What’s recently happened?
Marquette Catholic High School (MQT), as stated in its name, is a Catholic high school. January 26 - February 1 was recognized as the annual national celebration of Catholic schools known as “Catholic Schools Week (CSW).”
CSW is a week where Catholic schools from elementary to high school are able to celebrate their uniqueness. Each school is presented with the opportunity to celebrate their faith, students, staff, and community.
At MQT, the week allows students to “dress up” from their school uniforms into themed attire. Each day, there was an event along with a dress up theme. Some of the events included, “Name that Tune,” “Family Feud,” a talent show, an all schools mass celebration, and mini Armageddon games. Armageddon games are essentially a list of field day activities and games – from UNO to Pictionary to soccer and volleyball – ultimately ending in dodgeball.
CSW is a great week for all involved. The surrounding grade schools gathered in the MQT gymnasium to celebrate mass with Bishop Robert McClory. MQT is so blessed to have an opportunity to host the elementary schools in the area as well as the bishop.
Also on February 1, not only was it the final day of CSW, it was also Swiftie Night at the MQT gym where the Girls Basketball team hosted Culver Academies for a junior varsity and varsity match up. The whole night was Taylor Swift themed. All the songs and warmup music were Swift’s music. Helpers wore shirts referencing one of Swift’s songs which she also wore on her famous Eras Tour. There was a bracelet-making station for spectators to make their own custom friendship bracelets. Additionally, there was a raffle to win an Eras Tour book.
Junior Addison Penziol enjoyed Swiftie Night as a player in the basketball game.
“I loved Swiftie Night! I love Taylor Swift and I am a big fan of her. I liked listening to her music during our warm ups. I thought Swiftie Night was a great way to get the community together with all of the younger boys and girls who like Taylor Swift,” said Penziol.
The varsity basketball team defeated Culver Academy with a final score of 43-39 in a tight matchup.
“The game was very competitive. Our team was very high in energy and very good at working together. We all played together as a team and worked really hard,” said Penziol.
Ultimately, it was a fun night and a great way to end CSW!
Lastly, MQT hosted its annual Homecoming dance. This year’s 2025 dance was held on February 2. It first started in the afternoon with a Boys Basketball game. In between the junior varsity and varsity matches, the Homecoming Court was announced for each grade level along with the Queen and Mr. Marquette.
Later that evening at the Purdue University Northwest Ballroom, the Homecoming dance was held. Many students attended, and the night was a huge success. There was dancing, singing, and laughing. The decorations, venue, people, music, and energy were amazing. A big thank you to everyone who helped organize the dance, especially Leanna Smith. The dance was a huge hit!
“I think the Homecoming dance went really well! I am happy and relieved that everything ran smoothly. I’m also happy that the DIY decorations worked out. I was nervous because we had a lot of students attending, however it ended up being a safe and fun experience for all,” said Smith.
What’s coming up?
The Varsity Girls Basketball team is entering its post-season starting February 4 at Thea Bowman Leadership Academy where the Blazers will face off with the hosts of the Sectional round. In a previous match up, the Blazers defeated Bowman Academy 65-25. MQT is looking forward to watching its girls compete in the upcoming post-season. The Boys Basketball team continues its season as well.
Additionally, the Blazers are continuing their rigorous studies in the classroom as the new semester settles in. The community continues to build.
Staff spotlight:
Leanna Smith has been a teacher at MQT for almost exactly one year. She started in January 2024. She teaches sophomore English and electives such as Young Adult Literature and Sci-Fi Fantasy. She is involved in many activities in and out of school including the Blazer Spirit Crew, sophomore class sponsor, organizer of CSW and Armageddon Games, and a member of a book club.
Smith has been teaching for five years including teaching kindergarten and being a K-6 instructional coach. She attended Purdue University Northwest, majoring in elementary education with a concentration in reading. Finally, for her M.S, she went through Western Governors University for curriculum and instruction.
“My hobbies and interests include reading, writing, and traveling. I also enjoy attending concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events. I try to travel to different places during our school breaks. This Spring Break, I will be going to Las Vegas and San Diego for the first time,” said Smith.
Smith describes herself as a motivated, passionate, and kind person. As a teacher, she is an educator who makes learning fun while still maintaining high expectations. She incorporates her love of reading and sports into her job very well. She loves inspiring students to love reading through her position as an English teacher. In addition, she also really enjoys the second family that is established at MQT between her colleagues as well as her students. She is able to connect with the students through her love of reading, liking music, and sports.
Smith is a very creative, inspiring, and motivated person. One of her favorite quotes is from Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
“This quote has always stuck with me and influences advice I would give to others. My advice is to be yourself and not care what others think. People are going to judge you no matter what, so you might as well do what you want and like!” said Smith.
Student spotlight:
Addison Penziol, a junior transfer from La Lumiere School, has attended MQT since the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. She is an active member of the MQT community despite her attendance duration being short. She has made herself at home fairly quickly and is comfortable in the new school setting.
She is a Blazer Spirit Crew member, leader of Yearbook club, and an athlete on the Girls Basketball team. Outside of school, she also plays on a travel basketball team locally called City Elite, where she refines her basketball skills even more. Through her numerous activities she has learned many things.
“I have learned how to be responsible and be a leader. I have learned how to build close bonds and relationships with others while also developing a strong work ethic” said Penziol.
She likes to play basketball, work out, draw, and participate in photography. Penziol is determined and has a strong passion for all that she does. She is caring to others and loves making people happy and smile.
Penziol has a twin brother, a sister, and lives with her mom and dad. Her family has a strong influence on her.
“They have influenced me by always supporting me in my passions and giving me advice to help me become a better person. They have done so much for me and just want to see me succeed in life. They have influenced me to do good in this world and always be kind to others” said Penziol.
In addition to her immediate family, her papa, her coach, and transferring schools have helped shape her life.
“My papa is somebody I look up to and am so inspired by. He has shown me that you can start from nothing and work really hard to achieve your goals. My Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach has guided me in the sport of basketball but also taught me life lessons: to always work hard and ask God for guidance along the way. Lastly, the experience of transferring school has made an impact. I was really scared at first, but once I got to MQT I met some great people that have really helped and are now my best friends,” said Penziol.
Penziol wants to continue working on herself, play basketball in college, major in business, open her own business, and inspire people along the way. She wants to bring kindness to all people.
“Some advice I would give another person is to be kind to others. You never know what someone is going through. Chase your dreams and work hard in order to reach your goals. Be who you are. Don’t let other people’s opinions control or dictate you,” said Penziol.
