Women of Vision Spring/Summer 2023

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 .

Spring/Summer 2023 | A publication of Notre Dame Academy

The Napoli family celebrates their legacy.

Gina ’23, Marisa ’13 and Ava ’25

2022-2023 Board of Trustees Mr. David Koenig - Chair Mrs. Stephanie DuPree Mrs. Kim Grilliot Sr. Jacquelyn Gusdane, SND Mrs. Rosanna (Violi) Hoelzle ‘03 Mrs. Kathleen Korducki Mrs. Shayla Bell Moriarty ‘02 Mrs. Anne Rex Mrs. Ann Riddle Mrs. Bridgett Root Mrs. Barbara (Backus) Roshon ‘79 Mr. Paul Spinazze Mrs. Jenny (Conrad) Swope ‘83 Mrs. Anna (Malone) Toney ‘04 Sr. Mary Nancy Vance, SND Mr. Dan Vining Mr. Jeff Wisniewski Mission Statement Notre Dame Academy, a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, educates in the tradition, vision, and principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame. We empower students to be intellectually curious, passionately faith-filled, and socially responsible servant leaders.

Vision Statement In the spirit of the Gospel, we foster globally minded women of vision who are bold, brilliant, beautiful, and blessed.

Art by Emersen Wilson ’27

Beyond proud!

DEAR NDA COMMUNITY, As the 2022-23 school year comes to a close, we are beyond proud to recognize the achievements of the NDA class of 2023.

These young women join the many thousands of alumnae who have graduated from NDA since 1904. As we look forward to celebrating NDA’s 120th year beginning in 2024, we are energized to continue the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame by empowering our students to be intellectually curious, passionately faith-filled and socially responsible servant leaders.

We also emphasize innovation, both in our programs at NDA, and our campus and facilities. This fall, we will introduce to the NDA community the results of our yearlong Strategic Planning initiative, and outline the plan for moving NDA forward to be the best we can be over the next five years. We continue to upgrade and enhance our building as part of the implementation phase of our Empowering Women ~ Transforming Lives campaign. This summer, we will install a new vent hood in our chemistry classroom. We will also be renovating our art classrooms, adding new student work stations and artwork display cases.

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On May 16, 129 young women of vision graduated and became members of the NDA alumnae community.

Their accomplishments speak for themselves – the class has earned scholarships and awards totaling more than $15 million, has been accepted to more than 111 different colleges and universities around the world, and has collectively served our community with more than 11,000 hours of service.

The legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and the institution that is Notre Dame Academy, guides us in everything we do. We honor the traditions of the Sisters and their vision for NDA, while at the same time ensuring that we will thrive in creating young women of vision for many generations into the future. We look forward to this journey, and invite you to join us for all of the innovations and blessings we believe the future holds for all of us at Notre Dame Academy.

Blessings,

KIM GRILLIOT PRESIDENT

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OUR LEGACY

The Berndt Family

(Front) Alicia (Berndt) Monday ’98 (Back l to r) Addison Monday ’26 Melissa (Berndt) Malinowski ’95 Sarah (Stough) Berndt ’72

An NDA education is the best there is, and Alicia believes there’s no better institution in Toledo. She learned how to work hard and multi-task - and found herself more than prepared for college and life after NDA.

Push yourself to do amazing things

By the time Alicia (Berndt) Monday ’98, started her freshman year at Notre Dame Academy, the family legacy of attending NDA was already well established - mom, Sarah (Stough) Berndt ’72, and three cousins (Denise Stough Henning ’86; Cheryl Stough ’88; and Dawn Wozniak Pleiman ’90) had paved the path for Alicia and her sister – Melissa (Berndt) Malinowski ’95.

Melissa was a senior when Alicia entered her freshman year. By watching her sister’s journey at NDA, Alicia witnessed firsthand the atmosphere of NDA, the education, sports and friendships made. She knew NDA was the right place for her, too.

“I saw my sister shine and grow at NDA and I wanted that for myself.

I also knew because of the faith-based focus of the school, that I could grow in my own Catholic faith and in my relationship with God.” Alicia was active in sports playing all four years on both the volleyball and softball teams. She takes pride in that NDA won the then-City League championships in softball all four years and credits Mrs. Joan Funk – her coach in both sports – for driving her to succeed both on and off the field. “Mrs. Funk is a wonderful person that I’m still fortunate to have in my life and catch up with from time to time.”

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Today, Alicia watches as her daughter, Addison, embarks on her own NDA journey as part of the class of 2026. Her hope for Addison is much like her own hopes all those years ago: challenge and push herself to do amazing and great things all while growing in faith and with God. Addison is now the fourth generation of the family to attend and Alicia - currently a member of the NDA Advancement Committee – hopes that legacy will continue for many generations to come.

“I feel so proud to be an NDA alumna. I want Addison to feel that same pride and send her own daughter here one day.

Thirty years from now, I hope our family is remembered for its servant leadership, giving our time and talent to serve the school community, and giving back to God for all that he’s blessed us with.”

The Zimmerman Family

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 .

Finding your

gift.

by Andrea (Zobler) Zimmerman ’96 When the Sisters of Notre Dame started Notre Dame Academy in 1904, they began a strong and vibrant legacy of educating young women. Every student that has walked these halls since those early days - including myself and my daughter, Zoe ‘25 - is part of the school’s legacy. Yet, the school is also part of OUR legacy, as well as that of faculty, staff, administration, parents and all those who support NDA. As I think back on my time from when I was a student at NDA in the 1990s, it conjures up many wonderful memories. The sisterhood is strong – I developed life-long friendships while attending NDA and these women have seen me through some of the biggest milestones of my life thus far. From standing next to me as I married my husband to visiting me after the birth of my children, we’ve celebrated together and they cheered me on when I became principal of NDA in 2020.

When I took the helm at NDA, I did so in a time of great uncertainty as a pandemic was all around us. However, I took comfort in those leaders who came before me - including Kim Grilliot, Sister Mary Ann Culpert SND ‘75, and Sister Carol Gregory SND ‘58 - and their faith in me to lead NDA forward. Together, we navigated the waters, continued to teach students, and made an impact.

(l to r) Zoe Zimmerman ’25 with her mother Andrea (Zobler) Zimmerman ’96, NDA Principal

Fast forward and now the class of 2023 has graduated, leaving me full of hope and excitement for what’s to come. NDA is in the midst of finalizing a new five-year strategic plan that we will formally announce later this year. The plan was created with valuable input from current students, faculty, staff, alumnae, parents and NDA supporters, and it builds upon the mission the Sisters laid out nearly 120 years ago: to empower students to be intellectually

curious, passionately faith-filled and socially responsible servant leaders.

Sister Carol once shared with me, “NDA is not our school. It’s the girls’ school.” I can’t help but reflect on that as I look toward the end of the 2022-23 school year and my 16th year at NDA. It’s in that spirit that I hope my legacy will be to guide our young women to find their gifts and use those gifts to transform the world.

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OUR LEGACY

The Napoli Family

YOU DON’T CHOOSE YOUR LEGACY

Selfless

by Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ‘13

The dog release of 1981 was caused by my mother.

It was a beautiful spring day, and NDA junior Annette Ziems was avoiding going back to class. As she turned the corner of the hallway, she locked eyes with a mangy pup just outside the door. Unbeknownst to Annette, the puppy made a decision in this moment. “This lady looks nice. This building looks nice. I must run amuck in this building, and this lady will help me.”

As Annette innocently opened the door to pet the puppy, unaware of its mischievous intentions, it ran past her and down the hall.

Within seconds, the puppy was out of sight.

Was it all an illusion? Was Annette asleep?

Class wasn’t that boring. Oh well. Annette needed to get back to class before the teacher realized how long she’d been gone.

Within moments of Annette getting back to her seat, a stern announcement came over the PA system. “Whoever knows anything about the dog that is in the school…come to the main office. Stay in your classrooms until we catch it.”

The series of events that followed were as such: Annette slunk deeper into her seat.

The brave Sisters of Notre Dame put their charism and spirit to noble use and chased the puppy around the halls, their habits blowing in the breeze.

No matter how hard they tried, no one ever learned how the puppy got into the building.

Until now.

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When I sat down to write an article about my family’s view on legacy at NDA, this is the first story that came to mind. No sentimental story about how my little sister, Gina, tried on my graduation cap in 2013, and she is about to wear her own in 2023.

No sweet tale about our other little sister, Ava, being held as a toddler by all of my friends throughout high school, and now actually being in high school. No. Right away, I decided I was going to tell my mom’s secret, a secret that she has held onto for 40 years. I have irrevocably forced my mother into the limelight, and in doing so, I have also told everyone how old my mother is.

(I’m a great daughter.)

I’m not sure why this is the first story I thought of when I heard the word “legacy.”

I mean really, what is a legacy? Here’s a little background to begin.

My mom, Annette (Ziems) Napoli, graduated from NDA in 1982, and met my dad, Joe Napoli, about 10 years later.

I am the oldest of five goofy kids: Danny, Michael, Gina, and Ava. We also have a dog named Max who would love to attend NDA (and my sisters would like to recreate the dog release of 1981, so who knows. Ava is certainly bold enough). 2022 marked the first year in our lives when the three of us girls were in the same school. Gina in the class of 2023, Ava in 2025, and I am the weirdo sister who gives them and their friends grades.

Yes, I have been their teacher. No, they did not get special treatment. Yes, I did hide in the closet and pop out at them when they walked into the classroom on more than one occasion.

Being a teacher at the school where my sisters attend is nothing short of awesome.

I got to see Gina run her first pep assembly, and Ava sing the chorus of “Fire Burning”

by Sean Kingston in front of the entire school. (Long story…but she rocked it.) I got to have them both as students in freshman English, which only made me love and admire them even more than I already do.

Gina is the student who feels bad for the teacher when no one is participating, so she raises her hand. Ava is the student who makes weird noises whenever she walks into a room.

They are both students that their teachers adore, and they both make the classmates around them feel safe and loved.

And that brings us back to the question about “legacy.” I finally realized: You don’t get to choose the legacy you leave.

A legacy is leaving your mark in some way, and it is important to leave something positive behind. People who leave a legacy aren’t focused on leaving one because they don’t even know that they are. My dad said, “People who are successful in life do it because they’re motivated to be contributors to something larger than

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themselves. It’s always selfless.” I love this idea, because that’s something that we see every day.

The NDA community is motivated to contribute to something bigger than itself: the values that the Sisters of Notre Dame hold dear. These values don’t have boundaries of time. They followed my mom when she was in high school, and now they follow her next generation. When I asked my family about legacy, it never crossed our minds that we might leave one, because we are already contributing to the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame. We cannot define our own legacy. But what keeps bringing us back to Notre Dame Academy? The legacy that the Sisters of Notre Dame started.

(Front) Gina Napoli ’23, and Ava Napoli ’25 (Back) Annette (Ziems) Napoli ’82, Joe Napoli, and Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ’13

“The people who aren’t focused on leaving a legacy are often the ones who do.”

Perhaps the reason I thought of my mom letting a dog into the school when I heard the word “legacy” is because I know what I’d like our legacy to be. A few goofballs who wandered the halls, let dogs into school, sang “Fire Burning” during an interview, led chants during pep assemblies, and made people smile while doing it.

But, again, that’s the thing about legacies… you don’t get to decide the legacy you leave.

Pretending that you do is like pretending that the Eagle Bowl (not made with actual eagles) isn’t the best meal at lunch. It’s much more important to focus on the here and now than to focus on a legacy that you may or may not leave. The people who aren’t focused on leaving a legacy are often the ones who do.

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OUR LEGACY

Part of our

identity.

The Jones Family

(Front) Carolyn (Pitzen) Jones ’56 and Angela (Miller) Jones ’83 (Back l to r) Morgan Jones ’14 and Maia Jones ’23

When Carolyn (Pitzen) Jones ’56 began her freshman year at Notre Dame Academy, she had no idea that her future daughter-in-law, Angela (Miller) Jones ’83, would follow the same path 25 years later, followed by her granddaughters, Morgan Jones ’14, and Maia Jones ’23.

“My mother loved the Sisters of Notre Dame, so this was where I was going to go,” Carolyn said, chuckling at the memory. “It was a wonderful place where the learning was tough, but we had a lot of fun.”

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In fact, NDA was one of the first bonding experiences that Carolyn and Angela had when they met. Angela recalls walking into her then-boyfriend, Doug’s, house for the first time and encountering Carolyn baking Christmas cookies. Later that evening, the two alumnae would swap stories about their times at NDA.

“NDA taught me to be myself and not be afraid to speak my mind or share my opinion. My voice deserves to be heard. As a female, I know that I have the right to have all the same opportunities as anyone else.”

M A IA J O N ES ‘23

“It became a special aspect of our relationship. We’re not only mother and daughter-in-law, but also sisters who share our NDA values and experiences,” Angela said.

For Angela, faith was a central part of her family, and her parents wanted her (along with her younger sister, Andrea Miller ’85) to attend NDA, where that faith was deeply woven into the environment.

“My parents liked NDA because the faith that was already in our home was also taught at school. I’ve carried that faith with me throughout my adult life and leaned into it through the ups and downs,” she said.

Friends and teachers are strong memories for Angela during her four NDA years.

She easily made friends and credits Mrs. Trish (Beazley) Sanders ‘71 for having an impact on her life. In fact, when she reflects on the legacy of NDA, she thinks of the faculty and their longevity in teaching at the school. “I was taught by many of the same teachers who have now taught my own daughters.”

Morgan agrees with her mom that NDA teachers are connected to positive memories for her. She was involved in the performing arts and a member of the speech team.

Mrs. Sanders was one of the first people Morgan met at NDA and became a huge support for her. She even would mention Angela to Morgan – which made Morgan feel even more connected to NDA. Maia – the 2023 graduate – has spent the last seven years on the school’s campus, starting as a 7th grader in the Junior Academy. She felt a sense of belonging at NDA and didn’t have to be anyone but herself. While she faced challenges, she too had the support she needed to succeed.

The McConnell Family

“We all went to NDA which, in turn, made the school feel that much more like a family. While I graduated from NDA almost 10 years ago, I continue to hold onto my values and that I am bold, brilliant, beautiful and blessed.

This place is a part of my identity, which I lean on to navigate this next phase of life - obtaining my master’s in counseling.”

MORGAN JON ES ‘14

She recalls Mrs. Laura Gallaher helping her to better understand a difficult lesson in the class. It was while mastering this lesson that Maia realized that NDA had helped to set her up for life beyond high school.

“The teachers made us feel important and empowered to learn, to grow and to ask the questions,” she said. “I’m proud to be a Jones and know I can get through anything!” Maia will head to Bowling Green State University this fall to study interior design.

While she’s excited to watch Maia start this next chapter, it’s also a time of reflection for Angela.

“There is something really special about having your daughters walk the same halls you did, yet experience it in their own way and in a different light,” Angela said.

“All of us – from Carolyn, to my girls, to myself – have a love for NDA that we carry with us and share with the world.”

The first time Karyn McConnell ’90 came to Notre Dame Academy wasn’t for Open House or a shadow day. Instead, it was to take the High School Placement Test. Her mom was a local educator and believed that NDA would be the perfect fit for her daughter. And – as moms always are – she was right.

Karyn’s four years at the academy were filled with fun and laughter. Yes, it was hard and a lot of work, but Karyn and her friends had many good times and created lasting memories.

She took advantage of what NDA had to offer including serving as captain of the track team and as treasurer of student council her senior year. However, Karyn’s biggest accomplishment – and part of the legacy she left at the Academy – was as the founding member of the African American Club.

“We ‘grew up’ in the process of creating a new club. We had to submit proposals and budgets, and meet with the administration to present our case for a new club and what it would bring to NDA. It was a life-changing experience to be part of that,” Karyn said.

Karyn McConnell ’90 and Lauryn Hancock ’26

She credits NDA in helping her develop those critical leadership skills that she continues to use today.

“The Sisters of Notre Dame prepared us for life beyond high school and allowed me to become the woman I am today. Now I have the opportunity to watch my own daughter walk the same halls, wear the same plaid skirts, and even have some of the same teachers.

It’s incredible to watch her grow and develop into a strong, young woman,” Karyn said.

Lauryn is part of the class of 2026 and jokes that, while her mom served as a big influence to attend NDA, it was really her late grandmother who pushed her to attend. “She told me it was the best school so that’s where I was going to go,” Lauryn said, laughing at the memory.

Lauryn knows the impact her mom made at NDA. In fact, she’s not only

following in her mom’s footsteps, but also walking beside those prints to create her own path. Lauryn is a starter on the varsity soccer team, runs track and field, is a member of the African American Club herself, and hopes to serve on student council in the future.

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Learning and laughter go hand-in-hand

“I always loved hearing my mom’s stories about her NDA adventures, and now it’s cool to be here myself,” Lauryn said.

For Karyn, it was a fullcircle moment when Lauryn started at NDA as a 7th grader in the Junior Academy. She doesn’t worry about her daughter, because she knows she’s getting not only the best education, but also has the support around her to succeed.

“The tagline of Bold.

Brilliant. Beautiful. Blessed. encapsulates NDA perfectly.

I’m a proud NDA alumna and a proud parent as I watch Lauryn succeed and grow,” she said.

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OUR LEGACY

Literature and Language

English faculty leaves a long lasting legacy

Fostering Student Success ombined, the NDA English Department faculty has more than 140 years of teaching young women all about literature and language.

They not only possess a wealth of experience and knowledge but provide valuable guidance and mentorship to both students and faculty alike. They’re not just colleagues but family to each other. Together, the English department works as a team to develop and refine curriculum and create a stable and consistent academic environment that fosters student success. Recently, several of our English teachers sat down and talked about their time teaching, the legacy they hoped to leave, and some of their favorite and most cherished memories.

For those of you who are an alumna, what drew you back into a teaching role at NDA? Lindsay Sutton ’01: Coming back here felt like coming home.

When I was a student, we had wonderful discussions and you could be yourself in your classes, and I remember there were so many different kinds of electives that you could take to explore and grow. It made me want to be part of that again from a faculty perspective.

Laura Gallaher English Department Chair 41 years

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Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ’13: As a student, I loved the opportunities available and found everything so exciting to get involved in. When I was searching for a job, NDA came to mind because of the opportunities for continuous learning and the chance to learn from the people who had taught me as a student.

The English department was the reason why I pursued Language Arts and English, and I wanted to come back to where it all began.

I also admired the administration here, which made it an easy choice to come back. Additionally, my sisters [attend NDA] now, and I’ve never been in the same building as them because there’s 10 to 12 years between us. It’s a coming full circle moment.

What is your reason for staying at NDA for the years you have?

Laura Gallaher: NDA administration is not only supportive but they’ve given us the freedom and autonomy to develop curriculum that we feel is appropriate and meaningful to students. On top of that, the culture and dynamics of the girls is remarkable. I really believe in ‘girl power’ and feel that girls represent what’s right in the world. That doesn’t mean that boys represent what’s wrong! Rather, I look at our students and see community, nurturing, emotions…then mix that with a strong education and I feel like “What can’t we do?!” The students amaze me, and I have such affection for them and my colleagues.

Jean (Christ) Walker ’82: Several years ago, I had an opportunity to leave NDA for another [job] opportunity and my husband asked me, “Will you be happy there?” I thought about it and realized I wouldn’t!

A significant portion of my life has been spent at NDA. I genuinely like where I am; I love my students and what I teach. I have support from the administration, and our students want and choose to be here to learn and grow. I continuously learn about who I am as a person and who I want to be…I’m not there yet.

Jean (Christ) Walker ’82 31 years

Chip Smith: There are three main reasons why I continue to teach at NDA. First, it has allowed me to grow as a professional – Laurie (department chair) is wonderful, and the administration is incredibly supportive of us.

Second, as a parent, I want my children to attend a place where they will become better people. I have two girls [attending NDA] and knew this school was the right choice for us.

NDA focuses on developing students as holistic individuals which is important to me. Lastly, the people here are amazing. I love teaching and working with them, and there’s not a better school than this. It truly is an amazing place. Currently, I have both my 7th and 9thgrade daughters in my class, and it’s a joy to have them here.

When we think about legacy, what do you see yours being at NDA? Jean (Christ) Walker ’82: When I reflect on what I want my legacy to be, I would say that I want my students to remember me as the teacher who made them laugh. Also, it’s important for me to share my passion for books and literature with my students, and I have always strived for them to have a positive and enjoyable experience when in my classroom. Laughter is such an important part of learning, and I hope that I can leave my students with a lasting impression of joy and laughter that they will forever associate with books.

Laura Gallaher: I want my NDA legacy to center around being an advocate for my students to become better communicators.

I want my students to remember me as someone who taught them to appreciate and use literature in positive ways and to use language and words in a way that positively impacts others. I hope I inspire my students to become lifelong readers and learners, always striving to enhance their communication skills and their ability to express themselves in the best way.

Lindsay Sutton ’01: I hope to be remembered for creating a safe and welcoming environment in my classroom [so that] students feel valued and respected . . . I also hope to inspire students who may not typically enjoy English to find value and interest in the subject. It is special to me when I hear a student say, “I don’t like English, but I like your class.”

I hope to make English class accessible and enjoyable for all of my students, regardless of their background or previous experiences with the subject.

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Jean (Christ) Walker ’82: I have a deep connection to NDA. My grandmother, mother, two older sisters, and one younger sister are all proud graduates. When it was time for me to head off to high school, I wanted to go with my friends from the neighborhood. My dad had other ideas and chose NDA for me! It was the best decision I never made! To me, Notre Dame is family; it feels like home. And that’s what drew me back to teach here. I remember my freshman year and being in English class with Sr. Mary Delores Gatlif SND ‘68. She helped me discover my poetic voice and encouraged me to use it! When I came back to NDA nine years later to teach, she was still here and still encouraging me to use my voice, this time to teach. The teachers and community are supportive and vested in each other.

Chip Smith: I want my students to look back and feel that I made a positive impact on their lives. Also, that I helped them become a better person. I always want to inspire our students to reach their potential and realize that there’s always more in the tank. I strive to create a learning environment that is both challenging and fun, where my students feel encouraged to take risks and explore new ideas and enjoyed the learning process along the way.

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OUR LEGACY

English

Lindsay Sutton ’01 16 years

Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ’13: When I think about what I want my legacy to be, two things come to mind. I want my students to remember me as someone who made learning English fun and engaging. I believe in scaffolding my lessons in a way that allows students to build on their knowledge and feel a sense of accomplishment. I also want my classroom to be a place where my students feel safe to be themselves. It’s important to me that my students feel understood and heard, and that they know that their unique perspectives and ideas are valued.

What is a favorite memory or highlight of your time teaching at NDA? Lindsay Sutton ’01: A big highlight for me is that I met my husband here! He used to teach science [at NDA], and the intrigue of that dynamic created an interesting year. Obviously, that had a truly significant impact on my life. Another highlight was when the class of 2015 would commonly and spontaneously burst into singing the alma mater. Those were fun moments that really showed the spirit and pride of our school community. All of the moments have made my time teaching here special and memorable.

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Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ’13: I have many highlights and memories. Having my sisters with me allowed me to learn about them, their friends and their experiences, making me become more understanding and empathetic towards them. Additionally, each year brings a new group of students who are unique and different in their own ways.

An example of that is: before Covid, group work was a natural activity for students to engage in. However, after Covid, I have been challenged to think of new and creative ways to engage students in that type of classroom work. However, the autonomy we have as teachers to adapt and change our teaching approach to cater to the different needs of each class has been empowering.

Lastly, one of my favorite memories is that whenever my students say something that really makes me laugh or strikes me as funny, I write it down and put it up on my podium. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to appreciate the humor and personality of my students, and it always brings a smile to my face.

Jean (Christ) Walker ’82: A favorite memory - it’s hard to pick just one! – was with the class of 2010. We used to have a Camp Senior night where the senior class would camp outside the school. Well, that year, the girls snuck over to my house in the middle of the night and left quotes by Walt Whitman on my front porch and driveway. I still remember one of the quotes they used.

“Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged / Missing me one place search another / I stop somewhere waiting for you.” It meant a lot to me because the girls knew and recognized that he is a favorite author of mine, and it was such a wonderful thing to wake up to that morning.

Chip Smith: There aren’t specific events that I think about, rather it’s the collection of small moments that have made this place so special to me. Recently, my father-in-law passed away and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the students.

Many of them reached out to me via email to offer their condolences and let me know they were thinking of me. It’s moments like these that show the true character of our students and community. It’s these small acts of kindness and compassion that make this place feel like a family.

Laura Gallaher: A favorite memory of my time here was when I was awarded the Golden Apple Award. It was such a huge honor to be recognized for what I do, and the essays that people wrote in support of me were incredibly touching.

It was a reminder of how much the little things matter in teaching. Another favorite memory of my time here was when one of my former students, Rashada “Tina” Chaudhary, ’97, wrote and directed a play and invited me to see it when it was showcased at the University of Michigan.

She was such an entertaining student and ended up being a creative writing major.

To see her work come to life like that was amazing, and there was even a shout out to me personally which was a really special moment.

I hope my legacy is that my classroom was a place where everyone felt like they could be themselves and where everyone felt heard.

Kelly Wood 14 Years

KELLY WOOD

Chip Smith 11 years

Julie Sells 21 Years

How does NDA continue the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame today?

Lindsay Sutton ’01: The Sisters’ legacy lives on in multiple ways. My daughters attend Maria Early Learning Center [which shares a campus with NDA], and a few of the Sisters regularly interact with the children and to talk to them about Bible stories which brings a sense of comfort and kindness to the school. Another way I see their legacy in action is when I come into NDA through the chapel after dropping my girls off. I watch as the Sisters go off to do their jobs or volunteer for the day, and it reminds me of the Sisters’ presence and their commitment to their work.

Chip Smith: The Sisters’ legacy lives on through their impact, which can be seen and felt by all of us who interact with them. Each Sister has something unique and special that permeates and creates a lasting impression.

I can’t verbalize it, but I see it in my kids.

Their impact and legacy are undeniable and continue to shape the lives of those who experience them.

I hope my legacy is that the young women are more informed and engaged as to how communication affects their vision of the world.

Laura Gallaher: The Sisters are renowned for their unwavering integrity and intellectual curiosity, refusing to take shortcuts and expecting nothing less from others. I strive to rise to the challenge of those standards and they pushed me - even when I didn’t think I was ready – to become department chair!

Their steadfast commitment to educating women of vision continues to be their lasting legacy today.

Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ’13: The Sisters’ legacy is one of servant leadership and a deep commitment to service.

You can see this first hand by the service experiences, including the Appalachia trip, a trip that I love. The Sisters have a reputation for being prepared and ready to help and instill in each of us the will to serve others. Service is at the heart of everything the Sisters do, and their caring and compassionate approach creates an environment that fosters a spirit of generosity towards others. Their legacy is rooted in their dedication to servant leadership and their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

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 .

Marisa (Napoli) Spinazze ’13 6 years

JULIE SELLS

11

OUR LEGACY

Athletics

Pam (Niedermeier) Edgell ’73 and Diane (Comes) Clark ’75

No better place to be

When Pam (Niedermeier) Edgell ’73 graduated from Notre Dame Academy, her high school years had ended, but her time at NDA was just beginning. While she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in physical education and health at the University of Toledo, she remained engaged with NDA as a coach for one of the intramural basketball teams. As she readied to graduate from UT, then-Principal Sr. Patricia called her with a job offer – to become NDA’s next physical education teacher. Pam didn’t need to think twice – her answer was a resounding, “Yes!”

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Over the next 46 years, Pam would not only teach but also grow NDA’s athletic programs to what they are today. Her athletic director tenure began right as NDA was set to join the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and the Toledo City League with its first two sports: tennis and track. One of her first assignments was to find coaches for both sports. Hiring a track coach was easy, but tennis proved otherwise, leading Pam to become the tennis coach for the next 17 years.

A resounding “Yes!” “I grew and thrived here. My entire career has been at NDA. “I love being here,” she said. “NDA is a special family where there’s unwavering support. It’s been an honor to watch so many girls over the years grow and become these women of vision. There is no better place to be.”

Both Pam and Diane have seen a lot of changes over the years, from the growth in academic options, to advancements in technology, to the makeup of faculty and staff. When Pam first began teaching and coaching at NDA, she was one of only a few lay faculty members. Yet, through all the transitions, one thing remains – the support for athletics is steadfast. Pam credits Sr. Carol for her support over the years in building the athletics program. “There was no bigger cheerleader for our students, faculty and staff than Sr. Carol.”

Pam spent 32 years as NDA’s athletics director before retiring from that role in 2010. She was inducted into the Toledo City League Hall of Fame that same year.

She continues to teach phys ed, health, and Link Crew at NDA. The fifth generation of Diane’s family is now attending NDA, as her great niece is going into her senior year and will graduate in 2024. It’s that legacy that will always keep Diane a part of NDA, even long after she retires.

Diane (Comes) Clark ’75 echoes Pam in that NDA is a special place. While Diane didn’t start working at NDA until 1990, she remained connected to the school. She was attending an alumnae board meeting at the end of the 1989-90 school year when Sr. Carol Gregory – then the school principal – asked if she’d be interested in the assistant athletic director position.

The position was open after Judy Cousino had moved into the Dean of Students role.

Diane was excited and ready to join NDA in a professional capacity. After a few years, she would add another title to her job –

“I feel so blessed.”

AP and standardized testing coordinator – a position that lets her use her strong organizational skills to operate most of the standardized testing for the school.

“I was in the right place at the right time and I feel so blessed by that. I love NDA and put my whole being into my many roles at NDA. It’s truly a special place,” Diane said.

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 .

Go out and conquer the world

“NDA is ingrained in me and has been a part of my life forever. NDA continues to create strong women who go out and conquer the world,” Diane said.

There is a unique synergy at NDA like nowhere else, Pam shared. The supportive environment and work-together mindset of parents, teachers, staff and students is what has kept her at NDA all these years. She recalls how the school community rallied with excitement when the basketball team made its first trip to regionals back in the late 1980s.“We had three buses of students, and all the faculty went to support the girls.”

It’s that sense of community that has become part of Pam’s own legacy here.

“Anytime I have an alumna reach out, it’s very special for me. I love being at NDA and I hope when people remember me, that love of NDA is what shines through the most,” she said.

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OUR LEGACY

International Program

family

Part of the Brittany (McMahon) Craig ’00 reconnects with Jasmin (Holl) Holtz Brittany (McMahon) Craig ’00 was an NDA junior when she met Jasmin (Holl) Holtz, an international student from Germany who was attending NDA for the semester. Brittany met Jasmin during their shared lunch period, and the two instantly connected.

“Jasmin was originally hosted by another family, but because of their busy travel sports schedule, they were not able to host her in the manner they thought they could. Jasmin told me about her predicament, so I went to the payphone and called my mom, asking her if I could bring a friend home for dinner,” recalls Brittany.

After Jasmin left their house that night, Brittany looked at her parents and asked, “‘What do you think?

Can she live with us?!’ My parents adored her, and we quickly welcomed her to our home.”

Although Brittany was not studying German, her mom, Marcy (Gross) McMahon ’67, had some recollection of it from high school.

Over the years, Brittany and Jasmin stayed in touch via social media, as well as emails and holiday and birthday cards. Then, when COVID started, they began to connect by video chat. “Our countries were addressing the pandemic so differently. Sharing our strategies and coping mechanisms certainly helped broaden our understanding,” reflects Brittany.

But last year, the two were finally able to reconnect in person. “It was spur of the moment. Jasmin reached out asking to visit. I think the time of year had her yearning the memories of her fall semester in the states,” Brittany shares. “She’s part of our family, and we were so happy to have her visit!”

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The last time the two had seen each other was at the wedding of classmate Ashley (Moore) Harris ’00.

“But as soon as we jumped in the car from the airport, we picked right back up! It was like nothing changed!”

During Jasmin’s visit to the States, they gathered with many friends during a rather short amount of time.

The two hope to connect in Germany for their next visit.

“The memories we made and the stories we still laugh about are abundant and fill our hearts with so much joy.”

“Jasmin’s time at NDA was short – only a semester.

But the memories we made and the stories we still laugh about are abundant and fill our hearts with so much joy! When she visits, we are like two school girls up late squeezing every last inch of the hour to catch up,” says Brittany.

Jasmine with German students attending NDA during the 2022-2023 school year.

> Jasmin (Holl) Holtz (second from right) with her host family from 1998: Brian and Marcia (Gross) McMahon ‘67 and Brittany (McMahon) Craig ‘00

freude So viel 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 .

MADDY NILES ART GALLERY

[S o mu ch joy ]

15

OUR LEGACY

Theology Program

Sparking curiosity with Amanda (Martis) Mariasy ’11 Tell us about your time at NDA? What is a favorite memory from when you were a student?

It’s incredibly hard for me to choose just one memory from my time as a student at NDA. My class did so many fun things! From buying Mr. Kay a piece of Ireland to performing a flash mob in the dining hall during spirit week, we were always up to something! One memory that truly stands out was spray painting a sign that said “NDA: Now accepting boys!” and placing it in front of the school on senior prank day!

Where did your journey take you once you graduate?

After I graduated, I completed my bachelor and master degrees at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

I taught at an all-girls school in that area for two years before returning home and starting my role as a teacher at NDA. How did you decide that Theology was what you wanted to teach?

My biggest educational passion is teaching World Religions. One of my best friends from childhood is Muslim, and that friendship really sparked my love for learning about religions that I was not raised in. To be able to continue studying and learning about other religious traditions pushed me to pursue Theology degrees.

What made you want to come back to teach at NDA? I truly loved my time as a student at Notre Dame Academy, and wanted to continue expanding the world views of its students.

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What do you hope to teach girls who take your World Religions class?

Why is it important that NDA offer such a course here?

“...learning about other religious traditions pushed me to pursue Theology degrees.”

I believe that World Religions is one of the most important classes that students can take at NDA. Most of our students have been raised in a single-religion household, so when they head out into the posthigh school world, they start to experience new traditions, customs and religions. I want to equip my students with the basic knowledge of some of these traditions to foster empathy and interreligious dialogue.

As you reflect on the past and look to the future, what legacy do you hope to leave here at NDA? My one goal is to spark my students’ curiosity and empathy. I wish for them to stay curious and ask tough questions, while remembering to lead with empathy and fight for justice.

The Arts

Through this program, she was able to work for major companies including Procter & Gamble, Aaptiv, and Skechers – in Cincinnati, as well as New York and Los Angeles – to experience what living in other areas of the country might be like. But Katie graduated from college in May 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, so she spent the first several months after college freelancing and working from her parents’ home in Toledo.

Katie Ryder ’15 always knew she was extremely interested in the Arts, she just wasn’t sure of how she could translate that interest into a career.

She studied four years of visual arts classes at NDA, including IB Art I and II her junior and senior years. But it wasn’t until Katie was introduced to Photoshop in a graphic design class at NDA that she started to clearly see her career prospects coming into focus.

“I actually liked that there was a correct way to do things with graphic design – there were rules to follow,” shares Katie. “I liked the structure, and finding solutions.”

After graduating from NDA in 2015, Katie chose to study graphic communication design at the University of Cincinnati in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP). The program at UC appealed to her because of the five mandatory co-ops that were required along with the coursework. “There were five full years, year-round, of a semester of classes alternated with a co-op semester,” Katie explains.

I love getting to be creative for a job. It feels like exactly the right path for me.

But adventure was calling to her, and Katie realized it would be easier to find a job if she were already in the city where she was searching – so she moved to Denver.

Within a couple of weeks, Katie was hired for not only one, but two full-time roles: as lead graphic designer with SnackCrate, a delivery service that features international snack boxes, and as lead designer for Foil, Inc., an electric hydrofoil company – owned by the same entrepreneur who developed SnackCrate.

Katie enjoys living in Denver, and she is fulfilled by her professional roles. “I see what my friends are doing in business, and it feels like it involves a lot of math, or looking at spreadsheets,” reflects Katie. “I love getting to be creative for a job. It feels like exactly the right path for me.”

Art by Katie Ryder

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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 .

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 right path for me

OUR LEGACY

The Arts

tephanie Sim ’15 chose to attend NDA because of the school’s strong program in the arts.

“Visual art was always my favorite subject growing up,” she shares. Yet both NDA’s robust visual and performing arts offerings opened up a new world for her.

And Stephanie certainly took advantage of the opportunities available to her at NDA – she performed in the fall musical and the spring play, sang in the choir and NDA’s acapella group, competed as a member of the speech and debate team, and studied visual and performing arts in her NDA classes.

Although the visual arts were always her first love, Stephanie initially looked into other fields for a potential career, worrying that a future in the arts would be uncertain. “But I missed art so much that I couldn’t ignore it anymore, which led to a revelation that I wanted to work in animation,” she explains. It would be a perfect blend of theatrical storytelling and visual art.

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Monster Talent

As an NDA senior, Stephanie was granted permission to double up and take both years of International Baccalaureate (IB) art classes in one year so she could work on developing her art portfolio for college. “It was nearly impossible, but I did it – and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat,” she offers.

The intense work paid off, and Stephanie was accepted into the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design, where she earned her bachelor of fine arts degree. While there, Stephanie also discovered a love for writing, so she added a creative writing minor to her course of study.

After graduating from U of M in 2019, Stephanie worked as a graphic designer at a marketing firm and a bookseller at Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor before moving to California in 2021 to look for work in animation. She persisted in her job search until she was hired as a production assistant at Nickelodeon Animation Studio on the TV series Monster High.

In this role, Stephanie juggles numerous tasks to keep the animation pipeline moving, including tracking feedback on storyboards, assisting voice actor recording sessions, and facilitating communication between Nickelodeon and their partner animation studio overseas. She is able to see each episode develop through the script, storyboard, animatic, and animation stages, all the way until the final product airs on TV. “It’s been very demanding, but I’ve learned so much about how production works, and that knowledge makes me a better writer,” shares Stephanie.

Monster High was recently greenlit for a second season, and the most exciting development for Stephanie has been the opportunity to write episodes for Season 2 as a freelance writer. Stephanie plans to continue writing for animated TV in the future and ultimately hopes to create and showrun her own TV series someday.

“Each of the arts at NDA played a key role in helping me discover my passions, develop my skills, and gain the confidence to keep pursuing my dreams,” she says. “The support from the teachers and students in the NDA arts community made it a wonderful place to freely explore all my interests, and I’m so thankful to NDA for helping me get to where I am today.”

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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 .

OUR LEGACY

May Crowning

A beautiful thing Traditions are a key part of everything we do at Notre Dame Academy: the Kairos retreat, a rite of passage for our young women as they become seniors.

The Junior Induction ceremony, when juniors receive their class rings and become upperclasswomen. Graduation and the Senior Mother Daughter luncheon. Even the tradition of chocolate chip cookies at lunch.

But our most enduring and meaningful tradition is Notre Dame Day - the day we honor Mary, Our Mother, with our May Crowning ceremony.

This year, with Claire Tam ‘23 crowning Mary, Julia Nester ‘23 carrying the crown, and Grace Lowe ‘23 carrying the cross, we recognized Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

The beautiful thing about traditions is that they can be a part of Notre Dame Academy’s history and a family’s history - and that’s the case for all three of the students on this year’s May Crowning Court.

In the early 1990s, Claire, Julia, and Grace’s mothers were all a part of these senior class traditions at NDA. In 1990, Claire’s mom, Christina (Pacio) Tam ‘90, was awarded the Bishop’s Cross at graduation. The Bishop’s Cross is the highest honor bestowed upon any graduate of a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Toledo. A few years later, Grace’s mom, Lori (Kuyoth) Lowe ‘93, carried the cross at May Crowning in 1993 and also was awarded the Bishop’s Cross at graduation. And the year after that, Julia’s mom, Tammi (Grove) Nester ‘94, carried the crown at May Crowning in 1994.

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The May Crowning Court (l to r) Julia Nester ’23, Claire Tam ’23 and Grace Lowe ’23

“May Crowning was one of my favorite memories from NDA, and I was so excited for my daughter to get to experience it.”

LORI (KUYOTH) LOWE ‘93 GRACE’S MOTHER

“I was so proud when Grace was given the honor of carrying the cross! I feel she had to do a little more than I did to earn this position. When I carried the cross [in 1993], I was so focused on what I was supposed to be doing, I wasn’t fully present. But while watching Grace and the rest of her classmates, I was able to fully focus and was very emotional at the beauty of the entire service. I know this will be one of her highlights of her years at NDA - and definitely mine.”

Our Father (Spanish) Claudia Ramirez Hail Mary (Romanian) Julia Ellis Hail Mary (Twi) Pearl Ohene-Larbi & Danielle Donkor Hail Mary (Latin) Sophia Sorenson Hail Mary (Spanish) Luisa Guerrero ABOVE Tammi (Grove) Nester ‘94, mother of Julia Nester, pictured second from the right, carried the crown in NDA’s 1994 May Crowning.

LEFT Christina (Pacio) Tam ‘90, mother of Claire Tam, was awarded the Bishop’s Cross at graduation in 1990.

Pictured with Sr. Carol Gregory SND ‘58.

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 .

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 .

In keeping with tradition, during the May Crowning rosary, the prayers were said in the many languages of the world by members of the senior class.

Hail Mary (Arabic) Marcel Gammoh Hail Mary (Japanese) Maya Fister Hail Mary (Urdu) Sanina Khan Hail Mary (Tagalog) Janelle Erich Suarez Hail Mary (Polish) Katherine Hoyt Hail Mary (French) Keira Spielvogel Glory Be (Spanish) Claudia Ramirez

Lori (Kuyoth) Lowe ‘93, mother of Grace Lowe, pictured above right, carried the cross in NDA’s 1993 May Crowning.

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OUR LEGACY

Fostering Student Leaders

Appalachia

Rural Health Initiative

he Legacy of Fostering Servant Leaders As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame (SND), NDA operates within the Sister’s tradition, vision, and principles. Their educational vision states, “Impelled by Jesus Christ and his mission and our rich educational heritage, we provide a Catholic-Christian environment of educational excellence for the transformation of individuals and society. We form persons who are skilled and committed to journey together in hope as witnesses and catalysts for the responsible care of all God’s creation and for justice and peace, especially for those on the margins of society.”

Notre Dame Academy’s rich heritage of service flows from this vision as we support our students to become socially responsible servant leaders. Our students understand that one’s words, actions, and social standing have power.

To be a servant leader is to use that power for the good of humankind.

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International Service

Called to say yes

NDA aims to empower students to seek out service opportunities and create meaningful, transformative experiences.

Legacy Trips Appalachia For more than 30 years, NDA students host a special Christmas party for families living in the Appalachian Mountains.

Rural Health Initiative Now in its second year, the rural healthcare student immersion experience brings together students from SND-sponsored schools.

International Service Since 2012, NDA has provided an opportunity for students to travel to underserved nations and spend a week in prayer, service, and community. Coordinated through Catholic Heart Work Camps, students work to spread God’s goodness and provident care.

That’s more than

Service Hours

262

The Class of 2023 performed more than

11,000

Students are exposed to the challenges and joys of providing medical care to rural populations.

hours.

hours every month over the past 3 1/2 years.

Lindsey has grown in her faith and now helps cultivate NDA’s young women of vision. She discerned her calling to teach theology while a student at NDA’s Junior Academy. “It was in the JA that I realized the breadth and beauty of the Catholic faith.”

She also had her first experience of missionary service the summer before 9th grade, working in migrant ministry with the Sisters of Notre Dame. She spent her days tutoring migrant students, and meeting their social, emotional, and physical needs.

Lindsey was drawn to the Sisters’ dedication to service. “I was inspired by the stories of [SND foundresses] Hildegonde and Lisette and the spirit of all of NDA’s faculty and staff. I realized the impact a teacher can have, and that they are so much more to their students than a source of knowledge.”

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 .

Campus Ministry

On the wall behind the desk of Lindsey Bronder-Krile ’16, NDA’s co-director of Campus Ministry, a banner reads: “We plant the seeds that one day will grow.”

As a young faculty member at NDA, Lindsey sees the spirit of the Sisters at NDA. “I realize that I’m still being taught by the Sisters, through their support and guidance.”

Service continues to be important to Lindsey. Although she never traveled to Appalachia as a student, she accompanied 40 NDA students last December. “I was inspired by our students – their hearts are so big. I was touched to watch them passing the joy of Christmas on to the families we visited.”

Working at NDA is more than a job for Lindsey – it’s her calling. “I was called to say yes, just as Mary was.”

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OUR LEGACY

SchoolNews

Teacher of Teachers

Trish (Beazley) Sanders ’71

Rowing World Record For more than 36 years, Mrs. Trish Sanders ministered to students at Notre Dame Academy in various roles such as English teacher, Speech and Drama coordinator, Speech and Debate Team moderator, Musical/Play director, and served many years as department chair of the Arts program.

Row for 64 hours? That’s no problem for the Notre Dame Academy Rowing Team.

Composed of 22 Eagle rowers, these Eagles set out to break the Concept2 world record for large team longest continual row, and that’s just what they did over President’s Day Weekend.

“As soon as I sent the text out to the team asking who was interested in the opportunity – the responses were immediate,” said Maya Fister ‘23, who organized the attempt.

The world record was more than just being able to say that they did it, but also a way to promote team bonding prior to the start of their spring season.

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FUN FACT

The rowing world record post was viewed by more than 13,000 people.

Fister organized the schedule, assigned time slots, and maintained the time logs, but she wasn’t alone. With support and supervision from NDA Rowing Coaches, Catherine Sprague ‘12 and Emily Mills ‘10, the school’s resource center and senior lounge were open for rowers to stay overnight from Friday through Monday evening.

Coach Sprague adds, “I want our team to succeed in racing, but I also want them to be able to look back years from now and remember that their high school rowing careers weren’t just about working hard and aiming to win, but also about connecting with their teammates as people.”

This year, the Father Bernard Overberg “Teacher of Teachers” Award Winner was added to that already impressive list.

The Teachers of Teachers award, from the Sisters of Notre Dame, recognized her as an educator who demonstrated exceptional inspirational impact on the formation and professional learning of teachers, and for her dedication and commitment to the Notre Dame charism, spirit and mission in her professional community and among all her ministers.

The selection committee was impressed and inspired by Mrs. Sanders’ work and success through both her SND ministry and throughout her daily life. Her accomplishments were appreciated and were important in the support and promotion of the Gospel values of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Mrs. Sanders was one of three educators to win this award in all of the Sisters of Notre Dame sponsored schools across the nation.

Editor’s Note: At press time, we had just learned of Mrs. Trish Sanders’ passing on June 3, 2023. All of us in the Notre Dame Academy community will miss her tremendously.

Please look for a full tribute to her memory in an upcoming Women of Vision magazine.

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Keeping students motivated

To help keep students energized and motivated during the longest stretch of the school year without a break, leadership created a way to keep students engaged. Enter The March Challenge.

NDA’s 32 TCBs were split into four regions: Galloway, Zimmerman, Busse, and Corrigan. Each region gained points through activities testing all student types at NDA - athletic, academic, and artistic.

Through activities like Knockout, TCB door decorating & talent videos, Career Week participation, raising money for Rice Bowls, and studying on Edmentum, students earned points to advance to the Feathered Four.

From there, the Feathered Four prepared to battle it out to become the Inaugural NDA March Challenge Winners. In the end it was Mrs. Huffman from the Busse Region who came out on top and secured the win.

Katherine Hoyt

VALEDICTORIAN

SALUTATORIAN

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 .

If you visited Notre Dame Academy during the month of March, you would have noticed that the hallways were decorated in pink, yellow, orange, and green rather than the usual blue and gold.

Maya Fister

(Left to right) Grace Crowell SND Distinguished Graduate Gina Napoli Blue & Gold Spirit Award Carlie Kukiela President’s Award Kathryn Bissell BISHOP’S CROSS

$15+

million in scholarships

111 11,150

Accepted to

colleges and universities hours of community service 25

OUR LEGACY

Advancement News

Celebrating Women of Vision

Mad about plaid! otre Dame Academy celebrated Mad for Plaid on Friday, February 24 at Notre Dame Academy.

This year’s event raised more than $216,000. Over the past seven years Mad for Plaid has raised more than $1.6 million to support NDA’s many programs and student scholarships, helping to empower our students to be intellectually curious, passionately faith-filled, socially responsible servant leaders.

Students served appetizers and a sit-down dinner. The evening included a performance by the NDA choir, silent auction, $5,000 cash raffle, a student speaker and the 2023 Alumnae Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Mad for Save the Date February 23, 2024 Notre Dame Academy

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Mad for Plaid 2023 raised more than $216,000.

E N D OWED SCHOLA RSHI PS

2023 Hall of Fame Wendi Huntley ’83 & Ray’Chel Wilson ’15

Igniting love.

Wendi Huntley ‘83 was awarded the Service Leadership Award. Wendi is the president of Connecting Kids to Meals (CKTM).

CKTM fights childhood hunger by providing hot, nutritious meals at no cost to kids ages 18 and under in low-income and underserved areas of northwest Ohio.

Professional Achievement Ray’Chel Wilson ’15 received the Professional Achievement Award.

Ray’Chel is the youngest alumna ever to be inducted into NDA’s Hall of Fame. She is a self-proclaimed “Teacher 2.0,” challenging the norms of education and what it means to teach the whole person.

When Patricia Roth ’61 crowned Our Lady at May Crowning, she couldn’t have known how many lives she would impact throughout her life.

After graduating from NDA, Patricia earned her PhD in Nursing Education and went on to establish the Doctor of Nursing program at the University of San Diego. Over a 40-year career, she dedicated herself to helping prepare many young professionals for the medical field.

In recent years, Patricia contacted NDA to share how the Sisters of Notre Dame ignited her love of the sciences, and taught her the writing and research skills she needed for college success. She wanted to support young women to do the same, since NDA had led her to find her passion.

Shirley Pawlicki ’55, was proud to have been in the first integrated class at Notre Dame Academy. She shared that she and her classmates didn’t even recognize the significance at the time because, “we all thought of each other as sisters who were no different from one another.” Shirley served as president of the athletics club and participated in the orchestra and the school play. She remained involved with NDA as a proud alumna, attending the musical whenever she could.

Throughout her life, Shirley kept in close contact with her NDA classmates. She recently shared that she wished to help girls who sought an NDA education but couldn’t afford the cost of tuition.

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 .

Service Leadership

During the past year, both Dr. Patricia Roth ’61 and Shirley Pawlicki ’55 were welcomed into God’s glory. Before they passed, each made a simple provision in their will that would establish an Endowed Scholarship for young women to attend NDA. Shirley and Patricia’s legacy now lives on through the lives of students who will have the opportunity to attend NDA. If you are interested in learning more about ways you can start an Endowed Scholarship at NDA, or how to easily designate a life-changing charitable gift to NDA in your will or estate plan, please contact Jim Sulier, Director of Donor Relations and Planned Giving, at jsulier@nda.org, or 419.725.6206.

Scan to nominate an alumna for either the 2024 Service Leadership or Professional Achievement Hall of Fame Award.

For helpful resources on many of the options available, please visit plannedgiving.nda.org.

If you have already made provisions in your estate to support NDA students, just as Patricia and Shirley did, please let us know so we can properly thank you for the difference you will be making in many lives!

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OUR LEGACY

Class Notes

EagleWatch 1960s Dr. Nancy (Ainsworth) Sattler ‘68 was recognized at the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Annual Conference with the 2022 AMATYC Mathematics Excellence Award. The lifetime achievement award is given once every two years to an educator who has made outstanding contributions to mathematics or mathematics education. Nancy is an Adjunct Faculty member and Dean Emerita at Terra State Community College, and is an active member and the Historian of OhioMATYC. She also serves as chair of the Ohio Mathematics and Science Coalition and co-chair of the Teaching Strategies and Practices group of Transforming PostSecondary Education in Mathematics (TPSE).

Jenny (Hartman) Biler ’69 holds a photo of her mother, alumna Jacqueline (St. Germain)

80s

19

Wendi Huntley ‘83 (pictured, left) and the organization she leads (Connecting Kids to Meals) were honored with the Excellence in Collaborative Programming at the 12th Annual Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards sponsored by the Center for Nonprofit Resources.

Kristen (McGee) Campbell ‘84 is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with her doctorate in nursing practice.

She is currently in the process of interviewing and preparing to transition into her new role as a family practice nurse practitioner.

Hartman ’41. Jenny’s daughter, Nikie (Biler) Kunz ’94, and granddaughter, NDA freshman Cadence Kunz ‘26, represent four generations at NDA! Monica Zoltanski ‘84 is the mayor of Sandy City, Utah.

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Kimberly McCown-Jones ’86 and Rosanna (Violi) Hoelzle ’03 met at an event and were pleased to realize they shared the common bond of being NDA alumnae!

90s

19

Laura (Faist) Hoyt ‘95 was recently named Executive Director of the Mustard Seed Education Foundation in Toledo.

In this role, Laura will support the Foundation’s mission to make Catholic education an affordable option for all Catholic families.

Dr. Stephanie Calmes ‘99 is a Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), practicing at Sylvania Therapy and Counseling.

00s

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After many years of bedside and surgical nursing at the Cleveland Clinic, Elizabeth (Durham) Bacnik ‘02’s job change led her to a special place – she is now the school nurse at Notre Dame Elementary & Middle School in Chardon, Ohio, where her daughters attend school. Elizabeth shares, “It is so nice to be part of the Notre Dame community again. I am reminded daily of my wonderful years at Notre Dame in Toledo.

I am happy my daughters have the opportunity to attend Notre Dame. The job is a perfect fit for me, and since I always wanted to work with children, it is very rewarding and fulfilling.”

Dr. Alisha Biler '02 is an assistant professor of English and Linguistics at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky. She also leads the Writing Center of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as its director. Alisha previously was the assistant academic director and English instructor at the University of South Carolina.

Jessica Ernsthausen ‘02 is an Occupational Therapist at HCA Florida West Hospital.

Adrienne Varwig ’03 is Senior Vice President of Digital Communications for unCapped Communications, a GCI Group company, in Brooklyn, New York.

Marissa Minnick-Metcalf ’04 (right) and her sister Maria (Minnick) Galati ’08 directed this year’s St. Joseph Maumee spring musical, The Wizard of Oz. The stellar cast included more than 90 St. Joe’s students in grades K-8! Marissa is a 1st grade teacher at St. Joe’s, while Maria owns Galati Photography in Grand Rapids.

TaTiana Sanders ’08 shared a passionate speech with students, faculty and staff during NDA’s celebration of Black History Month. TaTiana is a graduate of Xavier University and works as a news anchor at WTOL-11 in Toledo. (She’s pictured here with NDA’s African-American Club officers).

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 .

Leigh (Sorge) Beining '99 decided to turn a poem she wrote about reading to her children into a book, so she turned to family friend and fellow NDA alumna Maria Wood '18 to be her illustrator.

Maria beautifully brought Leigh's words to life. Read to me, Mommy is about reading to your kids, the fun you have reading a variety of stories, and most importantly – the bonds you create. You may feel a little nostalgic and recognize some of the stories and genres as you move through the pages.

To purchase a copy, check out Amazon or visit Back to Basics Massage Therapy in Toledo to purchase directly from Leigh.

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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Madeline Vining '19 broke the University of

OUR LEGACY

Toledo women's track and field school record

Alumnae in the News

in the 3000m at the John Thomas Terrier Classic in Boston with a time of 9:16.87.

10s

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Hannah Randolph ‘12 graduated with her PhD in Economics from American University in May 2022. She recently moved to Glasgow, United Kingdom, to start a new job as a Knowledge Exchange Associate at the Fraser of Allander Institute (University of Strathclyde), where she is working on economic and public policy analysis.

Madeline Kaplan ‘13 made her New York Times Crossword debut with the March 22nd puzzle. The NYT called her debut puzzle, “fresh, fun and clever!”

Mary Claire (Miller) Murphy ‘13 serves as WGTE Public Media’s On-Air Classical Music Host and Content Producer, hosting FM 91’s “Morning Classics” from 9 to 11 AM Monday through Friday. Mary Claire earned degrees in piano and composition from Xavier University and Bowling Green State University. Murphy has owned and operated her own music studio, Field Lily Music, and has taught music as well. She is a professional pianist and is well-versed in classical music.

Leah Hetrick ‘14 has been named director of legal education and member engagement for Ohio Farm Bureau. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Ohio State University, then Leah participated in equestrian activities, mainly in the hunter, jumper and equitation disciplines.

April Varner ‘15 was recently reviewed by The New York City Jazz Record. The publication attended her performance at Chelsea Table and Stage, and noted that she “proved herself a direct, authentic singer with the ability to inhabit the core of a song and deliver it as a straight shot of storytelling.” April is a jazz vocalist, arranger, and composer based in NYC.

Jamie Lenart ‘18 graduated from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati with her bachelor of science degree in nursing. She is licensed as a Registered Nurse, and working at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.

Suneina Badoni ‘19 is having the “dream opportunity” this semester - of working as an NBCUniversal Research Intern for the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Suneina is in her final year at the University of Notre Dame, where she is majoring in film, television, and theatre with a minor in digital marketing.

Community conference for K-12 educators in March. She is an activist and gun-violence prevention advocate and, as a future educator, she is deeply committed to keeping her future students safe, and ensuring that their future is a bright one, because they deserve better.

20s

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Rachel Miller ‘21 is studying art and Spanish at Bowling Green State University, where she is in the Director of Art program, exploring her new-found passion of jewelry and metal working. She plans to study abroad this summer in Spain.

Brigitte Schultz ‘16 was sworn in by the Ohio Supreme Court as an Ohio Attorney.

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Alexandra Deku ‘17 recently earned her master’s degree in behavioral and economic science from the University of Warwick in England. She lives in London, where she is on the health care and behavioral science team at Ipsos UK, one of the top international market research firms.

Fizza Khan ’22 started a Students Demand Action chapter at BGSU and read a powerful speech on the movement at BGSU’s annual Educators in Context and

Cimran Naik ’22 spent the past several months traveling around Europe, and is studying at NYU Paris (France) during the second semester of this school year. She is majoring in culture communications and global health, and looks forward to meeting new people and seeing new things during her travels and time abroad.

WASHINGTON D.C.

CINCINNATI, OHIO Karen (Andray) Fitzgerald ’68 and her daughter Emily (Fitzgerald) Hudson ’00 shared NDA memories with Jim Sulier at a gathering in the Cincinnati area.

CLARKSTON, MICHIGAN Barbara (Bova) Hamilton ’60 visited with Tolani at her farm in Clarkston, Michigan.

AUSTIN, TEXAS NDA President Kim Grilliot and Vice President of Advancement Tolani Afolabi met up with NDA alumnae in Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas, earlier this year.

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN Barbara (Rinker) Cassin ’60, Mary Beth (Fandrey) Goetley ’67, Amanda Nagy ’16, Colleen (Scero) Ruggerio ’96, and Lori (Goetley) Babb ’96 gathered with Tolani Afolabi and Jim Sulier at lunch in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

B BO OL LD D .. B BR R II L LL L II A AN NT T .. B BE EA AU UT T II FF U UL L .. B BL LE E SS SS E ED D ..

Catching up with NDA alumnae

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Edi (Taylor) Campbell ‘75 and Mary Fran Crowley ‘64 met up with Tolani and Jim in Indianapolis.

DAYTON, OHIO NDA alums in Dayton caught up with one another and NDA’s Director of Donor Relations Jim Sulier.

Pictured are Grace Tita ’06, Maddie (Riddle) Hoendorf ’08, Lizzie (Riddle) Craft ’12 and Sarah Kate D’Angelo ’13.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN Jenna Livingston ’12, Amy Assenmacher ’93, Lana (Lusher) Haverkamp ’83 and Patricia (Koltunski) Kennedy ’80 connected with NDA in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

FISHERS, INDIANA Aleyne (Taylor) Wood ‘78, Tracy (Buganski) Costello ‘02, Haley DeKeyser ‘12, Carli DeKeyser ‘09, Ashley Keane ‘18, and Allison (Keane) Evans ‘15 enjoyed dinner with NDA’s Tolani Afolabi and Jim Sulier in Fishers, Indiana.

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OUR LEGACY

Our Eagle Family is Growing!

EaglesNest Births Kathleen (Bentle) Griffin ‘00 and Erick Griffin welcomed a son, Louie

Marie (Myers) Harman ‘05 and Gary Harman welcomed twin sons, Colton and McKade

Nicole (Maher) Hepler ‘09 and Chris Hepler welcomed a daughter, Harper Ava

Rebecca Funke ‘12 and Jackson Taylor welcomed a son, Jacob Urban

Mary-Katherine Harr ‘02 and Scot Norred welcomed a daughter, Gianna Grace

Rachel (Brunner) Sahai ‘13 and Rohit Sahai welcomed a son, Rishan Brij Kathryn (Irwin) Kramer ’05 and Jeff Kramer welcomed a son, Zachary

Kathryn (Tita) James ‘08 and Alex James welcomed a son, Elliott Theodore Bailey (Dokurno) Murphy ‘08 and Sean Murphy (and big sister Mara, age 2) welcomed a daughter, Colette Marie

Erika (Miller) Volker ‘04 and Jay Volker welcomed a daughter, MacKenzie Jay

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Carly Johnson Hess ‘09 and Marty Hess welcomed a daughter, Hazel Elizabeth Ashley (Schaar) Liotti ‘09 and Matthew Liotti welcomed a daughter, Caoimhe

Jessica Bollin Smith ’03 and Matthew Smith welcomed a daughter, Cecelia Megan (Wheeler) Child ‘04 and Jared Child welcomed a daughter, Norah Mary

Lydia (Hymel) Kessler ‘11 and Chris Kessler welcomed a daughter, Octavia Jane

Bianca (Braman) Gallaher ‘10 and Jay Gallaher welcomed a son, Tripp Sawyer

Alexandra (Miller) Newlon ‘15 and Jacob Newlon welcomed a daughter, Anna

OneEagle Marriages

In Memoriam

Katherine Warchol ‘04 and Brad Pasionek

Sr. Mary Jamesetta Krafty ‘39 Kathleen (O’Connell) Schlachter ‘43 Gloria (Dugan) Cook ‘45 Pauline (Carollo) Morford ‘45 Sr. Mary Estella Perkins, SND ’46 Elizabeth Brownson ‘06 and Drew Fuhrman

Engagements

Gloria (Bracken) Hoskinson ‘49 Carmancita (Kusz) Janicki ‘49 Rose Mary Watson ‘49

Jessica Kusina ‘10 and Zachary Mark

Marylin (Eckhart) Badenhope ‘50 Margaret (Bulone) Bugaj ‘53 Shirley Pawlicki ‘55 Carol (Cichy) Peschel ‘55 Caitlyn Scott ‘08 to Dinh Luc

Marlene (Matuszak) Schultz ‘55

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 .

Ava George ’19 and Gavin Majikas

Sharyn (Tyrrell) Sturt ‘56 Kathleen (Gallagher) DeGroft ‘58 Carolyn (Ceglio) Nonoy ‘58

Elizabeth Kurtz ‘13 and Josh Maturo

Judith (Martin) Thomsen ‘58 Therese (Gramling) Turner ‘61 Alaina Rogacki ‘10 to Steven Kluck

Mary Ann Zmijewski ‘62 Clara (Bihn) Intagliata ‘62 Barbara Ann (Borer) White ‘64 Rose (Cousino) Patton ‘66 Diana (Nowacki) Gosses ‘67

Alexa Smolinski ‘15 and Brandon Carmody

Patricia (Leiter) Johnston ‘70 Trish (Beazley) Sanders ‘71

Nicole Kinsey ’16 and Jacob Scally

Vickie Stone ‘75 Megan Miazgowicz ‘14 to Eric Gresock

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2023-2024 ALUMNAE EVENTS Thursday, August 17, 2023 First Day of School Welcome

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Virtual Book Club

BOOK CLUB MODERATORS

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Virtual Book Club

Friday, February 23, 2024 Mad for Plaid / Hall of Fame

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Eagle Coffee Connection

Saturday, March 23, 2024 Some Bunny Loves Me

We are looking for Book Club moderators!

If you are interested in moderating a Virtual Alumnae Book Club discussion, please email alum@nda.org.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Musical Sneak Peek

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Memorial Mass

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Virtual Book Club

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Virtual Book Club

Friday, December 8, 2023 Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Friday, June 7, 2024 Reunions (Classes ending in 4 and 9)

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Eagle Coffee Connection

NDA ON THE ROAD We will coming soon to a city near you!

If you’d like to help organize an Alumnae group gathering where you live, please email alum @nda.org.

UPDATED CONTACT INFO All Alumnae event information is sent via email. Please make sure we have your updated contact information!