Voices Ringing Blog /

Five members of the Archbishop Carroll High School Class of 2024 have grown their artistic skills through the Visual Art Department's AP Course work track.  You can view their work in person at the Wilmington/Stroop Branch of the Dayton Metro Library through April 30, 2024.  Meet our artists and learn about their styles and inspirations!

Alyssa Heasley

From a young age I’ve always had an affinity for art. Even in my earliest memories of birthdays and holidays, I always received art supplies. My family dubbed me the artsy kid, and it’s been a part of my identity since. Art is something near and dear to my heart, and I find art in everything I do. Art to me is not just a physical thing but rather an implication of one’s self-expression.

My art is comprised of different influences in my life, whether that be firsthand or inspiration through media. I attribute my style of horror to my grandma. Growing up, I used to spend a lot of time at her house, and she had a room filled with DVDs of horror movies and thrillers as well as regular movies. I used to love to go through her collection and found inspiration in the covers and descriptions of the films.

I like to explore feelings and emotions in all of my pieces. I like to replicate the sense of wonder and curiosity that holds the viewers’ attention. My colors vary on the color scale from dull to natural to create an environment of naturality. I want to transport people to a world exploring uncomfortablity and curiosity. I hope that I did just that. Thank you for viewing my four years of work!

Anna Minc

My love for art has been one of the most consistent things throughout my chaotic life. I’ve always been artistically inclined, but my passion stemmed from the influence of my Aunt Kathy and my own battle with chronic illness. Around my 6th grade year, my Aunt Kathy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The way she got through treatment was through filling coloring books and painting. A lot of the symptoms of her chemotherapy were similar to the ones I was experiencing with my chronic illness, so she taught me many mechanisms to cope through art. This is what took my mild interest in art to a full-time hobby and potential career! 

After entering high school, my main concentration in my work has just been trying to illustrate things I find beautiful, whether that be people, scenery, or images from my mind. I tend to explore this through color theory and contrast, which are my favorite art techniques. My preferred mediums still tend to be all kinds of paint, but also printmaking on occasion. I draw inspiration from everything I see around me and am of the belief that everything that exists has beauty, so I hope to show that.

Thanks for viewing my work! I hope you saw a glimpse of the beauty of the world that I see!

Alex Moore

Art has always been a big part of my life, thanks a lot to my family, especially both of my eldest sisters who were and still are very talented artists. I would say that they were the biggest inspiration for my art out of everyone in my family. However, my love for art came way before I really got to see much of my sisters’ beautiful pieces.

I remember quite a few stories my dad had told me from when I was just a toddler. Back when we lived in an apartment, my dad had dedicated an entire segment of wall for me to paint, draw and do anything I wanted that he could paint over. After I had filled the entire wall with whatever drawings could still encompass it, he would paint a fresh coat over it to give me a brand-new canvas. From there forward, I saw everything as a piece of art or something plain with loads of potential to be something much greater.

At some point, I was inspired to become a fashion designer. The thought of wearing art on your body was always such an admirable and expressive way to show yourself. I’ll admit, that was more of a twelve- year-old phase, but I did indeed come up with a lot of fashionable designs!

Art has been present throughout my entire life in significant and impactful ways, and I can comfortably say that it has helped shape me into the person I am today. Whether I was happily doodling as a child or using a big canvas to express and vent my emotions, art has always been there with me. Every empty canvas, paper, notebook, wall, floor, or really anything able to hold color gives me such motivation with huge waves of ideas and opportunity. I’m thankful for the ability to simply draw and for the freedom it brings me to feel. Art is a beautiful feeling! I hope you liked looking at some of my pieces!

Jared Sargent

I first got inspiration from my grandpa who painted many of the pieces hanging around my house; he focused primarily on realistic watercolor paintings. He has always encouraged an exploration of the arts, which encouraged me to find interest in the projects we made in grade school.

Going into high school, I found myself going through the art program and continuing to develop my ideas through my projects. I found that most of my creative expression came from this past year in AP Art where I decided to focus my sustained investigation on the contrasts between lights and darks; creating the mood of fear of the dark/unknown as a result. My artwork primarily contains a central dark object or dark background that contrasts the objects found within the light. Altogether, it is my hope that these pieces will invoke a sense of exploration of the unknown by pushing past the fear.

Over these past years, I have greatly appreciated what the art program has allowed me to create! I hope you are able to enjoy these pieces as I have definitely enjoyed making them!

Charli Sproles

I was born into a family of Italian descent, so traditionally, I am named after my grandpa, Charles. He is a former art teacher and painter. Luckily for me, he
passed down his creative genes along with his name!

I found my love for art in 2nd grade when I switched to a new elementary school. My art teacher, Ms. Von Sossan, taught me about many artists who inspired me as I grew older. I tried many different mediums throughout my years in art classes, and my favorites were always colored pencils and pastels. I view art as an outlet for creativity and self-expression.

I have found that creating art can be relaxing and beneficial for one’s mental health. Listening to music while painting, coloring, or sketching can be a great escape from the world around us. With that being said, my fifth period art class is my favorite time of the school day. I am able to unwind and talk to my friends while also expressing myself creatively. Thank you so much for viewing!

The most common things make the biggest difference when you’re 4,800 miles from home.

“I was surprised by how big the roads and the cars are in America,” Noemi Fedorisinova ‘26 recalled – just one of many eye-opening experiences from when she and her family arrived in the United States from their native Slovakia. Unlike many families who left eastern Europe in 2022, Noemi, her sister Sofia ‘24, their parents, and their brothers were not fleeing the burgeoning war between Russia and Ukraine. Their father, Francis, is a Byzantine Catholic Priest who had been urged by a bishop in 2019 to relocate his family to the United States to help grow their ministry.

The family spent months in deliberation and prayer to make a decision. They ultimately decided to leave behind their comfortable lives in Slovakia to answer the bishop’s call to spread their faith. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic put their plans on hold, but the family arrived in Charlotte after a 24-hour journey from Budapest.

“There was also sadness because I had made good friends and was in a good high school community,” Sofia said. “It’s important for our family to make decisions together and make sacrifices for the church and our faith. It’s important to be able to sacrifice even the great life that we had in Europe. Everything was perfect there, but we sacrificed it to help people here."

After adjusting to the weather, tweaking their English dialect from British to American, and bouncing from Charlotte to Cleveland to Dayton, the family settled into their new life.

“For my first three months of school, I was just sitting and doing nothing because I was so stressed. I tried to speak, but it was bad. When I went to high school, I started to talk and make friends and things got better. The teachers are always trying to help you, and I really appreciate that.”

Sofia and Noemi also learned about the differences between the Roman Catholic and Byzantine traditions while attending Catholic schools. Their father leads the St. Barbara the Great Byzantine Catholic Community and is the officiant for its services in St. John Bosco Chapel on the campus of Wright State University. For all the differences in rites, Sofia says the commonalities are much greater than what distinguishes the two ways of practicing faith.

“Everything that we do in the Byzantine church is based on the Roman Catholic Church. We are Catholic. We are united.”

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared in the Spring 2024 edition of Reflections.  Click here to read the entire magazine.

Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Finalists from the Class of 2024!  Kyle Heilmann ‘24 and David McLoughlin ’24 earned this recognition for their performance on the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test.  They are among the 7,140 students in the United States who earned this distinction!

Click here to watch a video presentation of the awards

Isaiah Riby-Williams ‘24, Trinity House and St. Anthony School alumnus, with Mrs. Ann (Calderone) Bertke ’88

Isaiah is a great Family Room member through his enthusiasm, generosity, and encouragement of others to join in House and Family Room events.

-Mrs. Ann (Calderone) Bertke '88

Favorite Restaurant:

Condado Tacos

Favorite Movie:

Forrest Gump 

Who would you play in a movie?

Luke Skywalker

Place you'd love to travel:

Anywhere in Latin America

What activities do you participate in?

I am in Multicultural Club.  We often go to movies, sports games, or even host small parties, so groups that don't get much recognition at Carroll can feel in place.

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

The people.  I've met some fantastic people here at Carroll.  I have made amazing friends, met fantastic teachers, and they have all helped me grow as a person. Without them, I'd still be very immature.

What should school “do” for you?

School should continue to challenge me to be a better person; a person who should fight indifference and expand the cultural tastes of everyone.

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

Mistakes are common. When I was younger, I made a lot of stupid decisions by only thinking about myself. Through overcoming these, I learned that I wasn't perfect, and I will continue making mistakes as I grow as a person that I will need to learn from.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To help others who are wronged against throughout the world. We are all people; we live under the same star.

How do you like spending your free time?

I love to study other cultures and languages, although I do also love unwinding for the day and playing some video games with friends, because we all need a chance to just take a break.

Andrew Burdick, Mercy House and Ascension School Alumnus, with Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '80

Although Andrew is in a number of leadership positions, he always goes above and beyond his leadership responsibilities.  In the classroom, Andrew serves as a model student who is always willing to assist his peers with decoding programs. Andrew also deserves recognition for the simple things he does.  Every day when Andrew leaves my class he offers me a ‘Thank You’.
 

-Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '80
 

Favorite Restaurant:

Texas Roadhouse

Favorite Movie:

Good Morning Vietnam

Who would you like to play in a movie?

Indiana Jones

Place you'd love to travel:

Northern Alps

What activities do you participate in?

Boy Scouts of America, Youth Ministry, Cross Country, and Track and Field

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

Carroll is an exciting, almost electric, environment where I have had the opportunity to learn and grow.

What should school “do” for you?

School should be a place where you feel at home that teaches you not only academics, but also how to be a better person.

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

Prevail. Whatever challenge you are up against can be overcome.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To live a life in service of others

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to be outside on hikes, finding my own way.

Julian Correa Quiroz ‘24, Charity House and Our Lady of the Rosary School Alumnus, with Mr. Erik Ramsey ’93 and Mr. Chris Sorrell '83

Julian Correa-Quiroz is a translator-extraordinaire' for families who have lots of questions about Carroll and are still learning English.  His patience and attentiveness to those parents and children are as impressive as it gets.

-Mr. Chris Sorrell '83

Favorite Restaurant:

Giordano's

Favorite Movie:

Tokyo Drift

Who would you like to play in a movie?

Pedro Paschal

Place you'd love to travel:

Tokyo, Japan

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

The people here are so open with each other and families grow together daily.

What should school “do” for you?

I feel like school should be a safe and relaxing place for all people.  Even though it can cause a lot of stress, it could lead to something nice. Also, I feel like it should have the best interest in us as a community and have a well-rounded mindset for kids that need help with personal or educational growth.

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

Never give up on your hopes and dreams because if God challenges you with something, it only means he has something better for you at the end.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To be successful and make my parents proud of all my accomplishments.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to spend my free time hanging out around friends and family.  If I'm not with them, then I'm doing something active, like going to the gym.

Jaylyn Fiori ‘24, Mercy House, with Mrs. Courtney (Griffith) Thompson ’16

Jaylyn has really been working hard this year to make improvements in her study and homework habits! She’s been excited to be at school this year and her grades have improved as well. She’s working hard to build good habits and relationships in her senior year.

-Mrs. Courtney (Griffith) Thompson

Favorite Restaurant:

Sake

Favorite Movie:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Who would you like to play in a movie?

If I could play anyone in a movie, I would choose to play Selene who is Played by Kate Beckinsale in Underworld.

Place you'd love to travel:

Vatican City

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

My favorite part about being a student at Carroll would be how much the faculty cares about the students.

What should school “do” for you?

Something a school should do for us is teach us knowledge of what we need to know for when we graduate.

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

A lesson I learned when I overcame an obstacle, is that you are much stronger than what life puts in your way .

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to travel the world and see many different parts of nature.

How do you like spending your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time by going to the local skate park with my friends to paint the ramp and go to concerts.

Grace Simpson '24, Gonzaga House and St. Luke School Alumna, with Mrs. Mary Ollier

Grace sat down with a fellow student who is new to Carroll and helped her navigate some important parts of our class, including logging into her textbook, finding the daily agenda, and completing and turning in assignments. Grace's kindness and compassion were a great example of our welcoming Patriot spirit! 

-Mrs. Mary Ollier

Favorite Restaurant:

Olive Garden

Favorite Movie:

Nimona

Who would you like to play in a movie?

Nimona

Place you'd love to travel:

Colorado

Activities you participate in:

I am in marching band, sewing club, and Write-On.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is being in the band.

What should school “do” for you?

School should prepare me for life's challenges.

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

I learned that I can't let grief hold me back from doing things I need to do.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to work in a greenhouse and study plants.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to spend my free time reading and playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Coleman Fox ‘24, Baltimore House and St. Luke School Alumnus, with Mr. Jason Hughes ’96

Coleman Fox is a daily reminder of the ‘we not me’ attitude that we strive to live by.  Always willing to lend a hand or volunteer to take on a task for the greater good, Coleman makes Carroll a better place.  His ever present smile and good nature are proof that it’s always a great day to be a Patriot.

-Mr. Jason Hughes '96

Favorite Restaurant:

Johnny Huston’s Grille & Bar

Favorite Movie:

Green Book

Who would play you in a movie?

Anthony Michael Hall

Place you'd love to travel:

Stamford Bridge

Activities you participate in:

I participate in The Freedom Players Drama Club, Military Kids' Club, National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, Latin Club, and Carroll Bowling.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the House System and the sense of community that it generates.

What should school “do” for you?

School should first and foremost educate you, but it should also create a supportive environment that you can lean on.

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

A lesson I learned when I overcame a difficult obstacle is that you always have to consider the other side in every situation.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to raise and take care of a family.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like spending my free time listening to music, doing service, and watching movies and TV shows.

Sofia Fedorisinova ‘24, Baltimore House, with Mr. Erik Ramsey ’93

Sofia advances the classroom environment with her participation, which has included sharing her story of coming to the United States from Slovakia, initiating clarifying questions, and overall setting a great example for the other students. - Mr. Erik Ramsey '93

We have a student in class this week who is new to Carroll. Sofia walked her to their next class and offered the student a kind welcome and a friendly face! 

-Mrs. Mary Ollier

Favorite Restaurant:

My mom's kitchen ;)

Favorite Movie:

A Walk to Remember

Who would play you in a movie?

A lawyer

Place you'd love to travel:

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Activities you participate in:

I'm a member of the Badminton Club.

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

I like the house system because it brings us students closer together and we have time to talk to each other.

What should school “do” for you?

School should give me the education that I need for real life, not only for academic progress. Carroll is the place that does that for me.

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

Don't stop trying and fighting for things you want to accomplish because nothing is impossible or too hard if you try.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in my life is to travel as much as possible and to have a happy family.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to play sports, write poetry, sing, and spend time with my family.

Kara Kates ‘24, Mercy House and Ascension School alumna, with Mrs. Meaghan (Crowe) Fite ’97

Kara bought lunch for someone who is not her friend or that she really even knew. She added the student's lunch to her account without skipping a beat.  Kindness goes a long way.

- Mrs. Meaghan (Crowe) Fite '97

Favorite Restaurant:

Red Robin

Favorite Movie:

The Bee Movie

Who would play you in a movie?

Melissa McCarthy or Tiffany Haddish

Place you'd love to travel:

Spain

Activities you participate in:

I participated in tennis for my first year as a senior. I am part of the Spanish club, I play lacrosse, and I played soccer for three years.

Favorite part about being a student at Carroll:

My favorite part of being a student at carroll is getting to see my classmates and teachers everyday at school

What should school “do” for you?

I think school should make you excited for the rest of your life, knowing that we are getting a quality education at Carroll will help us in the long run.  Doing anything in school should feel like an accomplishment.

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

A lesson I learned when I overcame a difficult obstacle in my life is that even though it may feel like you can’t open up about your struggles, you will ultimately always have someone in your corner even if you don't realize that they are there.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to grow up and be successful in my career and end up living on a lake with a beautiful lake house and family.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like spending my free time with my friends and family by watching a good movie or TV show or driving around singing and listening to music.

The College Board is honoring five members of the Archbishop Carroll High School Class of 2024 for their performance on the PSAT during their junior year of high school.

Kyle Heilmann and David McLoughlin are two of approximately 16,000 students in America that have qualified as National Merit Scholar® Semifinalists for their performances on the 2023 NMSQT/PSAT.   These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

Neil Tivakaran and Sydney Ramsey earned Commended Scholar status, and Alyssa Applin was chosen by the College Board for the National African American Recognition Award.  This Recognition Award program grants underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connects students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service.

Since 2008, Archbishop Carroll High School has helped 110 students earn the distinction of Commended Scholar, Semifinalist, or Merit Scholar through the NMS program.

Gabriella Kimbrough '24, Trinity House, with Mrs. Tara Ashworth

Gabriella transferred into Carroll during school year and is a rockstar at Spanish.  She offers to help all of the time, takes time to come in early, and stays late just to help others. Her middle name might be "service" and we just don't know it.

-Mrs. Tara Ashworth

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

My favorite part about Carroll is the community. I transferred in the middle of the school year and was worried about making friends and meeting people, but that has been the easiest part of the transition. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and helpful in making it a smooth transition. One of the first weeks I was at Carroll, there was a basketball game where Moses came and "parted the water" so everyone wore different colors and we acted it out at half-time. I remember thinking it was so neat that we all coordinated that. Also at that game, I had shown up alone and was nervous I would just be standing alone in the bleachers, but I ended up leaving after to get food with a group of people.

What should school “do” for you?

Something a school should do that Carroll does an amazing job at is providing students the opportunity to connect with one another and find their passions with their peers.

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

A cliché lesson I have learned from obstacles is that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Things might be really difficult, but there can be joy in every day if you look for it or make it.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

I have a bunch of goals, but I want to be able to spend time with my family, hopefully traveling together. I want to go to college and major in biomedical science for pre-med. I am currently interested in orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I play lacrosse and run cross country and track. I love spending time with friends and family. My little sister and I are really close, and one morning of the week we go to Starbucks before school to hangout.  Most of the time we spend there is just us laughing about the most random things.

Lucy Buhrman '24, Mercy House, with Mrs. Linda Edwards

Lucy has accepted to major responsibility of being next year's yearbook editor.  She has spent this semester getting ready for a great book her senior year!

-Mrs. Linda Edwards

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Tennis and Yearbook.

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

The community. I think having a small student body makes it so much better because everyone knows each other, and it is a lot more personal.

What should school “do” for you?

I think school should set you up for a good future to be successful.

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

Turn to music!! When I'm going through a hard time, I find that Taylor Swift always has a song that can relate to it. Listening to her songs can always help me get through it. You could do that with any artist you like, too!

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To meet queen Taylor Swift!

Anh Le '24, Charity House, with Mrs. Nicole Druck

Ahn Le is in her first year here from Vietnam and has tackled the challenge coming to a new school.  Anh has made an amazing effort to make new friends and be engaged, and she works very hard in her classes while also learning what life is like being an "American teen".  Anh has also shared traditions from Vietnam such as how her family celebrated their Vietnamese New Year.

-Mrs. Nicole Druck

What activities do you participate in?

I am involved in the International Club and the Spanish Club. I really enjoyed the time doing activities with friends in the clubs. Besides, the field trips of the International Club give me chances to make new friends and enjoy the time with them. The activity I like the most is skating with the International Club.

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

As a student at Carroll, I feel very happy to participate in many activities which are organized by the school. My favorite activities are House Events because they help me to connect with other friends in my House. House Events help me develop skills to work with other friends and bring us closer to each other.

What should school “do” for you?

School is great now because because it is meeting all my needs. The other students are friendly and nice to me. My teachers help me a lot with any assignments, and they always answer my questions about anything.

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

A lesson I learned when I overcame a difficult obstacle was that I can rest when I feel too tired to do something, but I must not stop completely.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to work a job I like, have a happy life, and have more time to take care of my parents.

Charlie Sproles '24, Gonzaga House, with Mr. Chris Ochs

Charli brought to me a $20 bill that she found on the floor in Family Room.  We traced it back to the person who was sitting in the seat the previous period and returned the money to its rightful owner.  She could have put that $20 bill in her pocket, and I suspect no one else would have ever known.  Her honesty and integrity are a good example for students at Carroll.

-Mr. Chris Ochs

What activities do you participate in?

I am Vice President of National Art Honor Society, I participate in Media 4 Carroll, and I am a student ambassador.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the people. I love getting to know all the people in my classes and I enjoy being around the teachers and staff here as well.

What should school “do” for you?

School should help students grow academically and socially. It should also give students a chance to try out different things and figure out what they want to do as a career. 

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

I learned to always value my family and close friends first, because they know me so well and they have my best interest at heart. 

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to be happy and to have enough resources to be able to travel around the world – a fleet of all my dream cars would be nice as well. 

How do you like spending your free time?

I spend my free time working at Dairy Queen in Huber Heights, hanging out with my friends, going on Target runs, and listening to music.

Anna Murray '24, Trinity House, with Mrs. Martha Saurine

Anna took her own time to come in for freshman orientation to help behind the scenes, and she also has volunteered to help with the Mass set up and take the time to learn all of the sound system procedures.  Anna has been a great asset to Campus Ministry in these first few weeks.

-Mrs. Martha Saurine

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Cross Country, Track, and Balloon Club.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is knowing I can talk to my teachers whenever I need help with anything.

What should school “do” for you?

School should help you grow and overcome difficulties in academics as well as your social life.

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

I learned to always keep trying no matter how many times I failed.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to become an elementary school teacher and have a loving family.

How do you like spending your free time?

In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends and watch Netflix.

Evelyn Myers '24, Mercy House, with Mr. Aaron West '07

Evelyn’s work ethic pushes her to stand out among her peers in her success in the classroom, on stage, and in extra-curricular activities.  As a member of Carroll’s color guard, Evelyn’s performance qualities are captivating and draw you into her performance.

-Mr. Aaron West '07

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Marching Band and also perform in Winter Guard.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is how involved the community is and the many activities the school has to offer. There are so many clubs and sports available for anyone to join.

What should school “do” for you?

School should be a safe place to further your education and also your relationships with others. It should be an area where everyone is comfortable to share their thoughts and learn important life lessons.

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

I learned the importance of resting when you need to, so you don’t break. If things aren’t working out the way that you wanted, it is best to take a step back and reevaluate the problem

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to become better at viola and art, so I can eventually share what I enjoy with others.  Most importantly, I want to have a family with a lot of cats.

How do you like spending your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my cats, reading, listening to music, drawing, playing video games, and making smoothies.

Max Murphy '24, Trinity House, with Mrs. Abby (Wiles) Merkle

Max is a kind and positive young man who exemplifies a level of responsibility beyond his years.  While there was a substitute teacher in the room, Max created a review game for the class to play to study for the upcoming test.  I was very impressed to see this first hand when I came back into the room and everyone was either working on their assignments or reviewing with Max's game.  A big “Thank You” goes to Max for leading the class in active studying!

- Mrs. Abby (Wiles) Merkle '11

What activities do you participate in?

I am team manager for soccer, and I am a player on the volleyball team. 

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

My favorite part of being a student at carroll is going to the football games and cheering for the team with all of my friends.

What should school “do” for you?

I feel that school should give you a chance to improve and grow in not only your learning and studying skills, but also your social skills that everyone needs when working in groups with others for jobs and occupations.

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

When I overcome a huge obstacle in life, I feel satisfied that I beat something that feels insurmountable, and I feel like I grow as a person and gain new skills to make the job easier next time I am faced with a large obstacle.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to get a college education and have a steady job while still staying in touch with my friends and family.

How do you like spending your free time?

I love to read, play games with my dogs, and spend time with my friends.

Ahna Brown '24, Baltimore House, with Mr. Carl Soucek

Ahna regularly dedicates her limited free time to develop educational resources for her classmates.  She has a passion for learning and a knack for organization. 

She shows a genuine desire to help others succeed, both in the classroom and on the performance field.

-Mr. Carl Soucek

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Band and the Color Guard as well as Ohio Math League.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is being around the loving community.

What should school “do” for you?

School should give all types of students the opportunity to succeed in life by providing them with a proper education.

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

When overcoming a difficult obstacle, I tend to try to take it one step at a time to get through it.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream is to be a help to the world in too many ways to count.

How do you like spending your free time?

I try to spend as much of my free time as I can helping others to the best of my ability.

Sydney Ramsey '24, St. Mary's House, with Mrs. Marcy (Hemmert) Hughes '83

Sydney is a hardworking young woman whose smile lights up a classroom and a stage.  As a student, she works hard.  She never misses an assignment. Goal directed, she strives for understanding.  Sydney is a silent leader, often encouraging others to step forward, as she courageously does herself.

-Mrs. Marcy (Hemmert ) Hughes '83

What activities do you participate in?

The activities I participate in are Drama Club, Spanish Club, Girl Scouts, Cross Country, and Student Athletic Trainer.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is our community environment. Carroll feels like a family to me because everyone is so welcoming. The strong faith community we have here at Carroll is helping me grow as a Catholic.

What should school “do” for you?

School should help every student realize their full potential, and be a safe place for every student to learn. It should have supportive teachers and staff.

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

A lesson I learned is the importance of thinking outside the box. When you are in a difficult situation, sometimes all you need is a new perspective to find a solution you never would have thought of before.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to have a successful career after graduating from college.  I would like to travel, experience new cultures, and leave my mark on the world.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like spending my free time with my family and friends, reading and writing stories, watching the Great British Bake Off, and listening to Broadway musicals.

Sarah Campbell '24, Baltimore House with Mr. Chris Sorrell '83

Sarah Campbell has set the most wonderful example for how a student should be prepared, enthusiastic, and curious as each class begins. Her performance reflects well on her scores in the classroom and makes her an outstanding classmate. I think my seventh period class can rely on Sarah to be a leader in the room for the entire semester. Our class is better because Sarah is in it. Well done Sarah and the Campbell family.

-Mr. Chris Sorrell '83

What activities do you participate in?

Women's Soccer, Mass Choir, Spanish Club, Physical Therapy Club, and Drama club.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is because of the helpful and welcoming environment which pushes you to be the best you can and to your best abilities.

What should school “do” for you?

School should be a place where you learn not only about the required subjects taught there, but it should also be a place of community, fun, laughter, memorable experiences, and people. That is what school is all about.

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

Sometimes that when you are going 100 miles an hour, it is okay to slow down and take a look at all you have accomplished instead of thinking about all your mistakes. One mistake will slow you down, but only if you let it.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

I hope to graduate from a college with a degree in veterinary science.

How do you like spending your free time?

I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love to watch sports and love to read.

Chase Hunt '24, Charity House with Mrs. Beth Branum

Chase is extremely kind.  He recognizes the needs of others and diligently gives his gifts and talents to fill those needs.  I miss teaching him this year.

-Mrs. Beth Branum

What activities do you participate in?

I'm a member of the basketball team.

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

The great teachers and great environment. Everyone is very welcoming.

What should school “do” for you?

School should provide a great education that involves me learning great life skills to use in the future.

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

Make sure you understand the whole situation before acting.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

I want to give back to my parents.

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to play basketball, go fishing, and play with my dog.

AnnaMarie is a wonderful student. She is kind and cares about the world around her. She works hard in her academics and balances school with color guard. AnnaMarie is a model Patriot for others, and we are so happy to have her in our community and our Family Room.

-Mrs. Allison Ford

AnnaMarie Honious '24, Trinity House with Mrs. Allison Ford

What activities do you participate in?

I participate in Carroll’s musical. I am a part of Carroll’s color guard. I am also on BONDs, which is a high school robotics team.

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

My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is being a part of the Carroll community. I really feel like I am a part of a big family. Nobody hesitates to welcome anyone who is new to the school. I feel so proud to be a part of such a kind community. It strengthens me to know that we can accomplish anything as a school and as a community.

What should school “do” for you?

School should prepare me for my future and help me develop important skills, while guiding and nourishing me spiritually.

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

You have to believe in yourself and you can never give up, even in the face of challenges. It is okay to take breaks as long as you keep moving forward. Perseverance will get you through any obstacle.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream in life is to help others and to live for God through every step. I want to make a difference in others’ lives through the way that I treat them. I would also love to find a job that I am passionate about.

How do you like spending your free time?

I love to read, talk to my closest friends, and go to the lake with my family.

Meghan Parlette '24, Trinity House, with Mrs. Liz Emser

As a freshman, Meghan is already exhibiting strong leadership qualities in the classroom. She is respectful, kind to all of her classmates, and doesn't hesitate to lend a hand. She isn't afraid to laugh at her own mathematical mistakes, which is a good quality to have in life (especially in math class!), but she also accepts the challenge of fixing her errors in order to improve her skills.

-Mrs. Liz Emser

What activities do you participate in?

Basketball

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

I enjoy being part of a welcoming community with good teachers and friends.

What should school “do” for you?

School should make you a better person in all aspects of life.

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

Anything is possible if you try your best.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To live a successful and happy life

How do you like spending your free time?

I like to hang out with my friends and family.

Fritz Ruetschle '24, Gonzaga House, with Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '83

If you know Fritz, you know he is a hardworking student.  Every day, he enters my room with a positive attitude, and he frequently provides additional content to the lesson.

-Mrs. Diane (McNelly) Keller '83

What activities do you participate in?

Swimming and volleyball

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

The things I enjoy most about being a student at Carroll are the people and activities that I can do and plan on trying.

What should school “do” for you?

School should keep me active in the community and give me many options to choose for extracurricular activities. It also pushes me to drive forward during tough times like this and keep working.

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

If you come into a project with a good attitude, you will come out with an amazing project and maybe a new friend.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

Travel to Europe and live there for a year

How do you like spending your free time?

I work at Saint Luke Church on weekends and hang out with friends when I can.  I also try to go to the pool a lot and swim

As we prepare to celebrate the most important day on the church calendar, our World Languages faculty and students reflect on some of their favorite Easter memories and traditions from around the world.

Granada, Spain

I have wonderful memories of Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Granada, Spain.  It is amazing to watch the locals pour their hearts into every detail to make this time meaningful and memorable.  As my students watch the processions, they quickly realize the importance of this Holy Week celebration and the traditions and values that have been around for centuries.

There are large crowds, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday along the procession route.  As the floats with Jesus or Mary pass by, the crowd is silent out of respect.  In Granada, there are 33 cofradias or brotherhoods represented.  They plan all year for the one day their brotherhood is represented. Their float represents a scene from the Easter story. If it rains, you can hear the people from that church weeping as they are only given one day to show their efforts, hard work, and faithfulness.

The floats are not on a mechanical device - they are carried by men.  It is extremely important for them to move in unison and be similar in height as there are typically hundreds of lighted candles on the float.  One of the most memorable moments for me in Granada was when my students and I witnessed a float that was too high to exit a cathedral, so all the men had to fall to their knees at the same time so the float didn’t fall, and crawl out of the church until the float was through the door.  Next they all had to rise together and continue to walk for miles around the city! We were all in tears, and we spoke of that experience for years!

Click here to visit a website with a great explanation of Semana Santa in Granada.

-Mrs. Beth Branum

Costa Rica

Spending Easter in Spanish-speaking countries with our students is a blessing. Being able to show them the cultural differences in Catholicism in different places is an honor. I have spent practically every Easter working at Carroll with our students until quarantine this past year. Not only attending Mass, but all the little details of travel are some of my fondest memories working with our students. Our travel coordinator, Beth Branum, always prepares Easter baskets that we travel with and set up to surprise the students on Easter Sunday. It’s the little details and memories that make these trips so memorable! 

The most recent trip with the kids to Costa Rica in 2017 reminded me that the students experience more than the typical Holy Week celebrations and traditions while we have them abroad. They saw God and truly experienced His work in so many places, both in the interactions with the people of Costa Rica and in their stewardship and fellowship together while abroad. During that particular trip, students participated in a community celebration while sharing a meal in the countryside, they witnessed a beautiful procession outside a local parish in the city. I look forward to spending many more Easter celebrations with students abroad in Spanish-speaking countries.

-Mrs. Tara Ashworth

Vatican City

The air is filled with the joy of all who can fit into Piazza di San Pietro and the sweet smell of the trillions of flowers that surround the Pope’s outdoor altar. A moment of silence ensues as all recall the previous week, whether it be Good Friday in the Colosseum, the remembrance of the Last Supper, or the joyful proclamation of Palm Sunday. Everyone seems to hold their breath as they glance between the small white speck and the mega-screen projecting the face of the Holy Father. The mass is the same as every other Easter Mass celebrated by the Church around the world, painting a beautiful picture of the universality of the Church (despite any sort of language barrier). After Mass and the Papal blessing, all disperse with a smile on their faces knowing the importance of the Risen Christ and ready to sit back and enjoy the traditional lamb, Colomba di Pasqua, and every other delicious Italian food. Buona Pasqua!

-Tony Gabriele '21

France

Easter on the mainland of France is celebrated in a very similar way as it is here in the United States -- with colored eggs. However, instead of chocolate bunnies, you would find chocolate bells in the grocery stores before Easter. Why? Traditionally, Catholicism holds the view that church bells ring every day of the year to invite Christians to attend the Mass, except at Easter where they do not ring between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in order to commemorate the death of Christ and his resurrection. 

Myth in France has it that at this time the bells, with wings attached, flew to Rome to be blessed by the Pope over these two days. Coming home they would randomly drop treats for the joy of children. The bells fly back Saturday night. Sunday morning is the opening of “la chasse aux oeufs” in France, also known as the Easter egg hunt.

Somebody in the family will shout, “les cloches sont passées”, meaning the bells have passed, and the children run outside to hunt for their chocolate eggs.

Usually, families gather for Easter and have a traditional meal of roasted lamb together.

-Mrs. Anita Mischuk

Oaxaca, Mexico

My family goes to St. Mary's church, and Mass is usually longer than normal. Our celebrations at home are very different from Mexico. In Oaxaca, where my family is from, there is a live representation of Jesus' passion and death, and on Domingo de Resurrección (Jesus' resurrection) there is a Mass at midnight that usually lasts for 2 or 3 hours.  When the lights go off at the front of the church, there is a closed curtain that opens at midnight with an image of a resurrected Jesus. In Oaxaca, they don't eat meat during Holy Week, so the street tacos are vegetable tacos.  My family did adopt the Easter eggs and bunny traditions over time.  In Oaxaca, they throw eggs at each other.

Palmer took some friendly words of encouragement and ran with them.  He is excelling in his Honors Geometry class and recently obtained the highest grade in class on his chapter test.  A small change in focus and attitude has made all the difference, and I couldn't be more proud of him for it!

-Mr. Tony Stefanek '89

Palmer Tucker '24, St. Mary's House, with Mr. Stefanek '89

What activities do you participate in?

I am a member of the Swim Team.

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

Everyone is really nice to each other, and the teachers pay attention to every student.

What should school “do” for you?

School should prepare you to find a job and be successful in the future.

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

Don't give up when things get hard.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

To find a good job in live in Texas or Florida.

How do you like spending your free time?

Usually, I like to travel, but I can't do much of that right now!  I also like hanging out with my family, playing video games, and just chilling out.

David McLoughlin '24, Charity House with Mrs. Abby (Wiles) Merkle '11

David shares his exceptional computer skills with a humble attitude.   I know so many college students and even adults who struggle with coding, and he does it for fun.  He blows me away with his talent, and I am amazed at his humility.

-Mrs. Abby (Wiles) Merkle '11

What activities do you participate in?

Cross Country, Indoor Track, Boy Scouts

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

I love the community as well as the people here.

What should school "do" for you?

School should help prepare you for the future challenges you may face and should make sure that you can become successful through education.

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

I’ve learned that if you stay determined and work hard, you can overcome any obstacles and achieve your goals.

What's your biggest dream in life?

My dream is to become successful and life and live with a happy family while also maintaining the relationships that I have with my friends and family.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I like spending my free time hanging out with my friends and family, watching TV shows, and sometimes working on programming projects.

Matt Kemper '24, Gonzaga House, with Mr. Byrd

Matt's attitude in class is among the best I've ever encountered. He is a social studies mind, loves learning, and enjoys being challenged. His enthusiasm for the subject matter brings out the best in his peers, as well. Matt earned an A in my class in the first semester, as well as many others.   He is an awesome Patriot, and we are blessed to have him!

- Mr. Cody Byrd

What activities do you participate in?

I am on the cross country and track teams.

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

Everyone is so nice and encouraging.

What should school “do” for you?

School should give you the skills and atmosphere to find your vocation.

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

If you haven't heard from a friend in a while, see how they are because they might just need someone to brighten up their day.

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My dream is to become a YouTuber and content creator.

How do you like spending your free time?

I spend my free time playing video games, making videos, and editing photos.