BK News

Exchange Club of Jacksonville Students of the Month:  Mary Clare Stinneford and Franco Chaluja

Congratulations to Bishop Kenny High School seniors Mary Clare Stinneford and Franco Chaluja for having been selected by the Exchange Club of Jacksonville as Students of the Month.  Mary Clare and Franco were selected based on Outstanding Scholarship, Leadership, Community Service, and Character.  The Exchange Club recognizes one male and one female student from different schools each month throughout the school year.  All monthly winners will be entered into a student-of- the year scholarship competition.

Mary Clare Stinneford has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to both academics and extracurricular pursuits. A National Merit Commended scholar, Mary Clare is a member of various honor societies including English, Thespian, Mu Alpha Theta, Science, Spanish, and National Honor Societies. Not only does she excel academically, but she also exhibits leadership qualities as the captain of the cross-country team and a BK Student Ambassador. Her passion for music and theatre is evident through her involvement as a philharmonic violinist with the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. With an impressive number of 845 service hours amassed since her freshman year, Mary Clare is deeply engaged in serving her community, reflecting the core values instilled at Bishop Kenny High School.

Reflecting on her high school journey, Mary Clare expressed her gratitude for the multitude of opportunities she encountered, ranging from theatrical endeavors to faith formation and research through the AP Capstone Program. Her dedication to multifaceted pursuits serves as an inspiration to her peers.

Franco Chaluja embodies the spirit of dedication and leadership both in and out of the classroom. As a member of the English, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Science, Spanish, and National Honor Societies, Franco exemplifies academic excellence. His role as the starting catcher for the baseball team speaks to his commitment to athletic endeavors, where he finds motivation in the team's tradition of 'stamp the board', a ritual that fosters focus and determination. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Franco is actively engaged in various clubs and organizations, including serving as a BK Student Ambassador and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. His passion for giving back to the community is evident through his accumulation of nearly 300 service hours since his freshman year.

Franco's dedication to balancing academic, athletic, and service commitments showcases his resilience and determination to excel in all facets of life. His leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to community betterment make him a deserving recipient of the Jacksonville Exchange Club's Student of the Month accolade.

As Mary Clare Stinneford and Franco Chaluja embark on the next chapter of their academic and personal journeys, their exemplary achievements and dedication to excellence serve as a source of inspiration to their peers and a testament to the values instilled at Bishop Kenny High School.

 

BK Shines at Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair 2024

Bishop Kenny Shines at Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair 2024

Bishop Kenny High School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its students at the recent Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair (NEFREF) held on February 14. The dedication and passion exhibited by the 19 students who participated underscored the essence of scientific inquiry and engineering innovation, making this year's fair an exceptionally memorable event. Their commitment to excellence and their drive to explore the realms of science and engineering exemplify the spirit of Bishop Kenny. The students advancing to the state competition are Jacob Hobensack ‘26, Joshua Inocencio ‘27, Maya Khudur ‘26, Andrew Lukaj ‘27, and Team Abigail Nichols ‘26 & Amelia Lucas ‘26.

Among the remarkable achievements of our students, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following winners:

Behavioral and Social Sciences:

  • 2nd Place and Special Award: Joshua Inocencio ‘27
  • Special Award: Team Katie Epps ‘27 & Tanner Sprik ‘27

Earth Science:

  • Special Award: Nicole Perez ‘27

Environmental Science:

  • 2nd Place and Two Special Awards: Jacob Hobensack ‘26

Medicine & Health:

  • 3rd Place and Special Award: Andrew Lukaj ‘27

Physics and Astronomy:

  • 1st Place: Team Abigail Nichols ‘26 & Amelia Lucas ‘26
  • 2nd Place and Special Award: Maya Khudhur ‘26
  • Two Special Awards: Hannah Riederer ‘26

These accolades reflect the hard work, ingenuity, and scientific prowess of our students, showcasing their ability to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of knowledge. In addition to their individual successes, six Bishop Kenny students have been selected to represent NEFREF at the esteemed State of Florida Science Fair. This prestigious opportunity further validates their achievements and underscores their potential to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we extend our gratitude to the students, their families, and the dedicated educators who have supported and guided them on their scientific journey. Their collective efforts have not only elevated Bishop Kenny's presence in the scientific community but also inspired future generations of aspiring scientists and engineers.

At Bishop Kenny, we remain committed to fostering a culture of curiosity, exploration, and discovery, empowering our students to pursue their passions and transform the world through science and innovation. Congratulations once again to all our winners, and best wishes to those embarking on the next phase of their scientific journey at the State of Florida Science Fair. Your dedication and achievements are a testament to the limitless potential that resides within the Bishop Kenny community.

Congratulations:  National Merit Finalists

Bishop Kenny High School is proud to announce that seniors Davis Johnson, Melanie Staples, and Bridget Sutter, Class of 2024, have been named as National Merit Finalist in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. As Finalists, Davis, Melanie, and Bridget rank in the top 1% of the over 1 million students who started the National Merit process as juniors back in October of 2022.  Their excellent scores on the PSAT, as well as their outstanding academic performance throughout high school, have helped them achieve this great honor.

It's evident that these students have not only excelled academically but have also been actively involved in leadership roles in extracurricular activities and honor societies. Their commitment to both their studies and their broader school community is commendable. Johnson, Staples, and Sutter all maintain rigorous academic schedules and are involved in leadership roles in a multitude of extracurricular activities and honor societies.  Congratulations again to Davis, Melanie, and Bridget, their teachers and counselors from their four years at Bishop Kenny, as well as our entire faculty and staff for this outstanding accomplishment.