Sparkling with Love

By: Natalie Spalding, Senior Staff Writer

During March of 2024, a family’s life was changed forever. Nora Bunn, at six years old, was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare brain cancer. She passed away at seven, but she will never be forgotten. St. Joseph’s Academy recently held its first Spirit Game of the year in honor of Nora. The Sparkle of Love volleyball game was played against Ursuline Academy on September 9, 2025, and the spirit there was not lacking. Everyone brought their best energy, and the volleyball players brought their best plays!

Freshman Abby Boevingloh shares her thoughts about her first time attending a school sports game.

“Even before the game started, there was a lot of spirit; it wasn’t loud in an ‘I want to leave’ way, it was loud in a ‘school spirit, this is awesome!’ sort of way,” said Abby.

The freshman and JV games started at 4:30 p.m., and both ended with big wins! Soon after, the varsity team also brought home a victory, and it was needless to say that spirits were high by the end. In between games, Nora Bunn’s sister Reese, accompanied by her volleyball team, led a prayer in honor of her. Before and throughout the games, nobody stopped cheering. The entire lively gym was truly there to support Nora’s family and their mission.

The gymnasium was loud, enthusiastic, and full of energy. Freshman Olivia Talamantes describes the atmosphere of the games.

“It was really fun, and it all felt super supportive!” Olivia said.

The love and support for Nora didn’t stop in the gym, and in the Shanahan Commons, there were plenty of sparkle-themed activities. The space was filled with kids getting their faces painted, hair-tinsel, shiny necklaces, colorful candy bracelets, and so much more. In addition to the fundraiser for DIPG research and breast cancer, there were also raffle baskets for people to enter money into and Sparkle Sprites for students to buy during the day.

Overall, the Sparkle of Love volleyball game and fundraiser were incredibly successful, and brought spirits up high. Both SJA and Ursuline gathered for a spirited game, and by the end, everyone was definitely sparkling with love.