BNI girls wrestling team makes history Sophomore Natalie Ramirez and freshman Tsi-Tsi-Ki Rangel are the first-ever BNI girls to qualify for state. With it only being Ramirez’s second year and Rangel’s first year, they had a lot of work to do, but it all paid off in the end.
At school, Ramirez can usually be found in a knee brace, ready for wrestling practice. Despite being the only girl on the team last year, she persevered and continued to play the sport she loves. She came back stronger this year and was able to recruit Rangel to join the team. The girls had a successful season and an even more successful post-season.
At the Girls Wrestling Regionals, Ramirez placed 3rd overall in her weight division. By doing this, she and Rangel were both eligible to compete in the Girls Wrestling State Finals. Before the girls went to state, the BNI Marching Warriors played a song for them during one of the lunch hours as a sign of good luck. At the state finals, hosted at Hamilton Heights in Arcadia, Indiana, both girls placed 5th overall in their weight divisions.
Through all the ups and downs, both the girls’ hard work paid off. The entire Bishop Noll community is so proud of them and cannot wait to see how far they will go next year.
Student Spotlight Freshmen Adrianna Alvarez emerged herself quickly into the Bishop Noll atmosphere.
She is on the cheer team, rousing the crowds at football games, basketball games, and pep rallies. She is an active member on the student council and informs the freshmen class on upcoming student council sponsored events. She is also involved in the drama club. In the fall, she was cast in the school play, Almost Maine, and she was just cast in the spring musical, Zombie Prom. Alvarez also plans on running track after cheer season is over.
Alvarez came to BNI because of the small-school, familial atmosphere and wealth of opportunities. Her favorite class is film study because her teacher, Ms. Jones, makes the class enjoyable. By taking film study, she is able to watch a movie and break it down piece by piece.
“My favorite part of being a Warrior is that no one is judgmental,” Alvarez said. “Everyone is very accepting and you can be your own person.”
Bishop Noll is very lucky to have Alvarez. She dedicates herself to everything she participates in and looks forward to her future years as a BNI Warrior.
Teacher Spotlight Mrs. Ana Hicks is a teacher of 15 years, but has only been with the Bishop Noll community for two years. Hicks teaches Spanish l and Spanish ll. Prior to Noll, she taught English Literature, Latin American Literature, Writing 101, and ELL, which is English for non-native speakers.
She loves teaching at BNI because her students brighten up her day with their unique personalities and kind hearts. She said that her colleagues teach her new things every day, and the familial atmosphere is apparent. She attributes Noll for reaffirming her love and passion for teaching.
When asked about why learning another language is important she said, “I’ve traveled throughout Europe and, for the most part, being multilingual is viewed as something normal. It is very much a part of everyday life, where I see that here in the U.S., being bilingual is more of an option.
“I think that learning languages is crucial for students, and making it a norm should be emphasized, because our world has become so interconnected that knowing different languages will help students in future career options,” she continued. “Furthermore, [learning languages] helps students with international social skills and developing a knowledge or appreciation for different cultures. It’s a win-win for us all.”
The Bishop Noll community is very blessed to have Hicks because of her commitment to molding students into culturally versed citizens.
Harlem Wizards storm BNI A spectacular basketball game does not even begin to describe what took place at Bishop Noll Institute on February 4.
The Bishop Noll Athletic Department hosted a fundraiser featuring the Harlem Wizards. The Harlem Wizards played against Bishop Noll teachers, along with local Catholic grade school teachers. The night showcased the Wizards’ signature moves, comedy, contests for kids, giveaways, and more.
There was also a drawing to win a Harlem Wizards basketball available to the first 100 people who purchased tickets. The athletic department hosted a great night for the community and raised some money for their department amidst the fun.