BI Word - December 2024

THE BI-WORD

Vol. 3 December 2024

What’s inside?

Headline here, two lines if needed

Mr. Crooker’s Words on Advent

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Headline here, two lines if needed

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Adopt-A-Family

Midterm Mania

Winter Sports

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Delaney Scanlon

Maddie Roche

Ryan Keefe

Mrs. Royle

Abby Stump

Claire Holloway

Claire Holloway Sophomore and Reporter: I am in the Distinguished Scholars Program and I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under one minute.

Ryan Keefe Sophomore and Reporter: I love horror movies and can solve Wordle and Connections in record time!

Maddie Roche Senior and Editor-In-Chief: I play on the girl’s soccer team and am involved in our student council as a senior class representative.

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

Abby Stump Sophomore and Reporter: I am a member of the U.S. NHSS. I have never broken a bone and I love crime shows and movies.

Meet the staff!

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Advent Wisdom with Mr. Crooker By: Claire Holloway

As December rolls in, Christmas decorations crowd every street, and the Advent season takes a secondary role to the eager preparation for the holidays. This year, Mr. Crooker is encouraging everyone to take a deeper look at the source of all this joy and celebration. As one of our resident Theology teachers, he usually puts together a booklet of reflections on the season for the faculty, but this time he has shared his words of wisdom with the staff of the BI Word. Mr. Crooker draws on the ancient martyrs like Saint Jude Thaddeus to remind him of the sacrifice we should make during this season in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Advent requires a death to our earthly desires so we can celebrate the birth of something much greater. He cites humility as necessary to this time. As he puts it, “Advent is part of the new Church year and a call for renewal and repentance in one's life.”

Christmas does not just mean the birth of a Savior, it means an opportunity for us, too, to be born again. Advent is the time to ring in a renewed commitment to the will of God, as Jesus begins His own journey of prudence. His hope is that his reflections will inspire “a renewal of focus and interest in Our Lord and the Holy Season.” Although Christmas is at its core a joyous celebration of the salvation of humanity, capitalism has perverted a time of rejoicing into an opportunity for profit. Christmas is now convoluted with advertisements, cash grabs, and the stress of planning a celebration itself. Advent is an invitation to delay the secular festivities in order to partake in a larger than life remembrance of sacrifice, love, and gratitude. Mr. Crooker sums up this message, saying, “Secular celebrations end. Christ never ends.”

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BI Students Share the Gift of Giving with Local Non-profit By: Beth Royle

As the instructor for the Journalism class at Bishop Ireton, it is rare for me to be a part of the BI Word in print. I am usually behind the scenes with the students shepherding them through the process of putting out a publication. However, I was moved to write this article because I was fortunate enough to visit Community Lodgings as a chaperone for the sophomore class retreat. The experience impressed me greatly.

Bishop Ireton has a close relationship with the organization, especially during the holidays with our Adopt-A-Family campaign. I know we are familiar with Adopt-A-Family because our Advisories have been busy collecting items for each child and our students will wrap them and deliver them in mid-December. I spoke to Katherine Wiley, the Director of Community Lodgings, to help all of us to understand more about what they do and how our Bishop Ireton community plays a significant role in providing much needed support and love during this season.

What is the mission of Community Lodgings?

“Community Lodgings’ mission is to lift families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through Transitional Housing, Affordable Housing and Youth Education Programs. We want to have a world where all families have access to housing, education and resources to achieve and sustain independence and productivity.”

How many kids do you have in both centers?

“We have three centers, where we serve 1st-12th graders (approx 5-18 years of age). We serve about 125 children throughout the year, which includes kids who move out and those who fill their spaces. We generally serve about 116 at any one time.”

How does it make everyone feel to partner with Bishop Ireton for the Adopt-A-Family?

“This is something that we and our kids look forward to all year. I think of only two stable, individual events per year that are focused both on fulfilling needs and providing joy. Our partnership with BI for Adopt-A-Family is one of those. The gifts bring out the kids’ joy and the addition of asking about a gift for someone else or an essential need, like a blanket, is important for their families. Our kids understand the needs of their families. I asked one child what he wanted for Christmas and he kept saying, ‘I need a pan for my Mom.’ Although this is not a child who is sponsored by BI, it exemplifies that kids hear their parents talking, see their parents living and trying to provide, and want to help them do so.”

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What is everyone's favorite part of the experience?

Watching them open the gifts? Watching others open their gifts?

“I think the favorite part might be the list making and anticipation. The kids think long and hard about their lists and come to me after hours saying, ‘I need to change my list! I got my Dad's size wrong!’ We don't actually watch them open the gifts because many of them choose to wait until Christmas so they have something to open.”

Any special stories to share about this event?

“This is more of a general answer, but I love some of the thank you cards that our kids make. Many of them are truly heartfelt and they know their families can't afford to get them much, if anything. There are stories I hear throughout the year too, like one the other day. The Boys Mentoring group was going ice skating, outside in the very cold weather. All the boys came without jackets or warm gloves. Some of them had jackets, but didn't bring them and others didn't have them at all. I was able to give them warm gloves, but I only had two warm jackets, so they had to share them. When they put shoes or pants on their wish lists, it is because they understand that they need those more than a toy or something to play with.”

What do the families/students do for food over the holidays with schools being closed for the break? Do you all still provide food during that time?

“Unfortunately food insecurity hits hard over the holidays. We have been grateful to get many food baskets from different organizations recently (and often do during the holiday season), that are all given to families, but with programs being out of session (because we provide hot meals and snacks daily) and schools being out, food insecurity over the holidays is an even bigger issue than when the kids are in school/program.”

We are so fortunate to partner with Community Lodgings and to have the ability to play a part in making these families’ transitions just a bit easier. Our “Live Jesus Charter” lists the seven principles of Salesian Spirituality. The 7th Principle says, “Practice the ‘Little Virtues Daily;’ do little, simple things well. We cannot always offer God great things but at each instant, we can offer little things with great love.” That sums up the relationship between Community Lodgings and Bishop Ireton. The small actions we do can lead to big changes.

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Midterm Mania By: Abby Stump Math 17.4%

Science 43.5%

Language 13%

English 8.7%

History 17.4%

We took an unofficial poll in Murphy Hall about the exam students were most nervous about. An overwhelming majority answered, “Science!” We reached out to Mrs. Tania Slaton, the head of the Science Department at Bishop Ireton, who said, “Feeling nervous about midterms is totally normal —it means you care about doing well. Focus on what you’ve learned, stay organized, and take it one topic at a time. Remember, these exams are just a checkpoint, not the final destination, and you’re more capable than you think.” Whether it is remembering motifs from The Odyssey, naming compounds, listing the seven Sacraments, or remembering what cosigns and factoring are, take Mrs. Slaton’s advice to heart: study hard, believe in yourself and do the best you can.

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Who’s excited for midterms? Anyone out there? It can be a stressful time of year with so many things happening at once, but the reason behind taking midterm exams is important. According to the Washington Post, “It motivates students to take those courses more seriously and tends to place teachers and their pupils on the ‘same team’ - for when the exam is external, the teacher becomes more coach than judge. External exams are a good way for states to maintain uniform content and rigor in core high school courses.”

CHRISTMAS

CROSSWORD PUZZLE By: Ryan Keefe

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FIND ANSWERS ON PAGE 12 ACROSS 3. What Santa uses 4. Another name for Frosty 5. “Christmas Vacation,” & “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” 6. Put a star at the top of it 8. Leave a plate of these for Santa

9. Placed on the tree 10. Top of the tree 12. Dancer, Prancer, Donner and Blitzen 14. Santa’s home 15. Born on December 25th 16. Delivery guy

DOWN 1. Santa’s helpers 2.December 25th holiday 3.Santa’s wife 7.Woman or Man as a cookie 11. We light 4 candles during this season 13.Under the tree

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ATHLETIC EVENTS SPIRIT WEEK

Our Year

FIELD T RIPS

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CARDINALS’ FINAL FLIGHT By: Madeline Roche

In just a few weeks, the calendar is going to turn to 2025. This new year is a significant one for our senior cardinals, because now their preparation for graduation begins. With the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year starting soon, nostalgia and excitement are in the air, and the seniors are reflecting on what this milestone year means to them. From their hopes for the future to the emotions tied to leaving high school behind, they shared their thoughts on what it feels like to approach 2025.

As 2025 begins, what are you most looking forward to in your final months of high school?

Sebastian Bliss

As 2025 begins, I am most looking forward to seeing how excited my classmates are about life after BI. Seeing them excited for their future brings me feelings of anticipation for what is to come, as well as gratitude for the experiences and lessons I have learned thus far.

Tamra Ntambwe

I’m most looking forward to building up the connections with my friends before everyone heads in different directions. I’m also looking forward to the lasts of projects we will have which is going to be a feeling of accomplishment and pride in everything we have learned throughout the year.

How does it feel to know that your senior year is now halfway over?

Trevor Gorski

Only having a semester of high school left has been something I've been looking forward to for a while, but the closer it gets the weirder it feels. I feel like I'm ready to start college and begin to have a little more responsibility, but I also want to make the most out of the time I have left at home.

Nora Hixson

I am honestly excited that senior year is now halfway over! I am looking forward to all the events in the second semester like our school hackathon on January 18th.

What is your message for your fellow seniors as we are starting the second semester of our last year at Bishop Ireton?

Karissa Dinh

We are halfway there! The hard part is over guys, we can focus on some fun now (Don't forget to keep your grades up)! I'm praying that we all get into our dream schools or one school at least. Keep up the good work guys!

Tyler Richards Do your homework and stay as motivated as possible!

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WINTER SPORTS BACK IN ACTION

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WINTER SPORTS SEASON HEATS UP! By: Delaney Scanlon

K a i t lyn Gerke S t e p hen Gerke

B e n Gerke

B i s h op Ireton at h l e t i c s i s s t a r ti n g t h e w i n t e r s t r o n g . A f t e r a n exciting fall s e a s on, sights a r e n o w s e t o n th e w i n t e r s p o r t s : S w i m a n d D i ve, Women’s and M e n ’s Basketba l l , I n d o o r T r a c k , W r e s t l i n g , a n d C h e e r . A w a r m welcome is e x t e nded to Mo l l y M c K o n e , o u r D e S a l e s t e a c h e r , a s t h e n e w h ead coach of Ir e t on’s Dive te a m .

T h i s season, BI w o n t h e “ G e r k e f a m i l y t r i f e c t a , ” w i t h t h r e e G e rkes at the helm of tw o teams. Mr. S t e p h e n G e r k e is t h e h e a d c o a c h o f t h e I r e t o n Ice Hockey team, a b l y assisted by h i s b r o t h e r , Mr . B e n G e r k e , a B I i n s t r u c t o r i n academic support.

T h e y have starte d s t r o n g h a v i ng a l r e a d y n o t c h e d a v i c t o r y o v er Our Lady of G o o d Counsel and a t i e w i t h t h ei r b i g g e s t c o m p e t i t o r , W e s t P otomac. The third m e m ber of the Ge r k e f a m i l y , K ai t l y n G e r k e , t h e w i f e o f S t e p h en Gerke, is back fo r her seventh y e a r a s t h e h e ad c o a c h o f t h e S w i m a n d D i v e program. Kaitlyn a n d Stephen Ge r k e a r e p r o u d a l u m n i o f B i s h o p I r e t o n , w h e r e they first met.

C o a c h Kaitlyn Ge r k e s a y s s h e i s e s p e c i a l l y e x c i t e d a b o u t “ t h e team spirit events, th e annual overn i g h t t r i p s t o Na t i o n a l C a t h o l i c s a n d t h e V I S A A States, and e v e n tually celeb r a t i n g 2 5 s e n i or s o n S e n i o r n i g h t . ” M r s . G e r k e coaches a team of 7 0 s wimmers, b u t s h e s a y s , “ t h e r e i s n o o n e - s i z e - f i t s - a l l s t r a t egy; it’s about u n d e rstanding ea c h a t h l e t e a n d w o r k i n g w i t h t h e m f r o m t h e r e.”

C o a c h Stephen Ge r k e h a s a s i mi l a r c a n - d o a t t i t u d e a b o u t t h e Ireton Ice Hockey te a m . He played a t B i s h o p I r e t on a n d V i r g i n i a T e c h a n d i s e a ger to bring the le s s ons and insp i r a t i o n h e r e c ei v e d a s a p l a y e r t o t h e C a r d i n a ls as their leader.

H e b elieves in m o t i v a t i n g h i s pl a y e r s b y “ c r e a t i n g a f a m i l y - l i ke environment w h e re each playe r i s w o r k i n g to g e t h e r t o w a r d a c e n t r a l g o a l … because team a c h i evements are w h a t a r e m o st i m p o r t a n t a n d i t ’ s m y j o b t o help the team have th e same outlook . ” O n e t r a d i t i on t h a t C o a c h G e r k e h a s s t a r t e d is handing out the “h a r dhat” to the p l a y e r w h o w or k e d t h e h a r d e s t a f t e r e a c h w i n. Although the te a m has an exte n d e d b r e a k o ve r t h e h o l i d a y s e a s o n , t h e y a r e looking forward to t he alumni ga m e o n D e c e m b er 2 0 t h .

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W i t h both famili a r a n d n e w f a ce s , t h e B i s h o p I r e t o n w i n t e r s ports teams are r e a d y to turn up t h e h e a t i n t h es e c o l d m o n t h s w i t h l o t s o f w i ns. Mark your c a l e ndars! Nothi n g h e l p s o u r t ea m s m o r e t h a n w h e n t h e C a r d inal Crazies show th e i r team spiri t !

INSIDE BISHOP IRETON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WINNING FORMULA By: Madeline Roche

The Bishop Ireton Women's Basketball team made history last year, clinching the VISAA state championship with remarkable hard work and dedication. Their winning record wasn’t just due to talent—it was the result of each player, coach, and staff member giving their all every day on the court, and sharing a vision of success.

The team earned a ranking of 13th in the nation by ESPN. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized at the national level,” Coach Kesha Walton said. “It motivates us to continue striving for excellence every day. It validates all the hard work they’ve put in, but it also serves as a reminder that we have more to accomplish. What matters most is staying focused improving every day, and living up to the high standards we set for ourselves.”

S h e continues, “O u r primary g o a l is to build o n t h e fo u n dation we’ve e s t a b l i s h e d , fo c u s on develop i n g e a c h p l a y er , a n d continue gro w i n g a s a p r o g ram. We wa n t t o c o m p e t e a t th e highest leve l a n d m a i n tain the pri d e t h a t c o m e s w i t h representin g B i s h op Ireton Hi g h Looking ahead, the team S c h o ol.” is getting ready for its upcoming “Hoops from the Heart” game on December 14th. Coach Kesha notes that, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our team to come together and use our platform to support such an important cause.

Events like this highlight the power of sports to unite people and make a difference in the community beyond the basketball court.”

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DECEMBER 14, 2024 Godley Gymnasium GIRLS GAME

1:00pm Bishop Ireton High School vs. Woodgrove High School 3:00pm St. John Paul the Great High School vs Edison High School

5:00pm St. Stephens & St. Agnes High School vs Alexandria City High Schoo 7:00pm Bishop Ireton High School vs Hayfield High School A Hoops from the Heart Awards Presentation will take place at the conclusion of each game to celebrate the legacy of longtime Bishop Ireton coach, Cliff Cook, who dedicated many years to the boys basketball and track and field programs.

Entry Fee

Student/Child $5

Adult $10

Proceeds will go to the Inova Health Foundation & Bob Pollard Scholarship Fund.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EVENT SPONSORS 12

The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club | Maryland Basketball Officials Association

Answer Key

Answer Key DOWN

ACROSS 3. Magic 4. Snowman 5. Movies 6. Tree 8. Cookies 9. Ornaments 10. Star 12. Reindeer 14. North pole 15.Jesus 16. Santa

1. Elves 2. Christmas 3. Mrs. Clause 7. Gingerbread 11. Advent 13. Presents

Merry Christmas, Cardinals!

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