Voices Ringing
Carroll High School Blog
Student of the Week Matthew Rodgers '26: September 21, 2023
Matthew Rodgers '26, Baltimore House and St. Helen School alumnus, with Mrs. Katie Nielsen
Matthew has been so helpful in Family Room this year. He has taken initiative to help our incoming freshmen and our three transfer students log in to view their grades and has offered to help them on academic days with their work. He's been very inclusive and welcoming in our family even as a sophomore. We're so happy to have him in our family, and his efforts to welcome others into our family are greatly appreciated.
-Mrs. Katie Nielsen
Favorite restaurant:
BJ's Brewhouse
Favorite movie:
The Blindside
Place I want to visit:
Canada
The Actor who would Play me in a movie is:
Ryan Reynolds
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
I love the extracurricular activities that the school offers.
What should school “do” for you?
School should provide a safe place for you to learn and be comfortable in the classroom.
What's a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
If you make a mistake, forgive yourself before you ask others for forgiveness.
What's your biggest dream in life?
I want to play college football.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to watch or play football.
Sophia Sassenberg '26: Student of the Week February 17, 2023
Sophia Sassenberg '26, Gonzaga House, with Mr. Cody Byrd
The Archbishop Carroll Profile of a Patriot states, "A Patriot knows curiosity and enthusiasm can only enlarge the scope of the mind." Sophia Sassenberg brings the best of these qualities into every classroom she enters. Sophia is kind and respectful and has shown a fun and inquisitive approach to education during her freshman year. Sophia came to Carroll as a stand-out performer in the band, and through her curiosity and enthusiasm, she has elevated herself as a true stand-out Patriot.
-My. Cody Byrd
What activities do you participate in?
I do Marching Band, Communications for Freshman Class Council, Spanish Club, Pep Band, and Balloon Club.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the experience. I am able to meet new people all the time, I have made great friends, and enjoy all of my classes. I have learned so much already, and I am so glad I have the opportunity to attend Carroll for my high school experience.
What should school “do” for you?
I believe that school should prepare me for my future and further education. So far, I believe that Carroll is doing exactly that.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
An obstacle I overcame was my fear of social interactions. Before sixth grade, I was one of the quietest, most reserved kids you would ever meet. I was scared of making mistakes or being made fun of, so I just stayed quiet. Then in sixth grade, I became friends with the people that made me who I am now. Making new friends brought me out of my shell, and I am so thankful for all of the people who have come to know and love me, especially the people who knew me before I became who I am. This experience taught me that you shouldn't worry about what other people think of you, you just need to find the right group of people who love and support you no matter what.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
To lead a successful life.
How do you like spending your free time?
In my free time, I play the clarinet, hang out with my sister, listen to music, watch Netflix, pet my cat, Angler, and learn new instruments.
Sam Brun '26, Student of the Week January 17, 2023
Sam Brun, 26, Trinity House, with Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '83
Sam Brun is a hard working student in class and contributes regularly to class discussions. I have him in a class with Sophomores and Juniors, and he is the only Freshman. This does not intimidate him in any way. He is also able to handle situations that could make lead to tension with other students with grace and patience.
-Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '83
What activities do you participate in?
I am a part of the Marching Band, and I play club and high school volleyball.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the sense of community and belonging that Carroll is so great at providing for each and every student.
What should school “do” for you?
For me, school should allow everyone to become the best versions of themselves, and allow them to learn how to overcome obstacles in life.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
A lesson that I’ve learned is that nothing in life is served to you on a silver platter. If you want to be successful in life, taking the first step to becoming great will open your eyes to so many possibilities.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
My biggest dream in life is to become successful in whatever field I choose to pursue but with that comes acknowledging why you became successful. You need to realize that God gave you the strengths and skills to become successful. That is my true dream in life, which is to praise God by using my strengths and skills to become the best version of myself.
How do you like spending your free time?
I like to spend my free time spending time with friends and family, playing volleyball, and the occasional 3 a.m. Minecraft sessions with my older brothers.
Student of the Week Jayd Brown '26: December 2, 2022
Jayd Brown ‘26, St. Mary’s House, with Mrs. Laura Wright
Jayd’s grades have improved dramatically through the semester. She is also focused on her work, asks questions when she needs help, and checks with me when she misses class. I am so impressed with her work ethic and positive attitude. She is also very respectful and a pleasure to have in class!
-Mrs. Laura Wright
What activities do you participate in?
Outside of school I like to play basketball mostly, some soccer and do anything with my family, from a party, game, or vacation.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
Having access to all the education and books I need to grow my knowledge and better it. That is my favorite part of being a Carroll student.
What should school “do” for you?
School should do no more than what it already does, as school already helps me to better my knowledge and helps me have a better set up for life and my future.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
I learned to not stress and try to find a solution, and if you ask God for help, he'll give it to you.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
Being able to give my loved ones any and everything they want so they'll have little to no worries.
How do you like spending your free time?
I like to spend time with my younger brother and play with him, doing whatever he wants, mostly.
Student of the Week Roberto Coronel Ramirez '26: November 2, 2022
Roberto Coronel Ramirez '26, Mercy House, with Dr. Cody Smith
Roberto has been very engaged and works hard inside and outside of the classroom. While he prefers to work alone, I have noticed that he is willing to get outside of his comfort zone and work with his classmates during group activities. He is always one of the first students to attempt to answer questions and will ask questions when he needs assistance. While these are all great qualities in a student, the thing that I think puts him over the edge is at the end of class, he will go around the classroom and put up any chair that doesn't get put up by other students before he leaves for the day.
-Dr. Cody Smith
What activities do you participate in?
I participate in soccer.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
The teachers at Carroll are what I like the most.
What should school “do” for you?
School should help me with what I need to achieve my goals.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
Never giving up is very important.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
Leading a happy life.
How do you like spending your free time?
Playing soccer with my friends.
Student of the Week Caleb Weitz '26: October 7, 2022
Caleb is a freshman this year, but due to his prior involvement in the Marching Patriots, he already possesses tremendous leadership skills. He's punctual beyond expectation and always stays around to help organize equipment. Caleb leads with a smile and encourages new members to be their best.
-Mr. Carl Soucek
Caleb Weitz '26, Trinity House, with Mr. Carl Soucek
What activities do you participate in?
I participate in Marching Band, Drama Club, Stage Crew, and Mass Choir. I also plan to run for Student Council.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
My favorite part of being a Carroll student is all of the people there are so kind and helpful. I feel very comfortable with the Carroll family, and Carroll feels like a second home to me.
What should school “do” for you?
I believe that the purpose of school is to prepare me for college and all of the obstacles that I have ahead of me. Carroll is a great school and so far I am confident that Carroll is achieving just that.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
One thing that I have learned from being a Carroll student is how to deal with time management. I have to balance activities with schoolwork. Being a section leader in Marching Band, participating in Drama Club, finishing homework, and all of the other things that I do is tough to achieve. I have learned to work it out and still achieve my goals.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
My biggest dream in life is to get good grades, go to college to get a good job, and stay happy through it all.
How do you like spending your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing board games, watching movies, playing soccer, spending time outside, and playing music.