No doubt Notre Dame Academy would be a much different place today if Donna Clement and Maureen Campbell had never walked its halls. Although originally working together in the attendance office, Mrs. Clement moved to the Main Office and Mrs. Campbell relocated up to Student Services.

Mrs. Clement, currently the Secretary to the Principal and Associate Principal, has worked in the building since 1995 and has watched as the school evolved into what it is today.

“Attendance was done on paper and was collected by student workers each period. Teachers had little clips on their doors where they hung the attendance sheet each period and workers would walk by to collect them. There was a lot of ‘paper shuffling’ to do, and it took a great deal of time to do attendance because of it,” she explained.

Mrs. Campbell attended one of the predecessors to NDA, St. Joseph’s Academy, and remembers her days their fondly:  “Going to an all-girl high school was a really good experience  It was an environment where girls could flourished academically without any of the social distractions that might come into play had it been co-ed.”

Mrs. Campbell was hired not long after Clement and the two became good friends.

“Mrs. Clement was definitely one of the highlights of my time at NDA,” said Mrs. Campbell.  “Many students would visit us throughout the day, and there was always lots of laughter as they updated us on their school day.”

“At the request of some of the senior boys Mrs. Clement and I would occasionally set up a Nachos and Cheese Dip/ Scotcheroo buffet. It was lots of fun. I did always wonder if Administration frowned upon that,” she added.

“While I’m still in good health, I want to take advantage of that and enjoy the things I want to do,” said Mrs. Clement about her decision to retire this year. “My husband has been retired for eight years, so it’s time I join him. I feel ready and am not afraid of what life will bring, whatever that may be.”

Mrs. Campbell has similar reasons. “Several things played into my decision.  My husband retired last week. I have retired friends I would like to spend more time with, and I will also be babysitting several days a week when my daughter returns to work.”

“I want to do all the things most retired people want to do,” Mrs. Clement said. “I enjoy being busy and look forward to travel, time with my family (especially grandkids), nurturing friendships, volunteering and just taking time to enjoy life itself.”

One of her many hobbies is gardening, an interest shared by Mrs. Campbell.

“My husband and I love to garden so this a perfect time of the year to retire and spend time in our yard,” she said. “We also hope to continue traveling. Most importantly I will be spending more time with my new granddaughter.”

The ladies will miss many things about the Academy and noted many highlights over the years.

“Needless to say, there are many wonderful memories, graduation ceremonies, pep rallies, musicals and sporting events–all thanks to NDA. However, one of the most beautiful memories is everyone coming together to support one another in times of tragedy,” explained Mrs. Campbell.

“My favorite part is being with the students. I think being with them keeps me feeling younger, and I really enjoy their enthusiasm for life,” said Mrs. Clement. “They say so many funny things, and at other times are philosophical, but just interacting with them makes life fun. I enjoy this age tremendously.”

Clement knows she will miss Notre Dame, but she looks ahead with optimism.

“I’ll miss meeting new students every year and the many good friendships I’ve made, but I look forward to whatever God has planned for me in the future. I’m hoping for the best!”

Campbell feels much the same way. “I would like to thank all those students who made me smile, shared a story, or just came into my office to chat. Never forget how truly special you are!”

In the words of one faculty member, “The departure of these two women is going to leave a big hole, a chasm, that will be hard to fill.  All their experience and knowledge, not to mention their personalities and enthusiasm for life, will have all of us still here shuffling and scurrying to recover.  In the long run, though, we have to watch them leave and wish them well.”