The ninth annual Grandparents and Grandfriends Day will take place Wednesday, November 21, at NDA.

A reception in the Commons will initiate activities at 9 a.m. A Notre Dame Academy Alumni who owns Crystal Coffee caters this event with sweet treats and coffee.

Mass will begin at ten o’clock with around 1,000 people in The Triton Center. Father Mike Brennan will celebrate mass for over 450 grandparents and grandfriends.

Mr. Geno McKenna, Director of Events and Alumni Relations, has enjoyed the opportunity to continue this tradition at Notre Dame Academy. He plans to support this important event as long as he works with NDA.  “I don’t see an end in sight,” he said.

“Grandparents and Grandfriends Day is a way to celebrate the special role that grandparents and grandfriends play in our students’ lives,” he said.

McKenna believes that this has become one of everybody’s favorite events, and that grandparents and grandfriends talk about how excited they are for this event every year.

“It is a feel-good event and falls at a great time of the year. It has become one of the most beautiful and heartwarming traditions at Notre Dame Academy,” said the director/organizer.

Students also appreciate the event. This tradition, held the day before Thanksgiving, provides memory-making opportunities for all. Students share their faith and introduce friends to their special guests.

“It’s a good way to bring the community together and show love for our grandparents,” said junior Cassidy Noble.

Staff members also appreciate this opportunity.

“It’s commendable to see the grandparents have an opportunity to be involved with the school,” said Mrs. Kim Flinchum, chemistry teacher.

Another teacher, Mrs. Amy Stover, loves the idea of Grandparents Day.

“It’s a tradition that I look forward to every year.  The past few years I’ve really enjoyed it as my parents and mother-in-law join my daughters for this special day,” said the Spanish teacher.

Celebrating Grandparents and Grandfriends Day on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving break provides an opportunity to prepare for the holiday season and emphasize the importance of family, faith and special friends in our lives.