Successful 35th year ends with look to exciting future
In a just a few short days, NDCL's highly successful 35th anniversary year will come to a close. While the coming summer months are a time for rest, relaxation, and renewed relationships, they're also a time for renewal of our facility and staff as we get ready for a new year. There’s excitement all over campus as our Notre Dame Schools continue to invest in a big way as we look confidently to the future.
Enrollment remains strong. In August we will welcome 170 freshmen in our Class of 2027. Our total enrollment remains strong and stable with approximately 700 students from six northeastern Ohio counties. That’s great news.
Student achievement is off the charts. The Class of 2023 has been awarded $20M in college scholarships. Four juniors were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for scoring in the top 4% of 1.3 million students who took the PSAT. Amazingly, NDCL students won 46 of 146—or 32%—of all statewide scholarship awards presented by the 2023 Believe in Ohio Competition. Our volleyball team clinched its third state championship, while our golf, robotics, and mock trial teams qualified for state tournaments. A wrestler also made it to the state tournament for the second consecutive year.
Facility investments continue. Thanks to strong fundraising initiatives, we will make significant investments in our facilities this summer. As soon as students finish their exams on May 25, a $600,000 renovation of the biology and chemistry labs and classrooms will begin, with completion expected at the start of the new school year. Work has already begun on the $250,000 Rieger Athletic Center, a 4,500-square-foot training and practice facility for track and field and other sports, especially during the inclement days of late winter and early spring.
Leadership transition. Last October, Principal Mr. Joseph A. Waler announced that he will retire at the end of June after 43 years of service in Catholic education in the Diocese of Cleveland, including the last 17 years of leadership at NDCL.
"I leave filled with gratitude and pride at all we've accomplished together, including NDCL’s status as a National Blue Ribbon School and as a Top Workplace," Mr. Waler said.
Mr. Waler's successor is Mrs. Jodie Ricci, who in December was announced as our new principal after a search involving many in our Notre Dame community. Look for updates on how you can meet and get to know Mrs. Ricci, who also serves as the music director at Bainbridge's Church of the Holy Angels.
In other transitions, the Notre Dame Schools Board of Directors will launch a search for a new president to succeed Dr. Michael Bates, who will end his service on June 30. The Board will seek input from staff, parents, donors, alumni and others in the search process.
"Our campus of faith and learning is strong, vibrant, and bursting with potential," Mr. Waler beamed. "We are so blessed with exceptional students, devoted educators, and supportive parents, alumni, and friends who advance our mission as we eagerly anticipate the future with hope and confidence."