Irish Insights

As the school approaches Thanksgiving Break, the Irish community continues to shine, advancing in athletics, arts and academics. From musical achievement to state triumph, students are leaving their mark both in and out of the classroom.

Irish take state
For the second year in row, the girls cross country team has claimed the academic state champion title with a combined unweighted GPA of 3.98.

Taking 8th as a team in the on-course race, the top finisher for the Irish was freshman Camryn Kanaly, who finished 16th with a time of 20:24. The girls subsequent finishers were junior Alessandra Grella (31st), senior Coffey Collier (54th), juniors Bellah Foster (63rd) and Anna LaForge (66th), freshmen Franny Santos (79th) and Anna Kate Connolly (85th). 

The boys team finished fifth, as the Irish’s top finisher was senior Joe Hoch, posting a time of 16:25, good for 20th individually. Behind Hoch were juniors James Schultz (34th) and Luke Worthington (49th), sophomore Luke Bryan (51st), seniors Andrew Black (54th) and Oliver Gumerson (56th), and freshman Vincent Desrochers (89th).

In a display of dedication and vocal talent, senior Harrison Freid has advanced through two prestigious choir competitions this fall. Freid was accepted to the Central Oklahoma Choral Directors Association Honor Choir and has advanced to the second round of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association state auditions. 

“It’s fun,” Fried said. “It is an interesting challenge, but I find it fun even though it is hard.” 

The second round of auditions was scheduled for Nov. 16. 

On Nov. 13 the yearbook class took a field trip to the OU Fall Media Day where they were awarded Highest Honors, the All-Oklahoma Award and the Division II Sweepstakes Award for their work on the 2023-2024 yearbook. Multiple staffers also brought home individual awards for their contributions.

“I am so proud of the 2024 staff,” said Kelly Matteson, yearbook adviser. “The editors, led by Sam Stevenson, began planning the book at the Gloria Shields NSPA Media Workshop in June 2023. The entire staff worked to make their plan a reality.” 

After triumphing at Game Day regionals Nov. 9, the cheer team advanced to state. Junior Gigi Perdue said the team feels ready for state after the win, but can’t afford to be cocky. 


Johnston signs with the University of Florida
After signing with the University of Florida on Nov. 13, senior Katie Johnston plans to graduate a semester early in December to take her soccer career to the next level.

After starting her soccer career early, Johnston was recruited to the ECNL soccer club where she gained attention from multiple universities. Eventually, Johnston chose to sign with Florida because of its atmosphere. She will make the move to Florida in January, then start freshman classes and focus on soccer.

“I can’t wait to go to Florida and start a new chapter of my soccer career,” Johnston said. 

CFD
With the end of the canned food drive in sight, students are on track to raise 100,000 meals by Thanksgiving break. So far, 67,000 meals have been raised.

“I think we can raise the cans,” junior Charlotte Nelson said. “I always love to see the Bishop McGuinness community come together to help others.”

Mama Mia!
After months of preparation, the drama department performed the long awaited “Mama Mia.” Senior cast member Ryan Hughes said the musical was received positively because of the well-known music. 

“It feels very rewarding because it took a lot to put on this show because of the overwhelming number of underclassmen who really stepped up,” Hughes said. “I'm really proud of them.”

Ryan added that she’s happy that “Mama Mia” will be her final school musical, but thinks it's bittersweet that she’s graduating.

Photo: The Irish cheer team prepares to compete at Game Day regionals. Photo by Molly Taylor.