Voices Ringing
Carroll High School Blog
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.
David Hubbard-Thompkins '25: Student of the Week, March 21, 2025
David Hubbard-Thompkins '25, Mercy House member and St. Helen School alumnus, with Ms. Tiffany Hunsinger
David is always a kind presence and has a positive attitude. He helps his classmates and encourages them in whatever way they need. He is the first to clean up a mess or fix something, even if it is not his responsibility and does so without wanting any credit. He asks engaging questions and genuinely wants to learn about the subject matter.
-Ms. Tiffany Hunsinger
Favorite Restaurant:
Roosters
Favorite Movie:
Good Burger
Place I'd love to travel:
Tokyo, Japan
What activities are you involved in at Carroll?
I have played football and run on the track team for three years. I'm currently in the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Engagement Committee, and I did Model UN for two years.
What's your favorite part about being a student at Carroll?
My favorite part of being a student of Carroll is having faculty that truly are mentors for students and show genuine concern. I also love the close-knit, family feel that both the student body and faculty have fostered.
How should school help you succeed?
School should help students excel in all areas of life. Education is important, and you should always grow in your education. Additionally, when you finish school, a person should have learned life lessons that they can apply in their further education and life.
What's your biggest dream in life?
My dream is to lead a successful life, help solve problems, and inspire others.
What's a lesson you learned when overcoming a difficult obstacle?
I have learned that you will struggle at times in school, whether it is social or education-related. However, you should learn to grow from that experience and continue to persevere in your pursuits.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I enjoy listening to music, reading manga, and hanging out with friends.
Haili Evans '27: Student of the Week, March 14, 2025
Haili Evans '27, Trinity House member and St. Luke Catholic School alumna, with Mr. Luke Brenner
Haili goes above and beyond to help others, including stepping up to help a student facing some learning challenges to help him stay on track during class.
-Mr. Luke Brenner
Favorite Restaurant:
Chick-fil a or Whataburger
Favorite Movie:
50 First Dates
What activities are you involved in at Carroll?
I do service activities when available and plan on joining Key Club.
What's your favorite part about being a student at Carroll?
Carroll has opened an endless amount of opportunities for me that I could've never imagined. The teachers here are beyond welcoming, and I've met some of my favorite people at Carroll.
How should school help you succeed?
School should prepare me for my future, college, and jobs I may have in the future.
What's your biggest dream in life?
My biggest dreams right now would be to get into Law School and see a Red Panda in person at a zoo. They're adorable, and I love them.
What's a lesson you learned when overcoming a difficult obstacle?
A lesson I learned was to not be so hard on myself, and one bad thing or mistake doesn't define who I am.
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I like hanging out with my best friends Gavin and Chris. I also like spending time with my cats and sleeping.