Cathedral High School Volume 104 Issue 5 April 17, 2025
MEGAPHONE STAFF
Executive Editors
Camila Jackson '26
Mary Murphy '25
On the front cover
Jairus Thompson walks the runway during the Legacy of Threads Rotted in Style assembly. The Black Student Union celebrated black history during the March 26th assembly by looking at fashion throughout history .
by Karly Boggs '28
Reporters
Yohali Castro '26
Jennifer Velazquez '27
Yackelin Castro '27
Ben Kauffman '26
On the back cover
A group of sophomores build cup towers during the Sophomore Unity Day on March 12th. While juniors took the SATs and freshmen were on retreat, Sophomore Unity Day was created for the class of 2027 to bond together as a class.
Photo submitted
Faculty Moderator
Mr. Marc Quaranta
Principal
Mr. Mark Matthews School President
Dr. Robert Bridges
Photo
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Hosts, Alijah Poston and Regina Jones
Technical Directors, Meghan Jackson and Addy Bethel Phil Brown
Ashlyn Jemison
Max Byrd
Amyia Bell
Noah Jones
Amya Gary
Sean Purnell
Karrington Williams
Alston McDaniel
Tianna Guy
Lazarus Tipton
Aubrey Vines
Deric Cannady
Jaeda Wilson
Kendal Coleman
Tatum Triggs
Jalen Bonds
Jakiya Alvies
Jairus Thompson
Devaughn Slaughter
Leilani Jones
AJ Johnson and the parent volunteers
SCAN
Freshman Swimmer Makes School History
Cathedral Freshman, Olive Cunnigham, sets the 100 backstroke record in Sectional Prelims.
BY MARY MURPHY
In the world of high school sports, breaking school records often takes years of dedication, countless hours of training, and the will to love the sport even when there comes challenges. Olive Cunningham understands the hard work and dedication it takes, and she proved that when breaking the record.
Cunningham started her swim career only two years ago. She started her seventh grade year. Outside of Cathedral’s swim team, Cunningham swims for FAST Swim Club. While, in swimming, the high school season and club season are very different, there are many benefits to both. Club season is often much more intense, whether it is in practice or meets. Cunningham said, “One thing that high school swimming has shown me is that swimming should be fun and to focus on having fun. Club is also really rewarding after seeing your hard work pay off.”
Olive Cunningham specializes in the 100 backstroke, but can swim just about everything. Cunnigham is a very well rounded swimmer, as she's swam almost every event in the books. But she does have a preference and said, “I swim all the strokes but my favorite is backstroke because of how much is underwater in a race.” She is an asset to the Cathedral Swim team because she can score points in whatever she swims. Cunnigham said, “I love high school swimming because of the feeling of accomplishment that it gives me after a hard practice or a meet. It is both mentally and physically rewarding.”
Olive Cunningham uses her talents in more ways than one. She uses them to help others on the team. Cathedral Swimming Assistant Coach, Mandy Long said, “Olive helped the whole morale of the team. She is a rock star and had a smile on her face
even during the toughest sets. I think this helped the whole team, boys and girls, to see a freshman come in and push through these sets with a positive attitude. She worked hard but still had fun and that is what a team is all about.”
At Sectional Prelims, Cunnigham broke the 100 backstroke record with an incredible time of 1:00.47. She took down Jane Kukolla’s time of 1:01.63 in 2012. Breaking a school record is impressive at any time, but Cunnigham was just a freshman when she broke the record. Cunningham said, “Breaking the record was an unforgettable moment in my swimming career. It really shows all the countless hours that I have put into this sport.” Cathedral Swimming Head Coach, Meg Ahnert said, “Being able to see Olive break that record and as a freshman be so close to qualifying for state is just incredible.”
Cunningham jumps out of the pool in excitement after setting a school record. Cunnigham had been working hard all season and finally broke the record with a 1:00.47 at the Sectional Prelim meet. photo submitted.
High School swim season is such a special time for the student athletes. Memories are made almost daily. Cunnigham said, “Some of my favorite memories of my first high school season would be meeting all the new friends like Mary Murphy and Addy White and getting so close with my teammates and coaches.”
During the swim season, these student athletes spend upwards of 15 hours together weekly. This close-knit bond creates lasting friendships. It also provides a strong support system that continues after the season ends.
Before a big meet, athletes often have specific routines to prepare their bodies,
and with Olive Cunnigham, it's no different. She said, “Before a meet, I usually like to eat a lot of carbs like oatmeal and toast, and then about 30 minutes before my race, I will eat an applesauce. Throughout the meet, I drink lots of electrolytes.” After the race, she has a go-to favorite. She said, “My favorite post-meet meal is Chick-fil-A.” A few of her superstitions are eating applesauce and doing the same stretches before each race. These routines and superstitions help her feel mentally and physically prepared, giving her the confidence to perform at her best every meet.
Coach Mandy has an eye for talent and
potential, and she couldn’t be more proud of Cunningham's impact this season. Coach Mandy said, “Olive brought so much to our team in one season. As a freshman, she helped bring joy and even leadership with her positive attitude. Her determination and wanting to do her very best helped push our team to do better as a whole I believe. I can’t wait to see what is next for her and our team for the next three seasons. I think she can get us to state again. Possibly break more Cathedral records, too.”
Cunningham takes the lead in her heat of the 100 backstroke at the Sectional Prelims meet. This race led to Olive Cunnigham writing school history with the fastest time in the books. photo submitted.
Cathedral at Holy Cross Convocation
Seven Cathedral Educators travel to St. Edward's University for the Holy Cross Convocation.
BY CAMILA JACKSON
Last month, several teachers and staff members from Cathedral had the opportunity to step away from their usual routines and attend the Holy Cross Convocation at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. This retreat brought together educators from various Holy Cross schools across the country.
This year’s Convocation theme was “Crossing Borders of Every Sort”, inspired by the Holy Cross Constitution 2:17. This theme reflects the enduring mission that guides Holy Cross educators in the present and future. During the event, educators came together to discuss innovative ideas for their schools, share effective practices, and strengthen their connections, ultimately enhancing the Holy Cross mission.
The program featured inspiring keynote addresses, workshops, breakout sessions,
and opportunities for further collaboration. These sessions aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Holy Cross education and its role in shaping hearts and minds. Cathedral educators not only participated in these sessions but also led discussions, sharing their insights and bringing back new ideas to strengthen the Cathedral school community.
Seven Cathedral educators from Cathedral attended the Convocation: Katie Lewis, Karen Hovanec, Rose Egan, Anthony Ernst, Matthew Gring, Ed Freije, and Matt Canaday. Katie Lewis, Religion Educator, a part of the Student Innovation Team, and the Senior Class Moderator, who had attended the Convocation in the past, noted that it is a great opportunity to reconnect with other educators and learn about what’s happening in their schools. This year, a notable change was that many schools were encouraged to present rath-
er than just listen. Lewis said, “I thought it would be neat to present Christmas on the Hill and share about that awesome event that Cathedral puts on.”
Lewis attended various sessions, including discussions on the history and development of Austin and the importance of the Holy Cross mission. In her breakout session, she focused on how to cultivate this mission among students. While the sessions were engaging, the highlight of the program was the chance to connect with educators beyond the formal presentations.
Lewis enjoyed discussing the strengths and weaknesses of their schools, noting that having a personal connection makes it easier to reach out for collaboration when needed. Lewis said, “One night, we just hung out with many educators from the Midwest province, which was a great way to see everyone and have meaningful conversations.”
Three educators from the Student Innovation Team and Student Services Team, Anthony Ernst, Ed Freije, and Katie Lewis, began discussions in early fall about the possibility of presenting how they manage student services at this year's convocation. They believed that sharing their experiences could be beneficial to other Holy Cross schools. They aimed to showcase the success of the Christmas on the Hill event as well, which led to a personal invitation to apply as presenters. After going through the necessary application process, they were eventually selected.
Ed Freije '99, Katie Lewis, and Anthony Ernst gather for a photo after presenting their session about Cathedral’s Student Service Department. In their session, they talked about how they enrich student life on the Hill and offered a breakdown of The Christmas on the Hill event. photo submitted.
They led a session called Student Services: Enriching Student Life and The Christmas on the Hill. Also, two Spanish teachers, Karen Hovanec, and Rose Egan. led Crossing Borders: Literally and Figuratively. Matthew Ernst, Social Studies Educator, and Director of Student Activities and Camp Cathedral Programs, said, “We were able to lead a breakout session on how we operate student services, student life, and Christmas on the Hill.”
During the four days of the conference, along with five days of travel, Ernest met with other directors of student activities from other schools, as well as with campus ministers and administrators. Some of the high schools in attendance with which Cathedral educators already had pre-existing relationships included Saint Edward in Lakewood, Ohio, Notre Dame Academy in Niles, Illinois, and Holy Trinity High School in Chicago.
However, there were also many new schools they had not previously met, such as New Orleans Holy Cross, and representatives from schools in San Antonio and California. Ernst said, “We were able to build some new relationships with the schools we weren’t familiar with. We exchanged and shared some ideas as well.”
Those seven educators who traveled aren’t able to share specific details about what Cathedral plans to implement. However, they are able to give hints about what sorts of ideas they have. Lewis said, “One idea is to have teachers take turns being the DJ before school starts. They would choose the music played near Door 4. This would be a wonderful way for students to get to know their educators and allow teachers to share their musical passion with students.”
Ernst also attended a breakout session focused on school climate and spirit, where he gained new insights on ways to improve overall student participation. Ernst said, “There were some really good opportunities for student leadership and student spirit development. We discussed
The 7 Cathedral Educators and other representatives gather for a photo at St. Edwards. Caroline Schilling 24’ and Will Mayer ‘22, Cathedral graduates who currently attend St. Edwards, Lucy Cooper, who accompanied Cathedral’s French Holy Cross foreign exchange students to the States, Father Emmanuel, Cathedral’s former Chaplain, and Brother Ken Haders, the Provincial of the Midwest Province of the Brothers of Holy Cross, are included in the photo. photo submitted.
strategies for encouraging more students to attend sporting events and other activities, as well as ideas for increasing participation in student government and similar initiatives.”
Another Cathedral educator attendee, Matthew Gring, Chief Mission Integration Officer, attended a session focused on recognizing and embracing diversity in the classroom as well as another session focused on building connections among educators, families, and other school community members through engaging activities and events. Gring said, “Both of these sessions strengthened my belief that one of the greatest things about Catholic education is our intentionality when it comes to embracing our school as a family. By creating that loving, supportive, and joyful environment, we can increase the desire to learn and grow together.”
The Holy Cross Convocation was an exciting experience for Cathedral’s edu-
cators. They returned feeling energized and ready to make a difference. By participating in engaging discussions, leading breakout sessions, and connecting with fellow educators from all over the country, they gained new ideas and insights to bring back to the Hill.
Their time in Austin worked as inspiration for them and strengthened their commitment to create a better school community. Gring said, “We see and hear Holy Cross everyday on the Hill. Convocation helped remind me that our mission at Cathedral is part of a larger shared mission that extends far beyond our campus. Holy Cross extends beyond all borders and is a universal mission of bringing hope to others. It was powerful to be reminded of this and know that our work is being uplifted by the shared prayers and work of the entire Holy Cross community.”
A Warm Welcome and Goodbye
On February 15th, six French high school students landed in Indiana, where they met up with their Cathedral host families. For six weeks, until March 29th, these students attended school at Cathedral, visited tourist attractions around Indianapolis as well as Cathedral student events. The students made the most of their limited time in a new and exciting country.
As per usual at Cathedral High School, exchange students paid a short visit to the Hill. In past years, there have been exchange students from various countries, but the most common by far has been France. This school year, Yseut Charpentier, Franck Terrasse, Charlotte Gaillard, Antoine Preveau, and Joao Ivanes were the six students who temporarily attended school on the Hill. During the spring semester, Principal Mark Matthrews and Maribeth Cloud, Manager for Admission Operations and President’s Office Special Projects, got in touch with Cathedral educators, faculty, and families willing to host a student. One faculty member in particular, Megan Schmidt, Student Records and Academic Coordinator and Freshmen Experience Director, accepted the request with enthusiasm. Schmidt said, “Everyone was open to the idea and got excited about learning more about each of the students!”
The process for these French exchange students was a bit nerve racking, but nonetheless, it was one that allowed for discovery and exploration for the French students. One exchange student, Charlotte Gaillard, a temporary junior on the Hill, said, “I think the hardest thing was the fact that it was easy to feel like a nuisance when you don’t understand something or can’t express yourself.” Gaillard chose to be an exchange student to discover a new country, language, culture, and people, so from the get go, it
BY YOHALI CASTRO
was guaranteed for Gaillard, along with the rest of the students, to feel out of place.
Despite the hardships these students knew they were going to face, they never let this get in the way of them enjoying every moment of staying in a foreign country. If students were not physically on the Hill, they were roaming around tourist attractions around the city. Schmidt along with the rest of the host families created a “must do” list for the students to complete. This list included visiting places like the Indianapolis Zoo, Motor Speedway, Chick-Fil-A, Canes, Back 9, and attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as various Cathedral sporting events. One exchange student, Yseut Charpentier, said, “ At basketball games, I love hearing the American anthem, seeing the cheer-
leaders perform and, of course, the players playing.” By the end of their stay on the Hill, the exchange students had visited every one of these places!
From the city of love to the racing capital of the world, students noted a complete change in the culture, architecture , and environment. The change of scenery, not only in the city, but as well as inside the school, shocked most of the students. The school environment was noted by all exchange students to be drastically different compared to schools in France. Charpentier said, “ The students at Cathedral were so welcoming. One time during the first week I was lost and I couldn’t find my way around, a nice student came up to me and asked if I needed help and I thought that was very nice.”
Five Cathedral students and five French Exchange students pose for a picture on a sunny day. At the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Indianapolis, students step to the side to admire Indianapolis for a quick second. Gaillard said, “I had so much fun at the parade, I was left totally speechless.” photo submitted.
Six French exchange students travelled across the globe, from France to the Hill.
The students felt easy going relationships with teachers on the Hill, which was something that students loved about American and Irish culture. Gaillard said, “Your relationship with teachers is very friendly and I think it’s better like this.” Students may have felt a bit out of place upon arrival, but the Cathedral community made sure to make every single student welcome into their country, school, classrooms and families. The students were able to quickly accommodate to the lifestyle change at their different homes, school, and extracurriculars. Schmidt did not have to make adjustments because “Frank was woven so seamlessly into our life.”
The five host families spent lots of time together over these past six weeks, cherishing special moments and building new
lifelong relationships. Antoine Preveau, a junior french exchange student said, “ The Ugo family is an amazing family who directly included me as if I was a part of their family and now they are a part of mine. I am so extremely grateful for what they have done for me and it is very important to me that they know how grateful I am because I was very lucky to live with them for these six weeks.”
The five host families have grown closer with each other, often eating dinner together as a big family, visiting new places on the weekend, or enjoying the time well spent in good company. Schmidt said “ this has been an experience where all 5 host families have enjoyed our time with all five French students and I think that has been a big part of this being such a
positive experience.”
With a supportive American family and the Cathedral community always there to support these French students, they felt at home. The French students were able to make the most out of their experiences here on the Hill. Traveling from one country to another and experiencing first hand two distinct cultures is something unforgettable for these students and the Cathedral community has played a huge role in this experience. Charpentier said, “I made incredible friends and unforgettable lifetime memories. I felt so good at Cathedral and I truly hope to come back one day. I was able to make my dream come true.”
The five French Exchange students visit the Indianapolis Zoo with their host families. During their Indianapolis Zoo visit, the students fell in love with the monkey exhibit. Preveu said, “It was so cool to watch the parade in Indianapolis.” photo submitted.
Hoya Saxa
Star Cathedral Girls Volleyball Player Avery Lewis '25 Commits to Play at Next Level
BY BEN KAUFFMAN
Quenichet said, “Watching film before being with Avery and her sister Taylor in the gym I knew that we could benefit from moving Taylor from the middle to the outside. Doing this we left the middle open which is a very defensive position where you have to hold it down and block. We moved Taylor to the outside and had Avery step up in the middle which was a huge ask for a freshman to do. Her being able to fight in that position against some of the best players in the state put our team on a trajectory that led us to where we are today.”
Lewis continues to be a leader on the team which started from her freshman year. Much of the Irish’s success has come from Lewis and her ability to be one of the best blockers in the area. However Lewis can be a Swiss Army knife on the court including her serve. She was able to lead the team with 38 aces in her junior season. In her junior season, Lewis, also earned AllCity and 2nd Team All-State honors.
Lewis’s teammates know playing with her makes their jobs easier. Fellow member of the class of 2026 and teammate Annabelle Hoban “being able to play with Avery helps our team a lot because she’s not only very good at what she does but also a very vocal leader.”
Cathedral Girls Volleyball has had a streak the last few seasons of elite players being able to take their talents to the next level. The Irish program has been highly successful under Head Coach Karrie Quenichet going 74-26 and developing all state level players. Now one of her star players is ready to make her next step into the collegiate level.
Class of 2026 Avery Lewis has grown up in a volleyball family and has been a 3 year starter for the Lady Irish volleyball team. She has played a large part in the team's recent success. Lewis stepped into a large role her freshman year in Quenichet’s first season as Cathedrals coach. Quenichet could see early on that she had a player who was extremely coachable.
After three successful seasons with the Irish, Lewis is looking towards the next level in her volleyball career. In October of 2024, Lewis committed to play volleyball for Georgetown University. Lewis said, “Everything is very exciting to me. I love the campus, the school history, the team, and being in DC. I was invited and participated in a volleyball camp last summer, and I immediately fell in love. When they offered a scholarship, it all started to come together.”
Lewis gets a kill for the Irish against Mt. Vernon. Lewis had the second most kills on the team with 2.3 kills per set.
Photo by Quinn Braun '25
Georgetown University not only has a very competitive volleyball team but also is a top university with a demanding academic program. Quenichet has a lot of confidence and high expectations for Lewis at Georgetown and said “The Georgetown coach is very excited to get Avery into their program. He sees her as a nice piece that will help make their team a deeper team and a six rotation player that can play all over the floor. Avery holds high standards for herself and Georgetown is a very tough academic institution. I was really proud of her in her recruiting process as academics were one of the most important parts of her recruitment. I believe she’ll thrive on and off the court at Georgetown.”
Hoban shared much of the same thoughts that her coach did about her teammate. “I think avery will absolutely succeed at Georgetown because she’s very driven and willing to work hard,” she said.
Lewis attributes a lot of her success on and off the court to Cathedral. Coach Quenichet has played a large role in Lewis’s performance and development but so has her teachers helping her prepare for Georgetown academics. Lewis said, “All of my teachers at Cathedral have been supportive, especially Mr. Fogel. They challenge me in the classroom, make themselves available when I have questions or struggles, and motivate me to do my best.”
Another layer to her commitment to Georgetown is Lewis will be playing against a familiar face. Georgetown plays in the Big East Conference with Villanova University. Her sister Taylor Lewis just started her college volleyball career at Villanova this season and soon the 2 will face off against each other in conference play. Lewis noted the potential sibling rivalry saying “It is most definitely an added bonus. My focus is to graduate Georgetown with a college degree, and
play volleyball all four years. To be able to compete against Taylor at Villanova will be so much fun. We have played together before, but we have never played against each other in an actual game. That will be a highlight of the 2026 season.”
After three successful seasons with the Irish, Lewis and the rest of the class of 2026 is preparing for one final run. The Irish will look to build off of a successful season where they went 22-11 with a Sectional Championship. Coach Quenichet will look to rely on Lewis in her senior season. “We always look to our seniors to be an extension of the coaching
staff. I hope to see Avery continue to step up as a leader for our team and play the dual role of leader of the team and still contribute on the court at a high level.”
Lewis has goals of her own on the court before she heads to Washington D.C here at Cathedral. “Personally, I want to stay healthy and create a good environment. For the team, we want to go as far as possible. Winning City, Sectionals, and Regionals would be great. Our ultimate goal is to compete for a state championship.”
Avery Lewis hits a serve in a match against Mt. Vernon High School. Lewis led the team with 38 aces in her junior season.
photo by Quinn Braun '25
Leading the Beat
A group of students formed a band, using music to show leadership, form bonds, and develop as musicians.
BY YACKIE CASTRO
One major event with many challenges but a career-changing outcome was performing at ShamrAuction, Cathedral's 48th annual auction. The band members include Wade Knapp ‘25, Charlie Golden ‘25, Jack Lee ‘25, Sylvia Knapp ‘27, Ben Parr ‘27, and Heath Nelson ‘28. These students not only came out to perform but also to show Cathedral support.
On February 22nd, Cathedral High School celebrated its 48th annual ShamrAuction, an evening dedicated to celebrating the school's mission and the unwavering support of its community. This year marked a special milestone for six students who were allowed to perform as a band for the first time at ShamrAuction. Their passion for music runs deep, shaped by lots
of rehearsals and performances both in and out of school. For these six students, performing at ShamrAuction wasn’t just about showing off what they could do but rather a testimony to their expressive dedication, growth, and love for music. As they performed the room filled with energy and served as a powerful statement to the many talents and greatness that thrive within the Cathedral community.
It all began when senior Charlie Golden was asked if he could form a band to perform at ShamrAuction. With the help of Charlie Golden and Wade Knapp, they were able to come up with a roster and find eligible student musicians. They were able to gather six students including a non-Cathedral student who was recruited
from Wade Knapp's band “Youth Regret” because there is currently no lead guitarist at Cathedral as of today. Some of the band's biggest common influences are The Backseat Lovers and Led Zeppelin.
Originally Charly and the band had originally planned to practice once a week leading up to the event, but things changed and the band ended up rehearsing around five times a week. Everyone contributed and put in lots of their time and talent towards rehearsals, and in the long run it benefited all the band members. Charly Golden said “I really could not have done it without any of them. They were all fantastic to worm with and we came out stringer than we came in.”
The Irish Bandstand performed music from the 60’s and 70’s. Band members left to right are Wade Knapp, Jake Lee, Sylvia Knapp, Charlie Golden, Heath Nelson and Ben Parr. photo submitted.
Performing at ShamrAuction was truly an unforgettable experience for the band. Every member dedicated an incredible amount of time and energy, making the final performance both meaningful and inspiring. The group came together effortlessly, building a strong sense of unity and accomplishment. Although the band was originally intended to be a one-time act of service, it ended up creating lasting memories and deepening the connections between its members. As Charlie Golden said, “This was meant to be a one-time temporary band. I never saw it going past this, and that’s mostly because I gathered a bunch of random people that I knew to play some music, be happy, do some service stuff, and then disband and live the rest of our lives like normal human beings. Though that doesn’t take away from the experience and the bonds made.”
The ShamrAuction performance proved to be meaningful not just for the audience, but for the band members as well. More than just a service opportunity, it gave six students the chance to experience what it’s like to perform live as musicians. The event sparked growth, strengthened connections, and ignited a deeper passion for music for those involved. Sylvia Knapp said, “ShamrAuction reignited my love for performing and inspired me to join a band of my own. I’m now part of a band at the School of Rock Fishers and perform in monthly shows. I also learned how challenging and rewarding it can be to work as a group, especially in music.”
Freshman Heath Nelson helped turn the school's band performance at the auction into a defining moment for Cathedral as the only freshman ever invited to play at the event Heath brought new tradition, energy, and talent to the group by play-
ing bass. Not only did he play bass, but he impressed both his periods in the audience. His participation and involvement not only lighted his musical skills but also showed how the band is evolving by embracing young talent. For many, this was
more than just a performance, it was a traditional mark, a milestone that opened the door for many future students hoping to shine bright in moments like these
Cathedral high school hosts an annual auction and sophomore Sylvia Knapp ‘27 stands on stage in the MIMS gymnasium with a student made band. Sylvia Knapp stands passionately while performing songs at ShamrAuction. photo submitted.
Voices of Victory: Choirs Shine at Fame Orlando Nationals
Show and Concert Choirs bring home top honors after a spectacular performance at the national stage in Florida.
BY JENNIFER VELAZQUEZ
The lights of the Hard Rock Cafe stage in Orlando, Florida, gleamed brighter than ever on March 13th as Cathedral High School’s show choirs and concert choir delivered performances that would define a historic season. With tears of joy and thunderous applause, Irish Adrenaline, Adrenaline Rush, and Concert Choir claimed the national spotlight—sweeping every division and walking away with grand championship titles. It was a story of dedication, resilience, and music that transcended the stage.
Irish Adrenaline, the school's all-girls show choir, wrapped up an undefeated season. Adrenaline Rush, their mixed show choir, fought through early struggles to win their final competition and take home a national title. Meanwhile, the Concert Choir, in
its very first competitive season, earned their own national championship—making Cathedral a triple threat in the world of performing arts.
For Abigail Chezem, a senior in both Irish Adrenaline and Adrenaline Rush, nationals marked a bittersweet milestone, ”I prepared by making sure I knew my notes.” Abigail shared. “Choreography is so hard to get if you don’t at least watch the video or practice once or twice a week, so I made sure to watch the videos! In psych, Jackie (Quardrini ‘25) and I would watch the videos together, which helped me notice the discrepancies in my performance that I could fix.”
It's a commitment like Chezem that fueled Cathedral’s season-long momentum, and for her, the personal stakes were even
higher. ”My goal is to win, of course,” Chezem added. “But also to have the best performance yet. Though I’m nervous with three performances, I think that we did well,”
And well, they did. In front of a crowd of competitors,parents, and professionals, each choir poured months of practice, rehearsals,and late nights into a show that swept the stage— and the awards. Winning nationals was not just about collecting trophies, but about the personal and collective journey that brought these choirs to Orlando in the first place. For many students, the most lasting memories weren’t formed under the lights but rather in the quiet moments in between.
Cathedral Irish Adrenaline, Adrenaline Rush, and Concert Choir bea, with pride as they pose together holding their national grand championship trophies and medals. The three groups made history by sweeping every category at Fame Nationals in Orlando, Florida. This victory marked the culmination of a season filled with dedication, teamwork, and unforgettable performances. photo submitted.
Students described the trip as a blend of discipline and joy—days filled with makeup calls, warm-ups, and rehearsals, followed by evenings at Universal Studios and bonding at the hotel. Curtsyn Hansbrough 27’, a member of the Concert Choir, spoke to the significance of what they achieved.“I've never doubted our group.” Hansbrough said, “We practice a lot since we have class during school almost every day. We work really hard, and we sound great.”
Hansbrough reflected on how the choir experience shaped her beyond the music.
“It’s helped me become a better listener— not just musically, but also in how I connect with others. More than anything, it's given me a sense of community and helped me grow in confidence.”
The competition itself was held on the legendary Hard Rock Cafe stage— a venue that once hosted famous artists and now, Cathedral’s name is engraved on a vinyl record trophy. When the results were announced, and Cathedral was declared the grand champion in every category, the reaction was explosive.
”Everyone ran onto the stage, singing
the Cathedral fight song with tears in our eyes,” said Cheezem. “It was truly unforgettable.”
Sam Funk ‘26 from Adrenaline Rush and Ashlyn Jemison ‘25 from Irish Adrenaline received Best Performer awards, recognizing their standout roles in the productions. Every student echoed a shared sentiment that this wasn’t just a solo act. Victory was only possible through unity. ”I connect with music by focusing on the emotions behind the piece,” Hansbrough said. “Whether it's reflective, joyful, or heartbreaking, I think of moments in my life that relate to those feelings. Choir only works when everyone blends and supports each other.”
Performing in multiple groups came with its challenge—especially stamina and time management—but Abel ‘27 embraced the experience. “Lots of water, power naps ,and staying organized! I stayed focused on one performance at a time and leaned on my teammates for support when things got tough.”
Cathedral’s victory in Florida was more than just a competition win—it was a reflection of a season’s worth of growth,
teamwork, and success with well-earned fun at Universal Studio, CityWalk, the beach and their hotel, soaking in every moment of their hard-earned break.
Now, back in Indiana, the groups reflect on what they’ve accomplished with pride and gratitude. For seniors like Cheezem, this final season was a chance to leave everything on stage.
”I feel like I have improved a lot compared to last year,” Cheezem said. “My facials were better, my choreography stepped up. Being in both groups made performing two different stories so much more meaningful.”
Abel ‘27 wouldn’t trade the experience for anything and said, “All of it. I just love the feeling of adrenaline, being able to get on the stage and perform. It’s unlike any other.”
Cathedral didn’t just win nationals—they created memories, strengthened friendships, and raised the bar for future choirs to come. For every student, this season was a reminder of what's possible when music, passion, and teamwork collide.
Adrenaline Rush delivers a powerful, captivating audience with intense energy. Their strong expressions and intense energy. Their strong expressions and sharp movements showcased the passion behind every note and step. This number was a crowd favorite, leaving a lasting impression. photo submitted.
