Year in Review
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FROM THE HEADMISTRESS
Dear Friends,
Faith is the Foundation
By all accounts, the 2019-2020 school year was an extraordinary one, not just at Notre Dame Preparatory School, but in communities across the world. The first seven months of school saw many wonderful accomplishments, activities, and celebrations, and our theme for the year—Faith is the Foundation—proved deeply relevant. The COVID-19 pandemic in the spring forced us all to pivot from our daily routines into new, and sometimes unexpected, ways of doing things. Academics and spirituality became virtual in delivery, and service relied on grassroots execution. During this time, faith sustained us. Later in the spring, Notre Dame Preparatory School, like many schools across the country, launched painful, but necessary, conversations about racism in our world, including here at NDP, and worked to develop action plans to address injustice.
Sister Patricia McCarron, SSND, Ph.D. Headmistress
Faith brought us together at a time when social distancing kept us apart. Our faith in God and God’s eternal love nourished the roots of Notre Dame Prep as we rose to the challenge of educating young women to transform the world. The School Sisters of Notre Dame laid out this charge in 1873, when our school was founded, and since then, NDP has provided transformative education that meets the needs of the times. In this Year in Review, I am honored to share with you the many successes of our students, faculty/staff and other community members, and how, in large and small ways, our faith foundation strengthened us, provided support, opened our hearts and minds, enabled celebration, and fostered love throughout the Notre Dame Prep community.
the culmination of the vision, generosity, support, creativity, and hard work of many individuals. With its medical suite, classrooms for the Bette Ellis O’Conor Humanities Program, fabrication lab, art studios, cyber computer center, design studios, and more, the Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing enhances STEAM opportunities for our students at Notre Dame Preparatory School. With the Wing’s opening, we
ACADEMICS Central to our mission is the commitment to excellent
were able to reconfigure existing spaces, including creating a science prep room and new dance studio, and plan for the expansion of the health suite and learning resource center.
academics which enable our students to reach the fullness
In the last school quarter, COVID-19 required NDP to
of their God-given potential, succeed in college and beyond,
transition to a virtual campus. In true NDP spirit, our talented
and affect positive change in the world. After a successful
faculty and students greeted the challenge with openness
first semester, the second half of the year began with a
and eagerness. I am grateful to the faculty for the energy
celebration of a major milestone for NDP: the opening of the
and love they put into this instruction. I am grateful to the
Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing in January 2020. This
students and their families for their patience, commitment,
beautiful new space, named after dedicated alumna, former
and hard work amidst the many changes posed by the
trustee, and volunteer leader Jane Kroh Satterfield ’60, was
pandemic.
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UPPER LEVEL
gift! This event was made possible thanks to the tremendous work of Laurie Jones, coordinator of special projects and
Class of 2020
graduation coordinator, and her entire committee, as well as the Senior Parents, who directed proceeds from the Senior
In spite of the unprecedented changes to our school lives,
Bingo which helped defray the cost of an outdoor ceremony.
we found creative and appropriate ways to celebrate our
Some of the remarkable accomplishments of this wonderful
Class of 2020, an amazing group of 131 young women whose
class include:
successes, creativity, and spirit have left an indelible mark on NDP. Throughout the year, the class demonstrated its
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million through 510+ merit scholarship and grants.
collective leadership, resilience, and strength, especially in the school’s final weeks.
Nearly 89% of the Class of 2020 earned more than $28
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Ellen Brooks, Isabella Cattaneo, Merliss George, Anna
Given the unprecedented circumstances, Notre Dame Prep
Gompers, Catherine Kinkopf, Brooke Powell, Colleen
made a commitment to celebrate this class and uphold
Rogers, and Margaret Sullivan were named 2019
beloved senior traditions, most especially graduation,
Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship
regardless of the challenges of social distancing. Planning
Program.
started in mid-March with tremendous faculty and staff
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Seniors (and sisters) Sophia Cattaneo and Isabella
engagement, along with the help of alumnae and parents.
Cattaneo were honored in the National Hispanic
Adding to the traditional end-of-year activities, faculty made
Recognition Program.
special “Words of Wisdom” videos. A special senior college sweatshirt collage was created; class t-shirts were made and
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5% of the graduating class, were given to: Alexa Aquino,
delivered along with yearbooks; and gifts from the Alumnae
Brianna Hebeka, Catherine Kinkopf, Julia Marine, Camille
Association were delivered to seniors. A social media frame
McGarvey, Emily Sheridan, and Margaret Sullivan.
for profile pictures allowed all to show their support of the class. Kristen Rudolph and Kaye Einbrod, Senior Class parent
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representatives, Mary Neil Gathagan, Trading Post manager, and other helpers personally delivered NDP yard signs, which were a gift from the Parents’ Association, to each girl’s home.
Catherine Kinkopf, Julia Marine, and Margaret Sullivan were named Archdiocesan Distinctive Scholars.
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Kaitlyn Latchaw and Serena Naraval received appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and
And on what would have been graduation day, the school
the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, respectively.
delivered a single pink rose to each senior, in anticipation of our eventual face-to-face graduation ceremony.
Maryland State Scholastic Awards recognizing the top
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Catherine Kinkopf received NDP’s General Excellence Medal for highest academic average.
Thanks to technology, we held joyous, virtual senior celebrations, including a Virtual Awards Ceremony when
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Catherine Kinkopf was named the 2020 White Blazer Girl.
seniors received academic awards, which were then hand
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Other top graduation award recipients included:
delivered (following CDC guidelines!) to the students’ homes. At the Class of 2020 Virtual Farewell Prayer Service for our
— Christina Battaglia and Micah Ferguson (NDP Medal)
school community and the Virtual Senior/Parent Prayer Service, the seniors were held up in prayer. On the day that would have been graduation, May 27th, graduates were honored at a Virtual Senior Celebration that included a class slideshow, special remarks, and an uplifting rendition of “Lean on Me” sung by students and faculty. When conditions allowed, we were beyond thrilled to hold a face-to-face Blessing of the Roses, Baccalaureate Liturgy of the Word, and Graduation Ceremony, with our graduates and their two guests, on June 24th. This celebration occurred four weeks to the day after our originally scheduled graduation, and careful attention was given to the celebratory nature of the events considering social distancing guidelines. Having the girls participate in these beloved traditions, including their final procession through the Gateway, proved to be a special
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A socially distanced graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020
—J ournalism: Danielle Escobal, Brooke Powell —M athematics: Julia Marine —M usic: —C hristina Battaglia: National Catholic Band Association’s Wiskirchen Jazz Award and National Orchestra Award —K elly Mahoney: Director’s Award for Orchestra —H annah O’Shea: Director’s Award for Choir —M arisa Reitz: Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus —G loria Robberto: Robert F. O’Brien Award National Merit Commended Scholars from the Class of 2020
—S amantha Rehak: National School Choral Award —M argaret Sullivan: Director’s Award for Band
— Cecelia Cavolo and Jasmin Edrington (Bene Merenti
—P hotography: Natalie Conte, Kaitlyn Latchaw
Award) — Julianne Oler, Liza Regan, Samantha Rehak, Margaret
—S cience: Catherine Kinkopf
Sullivan, and Maria Welzant (Service Medal)
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—S panish: Marisa Reitz
The Northeast Conference Award for Excellence in
—S TEAM—Computer Science: Emily Sheridan
Language was given to Helen Stafford (Chinese), Gloria
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Robberto (French), and Camille McGarvey (Spanish).
—S TEAM—Engineering: Samantha Wilt
The following seniors were recognized in these key areas:
—S tudent Council: Catherine Kinkopf
— Athletic Association Leadership: Julianne Oler, Liza
—S tudio Art: Julia Marine, Ottavia Steckel, Madelyn VanWestervelt
Regan, Rachel Waldman
—M ia Sutphin Service Award: Elizabeth Lippa
— Athletic Association Spirit: Camille Burt, Julianne Oler, Abigail Rudolph
—T echnology STArs: Danielle Escobal, Merliss George, Grace Larney, Alexandra Ozazewski, Gloria Robberto,
— C. Markland Kelly: Liza Regan
Isabella Schadt, Emily Sheridan, Eileen Stephan,
— CCAP: Cecelia Cavolo
Margaret Sullivan
— Chinese: Brooke Powell
—F inis Yearbook: Alexandra Ozazewski, Carrolline Phelps
— Citizenship: Caroline Campbell
—P erfect attendance (4 years): Camille Burt, Jasmin
— Claire Marie Foundation Scholarship: Allison McDavid
Edrington, and Lauren O’Connor
— Creative Writing: Ellen Brooks, Erin Diehl, Bridget Lang — Dance Choreography: Emily Sheridan
—P erfect attendance (7 years): Serena Naraval
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Concentration Certificates in Architecture and Design; six
— Drama: Olivia Aubele, Jasmin Edrington
in Computer Science; 22 in Engineering and Manufacturing; and seven in Medicine.
— Economics: Hannah O’Shea
— French: Caroline Campbell — Global Citizenship Award: Gloria Robberto
Forty-seven students earned STEAM Certificates. In addition, of that number, four students received STEAM
— Digital Media: Victoria Baroody
— English: Margaret Sullivan
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Twenty-one students earned Bette Ellis O’Conor Humanities Program Certificates.
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Seventy seniors earned Certificates of Biliteracy.
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The Senior Class received the Loyalty Banner.
— History: Anna Gompers
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Aderinsola Aderoju ’22 received state recognition in the Princeton Prize Race Relations program.
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The following juniors received honors from national colleges and universities: — Kylie Cox—St. Anselm College Book Award — Clarisse Dapul—University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation & IT — Grace Glennon—Wellesley College Book Award — Megan Gregory—University of Rochester Frederick Douglass/Susan B. Anthony Award — Joanna Jeyachandran—The Princeton Book Award — Katherine Munter—High Point University Junior Scholars
A class in one of the new Bette Ellis O’Conor Humanities classrooms
Program
GENERAL ACADEMICS
— Ashley Phelan—University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Science Award
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Of the 217 NDP students taking 473 Advanced Placement
— Elizabeth Ramoy—Villanova Alumni Association Book
(AP) tests in spring 2019, 42 students were named AP
Award
Scholars; 21 were named AP Scholars with Honors; 35 were
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named AP Scholars with Distinction; and six were named
— Sofia Rest—St. Michael’s College Book Award
National AP Scholars. 89% of students scored a 3 or better.
— Megan Santamore—The Princeton Book Award
Thirty-one new members were named to the Cum Laude
— Anna Seal—University of Rochester George Eastman
Society, a national organization recognizing outstanding
Young Leaders
scholastic achievement. Inducted into one of 11 NDP — Alexandra Shomali—Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
honor societies were: 87 students to the National Science
Medal
Honor Society; 47 students to Mu Alpha Theta, the National Mathematics Honor Society; 11 new members
— Grace Thrush—The Furman University Scholars Program
to the International Thespian Society; 45 members to
— Elizabeth Weir—The Clarkson University Leadership
the Tri-M National Music Honor Society; 30 students
Award
to the Onomatopoetics Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor Society; 45 students to the National Art Honor Society; four members to the National Forensics League; 39 students to Rho Kappa, the Social
— Caroline Wilking—Elmira College Key Award
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Julia Marine ’20, Megan Santamore ’21, Rylan Sachs ’22,
Studies Honor Society; and two, 21, and 41 students to the
and Kristina Melegari ’23.
Chinese, French, and Spanish Language Honor Societies, respectively.
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Geometry. Six of those students took part in all four of the contests. NDP finished in 4th place with a total of
Noelle Hargrave ’20 was named a national winner in The
245 points. Anika Aracan ’22, had a top score of 70
National Society of Colonial Dames of America Essay
points. Madison Villarba ’23, had a perfect score of 25
Competition.
on contest #1.
Aanisah Husain ’20 won the Dr. Lenwood Ivey Award
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for her work completed at her WIN Experience with the Baltimore City Office of Civil Rights & Wage Enforcement.
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Twenty-five Middle and Upper Level students completed at least one of the four Catholic Math League tests in
Christina Battaglia ’20 and Micah Ferguson ’20 were recognized as Carson Scholars for 2020.
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Top scorers in the Maryland Math League included:
Alexandra Shomali ’21 received the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Certificate.
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Caroline Campbell ’20 served as a Page in the State Offices in Annapolis.
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Tiana Wheatley ’21 attended the Jack and Jill of America “On the Hill” Legislative Summit.
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When Notre Dame turned to virtual learning in midMarch, a schedule was set up that combined synchronous and asynchronous learning. Monday through Thursday, students had four asynchronous classes and two in-person Zoom classes, ensuring all core subjects were taught. Fridays were reserved for physical education, social service, extra AP instruction, and other elective classes.
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On World Book Day in April, the NDP Librarians packaged up books, videos, and puzzles for faculty and staff and prepped mailers for summer reading.
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Our virtual Library Week was celebrated as students shared pictures of themselves reading for social media.
WOMEN IN…(WIN) EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM Seniors dressed in blue for their Zoom session
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The Creative Writing class, under the leadership of
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WIN coordinator, and Steve Pomplon, director of social
Danielle Jablonski, English teacher, was awarded the
service, visited Healthcare for the Homeless to learn about
first-place prize by American Scholastic Press Association
non-profit work in healthcare.
for the 2018-2019 literary magazine, Esprit. This is the 18th consecutive year in which NDP has received award
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Ashleigh Wienhold shadowed for three days at the Notre
All 20 AP Human Geography students received College
Dame of Maryland University School of Nursing.
Board’s WeService certificates of recognition for successfully completing the service learning aspect of the course.
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NDP’s Language Department celebrated Día de los Muertos, French Week, and Chinese New Year.
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As part of our commitment to global citizenship, the Library launched the Read Woke Initiative in which students and faculty/staff read diverse books.
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As traditional WINternships were suspended due to COVID-19, five WIN workshops with special guests speaking on topics including Humanities, STEAM, law, medicine, and business were held this summer. Many thanks go to our guest speakers: — MEDICINE: Joseph Fuscaldo, M.D., Internal Medicine, Medical Director of Quality, GBMC Hospital; Mary Devadas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Towson University;
Fifteen students, NDP teachers Tommy Bender and Lauren
Nicole Boone, ’88, R.N., Pediatric ER, Johns Hopkins
Dana, and a group from Calvert Hall College High School
Hospital; Sara Colasuonno ’06, PT, DPT, Physical
saw the film Just Mercy and participated in a follow-up
Therapist, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute
discussion.
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Class of 2021 members Anna Brockmeyer, Alyssa Edwards, Kati Gotzmann, Mairead Kelly, Ashely Phelan, and
recognition.
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Through WIN, a group of 10 students, Barbara Mantler,
— STEAM: Malini Glueck, President, Phoenix Engineering;
The refurbishment to our auditorium was completed
Katie O’Brien ’05, Regional Quality Manager, Whiting-
this year with the installation of new seats. We are
Turner; Jeanette Partlow ’75, President, Maryland
deeply grateful for this space, which allows the entire
Chemical Company; John Shoaff, Director of the
NDP community to come together to celebrate liturgies,
Office of Air Policy and Program Support at the U.S.
assemblies, performances, and more.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NDP hosted representatives from the National Coalition
— BUSINESS: Beth Dolce, Vice President of Finance and
of Girls’ Schools, who came to learn about NDP’s Service
Operations for Ciena Corporation’s Blue Planet Software
Learning program.
& Services division; Justin Eyler, Principal & Creative
NDP was well-represented at the annual Archdiocesan Gala to celebrate Catholic education in Baltimore. Serving as student volunteers were Aderinsola Aderoju ’22, Micah Ferguson ’20, Nadia Kotyk ’22, Elizabeth Ramoy ’21, Gloria
Director, Eyler Creative; Kate Kasabula ’98, Sr. Director Client Services, Baltimore Ravens; Bill Mantler, Vice President, Senior Municipal Bond Trader, RBC; Amy Przywara, Chief Marketing Officer, Sylvan Learning
Robberto ’20, Rylan Sachs ’22, and Elizabeth Weir ’21.
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— LAW: Megan Burnett Ferris ’05, Associate, Miles & Stockbridge; The Honorable Kathleen Cox, Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court; The Honorable Nicole Pastore ’91, Judge, Maryland District Court Judge; Christopher Rahl, Chair of Financial Service Practice, Gordon Feinblatt — HUMANITIES: Tracey Bosick ’94, Child Protective Services Supervisor, Department of Social Services; Jamie O’Leary, Engagement Coordinator for Maryland and D.C., One Love Foundation; Jennifer Renault, Vice President of Maryland Operations, Arrow Child & Family Ministries; Shelly Trivett ’94, Physical Therapist, Baltimore County Infant and Toddlers Program Students display their “Tiny House” designs.
BETTE ELLIS O’CONOR HUMANITIES PROGRAM Schools Week. Seeing the joy on the girls’ faces as they
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Sophomore Beth Ellis O’Conor Humanities students
walked into the Innovation Wing proved the success of this
interviewed Liz Mueller, a mechanical engineer for Boeing
endeavor! Just as “Wisdom built her house” on Hampton
Aeronautics in Houston, Texas, who designs hardware for
Lane nearly 60 years ago, so has love expanded it for
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
future generations of NDP students. We felt very blessed that our students had the opportunity to work and learn
Writer Susan Muaddi Darraj conducted a writing workshop
in this new space before COVID forced us to postpone our
with Beth Ellis O’Conor Humanities classes.
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blessing and dedication as we moved into virtual learning
The 2020 Bette Ellis O’Conor Humanities Program
mode. This space is home to a full-size Anatomage table,
Capstone Evening was held virtually as students presented
allowing students to conduct virtual 2D and 3D dissections
online their projects exploring “behavior.”
and experiments. Notre Dame Prep is the only high school in the state of Maryland to have such technology. The Innovation Wing allows budding engineers, computer
UPPER LEVEL STEAM
scientists, creative artists, and designers to explore their passions and gain confidence and experience.
Before architects even conceived the Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing, Notre Dame Preparatory School’s STEAM
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Brianna Hebeka ’20 attended the American Society of
Program was blazing forth, providing hands-on, collaborative,
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene where she heard talks from
and creative projects for students in all grades. With this
global health scientists.
new space, even more exciting work can be undertaken as students tap into state-of-the-art technology, conduct
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Engineering held a “Tiny House Open House” to display
research, solve problems, and prepare to bring creativity and
the tiny house prototypes they designed, modeled, and
critical analysis to the world.
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The year began with the formation of the STEAM Department. Under the direction of Mary Agnes Sheridan,
manufactured.
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constructed a replica of NDP’s iconic gateway with books.
current and future trends in STEAM curriculum, establishes
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NDP fielded the only all-female team at the 2019 Maryland
learning opportunities in STEAM, applies for grants,
Cyber Challenge, where the students met the director of
works with donors to fund STEAM initiatives, develops
the Defense Information Systems Agency, Vice Admiral
partnerships with businesses and organizations, and
Nancy A. Norton of the U.S. Navy.
collaborates with Admissions to tell the NDP STEAM story to prospective students.
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To celebrate Engineers’ Week, students, with the help of engineering instructors Nicole Acaso and Neil Hrdlick,
STEAM director for grades 6-12, the Department explores STEAM certificate requirements, secures experiential
Among their many creative assignments, Intro to
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At the Cyber Maryland Finals Competition, NDP achieved a multi-way tie for third place with the only all-girls team
We opened our beautiful new Jane Kroh Satterfield
comprised of Mackenzie Alderson ’21, Bridget Boland ’21,
Innovation Wing to our students with personalized tours,
Emma Kozak ’21, Katherine Mullin ’21, Sofia Rest ’21, and
treats, and fun activities on the first day of Catholic
Anika Ryah Aracan ’22,
6 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
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The Cyber Club team, consisting of Emma Kozak ’21, Sofia
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Rest ’21, Katherine Mullin ’21, and Anika Ryah Aracan ’22,
value, in their respective category, in this year’s Catholic
placed fourth in the first round of The Maryland Cyber
Math League.
Challenge High School Division. The Club later competed
— Geometry: Anna Gredlein ’24
in the state round of the Air Force Association (AFA)
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CyberPatriot National Youth Competition.
— Algebra I: Lily Clark ’24
NDP’s newest STEAM Club, Girls Who Code, strengthened
— Pre-Algebra: Isabelle Rutzebeck ’25
and honed the students’ confidence and experience with
— Math 6: Claire Shultz ’26
coding.
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More than 110 Science National Honor Society students
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Nomination, National Silver Medal winner.
included more than 200 elementary and middle school students. The team from St. Ursula School won first place
In the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Brooke Johnston ’24 was the Regional Gold Key and American Voices
supervised this year’s Egg Drop competition, which
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The following students accumulated the highest point
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Placing in the Middle Level Geography Bee were Mina
honors for Division I (grades 4/5), and St. Margaret School
Stover ’25 (First Place), Reilly White ’24 (Second Place)
won Division II (grades 7/8).
and Cecilia Connolly ’24 (Third Place).
Beauty and change came to campus as a much-valued
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Elizabeth Melchionni ’26 (winner) and Katherine Kozlowski
Ginkgo biloba tree, which the Sachs and Behlen Families
’26 (runner-up) represented NDP at the Archdiocesan
donated, was planted as a special project of the Science
Spelling Bee.
National Honor Society.
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The following French students placed in this year’s Grand Concours competition:
MIDDLE LEVEL •
The Middle Level Virtual Awards Ceremony was held at
— Gold medal: Elise Brucker ’24, Anna Lynn ’24, Sophia Portillo ’24, Lorelei Olaru ’25
the end of the year, when the following students were
— Silver medal: Lily Clark ’24, Marie Soueid ’25
recognized:
— Bronze medal: Anna Gredlein ’24, Brooke Johnston ’24,
— Bella Wimbush ’24 received the Mother Theresa Gerhardinger Award. — The Overall Achievement Award was given to Brooke Johnston ’24.
Claire Schafer ’24 — Mention d’honneur: Haley Amato ’24, Bryn Arrison ’24, Clarissa Bello ’25, Charlotte Campbell ’24, Mary Lampton ’24, Payton Murphy ’25
— Mary-Anne Thomas ’24 received the Service Award. — This year’s Middle Level Scholar Athlete was Antonia Patiniotis ’24; this three-sport athlete competed in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Following the ceremony, NDP teachers and administrators hand-delivered certificates to students in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
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The following students placed in the Maryland Math League for these grade levels: — 8th Grade: Anna Gredlein (1st); Reilly DiPaula and Mary Lampton (2nd) — 7th Grade: Lorelei Olaru and Peyton Pflaumer (1st); Molly Bryson, Melanie Mantler, and Katherine Wilking (2nd) — 6th Grade: Melina Carman and Claire Shultz (1st); Margaret Mullen, Eloise Rose, and Lily Singleton (2nd)
8th Grade Art Club participated in a global art exchange with students in Pakistan.
SUMMER 2020 7
the Judges Award at the Northwest VEX IQ Robotics Challenge in December.
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At the annual Tower of Power event, Erin Flowers ’24, Mary Lampton ’24, and Logan Walsh ’24 won with their 148 centimeter-tall spaghetti and marshmallow tower.
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Twenty students traveled to the Baltimore Engineer’s Club for the annual Technology and Transportation program and luncheon.
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Reena Bitar ’24, Aanya Chawla ’24, Aleena Correal ’24, Reilly DiPaula ’24, Anna Gredlein ’24, Ava Jefferson ’24, Cassandra Samuels ’24, and Isabelle White ’25 participated in this year’s You Be the Chemist program.
The Blazer Bots
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COVID-19 inspired Neil Hrdlick, resident STEAM expert, to create a series of “STEAM, Schemes & Dreams” videos, in which he led discussions and experiments about all
MIDDLE LEVEL STEAM •
aspects of STEAM.
This year’s Innovate & Design Time (IDT) offerings included Digital Design, Logic & Games, Technology, and World Music in Grade 6; Computer Coding, Digital Communications, Forensic Science, and Engineering & Architecture in Grade 7; Art Capstone, 3D Printing & Physical Computing, Hand Bells, and Robotics in Grade 8.
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This year the Middle Level welcomed its own Resident
SPIRITUALITY
STEAM Expert, Neil Hrdlick, who joined NDP after a 34-year career at Northrup Grumman, where he was a
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software and systems engineer. We are grateful for his
In a year dedicated to faith as the foundation of the
willingness to share his talents, expertise, and love of
NDP community, we turned to our faith in times of both
STEAM with our students.
celebration and challenge. Our in-person and virtual liturgies,
Prior to virtual learning, Middle Level students participated in monthly STEAM challenges. For example, in the fall the students went “Pumpkin Chunkin’” as they made devices from Popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and spoons and tested them for accuracy, height, and distance by flinging
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reflections allowed us individually and communally to deepen our relationship with God, foster our spirituality, and strengthen our community.
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An essential component to life at NDP, prayers are said
pumpkin marshmallows. In December, the Middle Level
both at the beginning and end of each day. Special thanks
Egg Drop Challenge required students, using a certain set
are given to our Campus Ministers who led their peers in
of materials, to design, build, and execute a 9-foot drop of
prayer each morning.
a container designed to house and protect an egg.
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prayer services, advisory prayers, retreats, and personal
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Appreciation is given to Libby Keady, Upper Level campus
In true interdisciplinary fashion, 8th-grade social studies
minister, who planned moving, creative, and inspiring
students realized their inner engineer by building working
liturgies and prayer services—both for in-person and virtual
telegraph machines.
celebration—throughout the year.
A Maker Monday STEAM collaboration event was held in
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Retreats are another essential component of spiritual life
November where several Middle Level girls were hosted in
at NDP. This year, navigating a ropes course helped Middle
a design and build session where batteries were built from
Level students build trust with one another. For freshmen,
copper and zinc pennies and an electrolyte solution.
their first NDP class retreat culminated in the class color
The Blazer Bots, consisting of Scarlette Adams ’26,
reveal (pink and orange!), and sophomores shared in
Krysta Blaha ’26, Ava Jefferson ’24, BiancaRose Nnabue
service work at First Fruits Farm. Juniors gathered in
’26, Elena Rest ’25, and Elspeth Skepton ’26, received
prayer and reflection prior to Ring Day, and seniors joined
8 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
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together for their culminating retreat virtually because
our Admissions Open House. Under her guidance, SSND
of COVID.
resources were created, including videos, documents, bulletin boards, and communications providing information
During this year’s Catholic Schools Week, the following
and raising awareness about SSNDs to the entire NDP
activities took place: — The grand opening of the of the Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing occurred! Music, special tours, and
community.
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front and center through virtual daily prayers, class mini-
treats were part of the celebration, and later that
retreats, prayers services, and participation in world-wide
afternoon, we hosted more than 100 parents for a
days of prayer. For example:
special visit.
— The school gathered grade by grade for virtual prayer
— Video tributes to our students and teachers were
services to celebrate Good Friday as we were led
shared.
through the Stations of the Cross voiced by our own
— Our community joined together at our annual Catholic
student campus ministers.
Schools Week Liturgy.
— On May 9th, we virtually celebrated the Feast Day of
— Parent Appreciation Day included a welcome coffee and
Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, the Foundress of the
classroom visits for 6th-grade and 9th-grade parents
School Sisters of Notre Dame, through prayers and social media posts.
— In a new service activity, parent and alumna volunteers made 300 lunches for Beans and Bread shelter.
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Throughout the pandemic, NDP kept its spiritual mission
— The entire student body came together for a virtual prayer service to culminate the end of the school year.
Middle Level students participated in “Dancing with the Saints,” a “FUNraiser” held in advance of All Saints Day that featured songs and dances from the 1950s and 1960s.
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Our beautiful Advent prayer service included special intentions, glorious music, and a liturgical dance performed to choral music featuring soloist Samantha Rehak ’20.
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Sister Carol Jean Dust, an inspiring School Sister of Notre Dame, visited NDP and heard from students, faculty, and staff, toured the school, and joined us for our Advent prayer service.
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This year’s Martin Luther King Day prayer service featured reflections, music, interpretive dance, and an interactive activity on dismantling racism.
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As part of her graduate studies, Catherine Liberatore, former Parents’ Association president, engaged all groups in the NDP community in faith formation. Her monthly
Class of 2021 sings during the opening of Junior Ring Liturgy.
guided prayer sessions for faculty and staff provided spiritual respite during the work week. Prayer services with students and parents at every grade level fostered
Working Towards Justice
community. A prayer service for alumnae reconnected
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graduates to the school. We are most grateful to Catherine
This spring, students, faculty and staff, administrators,
for contributing to the spiritual growth of the NDP
families, and alumnae engaged in important dialogue about
community.
racism in our country and how Notre Dame Prep, as a school
During the school year, Sister Barbara Brumleve, SSND, mission integration coordinator, worked to ensure that the SSND mission and charism were fully integrated
dedicated to transformation and the SSND charism of unity, can break down injustices. Some action items include:
•
Establishment of an Antiracism Task Force, which includes
into NDP life and activities. On numerous occasions, she
representatives from various school constituencies to
told the SSND story, from sharing history as part of our
examine existing plans, policies, and procedures through
Foundation Day celebration to representing the SSNDs at
the lens of antiracism.
SUMMER 2020 9
•
A search for a Director of Community Development and Inclusion to lead our diversity, inclusivity, and equity work.
•
Professional development for all faculty and staff, either individually or through their departments, regarding antiracism; this work will continue during the school year. As a school committed to Catholic social teaching, all were asked to read Archbishop William Lori’s Pastoral Letter and Reflection, “The Journey to Racial Justice: Repentance, Healing, and Action,” and his more recent article in America Magazine, “How church teaching can help explain why ’Black Lives Matter’.”
•
A review of texts and curricula in light of antiracism by academic departments.
•
Development of processes for documenting and
Mia Sokol ’20 doing her part
addressing bias-related incidents at the school, to ensure a timely and equitable response and level of accountability.
• •
•
In a student-organized assembly, Stone Soup Day focused
Revision of current activities and developing plans for
on raising awareness and financial support for the school’s
ongoing student antiracism education.
Thirst Club project and the SSND’s Beyond Borders project to build a safe well in Haiti.
Enhancements to our website to include comprehensive information about inclusivity, diversity, and justice work at
•
NDP and the Christian Community Awareness program (CCAP) donated to Mother Seton Academy, an SSND-
Notre Dame Prep.
sponsored school in Baltimore City, in honor of this year’s As we move forward in this important work together, we take our lead from the Gospel that says all are made in the image and likeness of God.
SSND Foundation Day.
•
In an afternoon of service, Big Sister/Little Sister pairs engaged in a host of service projects, from decorating tote bags for our Head Start Christmas Party and making hats for local homeless shelters; to creating Christmas cards for the sisters at Villa Assumpta and gifts for residents of Jenkins Senior Living Community; to packing Weekend Breakfast Bags for Beans and Bread.
•
Christmas presents for 40 families through St. Gregory the
SERVICE Foundational to NDP’s mission is a commitment to service,
Great Church and Marian House.
•
on-campus and off-campus programs.
•
NDP welcomed 50 little visitors from Catholic Charities of Baltimore Head Start for the annual CCAP Head Start
justice, and advocacy. Both Middle and Upper Level students regularly pursued age-appropriate service work through
NDP Middle and Upper Level students and faculty provided
Christmas Party.
•
AP Studio Art service learning students and several School Sisters of Notre Dame distributed reusable tote bags to
This year’s Penny Queen raised more than $10,000 to
promote environmentalism at a local grocery store. NDP
support NDP service programs. In a first-ever initiative,
art students installed a pop-up gallery of persuasive art to
the students collected enough casseroles to feed more
discourage single-use plastics.
than 1,400 individuals at Our Daily Bread. Congratulations to the Senior Class and Penny Queen, Caroline Bender, for winning the banner, and to the Freshman Class and Penny Queen, Chloe LaCanfora, for coming in a very close second! Our other Penny Queens were Kayla Schatz ’22 and Eleanor deFries ’21.
1 0 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
•
Lauren O’Connor ’20 was recognized for her volunteerism with Empower 4 Life.
•
—M ia Sokol ’20 joined a volunteer effort to assemble
Thirty-seven students from NDP’s Science National Honor Society and 32 from Calvert Hall College High School
personal protective equipment for the Johns Hopkins
joined in the fall stream clean-up effort at Loch Raven
Health System.
Reservoir. In total, approximately 399 pounds of debris was
—N DP filled four cars to capacity with casseroles,
collected and bagged.
•
•
•
supplies, and items from Our Daily Bread’s wish list. This
The 27th annual Pasta for the Philippines supported
collection was dedicated to alumna Mary Gunning ’75,
students at the Saint Louis High School and the School for
who recently retired after many years of service to the
the Hearing Impaired in Northern Luzon, Philippines.
Baltimore Head Start program and Baltimore City. —O n several occasions, students, including Grace Hayden
A new service activity, initiated by Catherine Liberatore as part of her graduate work, organized parents and alumnae
’20 (and her mom, Mary!), Madison Sanschagrin ’22, and
to make sandwiches for Beans and Bread shelter.
Mackenzie Sanschagrin ’22 delivered coffee, donuts, cupcakes, pizza, and other treats to healthcare workers
Throughout this pandemic and a statewide stay-at-
at area hospitals including Greater Baltimore Medical
home order, NDP students were able to pivot to support
Center and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.
communities affected by COVID-19. For example: — NDP donated goggles, wipes, and other supplies to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. — A mask-making initiative made its way through the community. Sister Barbara Brumleve, SSND, mission integration coordinator, organized an effort while students including BiancaRose Nnabue ’26, Caroline Campbell ’20, Sophie Snoussi ’20, and others made
ATHLETICS
masks in their homes. Alyssa Edwards ’21 and Kristin Logue ’21 were featured on local newscasts for their efforts.
UPPER LEVEL
— NDP Alumna Emily Wayson ’19 made PPE face-shield frames on a 3D printer loaned to her by NDP. — Reilly DiPaula ’24 and her family raised money for the
In the true spirit of NDP, our student athletes regularly demonstrated the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork,
Maryland Food Bank, giving all donors handmade bird
and respect in all competitions.
ornaments.
•
The Varsity Tennis Team was named the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) B Conference Champions.
•
The Indoor Track & Field Team was named IAAM B Conference Championships.
•
The Swim Team was named the National Catholic Swimming and Diving Champions for 2020; was named a Scholar Team by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America, Inc; and was the IAAM A Conference Runner-Up.
•
The Cross Country Team was named the IAAM A Conference Runner-Up.
•
The Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Field Hockey Teams made it to the IAAM semi-finals, and the Notre Dame Prep
Hosting guests at the annual Headstart Christmas Party
Varsity Soccer Team ended its season with a loss in the IAAM quarter-finals.
SUMMER 2020 11
•
Now in its third year, Notre Dame Prep competed in Varsity
•
Squash. We are grateful to Bob Travers and the Mary Jean
The Baltimore Sun:
and Oliver Travers Foundation for their continued support
— Cross Country—Julia Merriman ’21
of this popular program.
•
—F ield Hockey—Meredith Medvetz ’20, Pyper Friedman ’21
The following girls were named IAAM All-Conference Athletes:
The following students were named to All-Metro teams by
•
The following members of the Class of 2020 signed National Letters of Intent:
— Badminton: Merliss George ’20
— Ellen Brooks, Fordham University (swimming)
— Basketball: Eleanor deFries ’21
— Sophie Davis, University of Pennsylvania (lacrosse)
— Cross Country: Julia Merriman ’21
— Jenna Klaers, St. Louis University (field hockey)
— Field Hockey: Meredith Medvetz ’20, Pyper Friedman ’21
— Meredith Medvetz, Wake Forest University (field
— Golf: Julianne Oler ’20
hockey) — Liza Regan, Johns Hopkins University (lacrosse)
•
Seniors committing to Division II and Division III colleges and universities included Norah Fitzsimmons (Florida Tech for crew); Hannah Guanti (Roanoke College for lacrosse); Hannah Einbrod (Salisbury University for volleyball); Kaitlyn Latchaw (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for lacrosse); Greta Peacock (Cal Tech for swimming); Brooke Sisk (Palm Beach Atlantic for lacrosse); and Helen Stafford (Swarthmore College for lacrosse).
•
The 2019 Keith Waldman — Optimal Performance Associates/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad included 17 girls from NDP: Brooke Borzymowski ’21, Caroline Colimore ’21, Natalie Conte ’20, Kylie Cox ’21, Julia Firlie ’20, Pyper Friedman ’21, Shannon Huey ’20,
National Signing Day
Morgan Johnson ’21, Jenna Klaers ’20, Halley Koras ’21, Grace Larney ’20, Meredith Medvetz ’20, Liza Regan ’20, Abigail Rudolph ’20, Kayla Vosburg ’21, Sara Vosburg ’21,
— Indoor Soccer: Christine Scott ’21, Camille McGarvey ’20 — Indoor track: Gracy Back ’22, Claudia Engel ’23, Louisa Gillam ’21, Serena Naraval ’20, Abby Thompson ’21
Mackenzie Walker ’20.
•
team at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Pyper was also named the Fox-45 Player of the Week in
— Lacrosse: Caroline Campbell ’20, Sophie Davis ’20,
September.
Hannah Guanti ’20, Shannon Huey ’20, Evanthia Kaminaris ’20, Grace Larney ’20, Kaitlyn Latchaw ’20, Liza Regan ’20, Brooke Sisk ’20, Helen Stafford ’20
•
’20, Margaret Williams ’20, Zoe Roros ’20 — Soccer: Christine Scott ’21, Camille McGarvey ’20 — Tennis: Maddie Willenborg ’21, Merliss George ’20, Erica Ezumba ’22, Sydney Taylor ’22 — Volleyball: Hannah Einbrod ’20, Eleanor deFries ’21
1 2 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
At its annual All-State Banquet, the Field Hockey Coaches Association of Maryland named Meredith Medvetz ’20 and Pyper Friedman ’21 to its first team.
— Outdoor Track: Naomi Bajko ’20, Victoria Baroody ’20, Micah Ferguson ’20, Serena Naraval ’20, Alexia Smith
Pyper Friedman ’21 trained and competed with USA U18
•
Cate Shepherd ’23 was named to the U.S. Under-16 Girls’ National Soccer Team Training Camp.
•
During the McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards, NDP basketball player, Abigail Rudolph ’20, was honored alongside other Baltimore-area athletes for her unselfish team play and contributions to Blazers Basketball.
•
Blazer Basketball’s Eleanor deFries ’21 was included on
MIDDLE LEVEL
The Baltimore Sun’s list of IAAM A and B Conference girls basketball 2019-20 scoring leaders.
•
•
•
•
This year approximately 64% of Middle Level students
For her effort and sportswomanship, Alexia Smith ’20
played on a fall sports team and 22% on a winter team.
received the IAAM Character Coin in the B Conference
Fall sports included cross country, field hockey, soccer and
Championship for racing the 55m hurdle final three times,
volleyball, and winter ones included basketball and soccer.
coming in second place, and achieving a personal record
Due to COVID-19, spring sports, including badminton,
of 10.05s.
lacrosse, and tennis, were canceled.
Julianne Oler ’20, Lauren Smithberger ’20, and Liza
•
Throughout their competition seasons, all teams had
Regan ’20 represented NDP at the Interscholastic Athletic
fun while developing skills, working as a team, and
Association of Maryland’s Leadership Conference.
demonstrating grace and maturity on the playing field.
Members of the Varsity Soccer team volunteered and ran at a charity event supporting Athletes Serving Athletes.
•
Blazer Basketball had their annual alumnae game during Christmas break, with the “red” teaming facing the “green” team. It was great to see so many familiar faces return to campus!
•
Liza Regan ’20 was featured in a special COVID-19 PSA
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
which the IAAM produced.
•
The NDP spirit continued during the spring even though sports during this season were canceled. All of our
•
student athletes showed tremendous grace, character, and
The visual and performing arts classes, clubs, and special
understanding in light of this reality.
projects gave students outlets for personal expression,
The Varsity Lacrosse team participated in the Yards for
performance opportunities, and fun.
Yeardley Virtual Movement program to support the One Love Foundation.
•
This summer, the Blazer Field Hockey Team collectively performed 500 Acts of Kindness in 24 hours, including
Dance •
New studio space was created for dancers on the ground floor of the Knott Wing, making the wing all-inclusive for
picking up trash, delivering treats, doing the dishes,
performing arts at NDP.
and more.
•
The Upper Level Dance Company and performing arts classes shared their talents and grace at many events. For example, the groups performed at Dance Day, The Claire-Marie Foundation Gala, the annual NDP dance assembly, the annual NDP winter dance performance, a field trip to Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School, and the 3rd Annual Independent Dance Network Festival.
•
Upper and Middle Level dancers put us all in the holiday spirit during this year’s Christmas Dance Concert, which ended with a Rockette kick line by the Upper Level Dance Troupe.
Lauren Smithberger, Liza Regan, and Julianne Oler at the IAAM Leadership Conference
SUMMER 2020 13
•
—O ur band, orchestra, and chorus students performed in
The Dance Program hosted its 2nd Annual Dance Day
a Christmas show at Sacred Heart School of Glyndon.
event in November to welcome prospective students to NDP. Participants enjoyed three master classes taught by
—T he Jazz Ensemble performed at the grand opening of
Serene Webber, dance teacher, and guest teacher, Nuumo
the Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing in January.
Adjetey Klufio.
•
Association’s Day of Recognition, Emily Sheridan ’20 was honored as the president of NDP’s chapter of the National
•
—T he Chamber Choir performed at the Easton Choral
On the Maryland State Department of Dance Education
Arts Festival.
•
Honor Society for Dance Arts.
brightened our days “from a distance”:
Special guests elevated NDP Middle Level dance classes,
— Student performers shared their talents through “Music Moment” videos.
including alumna Rosanna Rivera ’91, who spent the day teaching NDP dance students the Flamenco, and Nuumo
•
Through virtual musical activities, student musicians
— A virtual chorus of students and faculty singing “Lean
Adjetey Klufio, who taught 6th grade dance classes
on Me” serenaded the Class of 2020 at the Senior
African geography and dance, including the Kuku dance
Celebration. The song was such a hit that local television
from Senegal.
stations WMAR and WBAL shared the video.
During NDP’s virtual learning time, the Advanced Studies
— The Performing Arts Department presented end-of-the-
Class lifted all our spirits by creating a wonderful video
year virtual recitals for instrumental and vocal students
based on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and the title song,
that many enjoyed.
“It’s a Beautiful Day.”
Music •
Congratulations to the following music students on their achievements: — NDP students Mackenzie Alderson ’21, Christina Battaglia ’20, Jamison Polcaro ’22, Alexandra Shomali ’21, Margaret Sullivan ’20, Margaret Ugarte ’22, Elizabeth Weir ’21, and Caroline Wilking ’21 were selected to perform at the 2020 Catholic University of America High School Honors Band in Washington, D.C. — Christina Battaglia ’20 was chosen to represent NDP in the 2020 Maryland Senior All-State Orchestra. — Alexandra Shomali ’21 and Jamison Polcaro ’22 received
Art students continued to work on their pieces at home during Virtual Learning.
a superior rating at the 2020 Howard County Solo and Ensemble Festival earning them placement in the state
Theatre
ensemble festival. — Abigail Bilenki ’25 was chosen to represent NDP in the
•
NDP performance history, the fall production of Disney’s
2020 Maryland Junior All-State Choir.
•
In what was by far the most successful presentation in The Little Mermaid was met by sold-out crowds for all
Some additional activities of our student musicians
three performances. Congratulations to the cast and crew
included:
of this fabulous show, which was enjoyed by all!
— Our String Orchestra performed at Villa Assumpta
•
In a short drama season that ended in early March, reviews
to honor Sister Ann Hartnett, SSND, who was named
by NDP students Grace Brehm ’23, Serenity Holmes ’21,
Resident of the Month.
Gloria Robberto ’20, Madison Villarba ’23, and Caroline
— NDP’s Chamber Choir performed at the Ravens’ Christmas Party at the Under Armour Performance Center, where the girls met Ravens players Lamar Jackson and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
1 4 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
Wilking ’21, were selected for publication through the CAPPIES theatre program. Both Madison and Caroline had two reviews selected. Because of COVID-19, the traditional CAPPIES Award Ceremony did not occur.
•
Our youngest actors, singers, and dancers excelled in the Middle Level’s production of Frozen JR. We are very proud of the effort these talented performers and stage hands gave to this outstanding show, which broke attendance records for a Middle Level musical.
•
High-tech effects came to NDP’s productions of The Little Mermaid and Frozen JR. as the school piloted the use of a 15K lumen Epson laser projector and lens which created animated projected scenery.
Visual Arts Upper Level •
The Scholastic Art Awards were awarded to: — Hannah Greenberg ’21, Honorable Mention, Photography
Creativity on display at the Middle Made Design Challenge
•
allowing all to view our students’ work from home and be
— Megan Gregory ’21, Silver Key, Painting
inspired by their beauty!
— Brianna Kelly ’22, Honorable Mention, Photography — Kaitlyn Latchaw ’20, Honorable Mention, Photography
This year’s Upper Level Arts Night was held virtually,
Middle Level
— Julia Marine ’20, Honorable Mention, Drawing and Illustration
•
a Silver Key for Drawing and Illustration.
— Summer Nelson ’23, Honorable Mention, Photography — Ottavia Steckel ’20, Honorable Mention, Painting
•
included: Jane Fields ’26, Taylor Moreau ’26, Eva Smith ’26, (1st place); Margaret Beach ’24, Claire Jones ’24, Anna
— Abby Thomas ’22, Honorable Mention, Photography
•
and artistic journey with our students.
•
Middle Level 8th-grade students participated in the Global
Artwork by Carter Kristoff ’21, Chloe Simpson ’21, and
Art Exchange sponsored by The Memory Project, in which
Madelyn VanWestervelt ’20 was included in the Young
16 students made artwork for students from Nigeria.
•
The Middle Level Art for Hope Club spread hope, prayer, and love through creativity—things greatly appreciated
The Baltimore County Arts Guild exhibited artwork by Hannah Cox ’22, Eva Milan ’23, and Grace Sullivan ’22.
•
Middle Level Art students welcomed artist Rachel May Chamberlain ’97 back to NDP; the alum shared her talents
Timonium Optimists Club.
•
•
represented NDP at the AIMS student art exhibit at the
Artist Showcase Student Art Exhibit sponsored by the
•
’24, Ava Jefferson ’24, Olivia Shannon ’24 (3rd place).
Juliann Barton ’20, Hannah Cox ’22, and Julia Marine ’20 Walters Art Museum in late January.
•
Lynn ’24, (2nd place); Haley Amato ’24, Brianna Herbert
Hannah Cox ’22’s “Bee” drawing was published on the front cover of the County Chronicle Newspaper.
Middle Level designers showcased 21 outfits for the Middle Made Design Challenge. Winners of the competition
— Leah Stuart ’22, Honorable Mention, Digital Art
•
In the Scholastic Art Competition, Brigid Brandon ’24 won
during the time of pandemic!
•
The Middle Level Virtual Arts Night showcased work done
Upper Level students created 23 dresses for this year’s 9th
by our middle school artists. The creativity expressed in
Annual CW Project Greenway Fashion Show. This event
the artwork was a testament to the many talents of our
honors alumna Claire Wagonhurst ’15.
students!
Eighty-eight students made portraits of children from Nigeria for The Memory Project.
SUMMER 2020 15
Ultimate Movement (GUM), a program under USA Ultimate. The three-year grant supports a coaching stipend, free coaching and youth memberships to USA Ultimate, and free and discounted uniforms.
•
In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Travis Manion Foundation Club came together for their first-ever Operation Legacy in
STUDENT LIFE
which they made care packages for female veterans.
•
Through our new Future Business Leaders of American
From cherished traditions like Gym Meet and Middle Level
Club, 10 NDP students took part in Rising Women, a
Field Day, to celebrations like Purple Fridays and Tree Trim, to
17-week joint venture with Stanley Black & Decker and
active club and co-curricular activities, student life is vibrant
Junior Achievement.
and multidimensional at NDP. Even after our movement to virtual learning because of COVID-19, the NDP spirit sustained
•
Students earned many kudos in Speech and Debate this year, including:
itself through virtual activities and community building. — Out of 45 schools, NDP placed second in speech
UPPER LEVEL •
•
•
competitions in the Baltimore Catholic Forensics League (BCFL).
We officially welcomed our 6th and 9th grade students
— Our first-ever Policy Debate team of Diane Esteban ’23
(plus, all new students from other grades) into the NDP
and Madison Villarba ’23 team qualified for the Metro
community during our cherished Gateway Ceremony.
Championship.
NDP senior “big sisters” and sophomore “little sisters”
— At the Villiger tournament at St. Joseph’s University,
teamed up for a scavenger hunt to uncover clues around
Danielle Escobal ’20 was a finalist and Micah Ferguson
campus.
’20 was a semifinalist.
A new schedule provided time for our 60+ students clubs to meet during activity times during the school day as well
— Jasmin Edrington ’20, Micah Ferguson ’20, and Danielle Escobal ’20 all won awards for their events in the BCFL.
as before or after school.
•
Twelve students and four faculty members attended the Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference (BSDLC). Five NDP students presented workshops. The conference was attended by over 400 students from independent schools in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
•
Eight teachers and four students attended the People of Color Conference, held in Seattle, Washington, and sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
•
Six students, Aderinsola Aderoju ’22, Micah Ferguson ’20, Tayler Leonard ’22, Samantha Ogundare ’22, Ginikanwa Okoronkwo ’20, and Sy’al Sapp ’20, attended the Sankofa Conference on Inclusivity.
•
NDP’s Asian Student Association created special videos to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
• •
NDP participants at the Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference
— Seven team members qualified for the Metro
Festivity abounded at NDP’s Tree Trim, which included
championship tournament, which was canceled due
carols, cookies, and, of course, a visit from Santa!
to COVID-19. They were: Jasmin Edrington ’20, Micah
The NDP Ultimate Club Team was a 2020 recipient of a Girls’ Team Startup Project (GTSP) grant from the Girls’
1 6 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
Ferguson ’20, Danielle Escobal ’20, Rylan Sachs ’22, Aderinsola Aderoju ’22, Diane Esteban ’23, and Madison Villarba ’23.
•
NDP’s Mock Trial team was seeded #1 going into
•
elimination rounds.
•
Gateway Newspaper editors Danielle Escobal ’20 and
Alexandra Shomali ’21 graduated from Howard County’s Leadership U 2019 program for students.
•
Isabella Lawton ’21 and Gloria Robberto ’20 were selected
Margaret Sullivan ’20 presented to seventh-graders at
to be part of the inaugural class for the Youth Diplomat
St. Joseph School – Fullerton as to what it is like to be
Program, sponsored by the World Trade Center Institute.
on a high school newspaper staff.
•
Seniors traveled to New York to tour, take in two Broadway shows, and have some fun during this beloved tradition.
•
Just before COVID-19 moved us to a virtual learning environment, our Upper Level classes were able to participate in the 91st Gym Meet. Congratulations to the Senior Class for winning the Silver Cup, along with the poster award, and march, song, and aerobics plaques. The Juniors won the dance plaque.
•
Many of our clubs continued to meet virtually throughout the spring. For example: — The Mental Health Club and the Asian Student Association planned content and posted announcements for Mental Health Awareness and Asian Pacific American Heritage during May. — Women in Medicine Club hosted guest speakers from
FBLA Club members at Stanley Black & Decker
Johns Hopkins Hospital who shared insight into their experience in health care with students.
•
•
Throughout the year, our student organizations—Student
— We successfully hosted our first virtual student elections
Council, Athletic Association, and Christian Community
for class officers, Student Council, Athletic Association
Awareness Program (CCAP)—provided leadership,
(AA), and the Christian Community Awareness Program
sponsored fun events such as school dances, Tree Trim,
(CCAP), with candidates creating online posters and
and Gym Meet, held service activities, and raised funds, all
videos that were shared via our PrepNet learning
the while building and supporting student community life.
management system for student voters to view.
Students on the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion (DEI) Council sponsored monthly diversity discussions, supported
MIDDLE LEVEL
affinity groups and affinity group activities, and helped organize school-wide assemblies, prayer services, and
•
discussions.
•
•
An Escalation Workshop, sponsored by the One Love
students enjoying fun girl time at school.
•
French Week, Danielle Polun ’26, Noelle Railey ’26, Lucy
seniors on healthy relationships, and a follow-up session
Loeffler ’25, and Ella Hogans ’24 came in first for their
for students to process this impactful video.
grade levels and won coveted yellow t-shirts.
Student assemblies addressed important topics for dangers of vaping, and accepting differences in others. Thank you to all who came out to our annual NDP/ Calvert Hall volleyball game in support of the Claire Marie Wagonhurst Scholarship fund.
•
At the Middle Level Tour de Notre Dame in celebration of
Foundation, included a parent screening, a training for
•
our young people, including adolescent melanoma, the
•
The Annual Girls Night Out found NDP Middle Level
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a stop in the Middle Level for the annual Tree Trim.
•
Kaitlyn Dey ’26 won the “big pencil” during Library Week.
•
Seventh graders visited the Jewish Museum of Maryland, where they took in “Scrap Yard: Innovators of Recycling,” a special exhibit that connects to our Green School Initiative
The mascots from Calvert Hall College High School and
at NDP.
Loyola Blakefield visited NDP so the girls could extend good wishes to their favorite teams for the 100th Annual Turkey Bowl.
SUMMER 2020 17
•
During the spring, social distancing did not dampen Middle
•
Level student life:
three-week course as part of Johns Hopkins’ Center for Talented Youth residential summer program which is based
— During the virtual Middle Level Field Day, students
nationwide and draws academically talented students from
chose five of the following activities to try at home:
around the world.
Egg Relay, Sponge Relay, Toss Game, Sidewalk Game, Book Balance, Tissue Skill, Water Bottle Flip, Frisbee, or
Charles Joscelyne, computer science teacher, taught a
•
Anne Walker, art department chair, and Steve Pomplon,
Waddle Ball. Then, everyone did the final culminating
director of social service, presented “Redefining Classroom
activity: The Obstacle Course!
Boundaries: The Potential of Service-learning in Valuedriven Education” at the National Coalition of Girls’
— Throughout our virtual learning weeks, Middle Level
Schools Symposium.
students connected regularly through rousing games of Zoom Trivia.
•
two sessions at both the Maryland Art Education
— Student clubs continued to provide fun and engaging
Association Conference and the National Art Education
activities. Those clubs that met virtually during this time
Association Convention in Minneapolis.
included yoga, Boote Camp, Art for Hope, Kindness Club, Coding Club, Scrabble, writing, and dance.
Anne Walker and Colleen Helie, art teachers, presented
•
Nicole Acaso, Ginna Alderman, Raven Andrews, Gail Caltrider, Lauren Dana, Christina Hellem, Maureen Longo, and Terry St. Laurent attended NAIS People of Color Conference in Seattle, Washington.
•
Chris DiMenna, science teacher, continued her participation in QuarkNet at JHU and nationally; the program is run through Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and funded by the National Science Foundation.
FACULTY & STAFF
•
a year-long fellowship for religion teachers at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Judaic Studies.
Drawing from an educational foundation grounded in tradition and contemporary in expression, NDP’s faculty
Libby Keady, Upper Level campus minister, participated in
•
Lisa Kendzierski and Erin McNamara, Middle Level English
and staff foster our mission of educating women to change
teachers, attended the National Council of Teachers of
the world. This spring, this dedicated group proved their
English (NCTE) Conference.
mettle as they pivoted to virtual learning to ensure seamless transition in student instruction.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT •
NDP Guidance Counselor Ginna Alderman shared her expertise with conference attendees at the University of
•
Laura Lorenz, English teacher, attended an Advanced Placement Research training in Chicago and a workshop for the Institute of Diversity and Social Justice.
•
Cathi Love and Stacy Wilson, math teachers, attended the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) Annual Conference.
Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center’s Community Partner Speaker Series. Mrs. Alderman, along with fellow personal counselor Bridget Gallant, presented at the AIMS Anxiety workshop at Cathedral of Mary our Queen.
•
Michael Ellis, social studies teacher, represented the George Washington Teachers’ Institute on George Washington and Mount Vernon at the annual Middle States Conference on the Social Studies. Additionally, he was selected to be the teacher facilitator for the George Washington Teachers’ Institute on George Washington: Leadership and Legacy, which was canceled because of COVID-19. Bridget Ryder and Sister Mary Roy Weiss, SSND, religion teachers, at Open House
1 8 N O T R E D A M E P R E P. C O M
•
•
Jenny Poitras, social studies teacher, attended the National
•
Coalition for Girls Schools’ Education Girls Symposium
which underwent a necessary shift during the spring. The
held in Baltimore. She also presented at the Association
emphasis on Global Citizenship provided a useful lens for
of Independent Maryland School (AIMS) Play and Learn
all constituents to reflect on our global interconnectedness
Conference
in light of COVID-19. Faculty and staff worked diligently to adapt their practice to a distance environment, building
Steven Pomplon, director of social service, attended the
skills and developing understandings that continue to
Advanced Placement/WE Service Teacher Summit, Seattle,
inform and reflect our global mindset wherein we build
Washington.
•
NDP continues with its Sustaining Excellence protocol,
both capacity and disposition in our students to impact on
Serene Webber, dance teacher, participated in the National Dance Education Conference in Miami, Florida.
a global scale.
•
Terri Byrd, NDP Swim coach and physical education teacher, was named Coach of the Year at the National Catholic Swimming and Diving Championship.
•
Aimee Sann, math teacher and Speech and Debate moderator, received the District Coach of the Year Award from the National Speech and Debate Association Chesapeake District. Mrs. Sann also received NDP’s Dorothea Newnam Enhancing Excellence in Education
THE NDP COMMUNITY The spirit that imbues Notre Dame Preparatory School is
Grant to purchase TI-Innovator Rovers for use in her classes.
•
Sophie Fineran, librarian, received, NDP’s Mildred Motsko
as foundational to our school culture as academics and
Hunt Memorial Award, and NDP recognized Steve
co-curricular activities. In countless ways, our community
Pomplon, director of service, with the Hyacinths for the
demonstrated God’s love in both the care for each other and
Soul Award.
the care for Notre Dame Preparatory School. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, every faculty and staff member gave
•
Thanks to the Parents’ Association, an online KudoBoard
100% to ensure the academic workings and administrative
was created so students and families could send messages
underpinnings of Notre Dame Prep continued effectively and
of thanks to teachers. The gratitude and kind messages
efficiently to serve our girls and the wider community. Our
shared were deeply appreciated by all!
students and families responded in similar fashion through their hard work and support.
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS •
THE GIFTS OF MANY •
commitment are unparalleled. This year, among their work, was the creation and approval of a new Board
Workplaces. Each year since the inception of the program,
Strategic Plan, which will guide decision-making for the
NDP has been included among this esteemed list of
next three years.
Baltimore employers. In the Baltimore Style Readers’ Choice Awards: — NDP was named Best Girls Private High School. — Barbara Barr, math teacher, was named the Best Teacher in the High School category.
•
My deepest gratitude goes to our Board of Trustees for their outstanding leadership. Their dedication and
Notre Dame Preparatory School was named (for the ninth consecutive year!) among The Baltimore Sun’s Top
•
Teacher Appreciation Week was held virtually this year.
•
We are grateful to the volunteerism of all our parents. Their efforts bring our community together and make connections among our families. In particular, I want to thank our wonderful Parents’ Association, led by Sherri Lawton; Friends of the Arts, led by Patty Newton; Fathers’ Follies, led by Bill Thrush and Michael Rudolph; the
Notre Dame Preparatory School earned the College
Sports Boosters, led by Matt Rockstroh; as well as all the
Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award
parent representatives and spirit club volunteers for their
for achieving high female representation in AP Computer
continued love and service to NDP.
Science Principles. Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, less than 1% achieved this honor.
SUMMER 2020 19
•
I would like to give special thanks to Kristen Rudolph and
four donors, every single one of those dollars raised to
Kaye Einbrod, Senior Class parent representatives. From
support our Limitless capital campaign was matched dollar
delivering yard signs to seniors to partnering on the many
for dollar.
details of our face-to-face graduation such as the tents, their efforts ensured a special and meaningful end-of-year
•
Property Assistant at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., NDP
for the Class of 2020.
•
received a generous donation of Stanley Black & Decker tools for the new fabrication lab in the Innovation Wing.
Faithful volunteers consistently answered the call to assist NDP. We are ever grateful to Sister Raymond Lorenzen, SSND, for her volunteerism to many of our administrative offices, and to Catherine Liberatore for her work in advancing the spiritual mission of NDP.
Thanks to NDP parent, Robyn R. Thomas, Intellectual
•
Thanks to the generosity of alumna Susie Williams Simon ’71, we were able to launch a special initiative, the Susie Williams Simon ’71 Reading Program, to help students develop stronger reading skills. In its inaugural year, work focused on sixth and ninth grade students, and we were very excited about the progress of our students, who worked with Carol Yoos, reading specialist. We look forward to watching this program unfold for our students in the years to come.
NDP IS LIMITLESS! On September 27, 2019, NDP announced the public phase of Limitless, which was designed to transform our campus and enhance educational possibilities for our girls and for future students in years to come. I am thrilled and humbled to report that the NDP community supported this most successful fundraiser! Together we succeeded in reaching not one, but two, stretch goals, raising more than $10 million for the The Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing
construction of our Jane Kroh Satterfield Innovation Wing and student financial aid/scholarships. NDP decided to end the Limitless Campaign early, due to the Coronavirus,
•
and instead focus fundraising efforts on the Annual Fund, COVID-19 forced us to cancel our Spring Gala. I am deeply
which supports operational needs, including those impacted
grateful to the many sponsors who continued to support
by COVID.
NDP in light of the cancellation and to those volunteers
• •
•
who dedicated many hours to this event, including: Vittoria
I share my deepest gratitude for every individual who
Acevedo, Auction Chair; Sam Miller, Decoration Chair;
supported our Limitless campaign. Your participation
Rochelle Brown, Volunteer Chair; and Paula Campbell and
positively impacts NDP now and will continue to do so well
Marjorie Parker, Basket Coordinators. Special thanks go to
into the future. I am especially grateful for and indebted to
Colleen Driscoll, NDP’s event manager, for her leadership
our honorary chairperson, Jane Kroh Satterfield ’60, whose
to this effort.
passion for NDP enabled us to envision incredible possibilities for our students. Jane was a dedicated supporter of Limitless
Special thanks go to those Trading Post volunteers who
and NDP up until her death on Mother’s Day in May. I know
keep the school spirit alive in our school store.
she continues to watch over Notre Dame Prep from heaven.
We are grateful to all those who supported our Annual
My heartfelt appreciation is given to Lilly Mihm Hunter, MD
Fund, the financial lifeblood of the school. These gifts have
’90, and Scott Wilfong, campaign co-chairpersons, who
an immediate impact on NDP’s operations and are much-
inspired an unprecedented outpouring of philanthropy
needed considering the ever-increasing and unbudgeted
and support for this campaign. Both Lilly and Scott gave
COVID-related expenses.
selflessly of their time and talents to Limitless, and I am
Thanks to the generosity of our amazing Notre Dame Prep community, we raised $73,500 from 215 donors through our #GivingTuesday efforts. And due to the kindness of
deeply honored they shared their leadership gifts with NDP. I am grateful to everyone who took part in Limitless, from those who took on a leadership role, to those who made a stretch gift, to those who gave at any level. Because of the generosity our community, NDP is LIMITLESS!
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SPECIAL EVENTS
•
Our many spring events took on a different form but were possible thanks to technology! Even though we were
•
We were thrilled to host more than 240 jubilarians and
separated by distance, we were able to celebrate our
alumnae from the “5 and 9” classes who returned to NDP
students through Middle and Upper Level virtual awards
to celebrate Gateway Weekend. Congratulations to Mary
ceremonies, virtual music recitals, virtual art exhibits, and
Kathleen “Kathy” Roach ’59 who was named the 2019
virtual senior celebrations.
Mother Caroline Freiss Distinguished Alumna.
•
This year’s Blazer Dash raised more than $58,000 with a record 1,000+ race registrants. Many thanks go to those who ran, walked, sponsored, or volunteered for this fun event which raises money for our endowed scholarship funds. We hope you join our Virtual Blazer Dash on September 27, 2020!
•
Following our All Saints Liturgy, we celebrated our benefactors and student scholars at the annual Scholarship Brunch. We are grateful to these generous donors who provide the resources to assist our students
•
Each year, community members join forces to honor one of Notre Dame’s most faithful supporters, Jackie Buedel ’73. This year, the Stuff-a-Blazer Bus effort, held in Jackie’s honor, aided Caroline Center and Marian House. Jackie’s life was one of selfless service and advocacy,
Ready to take off on the Blazer Dash!
both for Notre Dame and many other organizations; this event is a fitting tribute to Jackie, a woman committed to transforming the lives of other women.
•
•
The Senior Class Bingo raised funds that contributed to the
FAITH IN TIMES OF LOSS •
celebration of our seniors when we were social distanced,
Kroh Satterfield ’60, after suffering a long illness, passed
including funding lawn signs and covering the tent costs
away in the early minutes of Mother’s Day. We are deeply
for graduation. In addition, remaining funds strengthened
saddened by the loss of Jane on earth but so grateful
the Class of 2020 Scholarship Fund.
for the gift of her life and that she now enjoys the gift of eternal life. Jane was a deeply faithful woman who lived
The nearly sold-out Alumnae Silver Cup bingo raised
out the SSND mission of transforming the world. Her spirit
all-important money for the Alumnae Scholarship Fund.
•
•
•
As mentioned, heaven received a new angel when Jane
lives in the Innovation Wing, and in each student, who
Special programs like our Dance Day and Take Your Best
learns, creates, and innovates in this inspiring space. We
Shot Basketball Clinic brought several interested young
look forward to celebrating Jane’s legacy and officially
women to campus to experience NDP through the lens of
blessing our new wing when we may gather together in
personal interests.
person as a community.
In November, we were delighted to welcome NDP
•
Notre Dame Prep celebrated the life Lara Hough ’25, who
grandparents to our school for a glimpse into life at Notre
passed away in May after a valiant fight with Acute Myeloid
Dame Prep, which included a sneak peek of our
Leukemia. Lara’s spirit filled our Middle Level! She was
fall musical.
grace-filled, kind, joyous, and giving. She was a blessing to us all and left an indelible mark on NDP.
Faced with the reality that spring admissions events would have to be canceled, our resilient Admissions Team pivoted
•
Sister Carmen D’Adamio, SSND, NDP’s receptionist, died
quickly to offer virtual events for prospective Middle and
after a year-long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Sister
Upper Level students. These maiden voyages were highly
Carmen embodied the NDP spirit with her friendly smile
successful and have inspired our future planning.
and warm greeting to all who visited or called NDP! She was an inspiration to us as she valiantly battled her cancer. We miss her greatly.
SUMMER 2020 21
•
We mourn the loss of Anna Brashears ’12, who died in August from a rare form of brain cancer. Our prayers go out to her family, her fiancé, and the many people who loved her. Her beautiful spirit will live on through the formation of Anna Brashears Scholarship Fund at NDP.
•
We were heartbroken by the announcement that the Institute of Notre Dame was to close this year. We all pray for the IND community—students, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae, School Sisters of Notre Dame, and friends. Sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, IND had been integral to the fabric of Catholic education in Baltimore for more than 170 years and served as a beacon of hope for many young women. IND was not only an iconic Baltimore institution, but also, most especially, a school dedicated to educating young women to be leaders
Celebrating as a faith community
in the SSND spirit.
CONCLUSION Throughout the 2019-2020 school year, Notre Dame Preparatory School turned to faith. Faith in times of successes, and faith in times of failure. Faith in times of sorrow, and faith in times of joy. Faith to listen, discern, move together, and act. In all these instances, the multi-dimensional nature of faith sustained, enriched, and guided us. Ultimately, faith brings hope, a hope that is anchored in Jesus’ resurrection and God’s enduring love for us. As we move ahead looking to our next school year, we come together in the spirit of faith and gratitude. This foundation enables us to proceed confidently in the spirit of the Gospel and in our mission, at the core of which is our students. May you and your family continue to enjoy the blessings of summer! Stay safe and well until next school year when we celebrate the theme, “United in Faith.” In Notre Dame,
Sister Patricia McCarron, SSND, Ph.D. Headmistress
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