Shown are Bishop Noll students who spoke at the Centennial Gala dinner in September: from left, Eric Copeland, Maria Quiroga, Aaliyah Crawford and Abigail Wojtaszek
Dreams come true: 4 students attend Centennial gala to share their BNI stories
Throughout its 100-year history, Bishop Noll Institute has hosted hundreds of celebratory moments for students and alumni. From commencement ceremonies to homecoming dances, tailgates to donor receptions, Warriors always unite within its walls. So when it came time to plan the school’s Forever Noll Centennial celebration, organizers knew the school itself needed to serve as the backdrop and what a stunning backdrop it proved as Warriors assembled for the Centennial weekend Sept. 16-19.
Even more important than the backdrop for the events were past and current Bishop Noll Warriors who shone throughout the weekend. The “Forever Noll” Centennial weekend began Sept. 16, the actual anniversary of the first day of classes at what was then Catholic Central High School. That evening, 100 years from the day it all began, four current Bishop Noll students took the podium to tell the stories of what Bishop Noll means to them.
“I was honored to be there.” - senior Aaliyah Crawford
In her speech, Crawford spoke about how each class of students at Bishop Noll brings a new energy, but the opportunities available to all BNI students remains the same. She spoke about having the chance to change lives through her leadership roles at spiritual retreats and how having constant opportunities helps make her a better person.
“What I may think is small and insignificant to others may have a huge impact on their lives.”
“I was honored to have the opportunity to partake in the celebration. I really look forward to seeing Bishop Noll flourish as the years progress ahead of us.” - senior Eric Copeland
Copeland focused his speech on how Bishop Noll is his home -- a place he protects, loves and cares about. He said teachers, administrators and staff at BNI always go above and beyond and offer him more support than he ever expected.
“This place is the place that has created some of the best memories in my life. This place has brought some of the most amazing people into my life. This place -- the building you are sitting in right now -- has brought me more opportunities than I ever imagined back in 2018 when I was a freshman.”
“I am thankful that I was able to attend an event that does not happen often and was very important for everyone there.” - junior Maria Quiroga
Quiroga focused her speech on how Bishop Noll is different from any other school she has attended and how choosing BNI has been one of the best decisions of her life. She spoke about a personal experience of losing close family members and how a BNI teacher changed the way she dealt with her grief.
“She slowly pulled me out of that feeling and brought me back to God. She helped me with questions I had that made my faith even stronger than it was before. I owe my faith life and relationship with God to her.”
“I was absolutely honored to attend the 100th anniversary gala. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m glad to have been chosen to be a part of it.” - senior Abigail Wojtaszek
During her speech, Wojtaszek said she always wanted to be a Bishop Noll Warrior and that her younger self would be proud of the opportunities she has taken as a high school student. She spoke about several of her high school accomplishments in various clubs. She said the BNI theater arts program has shaped her into an actress prepared for college, someone who appreciates everything that creates the magic of stagecraft and a leader in the theater community.
“Bishop Noll’s generosity and opportunities have found ways to prepare me for my work in our country and community.”
Originally published in Noll Today magazine October 2021