Notre Dame Academy celebrated May Crowning Monday, April 28. The May Crowning Court was Alena Burke (Crowning Mary); Carrying the Crown (Lilliana Stiverson); and Kathleen Timbrook (Cross Bearer). After May Crowning, the senior class moved to the Mother Daughter Luncheon to enjoy the day with their mothers and guests. Photo by Impulse Studio @ https://images.impulsesport.net
Building Walls
Construction Adds More Rooms, Safety to NDA
Abigail O’Neil
After a whole school year of construction, the sentiments of “Are they almost done?” can be heard through the halls. To the excitement of many, the answer is yes.
“All of the work will be done for the start of the 25-26 school year,” President Mrs. Kim Grilliot said.
This upcoming summer will be filled with many work hours poured into the school, ensuring its completion for the next school year.
Students can look forward to a common area, which will feature a student art gallery and sitting areas. This area, known as the Mady Niles Art Walk, is in honor of Mady, who passed away in a car accident during her junior year.
Parents and student drivers alike are sure to be excited about the return to the previous drop-off route. With this, hope-
fully, the long traffic lines after school will move quickly and smoothly.
When driving into school, it will be hard to miss the long-awaited new front entrance. In 2022, NDA received a federal grant of $100,000 through the Ohio K-12 Safety Grant Program. The new entrance will feature security en-
hancements, helping to keep the school a safe, secure learning environment.
Additionally, the fire doors, which were installed during the 2024-2025 school year, are useful for any fire outbreaks and could also be utilized in lockdowns, helping to protect students and the school alike.
Within the previous main office area, there will be two more offices and an additional conference room added.
Most students likely have seen the paper taped to the wall indicating the names and numbers of the newly added rooms. This summer, permanent signage will be put up.
“The construction is bringing many updates. While I’m sad I didn’t get to experience most of them, I’m so glad my sister, Charlotte, and all the girls to come will get to experience the new and improved NDA,” senior Tessa Hoyt said.
Teen Vaping Leads to Adult Health Issues
Izzy LaPlant
Though the era of the cigarette has seemingly ended, a new tobacco titan is trending and targeting teens: the electronic cigarette, otherwise known as the vape.
Vaping was originally touted as a healthier alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, but both traditional and electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. This false sense of healthy improvement popularized vaping among existing cigarette smokers.
However, vaping has since become prevalent among teenagers and young adults, many of whom had never touched a cigarette prior.
One cause of vaping’s youthful customer base is the high amount of electronic cigarette advertisements on social media. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control says that 7 in 10 American teens reported seeing ads for vape products. By using algorithms and influencers, companies who produce vape products specifically target young people.
Another way this targeting can be seen is through the vape products themselves.
“We’re still not exactly sure the exact cause of it, but there is an inflammatory response that occurs in the lung presumed due to something in the aerosol from vaping,” says Joanna Tsai, MD, a pulmonologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Many common vape flavors are targeted towards a younger demographic. These flavors include Cookie Butter, Cherry Ice, Bubblegum, and many others reminiscent of childhood
sweets.
Nicotine has many adverse health effects. The prefrontal cortex, which aids in controlling impulses, is sullied by nicotine exposure, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. This puts those who consume nicotine at a higher risk of developing even more serious drug problems or psychiatric disorders, such as severe anxiety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, nicotine is also a carcinogen, or a cancer-causing substance. Additionally, the flavoring of electronic cigarette products comes from chemicals that are also carcinogenic.
“It takes three days for vaping to affect your lungs. The most common thing we're seeing is scarring and damage to the very small airways in your lungs. Some of this is NOT reversible,” Nurse Kristine Beeks said.
If you or your friends are struggling with vaping, it is vital to reach out and get help. The lifelong damages of nicotine consumption are often painful and irreversible. The Ohio Tobacco Quit line is one resource available; you can con-
Part of the construction is a new doorway to Lobby D from the new Main Entrance.
Nature’s Classroom
Spring Brings Flowers, New Studies Ahead
Katelyn Augustyniak
Happy spring, NDA!
This season brings our school year to a close, but it gives us a little more warmth and a whole lotta’ color! Tree buds are finally swelling, and flowers will begin sprouting here soon.
As the hours of daylight start increasing, the plants get warmer and produce proteins that trigger them to flower.
Here in Toledo, make sure to keep an eye out for trees like the Eastern Redbud and bushes like Viburnums. The BlackEyed Susan and Cardinal Flower are also quite common.
All these plants are native to Toledo and are always among the first to bloom.
NDA’s excitement is also blooming over the soon-to-be addition of our very own greenhouse on campus.
With the new construction, NDA will be adding a greenhouse to campus, scheduled to be completed sometime over the course of next school year!
The exact size and location are still being configured.
This will be a huge addition for the science department as it will be able to
extend the advanced program.
“As I review where our girls are going
Club Sports
from the alum world, over 50% are going into STEM being in all types of different sciences and making it a very vibrant program. The importance of having a greenhouse is to give our students a well-rounded education in all the areas that are available,” Vice President of Donor Relations Mrs. Tolani Afolabi said.
NDA will have access to this new space to work on projects, hold extensive experiments, and enhance their learning capabilities.
Greenhouses are amazing facilities that can regulate temperature and humidity for improved plant health and growth. They also act as protection from pests or diseases with a controlled environment.
“I'm most excited for the ability for everyone to have space to go, have more exposure to plants in the winter months, and a place for IB students to work. This will be a great area to have long-term experiments set up and hopefully enough room for more plants,” science teacher Mr. Steve Coppens said.
NDA Athletes All Bring the Same Game
Lilly Loomis
Lilly is a Journalism I student who will be part of The Vista staff next year.
Varsity sports have been a staple in American high schools for decades, often highlighting sports such as football, soccer, and basketball; Notre Dame is no different. However, some of Notre Dame’s secret gems, such as broomball and rowing, are classified as club sports and not everyone knows what that means.
The first difference between club sports and varsity sports is how the teams are funded. Club sports are responsible for collecting player dues and fundraising, which then are put towards equipment, uniforms, and other needs. Club sports, though run through Notre Dame with Notre Dame coaches, are not sponsored by the OHSAA; however, they are still fully NDA sports.
While some may think that varsity sport athletes have all uniforms provided
Rowing is an example of a club sport at NDA. Impulse Studio at images.impulsesport.net/
for them, but that is not always the case. For example, tennis, golf, swimming, and gymnastics all purchase their own competition uniforms.
Another difference includes media coverage per sport.
Mr. Gary Snyder, NDA Athletic Director, said, “The media gives different emphasis on different sports, as they cover sports differently. Also, some sports are more spectator friendly than
others.
“For example, inside sports are popular with spectators because you won’t get cold or wet watching inside sports. Additionally, our sports have different numbers of participants.”
Mr. Snyder added that all sports are evenly promoted on Notre Dame social media accounts, with things such as ‘Game Day Posts’ and updates on major competitions, based on the number of competitions, advancement in the league, and coach participation.
In the examples of pep rallies, sports get designated States or Nationals pep rallies due to the fact that the whole team has completed a feat; therefore, full teams must be advancing on for a pep rally.
“All athletes, teams or individuals or relays are recognized when they advance to state. Only teams that qualify to state get pep rallies, though,” Mr. Snyder said.
Mr. Snyder sums it up best, saying, “Ultimately, everyone is an Eagle, and we all want to do the best we can for NDA!”
Science teacher Mr. Steve Coppens already has numerous plants in his classroom to study. Photo by Mrs. Julie Sells
Making a Great School Even Better!
Raising the Grade for Academics
Aya Kanaan
Notre Dame Academy has always prided itself in strong academics. NDA is the only International Baccalaureate Diploma World School in northwest Ohio. It also offers AP, honors, and college prep classes so that every girl can find the right academic path for her. While this is an astounding feat, there are still thought-provoking advances that could take this school’s academics to the next level.
Offering More AP Classes
While the IB curriculum is full of a variety of different fields for students to choose, the AP curriculum is lacking. Most of the AP classes focus on science or history, which might not be enticing to all students. Offer a variety of AP classes for students who do not want to do a two-year IB program.
Expanding the Peer Tutoring Program
At NDA there is help for students who are struggling with their work, such as Math Lab or seeing a teacher during FLEX time. By also expanding the peer-to-peer tutoring program, students will have one tutor they continuously see.
Implementing a Home Ec class: Home Ec teaches students basic life skills, and girls are realizing they would like this class at NDA.
The Vista Staff
Volume 74 Issue #4
The Vista is a publication of Notre Dame Academy by the students of Journalism II and III.
The office is located in room 113 of the school.
Unsigned editorials represent a majority vote of the newspaper staff.
Editor in Chief: Abigail O’Neil
First Year Reporters:
Katelyn Augustynaik
Aya Kannan
Izzy Laplant
Payton Shively
Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells
Raising the Score for Athletics
Payton Shively
Being at Notre Dame Academy is a privilege, and Eagles know it to be a place that will leave a lasting mark on one's life after graduation. NDA offers a variety of opportunities, including the opportunity to try out for any sport that a student may be interested in. While the sports at NDA keep evolving, some improvements could be made to help continue the success of these athletes and programs.
Turf Soccer/Lacrosse Field
Due to the fields currently being grass, it causes the field to become uneven, leading to injuries. With turf, the field would be one even surface. It will be easier and safer for athletes.
A Bigger Weight Room
A bigger weight room would help with larger teams being able to work out together, and even being able to fit more teams at once into the weight room, making sure every team is able to get into the weight room when needed.
A Track
While currently there is no room for a track at NDA, maybe in the future, a place for the track and field team to be able to practice in their own designated spot would be helpful.
Editor’s Corner
I truly cannot believe this is the last issue of the year. It has been such an honor serving as your editor of the Vista. I’ve truly enjoyed my time here, and I’m so appreciative to all of the readers who make this worthwhile. And, of course, I cannot forget a special thank you to Mrs. Sells, our amazing moderator, who works so hard to make this paper amazing!
Good luck to everyone with upcoming exams, especially IB and AP! Study, work hard, and lock in because it will pay off. I am beyond proud of all of the writers who have contributed throughout this volume, and I know you will continue doing great work!
My fellow seniors, this is the end of our time here. I’m so grateful that I’m a part of such an amazing, spirited class, and I cannot wait to see you all at the reunion :)
Have an amazing summer, Eagles!
Take care, Abi O’Neil
Eagles Graduate, Prepare for Futures
Congratulations, Notre Dame Academy’s Class of 2025
Photo by Impulse Studio @
https://images.impulsesport.net/
Izzy LaPlant
Clad in white gowns and matching caps, girls on the cusp of adulthood experience a momentous celebration of a hardwon achievement: their high school graduation. For NDA’s Class of 2025, this image will soon become a reality.
This year, graduation will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, as is the tradition.
“The beautiful space allows the senior class to have their special moment of walking together for the last time on the beautiful marble aisle,” Principal Andrea (Zobler) Zimmerman, ‘96, said about the Cathedral.
The soon-to-be high school graduates have had a very successful senior year. They are led by Valedictorian Emma Fister,
“Dream big. Work hard. Think for yourself. Love everything you love, everyone you love, with all your might. And do so, please, with a sense of urgency, for every ck of the clock subtracts from fewer and fewer.” - David McCullough Jr.
Salutatorian Reagan Higgins, Executive Student Council President Ava Napoli and Senior Class President Kaitlyn Diggins.
“The Class of 2025 has been one of the most enthusiastic classes I have witnessed. I am impressed by how they support one another both in academics and
co-curriculars,” President Kim Grilliot said.
Cheers of congratulations from the senior class could be heard throughout the halls as May Crowning Court, Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Prom Queen, Scholarship Winners and more were announced at the end of the academic year. There was no doubt the class supported each other.
“The Class of 2025 has shown true sisterhood, especially this year as I have witnessed how they encourage one another to be who God created them to be and celebrate each others’ gifts,” Mrs. Zimmerman, said.
Congratulations to NDA’s Class of 2025; it will be great to see what you do in your journeys of life!
Senior Roving Reporter: What Is the Best Lesson You Learned at Notre Dame Academy?
Abigail O’Neil
“The best lesson I learned is to trust in the Plan of the Lord, because once I trusted Him throughout high school, my life changed.” - Anna Reed
“You are gonna need people to lean on in all your experiences and involvements, so it is good to be very familiar with your community so that those people are available to you when you need them. You never know when you will meet your best friend, so be open-minded!” - Emma Viertlbeck
“At NDA, there are so many things that have helped me become the person I am today. So the biggest lesson I learned is to never take anything for granted because the opportunities are endless, you just have to take them.” - Lilliana Stiverson
“Through my experiences here, I have become mature enough to understand my worth and standards, as well as develop my confidence. While things come and go out of your life, you have to prioritize and focus on the two who are never leaving: God and yourself. ” - Alyson Peckham
“The best lesson I learned at NDA is to embrace the adventure! Be resilient, be confident, and be open to new beginnings!” - Alena Burke
“The best lesson I learned at NDA is to accept myself as I am. The inclusive atmosphere at NDA let me let go of that pressure to put up a front and to just be me.” - Stella Weilacher
“I think the best lesson I've learned is to slow down and not be in such a rush or panic to get things done, just organize yourself and enjoy the moment, both for academics and social life.” - Madelyn Gilley
“Follow your own path. It sounds cringy, but it’s true. It’s always best to do what’s best for you. You will never be happy doing what other people want you to do.”
- Tessa Hoyt
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned during my time at NDA is the importance of prioritizing yourself.”
- Allie Koesters
Teacher Roving Reporter: What Is Your Favorite Memory of the Class of 2025?
Abigail O’Neil
“My favorite memory of the Class of 2025 is—hotly contested by me—coming in second place in March Plaidness with TCB 309.”
- Mrs. Lindsay Sutton
“My favorite memory of the Class of 2025 was probably the morning of the Senior tailgate and Senior Walk. Having a chance to watch from a distance all of the seniors enjoying each other and having fun making memories with one another in the parking lot was great. Then, watching the seniors walk around the halls together in their college apparel to show the rest of the NDA community what hard work and accomplishment look like was very powerful.”
- Mr. Travis Galloway
“The random sticky notes and index cards left on my truck from you all saying hi. Tessa Hoyt playing freak out in class. One of you telling me that my position was like the Defense against the Dark arts, and I would likely be gone after one year. Also the fact that you all have done nothing but made me feel welcome and come and visit my classroom at anytime”
- Mr. William Portteus
“I really enjoyed spending time with the Class of 2025 at Kairos in the fall. There, I got to see them open their hearts to each other and foster relationships that they will hopefully be able to hold on to for a lifetime!”
- Mrs. Amanda Mariasy
Senior Roving Reporter: What Should You Ask Your Potential College Roommates?
Katelyn Augustyniak
“Are you organized?”
- Anna Shidiyak
“Do you plan on getting involved?”
- Hailey Gomez
“How often do you shower?”
- Abby Ralph
“How late do you stay up?”
- Ellie Tuck
“Do you like alone time?”
- Lauren Schoen
“Do you like a clean room?”
- Ameli Ridi
“Would you let me borrow your clothes?”
- Sarina Choksey
“Do you plan on having any visitors in our dorm?”
- Katie Diggins
“Are you looking for a roommate you can hang out with or just someone to room with?”
- Priya Clark
“Are you an introvert or an extrovert?” - Cayla Murray
“What is your favorite activity to do outside of school?”
- Abbey Weaver
“I feel like understanding the goals of your roommates as they move through college is important to know!” - Aly Peckham
“What is your daily routine and sleep schedule?” - Alena Burke
“What are their hobbies or what they like to do with their free time? Hobbies and interests can really show how similar or different you might be to that person.”
- Eve Wollenwebber
Class of 2025 Accepted Colleges as Compiled by NDA’s College Counselor
