Spotlight on the Warriors excelling in mind, body and soul

Maria Emilia Quiroga: Lilly Scholarship recipient

• The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides four years of full tuition, required fees and a yearly book stipend for any public or private Indiana college or university.

• Quiroga was one of only six Lake County current seniors to receive the scholarship and is BNI’s 13th Lilly Scholar since the statewide program began in 1998.

• Plans to study marketing at the University of Notre Dame

• Named a 2023 graduate with distinction for achieving a GPA of at least 4.0

• Serves as a Student Ambassador and is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Women's Empowerment Club, Hispanic Student Union and Biology Club

“I’m really proud of all the achievements that have led me here, big and small,” Quiroga said. “Whether it was speaking at Bishop Noll’s Centennial gala or getting an A on my sophomore English test that I studied for. Every single thing and achievement that I’ve had here at BNI has led me to this, and I’m so grateful.

“I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead and all the doors that have opened. I am also so extremely grateful for all the teachers and faculty at Bishop Noll who have helped me get this scholarship. This was not an effort I made alone. Most importantly, I would love to thank my mom, who is the reason for all my achievements. I don’t have words in my vocabulary to thank her.”

Bishop Noll Principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick said Quiroga encompasses what she wants all BNI students to be.

“She pushes herself, she perseveres, and she does so with grace and humility as she genuinely displays what it means to be a missionary disciple,” Pastrick said. “Of course, the Lilly Scholarship is a great accomplishment, but knowing Maria, I am confident this will be one of many more accomplishments that she will achieve in her near and far future. I have seen her come in as a timid freshman, withstand a pandemic, and become a model leader in our school community.”

Mariana Gonzalez: STEM star

• Currently enrolled in Honors Chemistry and Principles of Biomedical Science

• Completed a certified nurse aid (CNA) course on her own time

• Took a separate class to receive her CPR certification

• An active student in several extracurriculars, Gonzalez is used to balancing her time between activities and academics. She said her classes and teachers have helped prepare her to excel in the future.

• Plans to study medicine or aerospace/robotics engineering

• Planning to minor in Spanish, “since you don’t see many Hispanic/Latino doctors and engineers. I hope to be very successful in my career by taking on any opportunities that are shown to me.”

Calling Mariana Gonzalez a forward thinker might be an understatement. After all, she was only a sophomore when she completed an outside course in becoming a certified nurse aide, a course that jump-started her hopes for a career in medicine.

As a current junior, Mariana has passed her final exam and received her CNA license. She plans to seek work experience in clinics and nursing homes, all while continuing to advance in her STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education at Noll that she credits for increasing her desire to make a difference in the medical arena, perhaps even as a surgeon.

“Biomedical science was a great class choice for me since we are learning clinical topics and also about the body,” she said.

Ms. Rebecca Dostatni ’00, Gonzalez’s Principles of Biomedical Science teacher, said the class – one of various electives available in Noll’s STEM program – is designed for those with a special interest in science and the medical field. Students research processes with an introduction to bioinformatics. They investigate the human body systems and various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and infectious diseases.

“Bishop Noll has pushed me to try my hardest in all of my classes, a skill I need for when I transition to college,” Gonzalez said. “My teachers challenge me in my classes, which is great because I really love and look forward to a good challenge. It pushes my excitement toward learning. In other ways, my family is a big reason why I want to succeed. I’m the youngest in a huge family, and my older siblings and cousins are always supporting me and pushing me to be the best version of myself.”

Luke Buksa: Eagle Scout

• Member of Thunderbird District, Boy Scout Troop 542

• Athlete on BNI’s football, swimming and track teams

• Member of National Honor Society, Student Athletic Council and Chess Club

• Serves as a student athletic trainer

• Favorite class/teacher: Mr. Pillar’s business management class. (“Someday I’d like to start a business.”)

Luke Buksa is used to working hard at Noll, maintaining good grades while excelling as a three-sport athlete. But he also works hard outside of school and that dedication was honored this February, when he received the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting.

As a final step in achieving the rank, Buksa had to complete a project that demonstrated leadership skills and helped the community. He spent more than 100 hours on the project and had to find donors to reach his fundraising goal of $1,000. His project was remodeling the bridal room at St. Bridget Church in Hobart with the approval of Rev. Ben Ross, pastor. This included painting walls, installing flooring in a basement storage room; adding mirrors, chairs, a rug and refinishing a makeup table.

“A huge congratulations to Luke on his achievement of Eagle Scout,” said Noll teacher Jose Arteaga ’13. “While this is amazing news and a great honor, I am not surprised because Luke is a leader inside and outside of the classroom. I have Luke for Dual Credit Government and have found him to be a very mature and thoughtful young man who always brings unique insights to class discussions.”