Thanks, IB English seniors, for (almost) two years of hard work and many laughs.  I look forward to following all your accomplishments as well as getting together for the traditional IB party this summer.  Never forget you’re a STACKED class, destined for greatness!     –Mrs. Brown

It has been my sincere pleasure helping you with your college & career plans, Seniors. I’ve watched you grow and mature into young adults ready to spread your wings and fly. And now, there is unpredictable weather you’ll be navigating. But listen…I know this to be true because God proved it to me in my own life: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). You will soar! –Ms. Bain      

Thank you seniors for making my first year at NDA one to remember. I look forward to hearing your success stories as you continue on to college. Thank you for being so welcoming to me!! Best of luck in your futures!!            — Ms. Frederick

Thank you all for making this last year one to remember, beyond there being a  pandemic. Please know that I will keep you all in prayer as you continue your journey beyond high school. You have made my year at NDA exciting, joyful, and sometimes even a tiny bit stressful. Thank you all for the wonderful year.    —-Frater Burris O. Praem.

There have been ups and there have been downs, even moments of breakdowns, but you all made it.  I have always said you were a great bunch of kids and I still mean it.  Remember to stay out of firefighter mode as much as you can.  This was your greatest weakness as a class, but things still got done.  There have been so many memories, but the one that stands out to me was a certain someone sneaking out of class “early” for an appointment with the reply “I don’t care”.  Then getting mad for about a week after receiving consequences.  It was a nice and quiet week though.  Hang your heads high at all the accomplishments you have done and good luck out there! —Mr. “Kornchip, Konsh Krab” Konshak (KONSHQUACK)

Shout out to Thillman’s IB Senior English family–to Charlie and Ben my awesome writers, to Cathy for always wanting to know whether the assignment was being graded, to Sydney VW, Sophie, and Grant for being workaholics, to Sam and Avery who weren’t fond of the subject but always made us smile, to Owen who allowed me to ridicule his spiral staircase (“Ash Wednesday Canto III”), to Ellen our expert on drama and musicals, to Sydney D for her strong convictions and baking ability, to Riley who didn’t even bother to hide his gum-chewing, to Noah who was wheeling and dealing on his computer rather than paying attention to English, to Jordan for being a good friend and for her quarantine reveal on Flipgrid…well, Sam, too, and to Maggie who is so smart that she successfully worked on assignments for other classes while still participating in English! I’ve loved having you as my kids these two years. Make us proud!   —– Mrs. T

From time to time, I tend to worry about the future of our world, and if left unchecked, it could spiral into depression.  However, since I started working at NDA, I have witnessed so much talent and ambition from my students, that I have stopped worrying so much.  That sense that I’m privileged to work with future engineers, doctors, mechanics, and God only knows what else has increased every year, and I don’t worry quite as much about the future.  Even some students who avoided learning math (you know who you are) and those that struggled academically, still possess talents and remarkable skills that will surely contribute to a bright future.  Go out and realize your gifts!  It’s been my honor to work with you all.  – Mr. Guyette

Thanks to Cassidy Noble for being a 4-year superstar during Phone-a-Thon! She signed up her teams, got volunteers and called many nights.  I really appreciated her dedication to NDA through service. — Mrs. Teitz

Thank you to each one of you in my physics classes for making this a memorable school year.  It was difficult this past 4th quarter not being able to personally interact and to work with you in the classroom.  Each one of you possesses unique talents that make you special.  I look forward to hearing about your future endeavors in college and beyond.  Also, when you drive in a roundabout, ride a roller coaster, or free fall from an airplane, remember the physics!   –Mrs. Nelson

During my first year as a teacher, I taught many of you during your Sophomore year. For some of you, I was lucky enough to be your Sophomore and Junior English teacher. Throughout the last three years, I’ve been blessed to have previous students stop in to say “hello,” even if it wasn’t always warranted…aka, you should’ve been in class (looking at you: Hunter, Will, Corbin, and Angel). I can truly say I miss seeing all of your smiling faces, especially those who stop to talk in the morning or after school, including Lauren, Melanie, Abby, Gioia, Payton, and Goretty. To my seniors in homeroom, Evan and Gioia, I’m sorry we can’t have one last hoo-ra, but I know that you are moving onto bigger and better things (though I know you’ll miss slime-time). To all the Seniors I’ve taught before, please make sure to visit next year and let me know all about your new adventures and shenanigans! I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know your class, and can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish!  —Ms. Robbins 

Thank you seniors for such a wonderful year!  You truly have made every day a joy!  Even though you didn’t become my students until you were juniors, I feel like I have been with you along the way.  Thank you for welcoming me into your class and having an open mind about what I could bring to your French journey.  I have cherished every minute!  I hope you will think back fondly about your time in class, and hopefully you will get a chance to use your French whether on your travels, or your continuing education.  I think about you all the time and miss our French discussions… it’s just not the same without seeing you every day.  To all of the boys who have been so spectacular on our hockey team – I am so proud of you!  To my cross-country runners… bravo!  You have made NDA a force to be reckoned with!  To my homeroom seniors – Rio, Benjamin & Joseph – I wish we had a chance to spend one last homeroom together, even if we didn’t get that shirt designed!  To each and every one of you who have made this year special: Ian, Jessica, Josh, Chloe, Maddie, Melanie, Emily, Molly, Hana, Payton, Leya, Cathy, Eli, Reid, Riley, Shay, Alex, Maggie, Jack and Bella.  To my IB warriors – Howie, Ellese, Scott (go with your gut!) and Ellen – I am so proud of how hard you have worked this year, especially once we were stuck in our homes…  Never forget une carotte qui prend un bain, ou une patate à vélo… I will always think of my 6th hour when I see those pictures!  Above all, continue being the fantastic people that you are.  I know you have nothing but amazing adventures to come!  Bonne chance à votre avenir!    Soyez incroyable!    – -Madame R

Do not live in fear! There is so much beauty, make sure you take time to see it. The happiest people in life are those that find a sense of mission/purpose. The Faith, especially a relationship with Jesus Christ, will help you find that mission. Once you find it, don’t listen to timid souls, take calculated risks and fulfill it. Keep the Faith — Mr. Kriegl

Congratulations class of 2020! You came into this world as a glowing lightduring the shadows of 9/11 and celebrate graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic.  You were in middle school during the Boston Marathon bombings and starting high school when mass shootings plastered the news. You are a generation of students that are stronger for having to deal with crisis. You have never known a world without ipods, iPhones, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.  Although most of you prefer Snapchat and Instagram. You have endured weeks of school with online learning (not the easiest while learning Calculus!) and have persevered.  I am so proud of each of you.  Continue to work hard, problem solve and push through.

Take your candle and go light your world! — Mrs. Percival

To the class of 2020 seniors who have hung with me for two strenuous years of chemistry, I say thanks! Never stop learning and stay positive! “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” Jeremiah 29:11 And be sure and let me know how college chemistry goes for you next year! — Mrs Corriveau

Congratulations and thank you class of 2020! I’m so very proud of the young adults you have become and wish you the very best in the new stage of life you will be entering. You will be missed but, I think I will miss your smiling faces each morning the most. Madison and Sydney, thank you for taking charge of the Sting Cancer group, you both did a great job. Class of 2020 I’m looking forward to seeing your success as you take on the world. Best of luck to you all. –Mrs. Cowans  

Many thanks, Mandarin seniors, for precious four years growing up together with me. I will miss your happy faces, your daily news announcement,  and the time you debated with me in Mandarin. You are a wonderful class! You have given me so many laughs, and you have impressed me so much. I wish you the best luck and many successes.  — Zhang Laoshi

Thank you, Seniors, for the joy, the laughter, the many profound thoughts, and your curiosity about the world around you.  I just wanted to share a few ideas with you as you leave to an unknown future:

S – Seek what is good!

E – Enjoy all aspects of life.  

N – Never let fear keep you from following what you value the most.

I – Investigate and appreciate all those things that are different than you.  The world is an awesome place with many beautiful and enriching cultures, rituals, and people.  Enjoy and love them all.  You will gain a greater capacity to love, to appreciate, and to dream.

O – Only when you allow yourself to learn, for the pure joy of learning, will you

see that life truly is a life-long learning experience.

R – Remember always that WE believe in You!  Go Make Us Proud!               — Mrs. Hall

Seniors, what a year it has been, one I am sure you will never forget.  But one that will forever prepare you for your future. There are those sayings, “Adversity builds character,” “Adversity makes you stronger,”and, yes, these statements are true. But what I am more impressed with since I began my position last July is watching this class grow its own identity this year alone.  I see the Seniors as a group of talented, smart, fun-loving, prideful, dedicated and committed students. YOU have made the 2019-2020 school year special for the rest of the student body and the staff. YOU Seniors have provided the road map for success to the underclassman. YOU have built pride through the hallways that will carry on to our athletic events next school year.  The success you have in your future began with who you are and what you worked so hard for the last four years at NDA. Do not let the end of your Senior year determine what your class meant to NDA because what you did over the previous three and a half years puts the class of 2020 in a very special category.  I know for me personally, YOU Seniors made me laugh, you made me cry and you made me appreciate why NDA is so special. YOU Seniors will always have a special place in my heart. I am very saddened that you couldn’t complete what you started, but for you this is just the beginning of great things to come in your own personal lives. God Bless You All! I am forever grateful to play a very small part in your development. Go on to the next chapter and keep being you because success will follow you forever!  — Matthew Koenig, Athletic Director

I can honestly say that this group of seniors has included some of the most talented and creative students I have had the opportunity to teach. I got to start my day with the seniors in metals –with Jasmin’s bops, fierce debates about Star Wars vs Pirates of the Caribbean, and that one time Maria almost lit herself on fire but remained calm and classy – and end my day with the IB crew who blew me away with their talent every.single.day.  Josie, Owen, Emma, Karen, Hayden, Jessica, and Yana, I have been so incredibly impressed with the work you have produced and the growth you have shown in these 2 years. You will be a tough act to follow. I was so sad that we didn’t get to share that work with the community, but I know you will continue to move forward and do even more impressive things. You truly are inspiring and I can’t wait to see what you do next!  — Mrs. Bradshaw

The seniors this year are going to have a story to tell their grandchildren!  While so many of us go through life without stories to tell, you are going to be able to say, “I survived the pandemic!” People years from now will look at you in awe and realize you are strong and capable and they will be right. There are so many great moments–from watching the boys football games, the final soccer game of the boys’ season, to running with the cross country team, to the girls phenomenal run in volleyball, a heartbreaking loss in hockey, a truly enjoyable musical, band and music performances, daily Mass, but most of all the laughs in the lunchroom.  It was a lot of fun and I’m glad we had the chance to be together…..even if it ended much too soon.—Mr. Browne

Thank you class of 2020 for making my first year as a teacher and 2nd year as a basketball coach the most memorable year yet! Whether it was my senior English class or seeing you seniors on the court or in the stands during games, you all truly exemplify what it means to be a Triton! Wish you all nothing but the best as you move on to your future endeavors, can’t wait to see what you all will accomplish. –Mr. Alexander

Congratulations to my IB Biology Seniors! Thank you for a great two years of biology classes. I wish you the best next year in college and in the future.  I will remember our Kahoot Games, IA experiments, and watching Contagion.  Who knew we would be acting in our own Contagion movie.   —Mrs. Mayer

Congratulations to the class of 2020 and specifically Emily Cribben, Rachel Bal, Ashley Lemens, and Max Healy on amazing academic and athletic careers at NDA!! You will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m going to miss you next year.  We were so lucky to have been able to make some more special memories this basketball season, and I’m grateful for those times.  Best of luck to all of you next year in college.  There is no doubt in my mind that you will do amazing! —Coach Rohde

A shout out to the students I had in Spanish class. You made the day to day routine a lot more fun and enjoyable.  Thank you for your hard work, thank you for making me a better teacher, and thank you for making my days brighter.  A shout out to all the seniors who would come and sit in my classroom for their study hall just to visit, stop by to chat, laugh, cry or vent, to bring in treats for no reason, to eat lunch, you made the little moments of my day so happy.  A shout out to all the seniors on Student Government.  Whether I worked with you on the Senate Branch or Exec. Board, I will always cherish the memories of the early morning meetings, working hard on so many events that make the school year complete, and working to make NDA an even better place.  A shout out to the seniors that worked on TGB and the last class that will ever remember it also as BOTB. Thank you for kicking it into high gear right away each August to get the production up and running.  Thank you for all of the early morning meetings and making every production even better than the last. A shout out to all the seniors that I worked with during the spring play at some point these past four years.  Whether you were part of the crew or onstage,  I am forever grateful to you all for working so hard and creating some amazing productions.  You made me proud.  And though you were never able to take your final bow, know that I will always cherish each and every one of you.  You hold a special place in my heart.  A shout out to all of you: I hope you all had an amazing 4 years.  Thank you for leaving NDA an even better place than when you started.  You all have great things ahead.  Congratulations to the class of 2020! – -Sra. Dory

To Student Services office worker extraordinaire, Goretty Juarez: It was such fun having you as our worker for 2 years! Your willingness to help with anything, your flexibility, maturity and positive attitude did not go unnoticed. —Mrs. Gerl, Mrs. Heyroth, Mrs. Abler, Mr. McGowan, Mrs. B, Ms. Gerl

¡Hola, hola, estudiantes!  Pues, thank you for all of your hard work these last two years, and more importantly, thank you for being you.  You know I think the world of you (¡vayaaaa!) and I know you are destined for great things (snaps!)  I never tell you enough how grateful I am that you are in my life (¡esníf!) You challenge me every day to be a better teacher and a better person.  There is so much I want to say but I’ll limit myself to three things: honor where you are at; progress, not perfection; and ¡SÍ SE PUEDE!  And remember, it’s not a good-bye but an “hasta luego.” –Un abrazote, Doctora

Greetings to the NDA CLASS OF 2020.  When you arrived in my classroom in August of 2016, you immediately captured my attention with your energy, wit and personality.  I felt an immediate connection with you.  You taught me how to LOVE teaching freshmen!  1st hour lovingly became ‘Will’s world’ and maybe secretly, ‘Honors Freshman Theology.’  Also, remember how well Grant Allen could sing ‘happy birthday?’ In 4th hour, who can forget Max bringing brownies on my birthday!  Do you recall Fr. Brad taking over at the semester? 5b has the wonderful memory of the pendant picture.  8th hour formed a beautiful bond and became a wonderful way to end each day.  Lucky us!!  

Teaching seniors gave me the good fortune of seeing how you all grew over the years.  Delightful!  I feel such a great investment in your class. You have brought so much joy and laughter into my days.  Did Max really get a hold of Pam Stenzel, lol?!! I hope you continue in the world with the same sense of ambition and love that you have brought to the classrooms and halls of Notre Dame Academy.  I cannot wait to hear how your lives unfold.  Watch out world!  There are great things ahead.  ‘For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future.’ -Jeremiah 29:11  Take good care, ??Mrs. Schmidt

Class of 2020, you are amazing! Special Shout-Out to Alana Bergin, Emily Lin, Ellese Martin, Courtney Romes, Sydney VanWychen, and Sophia Woodward. What a crazy way to finish your high school careers. I want to thank all of you for everything you have done for the soccer program. Though this program is just a blip in time in your life, you have to step back and look at the impact you made on the younger players in our program, the joy you gave your parents and family, and the high standard you have set for all classes to follow. Congrats on graduating, and best of luck on the next chapter of your lives. Once a Triton, Always a Triton!  —Coach Nick Browne

The 2019-20 school year was going so well until this craziness set in. I greatly enjoyed all of my classes and teams that I got to work with this year. That was largely due to you, seniors. You are definitely a group that has left its mark on NDA and a group that will be greatly missed! Words can’t express how disappointed I am that our time was cut short. Best of luck to each of you in all of your future endeavors. Your future is bright and I can not wait to see all that you will accomplish. In the future, if there is ever anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. 

I’ll leave you with my favorite quote / prayer that is posted in the weight room. “Lord, inspire us with the desire for greatness, to wisely use the gifts and talents you have so generously given us. They are tools to be used, not treasures to be stored.” Fr. Brian Cavanaugh    —Mr. Giovanetti

Every year on graduation day,  the teachers line up on each side of the hallway that leads into the Triton center.  As the seniors parade through two by two, the teachers and students exchange hugs, high fives, and smiles.  Some teachers cry, and yes, I am one of them, because I am always sad to see the seniors leave, so proud of everything they have accomplished while at NDA, but most importantly so hopeful for the future.   It is an overwhelming combination of emotions, and I can’t help but feel that same way right now as I write this message to you – the seniors.  I am sad about how our year is ending, but I am so proud of how resilient you have all been during these crazy times.  I would like to thank the seniors that I am currently teaching for bringing the same amount of excellence to online learning that you brought to the classroom.  You are a very special group, and I feel extremely blessed to be going through this with you.  To the graduating class of 2020, you give me great hope for the future- your future, and I can’t wait to hear about and see where life takes you.   God Bless, Mrs. Campbell  

Such a special group of young leaders! This senior class was one of our largest ever in cross country, and our program is so much better because of the impact each has made in the lives of others. My life and the lives of coaches have become more fulfilled because of the time we had with you. The days are very bright ahead, and the current struggle is temporary. Stay close to Jesus and trust in Him always. Remember… in happy moments, praise God…in difficult moments, seek

God…in quiet moments, trust God and in all moments, thank God:)      All the best- -John Gard

Congratulations class of 2020!  It is amazing how fast 4 years have gone by. “However, you will never forget the last nine weeks of your Senior Year as we all encountered COVID-19.” Your resilience and adaptability is something to be proud of for each and every one of you. My favorite day of the year is Graduation, and it breaks my heart that I will miss seeing your wonderful smiling faces as you line up in the halls for the last time and as you proudly walk down the Triton Center gleaming with joy. My other favorite day of the year is not one but every day I have been a part of Notre Dame.  It brings me such joy to see you each and every morning as you start your day! My hope was to try each day to bring a smile to your face as you walked through those doors. To those of you who always said “Good Morning Mrs. Kirschling” it brought joy to my heart hearing those words. My hope is that my greeting did the same for all of you. I wish you happiness and success wherever life takes you.  May your future hold kindness in your hearts and may you wake up every morning with a smile:)  —-God bless, Mrs. Kirschling

Seniors, I have taught and worked with so many of you in Freshman English Honors Junior English, Public Performance, Homeroom and the musical.  Every one of you has made a forever impression on me, and I cannot emphasize how proud I am of this class.  Your class has made me laugh more than any class I have taught in 14 years  from celebrity impersonations in Public Performance, your weird fascination with my husband,  to acting out The Importance of Being Earnest. I loved coming home each day with stories of your antics, wit,and humor.  I admire the senior students’ creativity, honesty, and motivation.  The seniors that have worked on and off the stage for the musical have forever impressed me with their work ethic, passion, and talent. You all will be deeply missed next year.  I often joked or acted exasperated about all of the college recommendation letters I wrote, but I was truly honored to write your letters.    You are all going to be very successful, and I am looking forward to hearing all of your accomplishments.  I am crying as I write this because I will miss you all so much next year.  Congratulations!    –Mrs. Gilson

Did my Creative Writing seniors think I’d forgotten them?  No indeed!  You made the end of my teaching day the HIGHLIGHT of the day!  Some of your writings I’ve posted online, others I’ve shared with fellow teachers, and so many of them would’ve been the heart and soul of our literary magazine, which usually comes out during Spring Week. Several of you plan to pursue writing as a career, and I am inspired by your efforts and talents.  All of you have a gift that can be used for the rest of your life. . . and I look forward to following those accomplishments.  Send me your work, so I can glow like a proud parent!  And remember to set off the name of the person spoken to when you’re writing dialogue!  Love, Mrs. Brown

First, to my homeroom seniors, Joel Meglic and Sydney VanWychen – It was a great four years together!  Although I will miss you, I know you will do wonderful and amazing things in the next chapter of your lives.  Hugs and muy buena suerte!  

After not teaching seniors for almost ten years, I decided to take on the challenge again this year.  “Challenge” being the keyword as I knew who was coming up the pipeline as we met when you were freshman or sophomores…remember?!?!  Some of you I was very happy to have back in the classroom again; others, I took a wait-and-see approach.  I do not regret taking on Spanish 4 this year.  We shared laughs, rants, and supported each other throughout the year.  You made me a better teacher.  I hope that you walk away knowing how much I appreciated teaching each of you.  I wish you the best and cannot wait to see how you will impact the future!

There are many other seniors who I may or may not have had in class that have impacted me over the past four years.  Maybe we met in Spanish 1 or 2, maybe through Spanish Club, maybe in the cafeteria during lunch, maybe we met because you needed a little extra push in the right direction to discover your potential.  I know that I pushed some of you close to the edge with Señora’s tough love, but I was always there to catch you if you needed it.  Some of you were there to help me when I needed a tutor in a study hall or to help a struggling student.  Over the past four years, most of you discovered what I always knew was there and have grown into wonderful people that I am very, very proud of.  I am excited about what the future holds for you.  Remember that “Nada es imposible para ti.”  Please stay in touch and know that if you need anything beyond high school, I will be there for you.  Bendiciones y Abrazos, Sra. Stover

This sure isn’t how I planned to end the school year, and I know it wasn’t your plan either, but God had other plans for us.  I just want to wish everyone good luck in the future.  Your graduating class has a special place in my heart and despite these times, please remember there is a lot to be thankful for.  Stay steady, stay strong and stay healthy.  All your teachers, including myself, love you guys. –Mr. McGowan

A note of gratitude to all of the seniors…thank you all for shaping these halls and our classrooms over the past four years.  Special shout out to the seniors who sat in my classroom each morning before school just to talk, the seniors in Environmental Club who led the charge in growing the numbers, the seniors who entertained my Earth Science classes, and the seniors who said “hello” in the hallways each day.  Thank you for the smiles, laughs, resilience, and determination that has made your class unique.  Best wishes in your future endeavors! –Mr. Winkler

I think about all of you everyday.  We have learned so much about life through all of this.  I miss your smiling faces and your laughter.  I can’t wait to see all of you at graduation.  Here are some words of inspiration from Great Expectations:    “Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be.  I have been bent and broken, but–I hope–into a better shape.”–Mrs. LaJoe