“Now that we are here, we are all enthusiastic,” said senior Mehkyla Britt.

Although this was in regard to the current women’s basketball season, her words hold true to the school as a whole. As we continue into the second half of the year, the Golden Hawks continue to do well in their academic, athletic and community endeavors – each done with excitement and enthusiasm.

The third quarter has yet to disappoint for the Golden Hawks. On the week of Jan. 25, the school and diocese held their annual “Catholic Schools Week,” which celebrated “the unique opportunities and impact of Catholic Schools.” This came with Mass with our own Most Reverend Bishop Schlert, followed by dress down days and a schoolwide basketball and dodge ball tournament.

Although February is the shortest month, it was one of the sweetest months for the Bethlehem Catholic family. The men’s wrestling team won its fourth straight District XI 3A title Feb. 1 against the Nazareth Blue Eagles – a hopeful preview for the state final. As the boys went on into the state tournament, they faced this familiar foe once more. On Feb. 8 the Golden Hawks defeated the Blue Eagles to win their fourth straight state championship, marked by key wins from sophomore Connor Gillahan and senior James DeLuise.

February also saw the Becahi Movement make another mark on the outer community, as they hosted their annual “lock-in” Feb. 16 and 17 in support of the Sassy Massey Foundation, led by Becahi Alum Janelle Massey. The foundation was centered around Janelle’s daughter, who loved to smile from the toys she received while in the hospital, the same joy that Becahi looks to spread to other children. It was a great success, as the Movement raised over $8,000 for a cause which seniors and co-presidents of the Movement Phillip Taylor and Sarina Patel said, “continues to be a mark of Bethlehem Catholic’s affinity for community outreach, especially for something that aids in bringing magic and imagination to childhood.”

February 18 saw the awarding of the school’s “Bishop’s Scholars,” to seniors Rhys Santiago and Ruthie Tocci, students who both display great academic prowess and an aptitude for school and outer community work.

As the school “marched” into the first month of the spring season, the women’s basketball team also marched into Easton Middle School to defeat Bangor in the 5A District XI Championship March 1. “Our team is really looking forward to our state championship run, said Mehkyla Britt. “The PIAA state playoffs have been talked about since the preseason, being our biggest goal as a team.

“And even though it is our ninth time winning the district championship, I felt the win more for the underclassmen. Being able to get them their first district gold medal the same way the seniors did for me when I was a freshman really brought everything full circle for me – it made it the best part of the season thus far. But now that we are in the state playoffs again, now that we are here, we are all enthusiastic.”

This type of enthusiasm is what has been brought to other sports such as the wrestling team’s individual state run, capped by podium placements by now three-time champion junior Keanu Dillard; seniors Marco Frinzi, Charlie Scanlan, and Shane McFillin; and standout freshman Nico Emili.

As Bethlehem Catholic looks to have a strong finish from its winter sports, spring season swiftly approaches. The season includes the reigning district champion baseball team, the previous state champion softball team, as well as the tennis, lacrosse, and volleyball teams – each of which continue to grow and show great promise.

The spring season looks to wrap up the “golden days” for the Golden Hawks with the same enthusiasm that has gotten the school so far.

Learn more at becahi.org.