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Mr. Simpson and Mr. Melega’s Star Term class, “Exploring the Kentucky Holy Lands,” has taken students on an incredible journey through the rich Catholic history of our state. Throughout the term, students have explored numerous historic parishes and religious sites across Nelson, Marion, Washington, and Jefferson counties, including St. Michael, St. Joseph, the Sisters of Charity, St. Catherine, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Thomas, the Abbey of Gethsemani, St. Augustine, Holy Cross, the Sisters of Loretto, Holy Name of Mary, St. Francis Xavier, St. Charles, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Rose, and the Cathedral of the Assumption. While visiting the Cathedral, students attended Mass and had the meaningful opportunity to visit Bishop Flaget’s tomb in the undercroft. The class has been graciously hosted by several clergy, including Fr. Scott Wimsett and Fr. Pier Giorgio, and celebrated Mass with Fr. Dale Cieslik. Students also participated in virtual meetings with Archbishop Thompson, Bishop Medley, and Bishop Spalding—each with deep ties to the Kentucky Holy Lands and to Bethlehem itself. Adding another unique layer to the experience, guest speaker Freddie Noe Jr. connected the early roots of Catholicism in Kentucky with the rise of the bourbon industry. This immersive class has provided students with a powerful understanding of faith, history, and the deep Catholic heritage of our region.

👑💐 Another Bethlehem Derby Princess! 💐👑

Congratulations to Mallory Brown ’22 on being named a 2026 Kentucky Derby Princess! 🐎✨

Mallory is currently a senior at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a degree in biology, and will begin medical school this fall. We are so proud of her accomplishments and the way she continues to represent Bethlehem with grace, intelligence, and leadership.

Once an Banshee, always an Banshee! 💙💛👏

🎉 Congratulations to Senior Rees Hardy! ✨

We are proud to celebrate Rees Hardy, who has been selected as the winner of the 2026 CEF Essay Contest in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

Rees will be formally recognized at the Catholic Schools Week Mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Her winning essay will also be featured in The Record, and she will receive a $1,000 award for her outstanding work.

We are incredibly proud of Rees and her leadership, faith, and academic excellence. Way to represent Bethlehem so well! 💙💛