The end of the year marks the culmination of academic effort and the intense spring sports season. Bethlehem Catholic HS is no stranger to finishing strong, and this final quarter brought new milestones and recognition for scholars and athletes – highlighting the firsts and lasts for the Golden Hawks.

On March 3, the school welcomed Joe Bernard as the new head football coach. A seasoned leader with experience at both high school and college levels, Coach Bernard looks to return the Hawks to district and state success next fall.

Sister Margaret renewed her vows March 19, celebrating 40 years of faith-filled service and dedication to the students of Bethlehem Catholic and the wider Catholic community of the Lehigh Valley.

Valeska Barsallo Llamuca kicked off the quarter with a major achievement, earning the full-ride Trail Blazer Scholarship to Cedar Crest College March 28 – an outstanding example of student leadership and success.

The Bethlehem Catholic band also made headlines, performing on Main Street at Walt Disney World during the last week of March – a prestigious opportunity through the Disney Imagination Campus Performances. Students spent the week enjoying Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

On April 7, the Golden Hawk wrestling team was named the Morning Call 3A Team of the Year – a testament to the hard work and leadership of this senior-led group.

Throughout April, many students were honored for their contributions in and out of school. Cooper Roche received the “Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Scholarship” April 11 for his dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Michael Onorato was recognized by Post “L” Lehigh Valley of the Travelers Protective

Association of America for his Eagle Scout project refurbishing a local baseball field. The engineering team placed sixth in Pennsylvania in the 2025 TSA TEAMS competition. Leah Bender also received a $1,000 scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Allentown-Northeast.

At the end of April, the Top 10 scholars of the senior class were announced: valedictorian Ava Burkart; salutatorian Judy Pintor; and – alphabetically – Sarah Banko; Leah Bender’ Zoe Davis; Sarah Gowell; Tyler Lennert; Sarina Patel; Rhys Santiago; and Ruthie Tocci.

The spring sports scene continued to shine into May. Senior volleyball captain Daniel Sledz was named to the EPC All-Conference Second Team for the second consecutive year.

“I’d like to thank my coach and father, Tim Sledz. He pushed me to be a better player and leader,” Sledz said. “To be honored with second team two years in a row, especially for a team that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, means a lot. At Becahi, we show up and give our all.”

Junior Aaron Geiger, lacrosse team captain, was named to the EPC First Team – marking the first time in program history a player received such recognition. “I’ve only been playing since freshman year,” he said, “but I’ve played with passion. Being the first in program history to earn this honor means the world. My message to my teammates is that no matter the score, never give up – hard work pays off.”

On May 9, juniors experienced their first prom while seniors celebrated their last, enjoying a masquerade ball at Blue Grillhouse. Mekhi Britt and Ava Burkart were crowned prom king and queen.

As the school year nears its end, the Golden Hawks continue to experience unforgettable firsts and meaningful lasts – leading, learning and soaring with Christ.

Learn more at becahi.org.