Voices Ringing Blog /

Jakob Burdick '22, Mercy House, with Mrs. Katie Baker

Jakob is a remarkable student.  His success with his TedTalk and his achievements in Latin class are truly outstanding.

-Mrs. Katie Baker

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Youth in Government, Revolution, Boy Scouts, Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, Baseball, Latin Honor Society, and National Honor Society.  I'm also a 2022 TEDxYouth Speaker.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the family environment that is present within the building each and every day. Carroll’s faculty and staff truly care about helping students become successful both in and out of the classroom.

What should school “do” for you?

School should provide a solid foundation for you to be successful outside of the classroom in the real world.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

I have learned that everything happens for a reason and that you can always count on your friends and family to support you when you need it most.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to be a successful politician who truly works for their constituents, rather than just themselves. If nothing else, I would love to have a family and be there for my children.

How do you like spending your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy watching the news and sporting events, going on a run, or hanging out with my friends.

Annie goes above and beyond to help the underclassmen feel included and involved at Carroll.

-Mrs. Anne (Calderone) Bertke '88

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Drama Club, Revolution, ITS, Mass Choir, and Cooking Club.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

The amazing opportunities I get from being a part of extracurricular activities to meet amazing people.

What should school “do” for you?

School should be a place where people feel safe, connected, and free to express themselves. The students should always be happy and help the school run smoothly.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

I learned that no matter what you go through in life, always have someone by your side for all of it.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream is to become a kindergarten teacher at a Catholic school and give kids the chance to become the best version of themselves.

How do you like spending your free time?

I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching Netflix, and playing with my dog.

Micah Kilby '22, Gonzaga House, with Mrs. Mindy Monell

Micah has shown great leadership and direction this year as Family Room 312 captain. Because of her willingness to listen to everyone;s ideas, she has created an environment of inclusion.  All members feel valued and encouraged to participate in Family Room and House activities.

-Mrs. Mindy Monell

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Lacrosse.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is being surrounded by my classmates every day and learning to be a leader in and outside of school.

What should school “do” for you?

School should give you a foundation to make good decisions in life while also preparing you for college and all of life’s obstacles.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

A lesson I learned when I overcame a difficult obstacle is, 'This too shall pass.'

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to become a physician and help others every day. 

How do you like spending your free time?

I spend my free time out on the field with my teammates and going to coffee shops around town. 

Michael Duckro '22, Baltimore House, with Mrs. Martha Saurine

Michael has been a great example to his classmates of getting involved and serving.  He has given 100% to being a House Captain and a PATS Retreat Leader.

-Mrs. Martha Saurine

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track, and Baseball as well as Latin Honor Society.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

Everyone here is very inclusive, and the energy at sporting events is amazing.

What should school “do” for you?

In my opinion, school should prepare students for their next step in life whether that be college, trade school, or getting straight into the workforce. School should work towards teaching us lessons on how to work hard while also broadening our knowledge and education.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Never let people hold you down or back, and always be true to who you are.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to work as a successful Civil Engineer and provide for a family of my own.

How do you like spending your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time playing Xbox, hanging out with friends, and watching Marvel movies.

Mckenzie Walsh '22, Trinity House, with Mrs. Jill Kilby

McKenzie is always ready and willing to help out in any situation.  She has a smile on her face and a serving heart.  Recently, she has been seen helping a fellow student who has been struggling with some health issues.  She is sweet and kind and a great Patriot.

-Mrs. Jill Kilby

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in lacrosse, football team managers, and powderpuff football.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is getting to form amazing relationships with a lot of different people.

What should school “do” for you?

School should prepare you for the future, whatever your future may be.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

You can’t control what happens in your life, so you have to just roll with it (just smile and wave everyone, smile and wave).

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream is to become a successful physical therapist and have a family that loves to play sports.

How do you like spending your free time?

I spend my free time playing lacrosse and spending time with friends and family.

Ethan DiCicco '22, Trinity House, with Mr. Carl Soucek

Ethan DiCicco is a class act.  He acts with integrity in his classes and challenges himself every day by going outside of his comfort zone.  He is a model of classroom behavior and a mentor to the underclassmen who look up to him.

-Mr. Carl Soucek

What activities do you participate in?

I am a member of the Carroll High School Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Bands, and Film Club.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

It has to be the opportunities that I’m given here. It’s never too late to get involved at Carroll. Whether you’re an incoming Freshman or a second semester Senior, there is always a welcoming environment waiting for you. I encourage everyone to get out of their comfort zone at least once during their time at Carroll.

What should school “do” for you?

School should set me up for success. It should provide an environment that feels safe and comfortable -- a perfect balance between working and socializing.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

For the first quarter of my Junior year, I attended online public school due to Covid. I went into it with an open mind, but it just didn’t compare. By the time I finally came back to Carroll, I had learned the importance of community and never to take it for granted.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

Ultimately, I’d like to end up doing something creative, something that I can really pour myself into and be proud of the results like writing songs or filming movies. 

How do you like spending your free time?

I love spending my free time playing instruments with my friends, going to the gym, and listening to music.

Robert Betts '22, Charity House, with Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '83

Robert is a dedicated and hardworking student in my computer science classes. He is willing to help others, actively participates in class, and has also helped fill a void in Charity House leadership.

-Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '83

What activities do you participate in?

I am in Marching Band and Symphonic Band.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the learning environment as well as all the activities we do here, such as the House competitions.

What should school “do” for you?

Teach me about important things like academics and real world problems.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

One difficult obstacle that I have faced was online learning. I overcame this by studying more and paying hard attention to what was being taught, as well as self-teaching.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

One of my biggest dreams in life is to turn my fish keeping hobby into a business.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to spend my free time by tending to my fish keeping hobby and hanging out with friends.

Destiny Wright '22, Baltimore House and Preston Davis '23, Mercy House with Mr. Chris Ochs

Both students went well above and beyond what was needed in their clean-up efforts in Study Hall and actually ended up cleaning the cafeteria as well as the hallway between the cafeteria and the gym.

All this was done on their own.  I did not ask them to do it.  They saw a need and a call to action and acted upon it.

To me, these efforts are symbolic of what a Patriot is and should be.

-Mr. Chris Ochs

Destiny Wright:

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Lacrosse and Powder Puff Football, and I am a Football manager.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is being part of the House System.  I also enjoy how everyone here is so welcoming and nice

What should school “do” for you?

School should be like a second home where you can get a good education and in a friendly environment.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been to stand up taller than you ever were.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To join the US Air Force and to own a shelter for only squirrels.

How do you like spending your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time playing lacrosse and hanging out with friends and family.

Preston Davis:

What activities do you participate in?

I play baseball and do service projects.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is how everyone works together and how we have such a good community.

What should school “do” for you?

School should help to push ourselves harder and excel in our academics so that we can be successful later in life.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

A lesson I learned when I overcame a difficult obstacle was that no matter if you fail the first time, you should always keep trying and push yourself.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to be successful at what I end up doing for a career and to have a beachfront mansion in Longboat Key, Florida.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like spending my free time hanging out with friends, training my new dog, and trying new things.

Lucia Igitego '22, Gonzaga House, with Mrs. Jenny (Frankenberg) Hentrich '87 

What activities do you participate in?

I am an outfielder for the Softball team, have also been part of the cooking club since freshman year, as well as a member of Femme club.

What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

I love the community and how close everyone is. I also love how all the faculty care about the students and will go out of their way to make sure we have a great day.

What should school “do” for you?

School should make you into the best person you can be. It should be the final step to finally becoming a mature adult and an outstanding person.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Last fall, I took night classes to obtain my State Tested Nursing Assistant license. After a few months, I graduated from the classes and went on to take my state test. Through this experience, I learned that anything is possible with hard work and effort.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

I hope to start my own company sometime in the future. With this company I hope to be financially comfortable enough to adopt at least 3 kids and also start a program to better help the children in the foster care system.

How do you like spending your free time?

I enjoy writing music, and sometimes, I start writing books but never finish. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and volunteering with them.

Sam Wittmann '22, Gonzaga House, with Mr. Greg Derus

I nominated Sam for Student of the Week due to his work on next year's handbook cover. I asked him to brainstorm some ideas on what he would like to do with the project, and what he created was nothing short of fantastic.  He took a simple idea and used his amazing artistic talent to produce a wonderful depiction of the community and life at Carroll.

-Mr. Greg Derus

What activities do you participate in?

Rowing for Dayton Boat Club, National Art Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society

What is your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

Growing close with the community and watching others and myself grow to be stronger and more passionate every day.

What should school “do” for you?

School should give me the opportunity to experiment with the things I love to do so that I can use my gifts to better the lives of everyone around me.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Hard work always pays off. Never be afraid to work hard because there is always something that can be learned.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

Live life to the fullest while following God every step of the way

How do you like spending your free time?

Fishing, rowing, drawing, football, hanging with friends, and any activity outdoors

Brooke Grieshop '22, Trinity House, with Mrs. Nicole Druck

From the first day of Freshman year, Brooke has always been a positive person.  Throughout so many challenges that most of us will never experience, she has risen above them to continue to be a positive person and someone her community can rely on. Brooke gives 110% to anything she does, from academics, to athletics, to being an excellent friend to others. She is using her tragedy to help others in her community by raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of her mom and grandmother. 

-Mrs. Nicole Druck

What activities do you participate in?

I am part of the Carroll Women’s Varsity Soccer team, Spanish Club, Spanish National Honors Society, Wrestling Stats, and a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student of the year candidate.

What is your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

The supportive community.  After I lost my mom, the supportive Carroll surrounded me with love. 

What should school “do” for you?

School should provide a “home” outside your actual home. You should be able to come to a safe environment that allows you to focus on your studies while still having the experience of meeting new people and creating lifelong friendships.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Cherish every moment, as it could be your last. Hug your parents every time you say goodbye. Tell your friend how grateful you are for them. Thank your teachers for all the knowledge they have provided you with. Soak in every little part of life because you don’t know when you will have to say goodbye.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To be a marine biologist in Florida and solve the red tide problem.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to spend my free time with my friends, my two dogs, and with my father watching Netflix.

Eight Carroll High School students' original pieces of art earned 11 awards in the first round of judgement in the 2021 Scholastic Art Awards.  Seniors Kevin Brun, Victoria Fowler, and Gretel Helm earned one Gold Key Award each, qualifying their pieces to the next round of the competition for a chance to have their works displayed in New York this spring at the National Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition.

Victoria Fowler '21: Otto (Paper Collage, Gold Key), Perched (Paper Collage, Honorable Mention), X Amount of Miles (Ink and Colored Pencil, Honorable Mention)

Delaney Conger '21: Bleeding Out (Marker, Silver Key), A Shattering Mind (Colored Pencil, Honorable Mention)

Kevin Brun '21: Portrait in Quarantine (Graphite, Colored Pencil, Gold Key)

Samantha Yates '23: Swimming in a Sea of Memories (Chalk Pastel, Silver Key)

Emma Williams '23: Self Portrait (Chalk Pastel, Honorable Mention)

Maya Merland '22: Lush (Acrylic Paint, Embroidery/Thread, Silver Key)

Gretel Helm '21: Upward (Acrylic Paint, Gold Key)

Sam Wittmann '22: Surface of Tension (Colored Pencil, Ink, Honorable Mention)

Charlotte Ruble '22, Trinity House, with Mrs. Ann (Calderone) Bertke '88

Charlotte has taken freshmen who are having a hard time adjusting to high school under her wing. She spends family room time helping with homework, schedules, and everything else that high school entails.

-Mrs. Ann (Calderone) Bertke '88

What is your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

My favorite things about Carroll High School are the teachers and community. 

What should school “do” for you?

School should give you new opportunities to grow and should help you learn new material for your future.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Adversity helps you be stronger and focus on what is important. 

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream is to become a better version of myself and to help others. 

How do you like spending your free time?

I like spending my free time with my family, friends, and my two dogs. 

John Sears '22, St. Mary's House, with Ms. Lesiak

John is a math student of mine this year and also part of my Family Room. I have noticed that academically he is excelling greatly!  In years past, he has told me he has struggled with time management.  This year, he is doing a wonderful job in all of his classes, especially maintaining a good grade in his first ever Advanced Placement class.  Also, John is one of kindest students I have ever met. He is a true gentleman, and I am blessed to have him as part of my Family Room.

-Ms. Lesiak

What is your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?

I really like the environment that Carroll has managed to create. When I was an 8th grade visitor, all I remember was me saying to all of my friends that I think Carroll is the school that I belong in.

What should school “do” for you?

I think the best thing that the school is doing right now is creating an environment that is all about helping others and creating a family within our community.

What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?

Stay on task and don’t procrastinate because if you do, your grades will really feel it.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To own my own business and use the money I make to help people in my community.

How do you like spending your free time?

Playing basketball with friends or playing video games.