Welcome to Siberia, otherwise known as January 2014 at Bethlehem Catholic HS. The first half of the school year is coming to an end, but has been somewhat shortened by an unusual number of snow/wind chill days. Despite the bone-chilling weather, the year is flying by; seniors are starting to realize they only have four months of high school left. Before they know it, they will be off on their own at college. But not so fast, they still have to deal with upcoming exams like the rest of the school. The students at Bethlehem Catholic are preparing for midterms. During midterm week, students usually have two midterms a day, but the stress of that is softened by an eleven- thirty dismissal each day. Midterm week is generally not the happiest time for most students.

During the winter months, if they are not focused on studying, you can usually find BECA students at wrestling matches. BECA's wrestling team is a three-time state champion. Seniors, Zeke Moisey, Jose Ortiz, Nick Cortopassi, Anthony Lombardo, Paulie Aaroe and Mason Angstadt all hope to bring another state championship home. Students also go out to support the boys and girls basketball teams.

The boys team was off to a slow start but is starting to play up to their potential. Senior captains, Eddie Hudak and Nick Karabin are pushing the Golden Hawks to perform to their best ability. They hope to make it to the district championship again this year.

The girls team is as strong as ever and is led by Kalista Walters and Janelle Robinson. As of now, they are undefeated for the season but have some tough challenges ahead.

Congratulations to the athletes of the month at BECA for January: Eddie Hudak for basketball and Lauren Rebovich for cheerleading. The cheerleaders at BECA also got a bid to nationals and will be in Disney World in February hoping to capture a national title.

On the social schedule this winter is BECA's third annual mini-THON. The mini-THON is a 12-hour dance marathon that raises money to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. It will be held Feb. 21 and 22. The theme this time around is "Miracles in Motion." Last year,. we raised approximately $50,000; and with five hundred students signed up this year, we are hoping to beat last year's accomplishment.

Mackenzie Bento is our enthusiastic mini-thon chairperson, and you can bet she will be full of energy. Nine committees are responsible for various aspects of the mini-THON. The nine committees are Entertainment, Finance, Fundraising, Hospitality, Morale, Operations, Public Relations, and Security. Each committee has a committee head that spearheads the activities of the group. Also each committee has members who help the committee heads accomplish different tasks. Hayley Bedics is the teacher in charge of the mini-THON AND helps the participants stay in focus.

Finally, many seniors are applying to and getting responses from colleges and universities that they are eager to attend. The waiting and anticipation can lead to some sleepless nights. Good luck to everyone and Go Hawks.