GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Bishop Noll Institute is taking the big stage

What’s recently happened?

Homecoming was a night to remember. The Bishop Noll Institute (BNI) Warriors kicked off the festivities for the week on September 15 with Bikers versus Surfers. The other spirit days were Anything But a Backpack Day, Country versus Country Club, and ending the week with Warrior Wear, a day for everyone to wear blue and gold.  The football team beat Calumet Christian School 34-14.

During halftime, the cheerleaders performed a routine which was then followed by the announcement of Homecoming King and Queen. The court consisted of Jolette Luna, Angelo Jones, Joey Garcia, Mateo Lopez, Marley Lopez, Jesus Urbina, Rubi Ayala, Akinjide Olaoye, Aiyana Espinoza, and Josef Matushek. Matushek and Espinoza were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

“I was speechless. It was a rush of excitement, I had to cover my mouth to make sure my jaw didn’t drop to the ground,” Espinoza said.

The dance was a blast, especially for the seniors since it was their last Homecoming together. They made sure to sing and dance as much as possible.

The first senior service retreat was from October 3-4. The first day, students were in the new alumni hall located by the football field. There were small group discussions, games, and talks from teachers. The main idea was about how people frame who they become.

The next day, the group was split up to either go to Gary or Our Lady of Mission of Angels in Chicago. They packed up food for the less fortunate and helped people shop for essentials.

“The retreat was great. The best part was the shopping because it was nice to make conversation and help out people. It was a fun experience that helped me realize how service can help people out,” Senior Lily Braviere said.

What’s coming up?

The auditorium lights are officially on as the cast and crew are preparing during tech week for “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The Drama Club first started on this production as soon as they received the cast list at the end of August. The musical is very silly and cartoon-like. Everyone knows the story of Charlie Brown, and the production captures the essence of kids running around and having fun.

“I am so grateful to be starring in my first high school show. It’s been so cool to show people the talents I have to offer. I hope people understand the work the cast and crew has put into this, and I know it will be a success because of it,” Freshman Lukas Patton said.

The Girls Volleyball team is headed to the first round of Sectionals on October 16 against West Side Leadership Academy. If they move on, they will play Griffith High School or Highland High School for the championship on Saturday.

The season has had ups and downs, but they are consistently growing stronger and building confidence after every game. The team has lost two players due to injury, so they are challenged to adjust but find their rhythm.

“I feel like the team is ready. We’re excited to play, especially since we’ve already faced these teams in the regular season. We’re confident that we can make it to Regionals,” Senior Co-Captain LilyBlaine Coulter said.

Staff spotlight:

Kevin Burgun has been at BNI for over a decade. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He has previously worked at La Lumiere School, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and Holland Christian School.

Burgun got a phone call asking if he could come in mid-semester at BNI and he thought it would be a fun adventure. He teaches Advance Placement and Dual Credit Literature and Composition, Senior Composition, and Junior English.

“My favorite thing about BNI is the students,” Burgun said.

He has always wanted to become a teacher, X-wing pilot, or an actor. He also went into ministry for a few years.

“When I was younger, I was naturally drawn to teaching. I’ve always enjoyed learning so that is what I have wanted to do,” Burgun said.

English was his strongest subject, which is why he decided to go into it. However, Burgun has a theory that he should’ve gone into teaching a math course because that was his weaker subject. He thinks he would better understand it by teaching the subject.

Burgun helps out with the Speech and Debate Team and the Academic Super Bowl Team. Previously, he has helped with Theater Club, Academic Spell Bowl, Student Council, and Chess Club.

In his free time, he enjoys sleeping, playing Fortnite with his nephews, playing Fortnite by himself to get better to beat his nephews, and raising orchids to various degrees of success.

Student spotlight:

Senior Saul Cordero is accomplished on and off the field and courts. Cordero has been a part of the basketball and cross country teams. He runs and jumps for track and field, swims, plays libero for volleyball, and a combination of positions on the soccer field including left midfielder, center midfielder, and striker. His favorite sports are soccer and volleyball because he feels a good team bond. Cordero is a part of the Hispanic Student Union and in the National Honor Society.

“My favorite memory and biggest accomplishment was winning Sectionals for volleyball my freshman year. It was exciting, especially since the team got formed that year,” Cordero said.

After high school, Cordero is planning on attending Wabash College for either engineering or physical therapy. He likes numbers and drawing, and taking a course in Civil Engineering has made him want to go into engineering. He would want to pursue physical therapy because it is the sports aspect in his life.

”I can help people in both careers. Physical therapy would let me help people on a personal level,” Cordero said.

Cordero is looking forward to the rest of the soccer season. He believes that the soccer team will make it far this year. He is also looking forward to Prom since it’s a big senior event.

He hopes to maintain his grades and find a good college to go to. His favorite class he is taking is Anatomy and Physiology, because it is hands-on and gets to learn a lot.

In his free time, he likes to mess around and build Legos. His favorite set is the Bonsai Tree.