Bishop Noll Institute Noll Today: Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

Bishop Noll Institute turns

IN THIS ISSUE Centennial Gala Invitation Noll names patron saint Big Reinvent & Golf Outing News Alumni on the front lines of COVID

a letter from the principal Dear Bishop Noll Family, Happy Easter 2021. Easter is the greatest holiday we celebrate as Catholics. It is the holiday when our Lord, through his resurrection, provides us salvation! Easter is a time of great celebration. Last Easter’s celebration looked different than any in my lifetime. We missed breaking bread with our parish, Easter egg hunts with our neighbors, and Easter dinner with our family. Instead, my husband, children and I dressed up and watched Mass in our living room.

One year ago, on March 13, 2020, I was asked as a principal to close the doors of Bishop Noll—doors that hadn’t been closed for close to 100 years. Reflecting on the past 365 days, I’m amazed at the sacrifices we have all made in order to persevere through this difficult time. Every member of our BNI staff had to reimagine his or her role and create basic day-to-day activities in the safest possible atmosphere for our students. In the past 365 days, we have provided meaningful and effective instruction in the classroom and in the living room. In the past 365 days, we have learned to nurture a healthy learning and social environment in a world that requires face masks and 6 feet of social distance. In the past 365 days, we have turned to our foundation—OUR FAITH— to persevere. We continue to look to that FAITH as motivation for the future.

Looking back on springtime a year ago, we didn’t know how long we were going to close or what we would have to do. But we did what we were taught as young BNI students. We did our homework. We implemented plans to uphold the utmost safety

for our students and staff. As a staff we promised our students we would do whatever possible to serve them safely and provide a quality Catholic education. Last spring, we thought our world was flipped upside down, but at Bishop Noll we have been able to persevere. While our Centennial year of celebrations is not as we originally planned, it is still awesome to say that OUR SCHOOL, Bishop Noll, on its 100th birthday has been able to serve students both in building and virtually! As many schools closed their doors for the year, we opened ours with FAITH as our foundation.

Last year, when we missed our traditional Easter, we were confused. I now realize that we didn’t lose them. The past 365 days have taught us how to better appreciate them. When I was subbing in a class one day, one of our students openly voiced that what she most hopes to take away from this experience is an appreciation for the parts of life—family gatherings, hugs and Mass—that she previously had taken for granted. I pray that the past 365 days may remind us that Our Lord suffered and died on the cross to save us and provide us a path for eternal happiness.

I pray that the past 365 days have made us all appreciate the things we took for granted, and that we took time to build a stronger faith foundation during this turbulent time. I pray that 2021 may be filled with faith, hope and love in our homes, churches and communities. My hope for this Easter is that you were able to attend Mass, go to an Easter egg hunt, and have dinner with your family. We know some of those moments might have been virtual and we know they required masks, but I am confident that we will continue to find ways to celebrate with a deeper appreciation for our family and our FAITH. Happy Easter and God Bless,

Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01 Principal

Bishop Noll Institute, a diverse, Catholic college preparatory school, partners with local faith communities to empower young adults to live their faith in Christ through ministry, scholarship, and leadership.

2020-21 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

2020-21 BOARD OF LIMITED JURISDICTION

2020-21 FOUNDATION MEMBERS

Paul Mullaney ’77, President Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01, Principal Jaime Cavazos ’94, Assistant Principal Mary Ellen O’Neill, Director of Advancement Renee Nagdeman, Director of Finance Jeff Stur ’98, Director of Admissions Marisa Renwald, Technology Instructional Coach Stacia Bolakowski, Campus Minister Eric Roldan ’12, Athletic Director Paul McGrath, Facilities Manager

Most Reverend Robert J. McClory, Bishop Dr. Joseph Majchrowicz ’73, Director of Catholic Schools Jeff Cipowski ’83, Chairman Mark Cloghessy ’76, Vice Chairman Dr. Jeffrey Kristoff ’63, Secretary Larry Kalina ’69 Patrick McCloskey ’77 Dan Markovich ’98 Dr. Alex Molina ’98 Rev. Kevin Scalf, C.PP.S. David Skibinski ’76 Wallene Swentko ’63 Gregory Zagrocki ’82

Terry Quinn, President Marlene Vega Coulis ’79, Vice President Rev. Dominic Bertino, Treasurer Courtney Hilbrich Markovich ’95, Secretary Kenneth Wilk ’66

On the Cover Happy birthday to us! Thank you to Pete Doherty ’71/Doherty Images for photographing this beautiful 100th birthday cake crafted by Bianca Oria ’10/Tasty Treats Bakery.

Contact us

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

Director of Advancement Mary Ellen O’Neill Bishop Noll Advancement Office 1519 Hoffman St., Hammond, IN 46327 (219) 932-9058, ext. 1002 moneill@bishopnoll.org www.bishopnoll.org

CELEB R AT ING

You are cordially invited to Bishop Noll’s

GALA THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour 7 p.m. Dinner & Program 9 p.m. Fireworks

YEAR S O F ED UCATIO N

Bishop Noll Fieldhouse 1519 Hoffman Street Hammond, Indiana Semi-formal/cocktail attire $250 per ticket includes dinner, cocktails, program and more

NOTE: Events, dates and times are subject to change based on health department and state recommendations.

We encourage you to purchase your tickets to the gala online at forevernoll.givesmart.com. Tickets are also available by mailing in check payment with the order form below or contact (219) 932-9058, ext. 1005: advancement@bishopnoll.org.

Forever Noll Centennial Gala Ticket Order Form Name

Enclosed is my check for

Street Address

$__________ for________ seat(s) ($250 per seat, $2,500 per table)

City, State, Zip

Guest name(s):____________________________________________

Phone number Email address Mail this form with check made payable to BNI to: Bishop Noll Advancement Office 1519 Hoffman St., Hammond, IN 46327 NOTE: Please write separate checks if purchasing raffle tickets and/ or sending an Annual Fund donation. You may use the enclosed envelope to mail all items to BNI.

Please check if applicable: I cannot attend the Gala Event, but have enclosed a gift in honor of BNI's Centennial in the amount of $______________.

Please contact me via the information provided above to discuss sponsorship opportunities available to me or my business.

a message from our president So much to celebrate, and we will!

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Happy Birthday, Bishop Noll Family! In a matter of weeks, we will be wrapping up our 100th school year. What a milestone! What a reason to celebrate!

Never could we have imagined that our much anticipated year-long celebration, leading to our big centennial weekend celebration this September, would be altered by the most virulent pandemic to hit the United States since 1918, three years before our school was founded as Catholic Central High School.

All of our lives have been so greatly impacted by COVID-19, in many ways. Most importantly, we remember all BNI Family members who have died from this insidious disease and we pray for their eternal rest. In every edition of Noll Today, published spring and fall each year, we recognize and remember alumni, faculty and staff who have passed. Sadly, the list of recently deceased alumni toward the back of this magazine is the longest I recall.

Granted, not all these deaths are due to COVID-19, but a number are. We pray for all those listed, and we pray for the healing of those currently battling the virus and other ailments.

Fortunately, the arrival of 2021 has brought much hope.

At Bishop Noll, there have been minimal positive COVID-19 cases since we opened our doors to the school year in August. This is thanks to protocols put in place for a safe return to in-class learning; the diligent adherence to those practices by our faculty, staff, students, parents, coaches and maintenance team; and the advancement of our technology infrastructure in recent years allowing BNI students who prefer to—or need to—be at home to receive the same instruction their classmates are absorbing in our school building.

Our Class of 2021 moves closer to entering the next chapter of their lives and becoming our leaders of tomorrow. As of late February, about 90 percent of our seniors had completed their college application process.

As our students look to their futures, we carry that same hope and optimism into our centennial planning. Our Centennial Steering Committee continues to meet twice monthly and is committed to holding a safe anniversary weekend of events. We remain optimistic it will be this September knowing that – as of the deadline for this article—COVID statistics in Indiana and Lake County are the best they’ve been in more than five months and continue to improve.

Additionally, more and more of our BNI Family, including our alumni, are receiving or scheduling their vaccinations.

Our committee wants to ensure that any Centennial alumni events with in-person gatherings are held when (a) data shows COVID-19 transmission is negligible, (b) such gatherings are permissible by the state and county, and (c) all of our adult constituents have had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated.

If we feel these criteria cannot be met, we will postpone the celebration— most likely until next year near our Founders Day, Sept. 16, 2022. Such a decision would be made by early summer to give our stakeholders a chance to adjust travel and related plans.

In the meantime, we move forward. The information on these pages is intended to inform you of our celebration plans. We all agree the success of 100 years is monumental, and we owe it to the BNI Family to celebrate in grand style. One way or another, we will do so! We deserve it!

God bless you, and God bless Bishop Noll Institute.

Forever Noll,

Paul B. Mullaney ’77 President

100 years

of excellent educators

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Celebrating a legacy

The Bishop Noll community sent birthday wishes to alumna Lillian Schreiner Radigan, who turned 101 Jan. 14, 2021.

Students and staff recorded video birthday messages for Radigan, a 1938 graduate of Catholic Central, now known as Bishop Noll. She is believed to be the school’s oldest living graduate.

Lillian Schreiner Radigan, a 1938 graduate of Catholic Central High School, is shown on her 99th birthday in January 2019 (left) and during her Catholic Central days (right).

She is believed to be Bishop Noll’s oldest living graduate.

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Radigan was the ninth of 11 siblings to attend the school and said her parents, John L. and Henrietta Schreiner, chose Catholic Central because of their strong Catholic faith.

“We all went to Catholic grade school and then Catholic high school,” she said in a December interview. “They sacrificed a lot to get us there.”

In fact, the Schreiners have been part of the Bishop Noll legacy since Day One. On Catholic Central’s first day of class on Sept. 16, 1921, George Schreiner, Lillian’s oldest brother, was in attendance as a freshman. Siblings remained at the school for three decades, until the 11th, Carol, graduated in 1950. A number of the 11 siblings also sent their children to Bishop Noll, and subsequent-generation descendants attended Noll until 1990.

Lillian sang the praises of Catholic schools, especially the strong foundation her education provided her in life. Along with helping forge her own deep faith, it also led to lifelong relationships and provided many happy memories.

“I enjoyed my years at Catholic Central and it set me along my path. I think if you

have a good foundation, you can weather any storm,” she said. “It doesn’t make any difference what the problem is, it’s always solvable with a good foundation.”

She encouraged today’s Bishop Noll students, currently celebrating the school’s 100th year, to “enjoy what goes on, enjoy whatever is happening. I had a good time in high school, a lovely time. I wouldn’t change any of it.”

Most of her teachers were nuns, Lillian said, adding that before the school day began at Catholic Central, she and her female classmates attended Mass in the nuns’ chapel in the convent.

In addition to a solid education in school and faith, Catholic Central also led her to meeting her husband, James F. Radigan Sr., and making lifelong friends.

The couple had seven children and moved to the Phoenix area about 50 years ago. Lillian currently lives at a senior living community in Arizona.

Although she is currently unable to have visitors due to safety measures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lillian’s 27 grandchildren and many great grandchildren communicate with her via calls and FaceTime.

“My faith has gotten me through so many trials and tribulations. My family is wonderful to me. They are absolutely fabulous. I feel very grateful for my life.”

As Bishop Noll continues to celebrate its 100th school year, families like the Schreiners, with their longstanding history in the school, make it especially momentous.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Lillian said of the school’s 100th.

To read more about Lillian, visit bishopnoll.org.

Lillian Schreiner Radigan, circled near center, is a 1938 graduate of Catholic Central High School. She and 10 siblings all attended Catholic Central High School, now known as Bishop Noll Institute. In this 1946 Schreiner family photo, 25 of the 38 people photographed attended Catholic Central/Bishop Noll High School.

Additional Noll grads were born or married into the family after the photo was taken.

Help the History Committee

As Bishop Noll prepares for its Centennial celebration, the History Committee would like to request any of the following items: • Color photos of students in uniform from the 1960s or later • Any mementos from 1921 to 1940 • Hi-Lites (any years) • Commencement/graduation programs and/or names of valedictorian and salutatorian from 1926 and 1933 • Pictures of class rings from 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s • Prom programs (1925-1933) • Names and ages of Catholic Central alums who died in World War II, the Korean Conflict or in Vietnam.

The committee is able to scan the items and return to owners if requested or will happily accept any items for its Archive Room. Volunteers are also needed! Interested in joining the History Committee or contributing your story?

Email jflorek@bishopnoll.org.

100 years of making history

Unveiling the new patron saint of Bishop Noll Institute For her connection to Bishop Noll Institute and for her lifetime devotion to others, Saint Maria Katharina Kasper was announced as the school’s patron saint during Catholic Schools Week Mass on Feb. 3.

The Most Rev. Robert J. McClory, bishop of the Diocese of Gary, celebrated an all-school Mass with select students and staff, along with principals from local Diocesan elementary schools, in attendance. The Mass was also live streamed to all BNI students and Diocesan elementary students who could not attend the traditional way due to health and safety guidelines. Bishop McClory introduced the dedication ceremony for the new saint by saying “saints cheer us on, they are with us and inspire us.”

Dr. Michele Dvorak, PHJC, speaks during the presentation of Saint Katharina Kasper as Bishop Noll’s new patron saint.

Junior Abigail Wojtaszek and sophomore Sophia Mendez, BNI representatives on the Diocesan Youth Council and members of the school’s Campus Ministry group, spoke at the podium about how the patron saint project began this fall when they wondered why Bishop Noll did not recognize one.

“This is something special and momentous for our centennial year,” Wojtaszek said. “It took us awhile to get the idea into action - a lot of emailing - but we’re glad it could all be unveiled during Catholic Schools Week.”

“Besides her ties to BNI, Saint Katharina was selfless and devoted her life to helping the poor,” Wojtaszek said.

Bishop Noll is rooted in those same values, which makes it obvious why Saint Katharina was chosen.

Wojtaszek added that a patron saint serves as a spiritual role model and somebody who will pray for students.

“My favorite quality Saint Katharina demonstrated was her perseverance,” Wojtaszek stated. “There were no orders in Germany, so she founded her own. That determination is something I admire.”

Mendez said she related to Saint Katharina’s awareness of the world around her.

“Like her, I am not oblivious to what is happening in the world. I watch the news, learning about what is currently

Dr. Michele Dvorak, PHJC, attended as a representative of the congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the school's founding order.

Sister Dvorak, a past Bishop Noll board member, a member of Bishop Noll’s Centennial Steering Committee and currently president of Ancilla College, spoke about how Saint Katharina felt compelled to help others even as a child.

“We are delighted and honored that Saint Katharina will be present here in a special way at Bishop Noll. She had a real sensitivity to how much she had and how much she was blessed in her life and how others might not have that same opportunity.”

Sister Dvorak presented gifts from the Poor Handmaids to the Bishop Noll community. The items represented Saint Katharina and included baskets of pears and bread similar to those she gave out as a child. Attendees also received a Saint Katharina medallion, framed artwork and a biography of her.

Junior Abigail Wojtaszek and sophomore Sophia Mendez, BNI representatives for Diocesan Youth Council and members of the school’s Campus Ministry group, unveil an idol of Bishop Noll’s new patron saint, Saint Katharina Kasper.

going on with the world. My parents and I discuss our views on what is happening.

I am aware that I am lucky and that others aren’t as lucky as I am. When I grow older I want to help them as much as I can,” Mendez said. She hopes the Bishop Noll community can look to its patron saint for guidance.

“We have a great theology department, and I hope that Saint Katharina helps Bishop Noll develop a better relationship with God.” In the future, BNI’s Campus Ministry members plan to incorporate the new patron saint into centennial events, school Masses and functions.

“It’s our goal that Saint Katharina will be ingrained into every spiritual event we do,” Wojtaszek said. “We would like her to be invoked during prayer, present at our Masses, and pictured in places in the building. Everything that our feeder schools do for their patron saints, we would like to do for her.”

Students and staff received gift medallions of Saint Katharina Kasper from the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

ABOUT SAINT KATHARINA Saint Katharina Kasper was the foundress of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the same order that founded Catholic Central High School, now known as Bishop Noll Institute, in 1921. She was born in 1820 in Dernbach, an area that is now in western Germany. She felt the call to her vocation as a child. Upon entering the sisterhood, Katharina built her own house in Dernbach, which eventually became the congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. By 1868, the order had spread across Europe and landed in the United States.

By the time of Katharina’s death in 1898, the Poor Handmaids had 193 houses around the world, with the U.S. Motherhouse in Donaldson, Ind. Blessed Maria Katharina Kasper was canonized a saint at the Vatican on Oct. 14, 2018.

Her feast day is celebrated Feb. 1.

Interestingly, when Catholic Central first opened, the Poor Handmaids made St. Catherine of Alexandria the girls’ patron saint, and St. Thomas Aquinas as the boys’ patron saint. Following the Poor Handmaids’ departure from CCHS in 1933 and over additional time, however, the acknowledgement of any patron saint at Bishop Noll eventually disappeared. Additionally, St. Catherine of Alexandria’s feast actually was pulled in 1969 from the General Roman Calendar, though in 2002 it was restored as an optional memorial.

campus ministry

Saint Katharina Kasper

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Every April at BNI, our largest single-day fundraiser—The Big Event—raises scholarship funds for our students. Every year, tens of thousands of dollars are raised to help families provide the gift of a BNI education that they wish for their children.

Last year, due to the grips of the COVID-19 virus and our inability to convene an onsite gathering, we had to postpone the Big Event and transition to a fully virtual event in May. The Big Reinvent, as we branded it, raised more than $70,000 thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends around the country. We greatly exceeded our goal last year and hope you will help us continue that record streak.

We are excited to announce The Big Reinvent 2, a virtual event and auction that will take place at 6 p.m. May 15, 2021.

We plan to have more than 100 auction items this year including past favorites and new options.

Interested in donating a prize or being a sponsor? Contact the Advancement Office at (219) 932-9058, ext.1005, or e-mail jsandoval@bishopnoll.org. You may also do so by visiting bigevent100.givesmart.com and clicking the “Donate an Item Now.” Suggested donations include: gift certificates to local businesses (a great way to support small businesses and BNI), alcohol or alcohol themed items, beauty salon/spa certificates, themed gift baskets, golf course certificates for the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area, airline miles, hotel certificates, designer purses, jewelry, sports memorabilia, technology (laptops, iPads) etc.

To view & bid on items, please visit bigevent100.givesmart.com

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 Reinvent 2 virtual auction on May 15, 2021. 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 May 11, 2021. License #000575. Winners must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license or state issued photo ID. If ordering multiple tickets, please include enough address labels to be used on all of your ticket stubs.

I would like to purchase ________ raffle ticket(s) at $10 each OR ________ groups of 3 tickets for $20 OR ________ groups of 10 tickets for $50 Enclosed is my check for $_______ for ________tickets.

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

Name Address City/State/Zip Telephone Email

Homecoming week is a cherished memory for many Bishop Noll alumni, and you probably remember your own Spirit Week, pep rallies and dances from your time at Noll. This school year required some creativity to give students the opportunity to make many of those same memories. Homecoming took place the week of Oct. 12, 2020.

school news

homecoming 2020

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Pep Rally

For the first time in recent history, the pep rally took place on the football field. Students did a great job of remaining socially distant on bleachers during the festivities. The Cheer Team and Marching Warriors gave excellent performances and a field goal kicking contest replaced the usual tug of war.

Homecoming Court

During halftime of the football game, seniors Noah Reid and Karissa Hernandez were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. The court also included Andrew Vazquez, Bruno Zamora, Ariana Ferreira, Courtney Blakely, Eduardo Torres-Cruz, Aclynn Rodgers, Everett Lamberson and Isabelli Damacio.

Football Game

Spirit Week

The Homecoming theme was “Starlight” with an homage to the school’s 100th birthday celebration. Homecoming T-shirts featured “Catholic Central” in a throwback style. Spirit Week included Space Jam/Alien Day, Age Day, Meme Day and Extreme Warrior Wear Day. Want to buy your own Catholic Central throwback shirt? They are for sale at forevernoll.givesmart.com.

The Warriors took on Calumet High School in the Homecoming game Oct. 16. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating was limited and the annual Alumni Tailgate Party, which would typically take place after the game, was canceled. We look forward to celebrating with all of you again soon!

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t a is tent t. 17, 2021 ( er v p e e r S o r F fo e fter th la.) night a ntennial Ga e C l l o N

school news

Colin Brandon

Hannah Dominiak

Cynthia Kielbasa

Mayra Quiroz

Kevin Smith

History & Government Teacher Brandon is a recent graduate of Purdue University Northwest with a bachelor’s degree in history.

He enjoys reading, writing and sports and, of course, learning history!

Art Teacher & French moderator Dominiak is a faculty member in the Fine Arts Department, teaching digital design and art. In addition, she is moderating Rosetta Stone French. Dominiak is a 2012 graduate of Bishop Noll. She previously worked as a newspaper designer locally, an art director in Chicago, and in social media marketing/ advertising.

Academic Advisor Kielbasa is academic advisor for students with last names M-Z. She received her bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and will soon complete her master’s degree in professional school counseling.

Academic Advisor Quiroz is academic advisor for students with last names A-L. She is a 1993 graduate of Bishop Noll.

She studied social work at Valparaiso University, and she interned at Gary’s Lew Wallace High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Calumet College and earned her master’s in leadership in teaching in 2008.

Academic Advisor Smith is the college and career readiness academic advisor. He holds a bachelor’s in health and physical education from Edinboro University of PA and is completing his master’s degree at Indiana University Northwest. He has spent the last 10 years in higher education in admissions and career services, most recently at IU Northwest. His wife, Carol, is a BNI alum, and Kevin is an assistant coach with the BNI hockey team.

welcome to Bishop Noll

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Congratulations to the Graduates with Distinction

Bishop Noll has announced its Graduates with Distinction for the class of 2021. These top academic seniors all earned a 4.0 or above GPA. These grades also determine the valedictorian and salutatorian.

Eighteen students earned this distinction.

Carmelina Komyatte (below left) has been named valedictorian. She attended our Lady of Grace School.

Jacqueline Vazquez (below right) has been named salutatorian. She attended St. Casimir.

The other graduates with distinction are the following (pictured in alphabetical order from top left): Olivia Baczkowski, attended Nativity of Our Savior; Alayna Biro, St. John Bosco; Mary Buksa, St. Thomas More; Alejandra Castellanos, St. Stanislaus; Abigail Kawalec, St. Thomas More; Everett Lamberson, St. Mary’s (Griffith); Ruby Meza, St. Stanislaus; Noah Reid, St. Mary’s (Griffith); Riley Reid, St. Mary’s (Griffith); Aclynn Rodgers, East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy; Alejandro Rodriguez, St. Stanislaus; Emma Short, St. Mary’s (Griffith); Jose Suarez, St. Casimir; Andrew Vazquez, St. Mary’s (Griffith); Jake Wichlinski, St. Mary’s (Griffith); and Bruno Zamora, St. Thomas More.

The Bishop Noll STREAM Lab, designed by the Wightman architecture firm, received an Award of Excellence from Learning by Design magazine, selected from more than 55 projects from around the country. The lab includes a learning studio and design lab, with flexible seating allowing students to work collaboratively; a makerspace for more hands-on work and creating prototypes based on original designs; and a prototype studio to build models and use larger equipment to build final products for display.

school news

STREAM Lab receives national recognition for excellence in design

The architecture and design company that designed Bishop Noll’s new STREAM Lab has received an Award of Excellence from Learning by Design magazine for the project. The lab, which opened in 2019, was selected in the top 12 of more than 55 submitted projects from around the country.

Principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick ’01 and a team of BNI teachers and students known as the STREAM Team envisioned the stateof-the-art lab as a way to utilize the large space in the school’s former natatorium.

The lab design by architects from Wightman, located in Benton Harbor, Mich., was among four Honorable Mention Award winners named by the magazine.

The design was human-centered in exploring what teachers and students would be able to do in the new space that they could not

do before in the Project Lead the Way STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, said lead architect Gregory Monberg, the son of a Bishop Noll alum.

The lab design is STEM coming to life, said Pastrick. Bishop Noll currently runs four courses out of the STREAM Lab space, and it is utilized by more than 160 students each day, she said. For example, while computer programming meets in the mezzanine, an engineering course takes place downstairs.

“It has been fruitful because it’s meeting all the educational needs we had for our kids and is doing so in a functional and fluid way,” Pastrick said. “Even with the pandemic, we have been able to implement multiple sections and social distance students thanks to the size of the lab. We’ve had to be more creative, but it still functions.”

The Show Must Go On

Inspiring Young Women

The Drama Club cast and crew spent several months putting together a socially distant and safe production of “Clue,” a classic “whodunnit?” murder mystery.

The production was presented similar to a radio show with actors on stage in costume but spaced apart on platforms. Patrons could purchase a viewing ticket to livestream the show for any of three November dates. This spring, the club will present “25th Annual Katie Seleb ’22 Putnam County Spelling Bee”—a musical about a cast middle school students taking part in a county spelling bee. As of press time, there is a plan to have limited ticket sales and a livestream option. Follow “BNI Fine Arts” on Facebook for updates. The show is scheduled for April 16-18.

The Women’s Empowerment Club, which was founded in 2019, met with local middle school girls through virtual meetings this past school year, discussing many topics relevant to middle school girls. Leaders assure the middle school girls that they are in a safe space to have conversations. Topics include body image, fitting in and self Alejandra Castellanos ’21 advocacy.

“Some of my favorite moments are to see when the girls are genuinely happy to be there, see each other, and take part in our program,” senior Alejandra Castellanos said. “Some of the middle schools have gone completely virtual and because they are younger, they don’t get to see their friends very often or have an outside source to talk to. It makes us feel like we have all done something right when the conversation we create is fruitful and allows these young girls to become closer and realize they are important.”

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sports news Warrior athletes find ways to persevere despite challenges

By Eric Roldan ’12, Athletic Director

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Although this year presented many challenges, the BNI Athletic Department was fortunate that every team has been able to compete.

Many protocols have been implemented since summer, such as pre-screening, limits on spectators and regular sanitization of equipment. Separate practice times have been scheduled to create smaller groups, and coaches have phased in physical contact between players. Additionally, more of Noll’s facilities are utilized to separate different levels within a program, and the layout for game-day competitions allows for much safer environments with spacing, plexiglass dividers, hand sanitizing stations, and rotation of sport-specific balls to make sure they are sanitized regularly throughout competition.

The department also used this opportunity to continue to prioritize building its social media presence by livestreaming all home games. This has been a great success!

In true COVID fashion, many teams had to quarantine, game schedules changed weekly, and spectator guidelines differed from school to school.

That being said, BNI kept channels of communication open with stakeholders to share information quickly and efficiently; and coaches, students and families have done a tremendous job remaining flexible and understanding while all continued to adapt to obstacles presented.

I cannot thank our coaches, students, families and fellow school faculty, staff and administration enough as it has been a true team effort within the Bishop Noll community to allow for our students the opportunity to compete in their respective sports this school year!

Welcome

Shawn Haugh, a 2016 BNI grad, has returned to Noll in the role of athletic secretary. He assisted this fall with live streams of all home sporting events and is excited to use his sports communications background at his alma mater.

Haugh is a 2020 graduate of DePauw University with a major in communications focused in media and a minor in history.

Celebrating Class of 2021 Athletes

By Mary Buksa ’21 The class of 2021 had participants in two state championship wins. In 2018, members of the class of 2021 helped lead the boys soccer program to their first state championship, with Bruno Zamora scoring the lone goal. In March 2020, Sam Repay helped the Bishop Noll hockey team win its third state championship win. Natalie Ramirez made history her sophomore year at BNI by becoming the first female athlete at the school to qualify for a state championship wrestling match.

Courtney Blakely, Isabelli Damacio, and Makayla (Rose) Fuentes helped lead the girls basketball program to two sectional championship titles. The class of 2021 has also had multiple appearances in girls cross country regional championship meets with Mary Buksa qualifying in 2017 and 2018 and Esmeralda Lopez qualifying in 2020. In addition to championships, the class of 2021 has helped set many records including Jacob Wichlinski’s surpassing of 100 goals during high school soccer career and Courtney Blakely scoring more than 2,000 points in her high school basketball career.

Visit bishopnollathletics.org and “BNI Athletics” on Facebook to stay up to date on Warrior athletics.

Volleyball

The girls volleyball team finished 2nd in the Greater South Shore Conference.

First Team All-Conference players were Makayla (Rose) Fuentes and Jen Real, with Emma Short receiving an honorable mention. Fuentes and Real were also named to the 2020 Post-Tribune Girls Volleyball All-Area Team lists (Real as second team and Fuentes as honorable mention.)

Rose Fuentes recorded her 1500th career assist in the Lady Warriors’ 3-1 win over Merrillville, making her 2nd in career assists at Noll.

Girls Basketball

Senior Courtney Blakely made history as the first female basketball player at BNI to score more than 2,000 points in her high school career. In the Jan. 23 loss to Penn High School, Blakely led the team with 29 points to surpass 2,200 career points and advance to 21st all-time in IHSAA history. Her teammate Makayla (Rose) Fuentes surpassed the 1,000 point mark in her career as a Lady Warrior!

The team’s season ended in the sectional semifinals with a heartbreaker loss to Lake Station, 66-63.

Off the court, the Lady Warriors volunteered at the ECPD x The First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Drive.

Hockey

Bishop Noll’s Hockey team unveiled its 2020 2A State Championship banner Dec. 19 at the Kube Sports Complex in Hammond.

The 1988 and 2017 ISHSHA 1A State Championship teams were also honored.

giving back QCDs

The Bishop Noll success story continues, right through a pandemic, and a big part of that success is attributable to the generosity of our alumni and stakeholders, which helps keep BNI tuition affordable for our families and helps further the work and mission of our school. And at this time of year, as we’re preparing our taxes and planning our tax-related strategies for the next year and beyond, we want to remind you of a way you can continue your support of Bishop Noll while offering tax savings for those over the age of 70-1/2.

“Qualified Charitable Distributions” (QCDs) allow taxpayers over the age of 70-1/2 to make charitable rollovers from their IRAs tax free to a qualified charity. The amount donated also counts toward the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) you are mandated to take from your IRA every year after turning 72.

You are allowed to contribute up to $100,000 per year tax free to qualified charities such as BNI without first having to recognize the distribution as income.

The distribution must be made directly from your IRA to Bishop Noll Institute. In other words, the financial institution that holds your IRA must make out the check in the name of the charity in order for it to qualify as non-taxable. You will need to contact the financial institution that is the trustee for your account and let them know that you want to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution. They will be able to help you through the process.

This tax break only applies to IRA accounts, SIMPLE IRA accounts, or SEP IRAs. If you have a 401(k) account or other qualified retirement account, you first would need to roll this account over to an IRA before you could take advantage of this benefit.

For those of you who have been frustrated by being required to withdraw AND pay tax on your IRA savings, this is a great opportunity not only to help Bishop Noll but also to avoid the penalty of paying tax on your full withdrawal.

As always, we encourage you to contact your tax professional and financial adviser to make sure all rules are followed and to assist you in calculating how much you can save in taxes by using this provision. We are not in a position at BNI to provide tax, financial or investment advice.

However, if you wish to discuss the impact a charitable rollover would make at Bishop Noll, or if you wish your gift to be used for a specific purpose, feel free to contact Director of Advancement Mary Ellen O’Neill at (219) 932-9058, ext. 1002, or at moneill@bishopnoll.org. We are grateful for any consideration you might give toward this method of donation.

Benefits of Planned Giving • A planned gift makes an important impact to Bishop Noll Institute that doesn’t cost you anything during your lifetime.

• 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, please contact Mary Ellen O’Neill at (219) 932-9058, ext. 1002, or moneill@bishopnoll.org.

Tony Guzman ’61 Fieldhouse As highest bidder for the Fieldhouse Sponsorship during last year’s Big Reinvent fundraiser, the Gonzales and Guzman families have the privilege of naming the Bishop Noll Fieldhouse for one year. They chose to honor their father and grandfather—Tony Guzman ’61—and the dedication took place during a boys basketball game in February. Tony taught the game of basketball to his children and grandchildren. His granddaughter Brianna Gonzalez ’23 plays on Bishop Noll's girls basketball team. The most important lesson they learned from him—“Always use the backboard.”

1921 Society: Honor BNI with a bequest

Bishop Noll alumni, even after their deaths, continue to honor the school that meant so much to them with generous gifts that help us build an endowment that will support the school and its students in perpetuity. This generosity gives Bishop Noll the opportunity to provide more needed scholarships for our students and vastly broadening our school’s possibilities as we move into our next century of transforming students mind, body and soul. We are most grateful to those who have honored BNI through a bequest.

May they rest in peace.

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.

2020 Reach for the Stars Fall Raffle Winners

Drawing: Dec. 1, 2020 Grand Prize - $20,000 - Jasmine Lopez, Hammond, IN 2nd Prize - Michael Cooper, East Chicago, IN 3rd Prize - Ana Acosta, Hammond, IN 4th Prize - Juan Franco, Hammond, IN 5th Prize - Obdulia Magallanes, Whiting, IN 6th Prize - Chris Ledezma, Chicago, IL 7th Prize - Erik Arnold, Whiting, IN

11

save the date

Bishop Noll Golf Invitational Monday July 19, 2021 Innsbrook Country Club, Merrillville Scramble Format 11 a.m.—lunch and registration 12:30 p.m.—shotgun start 5:30—cocktails and dinner Join us for a fun-filled day in support of Bishop Noll student scholars! $200 per person—includes lunch, golf & cart, drinks on the course, dinner and prizes. $100 young alum rate (2011–2021) Gather some classmates—make it a mini reunion— renew old friendships!

NEW THIS YEAR: DON’T MISS OUR GOLF BALL DROP This year’s golf outing will include For reservations a helicopter ball drop. As of press call 219-932-9058 or time, details are still being finalized email Juli Sandoval— jsandoval@bishopnoll.org but plans include the chance to buy numbered golf balls (the equivalent of a raffle ticket). A helicopter company will take the numbered balls high above the fairway at Innsbrook before the shotgun start. The helicopter hovers over a designated spot and drops all 12 the balls. The closest balls to the hole will win cash prizes. Stay tuned for more details soon!

For more information, visit bishopnoll.org

Annual Bishop Noll Day With The White Sox As of press time, there are plans to have BNI Day with the White Sox on Sunday, July 18, 2021. The White Sox are scheduled to play the Houston Astros. The event is the day before the BNI golf outing and would make for a fabulous long weekend for our out-of-town alums.

As we receive updates from the White Sox, we will let our alumni and friends know more specifics on plans and tickets via social media and an e-newsletter.

For information, contact Juli Sandoval at jsandoval@bishopnoll.org or (219) 932-9058, ext. 1005.

Warriors on front line of pandemic As we mourn our BNI Family members who have died from COVID-19, and as we pray for the recovery of those still fighting the virus, we also must recognize and tip our BNI caps to our alumni who have served on the front lines over the past year. We have no way of knowing how many hundreds of graduates have worked devotedly for the health, safety and well-being of their fellow man, often risking their own health and well-being. We can't possibly recognize them all, but following are a number of personal stories we share with the intent of honoring all of our dedicated alums on the front lines. God bless all of you!

Colleen Kearney Rehm, RN, ’14 Colleen Rehm ’14 works in the ICU at Saint Mary Medical Center in Hobart. She began as a new grad ICU nurse in January 2020, the same month she found out she was pregnant with her first baby and just as COVID was beginning to unfold.

“Working during the pandemic has been exhausting— mentally, emotionally, and physically. Working in the ICU, it’s normal to deal with very critical patients, but the Colleen Rehm ’14 graduated from nursing school right heaviness of COVID patients is different before the pandemic began. and the loss is so much greater. But with the exceptional team of nurses I work with, we are able to lean on each other during this time.

“The biggest challenge I’ve seen is with our mental health.

I can’t help but think of the patient who I had to explain the need to be intubated and put on a ventilator to which he replied, ‘Am I going to die? Will you stay with me?’ as he held my hand … which would end up being his final words. And the family who had to say their final goodbyes to their loved one over a GoogleDuo. There are countless others like fear of infection and bringing the virus home to our families.

“We are fortunate enough to have access to PPE; however, that has been one of the biggest changes. Most of the time preCOVID, before entering a patient room, you didn’t think twice; but now you question, ‘Do I have my goggles on?’ ‘Do I have my shield?’ ‘Do I have my N95?’ ‘Do I have my surgical mask?’

‘Do I have my gown’ ‘Do I have my scrub cap?’ I have to say, though, at the end of the day, we as nurses haven’t changed; we are still our patients’ advocate and caring for them holistically.

Colleen and Jacob Rehm ’13, recently welcomed their first child. Collen is an ICU nurse and Jacob is a firefighter. Other first responders in Collen’s family include her brother Michael Kearney ’09, a paramedic, and her cousin Emily Rokosz Gleason ’03, a nurse.

“Bishop Noll’s mantra has always stuck with me—‘shaping students Mind, Body, and Soul.’ I think I heard this at least once every day while I was in high school. This has carried into my profession now where I care for my patients’ minds, bodies and souls. A large part of my faith foundation was shaped at Bishop Noll and is now helping me to get through this difficult time.

“We as healthcare workers will continue to fight every day to take care of you, but we also need you to take care of us. Please continue to social distance, wear masks, and stay home when you can. To aspiring nurses, we need you now more than ever. I can promise that becoming a nurse will be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences.”

Brian Florek ’03, firefighter/paramedic Brian Florek ’03 has taken on a special role within the Chicago Fire Department’s Infection Control Team. This team is responsible for the development and implementation of COVID-19 mitigation Brian (left) comes from a family strategies, monitoring and reporting of of first responders. His brother, department COVID-19 statistics, as well Chris Florek ’00, (right) is a as contact tracing between firefighters, firefighter/paramedic for Chicago Fire Department. Their father, paramedics and the public. Florek Tom, is a retired Metra police also performs COVID-19 testing and officer. vaccination of department members.

“As firefighters and paramedics we work in dangerous conditions, acknowledging that many times the dangers we face cannot be detected by our human senses. We rely on our faith, education and technology to keep us safe so that we may continue to serve the public that has entrusted so much to us.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed much of the way we look at infection control within the world of public safety.

We have implemented changes to patient care protocols and engineering controls to increase care provider safety. We have learned new methods of data analytics that has enabled us to predict trends in infection rates in the public and in our firehouses.

Through the relentless efforts of the Infection Control Team, we have been able to prevent multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 infections within our membership and the public.”

Florek has been with the Chicago Fire Department for 7 years, with a total of more than 16 years of experience in emergency services. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire service management and a master’s degree in public safety management, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Victoria Johnson ’16, RN Victoria Johnson ’16 is a cardiac nurse in Indianapolis. She graduated from Ball State University in 2020 with a degree in nursing and had to learn quickly in the field.

“There are good days and there are bad days, but every day I am learning something new.

I’ve had to test my prioritization and critical thinking in ways I never thought I’d have to.

Luckily, my coworkers are helpful and encouraging and I’ve always felt I could handle any situation with them behind me.

“Working in healthcare during the pandemic has definitely had its challenges. Hospitals are more strained than ever to find placements for sick patients. I work on a progressive unit. However, due to limited beds we have had to keep patients who need intensive care on our floor. This is often stressful trying to manage multiple patients when one or two require much more care. Couple this with the increased patient ratios many nurses face during this time. It makes a stressful and often scary combination. For me, the biggest challenge is seeing others act carelessly while you care for the sick and put yourself under immense mental and physical stress. Healthcare workers are doing everything they can to care for those who need it and it is disheartening to see others making decisions without compassion in mind.

“I want to encourage people to stay strong, wear their masks, avoid unnecessary gathering, and exercise compassion for your fellow man. While you might not be worried about COVID, there are many people who rely on you and your kindness. Stay safe!”

Lisette Herrera ’12, ICU BSN, RN Lisette Herrera ’12 is an ICU nurse at Franciscan Health Dyer.

“I have unfortunately been on both sides of the COVID experience. I have been that exhausted ICU nurse taking care of COVID patients, being there, doing everything I possibly could to keep my patients alive, but despite all efforts it was never enough. We would be the last face our patients would see before putting them on the ventilator and the first one to be in the room to make sure they did not die alone. No one should ever die alone, and we made sure of that.

“On the other end, I have unfortunately been that family member calling for updates, hoping and praying there was good news about my dad. Unfortunately, I lost my dad in September 2020 due to COVID. He got COVID in August and after a week of being at home sick, his respiratory status started to decline and we took him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Unfortunately my dad passed on Sept. 21, 2020. I hoped for good news every day while my dad was in the hospital, but because of knowing how crazy this disease affected everyone and what I experience at work, I knew the phone calls were only getting worse.”

Her family and memory of her dad have become her motivations at work.

“Although my dad is gone, the experience I had with my dad is what pushes me to work harder every day. The support I have from my work family is tremendous. I fight and work hard so that no other family has to go through what my family went through.

Unfortunately, sometimes even though we work hard, it is not enough. It is the try hard of it all that matters in the end: sweating in an isolation room, dressed in all of our PPE, coding a patient because he’s only in his 30s with no comorbidities. The question doesn’t become why but how? How does a disease like this break down the body so intensely and so differently for every single patient? No family should ever have to feel that pain.”

Herrera said she was hesitant to work in an ICU following graduation from nursing school in 2017, but she now knows that is where she belongs.

Jazzie Encarnacion ’16, emergency medical scribe, nursing school student Jazzie Encarnacion ’16 works as an emergency medical scribe for Franciscan Health Munster while attending nursing school virtually. As a scribe, she charts patients for the doctor from check in at the emergency department through exams, procedures, diagnostics, consultations and until they are discharged, admitted or transferred. Encarnacion began nursing school in fall 2020 and said learning nursing virtually has brought many challenges.

“It’s hard to be put into the mindset of a nurse when you're sitting at home on the couch Zooming into classes ... COVID-19 has really pushed us—both as scribes and the doctors and nurses I work alongside—as well as us nursing students. It's made me more dedicated at my current job because I'm able to take the pressure off the doctor I’m working with that day. As a nursing student, all of us are excited and ready to get started, get our hands dirty, and start working alongside these nurses and help take some stress and workload off of them.”

To read the full versions of these stories, visit bishopnoll.org.

13

noll notes 1948

Ann Babinec writes that Jim turned 93 this year and she is 90. “It’s great to get younger. He cuts grass, etc. and also is my caregiver. I’m ever so grateful to have a great husband for 67 years.”

1951, 1952

1962

Louis Hevezi writes that he is still retired and playing a lot of golf. Louis played for Bishop Noll in the 1962 state golf finals in Indianapolis. He now belongs to the Indiana State Seniors Golf Association headquartered in Indianapolis.

Michael ’52 and Eileen ’51 Cera Churosh celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in August 2020. They have lived in Phoenix for 55 years.

1964

1955

Hon. William J. Borah has been appointed by the Illinois Human Rights Commission as its interim chief judge.

Paul R. Goodus retired as president and CEO of banks in 1990. He lives in southern California with his wife, Debra, and enjoys playing golf, photography, fishing and traveling.

Bob Smith has retired from AT&T after 35 years and is living in Cape Coral, Florida.

1966

1956

Marilyn Giedemann Woidat and her husband, Frank, send congratulations to Bishop Noll for 100 years of forming Catholic laity. “We are proud of you and in April, we celebrate 60 years of marriage,” they wrote.

14

1957

Bob and Marilyn Hirsh have been eucharistic ministers for 13 years. They have 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. They have 4 daughters. Bob was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1958-1964, then worked at Inland Steel, John Hancock Insurance Co. and 32 years at Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake. He worked as a route driver and sales supervisor.

He also served as a volunteer in the kitchen at St. Charles Borromeo School.

1958

Edward Ziel has retired from a career in broadcast journalism and is living in a rural community in northern Nevada.

1961

Dr. Sharon Burke has retired but is still involved in teaching and CME conference at the hospital.

She is a member of the social committee at the condo where she lives and is one of several communion ministers at her parish.

Pauline Frechette is a composer/ performer. This fall, she won best instrumental at the W.A.M. Awards for her song “Jewel Box.” Her compositions have been

1953

L ove Stories

1966, 1967

Karen Deiotte ’67 and Chris Szumlanski ’66 were high school sweethearts at Bishop Noll. They got married June 5, 1971. This year they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Janice Badar ’67 was their maid of honor. Andrew Szumlanski ’65 was brother of the groom and best man. Other members of the wedding party who attended Noll included Richard Pachniak ’66, William Baron ’66, Edward Solezak ’66 and Diane Deiotte ’65, sister of the bride.

Willie Nelson, Leonard Cohen, Cher, and duets with Neil Diamond.

Pauline’s solo piano album, “An Intimate Story” debuted in September 2019 at #3 on Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.

“My years at BNI helped to lay the foundation for me to enjoy a successful lifelong career as a singer/composer/performer. My very best wishes and gratitude to the BNI community for all you have done collectively over the years to support and encourage the future of your students. Much Love, Pauline Frechette, class of 1966.”

To read more about her adventures and hear more music, visit www.paulinefrechette.com.

1971

Stanley Bona—After almost 45 years at ArcelorMittal Steel Co. (formally Inland Steel), Stan has retired as Division Manager, Engineering and moved to sunny Tampa, Florida, with his wife Debby. performed by six major symphonies over the past few years, incuding the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony and National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. Pauline has composed songs for TV and film, and her musicals have been produced by The Goodspeed Opera House, the LaMirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and the Baruch Theatre in NYC. Her credits include singing on major motion pictures (Aladdin, Rent, Mermaids …) performing/ recording with many legendary artists including MUSE for the 2012 Olympics; Paul McCartney,

BNI

Don and Rose Yonkoski Parlock met as sophomores at Bishop Noll and celebrated their 67th anniversary in September 2020. They have six children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Congratulations to Dr. Matias Vega, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of Dartmouth College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Awards.

The awards recognize Dartmouth community members who have made significant contributions to the fields of peace, civil rights, education, public health, environmental justice, or social justice.

A 1978 graduate of Dartmouth Medical School (now the Geisel School of Medicine), Matias dedicated his career to working in impoverished and underserved communities, and for the past few

decades served as medical director of Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless.

A passionate advocate for health equity, Dr. Vega served as medical director for the Homeless Initiative Program in Indianapolis from 1988 to 1997 before moving to Albuquerque, N.M. He spent 13 years as a board member for the National Coalition for the Homeless, and in 1994 he became a founding board member of the Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network.

Matias said his experience with the National Coalition for the Homeless had a profound impact on his work: “It changed my perspective as a clinician working in an underserved community to understanding much larger issues and social justice and equity, and that at the heart of everything we did, everything that we needed to do to end homelessness, had to be social justice.”

1972

Patrick Halton—Patrick lost his wife, Elaine Vacendak Halton, in September 2020 after a four-year battle with cancer. While Elaine didn’t attend BNI, she was a regular presence at Noll and knew many of his classmates.

1973

Barbara Tonkovich Zeile is deputy director at the John Engler Center for Charter Schools of Central Michigan University.

1975

Ronald and Raquel Saenz write, “Hello, Class of ’75. Sadly we missed our 45th but hopefully there will be a 50th with these pandemic times behind us. Until then, be safe!”

where he currently serves as an investigator with the ATF Northwest Indiana Violent Crimes Task Force.

He is also a SWAT officer.

1978

Carole (Heitlinger) McKinstry recently moved to Hampton, Virginia, in preparation for retirement. “My husband has retired and we downsized and are living condo life and taking advantages of all the beauty and history of the Hampton Roads area including Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and the multitude of historical sites. If you find yourself in the area, let me know. He is quite a tour guide.”

2017

1992

Brian Cost writes that he hopes everyone is doing well and encourages everyone to “own a little bitcoin.”

2010

Brendan O’Neill married Ashley McGill On October 3, 2020, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

They now reside in Crown Point, Indiana. Brendan is an officer with the Hammond Police Department,

Megan Whelan has been selected as one of eight 2020-21 Senior Fellows for Internationalization at the University of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame International is dedicated to advancing the university through international education, research, and worldwide engagement to ensure Notre Dame flourishes as a global institution. Senior Fellows will work to represent the group’s interests on campus by welcoming incoming international students, educating peers about opportunities to study abroad, designing programs with an international flair, and participating in signature events, including International Education Week and Study Abroad Week.

Specifically, NDI Fellows will work together alongside the

Jessica Key '99 finds cheer in writing, marketing career

Q: What did you do after high school?

A: In 2003 I completed my bachelor’s degree (at Indiana University) majoring in English and sociology. I was always a good writer and decided to expand my talent. I began in an area I was curious about - television journalism. I gained TV experience during an internship at WXIN-FOX 59 in Indianapolis. Once my internship ended, I put my sociology degree to work and became a public assistance caseworker with the State of Indiana’s Family & Social Services Administration. It proved to be a valuable experience for me personally and professionally. After two years at FSSA, I returned to my calling. I became a journalist for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper - a historically African-American publication, and one of the oldest surviving Black newspapers in the U.S. The publisher acquired a magazine, The Indiana Minority Business Magazine, where I was able to expand my talents. It was an honor to work for both publications for 10 years.

Q: What are you doing now?

A: I am a marketing communications writer in the Government Business Division at Anthem, Inc. I recently celebrated my fifth anniversary!

I provide creative and technical advice, and writing support for the development of marketing communications for traditional marketing and advertising avenues and digital platforms. Whether it’s a letter a person gets in the mail about their insurance benefits, a social media post, or a billboard

NDI team with the primary responsibility of creating in-hall programming and activities.

Megan participated in the study abroad program in Rome during summer 2019 and visited London, Belgium, and France during fall 2019 with her Great War and Modern Memory class. She is a marketing and history double major.

Danny Cuevas has accepted a job at KSM Consulting in Indianapolis, a data, tech and management consulting firm.

The Orr Fellowship program, through which he was placed, develops the next generation of business leaders. Undergraduate students are selected to go through the program, and each year a new group of graduates is selected and placed with an Indianapolis host company. Fellows complete a two-year commitment, where host companies engage them in innovative projects while allowing them the opportunity to work closely with company executives.

Danny attends Wabash College and began at KSM in June 2021.

Brittany Anderson, a star athlete at Valparaiso University, had to choose between softball and volleyball this year due to an upheaval in athletic schedules for the teams. Volleyball generally competes in the fall and softball in

the spring. Anderson missed out on more than half of her softball season last spring and the entire volleyball slate in the fall when all competitions were put on hold.

With many of Valparaiso’s fall sports, including volleyball now beginning spring competitions, Anderson decided to play softball for Valparaiso this spring and she’ll be back on the court with the volleyball team in the fall.

Despite playing two NCAA D-1 sports, Brittany graduated from Valpo in 3.5 years with a degree in sports management. She's now working on her master's degree in sports administration.

Friends of Bishop Noll

Tom Molnar has written two religious books available on Amazon: “The Universe of God and Humanity” and “Jesus Kind, Loving, Dangerous.” The first book shows the scientific findings make it far easier to see God’s hand in creation and in our dayto-day lives. The second book is more religious and Gospel based, featuring extensive research and a basis in scripture.

Sister Angeline Benz writes, “because of COVID-19’s effect on schooling, I am tutoring math in my home with all necessary precautions. I treasure my years of teaching at BNI.”

you see on a busy street, I write the content and make sure it gets to the right place.

Q: Any exciting jobs you’ve had or places you’ve visited?

A: I had the time of my life working at the newspaper and magazine!

Attending happenings all over the city, invitations to exclusive events, interviewing celebrities, gaining backstage access to concerts … I could go on and on! I loved being on the pulse of what was happening in the community and informing readers on relevant and real topics. I met so many interesting people, and had the possibility of a new adventure every day. I was also known for writing “off the beaten path” articles. It was important to me to find stories that were highly unique but applicable to everyday life.

Q: Best Bishop Noll memory?

A: Cheering on the Bishop Noll Warriors! I was on the junior varsity cheerleading squad sophomore year, then the varsity squad junior and senior year. I loved spending time after school laughing, having fun and preparing for the football and basketball games! Best. Teammates. Ever!

The experience was so thrilling, the memories are still vivid. Stepping onto that field or gym floor, impeccably dressed in our stunning blue and gold uniforms, matching ribbons flowing from our ponytails and glittering pompoms by our side, we executed our routines with pride and precision. We had confidence in ourselves, unwavering support for the teams we cheered for and great love for our high school. Having the opportunity to support Bishop Noll on that kind of level is an experience I’ll never forget.

Q: Favorite BNI teacher?

A: My gym teacher and cheerleading coach, Mrs. Schwegman, was my favorite! She was so relatable, easy to talk to and said the most hilarious things. She cared deeply about her students and it showed in how she treated us.

Continued on P. 16.

15

noll notes Q: How do you feel about Bishop Noll celebrating its 100th anniversary Sept. 16, 2021?

A: I feel blessed, proud and overjoyed for this momentous occasion - a celebration of the power of education. I’m thankful for my parents who valued my education, and trusted BNI to provide me with the academic foundation I needed for life. I’m also thankful for everyone who worked to fulfill the dreams and goals of BNI’s founders to create a legacy of academic excellence. By holding on to its mission, vision and values, BNI has reached this milestone, and can boldly look ahead. I challenge future students, their families, faculty and staff to enthusiastically carry the torch that has passed on to them. I pray this strong legacy lives on. I’m so proud to call myself a Warrior. Happy anniversary and Go Noll!

Jordan Wilson ’12 makes history while developing political app

16

After graduating from BNI, Jordan Wilson received her bachelors in political science from Howard University in 2016.

She is currently a 2L at Boston College Law School. In between graduating from Howard and starting BC Law school, Wilson co-founded Politicking, a non-partisan political information company aimed to engage traditionally disenfranchised voters in the process.

She has also had the privilege of joining a handful of civically focused cohorts and boards such as the JFK Library Foundation’s New Frontier Network and Harvard University as a public service fellow.

“I was blessed to land my dream job out of college. As a new graduate, I worked at the Harvard Institute of Politics. I had the privilege of learning from and working on civic research with a wide range of individuals in this position, from prime-time commentators and anchors to cabinet secretaries, and even folks like Stacey Abrams! The most important thing I learned through this position is that it is impossible to become more informed without a dedicated desire to listen to others (no matter what their beliefs are).”

The Politicking App Jordan co-founded is a non-partisan, multimedia political information platform.

“The app is a central pillar of the platform, as users can find out about candidates and ballot issues for any given election, where to vote through our polling by location feature, and they can keep track of current events through our ‘What You Need to Know’ news feature through a few clicks of a button! I co-founded Politicking with a fellow Howard graduate following the 2016 presidential election, during a time when many young people were frustrated about the political state of play. Our goal has been to ensure that young Black and Brown voters are clear about the value of our political capital,” she said.

At Bishop Noll, Jordan’s favorite memory was being part of the Drama Department.

“Of course, there were plenty of fun memories in between, but the most fun I ever had as a student outside of my comfort zone. I was challenged to go beyond just involving myself in my role as Juliet. I needed to be great!

Fortunately, our director, Mrs. Conley, and wonderful friends from the play made that achievable.”

Jordan’s favorite teacher was Mr. John Trafny.

“He is a son of my hometown, Gary, Indiana, and is a great storyteller of our city’s legacy. He teaches history in a multi-dimensional fashion by examining the facts and societal implications of important events. I admired both his work in the classroom and his scholarship. Frankly, his work as an author made me value my time in his AP U.S. History class even more.

As a teacher, and generally as a professional, he is thorough and passionate about his work. This is something that I continue to aspire to.”

Nathaniel Bibat ’14 sings praises as naturalist at Dunes

After high school graduation, Nathaniel Bibat attended Indiana State University (ISU) where he majored in recreation and sport management with a concentration in youth leadership. He double minored in environmental science and nonprofit leadership and acquired his CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional) accreditation. Throughout his college career, he was an active member of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Chapter at ISU. He also took on a variety of jobs in the fields of outdoor recreation/ youth leadership/nonprofit work with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, YMCA and Avid4 Adventure (an outdoor adventure camp in Colorado).

As a senior naturalist at the Dunes Learning Center, Nathaniel’s main role is preparing and leading educational/interpretive programs in natural and cultural history, inquiry-based science, and resource stewardship for a diverse community of students.

“It’s truly a blessing to be able to say we have a national park in our own backyard. The Indiana Dunes has, and still to this day, played a vital role in the establishment and life of the Calumet Region and Northwest Indiana. I love my job and find it extremely important to educate how nature improves our quality and way of life here on Earth. In addition, I am passionate about connecting kids with nature and teaching how to be good stewards.

While at Bishop Noll, Nathaniel enjoyed sports commentating football and basketball games with the student communications department. In addition, he enjoyed singing and playing the cello at school masses.

“I would say that Mr. Haddad was my all time favorite BNI teacher.

His faith and enthusiasm in the classroom was contagious. He inspired and empowered me to express my gratitude and faith in God through music and nature.”

Jaclyn Whitehair: From BNI stage to career in Hollywood

Jaclyn Whitehair was featured this fall in Authority Magazine as part of its inspirational women In Hollywood series.

Jaclyn is an actress and writer who not only stars in productions, but writes and produces them as well.

In 2018 she created and starred in a short film called “Breach” and in 2020, she created her own web series called “The Nellie Bly Story” in which she played all the characters.

“There are many opportunities out there. You just have to be willing and ready to work for them,” Jaclyn said.

Each of these projects are a steppingstone toward the end game of living her passion, she said. Jaclyn is currently on the production team of a documentary “Sell buy date,”—which was set to start filming in March and April and will be sent to festivals.

“Some of the EPs are Meryl Streep and Rashida Jones. I’m working with Sara Jones, the starring director. She’s a fantastic artist.”

Jaclyn credits Mrs. Fredi Conley at Bishop Noll with having a major impact on her love of acting and the arts.

“I looked forward to her class every time. I definitely think she kind of set the foundation for what my career is today,” she said. While at Noll, Jaclyn performed in “Antigone” her first leap into the acting and theater world.

“It was such a powerful piece that it really did change how I thought about acting and performances. On a completely flip production, we did

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” That was very whimsical and light and fun. Those were two really strong contrasting pieces.

Jaclyn also gave a shout-out to her Bishop Noll principal Mr. Scott Fech.

“I felt he was involved with the community. I remember him at lunch, at various events, connecting one-on-one with students. He was the heart of the school and it showed that Bishop Noll was a tight community. There were a lot of teachers who really tried to impact each student.”

She would encourage Bishop Noll drama students to love the work they do “because the entertainment industry is very challenging in many ways. You first and foremost have to love being an artist and creating. Then you have to combine that with hard work and perseverance. You have to practice as much as possible. You really should practice technique daily.

I try to do acting technique or working on my skills daily just to keep my skills sharp—whether that’s writing, vocal, scene study.”

She said what’s great about modern technology is that you start creating your own work. “You have so many platforms for your work out there.”

Jaclyn hopes her classmates are doing well, “especially in these weird challenging times. I know Bishop Noll was a great starting point for all of us to excel in our lives and careers.”

For more information, visit jaclynwhitehair.com or follow Jaclyn’s YouTube channel.

Reunions Class of 1961

The Class of 1961 has planned a 60-year reunion Aug. 14, 2021 in Merrillville. Contact Stu Seman at bnhs61@gmail.com.

Class of 1970

The Class of 1970 has planned a 50+1 reunion Sept. 11, 2021, at Cloister in the Woods in Munster. Contact Diane M. (Danko) Gora: 13102 Pierce Court, Crown Point, IN 46307, (219) 308-4407, diane.gora@gmail.com.

NOTE: PLANS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON LAKE COUNTY AND INDIANA COVID-19 REGULATIONS.

in memoriam Please remember those who have gone to their eternal rest.

1942 1942 1944 1946 1947 1948 1950 1950 1950 1952 1952 1952 1953 1953 1954 1954 1954 1954 1955 1955 1955 1956 1956

Ed Lebryk Henrietta Harpster Reynolds Jeanette Bell Klisiak Sister Lorraine Maginot Anna Bock Horn Irene Miller Huber Joseph Lebryk Robert O’Drobinak Eugene D. Pasztor Arnold G. Gough Mary Doolin Kennedy Richard J. Obsitnik Mary Ann Lange Hreha Loretta Miller Kavanaugh Virginia Cieslak Andrews Kathleen Manning Kountz Barbara Hodges Rice Raymond C. Schmelzer James Bielefeld Walter Sambor Mary Medina Roman James Hudspeth Delphine Fic Huneycutt

1957 1957 1957 1957 1957 1958 1959 1959 1959 1959 1959 1959 1959 1959 1960 1960 1960 1961 1962 1962 1962 1963 1963 1963

Robert Ennis Sister Margaret Nau Gerald “Jerry” Ramusack Robert Rusbasan Richard Tague James Christie Gino Baldin Diana Bell Boskovich John Breclaw Jeannie Dankanich Dauksza Lyn Greenburg Keever Donald E. Michalski Rachel Chandler Miskowski Cynthia Hook Sobczak Frank J. Bryja Robert Cvitkovich Arthur D. Rutkowski Peggy West Gardner Anthony W. Cornejo, Jr. Barbara Martin Marie Pokropinski Diane Grzywana Campiti Carolyn Nicolo Kenning Charles Polito

Ignite & Inspire campaign ends, making its mark at BNI As Bishop Noll Institute prepares to enter its second century— with a constant goal of improving the high school experience for the young men and women of the Diocese of Gary and the Calumet Region—it has wrapped up its Ignite & Inspire capital campaign.

“We want to thank our stakeholders who have contributed to the successful effort of Ignite & Inspire, helping BNI continue to raise the bar with an eye toward both today and tomorrow,” BNI President Paul Mullaney said. “To have raised in excess of $2 million in our first campaign of this magnitude shows how our stakeholders believe in Bishop Noll and its mission, and how they want to invest in our students and our future.”

Funded primarily by the Ignite & Inspire campaign, the BNI STREAM Lab opened to classes in January 2020. The $1.45 million renovation of the school’s former natatorium created a STEM learning space unlike any other in northern Indiana or Chicago’s southern suburbs, Mullaney said. Additionally, an endowed fund was created for professional development and advanced degree assistance for BNI’s faculty, and funding also is now allowing the process to begin in renovating Noll’s outdoor athletic facilities.

Mullaney said previously made multi-year pledges to Ignite & Inspire continue to be received, and future fundraising efforts will continue to support many initiatives, including those that took root under Ignite & Inspire.

He added: “With Mrs. Pastrick and her faculty team always striving to be at the forefront of forming students in mind, body and soul, we will continue to push forward with new and varied initiatives to bolster BNI’s standing as a beacon for the families of this Region.”

1963 1964 1965 1965 1965 1966 1966 1967 1968 1968 1969 1969 1969 1970 1971 1971 1973 1974 1975 1975 1976 1977 1978 1978 1978 1980 1981 1982 1983 1995 2014

Lawrence Sterling Thomas Slamkowski Diane Glowacki Kowalski Thomas Nondorf Stanley Pernick Kathleen Bajo Joseph T. Kochis Richard C. Simaga Daniel Halton John Heiser Constance Grimmer George Groff Joseph Palka Gerald “Jerry” Egan Theresa Alfaro Diane Zuffa Webb Christine Gozdecki Ketchum Raymond Luniewski Ricardo E. Baeza Paulette Giorgio Klawitter Terrence Dolasinski Patrick Petrunich Catherine Tragesser Devine Harry Karahalios Veritian “Shima” Riddle Sherman Dimailig Hilario Trevino Patricia A. Marion Randall K. Benton Summer Coronado Casey Nicole Kouladouros

Former Principal— Suzan LaPeer Our hearts are saddened over the passing of former Bishop Noll Principal Suzan LaPeer. Ms. LaPeer was a longtime diocesan educator, both as a teacher and administrator. She was BNI’s first lay woman principal, serving from 1992 to 1999. Her longest tour of duty was at Saint Mary School in Griffith, as a teacher and principal.

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 moneill@bishopnoll.org.

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

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