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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Do your homework and stay as motivated as possible!
TrevorGorski
SebastianBliss TamraNtambwe
KarissaDinh
NoraHixson
TylerRichards
WINTER SPORTS BACK IN ACTION
WINTER SPORTS SEASON HEATS UP!
By: Delaney Scanlon
Kaitlyn Gerke Stephen Gerke Ben Gerke
Bishop Ireton athletics is starting the winter strong. After an exciting fall season, sights are now set on the winter sports: Swim and Dive, Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Indoor Track, Wrestling, and Cheer A warm welcome is extended to Molly McKone, our DeSales teacher, as the new head coach of Ireton’s Dive team.
This season, BI won the “Gerke family trifecta,” with three Gerkes at the helm of two teams. Mr. Stephen Gerke is the head coach of the Ireton Ice Hockey team, ably assisted by his brother, Mr Ben Gerke, a BI instructor in academic support They have started strong having already notched a victory over Our Lady of Good Counsel and a tie with their biggest competitor, West Potomac. The third member of the Gerke family, Kaitlyn Gerke, the wife of Stephen Gerke, is back for her seventh year as the head coach of the Swim and Dive program. Kaitlyn and Stephen Gerke are proud alumni of Bishop Ireton, where they first met.
Coach Kaitlyn Gerke says she is especially excited about “the team spirit events, the annual overnight trips to National Catholics and the VISAA States, and eventually celebrating 25 seniors on Senior night.” Mrs. Gerke coaches a team of 70 swimmers, but she says, “there is no one-size-fits-all strategy; it’s about understanding each athlete and working with them from there.”
Coach Stephen Gerke has a similar can-do attitude about the Ireton Ice Hockey team. He played at Bishop Ireton and Virginia Tech and is eager to bring the lessons and inspiration he received as a player to the Cardinals as their leader. He believes in motivating his players by “creating a family-like environment where each player is working together toward a central goal…because team achievements are what are most important and it’s my job to help the team have the same outlook.” One tradition that Coach Gerke has started is handing out the “hardhat” to the player who worked the hardest after each win. Although the team has an extended break over the holiday season, they are looking forward to the alumni game on December 20th.
With both familiar and new faces, the Bishop Ireton winter sports teams are ready to turn up the heat in these cold months with lots of wins. Mark your calendars! Nothing helps our teams more than when the Cardinal Crazies show their team spirit!
Looking ahead, the team 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.”
She continues, “Our primary goal is to build on the foundation we ’ ve established, focus on developing each player, and continue growing as a program. We want to compete at the highest level and maintain the pride that comes enting on High
1:00pm 3:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm
DECEMBER 14, 2024
GIRLS GAME
Godley Gymnasium
Bishop Ireton High School vs. Woodgrove High School
St. John Paul the Great High School vs Edison High School
St. Stephens & St. Agnes High School vs Alexandria City High Schoo
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.
