauty and being true to a life of gentle spirit. I don’t always achieve this, but it is a worthy goal.”

What does receiving the Salesian medal mean to you?

“Having been here since 1990 St. Francis and St. Jane have been a huge part of my life. I quote him all the time. “Be who you are and be that well” is what I try to do every day. I don’t think my being at Bishop Ireton was luck, I believe that I was always intended to be here. It has been a blessing to work with so many amazing faculty and students. So, The medal represents the ideals of St.Frances and if my colleagues believe I share his qualities then I am extremely grateful and humbled.”

bi band goes district by: hannah cohen and Anna wisneski

1: How were students chosen to go to District Band?

1: “The audition process has three different parts to it: Playing two random scales the judges assign you, playing the etude that was given to us ahead of time, and receiving a random piece of music and having one minute to sight read it before playing. Whether we get in depends on the scoring that the judges give us per the different parts of the audition.”

2: How long has your class been preparing for district?

2: “We start the audition music around mid-to late October, and start to work on it as a warmup, but as it gets closer to the audition date, we try and rehearse it once every class. However, a lot of the time we have to work on it at home.”

3: What was the biggest challenge to overcome in preparing for district?

3: “The biggest challenge was working on the given etude and scales. Everyone is very busy with extracurriculars, so finding time outside of class to work on the audition is hard. Also, figuring out how to practice sight reading can be a challenge because we don’t always have access to random pieces of music to look at and work on.”

In Order of Left to Right

Dana Rajagopal Ethan Miller Cailen O’Neil JT Holoubek Maria Cleary Interviewee Elijah Amond Yunika Suwandhi John Danaher

Schultz Sibling Success

The Schultz siblings are making their mark in the world of high school athletics, excelling across multiple sports. Regan, a standout track star, has quickly risen to dominance since starting the sport just last year. Her impressive achievements include: earning multiple honors, being named team MVP, and helping her team qualify for nationals. She holds an astonishing number of school records, including the 800m, 1000m, 1600m, 3200m, 4x400m, 4x800m, and sprint medley relay. Beyond track, Regan is a multi-sport athlete, having played varsity field hockey and lacrosse during her freshman and sophomore years, showcasing her determination.

Her younger brother, Tommy, is proving to be a dynamic athlete in his own right. A multi-sport competitor, he plays hockey and baseball, while also managing the field hockey team. His freshman year was highlighted by his team’s victory in the Capital Scholastic Hockey League championship, a testament to his dedication to the sport. Most recently, Tommy celebrated a major milestone by scoring his first hockey goal of the season; an exciting achievement that came in a game against Alexandria City High School. With both Schultz siblings excelling in their respective sports, their passion and talent continue to bring pride to this Bishop Ireton community.

By: J.D. Toof

By: Zoe Lembelembe

COACHES ARTMAN AND WALTON SPEAK Coach Bob “I always enjoy watching Drew perform. This goes to show how special Drew is as an athlete. He goes above and beyond what the rest of the team does.

I wish I could take credit for Drew and all of his talents, but he really does this all on his own.

Being an athlete that participates in the pentathlon/decathlon takes a very special individual.”

NYLA BROOKS, THE YOUNG BASKETBALL PHENOM, WAS NAMED TO THE MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN ROSTER! DREW MADDEN FINDS SUCCES IN TRACK AND FIELD AND TAKES GOLD IN THE PENTATHLON! Coach KESHA “As a coach, this is one of the most rewarding moments. It reflects her talent, hard work, and the supportive environment we build. She leads by example and encourages her teammates to elevate their game. she takes every every challenge as an opportunity to learn!”

Reaching 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds is a rare milestone in high school basketball, but for Amirah Anderson, it’s a testament to resilience and hardwork.

A Milestone to Remember

“How does it feel to reach the milestone of 1000 points and 500 rebounds?”

“I am very thankful and blessed for reaching such a milestone in my basketball career. It means a lot to me because I was out due to injury in my freshman year, so a lot of work went to my rehab and confidence building. I feel accomplished since my hard work was able to be formally recognized,“ -Amirah Anderson

We asked how it feels to be the first McDonald’s all-American at Bishop Ireton.

“The feeling of making history as the first at Bishop Ireton feels amazing.

I’m glad to call this school my Alma Mater when I go out in the world and take big steps forward.”

By: Zoe Lembelembe

Nyl a Bro oks , the you ng bas ket bal l phe no m, was nam ed to the mcd on ald ’s All -Am eri can ros ter !

Winning a pentathlon is no small feat, but Drew Madden made it happen with determination, versatility, and strategic preparation.

Despite the five grueling events, Drew came out on top and doesn’t plan on slowing down, looking to pursue track at the collegiate level.

Did you expect this outcome when you started the competition?

D R E W M A D D E N

“I knew that anything could happen with it being my first time doing the pentathlon.”

What were you feeling when you realized you came in first?

“I was relieved to see my name on top because I knew the competition was tight.”

What is your favorite part of the pentathlon, and what is your least favorite or most challenging?

“My favorite parts are the high jump and 60m hurdles, I don’t have a least favorite yet.”

How do you manage to train to compete in five events in one weekend?

“I have to divide my time smartly. Coach Bob is lots of help and is very willing to work with me.”

Do you plan to pursue track after bishop ireton?

“Yes, I hope to be a decathlete in college and would love to see myself competing in the NCAA championships for track and field.”

FIVE COU RSE WINN ER B y: Zoe L em b el e

m be

Senior sports It’s Senior Season at Bishop ireton! we are proud to recognize all of the seniors who have dedicated so much time and energy to their sports and to the cardinal community! there are a lot of sports to celebrate: Wrestling, Swim and Dive, Hockey, Girls and Boys Basketball, Cheer, and winter Track- Thank you to all the seniors and good luck in your next chapters!

Girls Basketball Amirah Anderson Kayla Washington GiGi Knight Jaylen Manning Anaya Wilson Nyla Brooks Theresa Hagans

Cheer Elizabeth MIchael

Swim & Dive Amelia Adams Adam Corley Bryce patterson Ella Nick Delaney Scanlon Will Scanlon Ashley Middel Therese Forrer Kathleen Ferguson Jose Franco Michael Bobrowski Julia Plunkett Nadia Cebotari Annie Scolese Renny DeCourcey Alex Stuart Emma Lentini Sofia Kortanek Blythe McDaniel Rachael Pulice Colin McLallen Nora Hixson Tucker Spendley Lillian Voorhees

By: Delaney Scanlon

Boys Basketball Vince Brown Josh Jones

Wrestling Joseph Bucca JD toof Matthew Worth Emmett Cummings

Winter Track

Sam Barker Brennan Boyle Sofia Dooley Helena Coleman Emmanuel Ehumah Drew Madden Stephen Ntambwe Tamra Ntambwe Maddie roche Braden Lanier

Hockey Bobby Meehan Jackson Carnemark Ethan Hanik Johnie Hays Bryan Lynch

Winter Sports Wrap-Up

It has been a season of outstanding achievements as the winter sports season nears its conclusion. Bishop Ireton athletes continue to shine with record-breaking performances and championship victories. Recently, our Swim & Dive team, Indoor Track & Field team and Wrestling team competed in the Virginia independent schools athelitc association (VISAA) State Championships. Great performances from all teams participating! Junior Regan Schultz was Honorable Mention All-State for her 3rd place finish in the 1600 m run. The Swim & Dive team also made waves at the WCAC Championships, with Ella Nick, Therese Forrer, Emma Lentini, and Avery Vanlandingham upholding their school record—an incredible feat that highlights their competitive spirit.

Earlier this winter, our cheer team brought home top honors at the Christian cheer nationals (CCA) competition, earning both Classic National Champion and Classic Grand Champion titles. Recently, our Ice Hockey team reached the WCAC Metro Division Finals, and though they lost by one in the last five minutes.

Overall, Bishop Ireton Winter Athletics showcased the hard-work, resilience, sportsmanship, and competitiveness our community has come to admire about our players, coaches and alumni.

By: J.D. Toof

February Crossword By: Ryan Keefe

Across 3. Valentine’s day symbol 7. Flying baby archer 8. Someone who gets cards, chocolate, and flowers 10. Famous resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania 13. Forms the Alphabet 15. Weather-predicting rodent 17. Cupid's weapon of choice 18. With (12 Down) and (16 down), typically 30 or 31 days 19. Causes cavities

*Key on Back Page*

Down 1. Football strategy to pressure a quarterback 2. Wonka _____ bars 4. American Holiday with a game, food, commercials, and a halftime show 5. (Hopefully) Starting soon in February 6. Colorful plants you give to someone you love 9. (Hopefully) wrapping up in February 11. Sending _____, (Letter ending remark) 12. With (16 down) and (18 Across), goths favorite color 14. Hidden information 16. With (12 Down) and (18 Across), School subject

ANSWER KEY

Across 3. Heart 7. Cupid 8. Valentine 10. Phil 13. Letters 15. Groundhog 17. Arrow 18. Month 9. Sweets

Down 1. Blitz 2. Chocolate 4. Superbowl 5. Spring 6. Flowers 9. Winter 11. Love 12. Black 14. Secret 16. History

Thank you for reading, Cardinals!