What an exciting time to be a part of the Bethlehem Catholic family.

Only a month into the 2014-2015 school year and already many astounding achievements and events have taken place. We celebrate everything that goes on at BECA: Our faith life, our academics, our athletics, our spirit, and our past.

Our school-wide Retreat Day featured nationally-known speakers, Mary Bielski and Greg Boudreaux, who energized the students by sharing their faith, experiences, and wisdom.

Thirty students were honored at the Academic Achievement Award Dinner Sept. 14. Congratulations to these seniors, juniors, and sophomores for their dedication to studies.

The Bethlehem Catholic football team started out with a bang this year with a 56-27 win against our city rival Liberty. This was an exciting first win for our whole school community. Our football team is currently 3-0. We hope our amazing coaches and players including WR Freddie Simmons, RB Michael McDaniel and LB Will Ward can lead the team and come out undefeated and defend our district title.

Football season would not be complete without the impact of BECA's fabulous God Squad, our huge cheering section for the boys on the field. Seniors Julie Kollar, Nicole Lacherza, and Charles Benzing lead the God Squad. The students dress according to each week's theme and come early to paint up. It is a lot of fun and really shows our Hawk pride.

The 2014 volleyball team is led by captains Julie Kollar, Jess Atiyeh, and Jordan Young. Each year, the team hosts 'Dig Pink,' a volleyball game that raises money for breast cancer awareness.

The fall is a favorite time of year for BECA students for two reasons: Spirit Week and Homecoming. Spirit Week is the week before Homecoming. Each day features different events and activities. It kicks off Sept. 29 with Hippie Day followed by Twin Day, Super Hero Day, and Crazy Hat and Sock Day. On Friday the school week wraps up with a school-wide competition between the classes called Anything Goes and a pep rally. The Homecoming football game and dance conclude the week Oct. 4.

Homecoming will also signify the start of this year's celebration of "50 Years on Madison." In 1964, Bethlehem Catholic opened its doors on Madison Avenue. Previously, BECA had been located in the current Holy Infancy School on the Southside of Bethlehem. "50 Years on Madison" will be a year-long celebration held from Homecoming 2014 to Homecoming 2015 and will include both current students and BECA alumni.

The celebration kicks off by bringing back the BECA Homecoming tradition of the Friday night bonfire to rally the BECA family for Saturday's game and dance. Other activities planned for the year it will include: a BECA alumni Mass, a parade, special recognition of our military alumni, and a spring carnival.

It is only the beginning of a great school year, and it is going to keep getting better. What a great year to be a Hawk.