For students and faculty at Bethlehem Catholic HS, the new school year didn’t just incite excitement for new classes and a bump in grade level, but encompassed a number of compelling new beginnings. Specifically, I proudly report the institution of a new principal, Dr. Dean Donaher. Dr. Donaher boasts an impressive resume including an ED. D from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania as well as serving as the director of student services for the Bethlehem Area School District.

In each of my personal encounters with Dr. Donaher thus far, he has been a true embodiment of the ideals held in the most high esteem in both the church and school community. Exuding kindness and making sure to connect with whomever he’s speaking to on a personal level takes center stage in each interaction, facilitating a return to authentic relationships in education.

In addition to changes in administration, students are now adapting to a complete shift in academic schedule. In contrast to a singular eight period schedule, a four period block schedule was established in order to allow students more time for scientific lab work, in class writing exercises, and the implementation of new technology resources. Students receive an A and B schedule, switching between the two each day.

The response to this shift has been almost entirely positive so far.

“The new block schedule is definitely helping prepare us for college style lectures and allowing for improved lab studies,” says senior Mia Willard.

However, the success of the new block style schedule is far from the highlight of victory for Becahi. In the athletic realm, exciting results light up the board at each turn. Notably, the girls soccer team pulled out a huge 2-1 overtime victory in its last game of the EPC regular season against their rival, previously undefeated Central Catholic. The three point clutch was led by senior Makenzie Davis and junior Sarah Gowell creating a strong back line in company with senior goal scorers Summer Hill and Maddie Nichelson.

Another close victory came in the homecoming football game against Easton Area HS, whom the Golden Hawks defeated in a nail-biting 20-19 score line. At halftime the 2023-24 homecoming queen, Keira Metzger, was crowned alongside kings Jacob Sutton and David Lembach. The boys football team has since collected an overall 5-3 record with just two games left in the regular season.

This success on the field is accompanied with a philanthropic mindset in many endeavors including field hockey’s suicide prevention fundraising game and girls volleyball’s dig pink breast cancer awareness fundraiser. A dual focus on both athletic excellence and pillars of Christian charity showcase the values instilled each day at Becahi.

This exciting start to the new year lights a spark of possibility surrounding the upcoming eight months we have to spend as a school community, while distinguishing the morals in which we represent each day as Golden Hawks. It is a new year with new faces, new successes, and new opportunities and it is my honor to report on the continued excellence in which we meet these latest frontiers at Bethlehem Catholic.