Impact Magazine Summer 2024

SUMMER 2024

IN THIS ISSUE: BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL IN SF BAY AREA 80TH AQUACADES EMMA CHAMBERLAIN Attends Class Day

INAUGURAL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CHIOMA IGWE ‘04 Professional Soccer Player and R.N.

ANICA CHAVEZ ‘07 Senior Producer, SF Giants

ARTS SHOWCASE CENTENNIAL GALA AND AUCTION SODA FOUNTAIN

NOTRE DAME BELMONT 1540 RALSTON AVENUE BELMONT, CA 94002 650.595.1913

Dear Alumnae Sisters, What a year it has been. We have made history as we celebrated our one hundredth graduating class, and it has been a stellar year of celebrations. We started with our Alumnae Centennial Reunion and Picnic in September and have continued to celebrate this class of young women throughout the year. I am writing this as I come off the Senior Mother Daughter Brunch that was so beautifully done, celebrating the mother daughter bond and our journey through NDB. Thinking about how this class has beautifully represented one hundred years of NDB graduates is heartwarming and quite simply amazing. In 1924, young women just like ours had dreams and aspirations cultivated and grown within the same walls our girls walk today. I look forward to seeing our school grow, evolve and support the future generations of strong, independent women of faith, and that in 2124, they look back to honor and celebrate the continued traditions of Notre Dame Belmont Tigers.

In Notre Dame,

Mary Kmak '84 (P '24, P '26) Alumnae Leadership Board President

Dear NDB Alumnae, The rich history of NDB shines brightly as we celebrate our one hundredth graduating class this year. Our Centennial combined with the eightieth year of Aquacades has amplified the timeless spirit that Notre Dame is. As I handed diplomas to each of our graduates, it gave me goosebumps because I know that each one of these women will go on to do great things in their communities. We are proud to share that Notre Dame has received several exemplary designations in education this year. Our unwavering academics, rich history and our esteemed alumnae who continue to engage with our community are a testament to the immense power that comes with educating young women and preparing them to be leaders in our ever changing world. We hope you enjoy this historical issue of Impact Magazine. Please reach out to me with any inquiries at messalat@ndhsb.org.

In Gratitude,

Meredith Essalat '98 Head of School

The Gold Standard of Education Notre Dame Belmont Voted Best Private High School in San Francisco Bay Area We are thrilled to announce that Notre Dame Belmont was voted Best Private High School in the San Francisco Bay Area! SFGATE spotlights the top-tier businesses and schools that make our Bay Area community shine, and Notre Dame Belmont won the public vote as best private high school!

We’d like to thank all of NDB’s community members for voting for Notre Dame Belmont! This recognition is a testament to the power of our NDB Community.

On June 21, Notre Dame Belmont will be recognized as the Best Private School in the Bay Area at an SFGATE ceremony in San Francisco, and on June 23 Notre Dame Belmont will be featured in a special commemorative SFGATE print publication. Go Tigers!

NDB Chosen as One of the Best Private High Schools Near Santa Clara SF Gate has named our school one of the best private high schools near Santa Clara. Private high schools near Santa Clara on this list have an A+ rating from Niche.com. Additionally, every school has a 4-star rating from a minimum of 60 combined reviews from Niche, Google and Private School Review. The SF Gate “Best of” curatorial team constantly monitors sources to ensure schools featured in this listing remain reliable and worthy of the community’s trust and, therefore, rightfully belong on this list.

AP® School Honor Roll Gold Designation NDB has been named to the inaugural 2023 AP School Honor Roll. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. NDB has been designated as Gold. With 217 students who took 452 AP exams, 71.43 percent scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam.

AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award NDB has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). This award acknowledges 1,127 schools for their work toward equal gender representation during the 2022-23 school year. NDB is one of only 834 schools to be recognized for achieving this important result in AP CSP.

80 1959 Aquacades Cheer

Years of AQUACADES

1960 Aquacades

2024 Junior Monarchs Deck

The eightieth year of NDB Aquacades took place in April 2024, the longest running high school aquacade held in the United States since 1942. While Aquacades has been a longstanding tradition at NDB, it did not become known as “Aquacades” until 1958 when “coveted pennants” were awarded, according to Notre Dame High School Belmont history.

A SPIRIT CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER

Student leadership chooses an overall theme, and each class is given a category and music genre with which to work. Students battle it out to see which class has the most spirit on the night of Aquacades. The annual competition between classes consists of a painted backdrop, cheerleading, dance skits known as deck routines, and synchronized swimming.

Draped in their class colors of purple, blue, red and green, cheering classmates screamed themselves hoarse and united as classes. The tradition of sisterhood prevailed when classes came to support their sister class.

As a tradition, Aquacades has changed very little. While the activity started for the resident students to have an event on Halloween, Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, Class of 1943, and the Hawaiian boarders introduced the swimming event. In the early 70s, the date was changed to the spring.

When judges were upstairs counting the ballots, the student body officers in the early 90s added a “comedy swim” to keep students’ attention while waiting for the final results of the competition. Over the years, this ASB swim not only became more creative and sophisticated but also a part of the program.

Alumnae who come back and serve as judges of both spirit and routines share how very little this event has changed.

2024 Alumnae Judges

“As an alumna and later a judge, I was able to see how things have changed. While there are many similarities, the biggest change was in the routines. We incorporated a lot of actual synchronized swimming moves, but the routines now have more of a free-style organization about them. I remember students had to try out for swimming and usually the ’best’ swimmer performed the solo, but today seems more collaborative and lets everyone who wants a part have a part,” Hope Tuck Goblirsch ’92 said.

Her daughter Cadence Goblirsch ‘27 experienced her first aquacades.

Prior to the event, she shared, “As a freshman, I’m super excited!

Although I’m not sure what to expect, I look forward to being a part of such a big tradition at NDB. I am backdrop captain and am doing a deck routine, so I’m a little nervous, but super excited. Hopefully, we can bring the freshmen a win.”

Sisters Lizzie and Katie share memories of the event with their mother Dr. Mary Kmak Johnson ’84. “Aquacades is an experience you only get to have at NDB, and I love it. It brings the community together for one big event. I remember the joy I felt afterwards. My mom is an alumna and she said that Aquacades has changed a lot and for the better; previously, it was based more on the swim routines,” Katie Johnson ’24 said.

“I’ve always been one of the students cheering on from the stand, but I never felt left out. Aquacades truly brings out our love for our community and that’s never changed. My mom (Carrie Trelut ‘92) tells me how the spirit and passion during Aquacades still feel the same. The only changes are the technology,” Alexa Herrera ‘24 said.

2024 Senior Dragons Group Swim Routine

2024 Alumnae Tailgate

Alumna Emma Chamberlain Surprises Students on Class Day As students gathered in the Moore Pavilion for Class Day, they never expected that their fellow Tiger and esteemed Alumna Emma Chamberlain would walk through the door. Class Day is an annual celebration where students and Staffulty gather to receive special awards commending their exceptional work throughout the school year. As the award ceremony came to a close, Head of School Meredith Essalat ‘98 announced that a special guest was there to speak to them in celebration of the one hundredth graduating class. As the double doors opened and Emma Chamberlain jogged excitedly into the Moore Pavilion with a wave and a smile, students erupted in applause and shrieks of excitement.

As Emma sat down for a fireside chat with Meredith, she exclaimed, “This is where it all started.” She shared that she now realizes the impact that Notre Dame Belmont High School had on her.

“It’s such a special community and it's all coming back it's magic. It’s such a special nostalgia. There are so many beautiful memories here.”

The conversation began with Meredith asking Emma how she harnesses confidence in her career as an influencer, podcaster, model and more. Emma shared that it is important to surround yourself with those who truly appreciate the essence of who you are. She also reflected that as women, we tend to be critical of ourselves and that it is important to “put up a stop sign” to the negative self-talk. “It’s ok to struggle through the process of self-acceptance, but through practice, you get there.”

When Emma was asked how she maintains a balance between the digital world and her real life, Emma shared, “It is an ongoing journey, and I am constantly reconfiguring my boundaries with the internet because it is tough - it is a part of everything that we do these days. You have to keep some things sacred to you and your life and your memory.

It’s about giving yourself your own life outside of it.”

Emma Chamberlain presents Kaylee Ellerhorst ‘24 with Head of School Award

one little step, that’s it, and then you’re

“A lot of times we think we

moving again... sometimes that’s going

need to do everything

for a walk, talking to a therapist, painting

ourselves…but the most

a painting.”

important takeaway for me is

“It's so much easier to get through it

that it is OK to learn as you go.

when we have each other to help,” Emma explained.

dreams come true in some way,

“It’s about believing in community…

overcame some stuff and made

people want to help. I’ve realized that it

it happen.”

makes me feel better when I talk about it, and hopefully it helps other people Emma Chamberlain with NDB Diploma

realize that they can talk about it too.”

When asked if she had any advice for

When asked what it was like building a

students who may be experiencing

business and brand, Emma shared that it

mental health struggles, Emma shared

was more challenging than she expected.

that it is so important to remember that everyone is going through something.

“When you feel alone, remember that everyone has something. When you get into that place of ‘I can’t fix this’ or ‘I don’t know where to go, I’m stuck.’ That’s the hardest place to be. You just have to take

When you are making your it is never smooth. We

Thank you, Emma, for inspiring our students and graduates to follow their dreams. This was a day we will never forget!

“There were so many things about building a coffee company that I didn’t understand..but I was determined to find a way to build a team around me that would allow me to lean into my strengths and also supplement in areas.”

Emma Chamberlain and Nina Wall ‘25

Watch Video

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Athletics Hall of Fame

“It was an honor to induct the Inaugural Class of the NDB Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate the rich history of NDB Athletics and the athletes and coaches who remain NDB athletic legends. Congratulations, inductees!”

- Christina Okubo ‘96, Director of Athletics

Loren Gualco-Coleman ‘97 Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field Loren was team MVP and all league selection for basketball during all four years at NDB. She still holds the record for most points, rebounds and blocks in a single season and game. Loren was also a standout high jumper who qualified for State and held the school record until 2023. She won CCS Titles in both Volleyball and Basketball before continuing her athletic career at Cal State Fullerton.

Chioma Igwe ‘04 Soccer Chioma was the WCAL Player of the Year and First Team Selection in 2004. She won two CCS Championships and one WCAL title while at NDB. After NDB, she competed at Santa Clara University and California Berkeley. Chioma has played for many U.S. national teams and played in over 130 international professional games.

In 2017, she was inducted into the Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame.

2004 Soccer Team The 2004 varsity soccer team was the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) and Central Coast Section (CCS) outright champions. Not only did they have the Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year on the team, they had eight players who earned WCAL First and Second team All-league recognition. 17 of the players on this team won back-to-back CCS championships, and 11 players went on to play intercollegiate soccer.

Katie Smoot ‘17 Volleyball Katie was an integral part of the CIF State volleyball championship team, NDB's first state championship in volleyball. She was team MVP all four years on varsity, while also racking up three all-league selections while at NDB. She was named the Bay Area Player of the Year her senior year, as well as Under Armour honorable mention and ranked #63 nationally by prep volleyball. She was named an All-State performer as a senior as well as an all-region selection and regional MVP. After her time at NDB, Katie continued her volleyball career at the University of Arizona and then UC Berkeley. She was named Pac-12 player of the week, Pac-12 Honorable Mention and led the Cal volleyball team in kills her senior year.

“My experience at Notre Dame not only fostered my academic growth but also instilled in me important values of teamwork, discipline and perseverance through my participation in our volleyball program. The supportive environment and rigorous education provided by the school prepared me both academically and athletically, enabling me to excel on the volleyball court and professionally now.” - Katie Smoot Sheila Langrock ‘77 Softball Sheila played varsity softball as a fast pitch pitcher all four years at NDB. She pitched their way to the CCS championships in 1977 after throwing a no hitter against Willow Glen in the semifinals. During that year, she compiled a 15-3 record (9-0) in league play and had an E.R.A of 0.60 striking out 110 in 92.6 innings. She led the team in batting with a .501 average, runs scored, singles and doubles. She was named to the 1977 League All-Star team, was voted the school’s “Athlete of the Year” and was selected as a High School All Star by womenSports Magazine. Sheila also pitched for an all-star team that toured Taiwan. Sheila received one of the first women’s athletic scholarships to CAL Poly SLO in 1978 and was awarded “The Coaches Award” in 1979. She is currently ranked eighth in program history with 38 victories and seventh in career shutouts.

Bill Harke NDB Athletic Director, 1993-1997 Bill was one of our former athletic directors. He built the NDB athletics program from the ground up and was responsible for laying the groundwork for the success the Athletics Department had in the late 90s .

“Coming into the Notre Dame community at a time that could have been considered very trying, it was amazing to watch all the different parts of the school – including administration, faculty, the Sisters of Notre Dame, staff, students, coaches, alumnae and parents -- work so hard, so cooperatively and so well to put the school on the best path to success in terms of growth, educational opportunities of all types and community recognition for the hard work done by all. It was a true lesson on how people with a variety of varied interests were able to build on those interests to put them all together to create a wonderful opportunity.” - Bill Harke

Q&A

with Chioma Igwe ‘04 Professional Soccer Player and Registered Nurse U.S. and Germany

Q: WHY ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR A NOTRE DAME EDUCATION? “I am grateful for my Notre Dame education because it completely prepared me for the next steps with SATs, college and life, in general. NDB really has a great community and support system from top to bottom. Having a big sister as an underclassman showed me the ropes, while playing for the soccer team introduced me to new friends and helped me continue to succeed in my sport. The school curriculum was demanding, yet still manageable as support was always given when needed. Being a part of a smaller school enabled me to build closer relationships with my peers and also promoted open communication with my teachers, who genuinely wanted to see the students succeed in and out of the classroom. Each teacher left a lasting impact on my educational path by promoting high academic performance and creating a positive classroom environment.

After graduating from NDB, I attended Cal Berkeley and ultimately graduated from Santa Clara University, two very different educational bodies. Directly entering a significantly large and competitive university did not intimidate or overwhelm me academically because Notre Dame had already pushed me to challenge myself in the classroom.”

Q: HOW DID NDB PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? “Whether it be tryouts for a team or furthering my nursing education in Germany, Notre Dame instilled a drive in me and gave me the faith to trust my own judgment. I did work very hard at Notre Dame and I took that work ethic with me into my future careers. The strong mentality and character traits I learned from NDB prepared me for future work-related obstacles in my careers.”

Q: WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING AN ATHLETE AT NDB? “It was a lot of fun being an athlete at NDB. I made new friends and loved getting to hang out with them both on and off the field. School spirit was also celebrated and made me proud to be a part of such a legacy. As a student athlete, I definitely learned time management. Being in an academically demanding school and having such a successful varsity soccer team, it was difficult meeting the expectations of both school and athletics. Education came first, but my love for soccer and wanting to be at training with my team every day pushed me to get my work done in the classroom and be on top of my assignments.

Juggling homework and studying for tests with training and games helped me learn to prioritize my life properly. Teamwork was also something that helped me develop better communication skills and build long-lasting relationships with my teammates, who I am still very close with today.”

Q: WHAT ARE YOU UP TO NOW, AND HOW DID NDB HELP GET YOU THERE? “Professionally, I am a registered nurse in Germany (where I live with my family), and I am qualified to practice in America, as well. Notre Dame helped me learn to step out of my comfort zone. Being a nurse in a foreign country intimidated me for many reasons. NDB gave me the tools and confidence I needed to step into an unfamiliar setting and quickly learn to adapt, which definitely carries over to a hospital-setting as a nurse.

I was also playing professional soccer at the time I was studying nursing in Germany. This mirrored my lifestyle at Notre Dame, as well. In a foreign country, I didn’t necessarily feel like I was in unfamiliar territory because NDB had already simulated this way of living for me.”

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM NOTRE DAME AND DO YOU STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR TIGER FAMILY? “Some of my favorite memories at Notre Dame were our constant success in soccer, Aquacades, pep-rallies, but also simple things like eating lunch outside or having classes with friends. I really just loved my overall experience at NDB. I enjoy visiting the campus when I am in town and walking through the halls or seeing the soccer field. It reminds me of a generally happy time in my life.

I keep in touch with a number of NDB sisters and not just via social media. I chat on a regular basis with a handful of sisters and make a point to keep in touch with a number of Notre Dame alums. Some even visit me regularly in Germany. I feel very lucky and blessed to have such strong friendships that stemmed from NDB.”

FOSTERING A NEW GENERATION OF CONFIDENT, CAPABLE YOUNG WOMEN. ANICA CHAVEZ ‘07 SENIOR DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

A

nica Chavez ‘07 is an Emmy® Awardwinning Executive Producer and Director with over 15 years of experience in marketing and video production. Currently serving as the Senior Director and Executive Producer for the San Francisco Giants’ Marketing Department, she leads the in-house video production team, specializing in digital content, brand campaigns, and multicultural storytelling.

A leader in visual storytelling, Anica’s own story began in no place other than Notre Dame Belmont, where so many exceptional women begin their careers.

Anica with NDB’s Sports Management Students at Oracle Park.

“Notre Dame Belmont instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and confidence which have been pivotal in navigating the male-dominated sports and media industry,” explained Anica. “The all-girls environment encouraged me to voice my opinions and assert myself without hesitation—a trait that has been instrumental in my role as a leader in a highstakes, fast-paced field. The school’s emphasis on comprehensive education and leadership also prepared me to tackle challenges head-on and fostered a can-do attitude that has guided my career trajectory.”

In addition to excelling across industries, NDB alumnae never hesitate to elevate the next generation of women leaders. In Spring 2024, Anica welcomed the NDB Tri-School Sports Medicine and Management class as they toured Oracle Park and learned about Anica’s position with San Francisco Giants.

“IT’S AN HONOR TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL IN FOSTERING A NEW GENERATION OF CONFIDENT, CAPABLE YOUNG WOMEN.” Anica shared, “Speaking to the current students at Oracle Park was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed me to reflect on my own journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. As I shared with them, internships are the best opportunity to learn and get hands-on experience. If there is a field or industry you think you might be interested in, an internship is the best way to get insight into if it would be the right fit for you.”

Anica’s favorite memories from NDB include the countless hours spent with her teammates on the basketball team, which taught her about teamwork and leadership. “It was really fun to build friendships with girls in multiple years, not just my own,” Anica expressed. “And the unforgettable experience of competing in Aquacades during my senior year!” she reminisced.

When asked to provide advice for current students, Anica insisted that students shall “embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it’s in academics, sports, or extracurricular activities, each experience is building you up for future challenges.

Don’t shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself—this is where growth happens. Of course, work hard but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It really is important to enjoy yourself!”

I AM PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL FOR THE HOLISTIC EDUCATION I RECEIVED AT NDB. IT WAS NOT JUST ABOUT ACADEMIC LEARNING BUT DEVELOPING A WELL-ROUNDED CHARACTER. “I had some struggles with academics due to learning disabilities, but the support and mentorship from teachers and staff provided essential guidance that helped me understand my best learning methods. This support was crucial for my success and has provided a strong foundation invaluable in every step of my career.”

As a proud alumna of NDB and a new mother as of last August, Anica continues to mentor young professionals and advocate for powerful storytelling in every project.

An Evening of the Arts On Saturday, May 18, Visual and Performing Arts students showcased their work on the stage and in the art gallery at An Evening of the Arts at College of San Mateo Theater. Guests arrived to an appetizer and mocktail reception where they perused an elaborate art gallery displaying the work of art and sculpture students, including paintings, embroidery, clay masks and beautiful dress designs. Some of the artwork that was displayed won Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mentions in the 2024 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

“We incorporated the art into the show this year in a much more significant way," shared Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Martha Anne Kuntz.

NDB InStep Dance Company Students Perform “Dance-n-Art.”

We made the art a part of the show, allowing it to speak to the audience.

NDB InStep Dance Company Students perform “Dance the Night”

After a fabulous art display, guests proceeded into the theater to watch dance performances and an art showcase like no other, combining visual and performing arts into one. There were 17 dance performances performed by Dance I through Dance IV - many choreographed by students in Dance IV, NDB's InStep Dance Company. Some of the dances incorporated

Event Recording

the artwork of visual arts students, including masks created by sculpture class.

Interspersed between dance performances, student art and sculpture pieces were showcased using state-of-the-art videos accompanied by the voices of the artists explaining the meanings behind their work.

Angel by Ashley Turek Herd by Zoé Shaikh displays the expectations placed on women The dancers concluded the show with a Barbie-themed glamorous dance to “Dance The Night” by Dua Lipa. We are incredibly proud of all visual and performing artists for showcasing their work. What a show, Tigers!

InStep students perform

The Bubble Bath by Lily Logan

InStep students perform

Centennial &

Auction

Red Carpet to the Roaring Twenties On Saturday evening, March 23, the NDB Community traveled to the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties as they celebrated the one hundredth graduating class - a monumental achievement in NDB's history. The Moore Pavilion was transformed into a glittering banquet of gold and black in celebration of the growth and ongoing evolution of NDB.

Fund-A-Need: The Soda Fountain All money raised from the event goes to support the operations of Notre Dame Belmont. The Fund-A-Need is incredibly special this year, as NDB raised money to renovate the historic Soda Fountain - a beloved student space that will now be brought to its glory days - thanks to the support of generous community members! Once completed, it will serve all students - from a lunchtime eatery, to a hangout spot for friends, to a space for after school meetings. The money that Fund-a-Need generates this year will be used for the renovation of this important space and will support our Dads Club as they help to oversee and execute this project, along with the aesthetic expertise of renowned Bay Area interior designer Audra Greenspan.

Help Make this Space a Reality!

How to Donate to Fund-A-Need: Scan the QR code Visit www.ndhsb.org/support/gala-and-auction and click the Fund-A-Need button Mail a check with memo “Fund-A-Need” to Notre Dame Belmont at 1540 Ralston Ave, Belmont CA 94002

Senior Spotlight Following an incredible auction that included trips to enchanting destinations, Warriors-courtside tickets and more, the Class of 2024 was celebrating with a shimmering spotlight down the runway. This class, NDB's one hundredth to enter the ranks of esteemed NDB alumnae, is an incredible collection of talented, bold, courageous, creative, empathetic leaders, visionaries and changemakers. Escorted by mothers, fathers and best friends, each graduate was announced before making a dashing stroll down the runway - many of whom showcased an endearing pose, handshake or dance move with their escort.

u o y k n a h T

The presence of so many alumnae, past and current parents/guardians, generous donors, board members and more is a testament to NDB's enduring spirit as a beacon of education, empowerment and community. We offer gratitude to the lineage of Notre Dame de Namur Sisters, faculty and staff, parents and guardians who have all made one hundred years of education possible at NDB.

Here’s to the next 100 years of being a TIGER!

WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE THE

100th Graduating Class OF NOTRE DAME BELMONT The Class of 2024, the Dragons, make history as NDB’s one hundredth graduating class. These graduates join an esteemed legacy of empowered women who live lives devoted to improving their communities. We are extremely proud of our hundredth graduating class and ask that the Spirit of Notre Dame and St. Julie guide them on their paths. We offer gratitude tor the lineage of Notre Dame de Namur sisters, faculty and staff, parents and guardians who have all made one hundred years of education possible at NDB. Here’s to the next hundred years!

Jessica Ai

Malaina Alifano

Nora Ames

Anneke Ansari

Francesca Arbelaez

Karly Bordin

Cameron Brady

Julia Breckenridge

Olivia Caron

Julia Chapman

Olivia Chartier

Ava Chung

Jaimie Cleland

Elizabeth Clyne

Isabella Davis

Caitlin Degnan

Ilaria Dell'Abbate

Daniella DeMera

Kashira Dharmadhikari

Gianna Dixon

Kaylee Ellerhorst

Thayer Ettrick

Mackenzie Fobes

Giorgia Gallegos

Laya Ganapati

Trisha Garud

Saba Ghane

Alexa Herrera

Amber Holloway

Katherine Homrig

Wenle (Linda) Hong

Wenqian (Wendy) Hong

Manshu (Gina) Ji

Katherine Johnson

Caroline Kaloust

Annika Kan

Kiara Karcich

Jena Kawar

Alyssa Kimoto

Madeleine King

Shpresa Knowles Osmeni

Malia Lamb

Reese Lancaster

Lainey Lee

Anne Lester

Ryann Leyte-Vidal

Yutong (Suzy) Liu

Lucy Livingston

Margaret Mahlman

Ella Mahon

Fiona Maroun

Viviana Martinez

Milli Mathur

Kayla Messick

Jenna Metwally

Mia Meza

Mallory Moore

Mengxuan (Laura) Gui

Chiara Harrington

Annette Henderson

Helena Morell

Clara Mori

Mia Muzzi

Niharika Nair

Ava Nekoomaram

Kylie Neumann

Julia Oliveira-Killmon

Lilyanna Padilla

Tiana Pan

Sabrina Philip

Milan Pineda

Lauren Pope

Saaniya Ravi

Enxian (Lucy) Ren

Mandy Roche

Maggie Rose

Diandra Sahouria

Nicole Santos

Leyla Sava

Zoé Shaikh

Gianna Shaughnessy

Liping Sheridan

Perry Stevick

Ashley Strain

Isabella Sucre

Carly Sullivan

Savannah Sweet

Audrey Tang

Cailin Thompson

Ashley Turner

Meixi (May) Wang

Jasmine Westphal-Cullen

Lucy Wood

Megan Worry

Not Pictured: Sophia Bao, Giaan Duggal, Natalia Morrow, Riley Raff, Isabella Skirboll, Danfeng (Evan) Zhang

Congratulations!

Mass Communications Majors

Humanities Majors

Sports Medicine and Management Majors

STEM Majors

How did NDB Prepare & Inspire the

Class of 2024?

What Recent Graduates Have to Say

TRISHA GAROD Georgetown University Government and Economics

SHPRESA KNOWLES UCLA Psychology

GIGI SHAUGHNESSY Tulane Biology, Pre-Med

“Teachers have prioritized preparing their juniors and seniors for the starkly different environment we are about to enter by imparting their knowledge of proper etiquette, study tactics and wellness tips. I am beyond grateful.”

“I think going to Notre Dame has instilled a great amount of healthy competition in me, driving me to succeed and work hard alongside all of my extremely driven and intelligent peers. I’m grateful for the high standard of success at NDB that pushes me to accomplish more and more every day,”

“The biology class I took with Dr. Srinivasan my freshman year helped to cement the idea that I wanted to study something in the medical field when I went to college. I found the class very intriguing and Dr. Srinivasan always inspired me and my classmates to achieve our dreams.”

JESSICA AI UC Berkeley Molecular and Cellular Biology, Marine Science “My journey at NDB has been shaped by the incredible support and guidance of my teachers, who have played a pivotal role in broadening my horizons and inspiring my path of study. Throughout my four years, the diverse array of classes offered at NDB provided me with opportunities to explore various interests and career paths. While I initially harbored aspirations of becoming a marine biologist, the exposure to different subjects, guest speakers, and engaging classroom activities challenged me to consider alternative paths. I am immensely grateful to each teacher who invested their time and effort in nurturing my curiosity and fostering an open-minded approach to learning.

Without their unwavering support, I may have remained confined to a singular mindset, unaware of the myriad possibilities awaiting me in college and beyond.”

ALYSSA KIMOTO Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Business and Pre-Law “A Notre Dame education is a precious gift. High school can be stressful, as you are expected to learn what you want to pursue at the same time you are learning who you are. Luckily, students here are given a safety net of the NDB Community to help them navigate their four years. As I told our incoming freshmen at Welcome Dinner last week, not everything has gone exactly as I expected or wanted. While it could be painful, some of the things I perceived as failures were hidden catalysts for innovation and placed me exactly where I needed to be. All of our teachers and administrators are so well-versed in their respective fields that every student is guaranteed to get good advice from whomever they may ask, and that is something that has drastically impacted my academic career.”

MALLORY MOORE Cornell Mechanical Engineering “NDB has really encouraged me to pursue STEM and given me many opportunities to do so. Our math and science departments are full of amazing teachers that have challenged me and made me excited to learn. The TigerBots robotics team has been an amazing experience where I have learned so much and competed in competitions.”

Words of Wisdom

for Rising Seniors From the Class of 2024

FIND YOUR OWN WAY AND DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS. GIVE IT A TRY; SOMETIMES YOU ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU THINK.

DON’T GIVE UP. LIFE IS A JOURNEY TO BE EXPERIENCED, NOT A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS; IT WILL ONLY BENEFIT YOU. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND BE YOURSELF. DO YOUR BEST.

MAKE SURE TO MANAGE YOUR TIME WELL, FINISH ESSAYS EARLY, AND WORK ON YOUR APPLICATIONS DURING FREE TIME. DON’T STRESS IF YOU DON’T GET INTO YOUR TOP SCHOOL; THERE ARE MANY GOOD SCHOOLS.

MAY WANG

OLIVIA CARON

LILY PADILLA

DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS, TRY NEW ACTIVITIES, TRY A CRAZY CLASS; DON’T BOX YOURSELF IN.

DO YOUR WORK, BUT HAVE FUN! SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

SAVANNAH SWEET

MALLORY MOORE

DON’T WORRY ABOUT CHOOSING THE RIGHT MAJOR AT 17. JUST EXPLORE TOPICS, LEARN ABOUT THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY, AND YOU’LL FIND SOMETHING YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT.

DON’T LET ANYONE SWAY YOU FROM YOUR GOALS; IF YOU ARE MOTIVATED TO SUCCEED, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

JENA KAWAR

SABRINA PHILIP

DON’T STRESS TOO MUCH ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO COLLEGE; INSTEAD, ENJOY THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR LAST YEAR. LIVE IN THE PRESENT.

DANIELLA DEMERA

USE YOUR RESOURCES AND THE NETWORK OF SUPPORT OFFERED AT NDB.

APPLY EARLY ACTION WHENEVER POSSIBLE! IT WILL MAKE WINTER BREAK MUCH LESS STRESSFUL, AND YOU’LL HEAR BACK FROM PLACES EARLIER.

LAUREN POPE

ISABELLA SUCRE

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP, ESPECIALLY WITH COUNSELORS AND PARENTS OR SIBLINGS.

MIA MEZA

YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH. BREATHE. BE KINDER THAN USUAL. EVERYONE IS SO STRESSED.

HELENA MORELL

BE CONFIDENT IN KNOWING THAT YOU ARE PREPARED AND READY FOR WHAT THE NEXT CHAPTER IN LIFE BRINGS. ASHLEY STRAIN

YOU CAN DO THIS! YOU’RE AMAZING AND COLLEGES WILL SEE THIS.

FOCUS ON YOURSELF, NOT EVERYONE ELSE.

MIA MUZZI

OLIVIA CHARTIER

Leave a Lasting Legacy Leave a lasting legacy today by including Notre Dame Belmont High School in your trust or will and become a Centennial Circle member so that we can celebrate you and your generosity now. By including NDB in your estate, you demonstrate your belief in our mission and your desire to safeguard our future. What a wonderful legacy!

A legacy gift may be as simple as a bequest in your will, or you can list NDB as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy. There are also vehicles that will allow you to make a gift today and receive income for life.

Including NDB in your will or revocable trust can be arranged easily, does not change your current lifestyle and can be modified easily for life circumstances or changes. If a bequest is something you are considering, please: Indicate a specific amount or a percentage of the remaining balance of your estate or trust Make your bequest unrestricted or direct it to a specific area of interest Tell us about your planned gift Consult your financial or estate planner

To learn more about including Notre Dame Belmont in your will, contact Carolina Whitty at cwhitty@ndhsb.org or 650.595.1913.

Submit a Class Note What are you up to now? Do you have a new job? Did you get married? Did you have a child? Let us know by scanning the QR code or emailing your note to cadamis@ndhsb.org.

Update Your Contact Info Do you receive our alumnae emails? Update your contact info by scanning the QR code or emailing jlewis@ndhsb.org.

Empowering young women for

100 years | 1924-2024 1540 Ralston Avenue | Belmont, CA 94002

Save the Dates More information coming soon at ndhsb.org.

SEPT

OCT

OCT

DEC

27

5

30

5

Class of ‘89 Reunion

Class of ‘74 Reunion

Fund a Future Scholarship Benefit

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Boutique

FEB

MARCH

APRIL

8

22

Alumnae Tailgate

Crab and Casino

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Spring Auction

Class of ‘85 Reunion

Aquacades Judges Needed Are you interested in judging Aquacades 2025?

Contact Kari Allegri at kallegri@ndhsb.org.

NOTRE DAME BELMONT | NDHSB.ORG | 650.595.1913