In conjunction with the National Catholic Education Association, Marquette is poised to dive headfirst into a full slate of school-specific traditions and events for what promises to be a memorable Catholic Schools Week.

The camaraderie kicks off Sunday at 10 am as each class will be allotted four hours to decorate their designated hallway. The themes - which have been voted on secretly by students - will become apparent throughout the course of the afternoon. Pizza will be provided for those decorating.

Students will be able to roll right out of bed on Monday morning as we recognize Pajama Day. The classes will square off in a Name That Tune battle once 9th hour dismisses at 1:36 pm.

Fierce competition rolls on Tuesday as classes compete in the annual Marquette Teacher Trivia Contest. Students will be quizzed on all things Marquette-related: history of the school, fun facts about faculty and staff, etc. In light of the “Celebrate Your Students” theme, Marquette will provide free pizza to all students at lunch.

The apparel will change dramatically on Wednesday as we welcome Most Reverend Robert J. McClory to campus for Mass at 9 am inside the Scholl Center Gymnasium. Formal uniforms are required, though students are invited to don their favorite headwear as part of Crazy Hat Day immediately following Mass.

Marquette’s student body will display its skills on stage during Thursday’s Talent Show. Students should dress in the spirit of their classes’ respective hallways. As a bonus, parents are encouraged to join us at noon for lunch.

The school week wraps up Friday with the promise of a raucous Dodgeball competition. Classes will clash against one another before students take on a team made up of teachers and staff. Friday’s attire is class shirt/color (freshmen - navy, sophomores - gold, juniors - white, seniors- black).

Academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others are just a few of the benefits of Catholic school education. Furthermore, Catholic schools set high standards for student achievement while providing a faculty of dedicated, caring, and highly-credentialed individuals. Whether it's value in the form of college scholarships or values in the form of discipline and moral development, Catholic schools help pave the way for future leaders.

This year marks the 49th annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week across America.