Voices Ringing
Carroll High School Blog
The Practice of Being Present and its Impact on a Future in Medicine: Meet Cameron Neidhard ‘21
Most high school students take their first classes on campus at the start of their freshman year, but Cameron Neidhard ‘21 began his Carroll courses while he was enrolled as a 7th grader at St. Helen Catholic School. “I remember the people always being wonderful, really compassionate, and being willing to collaborate,” recalled Neidhard. “You don’t see that in a lot of places.” Little did he know that his attention to personal encounters would influence his path into the medical field years later.
Once Cameron was on campus full-time as a high schooler himself, he immersed himself in rigorous academics with teachers, like Mrs. Laurie Fuhr and Mr. Chris Sorrell ‘83, who encouraged Cameron to “not just grasp concepts but understand the greater implications and what they mean for the human condition.” Cameron’s AP Biology and AP Chemistry courses allowed him to gain both concept mastery and a vision for how those fields can assist and serve others. The service aspect appealed to Cameron and ultimately helped him decide to pursue the medical field. “I’ve always thought that science is an important part of who I am,” Neidhard said. “Giving myself to the community in whatever way that entails is something that’s incredibly important.”
Cameron graduated from Carroll in 2021 as a valedictorian, Trinity House captain, and recipient of the Joseph R. Sens Award for Commitment to the Carroll Community, along with many other awards, honors, and accolades. He went on to the University of Notre Dame to pursue a degree in Biochemistry with a concentration in Neuroscience and a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine- a program that most universities do not offer until much later in medical school and/or a residency program. Through this unique minor, Cameron has had the opportunity to strengthen his commitment to being a compassionate, Catholic physician who sees patients not as a series of symptoms, but rather as humans with dignity.
While at Notre Dame, Cameron has had many opportunities to make deeper connections with individuals through faith and career-related service opportunities. In the summer between his sophomore and junior year, Cameron spent eight weeks living in different parishes operated by Notre Dame’s Congregation of the Holy Cross throughout Bangladesh, a densely populated country that faces substantial poverty. There, he volunteered to practice communication with English-learning, Bangladeshi students.
Cameron also served in clinics run by the Sisters of the Holy Cross during his time abroad. Whether he was restocking supplies, changing dressings, or simply sitting with patients, Cameron learned valuable lessons that he plans on taking with him as he begins his medical career. “The essential aspect of all of this service is being present,” Cameron emphasized, “I can’t cure poverty… but what I can do is be present for other individuals.”
The following summer, Cameron once again spent his break from college away from home in Gainsville, Texas as a camp counselor at Camp Sweeney, a youth summer camp for children navigating Type 1 diabetes. The experience, which Cameron called both “incredibly amazing” and “probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” sometimes required 20-hour work days in order to provide the campers with “a little piece of heaven.” Camp counselors monitored campers’ blood sugar levels, planned meals, and provided fun activities for campers so that they did not have to worry about navigating their disease.
“It was a really great clinical experience. But, what really appealed to me about it was that it wasn’t just ‘curing symptoms’. I get to interact with (a camper) as a person and get to make jokes with you.” His time at Camp Sweeney was so impactful that Cameron is considering pursuing a concentration in endocrinology in his medical future.
Neidhard found many programs and service opportunities on campus as well. He has participated in the Best Buddies program, an organization that allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to both enjoy judgment-free, fun events and build personal relationships with a Notre Dame student. Cameron has enjoyed biweekly connections with his buddy, Matt. “He’s one of the most wonderful people I know,” said Cameron.
He also has made deep connections with his peers on campus through residence hall life. He is finishing out his senior year as a Resident Assistant in Dillon Hall. Here, Cameron has practiced being present to his peers through mentorship, event programming, and leading his hall to attend “Milkshake Mass” and other weekly masses offered on campus.
After graduation, Cameron will attend the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Northwestern was a place where I felt I could take that next step of not just being a competent physician but also being a compassionate physician.” He is looking forward to working with his fellow Northwestern medical students, including the students affiliated with the Catholic Medical Association.
When asked about his hopes for his future, it could be easily assumed that he would want to discuss academic and career goals, given his many accomplishments. Neidhard, however, discussed his hopes to continue the strong Catholic faith life he has developed, especially through his Catholic schooling. “I’m incredibly grateful in general for having had the opportunity to go to both Carroll and Notre Dame. I don’t think I’d be even close to the person that I am today without having been able to go to both of these institutions.”
Cameron is incredibly grateful for his supportive family, especially his parents Alex Neidhard ‘97 and Christina (Connally) Neidhard ’98, who did not push him to go into medicine but rather encouraged him to be the best version of himself. He is relying on them and his faith in Christ to keep him focused on his ultimate goal. “I don’t want to lose sight of why I’m entering medicine, which is not for personal gain or to glorify myself… But rather, it’s to serve other people in a genuine way and to be present with others.”
Community Connections and Identity Protection: Meet David (Teddy) Hubbard-Thompkins ‘25
With his first steps onto Carroll’s campus, David (Teddy) Hubbard-Thompkins found a welcoming environment where he could develop into the person he is today. In his four years on campus, he has challenged himself, been part of developing a new student organization, and found his career pathway -- all while making lasting memories and friendships.
“I feel like I’ve grown significantly while I’ve been here at Carroll,” David said. A St. Helen Catholic School graduate, David knew coming into Carroll that he enjoyed STEM and wanted to explore that field. It wasn’t until he took computer science courses with Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '80 that he took a deeper interest in computer science. That, in addition to a camp for those interested in learning more about cybersecurity, propelled him to pursue a degree in cybersecurity at Miami University of Ohio. For David, he did not want to be in a stagnant field, but rather one that is dynamic and centered around helping and protecting other people.
His call to help others was fostered during his time at Carroll. Hubbard-Thompkins spoke highly of the mentorship he was given by several of his coaches and teachers that sparked his passion to serve others in a deeper way. As a student athlete, he learned the value of working on team-building and navigating through challenges during his time playing football and track. He credits his coaches for mentoring and supporting him along his journey, and David soon began to be a role model and mentor for his peers in return.
During his junior year, David was asked by Carroll’s Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion and Spanish Teacher, Ms. Tara Knopp, if he wanted to be a founding member of the Student Community Engagement Committee (SCEC). David was especially excited to be a part of a group that would focus on ways to welcome students of all backgrounds feel like Carroll is a home away from home. “Maybe people are going through different things,” said David, “We should always treat everyone with respect and appreciate each other’s differences because we are all made in God’s image.”
After graduation, David looks forward to using the academic and extracurricular experiences he’s had at Carroll to build strong connections with his new classmates and colleagues at Miami University. He has an enhanced awareness and appreciation for his peers coming from different backgrounds and sees his studies in cybersecurity as a way to physically protect one’s identity as well.
One subject David kept returning to was how grateful he is -- for his teachers, coaches, and peers -- and how much he appreciates the lifelong lessons they have shared at Carroll. “All four years here, I have felt at home. I made a lot of good friends,” David shared. “The teachers, faculty, staff, and Mr. Sableski all care and want to take you to that next step in life. I feel like you wouldn’t find that at any other high school.”
2015 Papal Pilgrimage for Pope Francis's Visit to Philadelphia
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Winter 2016 Issue of Reflections.
Before the sun rose on the last Friday in September 2015, 32 Carroll High School students and 15 other members of the Carroll community left Dayton on a charter bus and made a trip that some called an experience of a lifetime.
“I was in awe. It was so cool to be able to see the leader of the Catholic Church up close.
-Lindsey Harper '16
Those 45 people traveled more than 500 miles to Philadelphia to partake in a weekend celebrating the Catholic faith with Pope Francis during his first visit to the United States.
Carroll was the only Dayton area high school to sponsor such a trip to Philadelphia for the Holy Father’s Apostolic Journey to the United States. The Papal Pilgrimage to Washington, New York, and Philadelphia was part of the Festival of Families which culminated in a Papal Mass Sunday. All 32 Carroll students attended Pope Francis’s speech at Independence Hall Saturday. Carroll senior Lindsey Harper '16 was one of the students who made the trip.
“I grew closer to a lot of people on the trip. Being around so many people in Philadelphia who are there for the same reason, no matter how different we might be, is what I remember most about the trip.”
With demand for hotels in Philadelphia at historic levels, the Carroll group camped in New Jersey with other student groups who chose to sleep in cabins rather than miss Pope Francis’ visit. Saturday’s trip to Independence Hall to take in Pope Francis’ speech at the Festival of Families brought the group closer to the Pope than they ever imagined. Harper estimates they stood about 30 feet away from him during the procession to Independence Hall.
“I was in awe. It was so cool to be able to see the leader of the Catholic Church up close,” Harper said.
“His message is especially powerful for young people,” Campus Minister and Service Coordinator Melissa (Balsom) Fisher, ‘83, said. “We are excited to reinforce the Holy Father’s message at Carroll High School and in the Dayton community.”
The group stayed in Philadelphia Sunday while Pope Francis led Mass before heading back to Carroll. Harper said Pope Francis isn’t the only one who made a lasting impression.
“We were in line for Mass Sunday, and we saw a group of people drumming and singing," Harper recalled. "I joined in, and so did the rest of the Carroll group. It really showed me how easy it can be to praise God even in moments when you feel bothered or upset by something.”
Carroll Hires Cody Sarensen as Next Head Coach of Boys' Basketball Program
Archbishop Carroll High School has hired Cody Sarensen to lead its Boys' Basketball Program.
Sarensen brings 15 years of coaching experience to Carroll. Most recently, Sarensen served as the head coach of the London High School Boys' Basketball team for five seasons, where he increased the team's winning percentage each year. He has also served as an assistant coach at Wittenberg University and head coach of Springfield Catholic Central High School. Sarensen will also join Carroll's faculty as an Intervention Specialist beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
“I'm grateful to Principal Matt Sableski and Athletic Director Scott Molfenter for the opportunity to join the Archbishop Carroll High School family as a teacher and coach," Sarensen said. "My family and I are eager to become a part of the vibrant Carroll community and contribute to its success.”
“We are very pleased to introduce Cody Sarensen as the next head Boys' Basketball coach of the Archbishop Carroll High School Patriots," Athletic Director Scott Molfenter said. "He is a proven leader at the high school level, and we have no doubt his knowledge of the sport and passion for preparation will benefit our student-athletes. Coach Sarensen will be an outstanding role model that is dedicated to advancing a successful culture both on and off the court.”
Josh Fowler '28: Student of the Week, March 28, 2025
Joshua Fowler '28, Charity House member and St. Peter Catholic School Alumnus, with Mrs. Beth Branum
Everyday, Josh makes a point of saying, ‘have a good day, Señora’ as he leaves my room. He is a hardworking student and recently, when he was out for an extended period of time, he kept in contact with me to get his work finished.
-Mrs. Beth Branum
Favorite Restaurant:
Chipotle
Favorite Movie:
Warm Bodies
Places I'd love to travel:
Hawaii, Paris, and St. Peter's Basilica
What activities are you involved in at Carroll?
I was in Youth and Government this year, and I'm currently in the National Art Honor Society and Medical Career Club.
What's your favorite part about being a student at Carroll?
The environment is my favorite part of Carroll because all the faculty and teachers are good examples of what a Catholic and an overall person should be like. I also really like the opportunities for religion here at Carroll, such as Mission Dayton. Lastly, the teachers really go into depth into the subjects they are teaching, and always make sure that a student is on track.
How should school help you succeed?
School should help you succeed by teaching you not only academically, but also morally, and how to improve yourself overall as a person. Yes, school should teach you the core subjects like math, but also help you learn lessons on how to be better than you currently are and how to grow in your faith.
What's your biggest dream in life?
I want to visit Florida and deep sea fish with my family. Eventually, I want to visit Vatican City and live a holy and righteous life respecting God.
What's a lesson you learned when overcoming a difficult obstacle?
I personally learned that some battles you can fight alone, and then there are some battles you need help with, God's help, and that He's always there when you need Him. These battles can be used as a learning experience to be sorry and to be better.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I spend my time in prayer and talking with God, with family and my pets, gaming, and listening to music.