Class of 2023 Ready to Fly from Eagle’s Nest

Notre Dame Academy’s graduation is a beautiful ceremony in which the seniors are celebrated as their years at NDA come to a close.

Graduation will be at Rosary Cathedral on May 16th. The ceremony consists of a Baccalaureate Mass, as well as recognition of each graduating student. The ceremony will be officiated by the administrators: President Mrs. Kim Grilliot, Principal Mrs. Andrea (Zobler) Zimmerman ‘96, Dean of Academics Mrs. Beth Corrigan and Dean of Students Mr. Travis Galloway.

Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Grilliot confer diplomas as their names are called. Each graduate will be pictured with Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Grilliot while receiving her diploma.

“To be honest, I smile so much that day that my cheeks hurt, but it is a huge blessing to be part of such an important moment for the young women about to move on from high school and to transform the world,” Mrs. Zimmerman said.

The Class of 2023’s graduation ceremony is particularly special as they were freshmen when the pandemic hit; half of their high school experience contained challenges such as adapting to a new academic environment with online classes and a lack of high school social experiences because of quarantine.

“I admire the senior class due to their tenacity during the pandemic and their ability to overcome obstacles they faced,” Mrs. Grilliot said.

Graduation day not only celebrates the seniors academic achievements, but it also looks back on the memories made throughout their years at NDA. By the time graduation rolls around, the seniors reflect on the several unforgettable moments they experienced at NDA, including the fun school traditions.

“My favorite senior class memory was the week of visitation. I loved how excited the class was and how much fun that everyone had that week. My favorite part is watching how the seniors react when the faculty begin their dance performance and how the seniors learned the dance routine on their own by the last day,” Mr. Galloway said.

Graduation is full of several different emotions as the seniors are “leaving the nest” but also going off into the world to explore and create new memories. The excitement is unlike any other, and the ceremony is a way for the seniors to connect and celebrate each other before heading into a new environment.

“There is a bittersweet moment that will hit me at times knowing that these young ladies are moving on, but mostly I feel so proud of the students for the countless accomplishments they have made and will continue to make after they graduate,” Mrs. Zimmerman said.

Although the seniors are spreading their Eagle wings and exploring new responsibilities and surroundings, may they remember that they always have their NDA sisters in plaid to support them along the way.

“Being senior class president has allowed me to reach out and form new relationships with people that I previously had not known; I know that these friendships are for life,” Katie Bissell said.

Mrs. Grilliot believes the class is best described with a Scripture.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2.”

Senior Editor’s Corner

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of The Vista!

I’ve enjoyed being an editor of the newspaper, and I’m wishing everyone the best in the upcoming years at NDA.

Wish me luck at OU next year!

Go Eagles, always!

Sincerely, Gina

Senior Roving Reporter: What Are You Most Excited about for College?

Gina Napoli

“My Independence because I get to do what I want to do on my own time.” - Molly Pointigner

“I’m excited to meet new people and decide what classes I get to take”- Josie Jurek

“ A flexible schedule and more time to focus on myself” - Marcel Gammoh

“Meeting new people and beginning new relationships” - Chloe Driver

“Living independently and creating my own personal space”Laney Houk

“Being in a new environment and walking to classes with people I meet on campus”- Kaylee Szymanski

“Being in a new environment and gaining my independence” - Grace Pizza

“I’m excited to live independently and meet new people with similar interests as me!”- Sophie Wolfinger

“Meeting new people and trying new things. I’m excited to expand my independence and surroundings!” - Jenna Jenkins

Teacher Roving Reporter: What Is Your Favorite Memory of the Class of 2023?

Gina Napoli

“There's a real niceness to this senior class, a real kindness about them. I will miss our soccer seniors for sure, and how much they've meant to the program. Their love for each other and their teammates was very evident.” - Mr. Chip Smith

“Their ability to make me laugh! I hope I made a few of them laugh (and learn) along the way, as well!”

- Mrs. Jean Walker

“I think I am going to miss the unique personalities and talents of this senior class. So many have such a wonderful sense of humor and sense of who they are as human beings. I have enjoyed the experience of getting to know them and wish each of them the best!”

- Mrs. Chris Chapman

“I will miss their energy and their goofiness! It was a pleasure having them in class and watching them grow these last few years.”- Mrs. Amy Kasprzak

“I'll miss the unique gifts that each member of the Class of 2023 has. I've known some of the seniors since they were in 7th & 8th grade, and it has been such a joy to watch them grow into such hardworking and confident young women.”

- Ms. Sarah Hunter

“Their quirkiness!” - Mrs. Kelly Wood

“I will miss the energy, leadership and connections that I have made with the Class of 2023!” - Mr. Mark Richards

“I am going to miss their goofy energy and their diligence. Their freshman year ended with a pandemic, but look how far they've come!” - Mrs. Marisa Spinazze

Senior Roving Reporter: What Is the Most Influential Lesson You Learned at NDA?

Gina Napoli

“I would say the quote of just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. This quote has taught me that no feeling is final and over time things will get better.” - Keira Spielvogel

“That you’ll get through it— whatever it is.” - Clare

Dillon

“You can literally do anything. Cliché as it is, the only thing limiting you is what you think of yourself and how you feel others perceive you. The trick is to stop caring.” -

Julia Ellis

“It's okay to make mistakes and fail. What matters most is how you will grow from your mistakes and turn it into something positive.”

-Carli Laux

“We are all Bold, Brilliant, Beautiful, and Blessed.” -Milo

Weinandy

“I’ve learned how to grow relationships with new people and that it’s okay to be myself.” - Gabi Morehouse

I have learned that no matter how hard life or school gets, to always persevere and move forward.”

- Abby Kristof

-“I have learned how to become a better person at NDA. I’ve definitely grown and become more outgoing and confident as a person throughout my time here.” -

Sydney Olson