Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with a few other Disney characters, wave to all the students sitting in the WAC. The day ended with an assembly to watch a video recap of the day's activities, watch the Enlace students dance, and have one last opportunity for seniors and juniors to bond with their kiddo.
Photo by Ryan Helmen '26
On the back cover
Santa Claus pulls up to Cathedral in the back seat of a two-seater driven by Ed Carpenter. Santa arrived as the Enlace students, Cathedral students, and staff members gathered around the circle. Santa waved to everyone as he arrived and headed toward the Mary Area to speak with the Enlace students.
Photo by Katie Boggs '26
Camila Jackson '26
Mary Murphy '25
Managing Editor
Olivia Uskert '25
Sports Editor
Ben Kauffman '26
Kate Albaugh '27
Yackelin Castro '27
Julie Napier '28 Photographers
Ryan Helmen '26
Katie Boggs '26
Marc Quaranta
Cathedral's Christmas Mission
Cathedral brings Christmas joy to hurricane-hit schools in North Carolina.
In late September of this year, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across western North Carolina. Leaving a trail of destruction, upending lives, and devastating communities, many families were left grappling with loss. Among those affected were families of Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville and Asheville Catholic School, two towns that were heavily reliant on tourists for their income. Deeply moved by the struggles these communities were facing, Cathedral had decided to step in and partner with those two schools to ensure that those families could still experience the magic of Christmas despite the difficulties they have been enduring.
The connection to these schools began with Sister Mary Ann Stewart, a Social Studies Educator, alongside the Sisters of Providence. One of the sisters who entered the Sisters of Providence with Sister Mary Ann Stewart, Sister Betty Paul, works for the Charlotte, North Carolina Diocese.
The area specifically was heavily damaged by the hurricane. Stewart said, “When Dr. Bridges asked if anyone had any connections with North Carolina, I immediately thought of Sister Betty and called her.” Sister Betty knew that a Catholic School in Hendersonville was damaged and that there was likely damage to other Catholic schools particularly in Asheville, so she put Grace Trahan-Rodecap, Director of Marking, in contact with the principal of Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
In their conversation together, the principal shared the heart-wrenching reality of families affected by the storm, where Christmas became the last thing on their minds after much of their focus was placed on rebuilding their lives after the Hurricane.
When Cathedral offered to help, the principal requested unwrapped gifts for preschool through eighth-grade students to stock a Christmas store, allowing for parents to select presents for their kids. But the journey didn’t stop there. After learning that Asheville Catholic School also needed support, Cathedral decided
BY CAMILA JACKSON
to adopt both schools.
This effort mirrors a similar initiative to help a Catholic school in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Cathedral had decided to deliver 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies and toys to those students who had lost these things during the storm. That experience demonstrated the power of building relationships through generosity and would later spark the initiative of adopting those two schools.
Cathedral President, Dr. Robert Bridges said, “It is the season of giving, but also receiving, and that’s one of the most beautiful things about this time of year!”
To organize the collection of gifts for North Carolina, Cathedral’s marketing department and broadcast team created a video campaign that was shared with students and families. An Amazon wishlist had also been shared to collect donations. A drop-off station located right outside Dr. Bridges’ office was open through December 9 for any students, staff, or parents hoping to donate gifts.
The gifts collected were personally delivered to North Carolina on December 10 by Dr. Bridges and other staff members. Cathedral hopes this effort will not only bring joy to families this Christmas season
but also pave the way for future mission trips or exchanges between the schools. This Christmas, donating toys to children affected by Hurricane Helen through different organizations can bring much-needed joy and comfort during a very challenging time.
After such a devastating event, families often face unimaginable loss, leaving children particularly vulnerable. Gifts like toys can provide a sense of normalcy and happiness, offering these young ones a brief escape from their stressful reality. Cathedral urged everyone to provide some donations as it could remind those children and their families that they are not alone and that others genuinely care about their well-being. Acts of kindness like this were able to help lift their spirits, instill hope, and convey the message that support is out there, even in their darkest moments.
As Cathedral continues to rally support, the project served as a reminder of the impact compassion can have on one another. Whether it’s through donating a small toy or a larger act of kindness, this holiday season at Cathedral is shaping up to be one of the most successful of them all.
Members of the Cathedral Family gather for a photo after delivering presents to the 2 North Carolina Schools. Cathedral parents, Andrew Spencer and Joe Haley, educators Br. Matt Rehagen and Cathedral President Dr. Rob Bridges drove 2 vans filled with toys and bikes to North Carolina on December 10, meeting with both Immaculta and Asheville School principals, as well as Dr. Greg Monroe, the Superintendent of the Diocese of Charlotte. (Picture from Cathedral Instagram)
Cathedral's Candy Cane Christmas
Cathedral and Enlace Academy come together for a Christmas Miracle on the Hill.
On Monday, December 9th, Cathedral High School hosted 300 children, aged 5-9 year olds, from Enlace Academy.
Christmas on the Hill is a semi-new tradition that Cathedral hosts annually. In the beginning of December, Cathedral is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. Endless amounts of Christmas decorations are hung, streamed, and plastered throughout the school. This year, Cathedral brought outside animals, bounce houses, s'mores, Silly Safari, hay rides, dance/choir performances, cookie decorating, face painting, reading books, carnival games and so much more.
Senior Madisyn Kantner helped organize Christmas on the Hill as her Saint Andre Project. Kantner spent countless months prepping and planning for this event. Katner said, “In order to prepare, I have organized letters for the kids from Enlace Academy and helped plan what a day of Christmas on the Hill would look like.” She went on to say that, “Balancing it with school hasn’t been easy but it has been a very rewarding experience. Staying on top of things and being proactive about everything has really helped.”
Christmas on the Hill is a new tradition at Cathedral. This year was the second event. The Student Innovation Team came up with the idea of Christmas on the Hill taking inspiration from the University of Dayton's “Christmas on Campus.” The SIT team went and talked with Dayton's Christmas on Campus committee to get a better feel of the logistics and the process.
After they decided it was something Cathedral should do, they started thinking of which school they would like to partner up with in hopes to bring a magical day to people who may be less fortunate.
A former Cathedral teacher, Mr. Kevin Kubacki, was actually the principal at Enlace Academy for several years. Cathedral's goal was to find an elementary school that needs more support in an opportunity to bring these student
BY MARY MURPHY
the joys of Christmas that they might not have otherwise and with that connection to Enlace, Cathedral believed that it was the perfect place to partner with.
For the past two years, Enlace has sent over 300 students to the Hill for a day full of Christmas festivities. Each Cathedral senior, and some juniors, is assigned to an Enlace student grades Kindergarten through Third grade. The rest of the students at Cathedral are assigned to a station that puts on an activity, or are assigned a role with another teacher.
Senior Kate Kubacki was paired up with a first grade girl named Micah. Kubacki said, “My favorite part of the day would have to be watching her have the time of her life with all of the hard work that we did to prepare.” She goes on to say, “I think her favorite part of the day was just running around hitting all of the different activities, especially decorating cookies and meeting Santa.”
Mrs. Maribeth Cloud, Admissions Operation Manager, was stationed in Johnny Mac's Coffee House supervising
the Hot cocoa distribution and clean up crew. She said she had lots of good moments throughout the day but her all time favorite was, “Watching the karaoke station and seeing the joys of Christmas in the faces of the students from Enlace.” Johnny Mac's was full of activities this year on Christmas on the Hill. There was hot cocoa, coloring, karaoke, and more. Mrs. Katie Lewis, a SIT team member who helps organize the day, reflected on the day by saying, “I thought Christmas on the Hill went really well. The Enlace students had a wonderful time and it was so much fun to see the seniors with their buddies. My absolute favorite part was hearing that Andrew Masuccio’s buddy was calling him “Sir” and told all of his friends to ‘look how long’ his buddy was. It is also incredible to see how many groups of people came together to make the day happen like Andrew Christenson, tech theatre, Ed Carpenter, NHS, and Cathedral's operations. A big thank you to everyone who helped.”
Cathedral students and Enlace Academy students gathered in the Welch Activity Center for an assembly at the end of the day. Cathedral seniors paired up with Enlace students and spent a day making Christmas Memories. Photo submitted.
An Anthem for All
Cathedral High School senior Sarah-Grace releases her first album,
Senior Sarah-Grace Monroe has been singing and songwriting her entire life. At age 3, she was singing along to Disney movies. At age 9, she began playing in her youth group, eventually becoming worship leader. At age 12, she officially began to take songwriting lessons in order “to really learn how to shape words and music.”
At that time, Sarah-Grace had thought about making and releasing her own album, but it felt like a dream that was out of reach. However, when she was 15, her songwriting instructors commented on her growth as an artist and suggested that she record an album when her voice was more mature.
Two years later, on November 18, 2024, Sarah-Grace released her first EP entitled Wait, which contains six original songs: “In Jesus’ Name,” “Wait,” “Shelter,” “Message in a Bottle,” “Voices,” and “Anthem.”
All of these songs are based on SarahGrace’s life experiences, so they naturally flow together to create a vivid image of her story.
When creating a new song, she alternates between beginning the process with a lyric or a melody, depending on what speaks to her at that moment. Like any artist, Sarah-Grace often faces writer’s block. Monroe said, “Sometimes writing lyrics is a 10-minute process. Other times, I really have to search and read the Bible, scriptures, and old poetry and try to draw from that.”
One of these songs that came incredibly
naturally to Sarah-Grace was “Message in a Bottle.” This three-and-a-half minute song covers the complexities of feeling alone in the chaos of life.
She said, “When I was around 12 or 13, I really started to experience a lot of struggles with my health, mentally and physically. Because of that, a lot of my friends left me, and it felt like the world was crashing down on me.”
After transferring her junior year, SarahGrace said, “I found a group of people who care about me at Cathedral and I just thought, ‘I bet there are people that have also gone through that same kind of stuff.’ At the time [everything was happening], I had hidden that things weren’t okay for me, but I want people to know that it is okay not to be okay and if people leave you, then that’s just their fault.”
This sentiment is reflected in the song, which Sarah-Grace has performed numerous times, including for Cathedral’s talent show and during senior retreat. After the lyrics and melody of each song were completed, Sarah-Grace made a collection of demos to prepare herself for the recording process. This album was recorded in a friend’s basement recording studio over the span of several weekends. Sarah-Grace hired musicians for the instrumentals, such as the mandolin and acoustic guitar.
After years of hard work and dedication, Wait was finally released on November 18. This monumental moment was soon followed by a release party on November 24, where Sarah-Grace signed posters and CDs and performed “Message in a Bottle” and “In Jesus’ Name” live. Cathedral students and staff alike have been celebrating the release of Wait, with some songs even making appearances on CHS Live.
Senior Riley Keller, who performs in the concert choir alongside Sarah-Grace, said, “I was lucky enough to hear some
BY OLIVIA USKERT
of Sarah-Grace’s songs before the album came out, but when I heard the complete album, I was in awe. I knew how much work she had put into it and could really feel the emotion she had put into her lyrics.”
Not only is Sarah-Grace’s music an outlet to heal herself, it serves as an outstretched hand for anyone who might be struggling. “I want people to take away [from this album] that they’re not alone. They’re seen and heard, and there are people that care somewhere out there.”
Oh message in a bottle, You’ve been good to me.
Now I feel that it’s my turn
To send you out to sea.
I’ll grab a pen, erase my doubts, I’ll take my heart and pour it out
To send some hope to someone just like me.
Sarah-Grace poses for the cover of her first EP, entitled Wait. The photo used for the cover was taken by Oh Snap Indy in downtown Noblesville.
DANCING WITH THE SNOW
Choir shines with Sounds of the Season performance on December 12th.
The Irish Adrenaline Show Choir is Cathedral High School’s auditioned show choir which performs at many Cathedral events along with competitions throughout the year. The choir puts in hours upon hours of rehearsal time to learn all of the songs and coordinated dance moves.
The Irish Adrenaline is currently made up of forty-plus students who auditioned and are part of a year long class that spans all four grade level and led by Director of Choirs, Mrs. Marion Bender.
The Irish Adrenaline have been featured at Open House, Forever Irish Ladies Luncheon, Christmas on the Hill, A Winter Wonderland Breakfast with Santa and many more events and every time they have made the performance one to remember.
Most recently the show choir was featured at Cathedral Choirs Sounds of the Seasons with all of the other Cathedral Choirs.
Sophia Ehinger, class of 2028, said, “The sounds of the seasons was a lot of work to prepare for, but it really paid off in the end. Getting to perform on stage for our family and friends while also celebrating the Christmas season was fun and rewarding.”
The hard work and dedication to their craft does not go unnoticed, or without awards. In fact they have so much dedication they are an award winning vocal and choir department. On Cathedral’s website it states, “Our choirs have won numerous awards, including National Grand Champion at the Heart of America Competition in Orlando, Florida in 2022! Cathedral Choirs tour at least once a year and have traveled the world, including Italy to sing in St. Peter's Basilica.” It truly is remarkable how amazing the show choirs are under the direction of Mrs. Bender.
Bender is one of a kind. She truly makes their show magical and not only does she
BY JULIE NAPIER
run the Irish Adrenaline, she also directs an all male group that performs at choir concerts and at assemblies. This fantastic group is called “Irish Guys With Ties.”
Any time thr group performs at school, the student body greets them with cheers. These men are Cathedral students who are famous for their iconic fashionable ties that make them so remarkable, but also their strong voices.
Ehinger also said, “I think that show choir is a great way to express yourself and showcase your talents. It has also helped me connect with others and gain so many amazing friends. I also perform live for all the people to come and see, especially my friends, our most recent concert was at our school. It was fun and I’m glad people came to support me.”
Her favorite song was “A hand for Mrs. Clause.” This was their last song and it was definitely one to close on. She said it was her favorite because, “It’s jazzy and fun to sing and a good closer.” Even though she
is only one of the many amazing performers, most of the group can agree with her statement.
Joining the Irish Adrenaline is a way to meet friends, become disciplined with hard work and expectations, develope a routine and schedule around practices and, and be able to express your true self. Cathedral alumni Kayla Morrell, class of 2020, reached out and said, ”I loved my time in show choir because of the unique sisterhood it provided me with. Show choir was a safe haven for me and the other girls where we felt free to express ourselves not only through our music, but also through the bonds we created with one another and with Mrs. Bender.”
Competition season is up next for the Adrenaline Show Choir and try outs for next season will be in the spring of 2025. Please reach out to Mrs. Bender at mbender@gocathedral.com for more information.
Irish Adrenaline, alternating the silver and red dresses, singing an arrangement "Snow Angel."
The Irish Adrenaline sang a total of five songs for the concert.
Photo by Joellen Desautel
The impact of travel J Terms
Cathedral highschool has offered a J-term for students since 1918. Traveling J-Term is one of the best ways for students to see the world and the impact of their studies.
Cathedral is an exceptional school, winning awards like Blue Ribbon on four occassions, but students believe a reason is because of its tradition. Tradition is celebrated in so many different ways on the Hill. Staff and students have traditions in academics, sport, and in faith aspects, but also in singular traditions like the Irish-500, Lughnasa, and Christmas on The Hill. Among these traditions is the January-Term, more affectionately known as J-Term.
The January Term is an opportunity offered at Cathedral for one week, sometimes two weeks, that allows for students to dive deeper into their classes or into special interests outside of the classroom. J-Term Is something many colleges offer, but very few regularly formatted high schools offer. At Cathedral, freshmen are enrolled in and participate in the Freshman Experience program for a week which offers a wide variety of experiences to better inform the still-newest students about Cathedral and high school. The sophomore, junior, and senior classes all participate in regular J-Term.
The options students can choose from are either stationed at Cathedral, stationed locally, or are rraveling options. The first two are hosted by Cathedral High School teachers, the decision of who gets to go on what J-Term is decided in a C.O.R.E. meeting around two months prior to the J-Term. Signups are sent out to each grade, starting with seniors, and students sign up until all the spots are filled in all the activities.
The traveling J-Terms are released to all at the same time and decided over a year in advance to keep from signup chaos prior to big trips. Traveling J-Terms are often very costly but worth the expense. For students that want to go on these trips but can’t afford them, there is financial aid in place and available to help ensure all kids get the same opportunity if they wish to sign up.
The trips have been in place for many years but “World Language Trips just started this last year,” said Karen Hovanec, a Spanish teacher at Cathedral. Hovanec is planning to take 19 kids to Costa Rica
BY KATE ALBAUGH
A list and map of all the locations that Cathedral students and staff will be visiting during the 2025 J-Term week. The information was sent out months in advance and many trip leaders had meetings, call-outs, information nights, and more to give parents and students as much information as they could. Photo from GoCathedral.com
this year, accompanied by fellow language teacher, Mrs. Rose Eegan.
As for the best part of the experience, Hovanec said, “Definitely watching kids use the language I teach and they learn.”
J-Term allows students an opportunity for authentic learning, and applying what they have learned on the Hill to real world experience. Without seeing the importance of these languages and other cultures, it's easy to lose sight of why they are mandatory credits.
Mr. Brian Gross, a Latin teacher also involved with many other roles at Cathedral, is leading the Italy J-Term this year. This trip, he explained, “Used to happen in summer but now that foreign languages have J-Term trips, we go then.” He thinks the best part of his trip is “going to the Vatican and other sights during the winter because no one will be around.”
Sydney Matthews, class of 2027, thinks that traveling is beneficial in so many ways and said, “When you're away from your parents and being independent, you can experience new places and things differently.”
In world Language especially, it's so important to see new cultures outside of America. Hovanec said, “Anytime a student has the opportunity to leave and experience new cultures and places they’ve never seen, it's a good thing.” She thinks that the best thing that can be given to students is perspective.
The introduction of traveling J-Terms to Cathedral students will not only deepen their understanding of languages and cultures surrounding them, but give them perspective on how the world works outside of Indiana.
High Schooler Drums His Way Into a World-Class Drumline Group
Cathedral student Elijah Wasmuth, class of 2026, receives a contract from the world-class drumline group, Veritas
The world-class, art performing group, Veritas, is an Open Class Finalist ensemble based in Indianapolis, Indiana. This 317 performing arts program seeks students of any level, located in Indiana which provides many educational opportunities in marching arts.
Veritas is known for its opportunity of commitment to excellence which will offer members an effective chance at developing their skills. Each member of the group is surrounded by a high-performance environment. This program not only sharpens technical abilities but also emphasizes the importance of discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work. Members are fully immersed within a community that fosters and pushes growth, both in their performance and as an individuals.
Last winter, sophomore at the time, Elijah Wasmuth auditioned hoping to make it into the drumline group. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it, but it pushed him to practice and strive for excellence.
Wasmuth went to summer clinics, which would later help him with the audition process. After aspiring to be the best, Wasmuth was offered a contract from The world-class drumline group, Veritas. This opportunity marked a turning point in his musical journey, where his relentless efforts and growth were finally paying off.
Now, in his junior year, Wasmuth is more determined than ever to push himself further past his limits and continue evolving as the drummer he is.
Wasmuth said, “For the past year or two, getting into a group like this has been one of my main goals. I've been drumming for five years and dedicated myself to perfecting my skills.”
For him to prepare for the audition, he practiced every day for countless hours and pushed himself to master each beat. Each of his practices were dedicated to improving his technique and performance. Wasmuth’s dedication to improvement
and success will undoubtedly prepare him for the opportunities that are lying ahead of him waiting to happen.
Rehearsals for Veritas began around early November, and they consist of practicing every Friday through Sunday. From 9 am to 11 am, Wasmuth dedicates his time to becoming the best drummer he can be. Throughout the week, he also completes video assignments to help him reach and strive for his fullest potential. His commitment to improving is evident in the countless hours he spends refining every beat, determined to perfect his technique. With each practice session, he pushes himself further, knowing that success requires both consistency and relentless effort.
Being elected to this excellent drumline group was a moment of pure exhilaration. Wasmuth said, “It's a very accomplished feeling and it truly inspires me to keep with the activity. It pushes me to pursue higher level groups.”
His commitment proved that hard work and dedication genuinely can pay off. Countless hours of practice and having to learn how to manage time, have shaped Elijah Wasmuth into a disciplined drummer. With each rehearsal, he refines his skills, pushing himself beyond his limits. Wasmuth knows that his achievement is just the beginning and that he is ready to take on even greater challenges ahead of him.
The competition within a group like this is very competitive. Just getting into the group is a challenge in itself, let alone the actual performance standards. This group is extremely competitive. There will be over 100 people who are hoping to get a spot. However, approximately 40 people were offered a spot. This rigorous selection process ensures that the most dedicated, hard-working, and skilled individuals make the cut and earn a spot. It requires not only high skill levels but also the ability to stand out under such immense pressure.
BY YACKIE CASTRO
Like everyone else, Wasmuth followed every step required to enter this program. Yet, he managed to stand out; his strong character and work ethic earned him a spot with Veritas. His dedication to improving, even after setbacks, demonstrated his resilience and determination to his goals.
With each practice, he has proven that his commitment to excellence is persistent, making him a valuable asset to this high-level group.
Cathedral Band Director Ian Callen said, “Improving his skill as a drummer has always been Elijah’s top priority. He worked his way up to the highest position here at Cathedral, which is section leader. While he did that, he participated in a Drum Corp called Eclipse which is essentially a marching band done at the highest level.”
Elijah Wasmuth, sporting his Cathedral gear, and many other members of the world-class drumline group stand indoors in front of musical gear.They examine sleek new Adams gear received during the Christmas season. Photo by veritraspercussion Instagram.
Cathedral Baseball Player finds next home at Service Academy
After starting varsity as a freshman and sophomore, class of 2026's Eli Sinsabaugh is looking toward the future of what’s next.
His first two years at Cathedral were successful. The next two seasons look to be very promising for a run at a state title. As his junior year started, Eli Sinsabaugh began looking toward the future after Cathedral. Sinsabaugh will continue to play baseball after Cathedral with an appointment to play at the United States Army Academy.
Committing to play at a service academy means much more than just committing for a sport and opens up many opportunities for life after baseball. For the future Sinsabaugh said, “Going to Army, I’m looking forward to baseball, but more importantly looking forward to see how much the school itself will change me in a good way and impact my life.”
Head baseball coach Mr. Ed Freije echoed what his player said about the importance of playing at Army and said, “A commitment to Army for baseball goes far beyond that. Eli has shown a desire to push himself physically and will be tested in a number of ways at Army.”
Army is different than playing at most colleges as there must be a balance playing a sport, managing difficult classes and preparing for the military. Being able to do this takes a dedicated person who wants to take on high-level challenges.
Coach Freije believes Eli has prepared for this and said, “Eli has continued to work hard and push himself physically. I believe Cathedral has prepared many students to have success at Army and Eli will be well prepared to succeed at Army. He's been a very solid player for us over the past two years and will look to build upon that for the next two seasons and beyond.
Sinsabaugh credited Cathedral baseball for helping him prepare for his next step at Army. He said, “Cathedral baseball has helped me prepare for army because of the very strict and disciplined practices, along with learning to become a team leader, which is very important at Army.”
Sinsabaugh has a lot planned for his life, but baseball and the opportunities it presents, is still high on his list. He said, “My
BY BEN KAUFFMAN
goals for the next level are to be very successful at Army West Point, and hopefully be able to make it to the major leagues.” His skill set on the baseball field will help lead to his continued success at Cathedral and eventually at Army. His role on the team will step up going into this season.
Coach Freije said, “Eli brings a great deal of athleticism. He is an exceptional athlete with exceptional speed. He has proven to be very solid defensively and offensively. Eli should continue to be a big piece of our lineup over the next two seasons. We'll look to him to be a leader for us defensively and a catalyst for our offense. We will look to Eli to continue to grow in a leadership role and set an example with his work ethic, commitment, and how he carries himself.”
The future for both Sinsabaugh and Cathedral baseball is bright and Coach Freije has high expectations for the next
two seasons. “Our continued goals for Eli is that he continues to be a great teammate and be the best version of himself. We'll look for him to continue to push himself and not be satisfied. Eli should continue to strive to be a leader and a role model within our program. As a program, we will compete throughout, we'll look to compete to win a City and State Championship,” Freije said.
The goals for Eli Sinsabaugh at Cathedral remain the same as he wants to do what he can to bring success to the baseball program. “For the next two years at Cathedral, I’m looking forward to becoming a true leader, and set great examples for the newcomers at Cathedral.”
Eli will look to continue winning at the high school level before testing himself at Army both for baseball and serving his country.
Junior Eli Sinsabaugh commits to Army to play baseball. Eli started varsity his freshman and sophomore year for Cathedral baseball and in two years has 29 hits with a .322 average, and has batted in 14 runs.
