Impact Magazine August 2023

IMPACT MAGAZINE

IMPACT IS BACK

Dear Alumnae Sisters,

Impact is BACK! The definition of Impact is “having a strong effect on someone or something.” Notre Dame HIgh School definitely had an impact on me, my family and friends — and still does to this day. As I write this, my daughter, Katie, is a rising senior and my youngest, Lizzie, is a rising sophomore. Katie is a member of the 100th graduating class at Notre Dame Belmont, forty years after I graduated with white gloves, cap and gown. Her class is green; my class is green. She is a Dragon; I am a Gator. We are all TIGERS. To celebrate the 100th class, the centennial of the school we call home, is extraordinary. NDB empowered me to find my voice, cultivate faith and develop friendships — and it is doing the same for both of my girls.

When I think of the impact that Notre Dame has had in my life it is broad. The Impact of a NDB education is many things; it is meeting my best friends on the first day of school; knowing what the word “Aquacades'' means; wearing a uniform (also, being out of uniform!); reading cliff notes on the bus on the way back from a tennis tournament (because I forgot to read the chapters of The Scarlet Letter); knowing that my friends always had my back; learning to fail and getting back up; not making the softball team my freshman year, but then being able to participate in Aquacades; InterSession…the list goes on and on, and all are memories and lessons that I carry with me and shape who I am today. I am, most importantly, a mom to two incredible young women who are also learning what impact means. They, like all of us NDB alumnae sisters are the lucky ones who are able to call themselves T

I look forward to seeing my NDB friends, meetin you all join us at our centennial celebrations thi

In Notre Dame,

Mary Kmak '84 (P '24, P '26)

Alumnae Leadership Board President

A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP

Dear Notre Dame Belmont Alumnae,

I am thrilled to return home to the Notre Dame Belmont (NDB) community as Head of School. Notre Dame made me who I am today. The NDB community, the sisterhood— I was not just challenged to take risks, but encouraged to push the boundaries of my comfort zone, leading to the development of my confidence and ability to collaborate. NDB allowed me to craft the vision of who and what I wanted to be in the world without fear of reproach — and my friends and classmates were equally invested in my success as they were their own.

The web of support that NDB continues to provide in terms of incredibly dedicated teachers, amazing alumnae and an invested parent and guardian community speaks loudly to the history that this school has in terms of empowering women and students of character.

As we celebrate the NDB Centennial this school year and the 100th class that will graduate in 2024, we reflect upon the lasting legacy of Notre Dame education and look ahead to launching the next generation of female leaders.

Go Tigers!

Meredith Essalat '98 Head of School

100 years

The legacy of St. Julie Billiart lives on.

As we enter this celebratory time of the Notre Dame Belmont (NDB) centennial, we are prepared to continue our mission of empowering women. Our alumnae are doctors, teachers, music producers and human rights activists each a leader making a positive impact in their community. With the 100th graduating class upon us, the class of 2024, we are preparing to launch the next generation of female innovators — the lasting legacy of NDB. Here's to another hundred years. Go Tigers!

The first cohort of students graduate

1924

1947

Students practice archery

1923

The first students are enrolled in school

1960's

1950

Science Instructor

Sister Irene Marie receives appreciation award for service in San Mateo County for encouraging young people to pursue careers in research

Gras dinner

1851

NDB founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

a Tiger

Lifelong Community

Whether it's reliving Aquacades, Halloween rallies, dances or athletics, Notre Dame alumnae across the ages hold the spirit of sisterhood in their hearts. No matter if you graduated in 2023 or 1951, Notre Dame has always been and will always be your home. Notre Dame is more than an academic institution - it is a lifelong family.

New science and math wing opens with a spacious open lab, a classroom partitioned by dividers, closed circuit television, resource and independent study centers

1968 1989

1994 2009

The theme of the Winter Formal was Winter Magic Tri-School Productions presents Macbeth

2023-2024

2024

100th Class will graduate InterSession courses included ceramics, Yan Can International School of Cooking, Step ' n Style and CPR

Across the Decades

In interviewing Tigers across the decades, one things rings true to all women of Notre Dame Belmont are empowered to be themselves, find their voice and launch into their academic and professional careers with unmatched confidence and prowess. Above all, our alumnae dating back to 1951 and prior reminisce about the wonderful atmosphere and community that Notre Dame is.

1950's

Josephine Maggio Bottini, 1951

"Notre Dame gave me lifelong friends that have lasted me 73+ years. On the first day of school I was approached by Mary Riviello, who said, "Hey you, do you need a friend?" I said "yes" and we were best friends all the way through our adult lives until she landed in heaven.

Among my favorite memories were Halloween rallies. One year I was Raggedy Ann, and one year I was a yellow and black clown. I also loved sewing and archery - and I was good at it! The all-girls environment allowed us to just be ourselves.

Sister Catherine Julie was our principal and I loved her. She would sit with me and several of my friends and just talk to us. I loved my time at Notre Dame."

Marilyn Lucett Koenig, 1951

"My time at Notre Dame was the best years of my life. I loved the school, teachers, my friends and classmates. There were a lot of good friendships that lasted a lifetime. The atmosphere was wonderful. It was a pleasure to go to school every day. I was at home at Notre Dame.

A funny story that I remember: As a senior I made friends with a young man who went to Stanford. One day, my mother came to pick me up while he was visiting me on campus. My mother greeted my friends who were close by, and told them that he is a brilliant young man who will major in industrial fertilizer. With that, my friends were laughing their heads off! Sister Catherine Julie came down the hallway with her clicker to break up the party, only to join in on the laughter when she realized that my mother was at the center of it."

Carol Castellanos Trelut, 1962 Former Principal of Nativity School

"What I experienced at Notre Dame was undeniably the groundwork for the future. Notre Dame gave me a treasure chest of tools for life. I will forever be grateful for all the teachers that gave me a true love of education. There is not only excellent academia, but also a real appreciation of learning. Little did I know, my destination would be so involved in teaching and education."

1970's

Carla Bottini Zanette,

CEO, Zanette Aviation Insurance Assistant Athletic Director, Notre Dame Belmont

"Notre Dame didn’t just prepare me for college — it was a total preparation for life. There are countless successful women that go through Notre Dame. There is something about Notre Dame that brings people together. It’s truly a sisterhood. The amount of class spirit and camaraderie was incredible, the learning environment fostered creativity, and the friendships have been lifelong - seven of us still Zoom each month and go on vacation together. There is nothing like the sisterhood that Notre Dame is."

Patsy Neve Iannone, 1978

"The social and curricular aspects of a single gender education at NDB provided an atmosphere that enhanced my learning and socialization experiences. It empowered me with life skills by giving me more responsibility for my education. NDB instilled confidence in me and provided the fundamentals of a strong, well-rounded education that helped me to succeed in my life and career. As an alum and current employee, I'm grateful for the opportunity to interact and act as a role model for students."

Dianne Sullivan Morton, 1983

Owner

"I am appreciative of NDB’s variety and rigor of coursework, which prepared me for the next chapters in both education and life. The most important benefit of an all-girls education is a growing sense of confidence. By the time I graduated from NDB, I was ready to take on the world."

Debbie Panattoni Anderson, 1985

Director of

"After 11 years at Oracle and 18 years raising my kids, I found my dream job. As an alumna, I feel incredibly blessed to work at my alma mater in addition to having a front row seat for my daughter's high school experience.”

1990's

Jennifer

Senior Director,

"I'm extremely grateful for the education, experiences, and friendships from NDB. Teachers and staff really cared about the success of the students and we had the opportunity to develop trusted relationships. There were many life lessons learned that helped build resilience and confidence in the classroom and in life. I felt well prepared to be successful in college and work because of my education and experiences at NDB. The best part was the lifelong friendships I made."

JJ King (Jenny Lindeburg), 1998

Crisis Support Counselor

"NDB taught me to work hard. It taught me to not give up. It taught me to advocate for myself and for others. It taught me empathy. I didn't know I was learning these skills at the time. Then, I thought I was simply learning to study and how to be a friend. But looking back? NDB wasn't just preparing me for my career working with at-risk LGBTQIA youth, it was preparing me for life."

Jenkins Callen, 1996

Pinterest

and Photographer, Dianne Morton Photography

Admissions, Notre Dame Belmont

Jacqueline Evans, 2005

Doctor of Optometry

"Built on the tenets of integrity, compassion and perseverance, my Notre Dame Belmont education as a tuition assistance recipient allowed me to confidently pursue a meaningful career in optometry. Today, I am able to impact hundreds of patients by providing sight-saving medical care."

Marisa Mendenhall,

"NDB prepared me with many of the foundational tools needed for my career today like the ability to communicate and work with others, act with kindness, and a strong foundation in writing and science."

2010 2010's

Daniella Lebat, 2010

Director of Marketing, Repurpose

"At NDB, I was always encouraged to speak up, make mistakes, try new things, challenge myself, and be a go-getter. There was also an unbelievable support system between faculty, staff, and fellow peers, which taught me the importance of community and its impact. Anything is possible when there is a sense of community and purpose, and I learned that at NDB. "

“Participating in classes and extracurricular activities such as Orchestra, Video Production, and Tri-School Productions helped me develop a solid understanding of filmmaking, music and storytelling. At the same time, the rigor of Honors and AP classes prepared me for managing multiple film projects, and the experience I gained in various leadership positions helped me navigate the collaborative nature of the film industry. Being involved in Performing Arts and leadership positions at NDB prepared me for my career as a film composer managing my own composing business."

Celisse Tan, 2017 Music Composer

Manager CRE ESG Programs, RE Tech Advisors

2020's

Sofia Frisz, 2023

Political Science Student, SDSU

"NDB has prepared me for my future far beyond my expectations. I am confident and knowledgeable going into college, and I have been able to truly explore my passions and interests. I am thoroughly equipped and thrilled to continue exploring and building on my interests and passions in college and for the rest of my life. NDB has been the best place for me by far. It has impacted every aspect of my life, and has helped me grow in so many ways. I will forever be grateful for my Notre Dame education."

"Notre Dame has challenged me and inspired me to be the best version of myself. UC Berkeley is a place where students become activists and change makers, and I resonate with that because NDB taught me to be a leader both inside and outside of the classroom."

NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

ndhsb.org

We are ecstatic to announce NDB's new website that will launch at the end of August 2023. "The new website will encompass the powerful community that Notre Dame is and all that NDB has to offer," explains Marketing Manager Cat Adamis. "Once we launch, be sure to check out the new school blog and opportunities for alumnae to get involved Stay tuned! There is much on the digital horizon for NDB." Be sure to visit ndhsb.org at the end of August!

Lauren Fitzgerald, 2023

Urban Studies Student, UC Berkeley

Our Staffulty Say it Best

Our educators provide outstanding curriculum and cross-curricular collaboration. And above all, they love our school and they love coming to work each day.

“I love teaching and working at NDB because I love the welcoming community, the passionate students, and the dedicated staffulty I work with The NDB community is unique because the students, parents, and staffulty have a shared passion for the overall success of the learners, athletes, artists and leaders.”

Kathleen Falzon Math Teacher

“Not only is the community wonderful, but NDB has both the capacity and willingness to do big things. I have worked with students who have built online tools to create voting plans for the 2020 election, who created a virtual Winter Formal at the height of Covid, and made it into a fundraiser for Covid relief at the same time. NDB encourages us to try new things, to be big and bold, and to test the limits of what's possible.”

Jonathan Tomczak Social Science Teacher

“I love teaching and working at NDB because of the compassion shared and the love of learning experienced throughout the community. NDB is unique because of the belief in empowerment and equanimity for these young women”

Coleen Lorenz Dance Teacher

“I love teaching and working at NDB because of the supportive and caring community. I am inspired by our students who are dedicated to social justice and are empowered to make a positive impact.”

Rebecca Girard Science Teacher

“I have enjoyed sharing and teaching art for years and the students here have shown themselves to be very talented and eager to learn. What I love most about NDB students is their talent and ambition.”

Mark Thiesen Visual Arts Teacher

“I love working at NDB because of the community aspect The students at NDB inspire me, push me to be a better person and educator and give me strength and courage My colleagues support me, challenge me and learn with me. Not everyone gets that. I feel truly privileged to have that.”

G Imazumi-Hegarty '07 Registrar and Teacher (ISP, BND, Spanish)

“I love teaching and working at NDB because this is the happiest and healthiest school environment I have ever worked in. The level of respect everyone has for each other starts at the top and goes through every rung in the community”

Karen Fry Social Science Teacher

THEN AND NOW

2023

1960

CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT

2023

SCHOOL DANCES

2023

THE

CONTINUE

1930's

1940's

1940's

Hollywood

Prom

"Why the Chimes Rang"

"Matilda"

"Once on This Island"

2023 1966 1989

2023 1950

2023

1953

1940's

NDB ANNUAL FUND

CONTINUE THE LEGACY OF EMPOWERING WOMEN

AUGUST

21 TO

SEPTEMBER

29, 2023

100 Years, 100% Participation!

As NDB celebrates our Centennial, we invite you to help us to continue the legacy of empowering women through educatIon. The NDB Annual Fund supports all aspects of our school including our academic programs, technology and innovation, campus ministry, student activities and athletics. We invite you to help us to continue our mission, the lasting legacy of NDB!

NDB WELCOMES HOME NAOMI SABLAN SCOTT '90

Named one of the “Top 10 Producers to Watch” by Variety, Naomi Scott has produced award-winning content for film and television. She is a partner in Gettin’ Rad Productions, the LA-based company she founded with her partner actor Adam Scott. Under the Gettin’ Rad banner, Scott was an Executive Producer on Fox’s Ghosted. She produced the feature Other People starring Molly Shannon and Jesse Plemons, which earned four Independent Spirit Award nominations, the Glaad Media Award for Outstanding Film and was chosen as the opening night film at the Sundance Film Festival. Scott has produced two other features, which also premiered at Sundance: The Overnight starring Adam Scott, Jason Schwartzman and Taylor Shilling and Fun Mom Dinner starring Toni Collette and Bridget Everett. Scott started her career in television on the late-night series Jimmy Kimmel Live. Scott is a gun violence prevention advocate and a founding member of the Everytown Creative Council. She also serves as Co-Chair for the Center for Reproductive Rights Los Angeles benefit.

MEET NAOMI AT FUND A FUTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. |

NDB MOORE PAVILION

Join us to support the NDB scholarship fund, featuring Film Producer and Keynote Speaker Naomi Sablan Scott '90 and in celebration of the founding members of Rags 'n' Riches, the pioneers of scholarships at NDB. Register at ndhsb.org or by scanning the QR code.

You are invited!

Annual Fund

August 21 to September 29

Centennial Alumnae Soiree

Friday, September 22 5:30 p.m. | NDB Campus

Centennial Family Picnic

Saturday, September 23 12 p.m. | NDB Campus

Tigers on the Green

Monday, October 9 Crystal Springs Golf Course

Fund a Future

Wednesday, October 25 5:30 p.m. | NDB Moore Pavilion

Centennial Auction Gala

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Aquacades Alumnae

Tailgate

Friday, April 19, 2024

Hall of Fame Banquet

Saturday, April 20, 2024

The NDB Annual Fund supports all aspects of our school including our academic programs, technology and innovation, campus ministry, student activities and athletics. Support the Annual Fund at ndhsb.org or by scanning the QR code.

Join us to reconnect with your NDB family while enjoying appetizers, signature cocktails, fun surprises and an NDB Across the Decades Fashion Show! R.S.V.P. at ndhsb.org or by scanning the QR code.

Families of current students are invited to join us to enjoy delicious food, games, face painting and surprises among fellow Tiger families. R.S.V.P. at ndhsb.org or by scanning the QR code.

The NDB community celebrates the history of NDB and our fearless foundress, St. Julie Billiart. Register at ndhsb.org or by scanning the QR code.

Join us to support the NDB scholarship fund, featuring Keynote Speaker and Film Producer Naomi Sablan Scott '90 & in celebration of the founding members of Rags 'n' Riches, the pioneers of scholarships at NDB. Register at ndhsb.org or by scanning the QR code.

Join us to enjoy live music, delicious food and an auction in support of NDB programs. Tickets coming soon at ndhsb.org

Save the date for the annual Aquacades Alumnae Tailgate! More information coming soon at ndhsb.org.

Save the Date for NDB's Hall of Fame Banquet! More information coming soon at ndhsb.org.

Calling all Alumnae!

There are many ways to get involved.

POLL FOR SWAG

We want to know which fields our alumnae work in. STEM? Arts? Social Justice? Humanities? Let us know for a chance to win NDB swag. Scan the QR code or email cadamis@ndhsb.org.

Were you a financial aid recipient at NDB?

Help us to inspire giving to our scholarship program by letting us know why you are grateful for an NDB education for a chance to win NDB swag! Scan the QR code or email cadamis@ndhsborg

Class Alumnae Reps Needed

We are looking for two class representatives for each class of alumnae to assist with alumnae events and alumnae involvement. If you are interested, please reach out to cadamis@ndhsborg or scan the QR code!

Update Your Contact Information

Update your contact information including your email, mailing address and phone number by scanning the QR code or emailing Justin Lewis at jlewis@ndhsb.org.

Did your friends not receive this magazine? Let them know to update their contact information!

Hall of Fame Nominations

NDB Athletics is debuting a NDB Hall of Fame this spring! Nominate someone you know now through November to be featured in the Hall of Fame - a fellow athlete, a coach, or a staff/faculty member who was exceptionally supportive of athletics Email srossi@ndhsborg or scan the QR code