5 minute read
From the desk of our President Sister Mary Hanah Doak, RSM
Dear Bishop Kelley Community,
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In reflecting on the 2022-2023 school year as it comes to a close, I am reminded of God’s mercies and prayerfully reminiscing as members of our BK Community are leaving for their next chapters and we are welcoming new members to campus for the upcoming school year. I remain grateful to God for bringing our sisters to Bishop Kelley to partner with the school’s long-term mission of carrying on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ in a way that prepares our students for a truly purposeful life. My gratitude continues to grow as I come to know students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and others who form our vibrant BK Community.
At the beginning of 2023, as the school was returning from Christmas Break, we were saddened to lose a long-time member of our Community, Dan Schmitz. Although we miss him tremendously, I have witnessed our community rally together. I believe Dan’s legacy will have a lasting impact on Bishop Kelley for generations to come.
The “We Are BK, Honoring our Legacy, Building our Future” Capital Campaign debuted publicly with the publishing of the Fall/Winter 2022 Ambassador Magazine and we have been greatly blessed with the opening of our new Dining Hall in March. Bishop Konderla and the many donors who made this state-of-the-art facility possible were able to join our student body, faculty and staff for a Blessing and Ribbon Cutting. It has been beautiful to see our students enjoying the community that the new space facilitates as well as the tasty and nutritious food we are able to provide as we nourish students body, mind and soul. We are working diligently to raise the remaining $5 Million toward the $25 Million total goal! My sincere gratitude to the many generous benefactors who have already partnered with the school in this endeavor!
An especially poignant time during this school year came on April 4th when our Chaplain and Campus Minister held a Day of Mercy: Reconciliation & Eucharistic Adoration. It was a moving service and one that many students took part in.
As temperatures warmed up, I was fortunate to be able to visit our student athletes during their spring sports practices and you, as a Community, came together surrounding some OSSAA and Legislative updates. Our voices were heard and as of this printing, public and private schools will enjoy equitable competitive experiences at the playoff level. We remain vigilant in monitoring this ever-changing situation.
Finally, the time has come to say farewell to “Our Priest” Father Duy Nguyen who has faithfully served as Bishop Kelley’s Chaplain for the last six years. While we will miss his daily relational ministry on campus, we are excited to see what the Lord has planned for him in his new role as Vocations Director for the Diocese. Our sadness is also matched by great joy in welcoming Father Jon Fincher ’11 as he returns to BKHS in his new role as full-time Priest Chaplain! Father Fincher brings with him a love for teaching and is excited to open a new chapter for our students by teaching theology classes at BK as part of his ministry.
As we close out the 2022-2023 school year, my hope is that we continue striving to make Catholic education accessible for all those who desire it, helping our students grow in faith and are ever-faithful to the work entrusted to us by the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Sister Mary Hanah Doak, RSM
About Bishop Kelley High School
OUR MISSION
The mission of Bishop Kelley High School is to carry on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by providing a Catholic, Lasallian education that develops individuals whose hearts and minds are prepared for a purposeful life.
Our Core Values
Faith in the Presence of God
We call each other into a deeper awareness of our saving relationship with a caring and loving God through Jesus Christ.
“Let us remember we are in the Holy Presence of God.”
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
We call each other to an awareness of the poor and victims of injustice and respond through community service and advocacy.
“Enter to learn, leave to serve.”
Respect for All Persons
We acknowledge each others’ dignity and identity as children of God.
“Live Jesus in our hearts...Forever.”
Quality Education
We provide an education that prepares students not only for college, career, and vocation, but also for life through the Lasallian ideal.
“Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts.”
Inclusive Community
We are a Catholic community where diverse strengths and limitations are recognized and accepted.
“The Lasallian Family”
Table Of Contents
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Comet Accomplishments
“We Are BK” Capital Campaign Update
By Doug Thomas Bishop Kelley Summer
By Hayden Heckenkemper, ’23
Remembering Dan Schmitz ’77
By Jeana Sutton
A Week at the Oklahoma Capitol
By Hayden Heckenkemper, ’23
Kindness Challenge
By Veronica Sousa, ’25
Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Awards
By Hayden Heckenkemper, ’23
Teacher Feature
By Grace Wells ’24 and Amy Nagode, ’24
“We Are BK” Griffin Match Update
2023 Auction: A Night in the Garden Spring Sports Showcase
By Peyton Coburn, ’24
Link Crew
By Hayden Heckenkemper, ’23
Ceramics by Bishop Kelley
Q&A: BK’s Top Service Hour Earners
By Sarah Dicks, ’04
After seeing their three-year Class 5A State Championship winning streak snapped last year, the Comets battled back to yet another 5A East Regional title and then their fourth state crown, edging Carl Albert by one point after winning the final relay!
Feb 16-18, 2023 • Edmond, Oklahoma
Robocomets
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BK Boys
2 Winter Homecoming Court
2-10-2023
2023 Winter Homecoming Court (left to right): Kai Livesay, Malana Eureste, Will Hennessay, Mackenzie Hayes, Owen Zellers, Rae Harrel, Hayden Heckenkemper, Queen Elizabeth Sullivan, Tessie Griggs, David Bryan, Maid of Honor Elle Stanger, Josh Cutsinger, Curry Kendall, Will Beasley, Ann Blankenship and Connor Kelley
BK has EIGHT National Merit Scholars (left to right): Julia Bush, Max Gangel, Owen Anderson, Elle Stanger, Evan Baumgartner, Noah Hanisch, Georgia Bachman, and Lily Carey!
• Academic State Championship: 1st Place: Team GPA 3.868
• Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking: Bella Abele ‘23 - State Champ
• 5A Team Sweepstakes - 4th place
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3 2023 naTionaL meriT schoLars
Speech
Great season for BK Wrestling, finishing at the 5A State Tournament in Oklahoma City:
• Cameron Leake ‘23: 2nd at 175 lbs
• Bobby Burke ‘25: 3rd at 126 lbs
The RoboComets finished 2nd at the Oklahoma State Robotics Competition on February 25, 2023. They were also awarded 1st place in the Think Award and 3rd place in the Inspire Award. Will Danz ‘24 was named a Dean’s List Semifinalist. The team was led by seniors Max Gangel, Roman Jones, Emily Burke, and Sully Barbour.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial competed against Broken Arrow High School and Moore High School in the qualifying round of the Oklahoma Bar Association Mock Trial Competition. BK defeated Broken Arrow in the morning round with Julia Bush winning Best Attorney and Ella Fulkerson winning Best Witness. In the afternoon round Bella Abele and Madelene Sousa won Best Attorney and Best Witness respectively.
Powderpuff Football
BK won its 7th state title in ten years with a 290-110 victory over Edison. BK’s Team includes Justin Walter, Elle Stanger, McCaleb Doyle, Jed Nelson, Vaibiv Aggarwal, Dylan Huntley, Divya Thomas, and Daniel Papa. Their coach is Ms. Medea Bendel.
January 28, 2023
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April 15, 2023 comeT wresTLing
2.25.2023
This year, the Junior Girls were victorious in the annual Powderpuff Football Game that was held on Lasallian Founders Day, May 15, 2023.
SENIOR CLASS BOARD-CLASS OF 2024
President: Blaine Morrison
Vice President: Owen Eacret
Treasurer: Ashby Miller
Secretary: Angelina Nguyen
Board Members: Ryder Drummond, Kenzie Kelley, Peyton Coburn, Jack Oliver, Thaison Luu, Liddy Rooker, Emily Magness
JUNIOR CLASS BOARD-CLASS OF 2025
2023 Academic Bowl State Champs!
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President: Giavanna Smith
Vice President: Beau Goodwin
Treasurer: Trent Jones
Secretary: Malana Eureste
Board Members: Emily Clower, Amelia Johnson, Harry Hillman, Brylee Roberts, Natalia Ochoa
