THE SWORD
Christ the King Catholic High School Newspaper
BELIEVE, THINK, SERVE
PHOTOJOURNALISM CLASS
PICTURED (left to right): Kai Phoenix, Landen Lomot, Steven Cachat, Drew Ranaletta, Liam Giallanza, Nick Frank, Stefano Atkinson, Hank Aiello, Madi Yocum, Lilly Reimels, Paloma Sifuentes, Kaitlyn Donaldson, Sam Carignan, Emily Hippensteel, Quin McGoff, Sophia Nellas, Ryan Conlan, Antonella Torres, Grace Miller, Sam Arledge, Maddy Shores, Katie Benulis, and Peter Uk
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Believe, Think, Serve - Living out the CTK Mission
Recognizing Our Worth - Keynote Speaker R. D. Delgado
Think Critically
Sharpening Our Minds
Thinking Outside the Box - Escape Room
Building Crusader Spirit - Volleyball Game
Believe Sincerely
Strengthening Our Faith - Mass and Spiritual Reflection
Serving Others
Recognizing Our Worth: Keynote Speaker
R. D. Delgado Challenges Students to Set the World on Fire
Students began CTK Days with an inspiring talk on self-worth and the importance of valuing themselves, led by R.D. Delgado, a writer and director who founded a modern, award-winning production company to tell moving, meaningful stories. He shared his personal journey of overcoming hardships by believing in himself, demonstrating how faith and perseverance can shape one’s path.
Delgado emphasized that each individual is created in God’s image and possesses unique gifts meant to be shared with the world Through personal stories and reflective moments, students were encouraged to develop confidence in their faith, identity, and purpose. This session reinforced our commitment to believe sincerely understanding that true worth is rooted in Christ’s love.
Sharpening Our Minds critically
CTK Days challenged students to think deeply and faithfully In special discussion sessions, students used Scripture and guiding questions to explore how God’s Word informs their thoughts, words, and actions. The day also included a hands-on fishing activity that sparked discussion on resource conservation and responsible stewardship. Each moment invited students to reflect, question, and grow— putting faith and critical thinking into practice at Christ the King.
Thinking Outside the Box: Can You Recover the Lost Scrolls in Time?
One of the highlights of CTK Days was the exhilarating escape room challenge, where juniors and seniors put their theological knowledge and problem-solving skills to the test. Working in teams, they deciphered clues, unraveled puzzles, and raced against the clock to unlock the locker and find the scroll. This high-energy activity emphasized the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and perseverance skills that extend far beyond the game and into everyday life. It provided students not only with a fun time with their friends, but a time of learning more about God and themselves.
ESCA E
RM
sincerely
Strengthening Our Faith Mass and Spiritual Reflection
At the heart of CTK Days was a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, bringing our school community together in worship. The Mass served as a moment of reflection and renewal, reminding students that their faith is the foundation of all they do.
Students created Gospel-based videos and activity bags for Sacrament preparation for second graders. In addition, spiritual discussions and vocation talks encouraged students to explore how God is calling them to serve in their future lives, reinforcing our mission to believe sincerely and seek His guidance.
Coming Together to Serve, One Meal at a Time!
Along with packing meal bags, students had the chance to work together to decorate the boxes that the meals would be sent in. These boxes were colored with small images of love and happiness, bible quotes, and words of affirmation.
CTK sophomores and freshman served their community and those from different countries at their meal packing event. The food these students packed went to families in far-off countries and to those in western North Carolina. These students learned to work together for a greater cause.
Making a Difference: Hinds Feet Farm
Another group of students spent the day at Hinds Feet Farm, a community dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with brain injuries Crusaders participated in various outdoor projects, from landscaping to facility maintenance, helping to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for residents. Through their service, students not only contributed physically but also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassion and empathy in serving others.
Leaving Our Mark: Art Mural
As part of CTK Days, students have been hard at work bringing color and creativity to our halls through a stunning new stairwell mural From the initial design and sketches created by student volunteers to the hands-on painting by classmates, this project is a true reflection of collaboration, school pride, and artistic vision. Each day, the mural grows more vibrant, a testament to the time, effort, and heart our students are putting into making Christ the King even more beautiful
TALENT SHOW
We saw many talents from different ages from freshmen to seniors with special acts from Fr. Huber and the CTK teachers.
One of the most anticipated events of CTK Days was the talent show, where students had the opportunity to share their musical, artistic, and performance talents with the community. This joyful event was a testament to the diverse abilities of our student body and a reminder that each individual’s gifts contribute to the richness of our school.
QUOTES:
“Hind’s Feet Farm was not only a way to serve others, but also a way to learn about those who can often be brushed off by the majority of society.” -
Quin McGoff
I learned more about many ways we can serve others in other places.- Paloma Sifuentes
“CTK days are a great way to learn how to connect with God while serving others.” Antonella Torres
“Praying over the food after meal packing made me feel a connection between our school to those we were serving through God.”
- Kate Donaldson
QUOTES:
“During the CTK days I learned that helping others goes a long way.”- Sophia Nellas
“I Iearned that helping others truly helps my community.” -Lillian Reimels
“During the CTK Days, I learned about how one act of service can help a larger community.” - Grace Miller