HAMMOND – Perhaps Act 3 of a Bishop Noll Institute alumna’s educational masterwork will equal the first two parts, this time returning the inspiration, lessons and support she received.
The short journey back to where Nora Wragg once attended classes and where she now teaches theater was a case of “home is where the heart is.” Responding to the passing of a beloved teacher at BNI, the Western Illinois University graduate decided her first full-time job would be to educate Warriors.
After a long day of classes, Wragg, also the drama club sponsor, remained bright eyed and energized as she mentored students – mainly girls – in practice hair and make-up sessions. There was no rehearsal for their soon-to-premiere production of “Little Women,” but she wanted the dedicated cast and crew to have a chance to develop their skills.
“The biggest thing for me is that it takes a lot of being willing to dedicate any free time to making sure I get what I need to done; I think it is like that for any teacher,” Wragg said. “I teach all the theater classes and I run the drama club, so I’m the director of the musical or play and whatever club events we have, like karaoke night or fundraisers.”
It’s believable that at just 22, long workdays can easily be shrugged off. Yet BNI administrators, such as Principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick, said Wragg’s maturity has long been on display since she was a student. And those in her classes see her as “relatable” but not “chummy.”
Wragg, a Lansing, Ill. native, was homeschooled. Under the “practical” tutelage of her parents, she said she got a solid grade and junior high school education. Attending a school with a strong academic reputation was key, but priority No. 1 for the teen was to attend a faith-based institution. The Wraggs chose BNI.
Saying she is not a “cradle Catholic” but perhaps a “crib Catholic,” Wragg was baptized when she was two; her father is a Catholic and her mother joined the Catholic Church when one of her two sisters was born.
“One-hundred percent I wouldn’t be who I am without faith,” Wragg said. “I don’t think anybody in my family would be (who they) are either.”
At BNI, Wragg gravitated to the fine arts department where she dedicated countless hours to ensure productions went off without a hitch. As an actress, she managed to memorize all but the most extended, complicated dialogues.
Equally appealing to hear was the idea of adding her voice to the BNI choir. There she sang under the mentorship of director David Herr and also worked with Rocco Carioto, the longtime band leader affectionately known as “Mr. C”, who passed away suddenly in February 2024.
Her highlight reels of vocal performances showcase gatherings for liturgies at the Hammond campus and a performance along with her classmates and Chicago White Sox organist Lori Moreland at Comiskey Park of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in 2018.
Wragg’s school career in Hammond wrapped up in 2020, a pandemic-modified year after which she wasted no time adjusting to life at Western Illinois University in Macomb. At the Home of the Leathernecks, she involved herself in the theater and still wrapped up her Bachelor of Arts in musical theater degree in less than four years.
Arriving back home to “not quite the Region,” but Illinois (South Suburbia), Wragg found a job working behind counters filled with gourmet items at a downtown Lansing chocolate shop. She also applied to be a substitute teacher for her alma mater.
Administrators asked Wragg to consider applying for a full-time position in the fine arts department. After interviewing, she soon got the thumbs-up and prepared to join the Noll faculty in February 2024.
“I wish my circumstances upon arriving back to Bishop Noll were better, because the fine arts department was in a lot of pain and sadness at what had happened,” Wragg said, summoning her faith. “I knew that whatever was going to be difficult, I would be able to get through.”
Wragg felt that her between-class banter among under- and upper-classmen in the halls was lighthearted. However, she said she was initially a bit stern in the classroom with her “passionate” students, if only to create some order in light of the loss that many in the school family felt.
Knowing what her marching orders were from the administration, she got right to work.
“I remember getting in there and we had a parade coming up in two or three weeks and there was no song or march (selected), so I was (telling the students) we have to lock in,” she explained. “At the same time, I wanted this to be something that ‘Mr. C’ could be proud of.”
For a visitor to see Wragg burning the midnight oil, or rather helping with the 19th century decorations for the Little Women set, the extra-hours dedication is part of the fine arts professionalism that the young adult teacher brings to her old school regularly.
Though the curtain may close every time a play wraps up in the auditorium, Wragg hopes to keep the classroom door open, inviting students who may also prosper from the inspiration that she once received from teachers present and those who have gone before.
“I think I have so much to be thankful for as far as opportunities and people who are supportive,” Wragg said. “Honestly, it’s everyone – students, my family. I say that with the acknowledgement that I am very lucky and I hope to make everybody proud … and give others what they’ve given to me.”
“Little Women” will run April 10-13 at the BNI Auditorium. For more information, email Nora Wragg at nwragg@bishopnoll.org, visit BishopNoll.org, or call (219) 932-9058.
Caption: Bishop Noll Institute alumna and theater teacher Nora Wragg (left) provides tips for the application of makeup on actor Noah Hahn (center) for artist Isabella Garza (right), both juniors, at an after-school session at the Hammond school on Feb. 28. Wragg, BNI Class of 2020, began her full-time teaching career at her alma mater at the time of the passing of a beloved, long-time teacher and has since taught a variety of theater classes and has generally given of her time as a measure of thankfulness to her school family. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
