What’s happened?
The annual Catholic Schools Week took place on January 27-31. The Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) Campus Ministry team was in charge of putting on a fun and faith-filled week.
On Monday, the theme was “Catholic Schools Rock!”. Students were allowed to wear Catholic grade school or Catholic college shirts. The activity of the day was playing Giant Jenga during lunch.
Tuesday’s theme was “Student Appreciation Day”. Students dressed up either as heroes or villains. There was a surprise ice cream sundae bar at lunch.
Vocation Appreciation Day was the theme for Wednesday. BNI invited local catholic grade schools to attend mass. There were over 1,500 students and teachers in attendance.
On Thursday, the theme was “Random Acts of Kindness Day”. Students were encouraged to do two random acts of kindness during the school day. Students were able to dress down in USA colors.
To wrap up the week, Friday’s theme was “Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day”. Students were able to wear comfy clothes and got to participate in karaoke during lunch. Throughout the day, teachers, administrators, and staff members had multiple surprises. CSW 2020 was a success thanks to the Campus Ministry Team.
What’s coming up?
The winter sports season will soon be coming to an end. All of the BNI winter sports teams have had quite the successful season especially the girls bowling team and the boys swim team. The BNI Bowling team had two seniors, Alexis Gonzalez and Jessica Suarez, who qualified for regionals. Gonzalez also qualified for semi-state. The BNI Boys Swimming team placed 2nd overall in the conference meet.
The basketball and swimming seasons are currently still in session. The BNI girls basketball team will play Lake Station Edison in their first round of Sectionals on February 4 at Whiting High School. The boys basketball team still has a few regular-season games including their senior night against Gavit on February 26. The Girls Swimming Team Sectionals start on February 6, while the boys start on February 20.
Staff Spotlight
Mr. Jeff Stur is the Director of Admissions and a BNI Alumni. Stur graduated Bishop Noll in 1998. He became an assistant varsity baseball coach four years ago. He became the Director of Admissions in the fall of 2018. Stur is truly dedicated to Bishop Noll from being an alum to a coach to the Director of Admissions.
As Director of Admissions, Stur is in charge of promoting Bishop Noll and admitting students. He goes to different grade schools and talks to them about what Bishop Noll has to offer. He is also in charge of the Student Ambassador program. Student Ambassadors are made up of sophomores through seniors. They help assist him at the open houses and school visits.
“My favorite part about working at Bishop Noll is hands down the students,” Stur said. “Being able to meet so many diverse people and hear their stories has been a tremendous experience. It brings me great joy to develop and strengthen my relationships with students in such a short time.”
As an assistant varsity baseball coach, Stur has helped guide the team to two sectional titles. Stur also played baseball all four years when he was a student at Noll. He also won two sectional titles during his time.
“My favorite part of coaching is being a mentor to the young men who represent Bishop Noll and our baseball program and watching them grow individually and as teammates. We truly are a family who always looks out for one another, we have each other’s backs at all times, and we work hard to excel both on and off the field,” Stur said.
When Stur is not working or coaching, he likes to spend time with his friends and family. He also likes to cook, golf, travel, and watch sporting events. The Bishop Noll Family is very fortunate to have Stur apart of their staff and athletic program because of his dedication to making Noll the best it can be.
Student Spotlight
Junior Mely Diaz is all about finding her passions and trying new things. Diaz is currently a student athletic trainer and on the track and field team.
This is Diaz’s second year of running track. Last year, she received her varsity letter in the sport. She runs the 400m and 4x400. She also plans to run a leg of the 4x800 this season. Diaz was also named one of this year’s captains.
“My favorite part of track is the people. Our great coaches always keep us busy. There is never a dull moment at track, we are always having fun,” Diaz said.
As a student athletic trainer, Diaz helps the athletic trainer at all home games. She fills up coolers, makes ice bags, and assists with injuries.
“My favorite part of being an athletic trainer is being included in every game at Bishop Noll for all sports,” Diaz said.
Diaz has taken a variety of classes that Noll has to offer. From STEM to Film Study, to Spanish, she has tried a little bit of everything. Her favorite class that she is currently taking is Anatomy. Her teacher, Mrs. Marasas, always has fun and creative labs to help with understanding the material.
When Diaz is not in school or at practice, she likes to sleep and watch TikTok videos. Bishop Noll is truly lucky to have Diaz as both a student and athlete at the school.
