Notre Dame’s Christian service activity along with the school's academic and athletic experiences part of junior’s journey to becoming a “whole” student fully prepared for college.
Notre Dame junior Eileen Haig plays soccer for the Fighting Irish and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the school’s Varsity Club. But this International Baccalaureate student who also is one of Notre Dame’s student ambassadors said she is especially grateful for the academic and life lessons she’s gained from NDP and looks forward to college as a confident and prepared scholar.
Haig also said Notre Dame’s extensive Christian service activity has helped her become an even better Christian.
“The after-service reflections especially have caused me to think about how I was serving others like Jesus did, and that’s a rewarding feeling,” she said. “As a result, I have continued to help others beyond our school requirements.”
Haig’s activity on the soccer pitch also has been a source of fun, encouragement — and pride.
“Beating Marian in soccer for the first time in school history was probably the most fun experience I’ve had at Notre Dame,” she said. “It was a great victory that earned us the 2015 state district championship.”
Haig, who came to Notre Dame from Kingsbury Country Day School, spent some time recently recounting why she is happy she’s a Notre Dame student and why her high school experience is not only making her a good student, but how it’s building her up as a “whole” person.
On why she came to Notre Dame in the first place:
I knew the small class sizes and teacher-student ratio would make it the best fit for me. I also came for the excellent education and to become a better person both inside and outside the classroom.
On what she’s learned about Notre Dame since first enrolling:
Notre Dame is a family. Most people know more than one student in another grade and everyone is kind to one another. I came to learn that there is always someone to help you when you ask, and that teachers are happy to answer any questions you have.
On why Notre Dame is different from other schools:
It’s because of the values it instills in us. Notre Dame stays true to its mission statement by building up the individual person as whole, not just as a student.
Notre Dame junior Eileen Haig is with her mother, Diane, at the 2015 NDP Honors Convocation.
Three words to describe her academic experience at Notre Dame so far:
Challenging, Enjoyable, Exciting
On her favorite or most interesting class so far:
Definitely Honors American Literature with Mr. Davis, sophomore year. I learned more than just the answers for the next test in that class. Mr. Davis taught valuable academic and life lessons. He was engaging and never sugarcoated anything.
On the most fun experience she’s had so far at Notre Dame:
Beating Marian in soccer for the first time in school history. It was a great victory that earned us the 2015 state district championship.
On how she balances all of the schoolwork, sports, clubs and activities:
I have figured out how to manage my time and use it wisely. I am focused and dedicated to doing my work and doing it well, so I always make time in my day for schoolwork.
One word to describe the teachers at Notre Dame:
Engaged.
One word to describe the students:
Friendly.
One word to describe the opportunities at Notre Dame:
Endless.
On why Haig thinks Notre Dame has been a great fit for her:
It has helped me continue to grow as a person and as a student. I have made many friends that I hope to have long-lasting relationships with.
On how Notre Dame has helped her become a Christian person:
It’s because of the Christian service work I’ve done. The after-service reflections especially have caused me to think about how I was serving others like Jesus did, and that’s a rewarding feeling. As a result, I have continued to help others beyond our school requirements.
On how Notre Dame has helped her become a upright citizen:
This is due to the leadership roles that I have had the opportunity to be in, including secretary of the Varsity Club.
On what has helped her become an academic scholar:
The challenging courses that I have taken. I have been exposed to and adapted to different methods of learning.
On where she thinks she’ll be when she graduates from Notre Dame:
Totally prepared for college both academically and socially. I know I will leave feeling proud of myself and all the things I accomplished in my high school career.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
Follow us on Twitter @NDPMA
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.