FROM THE PRESIDENT
DEAR NOTRE DAME FAMILY: This momentous edition of the ND Journal represents one of the most unique years in the history of Notre Dame High School. As documented on page four, life changed when on-campus learning was suspended on March 13, yet the Mission and Catholic Identity of Notre Dame were there to guide us. We responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by going “Above and Beyond” expectations. The stories in this Journal are testament to our faith, commitment and resilience. Since 1957 when the doors of Notre Dame opened and the12 Sisters of Mercy taught our first students, ND has always stayed true to its Mission, most especially, living the Core Values of the Sisters of Mercy. These pages are filled with accounts of alumni serving on the frontlines of the pandemic; students and current families responding to the needs of the local community and students stepping up to perform the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Heroes can also be found in the stories of our Days of Caring when our current Notre Dame students and families were also challenged to go “Above and Beyond” for their families and communities. For example, students like Joe Kesting ’21 played concerts for the residents of CareOne Assisted Living, or Tim Skelton ’20 who donated food at his local parish in Millstone, or Hanry Yang ’21, who donated PPE to area healthcare facilities. Please carefully read all the stories of heroism in the section entitled “Healthcare Heroes” where you will learn about Clare Ann Gallucci ’88 Spadea who works as a registered nurse at Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center, where she cared for COVID-19 patients at the height of the virus. Clare left behind her fears to serve the needs of her critically ill patients. Morgan Fink ’12, also served on the frontline as an ER Physician Assistant at Newark Beth Israel Hospital where she witnessed firsthand the significant mortality of COVID-19. These two stories and those of all of the other alumni heroes are worth reading as part of our daily reflection on life and our need to go “Above and Beyond” in times of crisis. I hope these stories of alumni and current students inspire your heart and imagination to go “Above and Beyond” and recognize Notre Dame as an extraordinary institution of learning and service. Now more than ever, as we continue the school year in a hybrid learning model, we need your support as alumni, parents, and friends of Notre Dame to also step-up and go “Above and Beyond” in your support of the great work that is happening on this campus so that the next generation of students will benefit as well. Thank you for your support of Notre Dame High School and our critical Mission to produce the next generation of young women and men who will make a difference in the world guided by their faith and the wonderful lessons learned at their beloved alma mater.
Go Irish!
KENNETH E. JENNINGS President
