What’s recently happened?
This year, the Marquette Catholic High School basketball teams are on fire! The Lady Blazers had a phenomenal season, winning Semi-State and playing in the state championship. They were the state runner-ups, finishing the season with a record of 24-5.
That’s not where the Marquette basketball success ends, however. After a thrilling season, the Marquette Boys Basketball team is thriving. On Sunday, March 10, the boys won the Regional Championship, advancing to the Semi-State game.
The Marquette Academic Super Bowl teams are also flourishing. On Thursday, March 14, they competed in the Duneland Academic Conference Invitational. The Social Studies team took second place in its competition.
Marquette’s performing arts department has finished its first weekend of its production of “Sister Act.” The student performers have been working hard for nearly two months on this production and are so happy to have seen their hard work pay off.
“‘Sister Act’ has been the most fun play that I have been in,” Lead Performer Iyanna Estes said. “Everyone enjoys it so much.”
What’s coming up?
Spring break is fast approaching at Marquette as is the annual spring break trip. This year, Marquette students have been given the opportunity to travel to Japan. They will be immersed in Japanese culture and get to see many famous Japanese landmarks, such as the Odawara Castle and the Todaiji Temple.
Marquette hosts its spring break trips through EF Educational Tours. EF tours focus on educating students about the countries they are visiting and creating connections between the students and the places they visit. The tours help to foster curiosity and cultural awareness in these students.
Marquette has hosted many trips through EF Educational Tours. Two years ago, Marquette students were given the opportunity to follow the World War II warpath through Europe. Students on this trip got to see five countries and see the lessons that they had learned in their history books in person.
The Japan trip is sure to be a great experience for these students. The trip will be both educational and enjoyable, creating a love for learning in the students.
The spring sports seasons are also starting up at Marquette. The baseball team has begun practice, and its first game is on April 8. The softball team has also started working, and it will play its first game on April 17.
Staff spotlight:
Anthony Holt is the director of campus ministry and academic advisor at Marquette. He is also active in the Marquette theatre, serving as the music director and lighting designer.
Holt has been doing theatre since he was 12. He has also worked as a lighting designer and show producer for local community theatre programs for about 10 years. He loves to help others find love for the performing arts.
“I enjoy helping people sing and act, and it’s such a joy to get to perform for others,” said Holt.
He especially enjoys helping with the Marquette theatre. He loves to help teenagers step out of their comfort zone and watch them flourish. He’s so glad to be a part of forming his students into confident, happy young adults.
“I love watching our students blossom from freshmen to seniors, their behavior, academics, talent, and it’s amazing to see them grow personally as human beings,” he said.
Students at Marquette love and trust Holt. He makes sure to form personal relationships with each of his students, making them feel seen and heard. He helps his students to take charge of their education and their lives, encouraging them every step of the way.
Holt encourages students to stay committed and stay focused.
Student spotlight:
Alexandria Shoppa is a junior in the theatre department at Marquette High School. She is currently acting in “Sister Act,” playing Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours. Martin-of-Tours is a nun with her head in the clouds and a heart of gold.
“Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours is a proud nun who is bilingual and open-minded. She gets distracted, but in times of sadness, she can be very serious and focused,” said Shoppa.
Shoppa has always loved theatre. She has been acting since she was 5 years old and began acting at Marquette when she was in eighth grade. While she participates in many extracurricular activities at Marquette, such as golf and tennis, her favorite activity by far is theatre.
“I do theatre because it’s a way to express myself freely and be around people who share the same passion as me,” she said.
Shoppa dreams of one day portraying Elphaba in the musical “Wicked.” She wishes to emulate Elphaba in her everyday life.
“She talks a lot and is brave. She is also kind and feisty,” Shoppa said.
Shoppa encourages everyone to embrace themselves and be who they are.
“Be yourself. Don’t get wrapped up in all the drama and just have fun,” Shoppa said.