Women of Vision - Fall 2021

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

November 2021 | A publication of Notre Dame Academy

Our new Anatomage table.

State of the art medical educational technology launches NDA’s bold new campaign into the future.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

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Class of 2021 Eye to the Future

The Campaign

for Notre Dame Academy

Empowering

Women ~ Transforming Lives

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Loeb Family Story Sharing the Passion A Bold Vision President’s Report Spotted Eagle Student News

Admissions Creative & Nimble Soaring Eagles Alumnae Events & Reunions Eagle Network Mentoring Program Brittany (Barnes) Deeg ’07

Nest 28 Eagles Our Family is Growing Watch 30 Eagle Alumnae in the News In Memoriam

Empowering Women ~ Transforming Lives DEAR NDA COMMUNITY, otre Dame Academy was founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame more than 117 years ago – and we are proud to say that we remain the premier allgirls Catholic school in northwest Ohio. Notre Dame Academy consistently leads the way with exceptional academic opportunities in a faith-based community for young women in grades 7 through 12.

And so today, we are blessed and pleased to share with you the Campaign for Notre Dame Academy: Empowering Women ~ Transforming Lives. Through this Campaign, we are seeking endowment and scholarship support from alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends of NDA to ensure that a Notre Dame Academy education remains financially accessible to qualified young women. In addition, we need your help to make needed investments in the following areas: • A new facility entrance to secure school safety • STEM updates • Athletic field enhancements • Fine and performing arts

+ FRONT COVER THE NEW ANATOMAGE TABLE WILL EMPOWER BIOLOGY AND ANATOMY STUDENTS TO EXPLORE THE HUMAN BODY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY + INSIDE FRONT COVER KATELYN JONES ’23 SELF PORTRAIT

The Sisters of Notre Dame in partnership with NDA’s lay faculty and staff have built something very special over the last century-plus: a timeless educational experience that continues to evolve and lead in academic programming, athletics, and service. Notre Dame Academy is an institution that means so much to so many of us as alumnae – it’s where we met lifelong friends, gained our academic footing for college and beyond, and began to develop a faith life that continues to sustain us in the midst of all of life’s ups and downs. That is why now is the perfect time to support Notre Dame Academy.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

We must continue to offer the best to our students and remain in the forefront of education in our community. The Notre Dame Academy Board of Trustees and Leadership Team have carefully examined the needs of our school to make certain we are keeping pace with the growing challenges as we move through the 21st century. Their review has led to a master facility plan that outlines the development and expansion needed to provide our students with the best possible high school experience, and will serve as our guide as we develop the Notre Dame Academy campus for the future.

Collectively, our gifts to NDA can be transformational for the next generation of Eagles and beyond. We are excited to see what the future holds for Notre Dame Academy— thank you for joining us to be a part of this legacy!

+ JENNIFER BENEDICT ’91 AND CHERYL (MERKLE) KOENIG ’77 CO-CHAIRS: EMPOWERING WOMEN ~TRANSFORMING LIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

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WOMEN OF VISION

Unwavering and Steadfast

Class of 2021

Resilience. The strength to be able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult situations.

espite the impact Covid-19 has had on education loss, regardless of the mangled plans to participate in a normal school year, it was evident that the Notre Dame Academy Class of 2021 unwaveringly lived out the virtue of Resilience. They earned more than $22 million in college scholarships and were accepted into 126 different schools in four different countries (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, and China). This was the most any NDA graduating class has ever earned.

In a time when the world was unhinged, and the pandemic prevented large in-person events from happening, their faith brought them through. The class collectively earned 13,000+ service hours (95 hours each), being creative to serve others locally, nationally and internationally during their four years at NDA.

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NDA’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program also excelled, earning the highest scores of the past two years.

Eighty-nine students from the Class of 2021 took 246 exams. 100% earned the prestigious and internationallyrecognized IB Diploma and 90% scored four or higher, the score at which most colleges begin giving college credit.

Go Eagles!

The 139-member class held steadfast throughout the pandemic with record breaking success.

These scores translated into impressive college credits being earned. Isabel Nester ’21, Valedictorian, earned 26 undergraduate hours at the University of Toledo’s Bacc2MDM Pathway Program (pre-med track). Isabel is a biology major. While Brooke Seelenbinder ’21, Salutatorian, started Michigan State University’s preveterinary program as a sophomore, earning 32 college credits. Currently there are 83 students from the Class of 2022, and 99 students from the Class of 2023, taking IB courses.

These students have gained a skillset that will advance them to honors, scholars and specific programs because of their abilities to research, think critically, write, discuss and collaborate.

Olivia Sims ’21 Second Team All-Ohio Basketball

Aly Ray ’21 Honorable Mention All-Ohio Basketball

The Class of 2021 honored their classmate, Mady Niles (2003-2020).

They retired her NDA Rowing jersey as a reminder of Mady’s spirit and passion for rowing and for NDA.

Finishing Strong

Art is cool!

Congratulations to the outstanding young women who received the top awards for the Class of 2021.

Class of 2021 NDA International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Candidate Exhibitions

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Isabel Nester Valedictorian

Brooke Seelenbinder Salutatorian Bishop’s Cross Recipient

Madison Arndt The Sisters of Notre Dame Distinguished Graduate Award

Kadence Nicholson The Blue & Gold Spirit Award

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B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

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A. Jessica Chernock Chaos Makes the Muse B. Carissa Kolcun Hare C. Carissa Zirbel Fiery Light D. Kaylin Meneilly Falling Lilly E. Rachel Miller Girl with the Earring F. Madelyn Piscopo Pollution G. Riley Skinner In Place of the Butterfiles

Erica Sacoto President’s Award

Seeyoung Ree and Carissa Zirbel were both recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars.

Million in college scholarships.

The most earned by any NDA graduating class!

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EMPOWERING WOMEN ~ TRANSFORMING LIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

future

an eye to the

Notre Dame Academy has always had an eye to the future, undertaking capital projects over the years to improve and enhance the facilities available to NDA’s young women of vision.

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New Chapel, Dedicated December 8, 1980

New wing/ Wendy’s Wing for classes

Notre Dame Academy moves to 3535 West Sylvania Avenue, February, 1960

SR. MARY CAROL GREGORY, SND ’58

We need your help to make our vision become a reality. Your donation to the Campaign for Notre Dame Academy: Empowering Women~Transforming Lives is critical in empowering our school to be on the forefront of technology, safety and learning.

Sr. Mary Carol Gregory, SND ’58 Honorary Chair 4

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Dining Hall and Courtyard updates

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Dr. Suzanne Openlander ’53 Resource Center and Makerspace

Notre Dame Junior Academy begins

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At Notre Dame Academy, we knew our daughters would be part of a community that would empower them intellectually, personally, and spiritually.

Cheryl (Merkle) Koenig ’77 and Dave Koenig, Board Chair

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Fitz Commons and Dance Studio

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20 CHERYL ’77AND DAVE KOENIG

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B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

Gym/multipurpose facility

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Empowering Women~ Transforming Lives

Windows replaced/AC in academic wing

My mother knew how NDA would prepare me to become a dynamic leader in my community.

Shayla Bell Moriarty ’02

To support, go to NDA.org/empowering-women 5

EMPOWERING WOMEN ~ TRANSFORMING LIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

New Entrance

Step Inside

Safe, Secure and Welcoming

hen the Sisters of Notre Dame first opened the doors to the current location on West Sylvania Avenue in 1960, they were at the forefront of school design.

However, they could not have predicted how a modern school layout would need to be updated to better serve the community.

Although the original entryway may have been sufficient at the time, this campaign will see a brand new, modern and safer front entrance added to the school, changing the footprint of Notre Dame Academy for the 21st century.

In building out from the current entryway, NDA will add the space needed to create new areas for gathering, a much-needed conference room for academic and administration use, and a new Art Gallery within the space to bring the culture and creativity to the forefront of the school.

As part of this project, space for a new Counseling Center will be added off the main hallway of the school to enhance student access to the academic, mental health, career, college and personal support they will need through these formative years.

“Through Empowering Women~Transforming Lives, we will be able to better meet the needs for more space for our students and faculty, while improving our safety needs at the same time, with one entry point for all who visit Notre Dame Academy,” said NDA President Kim Grilliot. “By taking these steps for improvement now, we will be providing our students with the best space to thrive and to grow, to be intellectually curious, and a gift that will have an impact for generations to come.”

The Front Entrance project changes everything. It will enhance security by providing one entry point for all who enter the building. This front entrance will send an inviting message: Step inside this special place and witness the transformation of young women into tomorrow’s leaders. Here you will see faculty challenging young women to extend themselves beyond the expected.

The new NDA front entrance drastically enhances the health, safety and cultural appreciation for all students, with a new 21st century design and will be one that all students and families, past, present and future will be proud of.

THOMAS PORTER ARCHITECTS

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B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

For additional renderings and more insight into the future of NDA scan the QR Code or go to nda.org/empowering-women

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EMPOWERING WOMEN ~ TRANSFORMING LIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

STEM

The Leading Edge

Providing the confidence to lead through STEM

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oday’s NDA students are tomorrow’s leaders in STEM careers. We must ensure that our young women are wellprepared for their future college and careers - and updated, modern and state-of-the art facility upgrades are imperative. Open, flexible spaces that emphasize practical learning, up-todate technology to facilitate real-time analysis, and improved, durable lab materials along with comprehensive, efficient storage are essential to provide STEM offerings that are second to none.

NDA STEM enhancements include:

When a Notre Dame Academy graduate steps into her college science or research lab, we make sure she has the confidence and experience to both lead and succeed.

The STEM additions will serve as our students as they are introduced to the rigors of science, technology, engineering and mathematics they will encounter in college. Students need access to the most modern of classrooms and instructional labs in order to compete. Positioning faculty to provide that edge will equip them to do so.

• New Anatomage Table, giving students access to state-of-theart, hands-on, college-level digital imagery to enhance anatomy and biology instruction.

• Modern 21st century science lab renovations • Vented fume hood for enhanced chemistry lab capabilities. Large enough for several students to work in at once. Expands on the variety of labs students could experience in preparation for college.

• New greenhouse science classroom that will allow students in grades 7-12 to expand their educational goals and provide space for research and experimentation currently not available.

• New Junior Academy science classroom to provide our 7th and 8th grade students with access to the best preparation for college preparatory science courses in high school.

THOMAS PORTER ARCHITECTS • These enhancements will serve our students as they are introduced to the rigors and wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that they will encounter in college.

Equipped to excel When the Empowering Women~ Transforming Lives initiative for STEM Enhancements was approved, the science faculty and school administration researched and evaluated what technological improvements would best prepare our young women for their future.

With a high annual number of students who choose to enter into a medical or health related major, the answer became clear – The Anatomage Table.

Utilized in medical universities and hospitals now around the globe, the Anatomage Table gives students a digital - full cadaver experience. Shaped like an operating table, students can view anatomy exactly as they would on a cadaver, with detailed and animated illustrations that can be manipulated, turned, isolated, taken apart, and many other widerange capabilities.

Chris Chapman, NDA Science Department Chair, explains, “One of the beautiful aspects of NDA is that it combines classic educational experiences with forward thinking opportunities.

I wanted that to be true for the Anatomy program also.

The Anatomage Table is an opportunity for our students to explore the technology currently used to educate students in many medical schools across the United States. With this amazing platform, students will be able to interact, visualize in 3D, and explore real human anatomy and physiology.”

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

For additional renderings and more insight into the future of NDA scan the QR Code or go to nda.org/empowering-women

With the advantages that an Anatomage Table would bring to the young women of NDA, it became a top priority for the STEM initiative of the campaign.

Being an $80,000 investment into modern medical technology, the task to gain support was high. We are grateful to share that a group of donors that includes the current parents of three students and an alumna and is made up of three female OBGYNs, a radiologist and an ophthalmologist - stepped up to make this dream a reality for our students and the future of NDA. Thanks to this tremendous support, our Eagles will excel with the best technology to prepare for their future, and they will soar into their college and career path, prepared and ready to lead.

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EMPOWERING WOMEN ~ TRANSFORMING LIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

Athletic Fields Enhancements

Eagles United

Encouraging hard work and dedication he whoosh of a soccer ball into the goal. The thunder of feet pounding down the field. The crack of the bat as it makes contact with a softball. The roar of the crowd cheering their Eagles on to victory.

The sense of accomplishment that our Eagle athletes gain through the many athletic teams available to them at NDA is without parallel. More than half of all students participate in at least one sport while at NDA. Eagle athletes have led NDA to 23 All Sports Championships, and they are regular regional and state competitors in multiple sports. Many young women have gone on to successful athletic careers. NDA will continue to provide distinctive athletic experiences and safe, top-tier facilities for all Eagle athletes to thrive and excel in their sport.

As we look to the future, we seek to maintain excellence both on the athletic field and in the classroom, and to develop student athletes into accomplished individuals, more successful professionals, and future leaders in their communities. Athletic participation is part of creating wellrounded students. Playing sports helps our young women learn how to handle winning and losing with grace, dignity and a generous spirit.

NDA Athletic Director Gary Snyder explains, “Notre Dame Academy

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has a long tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Our current outside athletic fields were built off of donations and the hard work of NDA parents 18 years ago and we will always be grateful for that. Upgrading our outside athletic fields will allow future Eagles to practice and play their sport at a top-notch high school facility.”

In order to achieve these goals, Notre Dame Academy must continue to provide student-athletes with the resources they need, while ensuring that everyone at Notre Dame Academy has opportunities to improve health, gather as a community, and cheer on our Eagles.

Phase one of Athletic Facility Enhancements is for the Soccer and Lacrosse Field. An improved drainage system is needed to eliminate game cancellations and delays due to rain.

In doing so, it will allow for increased field use for soccer, lacrosse and physical education courses.

Expanded spectator seating, a new concessions pavilion, and a doublesided press box will further enhance the visitor experience for NDA Athletics. Phase two will be for the Softball Fields with improved drainage and spectator seating as well, to allow for improved game conditions and usage.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

For additional renderings and more insight into the future of NDA scan the QR Code or go to nda.org/empowering-women

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EMPOWERING WOMEN ~ TRANSFORMING LIVES THE CAMPAIGN FOR NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

Visual & Performing Arts

Creativity

The power to heal and nourish otre Dame Academy has always empowered the artist within each student. Visual and performing arts have the power to heal, nourish, and speak to our humanity. They help our students find their voices, develop and express their thoughts, and share who they are with the world.

Other improvements to the art classrooms include moving the kiln and relocating the art storage room to allow for the construction of a traditional photographic darkroom.

“Providing cameras for students to use in class would give NDA artists a collegiate-level, traditional photography experience and allow them to integrate art and science,” said Mrs. Kozal.

Among the facility enhancements included in the Empowering Women ~ Transforming Lives campaign is the construction of a new, working Art Gallery that will feature the artistic talents of NDA students.

Additionally, a new Music Lab will give our performing arts students the resources and instruction to develop and hone their musical talents and expression. The creation and composition of music in the 21st century is done almost exclusively in an electronic format, and the new Music Lab will offer opportunities for high-quality, professional-level songwriting and performing.

This gallery space will be a place for our students to prominently showcase their creativity while displaying their work in a fun and imaginative way. Our students deserve a facility that supports a rich artistic learning environment, and this new gallery will bring their artistic vision to the forefront of our beloved school.

“The permanent Art Gallery in the center of the building will unite our Fine and Performing Arts areas while providing an exhibition space to highlight the artwork of the Eagle artists year-round and opening up new exhibition opportunities for NDA,” said Susan Kozal, NDA Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair.

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The Music Lab students will benefit from: • New and expanded practice, rehearsal and teaching spaces • State of the art classroom and rehearsal space equipped with current technology • Acoustically superior spaces for rehearsing, performing, and teaching music • A multi-faceted recording studio

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

For additional renderings and more insight into the future of NDA scan the QR Code or go to nda.org/empowering-women

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STARTING AN ENDOWMENT AND TRANSFORMING LIVES FOREVER

T H E L O E B F A M I LY S T O R Y

Sharing the passion hen Robert and Dana Loeb look back on how the lives of their two daughters, Torey ’14 and Julia ’19, were transformed through their NDA education, they were inspired to help others to be able to afford such an amazing faith-based education. “Young women start at NDA as freshman girls, and leave as young women ready to make the world a better place,” Rob expressed. “We saw this in both of our daughters. NDA gave them the academic and faith building tools to take on the next steps in their life’s journey, he stated, “NDA is such a blessing!”

Rob and Dana chose to make a difference and transform other young women’s lives by starting a family endowment to provide scholarships to those in need of financial assistance to attend NDA. “We know young women will benefit greatly from the NDA experience, and we want to help extend that to as many families as possible”, Dana shared. The Loeb Family Endowment that Robert and Dana recently established will generate scholarships that will help families in need every year. They plan to continue contributing to their endowment over time, and their gift will be passed down to future generations to continue their legacy.

Both Torey and Julia have carried on the intellectual curiosity instilled in them through their time at NDA, and are now each pursuing careers in STEM fields: Torey is an engineer in Louisville, Kentucky, and Julia is a BioSystems engineering major at the University of Kentucky. “Their four years at NDA absolutely prepared them for college. The dedicated teachers understand how to reach their students and help them to be the best students they can be,” Rob stated.

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The Catholic values and mission of NDA, in empowering students to be passionately faith-filled and socially responsible servant leaders, were an inspiration for Rob and Dana to pay it forward for others as well. He explained, “NDA allowed our daughters to deepen their faith – the spirituality of the Sisters of Notre Dame is woven through every facet of NDA, and it is apparent the minute you walk through the doors. The teachers, coaches and administrators at NDA love God and are encouraged to share this passion with the girls. How comforting and reassuring for us to know that our girls were under their care and guidance!”

NDA allowed our daughters to deepen their faith.

Rob encouraged others who may be inspired and have the means to consider following in their footsteps in establishing an endowment. “The financial component of the NDA experience cannot be ignored – quite simply, more money equals more young women being able to benefit from this great school. The rich diversity of NDA is something to be proud of and we are blessed to help keep this going with our gifts to the school.”

Through his service as the Chair of the NDA Board of Trustees and on the Finance Committee, Rob is thankful to be able to leave a legacy that will have a lasting impact on empowering many lives through an NDA education.

For more information, contact Jim Sulier, Director of Donor Relations at jsulier@nda.org or 419.725.6206.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

THOMAS PORTER ARCHITECTS

+ ROBERT AND DANA LOEB PARENTS CLASS OF ’14 AND ’19

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EMPOWERING WOMEN ~ TRANSFORMING LIVES

A Bold Vision

For more than 117 years, Notre Dame Academy has passed on the values and philosophy of educating young women to be Bold, Brilliant, Beautiful and Blessed. As we celebrate all we have accomplished in our 117-year history, we are excited about the future – and we want you to be a part of it.

Guided by a bold vision and the gifts from those in the past, we have launched our Empowering Women ~ Transforming Lives campaign. This campaign will enable us to be BOLD in our academics, BRILLIANT in our leadership, BEAUTIFUL in the development of the spiritual life of our girls, and BLESSED by the generosity of the NDA community.

We humbly ask you to join us to be a part of the enduring tradition of excellence that is Notre Dame Academy. Together we are providing for young girls of today, tomorrow, and many generations to come here in northwest Ohio.

Your generous gift will allow us to move forward with Empowering Women ~ Transforming Lives in our communities and across the country well into the 21st century.

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WAY S T O CASH AND PLEDGES

Cash gifts can be made as a onetime contribution or a pledge which can be paid over 3 to 5 years. Gifts made by check may be mailed to: Notre Dame Academy 3535 West Sylvania Avenue Toledo, Ohio 43623 Gifts also may be made online at nda.org/empowering-women.

GIFTS OF STOCK

Gifts of appreciated stock may be transferred to Notre Dame Academy through our finance office. Your tax deduction will be based on the full market value of the securities at the time of transfer, and the gift will avoid capital gains taxes.

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PLANNED GIFTS/BEQUESTS

You may wish to remember Notre Dame Academy in your will, and set up a charitable trust that could benefit both your family and the school.

MATCHING GIFTS

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contribution or volunteer hours made by their employees.

Contact your employer to see if your company offers a matching gift program to maximize your campaign charitable gift.

For more information, please contact Jim Sulier, Director of Donor Relations, at jsulier@nda.org or 419.725.6206.

+ KIM GRILLIOT PRESIDENT

At Notre Dame Academy our mission of being aware of our carbon footprint is important to us.

To view our President’s Report online please use the QR Code below.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

President’s Report

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WOMEN OF VISION

Student News

SpottedEagle Fading by Maira Hafeez ’22 Maira Hafeez ’22, IB Visual Arts student was selected by jurors as an Honorable Mention for the annual Ohio Fifth Congressional District Exhibition.

Congressman Bob Latta announced that her drawing entitled, "Fading" will be on exhibition in one of his three Ohio congressional offices.

National Youth Leadership Forum Stella Jude-Ward ’22 was invited to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) at UCLA. “We practiced treatments on human patient simulators, it was incredible!” she said. “We were taught and mentored by practicing residents. I actually got to try the da Vinci surgical equipment” The NYLF is offered to future doctors & health care practitioners who will discover their passions through hands-on medical experience.

National Merit Semifinalist!

Mary Grzybowski ’22 earned the honor of National Merit Semifinalist! Mary is one of the few Lucas County students to achieve this honor.

She, along with other semifinalists, represent less than 1% of U.S. high schools students who took the 2020 PSAT.

Epic Performance of Epic Proportions NDA’s spring performance of EPIC PROPORTIONS, was a riotous comedy, with gladiator battles and ten plagues! Set in the 1930’s, EPIC PROPORTIONS tells the story of two brothers who go to the Arizona desert to be extras in a huge Biblical movie epic.

Things move very quickly and before you know it, one brother is directing the movie, and one is starring in it! Along with NDA students, the cast included students from St. John’s Jesuit

(Left to right) Erin Young, NDA College Counselor, Mary Grzybowski ’22 with Principal Andrea (Zobler) Zimmerman ’96.

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High School.

Celebrating the Arts

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33 Eagle artists were selected for publication in the tri-annual Celebrating Arts spring 2021 publication because their works were of high merit.

The eight shown here were selected for High Merit Commendation.

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A. Amelia Brogley ’23 Point Betsy B. Caroline Connelly ’22 Bird Watch C. Carissa Kolcun ’21 Lazarus D. Anna Deutschman ’23 Bowl of Fruit E. Carissa Zirbel ’21 Fiery Light F. Natalie Chryst ’24 Euphoria G. Shannon Bollin ’22 Woman with a Tiger Lily H Isabella Hsia ’24 A Sense of Familiarity

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WOMEN OF VISION

Student News

NDA Equestrian Team Champions

(l-r) Julia Nester ’23, Natalie Nester ’20, Isabel Nester ’21

Love and serve those who are most in need.

NDA is very proud of the 29 Eagles who participated in this year's Toledo YES Project! The YES Project is a unique opportunity for high school students from the Toledo area to come together to do as Jesus did: love and serve those who are most in need. This year's four-day project was for Gesu Roman Catholic Parish where they painted homes, did yard work, had praise and worship time.

Picture l-r Riley Gasaway ’23, Claire Summers ’22 and Cortney Lestock ’23

The NDA Equestrian team competed in the 2021 OIHA State Championship in May of 2021 at WB Ranch in Swanton.

Congratulations NDA’s Equestrian Team-equestrians Courtney Lestock ’23, Riley Gasaway ’23, and Claire Summers ’22 and coaches Joe Szmania and Dainya Lestock-on their 2021 OIHA Division Three State Champions!

Speech and Debate Team

Two compete nationally in Forensics

Christian Values Leadership Sportsmanship

Reagan Higgins ’25 was awarded the CYO Toledo 8th Grade Leadership Award for demonstrating strong Christian values, good sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field.

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Look for our new BOLD, BRILLIANT, BEAUTIFUL and BLESSED TV spots featuring NDA students.

You can find them on our YouTube channel and on Facebook.

Miracle Burt ’21

Abigail Williams ’24

Two members of the NDA Speech and Debate Team competed at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament.

Miracle Burt ’21 competed in Oral Interpretation of Literature, when students share excerpts of prose and poetry surrounding a theme.

Her piece was about the treatment of black women in the health community. Abigail Williams ’24 competed in Declamation, when students present a pre-existing speech as if it is their own while giving credit to the original speaker. She performed the speech Don't Strive to be Famous, Strive to be Talented by Maisie Williams.

Admissions

Creative and nimble

The admissions team became creative to ensure the safety of visitors when life began opening up. Instead of Welcoming the Class of 2025 as a group at the traditional Parent Daughter night which was held in the Performing Arts Center, NDA created a Class of 2025 Parent Daughter Walk Thru. This short tour of the campus included several stops where accepted students received special NDA gifts, class t-shirt, Threads of Hope bracelet, NDA decals, official Eagle pin, NDA keychain, and a photo with Izzy the Eagle. We are pleased to say our enrollment is steady and strong.

Notre Dame Junior Academy saw the highest enrollment ever at 90 seventh and eighth graders. Many parents realized that NDA was a model school for safety and was determined to educate students in person and in the classroom. Dozens of calls came in requesting to enroll their daughter, but due to capacity and safety, new 8th grade applications went on a wait list.

NDA accepted 13 transfer students in grades 10,11,12, from both public and private schools, a larger number than in traditional years.

Largest JA Enrollment Ever!

High School Placement Test

Freshman Lily Ogrodowski ’25 (right) displays her official NDA acceptance sign. Pictured are the Ogrodowski family, (L-R) Melanie (Egan) ’93, sister June, and dad Damian.

As countries began to allow their students to travel, NDA’s International student admissions increased. There were 10 new students and three returning. The countries include China, Spain, Germany, Poland, Guatemala, Belgium, and Thailand. This is a huge success especially during a pandemic for a variety of reasons.

Many countries have closed their borders and visas are difficult to obtain.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

The year was a year like no other for admissions and enrollment. There was continuous change of planning events for prospective families, only to have them cancelled due to COVID-19.

Saturday, December

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The annual acceptance packages were blessed and hand delivered by many wonderful volunteers.

For more information, contact Mrs. Jamie Orians, Admissions Director at admissions@nda.org or 419.725.1280 21

WOMEN OF VISION

Alumnae Events and Reunions

SoaringEagles Reunion & Kick Off Friday, June 11, 2021 Saturday, June 12, 2021 Virtual Izzy Shuffle 5K Run/Walk We celebrated this year’s Reunion with a Kickoff event that included school tours and an outdoor gathering in our beautiful courtyard. Classes ending in 0, 1, 5 and 6 were invited. Alumnae used the remainder of the weekend to gather with their individual classes.

Tradition never graduates

Welcome Back!

First Day of School Thursday, August 12, 2021 Several NDA Alumnae welcomed the girls on their first day of the 21/22 school year. What an amazing and supportive alumnae community our students have to model themselves after!

> From left Kerri (McKinley) Townley ’91 Tami (Schiefer) McKinley ’66 Sharon (Auth) Thomas ’66

Jennifer (Gochenour) Renshaw ’79

Julie (Nichols) Dangelo ’79

Mary Lou (Archambeau) Bock ’69 and Mary Jo (Kesting) Campbell ’69

< Adrianne Kolebuck ’85

THOMAS PORTER ARCHITECTS

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1970 1975

1981

1986

1996 2015

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

Alumnae Celebrate Notre Dame Academy

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WOMEN OF VISION

Alumnae Soccer Game

The 17th Annual Alumnae Soccer Game was held on Sunday, July 25, 2021. Since 2004, Notre Dame Academy soccer alumnae have returned to have fun playing a friendly game with our current team. Among the players on this year’s alumnae team were current college players from

We clean up nicely.

On September 9, we enjoyed spending time with NDA Alumnae at Buff City Soap making soap and bath bombs.

Both the venue and most importantly the company made for a great evening!

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University of Findlay and Wittenberg University, a class of ‘93 alumna with two daughters on the current team, and a ‘21 alumna facing off against her Class of ‘24 sister. + FINAL SCORE ALUMNAE 12 - EAGLES 10

November

1 Virtual Memorial Mass 16 Virtual Book Club January

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

NDA visits with Boston Alumnae During a visit to Boston, Massachusetts, last June, members of the NDA Advancement Team were fortunate to meet with several NDA alumnae.

We also had the pleasure of meeting with Suzanne (Lininger) Ullman ‘64 at her home in Salem, Massachusetts (not pictured).

the Five 27 Inside Gathering

February

of Fame Induction 25 Hall & Mad for Plaid

March

8 Virtual Book Club

Pictured left to right: NDA Director of Donor Relations Jim Sulier; Pamela (Reed) Shufro ‘60; Vice President of Advancement Tolani Afolabi, and Director of Alumnae Engagement Melanie (Egan) Ogrodowski ‘93

April

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

Upcoming Events

2 Some Bunny Loves You May

3 Virtual Book Club

Pictured left to right: Eric and Christy (Ohlinger) Safford ‘13; Melanie (Egan) Ogrodowski ‘93, and Jim Sulier

June

10 Reunion Kick-Off Izzy Shuffle 5K 10-12 Virtual Run/Walk Keep an eye out for registration information via email.

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EAGLE NETWORK MENTOR PROGRAM

B R I T TA N Y ( B A R N E S ) D E E G ’ 0 7

Connect and serve Eagle Network Mentor Program Soars for Students and Alumnae ade Spidel ’21 quickly learned the benefits of participating in the Mentor Program, which pairs a current NDA student or recent graduate with an alumna mentor. “Although I may not know what my future holds,” said Jade, “I feel more confident in my ability to handle whatever comes at me.”

Jade’s alumna mentor, Brittany (Barnes) Deeg ’07, has seen great merit in NDA’s mentor program and the dynamic between a high school student and an alum who can provide insight into what life is like after NDA. “Being able to talk to someone who was once in the same shoes you are in, who knows the stress of not knowing what you want to do or who you want to be, and hearing how they managed to figure it out is surprisingly reassuring.” |

JADE SPIDEL ’21

“You can only know so much as a graduating senior, or junior, at that point in your life. I’ve learned a lot through college, through graduate school, through getting my first full time employment. Being able to share that and answer questions and hopefully ease some fears or anxieties around that is really important,” she reflected.

“The last year [as a mentor] has been really meaningful for me, and I’m grateful to be able to connect with my alma mater from afar. I don’t live in the Toledo area and this has provided a really great opportunity to connect with and serve Notre Dame.”

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Why volunteer as a mentor?

Your insights as an NDA alumna are uniquely valuable to current students.

As a mentor, you’ll get to share what you have learned over the years with our future leaders. You may even find yourself inspired by your student’s enthusiasm! Mentors are asked to commit to at least two interactions per month with their student for 12 months or more.

To sign up, please visit nda.org/alumnae.

BRITTANY (BARNES) DEEG CLASS OF 2007

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

+

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WOMEN OF VISION

Our Eagle Family is Growing!

EaglesNest Births Lisa (Farinella) Anacker ’06 and Michael Anacker welcomed a son

Elizabeth (Squire) Osburn ’03 and Bret Osburn welcomed a son, Brendan

Mallory (Myers) Holliday ’06 and Spike Holliday welcomed a son, Kai Myers

Katelyn (Veluscek) Stankie ’10 and Brad Stankie welcomed a son, Vincent John

Megan (McNamara) Rightnowar ’11 and Nick Rightnowar welcomed a daughter, Lo Alexandra

Kate Ravin ’03 and Victor Steenbergen welcomed a son, Felix

Meghan (McCarthy) Simpson ’06 and Jeremiah Simpson welcomed a son, Harrison John

Lydia (Hymel) Kessler ’11 and Chris Kessler welcomed a daughter, Henriette “Etta” Ruth

Bernadette (McCarthy) Caris ’12 and Mark Caris welcomed a daughter, Winifred Mae

Anna (Malone) Toney ’04 and Kevan Toney welcomed a son, Samuel Francis

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Melissa (Albright) Flanders ’07 and Michael Flanders welcomed a daughter, Avery Lynne

Erica (Goldsmith) Young ’11 and Zachary Young welcomed a son, Jace

Shannon (Brumenshenkel) van den Bosch ’06 and Walter van den Bosch welcomed a daughter, Senna Alison Johanna Bianca (Braman) Gallaher ’10 and Jay Gallaher welcomed a son, Forrest

EagleStory If you have an interesting story or event in your life, we would love to know about it.

Email us at alum@nda.org

Engagements

Marriages

Engagements Stephanie Litle ’02 to Danny McCullough Katherine Warchol ’04 to Brad Pasionek

Alexa Urbanski ’14 to James Darkow

Marriages Blake Weidaw ’96 and Paul Martin Ellen Ashner ’10 to Danny McCullough

Ashley Ward ’05 and Frankie Concord II

Maureen Hunter ’04 and Tony Metzger Maria Snell ’08 and Alex DiTullio Haley Phillips ’10 and Isaiah Angeli

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

Carley Ferguson ’12 to Jamil Khan

Natalie Adamski ’12 and John Metzger Mary Claire Miller ’13 and Christopher Murphy Gabby McCarthy ’14 and Mustafa Badawi Maria Spinazze ’14 and Christopher McDonald Madeline Smyth ’14 and Ben Standiford Marissa Garza ’15 and Aaron Rosario Megan Orzechowski ’16 to Hayden Stogsdill

Sarah Clark ’07 and Tim Kurtz

Amy Ohlinger ’15 and Andres Nazario

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WOMEN OF VISION

Alumnae in the News

EagleWatch 80s 19

60s

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70s

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Clara (Connor) Petty ’75 received the YWCA Milestone Award in Education for 2021.

Milestones for Women honors Northwest Ohio women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have opened doors for other women to achieve their potential.

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Brigitte (Polcyn) Green ’97 is beginning work on her PhD in Social Work at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago.

00s

20 Rita Mansour ’83 was appointed to the Ohio Arts Council by Governor Mike DeWine. Rita also currently serves as a board member of the Toledo Museum of Art, Lourdes University, and the Advisory Council of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Members of the NDA class of 1969 gathered at Riverview Yacht Club in August to celebrate their 70th birthday year together.

90s

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Valerie Adamski ’85 is back at NDA, serving as the Campus Minister for Prayer and Worship.

Debra (Rybarczyk) Rutkowski ’87 recently completed her 30th year of teaching. Her older son, Benjamin, is a senior at Adrian College where he plays basketball; and her younger son, Michael, is a freshman at Trine University where he plays football. Debra and her husband, Allan, celebrated their 9th anniversary last August.

Dr. Colleen Shields Clinton ’08 works as an emergency medicine physician at Loyola University in Chicago. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA.

Samantha (Kisov) Bohn ’10 graduated from Baylor University in August of 2021 with a Master’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders - and with a 4.0 GPA. She has begun her career as a Speech Language Pathologist and will be completing her clinical fellowship at Clovis Municipal Schools in New Mexico.

Loads of NDA alumnae celebrated with Ellen Ashner ’10

Ellen (pictured in the center, in white) at her recent bridal shower, including Ellen’s mom, Amy (Pollock) Coronado ’81, and aunt, Kitty (Pollock) Norton ’80. Also pictured are: Ehden (Douaihy) Iachini ’10, Cathy Daney ’10, Allison Desautels ’10, Lindsay Desautels ’07, Stephanie Litle ’02, Jacquelyn (Litle) Nichols ’09, Colleen (Eckhart) Lopez ’81, and Alyssa Rittichier ’15.

Erica (Goldsmith) Young ’11 has served in the Army Reserves for six years. She is currently working on her middle childhood education degree at BGSU.

Madison Georgoff ’11 graduated with her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from BGSU in May 2021. She has been hired by the BGSU Center for Regional Development as the Community Placemaking Program Coordinator.

Tori Garlick ’14 graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Sara Brunner ’15 graduated from the College of Charleston (South Carolina) with her Master’s in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

Kyndra Gaines ’15 graduated from the University of Toledo with her Master of Public Health degree.

Maureen Hickey ’15 graduated in May 2021 from the University of Toledo with her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree, and she was one of the Valedictorians of her graduating class. She will be starting her pharmacy residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and plans to practice as a clinical pharmacist in a teaching hospital, working to serve underserved patient populations.

Alexa Smolinski ’15 was awarded an undergraduate research scholarship and funding to conduct her research project from the Nevada National Science Foundation.

Over the summer of 2021, Alexa researched the use of chemically exhausted biochar as a sustainable replacement for chemical fertilizers.

Emily Delvecchio ’16 graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights, and was honored as the SJHR Outstanding Campus Graduate.

Francesca Roan ’16 began law school at Michigan State University in the Fall of 2020.

Ann Marie Scazzero ’16 is in the midst of her second year of work on her master’s degree at Duke University. She is studying to be a Pathologist Assistant.

Stephanie Sherman ’16 took 16th place with a personalbest time of 33:25:31 in the 10,000-meter final in the NCAA Division I track and field championships at the University of Oregon last June. She qualified by racing a personal best time of 34:08:86 in the same distance at the NCAA East Regional Championships in Jacksonville.

Allis Dillon ’17 graduated magna cum laude from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

10s

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Anna Hinkle ’17 graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

EagleStory If you have an interesting story or event in your life, we would love to know about it.

Email us at alum@nda.org

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WOMEN OF VISION

Alumnae in the News

Autumn Maher ’17 was selected to receive the 2021 Student Leadership Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for her leadership and dedication to the student chapter at the University of Cincinnati.

Autumn serves as president of the ASCE at UC, and will graduate in 2022. She is also a member of Chi Epsilon, the civil engineering honor society.

Emily Pawlecki ’17 graduated from Miami University with her bachelor’s degree in social work. She’ll be spending the next two years teaching elementary school in the Washington DC region with Teach For America before attending the New York University School of Law. Sophie Rodgers ’17 graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in Exercise Science on a pre-physician assistant track. She was honored with the Outstanding Student Leader Award for the class of 2021. Sophie will complete a year of service with the Colorado Vincentian Volunteer Program, and also will serve at the Anchor Center, a school and therapy center for blind or visually impaired children.

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Julianna Sim ’17 graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and minors in Chemistry and Public Health.

Beginning in the fall of 2021, she will attend the UT College of Medicine and Life Sciences, studying health care policy.

Emma Van Winkle ’17 graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Professional Sales and Finance.

Sara Scazzero ’18 is a senior at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where she is majoring in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages).

She completed a six-week internship in Jordan over the summer, where she taught English to Iraqi refugee children.

After graduation, she plans to become a missionary overseas.

20s

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Erica Sacato ’21 was awarded the Alesi Scholarship, which is an award sponsored by the Alesi family for an NDA graduate who plans to pursue a career in a medical field. Erica is attending the University of Toledo and majoring in predentistry, and hopes to one day open her own dental practice.

In Memoriam Sr. Mary Maurus Labadie ’41 Jane (Comes) Marzano ’41 Marjorie (Mattimoe) Hutton ’44 Ruth (Beaudry) Bettinger ’45

We pray for the repose of your soul.

Betty (Bodenstedt) Pizza ’45 Mary Margaret (Heinl) Einhart ’46 Rita (Brown) Winand ’47 Beverly A. Domalski ’48 Catherine Orite ’48 Carolyn (Russell) Meehan ’49 Patricia (Auth) Simon ’49 Maureen (Redding) Williams ’49 Gloria (Jakcsy) Hall ’50 Patricia (Hodgson) Saffian ’50 Suzanne (Sanderson) Borgelt ’51 Philomena (Migliori) Horvath ’52 Suzanne (Brown) McNutt ’54 Geraldine (Krauser) Crouse ’55 Sr. Mary Mara Bennett ’56 Camille (Zyskowski) Siminiak ’57 Cynthia (Carrico) Holt ’58 Georgia Anne (Puhl) Sottek ’58 Kathleen (Amidon) Miller ’60 Barbara Rochelle ’61 Mary Catherine (Feyes) Thies ’62 Jacquelyn (Walczak) Muir ’69 Cynthia (Rossler) McLeod ’73 Doni (Dmytryka) Garbe ’86

IT’S WHAT NW OHIO GIRLS DO IN THE SUMMER!

Summer Academy

Our Summer Academy 2022 registration opens in January with Discovery, Academic, and Sports Camps for girls entering K-12.

Register early at NDA.org to receive the early bird discount.

These Eagles have dreams.

Discover how your daughter can achieve her dreams.

Visit NDA.org today to register for a personal tour or to be an Eagle for a Day. High School Placement Test Saturday, December 4 | 8:00 am Contact Mrs. Jamie Orians, Director of Admissions at admissions@nda.org or 419.725.1280.

GRADES 7-12 | BOLD. BRILLIANT. BEAUTIFUL. BLESSED.

B O L D . B R I L L I A N T. B E A U T I F U L . B L E S S E D .

Summer

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TOLEDO, OHIO PERMIT 535

3535 West Sylvania Avenue Toledo, Ohio 43623 Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame