What’s recently happened?
On June 10, Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) students and staff flew to Spain and spent 10 days traveling six cities. They learned about the culture and the way of life; some of the ways they did this was eating dinner at 8 p.m. each night, finding ways to be polite, and getting to order food in Spanish.
BNI wanted students to go on this trip so they could experience another country and get away from the culture that they usually live in.
A group of students and staff went to Lucas Oil Stadium to experience the historic National Eucharistic Congress with 50,000 Christians across the country. They attended youth sessions with speakers, music, prayer, a diocesan Mass with Bishop McClory and other Catholics from the Region, and joined the Eucharisitic Procession throughout Indianapolis. Various speakers talked to the group, and it was something they will never forget.
“The convention was definitely one of the best things I’ve experienced in a while. It strengthened my relationship with God as I felt it was getting weaker. The worship made me more confident to show my love for God,” said Junior Lila Patino.
One of the biggest summer events that happens in Hammond every year, the Festival of the Lakes, was held from July 17 to 21. There were fun rides for people of all ages, food vendors, and musical performances. Some of the musical artists who performed were Blackstreet, DaBaby, Marshmello, Calibre 50, and more.
BNI sport and band camps have come to an end. Several sports had opportunities for kids to come and learn how to play the sport and meet people. Fall sports started conditioning and tryouts for the upcoming season. Band camp focused on learning new music, football halftime performances, and meeting the new director, Tre’von James. Every student is looking forward to competing in games and getting some wins.
What’s coming up?
BNI students are wrapping up their summer fun and getting ready for school. On August 14, freshman and transfer students have orientation, and the whole student body takes its yearbook photo. August 15 is the first day of school. BNI invites everyone to come celebrate the Assumption of Mary at 9:30 a.m. for all school Mass.
Students and staff are excited for school to be back in session. BNI instated “One School, One Book” with “The Martian: Classroom Edition” by Andy Weir. Students will use this book throughout the school year. The staff has been preparing for the start of the school year by updating some air conditioners, audio and visual rooms, painting floors and walls, and finishing up the new football and soccer field to be used this sport season.
Memorial Park is hosting Praise Fest on August 17 starting at 7 p.m. This free event allows those who come to focus on worshiping together as a community. Worshiping teams from Living Hope Church and Faith Church will guide everyone into an evening filled with music, thoughtful prayers, and moments of thoughtful reflection. Vendors will provide food to complete the experience.
The Pavilion at Wolf Lake is hosting entertainment from POWER OF LOVE, a Huey Lewis and the News Tribute Band on August 24 at 7 p.m. This band has talented musicians performing beloved ‘80’s music. These classic hit songs will have the crowd dancing and singing the whole time.
Community member spotlight:
Sara Seleb is a Hammond resident and an incoming junior at BNI. She is a part of the marching, concert, and jazz band as a clarinetist. Seleb is also involved in Tri-M Music Honor Society, Drama Club, Service Club, Biology Club – where she helps with Deoxyribonucleic Acid Day – Student Ambassadors, Art Club, Video Game Club, Speech, National Speech and Debate Association, and National Honor Society as fundraising manager.
“Service Club is amazing. We went to Gary and planted a garden. The community came together, and it was rewarding to be a part of,” said Seleb.
Seleb is looking forward to going to Lucas Oil Stadium and other various band competitions such as Indiana State School Music Association. She is also looking forward to the plays.
“I am hoping we can all grow and improve with the music,” said Seleb.
Seleb went on the BNI Spain trip which was the highlight of her summer. Her favorite city was Granada because it was very beautiful, the people were nice, and there were various authentic foods to try. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends while she was exploring.
In her free time, she loves to read, paint, go on walks, and bike rides because you can go far. Her favorite book is “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
If Seleb had to choose what to major in, she would choose environmental science or marine biology. She would go to Purdue University because it has both of those options so she could go back and do an internship at the Shedd Aquarium.
