What’s recently happened?
During spring break, students had a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a 10 day trip traveling Europe. Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) students got to experience the culture in various places such as Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria.
With the football field update earlier this school year, BNI also got an eight-lane track and field area. On April 5, BNI hosted five other schools at the third annual Chris Nicolini Invitational. This marked the first ever outdoor track meet in BNI history. Alumni and team captains joined Reverend Jeffery Burton to bless the track and cut the ribbon.
Being able to compete on the new track and being a part of history is a huge stepping stone for athletes. Going against schools with bigger teams is a challenge, but with the energy and willingness to dig deep helps make them stand out.
“The overall meet was a success. It feels amazing to be a part of history. I want to build up the team so we can all beat our personal records. Being a dual-sport athlete in the spring is hard, but it is worth it because of the love I have for the sports and the desire to break school records,” Junior Saul Cordero said.
What’s coming up?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Day is on April 25. Each year, Science Teacher Rebecca Dostatni goes all out to spread her passion for DNA. Along with the Biology Club, she makes a chromosome scavenger hunt, DNA decorations around the school, DNA themed cookies, and a music video that contains BNI students and lyrics performed by Senior Alexandra Magallanes.
DNA Day is special because it allows students an opportunity to bond and have fun while learning about DNA. Students get to learn basic facts that get to be learned in a fun way that is unique to the biology community.
“I got to design this year’s shirt and put memes up around the school. DNA Day might seem nerdy, but you can have a lot of fun. Anyone can participate,” Junior Kimberly Padilla said.
Softball is starting off strong with one game ending in a win against Hammond Central High School. The team consists of seven seniors, making the team chemistry electric both on and off the field. Adding on some talented freshmen gives the team hope of going further this postseason.
With most of the team graduating this year, the team has a great bond and knows how to play with each other. Coaches have helped them grow and become a family.
“Playing my last season for BNI is sad, but also exciting. The underclassmen are like my sisters, and it will be tough to leave them behind. I believe we can win Sectionals because most of us have played together since freshman year,” Senior Anais Reyna said.
The team is excited to play Hobart High School on April 23, because they lost to that team in extra innings last season. Another game the team is looking forward to is against Griffith High School due to them always being a competitive conference opponent. The team’s next game is at River Forest High School on April 21.
Staff spotlight:
Patricia Aguila always has a smile on her face when greeting students. She is the world language department chair and a Spanish teacher at BNI. She has taught speech and Spanish I-IV. She attended Purdue University and has worked at BNI for 22 years, with an additional three years of experience.
Aguila did not always want to become a teacher. She found herself landing a part-time position at Morton High School for a Spanish teacher on maternity leave. She became open-minded about the possibility of being a teacher. She later worked at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, as well as Ispat Steel Company, and realized she missed the connections with students.
Spanish was an easy subject to choose because that was her first language. Her part-time position came with ease and was interesting to her. Aguila strengthened her language and teaching skills to move toward being a full-time teacher.
“I wanted to educate students about Hispanic culture and what leaders have contributed to our world,” Aguila said.
When she opened the newspaper years later and saw the opening at BNI, she applied. It was a full circle moment for her. She always had a desire to be at BNI.
Her favorite thing about BNI is the diverse faculty, staff, and students. Every person is unique and brings something special to the school. She believes it is important to experience diversity in order to work or travel the world.
At BNI, she is on the committees for Bishop Noll Culture and the Spanish National Honor Society. She has also started the Travel Abroad program, where they have traveled to various places such as Rome, Switzerland, and London. Throughout her time at BNI, she has also been the Multicultural Club Advisor, planned graduation, prom committee, and the senior class advisor.
In Aguila’s free time, she enjoys being with her daughters and family. They enjoy going to concerts, dinners, movies, baseball games, and traveling.
She has had ups and downs throughout her time teaching. Aguila has worked through changing times in education that has made things better and harder. She has been lucky to work with amazing teachers who have shared the same journey. She believes in a space of joy, creativity, and a sense of true support for both students and teachers. Teaching gives her a chance to watch kids grow and show them support when things become difficult.
“That's been the heart of it for me. The connections, growth, and the small wins no one else sees means everything,” Aguila said.
Student spotlight:
Anna Perez is a junior at BNI. She has been in the Art and Drama Club, track and field, and cross country. Perez likes Art Club, because it is engaging and gives her a chance to creatively express herself through acrylic painting and cartoons. This is also her first year participating in both of her sports, and she has quickly found a passion for running.
“I have always wanted to be a runner since freshman year, but never got around to it. Going to Regionals for cross country in my first year is a huge accomplishment,” Perez said.
She feels accomplished and challenged herself, which makes her feel good. Perez is looking forward to improving her running in the track and field season.
Perez’s goals for the rest of her high school career is getting better grades, beat the school record for cross country, and make more art projects. She does art to inspire people and wants to begin selling some of her pieces. She got an award for art because she painted a piece for the Disabilities Act.
Her favorite class she has taken was her freshman year theater class. She learned how to be open and challenged herself to be onstage. Her favorite memory is the most recent junior Kairos retreat.
“Kairos was a great experience. Everyone got to be their true selves and be vulnerable,” Perez said.
Perez makes jewelry, paints and sketches, watches crime documentaries, does Pilates, and listens to music. Her favorite painting she has made included a broken heart with a character on top of it with a gold spiral. She likes to listen to Spanish and rap music.
After high school, she wants to run in college. She is pondering between Purdue University Northwest or Indiana University. Perez also wants to create a jewelry and art business where profits would go to foundations. She likes to make intricate necklaces and braiding bracelets.
