RESPONSIBILITY | NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY
PATRON SAINT: MARY LOU LACHVAYDER MARY LOU LACHVAYDER
is the epitome of what everyone on our campus should
So far, it seems Lachvayder is
be. Those are the words of NDP social studies department chair David Lamb.
achieving her goal of making an
He’s not the only one who feels that way. Many former students echo Lamb’s
impact on students and their faith.
sentiment because Lachvayder lives her faith the way Jesus asks.
“Mary Lou, or Momma Lachvayder
She does not hide her light under a bushel basket, but rather shares her faith
as I call her, was my true north while
unwaveringly with students, family and colleagues. That is why she was selected
I was at NDP. She was able to be an
to be one of the Patron Saint Award recipients for 2019-20.
objective third party who showed me
Lachvayder serves as Director of The House System and was a theology teacher. She uses her time at NDP to build relationships with her students and truly gets to know their hearts. Her goal is simply that all her students know that they are beloved children of God. Several NDP alumni were eager to share heartfelt stories about how
that tough times don’t last but tough people do,” said Dan Fischer ’10. His classmate Natalie Ault agreed, “Mrs. Lachvayder emulates goodness and kindness. I hope the
Lachvayder helped them through difficult life struggles and why they are happy
current students know what an asset she is to their lives.” Lachvayder is ever-
to see her receive the Patron Saint Award.
present at student theater performances, concerts, athletic events and school
“When my dad had a massive stroke from which he did not fully recover, she helped me get through,” said Jason Alderson ’09. “I felt completely alone
fundraisers. “She is NDP’s biggest cheerleader,” Ault added. In 2017, Lachvayder and her team were given the monumental task of
and that I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Mary Lou was there
developing the NDP House System; a natural fit since the goal of the House
through all the tears.”
System is to provide a safe space for everyone on campus and give them a
Her absolute trust in God impresses and inspires the people in her life. Her faith and smile never left her even as her husband of 37 years, Gary, died in July after a long battle with cancer. “My greatest mission is to live so that others see
sense of belonging. That is what she has been doing for students since she arrived at NDP 14 years ago. “Mary Lou has a desire to be Christ-like in everything she does, even when she
what a gift faith is and experience the love of God through me,” she said. “I think
is angry or upset, she still always maintains the dignity that we all wish we could,”
hardships should make us better, not bitter.”
Lamb said. “I can’t think of anyone who deserves the Patron Saint Award more.”
44 SAINTS NATION | 2019-20
