News

Ms. Kiefer’s AP Literature students are bringing poetry to life in a creative way by playing Poem Jenga! As students carefully pull blocks from the tower, each piece prompts them to analyze a different element of a poem, encouraging deeper thinking about literary devices, themes, and meaning. This interactive activity allows students to collaborate, discuss their ideas, and strengthen their analytical skills while having a little fun along the way. It’s a great example of how Ms. Kiefer makes learning engaging while helping her students build confidence in their poetry analysis.

Happy (late) International Women's Day to all of the strong and inspiring women who walk through the doors of Bethlehem High School each day. From our dedicated teachers and hardworking administrators to the incredible young women who fill our classrooms as students, you make our school a better place. Your leadership, determination, kindness, and strength help shape our community in so many meaningful ways. We are so proud of each of you and are grateful for the impact you make every day. Bethlehem celebrates and appreciates you—today and always! 💐💙💛

Today we celebrate National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day and recognize someone who keeps our school running smoothly every single day—Mr. Bill Livers! From fixing problems big and small to making sure our building is safe, clean, and ready for students and staff, Mr. Bill works behind the scenes to make a huge difference. His hard work, dedication, and willingness to help wherever he’s needed do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly thankful to have Mr. Bill as part of our school family. Thank you for everything you do—we appreciate you so much!

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Rita Koontz 🌟

Today we are shining the spotlight on someone who has a tremendous impact on the future of our students—our incredible College & Career Counselor, Mrs. Rita Koontz!

Through Mrs. Koontz’s leadership, guidance, and high expectations, our students consistently achieve remarkable postsecondary success. Each year, Bethlehem seniors earn approximately $3,000,000 in scholarships, opening doors to opportunities across the country.

Our students also continue to excel in some of Kentucky’s most prestigious academic programs, averaging 9 Governor’s Scholars (GSP) and 2 Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) or Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) participants each year.

This year alone, four members of our senior class earned the University of Kentucky Presidential Scholarship—an incredible honor awarded to only 50 students across the entire state of Kentucky. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition at the University of Kentucky for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

We are also proud to celebrate:
🎓 A student who earned the $10,000 CEF Father John Morgan Scholarship
🎓 A student who received the Mary Agnes Dugan Clayton Scholarship, a full four-year scholarship to Bellarmine University

Beyond scholarships and awards, Mrs. Koontz plays a vital role in preparing our students for life after high school. Through her College & Career class, students:
✔️ Participate in mock interviews
✔️ Build resumes and professional portfolios
✔️ Apply for scholarships and prepare for college and the workforce

She also coordinates all school testing, brings in weekly college and military representatives, organizes junior job shadowing, and oversees the STAR Term internship program.

At Bethlehem, we ask a lot from our seniors—but high expectations lead to incredible outcomes, and Mrs. Koontz is a big reason why our graduates leave prepared for success.

Thank you, Mrs. Koontz, for your dedication, leadership, and the countless hours you invest in helping our students achieve their dreams. We are so grateful for you! 💙🎓✨

This week in AP Biology, our students stepped into the role of forensic scientists as they used digital micropipettes to carefully load DNA samples and perform gel electrophoresis. After separating the DNA fragments, students analyzed and compared the banding patterns of evidence samples and suspect DNA to determine a match and solve a mock “crime.” This hands-on lab gave them real-world experience with techniques used in modern forensic science, while strengthening their precision, critical thinking, and analytical skills. It was an exciting week of science in action!

It’s time for the 5th Region Semifinal as our Bethlehem Banshees (19–12) return to Central Hardin High School tonight for another exciting round of the KHSAA 5th Region Girls Basketball Tournament. The Banshees will take on Campbellsville Eagles at 6:00 PM, and we hope to see plenty of fans in the stands cheering them on. This team has worked incredibly hard all season and continues to play with heart, determination, and great teamwork. Come out to support our girls—they’re playing great basketball and are so much fun to watch! 💙💛🏀

We are excited to celebrate National Beta Week at Bethlehem High School with a full week of fun, meaningful activities that highlight leadership, service, and academic excellence! In honor of the National Beta Club, students will enjoy special events, challenges, and opportunities to connect while celebrating what it means to be a Beta member. From goal-setting and acts of kindness to schoolwide celebrations, it’s a week dedicated to recognizing achievement, encouraging growth, and building community. We can’t wait to celebrate together!

Congratulations to our Indoor Track team on an incredible performance at the KHSAA Indoor State Championships! Our boys team earned an impressive 7th place finish, and the Eagles showed up in a big way. Brayden Hall, Charlie Feathers, Joey Feathers, and Austin Kuntz secured a podium finish in the 4x800 relay, while Dylan Canterna soared to a 3rd place finish in the high jump to earn his first All State honor. Zander Smith ran a blazing 22.68 in the 200, nearly a full second PR, earning second place and All State honors. Grant Greenwell and Brayden Hall both competed in the 3200, with Brayden breaking the 11:00 mark for the first time in his second event of the day, and Grant capturing his 7th All State honor with a runner-up finish. Taking just seven competitors and bringing home eight medals and three All State honors is an outstanding accomplishment. Way to go, Eagles!

💙🏥 Happy National Athletic Training Month to our incredible trainer, Katelyn Hannaman! 🏥💙

We are so blessed to have Katelyn caring for our student-athletes every single day here at Bethlehem. Her knowledge, attentiveness, and steady presence make a tremendous difference in the health, safety, and performance of our teams.

Katelyn comes to us through our valued partnership with KORT Physical Therapy and Flaget Memorial Hospital, allowing us to have a dedicated athletic trainer on campus daily, a true gift to our school community.

From the Crawford/Hart Gymnasium to the sidelines at Five Star Field, Katelyn provides exceptional care, guidance, and support to our Banshees and Eagles. 💪⚽🏀🏈

Thank you, Katelyn, for all you do. We appreciate you more than you know! 👏💛

🎉🏃‍♀️ Congratulations to senior Anna Kuntz on her commitment to continue her academic and athletic career in cross country and track at Belmont Abbey College! ✍️📚

Anna is a strong, steady leader in her class and across the multiple teams and clubs she represents at Bethlehem. Her discipline, perseverance, and competitive drive set the standard for excellence both on and off the course. 💪🔥

Located in Belmont, North Carolina, Belmont Abbey is gaining not only a talented runner, but a young woman of character, integrity, and leadership. 🌟

We are so proud of you, Anna! Congratulations and Go Crusaders! 🏅🖤💛