While returning upperclassmen and sophomores were enjoying their summer on Wednesday, freshmen and transfer students were having their first day of school.

This early first day gave freshmen and transfers a chance to get familiar with the school without having everyone else there.

This allowed them to meet their teachers and other students, find their classes and learn how to navigate the building.

All of this could not be done without the help of T3 Leaders, upperclassmen who volunteer their time to lead the students in their orientation.

Students who attended the orientation got a lot out of it, and overall enjoyed the experience.

Father Jordan, chaplain, opened the morning auditorium gathering with prayer, and President Tom Kiely told the students they were on the “threshold” of a new stage of their lives. 

Principal Andrea Hearden also welcomed the students, challenging them to make the most of their new start, to get involved in sports and the many activities at NDA.  She concluded by telling them to “do your homework or you’ll be meeting with me.”

After going through their schedules and meeting their teachers, the newbies met in the Chapel and exited to lunch through a gauntlet of loud, cheering staff members.  Lunch in the commons ended with ice cream.

“I liked the orientation,” shared freshman Rachel King. “I got to meet other new students, and I was able to explore the building without it being too crowded.”

King is not only new to school but to the state, having moved from Minnesota, and she said that the orientation helped ease her into the school without being overwhelmed.

Another freshman, Lolita Matos, enjoyed the opportunity to interact with fellow students and the faculty members before the year started.

“I thought the staff was really friendly,” Matos shared. “Also, the group leaders worked to bring everyone together.”

This opportunity was particularly helpful for the class of 2027 as they come to NDA from over 30 different schools, and the orientation gave them a chance to get to know each other.