OCTOBER 27, 2025 VOLUME 105 ISSUE 1
The class of 2028 celebrates after pulling off an incredible upset and winning the spirit stick at the end of Homecoming Week. The seniors placed second, and the freshmen third. There is a chance the sophomores end up as three time champions seeing as the junior class finished last and would take an unbelievable effort next year to go from 4th to 1st.
The first play of the year was a smashing success during the first weekend of October. Directed by senior Amia Funches, the play was the "Kid's Play" that always begins with a matinee showing for elementary and middle schoolers during the school day.
MEGAPHONE
Camila Jackson
Sports Editor
Ben Kauffman
Reporters
Yackie Castro
Yohali Castro
Molly Liter
Kendall Moe
Olivia Thompson
Jennifer Velazquez
Royce Ward
Special Contribution
Olive Schomacker
Faculty Moderator
Mr. Marc Quaranta Principal
Mr. Mark Matthews
School President
Dr. Robert Bridges
Senior Sophia Trobridge completed her St. Andre Project and was able to create 400 backpacks filled with essential items for children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse. BY
One thing that sets Cathedral apart from many different high schools in the city and even in the nation is its one-of-a-kind St. Andre Project. Unlike typical senior projects, which often have broader guidelines, Cathedral’s program centers on the idea of service. It encourages senior students to combine their personal passions with some sort of community impact, whether that be raising money for a certain cause, gathering donations for a food pantry, or even creating an app. St. Andre projects allow students to go above and beyond to help those around them.
For senior Sophia Trobridge ‘26, a varsity cheerleader and varsity lacrosse player with high academic achievements, the project was a way to find something that could impact her community and also foster her own personal growth. She said, "I wanted my St. Andre Project to focus on helping kids who are going through difficult situations and need a sense of comfort and care.”
Although students begin working on brainstorming and planning their official projects during the first semester of junior year, Trobridge began to think about what she might want to do during her sophomore year J-Term. During this 2-week addition to winter break, students are able to pick an activity of their choosing, whether that be traveling to a different country or, as Trobridge chose, visiting Riley Hospital. It was during her time at Riley that she discovered Jessica’s Closet, a nonprofit organization with a mission unlike many others in Indiana.
Jessica’s Closet, founded by Jessica Stoebick, who passed away from the vio-
CAMILA JACKSON
lence and abuse of a close relative, focuses its attention on the victims of child abuse. When those young victims arrive at the hospital, they are stripped of their clothes, as they are taken to be used for evidence and, in turn, receive a bland, gray gown, adding to the already worse situation. To combat that and provide some comfort, the organization gathers donated clothing, stuffed animals, journals, and much more to give to those victims. Trobridge said, “Their focus on providing dignity and reassurance aligned perfectly with what I hoped to accomplish, which was to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and supported during tough times.”
Trobridge decided to then partner with
Jessica’s Closet, specifically working to help them raise money to buy those items to give to those children in crisis. Raising a total of exactly $15,898.51, items like clothing, hygiene kits, activity books, fidget toys, stuffed animals, and much more were used to fill backpacks that would then be delivered to the children at Riley. In the end, 400 backpacks were assembled, with the clear purpose of providing practicality as well as comfort to remind those children that their community is there to support them every step of the way. Selecting each item, Trobridge worked to ensure that every child felt cared for in both small and meaningful ways.
While clothing is an obvious necessity, Trobridge aimed to go beyond that by addressing the emotional and personal needs of these children as well. Rather than simply using backpacks to gather essentials, she wanted to find a way to restore that sense of security and normalcy that many of those victims had lost long ago. Trobridge said, “Something as simple as a small comfort item or a fun activity can remind kids that there’s kindness in the world and that people care about their well-being.”
Trobridge received support from her Cathedral family and had the assistance of Dr. Tara Holloran, a Child Abuse Pediatrician at Riley Hospital, who evaluates children who are victims of physical or sexual abuse. Dr. Holloran first met Trobridge during her sophomore year J-term and would later guide her in deciding which items would be most important to include in the backpacks, and even went on to speak at Trobridge’s fundraiser to help raise awareness. Dr. Holloran said, “I knew about Cathedral’s J-term and decided that it would be a great partnership to try to get a better idea of what the older kids might want in those backpacks and the sort of clothes they would want to wear.”
At the fundraiser, Dr. Holloran spoke about the journey of creating Jessica’s Closet. Jessica, a close friend and coworker, had a vision on how to create a more comforting environment and experience at the hospital for those individuals getting help from abuse. Dr. Holloran said, “Jessica brought to our attention that the way we treat those children, other than the science aspect of it, should be changed. When those kids come in, we
have to take their clothes for testing. The clothing they may have been wearing could’ve been their favorite pajama set, or their favorite hoodie, or a dress they wore on their first date, and now we took those pieces of clothing and sent them back out wearing a plain white hoodie and sweatpants. They are already having the worst days of their life, and giving them those clothes only makes it worse.”
As her project ended, not only was Trobridge able to teach others about the importance of helping those in need, but it also reminded her about how powerful compassion can be. Through her experience, she learned the value of service, teamwork, and persistence, gaining a deeper insight into herself and the impact of helping others. Cathedral’s St. Andre projects aren’t necessarily about changing the world or making a huge or life-changing impact, but rather it's really about caring enough to take action and help those in desperate need of compassion and care. Senior Lila Edwards ‘26, Trobridge's
cheer teammate, said, “I think what Sophia did was amazing. She thought about every little detail and went above and beyond to accomplish the goals she had set in place. She found something she had a passion for and went right into it, and I think a lot of the underclassmen can look to her as an inspiration for their own Andre Projects.”
As this senior class leaves Cathedral, and the current juniors begin brainstorming their own Andre project, Trobridge advises them to start with something that truly matters to them. Deeply caring about the cause makes it easier to stay motivated, and instead of just focusing on the outcome, she urges students to concentrate on the people they are helping. Trobridge said, “Real impact comes from empathy, consistency, and genuine care. You need to choose something that you truly have a passion for because it makes it easier in the long run to have a more successful and impactful outcome.
makes such a tremendous difference for these children to be wrapped in something warm and snuggly and to have some things of their own that can distract them from everything else going on.”
Although it may be difficult, building a home out of love and with the people they meet—can impact any life.
Being placed on islands in a completely unfamiliar part of the world can be scary. Many people would be afraid of loneliness and being so far away from their family. Everyone there speaks a different language, has a different culture, and a different lifestyle. But there is one thing that everyone knows how to do; Love.
His job was simply to broadcast and record videos for the schools in the Caribbean Islands, but something told him that he was needed somewhere else. Something told him that he wanted to do more than just report on the schools for the deaf, schools for the blind, and schools for the mentally disabled.
When he arrived back in the United States, after spending two and a half years abroad, Dr. Rob Bridges figured that he would simply find a job in broadcasting. Bridges’ dad observed that when he sent a letter home, he would not write about the broadcasting aspect of his job, he would write about his love and empathy for the children.
Bridges, a husband and father of 4, has a passion for education and family. He always strives to show love towards others and has learned that being a parent can be helpful in the school environment. “It helped me to sympathize or empathize with other parents, because it’s hard,” Bridges said. Being around kids all the time, certainly had an effect on his life. Bridges feels inspired by his students and his own children everyday. He says that kids notice when someone is welcoming towards them.
Bridges’ love for family and helping others all started when he worked for the Caribbean Association for the Mentally Disabled through the Peace Corps. While
BY OLIVE SCHOMACKER
he was there, he worked in the former British islands. Being far from home was tough, but Bridges was able to build his own group of people. There, he taught kids from all different backgrounds. He spent most of his time in the schools for the deaf, the blind, and the mentally disabled. While this would be difficult for most, Bridges thrived in these environments. Bridges said, “It was beautiful and truly difficult to be in a different culture, but I love, I love the culture.”
When most people imagine the Caribbean, they picture cruises and nice vacation spots, but Bridges said that “we were not in the vacation spots. We worked in cities, and I worked with kids who didn’t have as much.” Bridges loved coaching the youth Special Olympics and working with kids all the time.
After he had worked in the Caribbean
and returned to America for several years, Bridges knew it was time to see and educate the world once again. He found himself in Rio de Janeiro, working in special education at an international school in the city. Bridges met his wife while he was living there and he said that they “had a couple hundred kids at the wedding” because they wanted to be there to support Bridges like he had supported them.
Bridges could clearly see the impact that he made on these kids' lives when they all showed up to the ceremony and four of them read at the Mass. Many would think that the kids that Bridges was helping in the resource program would struggle to present the readings, but he said that “they all read with their eyes up and made eye contact.”
With his love of family and community, it is only fitting that Bridges finds himself at Cathedral today. He has been a Catholic school administrator for 25 years and is now the President of Cathedral. Bridges’ kids all graduated from Cathedral and found their place here, just like he did. He made a home everywhere he went.
None of this would be possible without the experience, empathy, and education that Bridges has gained throughout his life.
Bridges has a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and a doctorate from the Catholic University of America. All of these educational experiences allowed for many new opportunities to be presented to him. Through these institutions, Bridges said that he was able to “learn more about my faith” and “it also kind of went along with my faith development,” especially at the Catholic University of America.
Not only did Bridges receive a lot of education, he also provides a lot of education for others. He has taught in both the United States and abroad. In New York City, he once taught at a public school. He would teach kids in Lower Manhattan during the day, and at night he would take classes from Columbia Teachers College. The students he taught came from very different backgrounds, some with very little education or money. Bridges said that he has memories of “taking kids on the subway home and teaching them how to read on the subway.”
Bridges said, “Kids notice if adults take the
time to acknowledge them.” That’s why he is always standing outside his office to say hello to everyone and ask them how they are doing. Wherever he is, Bridges makes it a point to sit down and talk with kids, have fun with them, eat with them, teach them, and pray with them.
“You have to go home sometime. You have to have work-life balance,” said Bridges. He wants to make sure that peo-
ple do not spend all their time away from their family, hard at work. At the end of the day, Bridges always tries to go golfing and in the morning he plays basketball with some other educators.
Bridges takes inspiration from the work of Saint Brother André Bessette and listens and prays for others. He lives out the Holy Cross Values and, ultimately, lives to love.
Irish baseball player commits to play at the next level.
Hard work is not always rewarded and when it is, can take years. Hard work isn’t loud and does what it needs to do. For a member of the Cathedral Baseball team, working hard hasn’t just been a habit, it's been a way of life. After hours of practice and years of doing this, that work is getting rewarded.
Braden Mann 26’ a four-year-member of the Cathedral Irish baseball team committed this year to continue his academic and athletic journey at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
Mann played pitcher and infielder from the freshman team all the way up to his senior year this season where he looks to play a pivotal role in the team's success. His four years has helped set a culture for how Cathedral baseball operates.
Head Baseball Coach Ed Freije ‘99 said, “He’s been committed. He's been loyal. He's been an incredibly hard worker over his four years. He's an extremely passionate guy, especially when it comes to baseball. And so I think that the passion that he brings to the program and the way he goes about his approach to baseball and his commitment to it is infectious, and that, I think spreads throughout our program and the guys.”
Baseball has been a lifelong love for Mann and has always been an easy thing for him to work hard on. Over his years in the Irish baseball program, he won the Mr. Hustle Award for the effort he puts in every day.
Mann said, “Winning Mr. Hustle was an honor but putting the team first has always been my #1 priority. I work hard every day to make my team better.”
The Irish baseball team and Mann’s teammates all have a special bond, especially the senior class who has grown together over the last 4 years. The family aspect of the Irish baseball program has been very important for Mann and his development.
BY BEN KAUFFMAN
The bond the players have with each other has allowed the team to experience a lot of individual success as well as team glory. “My teammates have been nothing short of a blessing at Cathedral. They have shaped me into who I am and have allowed me to grow my relationship with God. I’m lucky to say that I get to be buddies with these guys for life.”
They have all seen the ups and downs that baseball brings over the course of a game, a season, and a career with each other. This is especially true with Braden and his growth in the last four seasons. Fellow senior and 4 year player Michael Gallagher
‘26 has noticed this especially. “Braden has grown as a player in many aspects of his game, he has excelled in his fielding for sure and his work ethic is unmatched and noticeable,” said Gallagher.
Being able to continue playing baseball has been the dream and goal for Mann his whole life as it is for many athletes in high school. Being rewarded for the effort that he put in means everything to Mann. “It’s a blessing to be able to play the sport I love for the next 4 years. I’ve worked for it my whole life and can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
When looking toward the future as Mann and the seniors time comes to an end, Mann’s baseball journey is not even close to over. Mann will be looking to make an impact immediately when he joins the Dutchmen next fall. Coach Freije believes his impact on the team will be undeniable.
Coach said, “He loves baseball. He's a ball player. He, you know, wants to play at the next level, and he has an opportunity to play at the next level, and so he'll take full advantage of that and be committed to it. He's committed to growing in a lot of different aspects in his life, which also includes baseball. So he'll continue to work hard, he'll continue to be a great teammate at the next level, and he's going to push all guys in the program, no matter where he's at, to be the best versions of themselves, especially as baseball players.”
Gallagher has the same belief in his teammate and said, “I think Braden will succeed at Hope right when he gets there, he shows his work ethic, his passion and his love for the game wherever he is. He is always talking about his abs and always wanting to be out on the field with the guys.”
For Mann, going to Hope just feels right. This opportunity is something he can’t wait to get to. Mann knew immediately when he got there it was the right fit. “Hope felt like home to me the first time I stepped on campus due to the beautiful campus on the beach and the tremendous support from teachers. I will continue to grow my faith in God as well even through college which is essential for me to succeed,” Mann said.
Before the class of 2026 heads off to new opportunities, the baseball team feels like
it has a job to complete this season. Last season the boys lost a heartbreaking regional game to Guerin in extra innings 5-4 after coming back from a 2 run deficit in the 7th. The Irish are motivated to come back and finish the job the class of 2026 started their freshman year.
Mann said “My #1 goal for this year is to win the 3A state championship. We’ve had our eyes on this and keep that date in June circled as we prepare the entire season to go out and win the state championship for our community, families, and school.”
The baseball program at Cathedral is one of family, hard work, and excellence,
something Mann exemplifies every day at Cathedral on and off the field. While his future is certainly bright and there is so much to be said about it, he always goes back to what matters to him. His team, his faith, and baseball.
“We have a very special group this year and I think that we have the tools to win the state championship," Mann said. "We have played together for most of our lives, we may not be the biggest, strongest, fastest team but what will help us succeed is our chemistry. We are all best friends and I’m looking forward to playing with these guys for one final ride.”
At Cathedral High School, leadership isn’t just taught, it’s lived and two outstanding students brought that spirit to life on stage at this year’s Miss Circle City Coronation.
Cathedral High School focuses on teaching each student to shine in their own way. Each student is meant to find their passion and their purpose within Cathedral's community. Two seniors involved in the Black Student Union found their passion and purpose. They learned to set a standard for not only themselves but for everyone else as well.
Erica Davis ‘26 and A’Ryann Halliburton ‘26 recently got involved in the Miss Circle City program. Davis and Halliburton were able to join this astonishing program through the Black Student Union (BSU) with the help of Jean Smith, the Director of Lifelong Connections and moderator of the Black Student Union (BSU).
Miss Circle City is a program specifically for senior African American girls in high school. The Miss Circle City program has been around for nearly 40 years and it runs for several months to focus on enhancing every student in their community service, academic achievements, leadership development, confidence, and cultural pride.
As the program comes to an end, the girls will partake in a coronation during which they will honor and recognize their accomplishments and achievements. This coronation was held on September 21st and seventeen girls from all over Indianapolis competed together.
This program mainly prioritizes the focus of personal growth and empowerment over appearance. It strongly prioritizes the development of personality, leadership, and purpose.
Erica Davis ‘26 said, “It’s kind of like a pageant, but rather than it being about your looks it’s about your community involve-
BY YACKELIN CASTRO
ment, your grades, and your character.”
Programs like these are for all students but especially for those who want to grow and support themselves. Smith shares these programs to encourage students to consider the offer, but also for them to come out and support each other and the members who were selected to participate.
Davis ‘26 and Halliburton ‘26 applied for the program during their junior year by writing an essay and submitting two recommendation letters along with their transcript. Once they were accepted they began working in workshops every Saturday and Sunday until the coronation. Every weekend consists of practice, and these can look anywhere from being in a workshop to learning fashion. Practices also include learning and practicing dances on Saturdays, while Sundays are re-
served for dance practice.
Davis ‘26 said, “Personally to me it shows how much I’ve grown from freshman year to now. Freshman year I really didn't talk to that many people. In a way, I was scared to present myself and through this, it’s shown how much I’ve grown. Now, I’m not afraid to go onto the stage and represent myself because the school has helped me grow my confidence.”
This program is astonishing. It’s amazing how it builds sisterhood between all seventeen girls involved. It teaches them to learn more about not only themselves, but also about each other. Each participant learns about their culture and how to gain pride, while also learning about black success. Davis and Halliburton learned to keep a good name for not only their community but also for their schools.
next to each other's side to support each other and to accomplish life lessons. The program goes way beyond just aiming to win scholarship money and earn a crown. It’s about young black women coming together as a community to help encourage growth and strength, presenting themselves in excellence as a group. Group presentations and group performances are done in such a passionate manner that is full of energy, excitement, persistence, and excellence.
For many observers, seeing students in events like the Miss Circle City Coronation can be inspiring after seeing so much greatness and success, but for Smith, it goes beyond what others have described this event to be. For Smith it's personal. She has been involved ever since she was a student in high school. She has watched her friends, students, and even her own daughter involve themselves in this program.
Smith said, “It's an honor to serve as a high school representative for our Cathedral participants and to encourage them to shine - it’s truly one of my favorite nights of the year.” While Cathedral offers many opportunities to showcase their unique talents and excellence, few experiences compare to the opportunities and memories that Miss Circle City has to offer these young women.
The future of each participant has new pathways opening up. They learned to meet new people which helps with careers in the future. Meeting new people helps with networking and communication, which are crucial and essential life skills needed as they move onto the next journey and step of their lives.
The participants displayed both individuality and unity which reflect the values and mission of Cathedral. Smith said, “The Holy Cross core values of Family, Excellence, and Zeal all come to mind when I think about Miss Circle City Coronation.” The participants had to come together for several months and together they grew as a family. They were
Through this event Davis and Halliburton get the chance to step outside their comfort zone and shine bright while doing so. It gives them a chance to go on stage, stand confidently under the lights, and present themselves in front of an eager crowd, ready to face the world as living examples of excellence and confidence. Smith said, “Whether our girls are crowned that night or simply grow through completing the program, they’re all winners in my eyes.”
This summer, Senior Kiernan Fahey turned her love for tennis and her admirable generosity into Racquets and Smiles, her St. Andre Project that took place during the tennis camps at Camp Cathedral, here on the Hill.
BY YOHALI CASTRO
Every year at Cathedral, senior students will have finished their St. Andre Project by graduation. The St. Andre project is a passion and service based project in which students make an impact bigger than themselves. For her St. Andre project, Fahey chose to create the Racquets and Smiles project, a part of the tennis camp at Camp Cathedral.
Camp Cathedral consists of a variety of camps in which younger students in lower grade levels may participate in. This past summer, there were 34 athletic camps that represent 16 sports here on the Hill. One of these 34 was the Tennis camp, which Fahey played a key role in. For a span of two weeks, from June 9th to the 23rd, Fahey was present not only to coach students about tennis, but also to provide a resource for students to fuel energy, which was a main focus of her St. Andre Project. Four days of the week, Mondays through Thursday, Fahey contributed to the camp by sharing her skills and knowledge with the younger students who were between the ages of 5 and 12. Even more greatly appreciated by the younger kids, Fahey also contributed by providing snacks and drinks to the young children.
The beginning behind Fahey’s project began with Fahey’s passion for tennis and love for working with children. Fahey, a multi-sport athlete at Cathedral, was excited to help the program during the tennis camp. Brainstorming harmoniously with Cole Hepp, Religion Educator, Freshman Experience Director, and Assistant Tennis Coach, the pair put together the plan behind Racquets and Smiles. “Once I gave her a few suggestions, Kiernan ran with it and planned out activities, prayers and snacks really well,” said Hepp.
To kick off the day at camp for students, coaches, and helpers, Fahey would start off by leading the entire group in prayer.
The students would then learn new skills or techniques that the coaches would teach them. Whenever it was the designated time, the students would then participate in whatever activities it was that Fahey or anybody else planned. Working with younger children is a love that Fahey shares with all the active team members that participated in the tennis camp, but at times, this caused some difficulty for Fahey and her partners.
Fahey said, “The most challenging part of running the camp was keeping some of the younger kids in line. Some of them had a hard time listening to the counselors and we wanted to get them to listen without making them upset, so it was hard to find a medium in that.”
One student at Cathedral, Mira Nair, class of ‘27, worked alongside Fahey during the entire two week period of tennis camp. Both student peer and teacher, Nair and Hepp described Fahey’s contributions in a
highly positive light. Hepp said, “Kiernan did an excellent job leading prayer, planning fun activities, and organizing snacks for all the young athletes. It truly enhanced the entire camp experience!”
Fahey’s impact on the young tennis athletes went far beyond what Fahey initially thought. It goes without saying that Fahey, with the help of all other coaches and student peers, taught the young athletes many new tennis skills. Something that Fahey noticed in these young athletes also, was the drastic difference in their attitudes from the initial day of camp to the last day of camp. Fahey said, “I had noticed they were much more confident in their social skills as well as their obvious tennis abilities. They learned many new skills in tennis, which is what they came to the camp to do, but they also were just better at talking to one another and interacting with the other kids which was great to watch.”
tennis skills in a fun and entertaining way.
Fahey’s attitude towards this whole project was always eager. Fahey said, “I would describe the experience very positively. I love working with kids and for the most part, it didn’t feel like work I had to get done for graduation, but more like a fun time hanging with kids that liked to listen and learn from me.” This fun and easy project that Fahey organized turned out to have an impact on the young athletes tennis skills, discipline, social skills, and far more than simply fueling the athletes with refreshments and snacks.
Knowing Fahey on a deeper level, Hepp said, “She is passionate, engaging, and a creative leader.” Fahey’s eager spirit reflected onto the young athletes the more time they spent with her. Fahey shared moments with the athletes that made them feel all the more closer to one another, part of which made her and the young athletes relate to one another.
For both Hepp and Fahey, one of the most memorable moments of the entire tennis camp was the final day. Fahey put together a water balloon activity on this day where the young campers would use the water balloons as tennis balls. The campers would mess around with the
water balloons, swinging their racquets in order to hit the balls, which is exactly what Fahey had aimed for while planning this activity. Hepp said, “It was the perfect way for the players to show off their new tennis skills and have fun.” Fahey attempted and succeeded at this goal of teaching
With her bright character, Fahey managed to draw together different generations of athletes, all for the love and interest of one sport. Nair said, “Kiernan was naturally a role model for the younger kids and by the end of the camp, all the kids were sad to leave Kiernan.” Fahey’s love for being around kids was highlighted this past summer in Racquets and Smiles. Fahey said, “As a person that loves teaching and hanging out with kids, it makes me feel like I am doing something right towards my character when I am bettering or making a little kid's life more enjoyable and confident.”
Cathedral High School’s all-girls show choir pushed through long practices and busy schedules, proving that hard work and heart go hand in hand.
BY JENNIFER VELAZQUEZ
Before most students even think about the first day of school, Irish Adrenaline are already singing, dancing, and sweating through hours of rehearsal. Their summer break ends early with boot camp—long days filled with learning choreography, practicing vocals, and building friendships that quickly starts to feel like a family. What follows is a nonstop routine of after-school practices, late nights, and teamwork that never lets up. This season, Irish Adrenaline is moving faster than ever, showing how much passion and effort it takes to balance school, mental health, and the drive to shine on stage.
Directed by Marian Bender and Jordan Fox, Irish Adrenaline has become one of Cathedral’s most recognized and accomplished performing groups. Known for their precise choreography, expressive storytelling, and strong sense of sisterhood, the choir’s reputation for excellence has been built through years of hard work and dedication. Although even among their long history of success, this year stands out. The group is moving faster than ever, with their new show set called BraveHearts featuring four powerful women, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, and St. Joan of Arc.
The process begins in August, weeks before the school year even starts. Boot camp—a rigorous week filled with choreography, vocals, and conditioning serves as both a physical and mental test. From there, the girls head to camp, where friendships begin to form and the foundation of the season is built. By the time the first day of school arrives, Irish Adrenaline has already put in hours of work that most audiences will never see.
For seniors like Isabella Cadwell ‘26, this season feels more personal than ever. After years of learning from older members, she and her senior classmates now lead the group, setting the tone for newcomers. This shift in responsibility brings
both pride and pressure, but also a sense of fulfillment.
“It’s different being the ones in charge now,” Cadwell shared. “It’s taken some time to figure out our groove, but we’ve really started coming together.”
Time management becomes second nature for these students. Between later-night rehearsals, homework, and personal commitments, staying organized is essential. Many members, like Cadwell, rely on calendars and strict schedules to stay on track. Show choir isn't just an after-school activity, it's a commitment that requires the same focus as a varsity sport. The intensity only grows as the holidays approach. With the group performing at Cathedral’s open house and Evening of Excellence, to prepare for their annual Christmas concert, their schedules are packed with practices and performances. Yet despite the exhaustion, the girls thrive on the energy of being “booked and busy.” These experiences, but also showcase
their dedication to the craft.
Still, what makes Irish Adrenaline special goes beyond the perfect harmonies or polished choreography—its the bond between the girls. Each year brings new facets and personalities, blending into a community built on mutual support and shared goals.
“Sisterhood is always changing when people leave and new people come,” Cadwell said. “Thats what keeps it exciting. I love this group.”
That bond is something even the youngest members feel right away. Carlee Long ‘29 remembers the mix of nerves and excitement when he found out she made the roster. “When I saw my name on the IA list, I honestly couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was so excited and a little nervous because I didn’t know anyone. Most of all, I was just happy to be part of such a special team!”
Boot camp. While intimidating, helped Carlee find her footing. “It was really scary at first because I didn’t know anyone, and I wasn’t prepared for how fast we were going to go,” she said. “Everyone was really nice and supportive, though, and it made the week go by faster.”
The learning curve for freshmen is steep— balancing the academic workload of high school while adjusting to the demands of show choir is no small feat. “The hardest adjustment for me has been trying not to procrastinate,” Long admitted. “It’s hard balancing practicing songs and choreography with my homework. I’ve had to really work on assignments right away in order to have time to practice show choir.”
Even with the challenges, Long’s excitement for the year is undeniable. “Overall I’m excited about our set this year,” she said. “It’s fun to learn, and I can’t wait to see it all come together on stage!”
More than anything, the friendships the girls of IA formed have made the long practices and late nights worth it. “The bonds I’ve made with the other girls are probably my favorite part,” Long said. “The upperclassmen are so sweet, and I’ve made friends I never would have met without IA.”
That combination of hard work, membership, and teamwork is what makes Irish Adrenaline thrive. Behind the eyeshadow, hairspray, and stage lights lies a deep commitment to excellence—a shared determination that pushes every member to be their best. Both directors emphasize not only technical skill but also personal growth, teaching the girls lessons in discipline, resilience, and confidence that will stay with them long after the season ends.
As the semester continues, Irish Adrenaline’s schedule remains as packed as ever. Between rehearsals for the
Christmas concert, academic responsibilities, and early preparation for competition season, their calendars are nearly full— but so are their hearts. Every performance becomes a celebration of the countless hours spent perfecting their craft and the unbreakable bond that keeps them moving forward.
Show choir at Cathedral isn’t just about performing. It’s about learning how to lead, how to trust, and how to work to-
ward something bigger than yourself. The girls of Irish Adrenaline understand that success isn’t earned overnight—it’s built slowly, through every rehearsal, every mistake, and every shared laugh along the way.
As they take the stage for their next performance, one thing is certain: Irish Adrenaline isn’t just finding their rhythm— they’re defining it!
Mrs. Katie Lewis has been at Cathedral for almost two decades, and while she brings some tough love, she is someone that truly has a passion for allowing students to grow into children of God.
Created by Olivia Thompson '27
Cathedral's Director of Campus Ministry Dave Neeson is one of the most humble, calming, and caring educators on campus and goes above and beyond to instill Cathedral's Core Values on the students that go to him.
Created by Molly Liter '27
A look at Cathedral High School's Wrestling Program and how it helps young athletes turn into strong minded people.
Created by Kendall Moe '26
Cathedral senior Johnny Leaman has committed to Butler University to continue his golf career, and he has high aspirations for himself.
Created by Royce Ward '26
