Graduation was a little extra special for the Bishop Noll Institute Class of 2024, a group that entered BNI freshman year known as “the Covid Class.”
On June 6, 121 Bishop Noll seniors, now wiser and older, celebrated their accomplishments, including collectively earning more than $27,042,157 in college scholarship offers. Among the graduates were several students who hail from Munster.
Grace Buksa
Balancing academics, athletics and faith is no small feat, but Grace Buksa did it all during her time at Bishop Noll. Grace participated in the National Honor Society, ran cross country and track, spiked it on the volleyball court, served as a Student Ambassador, and was active in campus ministry.
Following in the footsteps of her parents, her dad Dan is a Bishop Noll alum and her mom Julie works at St. Thomas More, Grace felt right at home in the school’s supportive environment.
“My family chose Bishop Noll because they wanted to send me to a high school that provided me with both a solid academic and religious foundation,” she said.
While her academic achievements are undoubtedly impressive, Grace’s most cherished accomplishment is her perseverance on the cross country team. Joining as a sophomore, she defied expectations by qualifying for regionals two years in a row, a testament to her hard work and dedication. As Grace embarks on the next chapter of her life, she extends heartfelt gratitude to her parents for their unwavering support throughout her high school journey.
Kyle Cipowski
Kyle Cipowski is a triple-threat athlete who excelled in football, hockey, and golf during his time at Bishop Noll. Just like Grace, the Cipowski family has deep roots at Bishop Noll, with Kyle’s parents and many other relatives attending the school. Kyle credits Bishop Noll for nurturing both his academic and spiritual growth.
“I am most proud of growing as a student and an athlete. Winning the 2023 3A State Championship in hockey is also a big accomplishment in my four years of high school,” he said.
Kyle expresses his deepest appreciation to his parents for providing him with the opportunity to attend Bishop Noll and for their unwavering support throughout his life. He also extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a role in his high school journey.
Amanda Garcia
Amanda Garcia’s story is one of remarkable personal growth. Cheerleading, Student Ambassador, and Project NOW participation are just a few of the ways Amanda made her mark on Bishop Noll. Her family chose the school for its commitment to fostering a safe environment where Amanda could deepen her Catholic faith.
“They had heard many good things about Bishop Noll and thought that it would be beneficial to me not only in my academic career but also in my own self journey,” she said.
From a shy freshman to a confident graduate, Amanda is most proud of the emotional growth and connections she made with her classmates. She gives a special shoutout to her mother, whose unwavering support, especially during late nights filled with homework and dance practice, was instrumental in her success.
Kylie McCabe
Balancing the demands of volleyball with the dedication required for band membership is a testament to Kylie McCabe’s well-roundedness.
Following a family tradition of attending Catholic schools, Kylie found Bishop Noll to be the perfect place to nurture both her academic and spiritual growth. Looking back on her high school experience, Kylie is most proud of her personal development, fueled by hard work and a desire to grow in both faith and education. Participating in retreats stands out as a significant contribution to her spiritual journey.
She said her Bishop Noll experience would not have been possible without her parents.
“They have been my biggest support for my entire life. Ever since I wanted to start playing volleyball, they have been constantly supportive and encouraging. They push me to my limits and help me be the person I am today. I also want to thank my friends for constantly being by my side and being a huge part of my high school experience and a constant support system.”
