2020 Beyond NDA

SPRI NG

2020

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Cheerleaders Then and Now

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Graduation 2019

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Making a Difference & Homecoming

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Junior Ring Ceremony

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Giuliana Battaglini

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Intersession

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NDA at University of Notre Dame

EDITOR Kristin Callaghan PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN Raynelle Duronslet ‘98 Sophia Beauvy

Artwork Siena Breen, ‘21

ON THE COVER Regal Day

DEAR FRIENDS,

At our opening liturgy in the fall, Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., reminded us to recognize the blessed humanity and dignity in each other. His words dovetail beautifully with our theme this year, “Known and Loved.” Our goal as a community is to see the world and all those in it as God sees them.

We’re working together to see, know, and love one another – and ourselves – a little better.

“Known and Loved” also informs our efforts to emphasize social-emotional learning among both students and adults on campus. We all could use a reminder that we’re valuable not because of our GPA, ACT score, or job title; we’re cherished simply because we exist – exactly how God intended.

I invite you to see on the following pages how our efforts to deepen the connections among our students, faculty, parents, and alumnae have strengthened our unique community.

Lilliam Paetzold, ‘84 President/Head of School

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Timeless and Timely

Cheerleading at ND

For many, cheerleading has always been a quintessential part of the high school experience. And even as an all-girls’ school, NDA is no exception. Our students have cheered for teams from boys’ schools all over Los Angeles including Cathedral, Bosco Tech, and Loyola. This year, NDA girls make up more than half of the Loyola cheerleading team, including its captains, extending a long tradition of NDA leadership on the Loyola cheerleading squad.

While the 10+ hour-per-week commitment might have initially been motivated by the prospect of interaction with the boys, both current students and alums agree it’s ultimately about the girls.

“I met some of my best guy friends through cheer,” said Amanda Ayres, ‘99, “but I also expanded my friend group overall and built diffent types of friendships.”

The same was true for Michele White when she cheered her senior year in 1996.

“Cheerleading connected us to Loyola boys, but it also connected us to our NDA sisters,” she said, “because friends came to watch the games at Pierce College in the Valley.”

Current cheer captain and senior Virginia Enabulele agrees, “It’s for sure about the girls.

I’ve bonded with my teammates because we’ve shared a unique experience through dance and cheer.”

“When I started as a freshman, I looked up to the senior cheerleaders,” said Lauren Gamboa, ’20. “I wanted to be them then, and now I want to provide that same leadership for the younger girls.”

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When asked about cheerleading today, current students and alums agree that its many benefits – confidence, responsibility, creativity – guarantee its relevance. “I was so shy as a ninth grader,” said Raynelle Duronslet, ’98. “Cheerleading gave me confidence as well as a co-ed experience that every student should have before heading off to college.”

“Cheerleading provides an opportunity to be brave and try something new,” agreed Michele, “even something you might stink at.

You can’t develop confidence without getting out of your comfort zone and trying.”

“It’s worth taking the risk,” added Ivy Rosales, ’20. “because we have so much fun!”

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Last May, 80 seniors wrote their last finals, signed at least 79 yearbooks, and cleaned out their lockers for the last time. The Class of 2019 reflected on their transformation from girls to young women, the relationships they’ve cultivated with friends and mentors, and their bond as a class as they prepared to embark on new adventures in college.

Salutatorian Claire Galea said, “Whether it be our class huddle with twinkle lights during our chant or something small, like helping each other with space buns or glitter face paint, everything I witnessed on Notre Dame day came together to create a sense of sisterhood and camaraderie I had never felt before.

I hope, if there is one thing we remember from our time at NDA, that it is those feelings of community, accomplishment, camaraderie, sisterhood, and love; because those are more important, more 4

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significant, than every instance we may have been stressed or anxious.”

President and Head of School Lilliam Paetzold advised the graduates, “As a fellow alumna and mermaid [half dreamer, half realist], there are many lessons I’ve learned about realizing your dreams.

The greatest of these is from Ariel – the mermaid OG, if you will – from ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Ariel nearly lost her beautiful voice to Ursula in her quest to become human. As a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, you’ve been given a similarly beautiful gift – an education that provides a voice that many women can only dream of because of the realities in their world. Use this voice to stand up for your rights, your dignity and your dreams. But even more important, as you strive to make your dreams a reality, use your voice to engage in civil discourse,

Graduation 2019 fight for innovation to bring solutions to the world, and stand up for the rights, dignity and dreams of others along the way.”

“Your power to serve others, potential to do good, and make a difference is incredible,” said Jessica Lee, valedictorian. “Make sure the world can see the type of compassionate, socially-aware, and respectful human beings that Notre Dame women are.

“That is, to be ambitious women who turn their dreams into visions, to learn what it truly means to persevere, and to exude humility as Women of Service…

“In this class, I see changemakers, educators, leaders who are already inspiring so many, including me. You give me hope and excitement for the future. Keep speaking up for what you believe in, keep breaking records, always believe in your passions. I know my advice is short, and maybe even a little cliché, but when you have a class that is already achieving greatness, there isn’t really a lot more I can do, except to remind you of what you have already embraced for yourself.”

Claire Galea concluded, “[We leave] sure of that we will in fact have bright futures, as our time at Notre Dame has truly prepared us to make a difference in the world. We walked through those doors as girls, and thanks to every experience and relationship facilitated by Notre Dame Academy, we leave as women.”

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Save the Date Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit Saturday, May 2 at 6 P.M.

Plan now to join us for the first annual Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit on Saturday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at NDA. The Board of Directors has generously underwritten the event so that 100 percent of all sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales directly benefit students in need of tuition assistance.

We are pleased to welcome two alumnae to speak at the event: Catherine Duddy Wood, ‘74, founder of ARK Investment Management, LLC, will be honored along with alumnae speaker Cristina Cuellar, ‘00, VP Programming, Corporate Work Study Program at Verbum Dei High School.

NDA has always been committed to providing an exemplary Catholic education for young women from all socio-economic backgrounds. Nearly 30 percent of our families receive tuition assistance, but the requests for aid far surpass the funds we’re able to provide. We cannot meet the financial need of all qualified applicants. This inaugural Making a Difference event will enable us to provide more young women with an NDA education.

For more information, contact Giuliana Battaglini, ‘13, Director of Advancement, at (310) 839-5289 x212, or gbattaglini@ndala.com 6

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Homecoming Highlights

Nearly 100 alumnae returned to campus this fall to celebrate NDA’s first Homecoming celebration. The event marked the end of Founders’ Week, which honors the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame and features Notre Dame Day. The luncheon provided opportunities for alums to reconnect with classmates and with the community as a whole.

“We’re excited to start this new tradition for alumnae reunions,” said Giuliana Battaglini, ‘13, director of advancement. “Since Homecoming will be the Saturday after Notre Dame Day every year, alumnae can celebrate the tradition even after graduation!”

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As important as the symbol is to each of you tonight, however, your ring will grow in its significance as you complete your high school career and embark on new adventures in college, family, and career. Your beautiful ring will become a physical reminder of your transformation over four years at NDA, of the foundation established and informed by the Sisters of Notre Dame and fortified by traditions like our unique Our Father, Notre Dame Day celebrations, Mary’s Day picnics, and even countless section snacks.

Ms. Lilliam Paetzold

The Class of 2021 – and One Alum – Celebrate the Junior Ring Ceremony Darby Thompson Ennis, ’60, Reunites with Lost Ring November marked a rite of passage for the 80 members of the junior class as they celebrated the blessing of their class rings. Although the ceremony itself has changed over the school’s 70-year history, its significance and position as a highlight of the junior year calendar remain.

“As you wear your ring each day, its green stone should remind you not only of the effort you’ve made these past two years, but also of all of the people who have loved and supported you along the way – your parents, teachers, friends, and classmates,” said Ms. Paetzold 8

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at the ceremony. “That’s just one of the reasons the junior ring ceremony is one of the most cherished memories every alumna holds close to her heart.”

Another alumna, Darby Thompson Ennis from the Class of 1960, had only her memories of her ceremony because she lost her ring shortly after graduation. Carl Virden found it on the beach with his metal detector in the early 60s. Unable to recognize the school seal and without Google to assist, Carl kept the ring safe in a coffee can for decades until a similar story reminded him of the treasure.

A helpful local historian connected him with a member of the alumnae office, who easily deciphered the D-A-T on the inside of the ring and used an old yearbook to link it to Darby. She celebrated her second ring ceremony – and her first look inside the convent building – at NDA. “It’s absolutely amazing,”said Darby, “not just that he would find it, but that he held onto it all these years and was able to track me down. Thank you, Carl, for taking such good care of it!”

Although Carl was unable to attend the reunion, he responded to a video of the event. “I’m still having trouble keeping the tears out of my eyes…to see that ring final-

ly on DAT’s finger was just the best. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”

Current juniors Mason Heath, Alondra Bailon Garnica, and Brooklyn Paetzold turned Darby’s ring and updated her on developments at her alma mater.

“Today’s little ceremony brought the symbolism of the class ring to life for all of us,” said Ms. Paetzold. “These girls were instantly connected not just to Darby, but to all of our 6,000 alumnae, all of whom also offered good wishes as they turned one another’s rings, just they did for each other and for Darby today. It’s a tangible reminder of the strength of our traditions and our bond as a community.”

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Giuliana Battaglini, ’13

Joins NDA as

Director of Advancement We are thrilled to welcome Giuliana Battaglini, ‘13, as our new director of advancement. As a student at NDA, Giuliana led her classmates as senior class president, served on queen’s council, and gave the valedictorian speech at graduation.

“Giuliana’s energy and experience are just what we need to propel our advancement team – and the institution – forward,” said Lilliam Paetzold, president and head of school. “Her efforts will fuel growth and innovation in every aspect of our work.”

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from UCLA, Giuliana served as the development assistant for the UCLA Health Sciences development offices.

There she worked on annual giving campaigns that yielded over $150,000, handled donor databases and worked on projects to raise money for a $4.2 billion centennial campaign. She joins us from the Loyola Marymount University advancement office, where as senior events coordinator, she led digital and print marketing campaigns, managed programs and overall events logistics, worked on strategic planning and managed a variety of volunteer teams.

“As an alumna, I could not be more excited to be back at NDA! I am ready to contribute my expertise to a place near and dear to my heart. I’m looking forward to renewing old friendships and making new connections with our NDA community!”

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When she’s not planning events or connecting with donors, Giuliana is currently working on her MBA at LMU. Welcome, Giuliana!

Intersession 2020 NDA Kicks Off Year of Vision At the opening of the spring semester, the entire NDA community embarked on a new adventure in education: Intersession. Led by pairs of teachers, couselors, and administators, each one-week course developed 21st-Century skills by focusing on subjects such as music as the universal language, personal finance, sustainability, wellness and balance, and engineering.

The only rule? No spectators! Students and teachers alike stretched well beyond the constraints of the traditional classroom to hone new skills.

Faculty and administrators worked for nearly a year to brainstorm, plan, develop, and map 15 distinct course offerings that featured guest speakers, corporate visits, field trips, and even a “power breakfast.”

No matter the subject, students reflected that the courses broadened their perspectives to encompass far more than their high school world.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I got to experience other cultures all over the city” said freshman Alison Chin about her “Lost in LA” class that combined writing, art, and reflection. “I appreciated the opportunity to get outside my school bubble.”

“Even though I don’t think I want to do something business related, I learned so much about myself while learning about the business world,” said Bridget Duffy, a junior in the “#GirlsCan” class, which focused on innovation and women in business.

“I threw myself in,” said senior Arielle Davis about her “Your Voice, Your Verve!” course. “The chance to develop my own story and listen to others’ made me realize I’m not alone.”

“Intersession demonstrates that we, as a community, are working together to innovate how we teach and learn,” said Christine Lagrimas, assistant head of school for academics. “It’s about developing the essential skills to be successful not just in college, but in the workforce of the future.”

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Alums Find Second Home

University of Notre Dame

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Put five NDA alums together and you’ll rarely hear a lull in the conversation. Start them talking about their experience at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, and you’ll struggle to get a word in edgewise. Four alums currently attend Notre Dame – senior Anna Murray, ‘16, and sophomores Frances Barrera, ‘18, Brienna Hilger, ‘18, and Erin Jackson, ‘18 – and a fifth, Sophia Costanzo, ‘15, just graduated.

Although each is pursuing a different major, all of them cite the close-knit community as key to both their success and their happiness at the University.

“It’s a smaller school, so you have get individual attention from teachers,” said Frances, who is studying architecture.

“And the professors are very accessible,” added Erin, who is focused on business analytics, “I secured a research assistantship through a simple email request.”

The strong sense of community is supported by the dorm culture, which is the focus of social and religious life, but it’s perpetuated by a motivated yet supportive student population. “I’m surrounded by people who want to be there and love to learn,” said Frances. “I know I won’t get judged for trying anything – even if I fail.”

“I’ve never had a boring day,” added Sophia, who studied film and is currently in the graduate film program at LMU. “I always had something to do and people to do it with.”

In some ways, they view it as an extension of their time here at NDA. “I was always involved in sports in high school, so I developed a lot of confidence with older and younger girls,” said Anna Murray, who will graduate this May with a degree in accounting. “And by being organized, I could easily pursue sports alongside my academics in college.”

“I was really active in high school, too – sports, retreat team, Queen’s Council – so I learned to manage my time effectively,” added Brienna Hilger, who is a member of the Science and Engineering Scholars program. “But more importantly, we were friends with everyone. It never hurts to be kind and friendly.”

“I was never intimidated at NDA. I pursued my passions and formulated a clear path,” said Sophia. “I graduated academically prepared, with the tools to communicate and the confidence to speak up.”

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