Seniors MATTER May 17, 2017
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Students reflect on their experience
A look back at the past four years
Seniors take a different route than college
TROJAN MATTERS
December 15, 2016 May 17, 2017
Where have they been; where are they going Christ the King: 25 students St. Simon: 24 students St. Matthew: 19 students St. Pius X: 17 students Immaculate Heart of Mary: 15 students St. Luke: 8 students 1 St. Monica: 7 students St. Joan of Arc: 6 students St. Thomas: 6 students Lumen Christi: 5 students Eastwood Middle: 3 students St. Lawrence: 3 students Fishers Junior High: 2 students Midwest Academy: 2 students Andrew Academy: 1 student Charlotte Catholic: 1 student Imagine West School: 1 student St. Maria Goretti: 1 student St. Michael: 1 student St. Susanna: 1 student
Information is accurate as of 5/10/17; several seniors are still undecided of their plans. See page 4 for those doing something besides attending college.
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1 94
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More 2017 grads will attend Purdue University than any other university:
30
will continue to 12 athletes play their sport in college. will attend a 25 grads university as the only Trojan at that school.
17 facts about the Class of 2017 The Class of 2017 has many memories to look back on. A few facts about these seniors:
We have 151 seniors
$23,697,940 in scholarships as of 5/10/2017
28 others were part of this class, but will not graduate from BCHS.
109 athletes competed for BCHS their senior year
We didn’t have a freshman retreat/ day of reflection
20 different middle schools represented
48 students will attend college outside of Indiana
Three valedictorian
No one pass out during living rosary
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sed
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Trojans attend universities across the country Arizona State University 1 Trojan
Indiana University 24 Trojans
St. Mary of the Woods Univ. 1 Trojan
Ashland University 1 Trojan
IUPUI 3 Trojans
Tulane University 1 Trojan
Ball State University 8 Trojans
Ind. Wesleyan University 1 Trojan
University of Cincinnati 2 Trojans
Bellarmine University 3 Trojans
Ivy Tech 5 Trojans
Bradley University 3 Trojans
Kent State University 1 Trojan
University of Indianapolis 3 Trojans
Butler University 1 Trojan
Loyola University 3 Trojans
University of Iowa 1 Trojan
Carthage College
1 Trojan
Marian University 3 Trojans
Coastal Carolina 1 Trojan
Miami University 5 Trojans
University of Tennessee 1 Trojan
DePauw University 6 Trojans
Murray State University 1 Trojan
University of San Francisco 1 Trojan
Eastern Illinois University
1 Trojan
Olivet Nazarene University 1 Trojan
Vincennes University 2 Trojans
Goshen College 1 Trojan
Ohio Northern University 1 Trojan
Wabash College 3 Trojans
Hanover College
1 Trojan
Purdue University 30 Trojans
Western Kentucky University 4 Trojans
Hope College 1 Trojan
Regis University 1 Trojan
Indiana State University 1 Trojan
Saint Mary’s College 1 Trojan
University of Dayton 7 Trojans
We are the first class to use Canvas all four years
Two different bishops served while we were here
Three different types of walk-a-thons days (Color run, field day, only talent show.)
Bach, Pritts, Funk, Fredrickson, Boyle, Gerritsen, Hilton, Horan, Klee, Quintana, Shaughnessy, Fisher, Judkins, Nixon, O’Brien, Pappas, Dury, Helfrich all had new babies.
94 students going to college in state
5 different athletic trainers
University of Rochester 1 Trojan
Xavier University 1 Trojan Xavier University of Louisiana 1 Trojan
740 days of attending BCHS
Two sets of twins 1
TROJAN MATTERS May 17, 2017
As freshmen, 2013-14
As we began our freshman year, we participated in our first all-school Mass. Students in the freshman class hold hands and pray the Our Father.
We were officially welcomed to BCHS during freshman orientation where we received our iPads, schedules, locker combos and interacted with other classmates.
To finish out our sophomore year, the girls participated in May Crowning. They dressed up and honored Mary by laying flowers by her feet and crowning her.
As sophomores, we learned line dances at the one and only barn dance.
As juniors, 2015-16 In September, students including Ali Vielee and Hannah Cooke, went with Mrs. Carol Wagner, campus ministry director, traveled to Washington, D.C. to see Pope Francis.
The last big hurrah before graduation was prom at the Children's Museum. Students visited the exhibitions and then danced until 11 p.m.
For junior retreats, the boys visited St. Meinrad in southern Indiana while the girls retreat was at the St. Benedict Inn. Students participated in activities to encourage being men and women of God.
Seniors spent four days at Fatima Retreat house in their final school retreat. This retreat allowed seniors to reflect on their relationship with themselves, others and God.
In September, we got a taste of high school student life with our first homecoming. Students form a congo line during the dance.
An annual rite of passag earned their driver's licen ing to school. Students signed parking spots, p
Class of
2017
In November, about 100 BCHS students joined 25,000 other Catholics at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis.
ge, many sophomores nses and starting drivs who don't have aspark in the gravel lot.
The student section upped their game and succeeded in winning the Channel 13 WTHR Spirit Award as the most spirited student section in Central Indiana. Students gather around the trophy at a pep rally in November.
One event that brings the Senior Class together is the longest tradition here - Living Rosary. Students process in at the beginning of the ceremony to form a human rosary around the gym.
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As graduation nea rs, take a look bac k at what happened in the past four year s.
•Sian Rhodes
To include more underclassmen, STUCO sponsored the first "MORP" (prom spelled backwards), where the girls ask boys. Freshman girls dance together during a song.
s e r o m o h As sop
Our sophomore retreats were held at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa. We were split into groups and participated in activities that were both challenging and team-building.
The football team had a championship season, winning its 13th state title beating West Lafayette Red Devils, 31-7 in 3A at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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2014-15
Rather than a color run (like the previous year) for walk-a-thon, day, students played games for a field day around the campus. Senior Arie O'Brien races classmates on a super-sized trike.
In late August, a huge storm caused significant damage and power to go out. Students were released early after it was determined power would not be restored for hours.
, s r o i n e s As 2016-17
All photos from archives Photo by Kylie Donaldson
Taking the road less traveled Some seniors opt for other plans after graduation
W
hile the overwhelming majority of the Class of 2017 grads plan to attend college next year, there are a few seniors that will be taking the road less traveled. One such senior is Christian Croddy, who has enlisted in the Army. “I wanted to do this because it seemed like a cool thing to do,” said Croddy. With a 4-year service commitment, Croddy begins Basic Training June 27 at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. “I decided not to go to college now because I wanted to use the military’s G/I bill to help pay for college later,” he said. Similarly, Bryce Friederick plans on enlisting in either
Left photo courtesy: Christian Croddy, Right photo courtesy: Jake Christmann
TROJAN MATTERS May 17, 2017
the Marines or the Air With the Oath of Enlistment, senior Christian Croddy commits to joining the Army following graduation; Jake Christmann currently plays on the Royal Irish Rugby team Force. "Enlisting was an right now but is planning to go abroad next year. easy choice," he said, "But choosing what I want to do in what to do,” he said, “I want erlands first-tier club called in the military for the next four to continue my rugby career 't Gooi,” Petrakopoulos said, years will be hard." outside of high school and be “I'm looking forward to living For him, he felt a duty to join the best player I can be.” there and playing rugby. I love the military. "I believe that I While he’s not getting paid, the country and I have a lot of have a debt to this country and he hopes that his level of play good friends from the teams the people that served before at the club "I believe that I have a debt to me," he said. level will Some seniors are taking an- get him a this country and the people that other route next year. Jake professional served before me." Christmann will be playing position. - Bryce Friederick rugby abroad. “I will be playAnother ing for Fylde Rugby Club and senior playing rugby next year is I've played on.” living in Blackpool, Lancashire, Jonas Petrakopoulos. “My goal For these few seniors optEngland,” he said. is to become a professional and ing out of college, one thing For Christmann, the decision international level rugby play- is common. “The experience to go abroad was easy. “My dad er,” he said. is going to be really fun,” said was a big help for me deciding “I will be playing for a Neth- Friederick. •Jacob deCastro
From the Trojan Matters staff to you, thank you.
Over the past four years, the Trojan Tribune newspaper became the Trojan Matters magazine, The Blueprint went through a redesign, we’ve posted 728 stories and uploaded over 5,000 pictures from Prom to lacrosse games to Trobotics competitions to Honors Night. 4
We’ve covered everything from the trends of 2007 to the risks of tanning beds to running an annual Christmas cookie contest. We’ve run stories about the cafeteria’s misleading rating on Fox 59 to the kneeling controversy from earlier this year. As our mission statement reads, “We promise to bring you, the students of BCHS,
the most obtainable version of the truth through courage, integrity and freedom of speech.” Through your support, we’ve been able to do that over the past four years and will continue to our best in the future. Once again, on behalf of the seniors on Trojan Matters, and the entire staff, thank you and Godspeed.
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The difference four years makes: What has changed since freshman year •Ellen Giudice
“One huge change was the way Walk -a-Thon changed to field day and then gone altogether. This is a big thing because it used to be a fun activity everyone looked forward to and then it was taken away.” - Clare McHugh
“The biggest change for me at BCHS hasn't necessarily been a physical change, but for me it changed from a building to a home. At first everything seemed so unfamiliar and I felt the need to impress everyone. Now I feel like I can be myself and even though times aren't always perfect, you love where you are just like you love your family.” - Sean Hurley
Photo: Jacob deCastro
This year, SRT became homeroom and was shortened, along with a new start and end time.
Three principals freshman year Library became the Collaborative Learning Center
Photo: Ellen Giudice
Bathrooms updated
Photo: Citadel Archives
“The biggest change is easily restrictions. Freshman year, backpacks weren't really a problem and neither was uniform as much, but now they've cracked down on everything to the point where you can't even where a hooded sweatshirt. I mean a hooded sweatshirt! That's crazy!” - Graham Jaeger
Other notable changes
Some students walk the halls out of uniform. A gray sweatshirt was added as uniform this year.
Hannah Pletcher and Gillian Fouse at the 2015 Color Run. The following year it was changed to Field Day.
Added The Blueprint Trojan Tribune became Trojan Matters Added another uniform sweatshirt Cookies changed and then came back
Photo: Ellen Giudice
“The biggest change has been calling SRT homeroom because even though it's homeroom now, everyone still calls it SRT and that makes me laugh.” - Frankie Kontor
Sean Hurley and Daniel Burger talk before school starts. Hurley and Burger have been friends since grade school.
Parking lot resurfaced
Background photo: Ellen Giudice
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TROJAN MATTERS
May 17, 2017
As the end of high school draws near
Photo: Kylie Donaldson
Seniors explain the push a
With graduation only a couple of days away, s high school. Some are not ready for the end, long time. No matter what though, there are aspects that won’t.
Columnist struggles with leaving •Abby Park
1) You show up in your uniform even though you don’t have to. 2) It is the end of the year and you still haven’t been senior of the day yet. 3) You don’t want to leave your underclassman teammates and friends.
4) Thinking about graduation makes you tear up a little.
Photos: Casey Storms
5) You are going to miss Chatard cookies because when they were gone, you feel like you missed out on your quota.
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being greeted with some sort of to own who I am and not be insult or joking comment, mak- afraid to stand out in a crowd. ing me roll my eyes and laugh I've learned it's okay to put off at the beginning of nearly every working on that English paper hour. I know that I can make a or studying for one of those big complete and utter fool of my- Miss Wright tests to go to your self (like emailing the entire friends’ soccer or softball or school about the football game basketball game because those theme during basketball season relationships are what matter. or referring to BCHS as "Char- How many of us are going to tard") and not have a doubt in be able to go to any sports game my mind that the majority of of our choosing next year and the people I encounter for the be able to individually call out next week will continue to comment on it. Why would I want to leave that behind? All sentimental aspects aside, one of my biggest fears next year is actually having to wear real clothes. And while I'll probably end up in Abby Park shows her school spirit by cheering on the Trojan football team sweatpants everyday, I truly appreciate the fact that I can roll out of bed five and point out a friend playing? minutes before I have to leave My guess is very few. So while I my house in the morning and am ready to move onto the next mindlessly put on my uniform chapter of my life, I will always while I'm still asleep in my miss the family, as cliché as that mind. sounds, that has helped make For me, my school has pro- me not only to become who I vided me an experience to grow. am, but taught me to love that Not only from that apprehen- person, too. For this, I will alsive, small-minded and timid ways be a Trojan for Life. freshman, but in so many ways more than that. I've learned
Photo: Maggie Kassenbrock
Signs you are not ready for high school to end:
Okay Trojans, here we are in the home stretch of our senior year. Most of us can't wait to run through those doors and never look back, never think of our dear old school back on Crittenden ever again. And while I'm right up there with you, a big part of me never wants to leave this place I've called home for four years. So before we take off, why not take a look back before you leap into the next adventure of your life? Think back to freshman year (and try not to cringe) and compare that awkward little trembling figure weaving through the crowds of unfamiliar faces to whom you have become now. For me, I walk through the doors every morning, typically around 7:48, and as I'm rushing frantically down the hallway trying beat the bell, I'm greeted by an abundance of familiar faces who know that me running late is nothing but a typical Tuesday morning. This familiarity isn't going to be there next year, especially for those of us going to big state schools, and part of me never wants to let that go. Believe it or not, there's a weird sort of comfort walking into a class and immediately
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and pull about graduating
seniors all have feelings about the end of while others have been ready to leave for a things and people that will be missed and
Soon-to-be grad ready to fly the nest •Marissa Almack
Signs you are ready to leave high school: 1) You take a day off at least once a week because five days of school is too many. 2) You are so ready for the freedom the next step in your life brings. 3) You fall asleep in every class.
Photo submission: Marissa Almack
We have finally made it to the have time to do everything but comes with having spent four last days of senior year. These school. years at BCHS. I’ve become acpast four years have gone by Although moving on to col- customed to the schedule, classfast, but I can not wait to move lege is just as much terrifying as es, food, teachers, and of course, on to the next stage of my life. it is exciting, the Friday I have prepared the past four there is so night footyears for this exact moment and much more ball games. am definitely ready to go. But it’s necto look Don’t get me wrong, I will f o r w a r d essary to get miss BCHS. The cookies, the to. There’s out of the teachers, the friends we were new peocomfort zone accustomed to seeing on a daily ple, clubs, e v e n t u a l l y. basis...all will be missed. All of places to go, Although it these things made high school and things may be hard a great experience and in the to do. Most to say goodfuture I’m sure I will look back importantbye to the on them with fond memories. ly, freedom. fun parts, But four years was just the right No at least it lonamount of time to soak it all in. ger having all created I knew it was my time to go to ask to memories to once the senioritis kicked in. go to the Marissa Almack poses in front of the look back on. Once the college acceptances b a t h r o o m engineering fountain on a visit to her The past start rolling in, it comes natu- during class, future school Purdue four years rally. The brain automatically or have been being just goes into college mode and told to take off a sweatshirt. No jam packed with great experiassignments longer having ences. It was certainly unforand tests to answer a gettable, but I’m ready to have [High school] was just lose billion ques- many more unforgettable mocertainly unforgettable, their meantions from ments in college. but I’m ready to have ing. School And as they say, “distance parents about many more unforgettable what you’re makes the heart grow fonder.” days drag on and the doing or So although I’m very ready to moments in college. countdown where you’re leave, BCHS will always be to gradugoing and home. ation becomes a daily check. instead just ignoring the quesEven checking it multiple times tions over text. because, with senioritis, you There is a level of comfort that
4) You do your homework the day it is due. . . if you do your homework.
Photos: Casey Storms
5) Arriving to school on time feels odd.
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What does Bishop Chatard mean to you?