GreatNews.Life Student Voices Marian welcomes the school year with tradition

What’s happened recently?

The Marian Knights went back to school on Monday, August 10. New and old faces filtered through the glass doors — some excited, some nervous, some indifferent- for a new year of opportunity and learning.

Upperclassmen helped to make sure the freshmen felt welcomed on their first day. On Sunday, August 9, several students came to Marian to chalk up the entrance sidewalks with positive messages and drawings. On Orientation morning, students welcomed freshmen in with signs and excitement.

Back to school night was held on Wednesday, August 26, as an opportunity for parents to come meet their children’s teachers and learn about their classes. Senior College Info Night was held on Monday, August 17, to help families learn about the college application process.

With the school year underway, so are fall sports. Volleyball, Boys Tennis, soccer, and football have games every single week. The student sections have been full of students supporting each other. A night spent at a Marian sporting event is a night spent well.

What’s coming up?

One of Marian’s biggest traditions is rapidly approaching: Holy War Week. Every year, Marian competes with their rival school, the St. Joseph Huskies, in an epic Friday night football game and the Hungerbowl.

The Hungerbowl is an annual community food drive competition. Both schools will spend the week of September 7-11 collecting as many monetary, canned, and non-perishable donations as possible. All donations are given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help local families in need.

Whichever school collects more donations is crowned the winner on Friday night and receives a trophy. The Marian Knights have never lost a Hungerbowl and hope to continue that tradition this year.

Friday night is sure to be a lively atmosphere; the sounds of drums, cheers, and whistles will accompany the players. Students and players alike are looking forward to the game.

“It brings all of us together from both sides. It’s just so fun for everyone,” said Helen Arrownowski, a St. Joseph student.

The Huskies were ranked number three by the South Bend Tribune pre-season power rankings after a sectional title and regional championship run last season. The Marian Knights were ranked in the six to 10 bracket and are expected to perform well under their new head coach, Joe Caldrone.

“The Holy War means more no matter your role on the team. As captain, it’s even more meaningful. My responsibility is to keep the team focused, bring energy, and make sure we’re ready to compete and represent our school in the right way,” said Marian Knights Football Captain Brayden Cerney.

Each school is ready to show their talent and drive. The Holy War is for more than just students; it is also a big attractor for families and the community.

Staff Spotlight:

Mary Mueller is in her second year of teaching theology at Marian High School. Her journey to becoming a teacher was atypical, but the way she has served others throughout her journey has always been clear.

Mueller grew up on a farm in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, a town with a population of 15,000 people. She spent her childhood outside every day and loved talking and conversing with new people. Her family was split between the Lutheran and Catholic churches. However, her parents were committed to sending her to Catholic school.

“It was that decision which basically gave me my faith,” Mueller said.

Mueller remembers loving her teachers in seventh grade and also seeing a need for strong educators. She has known for a while that becoming a saint is an important goal for her.

Her teacher laughed and said that was never going to pay the bills. This never deterred Mary. She always had a desire to serve others. In college at the University of Notre Dame, Mueller majored in theology with minors in philosophy, studio art, and Catholic social tradition.

After her freshman year, Mueller spent two months living and working with the Missionaries of Charity in a homeless shelter. She also worked in architecture and worked with people with disabilities. It wasn’t until she served as a missionary in Romania for one year that she began to turn towards education.

“The women I lived with were so poorly educated and catechized, even though they were missionaries,” Mueller said. “That was so sad to me, and I realized I wanted to teach.”

Mueller is now beloved by all her students and enjoys the creativity of her role. She is looking forward to getting married in four months and for seeing what change comes about through this school year.

“My life can really be told in a ‘call-and-response’ type of way. I’m here because the Lord called me here,” Mueller said.

Student Spotlight:

Charlie Meyers is a freshman cross country runner with avid goals. Coming into his first year at Marian, Meyers knew he wanted to be involved. He joined the cross country team because he finds running relaxing and beneficial.

“I love that even though I am not the best runner there, I am still so supported by my team,” Meyers said.

In his first few weeks at Marian, Meyers has found the things he likes and looks forward to. His favorite class is his ninth grade English class, because he loves to read. His class is currently reading “The Lord of the Rings.”

Meyers has also noticed the new sense of freedom that comes with going into high school. Classes are scheduled differently, and more responsibility is offered to him. He shared his ambitious goals to end the year out with all A’s.

For Meyers, his journey at Marian has only just begun. He hopes to be a Spirit Knight Captain later this year, taking on a leadership role in the school-wide spirit competition. As he looks ahead to the next four years, Meyers is excited for the races, friendships, and opportunities that await him.

“I want to leave a positive mark on the school,” Meyers said.