English language fan can’t wait to take AP Lit.
Ninth-grader Ethan Carino is finishing up his first semester in Notre Dame's upper division. And even though he was well aware of what Notre Dame Prep was all about given his tenure in NDPMA’s middle division, Carino says still, there are few things he is just now learning or will soon learn about his high school.
First of all, he says, it really is a family at NDP. “We all are united in God and with each other,” Carino said.
And secondly, he wants to find out what Irish Week is all about in high school.
“It’s always been an eventful and enjoyable experience at ND Marist Academy, but now I am very excited to participate as a student at Notre Dame Prep,” he said. Carina, who hails from Lake Orion and is part of NDP’s elite student ambassador group, also looks forward to taking AP Literature as a senior since he loves books and says his first semester Honors Composition class is a favorite thus far.
Sounds about right for a Notre Dame student: faith, fun and academics. But let’s give him some more space to more fully define for others what it means to him to be a student at Notre Dame.
Why did you come to Notre Dame?
I wanted more than the average high school student gets. At NDP, I am able to actively participate in a wide variety of clubs and sports, and have academic opportunities that I would not get at other schools. The Christian faith is a big component as well.
Notre Dame freshman Ethan Carino looks forward to taking AP Literature as a senior since he loves books and says his first semester Honors Composition class is a favorite thus far. He is shown with a debate trophy earned at a recent competition.
The it is a family. We all are united in God and with each other.
Why do you think Notre Dame is different than other schools?
It’s because of our mission to be Christian people, upright citizens and academic scholars. NDP is recognized for its academics, extracurricular activities and sports, but I also think our unique mission attracts people to our school.
What three words would you use to describe your academic experience at Notre Dame so far?
Rigorous. Inspiring. And challenging.
What is the best or most interesting class you’ve taken so far in the upper division?
Honors composition. I have always had an interest in literature and the English language, and my teacher is spectacular. Mrs. [Mel] Archer always has a different work of literature or book for us to read. She also assists us with grammar, the writing process and shows us how to better comprehend the English language.
Which class are you looking forward to taking during your next three years at Notre Dame?
AP Literature. I am very excited about enrolling in this class as a senior.
What is the most fun experience you’ve had so far at Notre Dame?
Performing with the marching band at football games. Whether home or away, I get excited to play and cheer on our team. Also, being at games exposes me to new people and gives me time to socialize with old acquaintances.
Which upcoming Notre Dame experience are you most looking forward to?
Irish Week! It’s always been an eventful and enjoyable experience [in middle school], but now I am very excited to participate in Notre Dame Prep.
Why do you say it’s been easy to make friends at Notre Dame?
Because it is one big family. I am lucky enough to come from Notre Dame Marist Academy, so I know many good friends and people. However, students who come from other schools surely will find new friends at Notre Dame.
What do you get out of all of the extracurricular activities you’re involved with, which include wrestling, debate, drama and the philosophy club?
I am getting exposed to new people and friends, and forging relationships with them.
How do you balance all of the schoolwork, sports, clubs and activities at Notre Dame?
I exercise time management, am organized, and prioritize to get things done.
How about one word to describe the teachers at Notre Dame?
Helpful.
What about students?
Diverse.
And what can you say about the opportunities available at Notre Dame?
Plentiful!
Why do you think Notre Dame is a good fit for you?
Through the education I am receiving I have been able to find God and build a relationship with Him like I’ve never had before. I also love the academic challenge and extracurricular activities.
How do you think you’ll feel when you graduate from Notre Dame in three-and-a-half years?
Accomplished! I know that Notre Dame will have had a profound effect on my life, both religiously and academically, and all those lessons will certainly carry me throughout my life.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.