On Wednesday, April 30, the entire Notre Dame Academy student body will step out of the classroom and into the community for a morning of service. 

Known as NDA Serves, this annual event allows students to dedicate three hours to do volunteer work at a variety of locations, from schools and parishes to nursing homes and shelters. 

“NDA Serves is a great day to serve your community and, possibly, discover a new passion,” said Campus Minister Kelly Waters. 

Over the years, NDA Serves has grown significantly, and students will have the opportunity to serve at more than 60 sites. 

“I remember Mike Gross, our president way back when, coming to Student Government with the idea of sending a few students out into the community,” said former Student Government adviser Carolyn Brown. 

“We sent out a few kids from the Outreach Branch, our service arm of Student Government, and the reception was so positive that we organized an all-school day of service. A former Spanish teacher here, Tracie VanGheem Rottier, worked with us on Student Government. She spent hours and hours finding locations for service. The rest is history.”

For Waters,  this event is of great importance. 

“It’s only my second year at NDA, “ said Waters, “but last year I participated, and this year I am organizing it with administrative assistant Jessica Sidon.” 

To accommodate students who may face transportation challenges, NDA will host service opportunities in the school. 

“There will be groups and service work here, so students just need to get here like a normal school day,” said Waters. 

Students are required to arrive at their site at 8 a.m., and attendance is mandatory. 

With various sites and countless opportunities to give back, NDA Serves will continue to be a meaningful tradition.