Noll Today Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

Tomorrow’s Noll starts with us.

A renovated Media Center ignites the Warrior spirit for learning.

IN THIS ISSUE: 1988 Final Four Reunion Hall of Honor Recipients Alumni Love Stories Homecoming/Tailgate Recaps

April 27, 2018

greetings from our principal Dear BNI Extended Family, Every day at 8 a.m. sharp, the BNI PA announces, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

As alumni of BNI, this is a daily practice you probably remember.

Since 1921, we have continued to begin by thanking God for this day.

As principal of BNI, I often find myself reminding our students of the importance to give gratitude, to act with patience, and to always practice their FAITH. Although many things have changed in our society and in the hallways of 1519 Hoffman St., our focus remains the same. How can I serve the Lord?

As a pillar of the Northwest Indiana community, we have always provided an education focused on Faith while also giving families the opportunity to prepare their children for college in an academically rigorous environment.

These high standards have allowed families to rewrite their family cycles and place their children in a better situation by providing HOPE for their future.

Today we continue to create a safe and Christ-filled environment that focuses on LOVE for our students.

Today we provide a 21st Century STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum that teaches our kids problem-solving skills needed in today’s industries. Today we provide students with opportunities to grow as ethical leaders to serve those who are most in need. Today, most importantly, we still teach students how to serve the Lord.

Just as I teach my students it’s important to begin every day with gratitude, I want to take this chance to thank the many alumni who continue to support BNI. Through sharing your time and your treasure, you allow us to continue teaching teenagers what it means to be a Warrior mind, body, and soul. Today’s Bishop Noll continues to do the work that it was called to do in 1921.

We serve Christ by serving our students in FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.

God Bless, Our Mission: Bishop Noll Institute, a

diverse, Catholic college preparatory school, partners with local faith communities to empower young adults to Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01 live their faith in Christ through ministry, Principal scholarship, and leadership.

Paul Mullaney ’77 President Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01 Principal Jessica Omelanczuk Assistant Principal Mary Ellen O’Neill Director of Advancement Renee Nagdeman Director of Finance Marisa Renwald Technology Instructional Coach Nancy Repay ’85 Director of Admissions Brandi Krolak Athletic Director

On The Cover Sincere thanks to Pete Doherty ’71 of Doherty Images for our cover photo.

For the shoot, students showed off the new furniture recently installed in the renovated Media Center. Read the full story on P. 4.

E-Noll Today Would you like to receive

your issue of the Noll Today electronically?

Please notify jflorek@bishopnoll.org. It is also available at bishopnoll.org under the alumni tab.

Contact Us Noll Today is written and published in the Office of Advancement. Contact Jennifer Florek at jflorek@bishopnoll.org with questions and story ideas.

Bishop Noll Advancement Office 1519 Hoffman St., Hammond, IN 46327 (219) 932-9058, ext. 1002 (219) 853-1736 (Fax)

Marlene Vega Coulis ’79 President Terry Quinn Vice President Rev. Dominic Bertino Treasurer Courtney Hilbrich Markovich ’95 Secretary Carole Hepner ’59

At Bishop Noll Institute Friday, April 27, 2018 6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Advance tickets only cost $50 per person. After April 20, they will cost $60 per person. Interested in being a sponsor or purchasing tickets? Contact Juli Sandoval in the Advancement Office at (219) 932-9058, ext.1005, or e-mail jsandoval@bishopnoll.org.

2017-18 BOARD OF LIMITED JURISDICTION

2017-18 FOUNDATION MEMBERS

ANNUAL

Join us for this Warrior tradition!

Support student scholarships during a relaxed, casual fundraiser.

Big Event attendees will enjoy great food catered by Pepino’s, drinks, music, dancing, several raffles, a live auction, a wine pull, and more! We hope that many alumni, friends and parents will join us for this fun-filled evening.

2017-18 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Most Reverend Donald J. Hying Bishop Dr. Joseph Majchrowicz ’73 Director of Catholic Schools Michael Whelan ’85 Chariman Geoff Laciak ’96 Vice Chariman Jeffrey Cipowski ’83 Secretary Mark Cloghessy ’76 Adrienne Gomez ’70 Larry Kalina ’69 Dan Markovich ’98 Patrick McCloskey ’77 Rev. Kevin Scalf, C.PP.S. David Skibinski ’76 Wallene Swentko ’63 Gregory Zagrocki ’82

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To make reservations online, visit www.bishopnoll.org 1

To make reservations online, visit www.bishopnoll.org

WARRIOR WINNINGS RAFFLE 1st Prize $5,000 ~ 2nd Prize $1,000 ~ 3rd Prize $500 Only 2,000 tickets will be sold!

OFFICIAL RULES: Your receipt will be mailed to you. Winners will be drawn and announced at The Big Event on April 27, 2018.

Winners need not be present and will be notified. Proceeds will benefit BNI Scholarship Fund. Cash prizes may be reduced based on number of tickets sold. Postmark by April 24, 2018. License # 145569. Winners must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license or state issued photo identification. Return address labels welcomed for raffle tickets.

Name

I would like to purchase ________ raffle ticket(s) at $20 each or _______ groups of 3 tickets for $50 each.

Enclosed is my check for $_______ for ________tickets.

Please make checks payable to BNI and return in envelope to: BNI Advancement Office 1519 Hoffman St. Hammond, IN 46327

Address City/State/Zip Telephone Email

homecoming 2017

greetings from our president

Keeping the Bishop Noll tradition alive, students found a way to make Homecoming 2017 their own. With the theme of As the Leaves Turn, navy colored paper leaves with each student’s name and other fall decorations filled the main hallways. Homecoming Spirit Week theme days included Superheroes vs.

Villians Day, Tourist Day, Seasons Day, Character Day and Extreme Warrior Day! The week ended with a spirited pep rally, complete with tug-o-war and pie eating contest, cheer, band and dance performances.

Dear BNI Family,

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Remember, it all starts with faith.

Tens of thousands of students have attended Bishop Noll Institute (a.k.a. Catholic Central in our early years) for many sound reasons over our 97 years. At the top of that list of reasons is our Catholic faith.

The banner that welcomes students, faculty and visitors every day near our front door reminds us that “Jesus is the reason for this school.”

Recently, we saw a great example of how BNI prepares students in mind, body and soul—using the foundation of our faith and building on it with technology and other resources for high achievement. As Lent approached and we all began to prepare for our spiritual pilgrimage, freshman theology teacher Katie Fredericksen used a modern approach to teaching her students the Stations of the Cross.

Katie divided her students into 14 groups, and each was assigned one of the Stations to portray Christ’s journey to Calvary by producing its own video using Noll-provided iPads. Many of the student groups re-enacted the scenes of their Station, and some used still images, but all included audio to provide the selected prayers and reflections specific to that Station.

Everybody in our building then could pray this popular Lenten devotion by using their cell phones or iPads to capture corresponding QR codes posted sequentially throughout the halls of BNI. Those codes link them to the videos on YouTube, and there are 14 videos there online that anyone—in or out of school—could watch and pray with to complement one’s other Lenten practices and devotions. (You can find the videos by searching “Stations of the Cross BNI Theology9” on YouTube.com.)

What a great way, first and foremost, to learn the Stations by our students seeking to grow in their faith. But additionally, our students advance their technology, presentation and collaborative teamwork skills in the process.

Project-based, collaborative hands-on learning has become a key component to the educational culture at Bishop Noll.

Certainly, those good, old-fashioned lectures still have their

WARRIOR CHALLENGE The exciting next phase of Bishop Noll Institute’s Ignite & Inspire campaign has begun. The Warrior Challenge is a class-byclass effort to move our capital campaign past the $2 million mark and well on our way to the goal of $3.5 million.

Bishop Noll’s classes of 1963 and 1972 are the first classes to launch, and will be followed by additional classes in the coming weeks and months. Each class

will have a team of volunteers contacting classmates with a goal to reach total pledges of $100,000 or more for the class.

The $3.5 million Ignite & Inspire campaign is an effort to strengthen BNI as our school wraps up its first century of educating the region’s youth in mind, body and soul, and ensures a second century as an educational beacon for families of the Diocese of Gary and the Calumet Region.

Freshmen Ariana Ferreira and Raymond Rodriguez portray Mary and Jesus for a living Stations of the Cross project.

time and purpose, but our team has adapted to employ the most current, effective teaching methods to best prepare BNI students for college and the world that awaits them. And our students are thriving.

Consider this: • According to the most recent statistics of the Indiana Dept. of Education, Bishop Noll not only had the highest 2017 graduation rate (99.2%) of any high school in Lake County, but it boasts the highest cumulative graduation rate (99.0%) of any county high school over the past four-year period.

• Rated an “A” school by IDOE, Bishop Noll’s Class of 2017 received a total of $8.1 million in college scholarship offers for an average of nearly $65,000 per student.

Suffice it to say that BNI remains a leader in Catholic secondary education in the Region. And know that our alumni, parents and other stakeholders who support our school through our Annual Fund, scholarship donations, the Ignite & Inspire campaign and in other ways are vital to the legacy of BNI success. We pray for all of you regularly when gathered for Mass at BNI, and we ask all of you to prayerfully consider supporting our school to the extent you can.

Know that our future is bright, that our team is working hard so Bishop Noll Institute will remain a bedrock of Catholic secondary education for generations to come.

After all, we have every reason to keep the faith!

God bless,

Paul B. Mullaney ’77 President, Bishop Noll Institute

Goals for Ignite & Inspire are: ▪ Upgrading classroom infrastructure and innovative programming for BNI’S growing STREAM (STEM + Religion + Arts) program; ▪ Creating an endowment to provide advance degree help and professional development for our faculty; and ▪ Upgrading the much outdated outdoor football/soccer stadium to include a regulation, eightlane track and other amenities for our athletic teams, band,

PE classes and community functions.

You can help set the table for BNI’s continued success by donating to Ignite & Inspire and by helping coordinate your class’ efforts in the Warrior Challenge.

For more information, check out campaign details at www. bishopnoll.org or contact BNI President Paul Mullaney ’77 at pmullaney@bishopnoll.org or campaign co-director Rob Hanrahan ’72 at rhanrahan@bishopnoll.org .

Classes competed against each other to earn the title of tug-owar champs.

These Minions showed up for Spirit Week.

Mr. Incredible made an appearance for Superheroes vs.

Villains Day. Fans cheer on the Warriors from the bleachers.

tailgate 2017

This year's Homecoming Court included, kneeling from left, Leevonte Kelley, Brendan Zavesky, King Drake Adams, Aaron Brown and Nicholas Arambula. Standing, from left, are Faith Jackson, Andrea Hernandez, Queen Megan Sullivan, Lesley Vizcarra and Lindsay Ferrell.

Traditionally held after the Homecoming game, Tailgate 2017 did not disappoint.

Alums and friends reunited in the field house and enjoyed BBQ, music and great times. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Save the date for Tailgate 2018— coming Sept. 14, 2018. The Tailgate party will cost $25 per person and sponsorships are always appreciated.

Contact the Advancement office with any questions at 219-932-9058, ext. 1005, or email jsandoval@ bishopnoll.org.

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COVER STORY

BNI Faces in the News

Renovations transform Media Center into modern learning space

Put Your Sox On For Bishop Noll

THEN

NOW

The project was funded by grants from the City of Hammond Gaming Commission, John W. Anderson Foundation, Citizens Savings Foundation and FSC Foundation.

While grants supported the completion of this project, there are other projects like this one that could be made possible with help from you, our generous alumni and families.

The Ignite & Inspire campaign for Bishop Noll Institute seeks to raise $3.5 million, including $1 million earmarked for BNI’s STREAM initiative to increase student achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math—in addition to religion and the arts—while developing vitally important 21st century learning skills.

For more information on Ignite & Inspire, go to www.bishopnoll.org and click on the campaign logo on the lower right of the web page. Donors can make their gifts online.

Bishop Noll Night with the Chicago White Sox White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 Guaranteed Rate Field Tickets: Outfield Reserved $25 per person if order received by June 1, 2018.

After June 1, tickets will cost $30 per person.

Prices above include 9% city and 3% state amusement taxes. All game times and promotions are subject to change. No refunds or exchanges.

Order Form

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Generations of Bishop Noll students have used the library for research, studying and quiet time. With renovations now nearly complete, the Media Center has become a learning space equipped for current and future generations.

Additions have included more functional furniture with charging stations, private group study rooms with the latest technology, classroom space, and, yes, even new bookshelves.

The renovation of the 55-year-old library took place over the past four years and was divided into three phases.

Phase one included physical upgrades including new carpeting, new ceilings, new lighting and fresh paint throughout. Phase two saw the addition of six individual group meeting rooms and one large classroom, equipped with furniture and technology. Glass walls and doors were constructed for each of these rooms. Phase three included the addition of new modern furniture and upgraded technology.

“The overall goal was to provide students and faculty with a modern learning environment,” said Mary Ellen O’Neill, Bishop Noll’s director of advancement. The space focuses on technical competence, collaborative work processes and creative and critical thinking that prepares our students for challenging college and careers.

Join Bishop Donald J. Hying and the Bishop Noll Institute family for a night at the ballpark. For this special night, all current Bishop Noll families and alumni can buy White Sox tickets in a reserved seating section and a portion of every ticket purchased goes to Bishop Noll.

Check out this brand new Bishop Noll event, meet up with old friends, enjoy $1 Hot Dog Night, and support the mission of Bishop Noll.

Nancy Kruzan Repay ’85 likes giving back to her alma mater as Director of Admissions.

In addition, she is a coach for the track and cross country teams, along with her husband, Karl, also a 1985 Noll grad.

Repay loves her role and said, “As a Bishop Noll legacy and a parent of two BNI graduates, I am proud to give back for all that Bishop Noll has given to me.”

Under Repay's direction, Noll's enrollment has increased and its student body continues to flourish while maintaining the standards of excellence the school is known for.

If you know a seventh- or eighthgrader interested in learning more about attending Bishop Noll, have the family

contact Nancy at admissions@bishopnoll. org or (219) 932-9058, ext. 1008.

“We have so much to offer students in academics, clubs, sports and religious studies. I also tell them about scholarship and financial aid opportunities.”

Jessica Omelanczuk, who previously taught Spanish at Bishop Noll, now also serves as the school’s assistant principal. To accommodate changing instructional needs, Bishop Noll moved into a new direction when replacing its dean of students position. In her new role, Omelanczuk provides the guidance of a teacher to make sure administration tasks are done with student needs in mind.

Jackie Jania ’18 has been named a San Damiano Scholar at Marian University in Indianapolis. Recipients of this honor must be academically inquisitive, sharp, open to God and others, seeking a community of likeminded peers, and deeply committed to servant leadership within their school, church, and community.

Jania, of Highland, is involved in many activities and sports at Noll including swimming, band, tennis, cross country, Writing Club, Multicultural Club, Student Council, Campus Ministry and Academic Super Bowl. In addition, she serves as a Student Ambassador.

Fall Play

Julia Fugger ’18 and Mireya Melero ’18 brought home ISSMA gold with an Acapella performance of the Latin Gregorian chant titled “O Magnum Mysterium.” They performed the piece as a choral ensemble Jan. 27 at Munster High School, and both of them received perfect scores.

The piece took the students months to prepare, working on it at school with choir director David Herr and rehearsing on their own as a pair and individually.

Fugger, who was recently named a Bishop Noll Graduate with Distinction, said this was one highlight of her high school career. Others included major roles in “Seussical the Musical” and “Into the Woods.” She was also the first and only member of the re-established Speech Team to go to state her sophomore year. In addition, she performed at the state level for the Shakespeare monologue contest representing BNI twice.

Melero agreed that the perfect ISSMA score was a high school highlight. In addition, she is looking forward to playing the lead role of Maria in this year’s spring musical “West Side Story.”

Band Success

For this year’s fall play, Bishop Noll Institute’s Drama Club presented Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” in the Black Box Theater.

Musicians from the Bishop Noll band received 14 medals during ISSMA competition Feb. 3 at Munster High School. The band received national recognition last year when it performed at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.

For questions, call (219) 932-9058, ext 1005, or e-mail advancement@bishopnoll.org.

I would like to purchase ______(number of) tickets to the White Sox game Aug. 1. (Cost is $25 per person before June 1— $30 per person after June 1.) ____Round-trip family bus transportation from Bishop Noll to the game ($10 per person) ____Sponsorship of a Bishop Noll student attendee(s) ($25 per student) Please make checks payable Enclosed is my check for $________. to BNI and return to: ___ I would like my tickets mailed to me.

BNI Advancement Office ___ I would like to pick up my tickets at Bishop Noll.

1519 Hoffman St., ___ Leave my tickets at Gate 4 Will Call.

Hammond, IN 46327

Name Address City/State/Zip Telephone/Email

Alexis Carrasco ’19 attended a forensics conference in Washington, D.C., this summer.

She sat in several forensic science classes and prepared testimonies for crime scenes.

“I want to go into the forensic science field in college and I’ll either major in forensic science, criminology, or criminal justice,” she said. “Then I want to also receive a minor in psychology. As of right now my hope is to get into Grand Canyon University and attend there, but I am looking at Ball State as well.”

Science Olympiad Our newly formed

Science Olympiad team has had success in its first year. The students attended a regional competition in February, where they ranked fourth for size A schools and 12th overall. They took second place in Experimental Design and third in Mystery Detective categories. Shown, from left, are Abigail Kawalec, Franco Komyatte and Carmelina Komyatte.

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school news

Class of 2018: Graduates with Distinction

Bishop Noll’s Graduates with Distinction are, in front from left, Alyssa Morris, Isabel Robles, Michael Quintero, Megan Sullivan, Julia Fugger, Lesley Vizcarra, Alejandra Perez. In back, from left, are Monica Magallanes, Reyna Reyes, Abigail Damacio, Makala Blakely, Payton Hewlett, Brendan Zavesky, Lindsay Ferrell, Nicholas Arambula and Jackson Heintz.

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We are proud of our Class of 2018 Graduates with Distinction.

These top academic seniors all earned a 4.0 or above GPA. These grades also determine the valedictorian and salutatorian.

Principal Mrs. Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01 said, “Throughout their years at Bishop Noll, these Graduates with Distinction have proven what it means to be a warrior in mind, body soul. As we send them out into the world, we are confident they can show what it means to be a disciple through their words, thoughts and actions.”

Megan Sullivan, of Griffith, was named valedictorian. She attended St. Mary’s School. Michael Quintero, of Hammond, was named salutatorian. He attended St. John Bosco School.

The Graduates with Distinction are the following: Nicholas Arambula, of Chicago, attended St. John the Baptist; Makala Blakely, of Gary, attended Calvary Academy; Abigail Damacio, of Griffith, attended St. Mary’s; Lindsay Ferrell, of Crown Point, attended St. Mary’s; Julia Fugger, of Lansing, attended St. Thomas More; Jackson Heintz, of Hammond, attended St. John Bosco; Payton Hewlett, of Hammond, attended Scott Middle; Monica Magallanes, of Hammond, attended Whiting Middle; Alyssa Morris, of Hammond, attended West Side Middle; Alejandra Perez, of East Chicago, attended St. Stanislaus; Reyna Reyes, of Hammond, attended St. Mary’s; Isabel Robles, of Whiting, attended St. John the Baptist; Lesley Vizcarra, of Hammond, attended St. Casimir; Brendan Zavesky, of Chicago, attended Grissom.

Valedictorian Megan Sullivan credits grandpa’s influence

Bishop Noll Class of 2018 valedictorian Megan Sullivan talks academics, sports and life after Noll.

Q: Valedictorian is a pretty big honor; was that something you were striving for in your high school career or was it more a happy result of a strong work ethic?

A: Originally it was a strong work ethic and that was just me, but I realized that I was in contention for it, so I made a more conscious effort to go for it.

Q: A lot of your time must be spent studying and whatnot, but you are also very involved in other things. Can you tell us about them?

A: I do a lot of sports: cross country, soccer, track, and swimming. I’m the president of the National Honor Society. A student ambassador. I’m on the spell bowl team. Retreat leader.

Biology club. National Speech and Debate Honor Society.

(Editor’s note: Megan was a captain of soccer, cross country and track. Megan was captain of the spell bowl team her senior year.

Megan was MVP for all her sports, and made it to regionals in track every year she competed. This year, Megan made it to semistate in cross country.)

Q: Who or what has (have) been your biggest influence(s) in high school?

A: My grandpa. He is always reminding me to work hard, that all my hard work is not going to go for nothing. He always asks how my classes are going and encourages me to give my all in school and extra-curriculars. He is my No. 1 fan.

Q: What are your future plans?

A: “I want to be a physician assistant and have chosen Valparaiso University. I have been admitted into their accelerated 5-year master of physician assistant program. This means I will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences after three years and then automatically matriculate into the two years of the master’s program. I also plan on continuing my running career in cross country and track.”

To read more about Megan, visit bishopnoll.org.

Salutatorian becomes Noll's 12th Lilly Scholar

Making his childhood dreams come true, Bishop Noll senior Michael Quintero has been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which covers four years of undergraduate tuition, plus a yearly book stipend, for any public or private Indiana college or university.

Michael was one of only six Lake County students and 143 Indiana students total to receive the scholarship. In Lake County, the scholarship is given by the Legacy Foundation.

“Receiving this scholarship is the biggest honor and it is the biggest accomplishment of my life,” he said. “It is a huge honor to represent Bishop Noll and Lake County with this scholarship.

Nothing but glory to God for this opportunity—I have known about this scholarship since I was little and I always thought how cool it would be to win. Now I actually get to live out this childhood dream. It is a huge humbling accomplishment that makes me happy to know that I have made an impact in school and in my community.”

Michael is Bishop Noll's 12th Lilly Scholarship winner since the statewide program began in 1998.

Michael is captain of the basketball and cross country teams at Bishop Noll and a eucharist minister at St. John the Baptist.

He also volunteers throughout his community. He plans to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette and study mechanical engineering.

To read more about Michael, visit bishopnoll.org.

campus ministry The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy! –Psalm 126

By Stacia Bolakowski Campus Minister When I am stressed out or sad, I take a break from whatever I am doing and write an “entry of gratitude” in the pocket journal I always carry with me. Not only does such an exercise cheer me up, but it also gives me opportunity to become centered in a short amount of time. A typical entry might look like this:

I am thankful for…

• My niece Grace • Silence • The smell of lilacs in the springtime • Having a great day in the classroom with students • Reading a good book on a rainy afternoon • Doritos (especially the original nacho cheese flavor) It amazes me how something so simple works so incredibly well in getting me focused and back on a positive track. Sometimes I can become so bogged down in the ups and downs of daily activities that it’s tough for me to see that big picture of happiness that life is supposed to be about. I usually write an entry every day right before I go to bed; but lately, it seems that my little journal is getting more of a workout than ever! I am writing two to three entries a day. Am I that much more unhappy or bogged down? No. In fact, I believe the opposite is true. I am finally coming to realize how happy I am in life, and I am finding more ways to show it and share it with others.

It is no coincidence that my recent need to write more gratitude entries than my normal one-a-day started during the season of Lent. This season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving is known as a time to reflect and refocus our energies on what matters in life. For me, it’s my family, friends, passions, interests, and most importantly, my relationship with the one true Christ.

My gratitude also took on a new dimension this Lent with my participation in Operation Rice Bowl (ORB). A new project at Noll this Lent sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, ORB helped me to remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than I around the world. Through my physical Lenten sacrifice this year—no pop for me!—I was able to financially contribute

save the date Our Bishop Noll Blue Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. April 25.

Alumni, especially those in emergency service fields, are encouraged to attend this all school Mass in uniform. For information or to RSVP, please e-mail sbolakowski@bishopnoll.org.

to making long-lasting change for families that want to rise out of poverty through education, employment, and other social opportunities. I am grateful that I was able to contribute to the good of others and our society in such a small but meaningful way. It is my hope that the students, faculty, and staff did the same. Our 2018 goal was to raise $175. ORB donation banks were available in every BNI classroom and office. Please pray that our simple goal was met and exceeded!

Now it’s my turn to ask you: What were you grateful for during this Lent? How did you put your love into action to make the season of Easter one of joy and celebration? Are you willing to start today? My prayer is that you are able to share your gratefulness with others now and always. Peace.

Lead Me Lord theme takes on greater meaning

7 The Most Rev. Donald J. Hying visits with Bishop Noll students following an all school assembly. Shown, from left, are senior Lindsay Ferrell, sophomore Angela Martinez Cantera, Bishop Hying, sophomore Nora Wragg and sophomore Angel Guerrero.

Bishop Donald J. Hying visited Bishop Noll recently to share with students a pastoral perception of Lead Me Lord, our school theme for 2017-18.

The bishop’s talk focused on Theology of the Body and how the students’ bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

“We have a body not by accident but by God’s design, and God has a plan for each of us both as spirit and as flesh.”

He reminded the students that “You are beautiful and precious and you are loved. Sadly we live in a world where we probably hear a lot more negative messages than positive about ourselves… today I want you to hear a positive image and a positive image from someone who cancels the negative images, and that is God Himself. When God looks at you, He doesn’t look at what you don’t have. He doesn’t look at your imperfections….

He sees an image of Himself.”

sports news 1988 Final Four Team reunites!

Kneeling, from left, are Head Coach Jack Gabor and Kevin Bobos. Standing are Chris Adzia, Assistant Coach Rick Tolin, Jim Bradtke, Nykee McCoy, Robb Radziwiecki, Terry Austin, Skip McCoy, friends of the program Janet Moore, Marie Harmon.

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On Jan. 20, during halftime of the boys’ basketball game, Bishop Noll recognized Coach Jack Gabor and his Final Four team from 1988. The celebration took place in honor of the 30th anniversary of one of the greatest athletic accomplishments in our school’s illustrious 97-year history.

The 1988 Warriors won 21 games and advanced to the Final Four in Indianapolis in what used to be a single-class tournament.

Stay up to date on your favorite Warrior teams.

Visit bishopnollathletics.org.

Hammond Sports Hall of Fame honors 3 BNI alumni

Warrior Athletic Council makes difference

The Athletic Department started the Warrior Athletic Council this year to create a sports organization that leads the community of BNI and the Athletic Department with strong, moral studentathletes. Brandi Krolak, athletic director, said, “I started it to give athletes a different way to be in service to their community, especially being involved in something they already love to do. It was a natural extension of the mission of Bishop Noll.”

The group helped coordinate the winter pep rally and also participated in Adopt-A-Friend with Campus Ministry.

Members of the Warrior Athletic Council wrapped presents for Bishop Noll’s Adopt-a-Friend program.

The Most Rev. Dale J. Melczek, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Gary, congratulates Bishop Noll Institute's Michael Quintero after the BNI senior received the Leadership Award.

Every year at the Calumet Region Sportsmanship Dinner, which precedes the IHSAA boys basketball sectionals, one player of the approximately 400 in attendance from 30 region high schools is recognized with the special Leadership Award that comes with a cash scholarship for college.

This year's honoree, announced at the 64th annual dinner, was none other than Bishop Noll's salutatorian, Lilly Scholar and Warrior co-captain, Michael Quintero.

Read more about Michael and his accomplishments on P. 6.

John Bobalik ’65 and Marcus Smith ’94 were 2018 inductees into the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame. John was honored for helping to popularize marathon and road race Shown, from left, are Bobalik, Anderson and Smith. running in NW Indiana. The former Boston marathoner overall completed 20 marathons—five during the 1970s in times of 2 hours, 39.1 minutes or faster. The former BNI and Lewis University runner also helped found the Calumet Region Striders Track Club and introduced the annual Highland Thanksgiving Pumpkin Plod road race. He coached at Noll, Highland and Munster High Schools. As a fitness expert, he initiated the Hammond Clinic Corporate Fitness Program and co-developed the Purdue University Northwest Fitness Center.

Marcus was a 1993 Class 3A all-state football wide receiver, but it was on the baseball field where the talented outfielder attracted big time attention. After belting four home runs in a single game as a high school senior and gaining numerous honors, he went on to play at Valencia Community College. In 1996 he received a scholarship offer from the University of Central Florida, but opted instead to sign and play with the Minnesota Twins farm system.

In addition to the inductees, Brittany Anderson ’17 received the Anderson-Peterson Family Distinguished Athlete Award, which is presented to 2017 graduates of Hammond schools who depict the qualities for which the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame was established: dedication, contribution, ability, service and citizenship.

Congratulations, Rita Menke ’76

Rita Menke ’76 (right) is a 2018 inductee into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

Rita was honored for coaching Belleville East softball to a record three state championships and is among a handful of Illinois coaches with more than 600 wins.

Bowling BNI Bowling standout Ameer Lawrence ’19 finished the IHSB post-season placing 7th in the State Finals in February, posting a

solid 624 (190-212-222) series en route to his top 10 finish among the 24 top high school bowlers in the state. More than 2,000 individual Indiana high schooler bowlers and 199 teams were entered into the 2017-18 Tournament culminating in the State Finals.

The All-Conference team leader and Conference Champion surely garnered enough points through the regular and post seasons to qualify for the prestigious All-State teams encompassing the state’s 15 best boys and girls bowlers.

Ameer Lawrence

Cross Country BNI had four runners qualify individually for Regionals including Mary Buksa, Tyler Dowd, Megan Sullivan, and Brendan Zavesky.

Both Tyler and Megan also qualified for Semi-State.

Girls Basketball The team won Sectionals for the fifth year in a row. Courtney Blakley ’21 was a Honorable Mention All-State.

Boys Soccer The Boys Soccer program made school history this fall with a great run and amazing season. The Warriors advanced to the final four during postseason, a feat that hasn’t been done since 1998. The team shocked the Region when they won the 2A Class Sectionals and Regionals.

Volleyball The Warriors had four members named to the All-State team.

Bella Kuechenberg, senior, was named to the 1st Team. Juniors Liz Buksa, Mary Markusic, and Alley Traciak were all named to the 2nd Team. That makes 10 Volleyball All-State selections for the Warriors in the ‎last five seasons.

9

As a Catholic institution, Bishop Noll is committed to educating the whole person—mind, body and $310,000 soul. Bishop Noll has provided a quality education to more than 20,000 students for 97 years, in part, because of grateful alumni, like you, who give back. Alumni support helps provide vital funds that $210,000 sustain the educational mission of inspiring academic achievement, building moral character, and nurturing spiritual growth.

To date, we have received gifts totaling more than $210,000 from 640 donors. We are so very grateful for your generosity. However, this number represents a small fraction of more than 14,000 living alumni who were educated at Bishop Noll Institute. If all of our alumni could make a gift of any kind, we would more than triple our goal! Imagine the possibilities!

We could offer more financial support to our many students in need, increase our teacher salaries and make many improvements to our aging school building. With three months to go in our fiscal year, we still need to raise $100,000.

Won’t you give back as thanks for the great education you received when you attended Noll?

If you have not had the opportunity to make your donation to our Annual Fund, we ask that you make yours today. There are a number of ways to send us your gift. Mail it to us at 1519 Hoffman St. Hammond, IN 46327. Visit www.bishopnoll.org and click on “Support BNI” to make your gift online, or call us and we would be happy to take your gift over the phone.

Contact Mary Ellen O’Neill in the Advancement Office at (219) 932-9058. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

10

Company Matching Gifts

Please check with your employer to see if your gift to Noll qualifies for a matching gift from the company. Many companies match—sometimes as much as two to three times— the amount of dollars their employees or retirees donate. We receive more than $30,000 each year in matching gifts! If your employer does provide matching gift dollars for education, obtain the appropriate form and send it with your gift to Bishop Noll. We will do the rest!

At 70 ½, charitable contributions a win-win

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow taxpayers over the age of 70 ½ to make charitable contributions from their IRAs tax-free to a qualified charity. The amount donated also counts toward the Required Minimum Distribution that you are mandated by law to take from your IRA every year after turning 70 ½.

You are allowed to contribute up to $100,000 per year tax free to qualified charities such as BNI. For more information, visit bishopnoll.org and click the “Ways to Give” tab, or contact BNI Director of Advancement Mary Ellen O’Neill at (219) 932-9058, ext. 1002, or moneill@bishopnoll.org.

We are grateful for any consideration you might give toward this method of donation.

1921 Society….Leaving a Legacy

We invite you to become a partner in advancing our mission for the future by making a planned gift to Bishop Noll Institute. A planned gift gives you the opportunity to leave your legacy in the halls of BNI and in the hearts and minds of our students for generations to come.

BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING • A planned gift makes an important impact to Bishop Noll Institute that doesn’t cost you anything during your lifetime, but that is priceless as part of the legacy that you leave behind.

• A planned gift is a witness of your desire to be a good steward of the gifts God has given you.

• A planned gift may have some financial tax benefits for you and can add protection to your assets.

• Regardless of your income level, there are several ways you can make a significant contribution to Bishop Noll Institute through a planned gift, including bequests/wills, a gift of real estate, trusts and annuities and beneficiary designations naming Bishop Noll on a life insurance policy, IRA, 401(k) or a savings account.

When you inform us of your planned gift intent, you become a member of the 1921 Society, named for the year Catholic Central High School was founded. The 1921 Society recognizes you among those who have a special commitment to Bishop Noll Institute’s mission of providing excellent academics in a community of Catholic values.

If you would like to know more about making a planned gift to benefit Bishop Noll Institute, please contact Mary Ellen O’Neill at (219) 932-9058, ext. 1002, or moneill@bishopnoll.org., or you can give an unrestricted gift that will be used where ye chance to leave used where needed most

Learning the power of service to others

Our students continue to make us proud by helping others.

Bishop Noll collected more than 800 jars of peanut butter for our annual Peanut Butter Drive. The jars were donated to the Food Bank of NWI. A recent Heartland Blood Centers blood drive provided 59 blood products—our highest donation amount in recent years.

Our Baby Bottle Collection raised $1,472 for the Women’s Care Center in Hammond, which provides free, confidential counseling, support and education to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

During the Christmas season, Warriors participated in the Diocese of Gary’s Adopt-a-Friend program! All of our adopted friends and their families attended a special party held at Noll where they received their gifts, dined at our spaghetti dinner and attended the band and choir’s Christmas concert.

In addition, the Bishop Noll Hockey Team donated toys and gifts to Haven House, an emergency shelter located in Hammond.

Hall of Honor recognizes 2 alums dedicated to Noll

For their dedication to Bishop Noll Institute, Albert J. LaMere and Scott D. Fech were this year’s inductees into the Hall of Honor.

Both recipients were honored Nov. 9 during the annual donor reception and Hall of Honor induction.

Al, who was honored in the category of Outstanding Scott D. Fech and Al LaMere Leadership, has a long and faithful history with Bishop Noll, which was still known as Catholic Central High School when he graduated in 1942.

His wife, Dorothy, was a beloved English literature teacher at the school for many years and the couple’s eight children all attended Bishop Noll.

When he served as a state senator in the late 1960s, Al was a trailblazer in the effort to support private education.

“Al as a leader in his community and as a leader in Catholic schools, has always been a strong believer in Catholic education,” said Mary Ellen O’Neill, Noll’s Director of Advancement, at the Hall of Honor ceremony.

Of being named to the Hall of Honor, Al said he feels close to Bishop Noll because it affected his whole life from his career to his wife and children. “You think about divine intervention, and I had so many instances right here at this school, so I believe what you are doing here is correct and I thank you for that.”

Scott, who was honored in the Outstanding Alumnus category, graduated from Bishop Noll in 1985 and went on to serve as principal from 2002-2008.

“Those were challenging years for Bishop Noll and Scott got us on the right course. He did some great things that have really contributed to the success of Bishop Noll,” said friend and 1985 classmate Michael Whelan.

Scott returned to Noll as principal to reconnect with his Catholic identity, Whelan said. Scott’s successes included the 1:1 laptop program and introducing the Mandarin Chinese program.

His tenure also saw growth in Noll’s enrollment numbers.

“Dr. Fech was known for walking the halls and knowing the students by their first names. He remains in contact with hundreds of former students and his classmates,” Whelan said.

Of being inducted into the Hall of Honor, Scott said he was humbled and shocked. The 12th member of his family to attend Noll, he was honored to have gone to high school here and come back as principal.

“I am so pleased with how things continue to grow,” he said.

Raffle Winners

Marissa Radziwiecki ’14 makes a difference at IU

giving back

annual fund update

From her mom to her first-grade teacher to her teachers at Bishop Noll, a number of strong women influenced Marissa Radziwiecki growing up.

Now as a senior at IU, the East Chicago native and Bishop Noll Class of 2014 alumna, has welcomed every opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation.

Between joining a sorority, serving as a resident assistant and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters at IU, Marissa discovered what she's most passionate about: courtesy of James making a difference in the lives of Photo Brosher, IU Communications others, especially young women.

Her time at Noll helped develop that giving spirit.

“We were always encouraged to do community service work in high school, and we had a lot of school-wide programs that practiced this including the peanut butter drive and other pantry collections,” she said. The required community service hours were also helpful because they showed her she could help people in the real world.

Another big factor that drove her passion for helping others was participating in Kairos. “This retreat was one of the most impactful experiences I had at Noll and I am fortunate to have been a part of the founding year of Kairos. Reflecting back on my time at Noll, I remember to live the fourth every day and I strive to make an impact wherever I go in the world. I have carried with me the values of service, diversity, and leadership that I established at Noll and continue to think of ways that I can implement these values in my everyday life.”

Marissa, a 21st Century Scholar student studying psychology, has many big plans for her future including traveling abroad to fight for human rights around the world. We are inspired by her dedication to causes close to her heart and can't wait to see what the future holds for her. To read more about Marissa, visit bishopnoll.org.

While at IU, Marissa participated in a study abroad experience to India. This opened her eyes to the possibility of having a global impact. “The kids really got me,” she said. “They had nothing. But they were still so happy; they didn't know what else was out there.”

Thank you to everyone who supported the Bishop Noll Raffle.

Listed are the winners, drawn at a student assembly on Nov. 28, 2017.

GRAND PRIZE $ 20,000 Terry Smith—East Chicago 2nd Prize $ 5,000 Marco Hernandez—Hammond 3rd Prize $ 2,500 Ed Barlow—Whiting 4th Prize $ 500 M. Teresa Cuadra—East Chicago 5th Prize $ 500 Elijah Gomez—Hammond 6th Prize $ 500 Norm Hill—Whiting 7th Prize $ 500 Kevin Keak and Tracy Martin—Chicago

BNI student Aniya Nwabuko calls her mom to let her know she won $20,000 in the fall raffle.

11

L ove Stories BNI

1955, 1956

Deanna (Dee) Burns ’56 & Dr. Richard Reffkin ’55 Married: 1959 at St. Joseph’s Church Family: Three children, two grandchildren The couple met in the hallways at BNI in 1955. They dated throughout their college years before getting married in 1959.

They lived in Dayton, Ohio, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where Dick served as a dental officer before moving to Munster for 42 years. They currently live in St. John.

“We both remember happy times and many friends who we still see now from our Bishop Noll days!”

1962 12

Marianne Bonner & Edward (Eddie) Polito Married: Feb. 13, 1965 Family: Two children The couple met summer before freshman year and were part of the freshman class Noll did not have room for.

“Our freshman year was spent at St. Joseph’s in Hammond. We had some classes together and being in the small class at St Joe’s, we began dating.”

1962, 1963

Diane Pernal ’63 and Bob Maleski ’62 Married: Aug. 27, 1966 Family: Two children, four grandchildren Diane met Bob met in 1961 during the Fall Operetta. After graduate school at Purdue (Diane, MS, speech pathology, Bob PhD, organic chemistry), they moved to Kingsport, Tenn., in 1972.

They celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary in Paris in 2016 with their two children and their families.

We asked for your BNI love stories and were overwhelmed by the response we received. Some met in class, others on stage or on the field, but attending Bishop Noll set them all on the course to true love.

MET ON STAGE 1968, 1969

Leah Rosen ’69 & Dan Marias ’68 Married: October 6, 1973 Family: A son The couple met on stage during the class musical “West Side Story.” Dan was the student director and Leah played a Jet girlfriend.

“We started dating during ‘West Side Story’ rehearsals—went together through college and married after Leah graduated in 1973.”

The couple, who live in St. John, continue to love theater— both musicals and drama. They recently saw "Beautiful"—the Carole King musical.

1969

Anoinette (Toni) Kaczorowski & Dominick Oliverio Married: May 1975 Family: Two sons The couple met in 1969 in Mrs. Grace Kovach's senior year homeroom.

“We were both 17 years old at the time. After an on again/off again relationship, we married in 1975. We traveled the country, living in Indiana, Virginia, Colorado (x 2), Illinois, Texas, and Michigan while raising two sons. We are now both retired and will be celebrating our 43rd anniversary this year. I met the love of my life at BNI and am a very lucky fellow for meeting that young beauty 48 years ago.”

Eileen Cosgrove ’69 & Rich Gajda ’68 Married: Aug. 12, 1972, by Father Matthew Brozovic from Bishop Noll Family: Three children and a grandson The couple met during the 1967 BNI production of “My Fair Lady.”

“We started out as friends and the friendship continues to this day!

“Father Matthew Brozovic taught us at Bishop Noll and married us.

Brother Eamon Gavin, principal of boys at BNI back in 1968, attended our wedding. He also attended our oldest daughter’s wedding in 2002 and gave a beautiful Irish toast. Great memories started with attending Bishop Noll!”

The couple continues to remain devoted Warriors and enjoys meeting up with classmates at Homecoming and the annual Big Event.

Lisa Kozlowski ’88 & Dave Kusiak ’87 Married: May 13, 1995 It was love at first sight for the couple.

“The first time I saw Lisa was the fall of 1985 near the entrance to the Field House. At that point, I knew I would marry her.

Lisa and I ran into each other at Carmello’s in March 1992 and started to date seriously that summer.

“We hung out with different crowds during our Noll days but seven years later fate brought us together and we would eventually marry.”

The couple lives in Munster and remains involved in Bishop Noll alumni events.

2012

Jordan Kusiak & Josh Galgan Engaged: Dec. 19, 2017. Wedding planned for Nov. 2, 2019.

The couple met in freshman seminar on the first day of freshman year with Coach Jara (now Principal Pastrick) as their teacher.

“Josh asked me to be his girlfriend on Oct. 31, 2008.

We started out as friends immediately as we had a few classes together. We talked every day and realized we really liked each other. We’ve been dating ever since!

“We made it through 4 years of long distance in college. Josh went to play football at Benedictine in Lisle, Illinois and I went to Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.” ​ The couple recently moved to Chicago where they both work.

SECOND GENERATION LOVE STORY

“My mother, Lisa Kusiak ’88, and my father, David Kusiak ’87, met at Bishop Noll and have been married for over 23 years. Josh's mother, Susan Galgan ’84 and Josh’s father, Bill Galgan’85, met at Bishop Noll as well and have been married for over 26 years.”

1971

Dorothea (Dori) Santare & Kevin Doolin Married: June 6, 1975 Family: Three children, four grandchildren

1968, 1969

1987, 1988

During their sophomore year, Dori asked Kevin to the Turnabout dance and the rest is history. They dated throughout high school and were named Class Couple of 1971. They continued dating throughout college and were married in 1975. Father Patrick J. Connolly, who had taught both of them in religion class at Noll, presided over their wedding. They have been happily married for 42 years and currently live in Crown Point.

“We would never have met without BNI!”

1975

Diana Molle Cirilo & (Cy) Rangel Married: 1983 Family: Three daughters The couple met at Noll in 1975 as freshmen in the Noll marching band.

“Being in band we were able to share many of the same

experiences and friends, not to mention football and basketball games, halftime shows, musicals, concerts, band tours, and numerous solo and ensemble contests.”

They went on their first date in January of their junior year.

“Diana and I were voted Class Couple for our class. Because we came from the same class and share so many friendships, we have happily managed all three of our class reunions as a team. We are beginning to plan our 40th reunion now.”

1985

Teresa Scanlon & Bill Massoels Married: Sept. 1, 1990 at Our Lady of Grace in Highland Family: Three children The couple met in homeroom in fall 1981 but didn’t begin dating until February 1985—their senior year.

“We both were athletes and played basketball. I not only played on the girl’s team but I kept stats for the boy’s team. We used to joke around a great deal during

basketball season as to what counts as an assist and what does not. We finally went out to Aurelio’s Pizza with others after a basketball game. One day after school as I was walking with Bill to detention (he got a detention from Mr. Golden for not wearing socks that day), he asked me to prom.”

1993

1988

“We discovered that we were First Communion partners in second grade at St. John Bosco as we were going through an old box of pictures at my parents’ house.”

Kelly Barnes & Jim Bradtke Married: Sept. 20, 1997 Family: Son, Ryan, currently a junior at BNI; daughter, Riley

Candace Hass & Joel Wadas Married: June 20, 1998 at St. John Bosco Church Family: Three children The couple met Jan. 11, 1991, at a home basketball game and started dating shortly after when Joel asked for Candace’s phone number.

The couple met freshman year (84) in Mr. Joyce's algebra class.

“I originally was in Mr. Nowak's algebra class but asked to be transferred to Mr. Joyce's class where I first met Jim. We never had another class together at Noll.

We did end up going to the same college. We dated on and off throughout college but decided it was time to go our separate ways when we graduated. Not sure why but three years later I decided to call him to see how things were. We began dating again and two years later we were married.” The couple remains devoted Warriors.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us. We unfortunately could not fit all the love into these two pages of Noll Today, but will run the remainder in the fall.

To read all of the stories in their entirety, please visit www.bishopnoll.org/love-stories.

13

noll notes 1948

Ann Babinec and her husband, Jim, celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary and write they have had many happy years together.

1949

Charles Coddington wants to wish all his Bishop Noll family and friends a happy and healthy 2018.

1952

David Halton ’52 and Helen Felicichia Halton ’54 continue to enjoy their time, now in their 19th year of retirement, in Delaware.

“Our oldest grandson was married in May and we will have a granddaughter getting married in October 2018. Time flies!”

1954

Dolores Gohde Simmons and her husband Joe celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Oct. 12, 2017. They have four children— all Noll alums—13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

1956 14

Marilyn Giedemann Woidat writes that she is reaping the rewards of having obtained an excellent high school education.

In 2017, three of her 11 grandchildren were the first to graduate from college. Two are TFAs in low income areas in the south and the third is a CPA at PWC in Chicago.

1957

Bob Hirsh enjoyed the 60th class reunion in September. “It was great!” he wrote. “Thanks to the organizing group. God bless!”

1958

James Turnes lives in Michigan and retired from the USAF in October 1980.

1963

This past June, Thomas Hoy and Tim Mertz celebrated their 50th reunion at John Caroll University.

1964

1959

Brad Smith retired from AT&T and is living in Cape Coral, Fla.

Joseph and Joyce Sallak continue to be snowbirds, wintering in Phoenix, Arizona.

1966

The Hon. William J. Borah is a judge with the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

Colleen Ward Mayes and Ed Mayes wrote about lifetime friendships formed at Bishop Noll.

They have renewed wonderful friendships with John and Jennifer Schreiner, Joe and Eloise Janostak, Nano Cloghessy Dubish and Dick Dubish, Joan Coastanza Meister and Dick Meister, Roseanne Beres Karolik and Ken Karolik, Pat Logan Thomas, Connie Tomaszoski Puppillo and Ruth Strode Robertson.

1967

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Igras enjoyed the 50th class reunion at Teibel’s and renewing old friendships and missing friends who have passed. Edward retired from ArcelorMittal in July 2017 after 49 years of service starting with Youngtown Sheet and Tube.

He also went across the pond to London to visit No. 1 daughter Katie in August.

1960

James Bragiel has been retired from the Hammond Fire Department since 2004, 39 years.

1968

1961

Mary Knutson O'Sullivan Tanis writes, “Having enjoyed so many class reunions, many of my classmates have discussed the importance of friendships made at Noll as well as connections after graduation. We continue to cherish those friendships and depend on those connections. In 2000, I was elected to the St. John Township Board and in 2010, I was was elected to the Dyer Town Council.

I have continued in that office and hope to run again in 2018. After teaching at Kahler Middle School for 40 years, the town council maintains my commitment to the community I have served. The Bishop Noll experience rooted our values and respect for others. Our teachers at Noll instilled in all the love of learning.”

Edward Labus and Darlene Kroll Labus ’62 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 4, 2017.

THEN ALUMNI FLASHBACK

A few years after “West Side Story” hit theaters in 1961—the famous musical made its way to Bishop Noll in 1968 (pictured above). The story of rival gangs and the star-crossed lovers in the center of it all continues to resonate with audiences today will again be brought to life this year as BNI’s spring musical.

NOW

Maria Margarita Ayala is enjoying “La Vida” with her husband, Roger, in Trophy Club, Texas. She retired in June 2015 from Fort Worth School District as a bilingual dual language program and early childhood teacher.

“I’ve worn many hats, too extensive to list,” she writes.

“What I will say is that the strong foundation forged in my parochial, primary and secondary education afforded me the privilege of leaving positive imprints on every road traveled!”

1969, 1970

Gerry and Andrea (Weber) Knesek received a wonderful education at BNI.

1973

Barbara Tonkovich Zeile serves as deputy director of the John Ungler Charter School Center of Central Michigan University.

1974

Mary Anne Pullen Neiner writes that she is feeling blessed to be able to support adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Lake County, Indiana, through Planting Possibilities (plantingpossibilities. org).

“West Side Story” will be performed April 20–22 and 28–29 in the Bishop Noll Auditorium.

We would love to have alumni return to Noll and check out this timeless production. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and visit bnitheatre.weebly.com for more information on tickets as the date nears.

Dave Dolak (shown above) paid his annual visit to Bishop Noll science classes this winter. Dave, a professor at Columbia College Chicago, entertained the students with his interactive talk about the geology of the Region and physics of musical instruments.

1977

Sam Biedron writes that it was great to be back at BNI for his 40th class reunion. “We really enjoyed the Friday night Tailgate, reconnecting with old and new friends. It was also great to see how the facilities have changed and improved.”

1989

James Tuttle recently retired from the U.S. Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after serving honorably on Active Duty for 26 years. James earned a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from Grantham University in 2014. He has now settled in the DFW area of Texas with his wife of 21 years and their three children.

1993

Corey Johnson is a lieutenant on Engine 61 of the Pike Township Fire Department in Indianapolis.

2001, 2003, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rokosz have had many blessings this year.

Daughter Emily Rokosz ’03 married Ryan Gleason on Sept.

29, 2017. Daughter Olivia Rokosz Marcket ’01 had her third child with husband, Aaron, on Feb. 2, 2018 (Milana Jaymes). Daughter Malory Rokosz Cap ’09 had her second child with husband, Jon, on Feb. 15, 2018 (Jason Everett.)

2004

15

Dominique Cherry married Aleki Rosemond Feb. 25, 2017. She is living in Houston and recently obtained her master’s degree in educational psychology from Kaplan University.

We Wan Your Ne t ws!

Please ta everyone ke a few minute s in know ho the Bishop No to let ll family w you are advance doing. E ment@ -mail or mail to bishopnoll.org : Bishop Advance Noll m 1519 H ent Office, offm Hammo an St., nd, IN 46327

SWENTKO MEMORIAL FIELD HOUSE The BNI Field House was recently dedicated to its newest namesake—Wallene Swentko ’63. As the highest bidder for the field house auction at the 2017 Big Event, Wallene and the Swentko family have the privilege of having the BNI field house in their name for the next 12 months.

Wallene was joined by some of her 1963 classmates as well as family and friends!

1976

BNI IN SOUTH BEND

Generations of Bishop Noll alumni had a mini reunion while tailgating at a Notre Dame game this fall.

Please remember those who have gone to their eternal rest.

Clifford Huber Stanley W. Mastey John B. Coriden Mary Lou Ginther James J. Ruff Stephen A. Bolanowski Robert J. Schumm Edward Beiriger Joseph Beiriger Eleanore Kijowski Bolanowski Joan Schuman Dalton Chester J. Ziemniak Phyllis Gal Tinsley Carl Zellers Frank Dybel Theodore J. Molson George Tricolas Francis P. Burdelak Lois Clover Kolb Alice Seyda Lillian Molcham Martin Anthony “Tony” Rendina C. Jerome Smith Dorothy Humpfer Zacny Anthony W. Barilla Richard Gauthier Patricia Orloff Tauchen Leo Neis Lorraine Wilk Vambakas Robert S. Kaminsky Peter J. Baum Catherine M. Curley Patricia Feeney Ewing James Merker Eleanor Kay Mirich John Nealon Mary Margaret “Peggy” Fisko Ripp Mary Smith Golon Irene Koleck Velasco

save the date

16

1939 1940 1941 1943 1943 1944 1944 1945 1945 1945 1945 1945 1946 1946 1947 1947 1947 1948 1948 1948 1949 1949 1949 1949 1950 1951 1951 1952 1952 1954 1955 1955 1955 1955 1955 1955 1955 1956 1956

1957 1958 1960 1961 1961 1961 1961 1962 1962 1965 1965 1966 1967 1967 1967 1967 1967 1968 1968 1968 1971 1971 1978 1985 1989 1995 1997 2009

David Sabo Mary Flint Spataro Richard Pelczar John R. Albert Milan “Shorty” Dotlich Mary Anne Huss Novelene Yatsko Walters Shelby Weiss Lofay Robert G. Molson Dennis E. Fleming Andrew Sciackitano Frank Stolarz Terri Bigheart Deborah L. Holland Mary Kalies Sturges William Moylan Charles Payne Daniel Mach Peter F. Murphy III Charles “Chuck” Stanukinas Ralph Matuszak Ted Peters Jacqueline Kocur St. Peters Timothy Frystak Lisa L. Nawrocki Joseph Pacheco Sarah Michelle Lampa Quincy Kelly

A note from the Advancement Office: If there is someone who has passed away who is part of the Bishop Noll family, we appreciate you letting us know. You can contact Mary Ellen O’Neill at 219-932-9058, ext. 1002 or e-mail at moneill@bishopnoll.org.

Thank You!

Former Employees Helen Rabinek Beverly Mullaney Dorothy Walters Former Teachers John R. Albert ’61 Terry Bigheart ’68 Laura Burgess Dorothy Snyder Kopanda Dear Friend of Bishop Noll Mr. Gerald W. O’Connell (husband of Patricia Quinn O’Connell ’48) Terril “Terri” Rae Bigheart graduated from Bishop Noll in 1968 and returned in 1971 as a teacher of health education, a coach, a sponsor, and a mentor to many. She continued her teaching career until she retired from Bishop Noll in 2000. She was loved and respected by many of her students whose lives she invariably touched and whom she lovingly referred to as her “kids.”

Stephen ’44 & Eleanore Kijowski ’45 Bolanowski were both Hall of Honor recipients. Stephen was a founding member of the Bishop Noll Institute Foundation and Eleanore taught at Noll from 1949-1951.

Beverly A. Mullaney and her husband, Phil, were such believers in and supporters of Catholic education that all five of their children attended all grade levels at Catholic schools including Bishop Noll. Beverly went on to serve in key administrative support roles at Bishop Noll. For her service and dedication, she was inducted into BNI's Hall of Honor in 2008.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Bishop Noll Golf Invitational Monday July 16, 2018 Innsbrook Country Club—Merrillville Scramble Format 11:30—lunch and registration 12:30—shot gun start 5:30—cocktails and dinner

For reservations call 219-932-9058 or email Juli Sandoval— jsandoval@bishopnoll.org

Join us for a fun-filled day in support of student scholars! $200 per person—includes lunch, golf & cart, drinks on the course, dinner and prizes. $100 young alum rate (2008–2018) Gather some classmates—make it a mini reunion— renew old friendships!

For more information, visit www.bishopnoll.org

If you have a graduation year ending in 8 or 3, 2018 is a reunion year for you!

The Advancement Office at Bishop Noll will gladly provide you with our most updated class list. If you would like to list your class reunion information on our website, we're happy to do that as well. Just contact Mary Ellen O’Neill, Director of Advancement, moneill@bishopnoll.org or Jennifer Florek, communications specialist, at jflorek@bishopnoll. org. We’ll do our best to provide you with the information you need to help make your class reunion a success. Remember to send pictures of your reunion so that we can share them in Noll Today.

Class of 1978

The Class of 1978 is planning its 40th reunion. They have a Facebook page set up or classmates can e-mail anitasleeman@gmail.com.

Class of 1998

Save the date for the class of 1998 20-year reunion. The event is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. Follow the Bishop Noll Institute Class of 1998 page on Facebook for more details or contact Katherine Garza or Scot Kokandy at Katherine.j.garza@gmail.com or SKokandy@gmail.com.

1977 Reunion

Members of the Bishop Noll Class of 1977 celebrated their 40th reunion this fall. Fortythree classmates and 15 spouses returned to attend at least one of the weekend activities (Homecoming game/Tailgate, Saturday dinner at 18th Street Brewery in Hammond, and Sunday All-Alumni Mass at Our Lady of Grace.)

The following classes have announced plans for their reunions:

Class of 1958

Bishop Noll Class of 1958 will have its 60th class reunion at 4 p.m. Sept. 15, 2018, at Patrician Banquets in Schererville, Ind. Reservations and more information to come. Contact Carol Janz Barker at barker63@ att.net or (219) 365-4579 or JoAnn Hajduko Noce at domanjo@comcast.net or (219) 923-3095.

reunions

in memoriam

Class of 1968

Bishop Noll Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50th reunion in September 2018. A casual get together will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 at the House of Pizza, and a reunion dinner will follow at Briar Ridge Country Club starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Hotel arrangements are available at the Hampton Inn in Schererville.

For more information contact Dennis Fech at dgf1950@ gmail.com. Classmates are also encouraged to join the group “BNI Class of 1968” on Facebook.

1987 Reunion

The Bishop Noll Class of 1987 celebrated its 30th reunion this September.

Classmates reunited at Byway Brewing Company in Hammond.

1997 Reunion

The Bishop Noll Class of 1997 had a great time celebrating their 20th reunion this fall.

The classmates reunited during Homecoming weekend. Festivities included our annual Tailgate Party and a class reunion dinner at Halls of St. George.

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Then and Now The Bishop Noll experience has transformed students since 1921. Compare these classroom photos from 1968 and 2018.

Technology may change a lot in 50 years, but we continue to offer something no other school can—an education embedded in the love of God. That difference is what has kept families choosing Bishop Noll for almost a century.