Recently, a number of current Notre Dame students from the upper division — and one Ivy-League alum — were asked about their experiences at the school and how it has affected them academically, spiritually, physically, socially, etc. Basically, we wanted to find out why they go to Notre Dame and what they get out of it.
While their answers were not too surprising — we hear similar comments nearly every day from students — they nonetheless remind us once again about how NDPMA has such an overwhelmingly positive impact on the lives of its students as well as its alumni.
Enjoy!
“Through the diversity of classes, clubs and activities offered at Notre Dame, I have been able to learn more about myself and what my skills and interests are. NDP has given me a variety of opportunities to grow as a Christian, as a scholar, and as a person.” Joey Joppich, Class of 2019
“My experience at Notre Dame has challenged me spiritually, academically and athletically in ways I never could have imagined. Here at NDP, everyone is family.” Maddy Chinn, Class of 2019
“I know when I graduate from Notre Dame I will leave feeling prepared for college and ready to tackle any of the challenges I may face. When I got to Notre Dame, I quickly realized that teachers and staff go out of their way top make sure we are prepared for the real world and then to succeed in it.” Sonya Simmons, Class of 2019
“Notre Dame has provided me a multitude of opportunities, both academically and athletically, that have challenged me to reach far beyond what I thought I was capable of. NDP also has a supportive Christian atmosphere that I cannot imagine finding anywhere else.” Celia Gaynor, Class of 2018
“Notre Dame has given me the unique opportunity to grow both academically and personally in a comfortable, yet challenging, environment. The NDP experience truly has shaped me into the person I am today.” Daniel Fox, Class of 2018
“When I came to Notre Dame, I found the students to be very welcoming, and the teachers to be available if and when I needed help. They really made the transition to NDP easy for me.” Isabella Bankstahl, Class of 2019
“Notre Dame has shaped me into the person I am today. Through many sports and extracurriculars, and by working with dedicated teachers and passionate students, I have been able to stretch myself mentally and physically every day.” Daniel DiCaro, Class of 2019
“Through academics and athletics, NDP taught me the importance of aiming high and striving toward goals that may seem out of reach. With a little support, a bit of faith, and a lot of hard work, these ambitions can become more achievable. NDP provides the community and the faith, and it inspires the drive and the perseverance. For this, I’ll always be grateful. ‘And our hearts forever, praise thee, Notre Dame!’” Max Schwegman, Class of 2014 (currently at Princeton University)
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." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and 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.