Catholic Schools Week

Marquette Catholic High School this year didn’t go exactly the way we expected, but that honestly made it even more memorable. We were ready for a normal week of school spirit and fun, and then the weather had its
own plan. A big snowstorm hit most of the nation, and everything turned into ice and slush overnight. Roads got dangerous, parking lots looked like skating rinks, and even just walking outside felt like a challenge. Because of it, we ended up getting two days off, which sounded exciting at first until everyone realized we’d still have to come back and finish the week anyway.

When we finally got back to school, it felt like the week restarted with a different kind of energy. People were glad to see each other again mostly because staying home that long starts to feel boring, and also because
Catholic Schools Week is one of those times where you can actually feel how close the Marquette community is.

One of the best parts was getting to go ice skating at the East Alton Ice Arena. It was the perfect activity after a snowstorm, like we were just leaning into the winter instead of being annoyed by it. Some people stepped onto the ice like they’d been skating their whole lives, and other people held onto the wall like it was the only thing
keeping them alive. There were a few wipeouts, a lot of laughing, and a lot of friends helping friends back up. Even if you weren’t good at skating, it didn’t matter as long as you had fun.

But the biggest moment of the week wasn’t even about fun, it was about something bigger. The St. Baldrick’s head shave event was the kind of thing that made the whole school feel proud. Watching students and staff step up, sit down in that chair, and actually shave their heads to support childhood cancer research was both intense and inspiring. The buzzing clippers, the crowd cheering, and the courage it took to do it made it feel like more than just an event. It was a reminder that Catholic Schools Week isn’t only about being part of a school, it’s
about being part of a community that shows up for other people.

The top earner for the St. Baldrick’s head shave event was a Marquette alum by the name of Joe Boevingloh. Boevingloh earned a total of $2,251.69, as well as shaving his head for the cause. Another participant was Marquette’s very own Mrs. Donahue, raising a total of $789.02. Thank you to everyone who raised money as well as donated.

2026 Archived Article by Brenden Wilkins