NDCL’s 35th anniversary year begins with joy
NDCL’s 35th anniversary year begins with joy
When we opened our doors on Monday, 709 excited and enthusiastic students, including 170 freshmen and 13 transfer students, streamed into our building for a joyful start to NDCL's 35th anniversary year.
This year's freshmen come from 35 different elementary and middle schools, according to Director of Admissions Mr. Michael Suso '03. NDCL students hail from six northeastern Ohio counties, including Lake (42%), Geauga (32%), and Cuyahoga (23%).
On the first two days of school, students met their new teachers and participated in short grade-level orientation sessions with administrators, counselors, campus ministers, and student leaders.
After a short prayer before the statue of Mary and Jesus on the school's front lawn, President Dr. Michael Bates and Principal Mr. Joseph A. Waler gave students a quick tour of the enhancements at Lion Stadium, including a new 1,400-seat home grandstand, spirit wear shop, and permanent restrooms. Students also enjoyed a free frozen treat from the stadium's new spacious, fully equipped concession stand.
During their lunchtime on Tuesday, students used markers and their creativity to personalize glass gems that will become a permanent part of the concrete slabs under the new grandstand.
"Through this simple ritual, we marked the start of our 35th anniversary year by forming the foundation for the thousands of fans who will cheer on the Lions for years to come," explained Mr. Waler.
Throughout the week, our Student Activities Board (SAB) and their advisers led activities for Welcome Back Week that included themed dress downs, lunchtime treats, corridor decorations, and fun contests to kick off this year's theme: Lions Lead with Pride.
"Thanks to a lot of careful planning and hard work by many people, especially by our facilities staff and the army of contractors who completed many projects over the summer, our 35th anniversary year started smoothly and joyfully," Mr. Waler said. "Even the weather was perfect!"
"From everything I saw and heard this week, I am confident that we are off to another successful year of faith and learning."  | |  |
OFF TO A GREAT START: Teachers and other staff line the sidewalk in the courtyard for a spirited clap-out for our Class of 2026 as they head home after Freshman Orientation Day on August 12.
| | BASH BUDDIES: Freshmen Laney Morgan and Tora Forte enjoy the fun at the Back to School Bash on August 5. The popular event featured balloon and tattoo artists plus the big draw of the night: selecting locker locations. |
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LOOKING GOOD: Senior Ryan Callahan greets mascot Tuffy on Freshman Orientation Day. Ryan joined a team of 80 certified peer educators who welcomed the 170 members of our Class of 2026 on August 12.
| | SPIRIT GEMS: Glass jewels personalized by our students shimmer in the sun before becoming a permanent part of the concrete foundation under our new 1,400-seat home grandstand. |
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| CHECKING IN: Math teacher Mr. Joe Lumpkins assists sophomore Margaret Pawar on the first day of class in Algebra II. | | SOCIOLOGY SISTERS: Seniors Ellie Coulson, Caroline Jurevicius, and Sophia Morano and junior Lizzy Alexander are eager for the start of their popular Sociology elective. |