BI Word - March 2025

Vol. 5 March 2025

The Race Is On!

Gift of Lent

Celebrating Women’s History

Cardinals are Winners

What’s happening at BI

Meet The Staff Annaliese Ludvigson: Senior, Co-Editor

JD Toof: Senior, Reporter

Tyler Richards: Senior, Co-Editor

Hannah Cohen: Junior, Reporter

Anna Wisneski: Senior, Co-Editor

Zoe Lembelembe: Junior, Reporter

Delaney Scanlon: Senior, Co-Editor

Emme Schuety: Sophomore, Reporter

Amelia Martinez: Senior, Reporter

Ava Morse: Sophomore, Reporter

Gigi Knight: Senior, Reporter

Ryan Keefe: Sophomore, Reporter

Abi Jiron: Senior, Reporter

The Gift of Lent By: J.D. Toof Lent is a sacred time to grow closer to God by deepening our faith and trust in Him. One way to glorify God during this season is by offering small sacrifices with a joyful heart, uniting our struggles with Christ’s. Acts of kindness and generosity toward others reflect God’s love and remind us to put our faith into action. Seeking forgiveness and extending mercy to those who have wronged us helps us imitate Christ’s compassion. By embracing humility and gratitude in our daily lives, we acknowledge God’s presence and prepare our hearts to celebrate His victory.

Remember when the fasting gets hard, pray for discipline and strength from the Lord. Lastly, Lent is a gift, a time when we are united in the pursuit of glorifying God and preparing ourselves to take the journey of the cross with our Lord. Honor the process.

Words of Wisdom from Fr. Noah “Lent is the 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter. During this season, Jesus invites us into the desert to listen to his voice more closely. The time is all about our conversion away from sin and back to God through the three traditional works of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It makes no sense to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at Easter if we have not participated in His suffering and death. Through our prayer, penance and works of mercy, we open ourselves more fully to the grace of Christ, as we journey toward the eternal Paschal feast.”

By: Gabrielle Knight Inspiring Women of Faith: A Tribute for Women's History Month

Striving for Christlike virtue is at the heart of Catholic faith, and Women's History Month provides a meaningful opportunity to honor women's achievements while reflecting on their alignment with God's teachings. At Bishop Ireton High School, young women are encouraged to pursue a deeper understanding of success—one defined not by fame, wealth, or influence, but by faith, love, and service. By focusing on saintly role models, students are invited to explore examples of courage and strength that resonate with Catholic values. Ms. Caroline Duffy encourages students to look toward the Blessed Mother Mary, with her grace, humility, and devotion to God, where she serves as the ultimate model of faith-filled femininity. Ms. Lori Whitley suggests looking at Dr. Rebecca Lee Ada, the first African American woman to earn a medical degree, who exemplified perseverance and compassion in caring for underserved communities, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose life of humility and selfless service transformed the lives of the poorest of the poor, as female models for women. These women demonstrate how a Christ-centered life, rooted in virtue and service, can truly make a lasting impact on the world.

As young women at Bishop Ireton High School celebrate their femininity and the achievements of women past and present, they are reminded of their God-given dignity and called to align their lives with Christ’s teachings. Living out their faith in today’s world can be both a challenge and a source of strength, as modern society often pressures women to conform to fleeting ideals of success focused on external achievements.

However, true fulfillment lies in embracing the unique gifts God has given them and embodying the values of faith, service, and love. By remaining grounded in prayer, humility, and God’s purpose, these students can radiate Christ’s light, bring hope to a world in need, and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Advice for our Lady Cardinals:

“Our faith drives our passions and helps us focus on what is most important. I always wanted to be an educator, but my faith led me to a career in education where I can share my whole self, as a Catholic woman, in all that I do. My faith has and will continue to shape my identity, as a woman leader, and it helps me focus on the values that impact my work. But remember, having faith is a choice that one makes, so its impact is only as significant as our decision to be faithful.”

Mrs. Kathleen McNutt, Head of School

“Stay close to Christ and emulate His Mother and trust that God will put you where He wants you to be.”

Ms. Caroline Duffy, Theology Teacher, Theology Department Chair

“I would advise young women seeking to make a difference to identify a problem they would like to solve or an issue they would like to address and to work persistently to prepare themselves. For example, if you are interested in a medical issue, identify the skills you need to make an impact and figure out how each of your classes can contribute to your understanding.”

Dr. Jane Hannon, Assistant Principal, Dean of Academics

Many thanks to Mrs. McNutt, Ms. Duffy, Dr. Hannon, and Ms. Whitley, Assistant Dean of Students, for your insights and contributions

A Winner’s Mindset By: Abi Jiron and Amelia Martinezt

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of successes for our Bishop Ireton community! From business to art, the innovations being created showcase the talent within our community. This year’s Marymount Business Competition finished with a notable win for ConnectM. Created by a team led by juniors Adam Tampio, Jacob Tampio, Nicole Lewis and Patrick Christmas.

ConnectM is a mobile web marketplace focusing on municipal bonds. Adam Tampio advises us to “think of it like RobinHood or T.D. Ameritrade except for only municipal bonds.”

Municipal bonds are a stable investment, offering annual returns of around 4-5%. They are used to finance public projects and improve communities. Tampio highlighted, “We want to open this market to everyone, to provide both a stable investment and one which helps improve one's community.”

Through ConnectM’s platform it would be easier and more accessible for retail investors to buy municipal bonds. Nicole Lewis shared her excitement about the competition. “The Marymount Competition was super fun and I feel like I learned so much this year. I would definitely recommend people do it (Left to right) Jacob Tampio ‘26, next year if they’re considering it because you learn so much and Patrick Christmas ‘26, Adam Tampio it's a new experience!”

‘26, Nicole Lewis ‘26

In addition to the Marymount Business Competition, artistic excellence has also been celebrated! The Alexandria All-City Art Award went to gifted and talented student Zoe Millett.

Her passion for art is inspiring as is her enthusiasm for her craft. “Winning the Alexandria All-City Art Award was very exciting! I want to pursue an art career in my future, and this was very motivating. I love making art because it is a way to express my creative freedom.” Our Bishop Ireton community is driven and passionate and the students who won show how they are making their mark in and out of the classroom.

Zoe Millett ‘25

Comm“MUN”dation At Virginia Tech!

By: Annaliese Ludvigson

The Bishop Ireton Model United Nations Team (MUN) traveled down to Blacksburg, Virginia during the first weekend of March to participate in Virginia Tech’s second iteration of its Model United Nations conference.

Students participated in spirited debate across the span of three days, tackling issues ranging from global disarmament, the space race and the effects of climate change to alien invasions, reality TV drama, and the political intrigue of the planet Arrakis!

In addition to the debate fun, students walked away with a wealth of experience in critical thinking, public speaking, networking, and kombucha drinking (for some). Several of our students even earned awards for their excellence in committee! Our recognized members include: Annaliese Ludvigson ' 25 (Co-President) = Outstanding Delegate (DUNE) Daniel Santillan ' 26 = Outstanding Delegate (Space Race) Sofia Meller '25 (Co-President) = Honorable Mention (Survivor) Sophie Ary '26 = Verbal Commendation (Future Congress 2100) We were lucky to meet with several BI alumni and current students, and we even ran into our Dean of Faculty, Mrs. Bliss! Overall, it was a wonderful weekend full of learning, friendship, and fun, where our Cardinal pride was on display for all to see!

Get Your Tickets!

By: Hannah Cohen and Anna Wisneski

Guys and Dolls, the 1950s Broadway musical, is premiering this spring at Garwood Whaley Auditorium.

Come support the hardworking cast and crew!

Showing: April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Set in downtown New York, 1950s, two couples take a gamble on love. With comical sidekicks, impressive dance breaks, fights and a sickness that just won’t go away, these characters lay all their cards out in the finale and find true happiness in their relationships.

Post-Season Review By: Zoe Lembelembe

Ireton’s Track and Field’s Regan Schultz is once again breaking records! Schultz set the record for the indoor mile with a time of 5:13:56 at the Roadrunner Invitational. Schultz racked up five indoor records and six outdoor records this season for an unforgettable 11 records!

It’s time to turn the tables on the cheer team!

Cheers to Georgia Grace Ruhlen who earned the Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) Tumbling National Championship after displaying exceptional athleticism and dedication. Her performance contributed to the team’s overall success as they returned home as GameTime National Champions.

Back-to-Back State Champions is our Ireton girl’s basketball team’s new title!

The team successfully took home its second Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) State Championship with a stunning victory over Paul VI, capping off another thrilling season for our Cardinals.

In a historic moment, senior standout Nyla Brooks etched her name into the record books by reaching 2,000 career points as well as becoming the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Girls Basketball Player of the Year, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Player of the Year, and the Virginia State Gatorade Player of the Year! History being made

by Brooks and the entire team! Congratulations!

The Fabulous Four: Four New Coaches Join the Cardinal Flock!

By: Tyler Richards Bishop Ireton is excited to welcome four new coaches to Ireton Athletics this spring!

These new Varsity head coaches will fill positions for Girls Volleyball, Girls Field Hockey, Girls Tennis and our brand new Girls Hockey program set to take the ice in the fall of 2025.

Coach Paul Oeur (Pictured Right) will be the Girls Volleyball coach. Coach Oeur has 15 years experience coaching Volleyball with an impressive resume coaching four years as the girls head coach at Oakton High School, and 2 years as the boys head coach at Sigonella Overseas School. Coach Oeur also has years of experience coaching Junior Varsity at both Oakton High School and Sigonella Overseas.

Coach Betty Sixsmith (No Picture Available) will take the helm of Girls Field Hockey.

Coach Sixsmith is an experienced coach who played both D2 Softball and D1 Field Hockey at Longwood University. Coach Sixsmith has a lengthy resume coaching Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball at Lewis, West Potomac and Bishop Ireton.

The Girls Tennis team is back under the tutelage of Coach Tom Noone (Pictured Left) after one season away. Coach Noones’ accomplishments as a coach at Ireton are lengthy, most notably his leadership of the Boy’s Tennis team to its first ever Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship in the spring of 2024!

Finally, the long-awaited debut of the Varsity Girls Ice Hockey program will be led by Coach Tanner Jones (Pictured Right). Coach Jones is a Northern Virginia native with experience at the Collegiate level playing at UMass Boston and Virginia Tech. He currently serves as an emergency goalie for the Washington Capitals and is the Director of Goaltending and a head coach for Saint James (STJ) Club Hockey.

March Crossword!

By: Ava Morse and Emme Schuety

Across

Down

5. The holiday widely celebrated in New Orleans that marks the day before Lent begins 8. A 40-day period of fasting and repentance 9. An item you are not allowed to use during school that was invented in March 11. This season of the year follows Winter and precedes Summer 12. This word refers to the right to vote in elections 13. First name of historical woman who cofounded the National Woman Suffrage Association 14. This is the only U.S. President to serve more than two terms

1. First name of historical woman who was a social activist that escaped slavery 2. This famous male singer is married to Hailey and is born in March 3. We lose one hour of this during March 4. Symbol associated with Saint Patrick’s Day that you find at the end of a pot of gold 6. Leaf associated with Saint Patrick's Day 7. The singer of “Tik Tok” who was born in March 10. Women fought for this in the Women's Suffrage March

Across: 5. Mardi Gras 8. Lent 9. Telephone 11. Spring 12. Suffrage 13. Susan 14. Roosevelt Down: 1. Harriet 2. Bieber 3. Daylight 4. Rainbow 6. Clover 7. Kesha 10. Equality

Thank You For Reading, Cardinals!