On Saturday 28, 2019, Notre Dame Academy held the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Program . 

Established in 2018, the purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor all of the living or deceased alumni who “have brought distinction to themselves through their achievement, commitment, and leadership in academics, professional endeavors and athletics” at Notre Dame Academy and/or its legacy schools.

Sr. Patricia Clement, interim president, outlined the goals for the Hall of Fame in her welcoming statement. 

“Our goal,” she said, “is to remember and to celebrate moments in our past and present that comprise the tapestry we recognize as the history and tradition of this extraordinary institution.”

The Hall of Fame inductees may include alumni, faculty, administrators, coaches or friends of NDA or its legacy school community. In addition, teams with outstanding achievement or significant accomplishments may also be considered. 

This year, the program recognized 14 inductees, as well as two teams. 

Awards for the academic division were presented to Kevin Harlan (PHS 1978- Arts), Jeff Kaftan (APHS 1981- Education), Joe Pierre (NDA 2004- Science) and Col. Lester Rentmeester (SNHS 1937- Military).

Awards for the athletic division were presented to Brian Buss (PHS 1982), Kevin Heuvelmans (PHS 1973), Todd Danen (APHS 1973), Jenny Everson-Wallberg (SJA 1979), Lauren Sesselmann (NDA 2001) and Joe Walker (NDA 2004).

Awards for the legends division were presented to John Zegers (APHS 1970- Coach), Fred Dillon (Coach), Sr. Ella Kaster (CSJ, SJA 1943- Faculty), Helen Reince (Faculty), St Joseph Academy Softball (1987 & 1988 Team), and Notre Dame Academy Girls’ Golf 2006 Team.

“It was exciting to see some of my former students honored,” said veteran teacher Carolyn Brown.  “Despite making me feel old, I enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments.  Joe Walker, Joe Pierre, Danny Gigot, Morgan Heyrman, Stephanie Potts and Maureen Liddy looked as young as ever!”

While many of the inductees were not able to accept their awards for various reasons, many family members accepted them in their places.

“We had Lauren Sesselmann’s dad, Ernie, accept the award on her behalf. He mentioned to me that he and his wife were so honored to be there and what a special night it was for their daughter,” said Mr. Geno McKenna, Director of Events & Alumni Relations at Notre Dame Academy. 

To learn more about the eligibility/criteria for induction or general information regarding the Triton Academic & Athletic Hall of Fame, visit www.notredameacademy.com/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame