The Bell Tolls for All

English poet John Donne once wrote, “For whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.” Thanks to the families of the Madeira High School girls who were seniors on the 2024 State Champion Soccer Team, a bell now tolls for all student victories—both on and off the field.

At the beginning of every soccer season, the Amazons choose one word that will guide the team through the year. In the fall of 2024, the team chose the word “legacy.” After an incredible season culminating in a state championship, the ten senior girls on the team wanted to make a lasting impact—not only on the soccer field and in the record books, but on the Madeira High School community as a whole.

As the senior moms sat together at their girls’ games that fall, they began talking about how the team could best leave that legacy. They decided on a bell that could be rung after every student victory—athletic and academic.

The ten families of the girls pitched in to donate the funds to have an 83-pound brass victory bell made. The bell was installed on a metal stand at the end of the MHS track, home field of many Madeira athletic teams.

“We wanted to make a contribution that was meaningful to the school,” said Emily Momper, mother of Class of 2025 player Vivian Momper. “In honor and with love to Madeira High School, the bell was meant as a gift to the entire school.”

Prior to the start of Madeira’s 2026-2027 school year, a “Celebrate the ’Zons” event was held at the high school. Families and friends of past and present Amazons were invited to watch members of the winning team receive their state championship rings, as well as to take part in the dedication of the special gift from the Class of 2025 seniors—the Victory Bell. Attendees also watched home boys’ and girls’ soccer games.

On August 14, the Victory Bell was officially dedicated to Madeira High School by the ten former Amazon soccer players and their families: Olivia Bodley, Natalie Cimpello, Anna Cornejo, Autumn Daley, Evelyn Kerrey, Vivian Momper, Abby Naegeli, Emma Prus, Kate Shoemaker, and Corinne Westbrook. Many of the girls were able to attend the event.

The bell represents more than the accomplishments of one championship team. It is intended to become part of the Madeira High School experience, providing students with a way to recognize and celebrate victories throughout their high school years—whether those victories take place on the athletic field, in the classroom or in other areas of student life. The plaque on the bell reads, “This bell hangs as a reminder of the Amazon’s strength and resilience. Its ring, which symbolizes the Amazon warrior cry, is to inspire all Madeira competitors and to celebrate hard fought victories. Go ‘Zons, Go ‘Stangs, and Go Madeira! A gift from the class of 2025 Amazon soccer players – OHSAA State Champions 2024.”

The former players have challenged every future Amazon and Mustang to continue this legacy during their time at Madeira High School and to add their own accomplishments to the story of the school.