When Emily Byrd first came to the Notre Dame campus, she knew she’d found a place that offers everything she needed in a high school. Its academics, of course, were without question the very best in southeast Michigan. But Notre Dame’s sense of family also was a big deal to her. In fact, she quickly learned that the school’s cadre of teachers, counselors, students and coaches were always at the ready to help her through whatever she might encounter.
And, she discovered, it wasn’t just about work and study.
“Notre Dame balances academics with fun,” she said. “Students are challenged to thrive in classes, but every day we’re also encouraged to show school spirit through many social events.”
Byrd’s typical day includes a full plate of classes and extracurriculars. Her courses include AP Composition, Morality, AP Psychology, Spanish, Chemistry, Algebra 3/4, and Women’s Chorus. Her “extras” include participation in the Drama Club (she’s in this weekend’s musical), cross country, peer ministry and the National Honor Society. Plus, she serves in the elite group of Notre Dame “marketeers” called the student ambassadors. Wow!
But let’s let Byrd herself finish up this profile by explaining why this junior from Rochester has made Notre Dame a huge part of her extended family. . .
I came to Notre Dame because. . .
. . .I loved the opportunities, the Christian values and the academics. NDP called me to turn over a new leaf and discover what I wanted to accomplish. I came here to meet new people, to find who I truly am, and to learn under the influence of great scholars, leaders and Christians. I knew the moment I stepped in the door I would find all of this at NDP.
I didn’t realize it at first, but I came to learn that Notre Dame. . .
. . .is a family. No matter if we struggle, have disappointments or bad days, NDP has built a community of people who are ready to lend a helping hand. As a freshman, I felt that I had to handle problems on my own. Boy, was I wrong! Every faculty member, coach and student is always willing to offer guidance for navigating high school.
Notre Dame junior Emily Byrd has been heavily involved with the school’s theatre program and is in this weekend’s musical, “Anything Goes.”
. . .it balances academics with fun. Students are challenged to thrive in classes, but every day we’re also encouraged to show school spirit through many social events. I am truly grateful for the ability to be involved in both high-level academics and social activities at NDP.
I would use these three words to describe my academic experience at Notre Dame so far:
Challenging, engaging, interesting
The best/most interesting class I’ve taken at Notre Dame is. . .
. . .AP Psychology, with Mr. Smith. I’ve always been intrigued by this subject, and I also enjoy how the class is set up like a college course. Every day I learn something about myself that I had never known before, and I find that that fits right into the goal of figuring out one’s self in high school.
The most fun experience I’ve had so far at Notre Dame is. . .
. . .Irish Week. It’s fun to compete against the other grades while bonding with my own classmates. I enjoy watching everyone get into the games and show lots of effort. My favorite game to watch is cageball, and I like playing it, too!
I am able to balance schoolwork, sports, clubs and activities at Notre Dame because. . .
. . .the great teachers, staff and students help ease the craziness. I feel comfortable enough to ask a teacher for help. I feel confident enough to speak to the faculty and coaches on a personal basis. I also feel at ease when relating to other students and what we’re experiencing. We all interact as a family.
The teachers at Notre Dame are. . .
. . .helpful.
The students at Notre Dame are. . .
. . .kind.
The opportunities at Notre Dame are. . .
. . .effective.
Notre Dame has been a great fit for me because. . .
. . .I am surrounded by wonderful people who are helpful, kind and outgoing. The welcoming nature and strong personal touches drew me to the school.
Notre Dame has helped me become a Christian person through. . .
. . .the opportunities for Christian service and faith formation. I am a part of Peer Ministry, Champions for Life, and a club specifically for service. I feel God’s presence on a daily basis here, especially when I interact with others. I am so in-tune with my faith here. My experience at NDP really has taken it to a new level.
Notre Dame has helped me become an upright citizen through. . .
. . .learning about responsibility. NDP is all about making sure students are responsible in handling time management, interacting with others, and managing social situations. All of these skills contribute to producing well-rounded, upright citizens who are prepared for the future.
Notre Dame has helped me become an academic scholar through. . .
. . .the challenging classes. My classes not only allow me to explore new subjects and ideas, but also they teach me to be a better person.
I know when I graduate from Notre Dame I will leave feeling. . .
. . .prepared for the “real world,” both academically and socially. NDP is preparing me to be my best self. I am proud to be experiencing such a wonderful school.
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 National Association of Independent Schools, 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.