What’s recently happened?
Marquette Catholic High School (MQT) had a great day of fun in its annual “Armageddon Games” day. The day was filled with exciting activities including trivia, video games, soccer, basketball, volleyball, UNO, hallway bowling and much more. This is an opportunity for the four grade levels to compete against each other in each of the activities for points. The class with the most points at the end of the day is crowned the winner. In the 2025 games, the junior class came out victorious.
In many previous years, the senior class has won. Last year, in the 2024 games, the junior class broke the 30 year curse and pulled out a victory. It looks like the juniors have set a new trend of coming out on top of the other three classes.
It was a relaxing day on 10th Street at MQT where staff and students were able to take a much needed break from the rigors of school curriculum. MQT looks forward to the games next year.
The senior class has submitted their service essays and portfolios needed for graduation. The students are one step closer to receiving their diplomas.
Additionally, the Academic Super Bowl teams have finished their seasons. Congratulations to all members for their hard work and dedication. A thank you to the coaches, parents, and supporters for being with them every step of the way.
Lastly, spring sports are in full swing, with games, practices, and meets all becoming frequent events. The baseball and softball teams continue their regular season games, as well as the Girls Tennis team, Boys Golf team, and the track and field team. Good luck teams!
What’s coming up?
Prom season is here! The MQT Blazers are very excited for the 2025 Prom at the Blue Chip Casino & Hotel. The upperclassmen have bought tickets, dresses, suits, shoes, and other accessories in order to prepare for this special night. This year’s theme is Enchanted Garden, voted on by MQT’s student body. Grab your dancing shoes for a night of fun, beginning with a Grand March, dinner, and lots of dancing!
MQT is so excited to host its annual Marquette Mulligan golf event. This is a fundraiser for the school, where donors, alumni, staff, and partner school staff come and enjoy a round of golf. Donors are invited to sponsor a hole on the golf course with a sign of their name. This is a fun event for the whole MQT community to come together, enjoy a round of golf, the sunshine, and each other's company all while supporting a great cause.
The MQT baseball team will also be holding a camp for the local elementary school kids. Kids can come to sharpen their skills and learn up close from players on the baseball team.
Students and staff are gearing up for the final month of the semester and school year. With finals, projects, and assignments, MQT is excited to continue and finish this last bit of the school year strong.
The seniors are looking forward to graduation following the last day of finals. They have worked so hard these last four years of high school. MQT’s staff and the rest of the student body are excited to see what the future holds for each of them.
Staff spotlight:
Matthew “Matt” Zima is a teacher at MQT. Currently, he teaches Physical Education I and Strength and Conditioning. He has taught many levels of Health and Wellness in the past, along with an Earth Space Science class.
“My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a specialization in Earth Space Science and Physical Science from Indiana University Northwest. Later, I decided to pursue an advanced degree at Ohio University. After three years, I graduated with a Master’s degree in Recreation and Sports Science,” Zima said.
Zima has been his mother’s main caregiver for the past few years due to her health issues, which has prevented him from being involved with extracurriculars at the school. In the past, he was the head Girls Volleyball coach, Science Olympiad coach, and Bowling Club sponsor. He is also the coordinator of Armageddon Games.
“Armageddon Games is an annual event held on the first Friday of May that is both a celebration of the school year and a competition to see which class is the best among a variety of academic and athletic activities. Although MQT is not the only school that offers Armageddon, Marquette’s version is unique in scope and opportunity. Indeed, Armageddon allows faculty, staff, and students to build relationships, have fun, and make memories that will last for years to come. Undoubtedly, Armageddon has become the second most popular event next to graduation,” Zima said.
He enjoys sports, learning, and collecting items such as sports memorabilia, comic books, artwork, icons, fossils, and rocks. He is also interested in photography, especially of nature and architecture. He learns from all types of activities like reading, watching videos, and using his hands.
“I’m a detail-oriented, systematic, and methodical individual when I’m out in the world,” Zima said. “My strengths are being analytical, precise, and focused on quality. I attempt to meet and exceed standards and adhere to the rules whenever possible. However, when I’m at home or with good friends, I’m more laid back, patient, cooperative, and reliable as well. I enjoy being a problem solver and helping people not only become a better version of themselves, but also to smile, laugh, and have fun. My motto is ‘maximize the moment.’ I’ve learned over the years that you can only control what you can control and although you can reduce risk, you can’t eliminate it. Therefore, I’ve always tried to live in the now and roll with whatever comes my way.”
Zima advises those around him to try to understand their purpose in life in order to justify specific decisions. Also, that we can’t change the cards we are dealt with, just how we play the hand. Learning how to deal with adversity is critically important for success.
Student spotlight:
Leah Bartnicki is a junior at MQT. She is heavily involved in extracurricular activities including, volleyball, track, Academic Super Bowl, Academic Quiz Bowl, the theatre department, choir, and National Honors Society.
“Through these activities, I’ve learned the importance of community and having a good work ethic from my activities. I’ve benefited from being a part of something greater than myself. Being a part of multiple different sports teams and clubs has shaped me into a mentally flexible and resilient person,” Bartnicki said.
Some of Bartnicki’s hobbies are dancing, crafts, trying out new coffee, and hanging out with people she loves. She described herself as a dependable, loyal, and kind person. She is heavily influenced by her family consisting of her mom, dad, and brother.
“My family influences me because they lead by example in their faith lives and how they treat others,” Bartnicki said.
In the future, Bartnicki plans to become an occupational or a physical therapist. She is undecided on where she will attend for her studies. A future goal she would like to achieve one day is to be a mom and have a big, happy family. She has learned a lot about herself and others that will prepare her for the future.
“Through high school, I have come to understand that everyone is fighting their own battles. It is so important to not judge others and be a good friend,” Bartnicki said.
Lastly, Bartnicki offers good advice to her friends and to others as well. She encourages everyone to not wish their life away. Enjoy every step of the journey because it goes way too fast.
