Happy Birthday Notre Dame Prep

Friday, September 22, marked a milestone in Notre Dame Preparatory School’s history—its 150th birthday. On this day in 1873, the school first opened to 69 students from Baltimore, around the U.S., and even abroad. To commemorate this historic moment, Notre Dame Prep held a 150th Anniversary Weekend Celebration, with events designed to honor the school’s history, express gratitude, and launch a year full of excitement and activity. Here are some highlights:

• Prayer Ritual at NDMU: The school began the day as it does all things—in prayer. Representatives from all school constituents as well as the entire School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) Atlantic-Midwest Provincial Council met at Notre Dame of Maryland University, NDP’s original home, for a moving prayer ritual that incorporated history, prayer, and song. Among the readers were:
• Sister Patricia McCarron, SSND, Ph.D., NDP Head of School; 
• Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND, Provincial Leader; 
• Sister Mary Fitzgerald, SSND, Provincial Councilor; 
• Dr. Mary Lou Yam, President, Notre Dame of Maryland University; 
• Sister Sharon Slear, SSND, Ph.D.; NDP Executive Director of Academics; 
• Ms. Tracey Kuhn, NDP Assistant Head of School; 
• Sister Jane Forni, SSND, Ed.D., NDP Board Chair;
• Sister Kathy Jager, SSND, NDP Middle Level Campus Minister, Mission Integration Coordinator, and prayer ritual coordinator; and 
• Several NDP students. 

Closing the ritual was the ceremonial lighting and procession of the Anniversary Candle via caravan from NDMU to NDP in Towson.
Charles Street Caravan: Leading a caravan of two Blazer minibuses along Charles Street was a vintage wood-paneled station wagon reminiscent of the vehicles parents used to help move library books, desks, and chairs to Hampton Lane when the school relocated in 1960. Riding in the wagon were Sister Patricia and Sister Charmaine. At NDP, the entire school community—cheering with pom poms in hand—greeted the caravan as it rode on to campus. Several media outlets were there to capture the arrival.

Anniversary Liturgy: After the caravan arrived on campus, the school community held the Anniversary Liturgy, over which Archbishop William E. Lori presided. Ceremonial SSND-created banners of Mother Theresa and Mother Caroline, as well as a specially created NDP banner, were used. During a gratitude procession, white roses were presented to recognize the present and past members of the various constituents that comprise the NDP school community. Communion mediation featured the world premiere of “Follow the Star,” a choral and string piece based on the writings of Blessed Theresa of Jesus which NDP alumna Leia Sofia Mendez ’19 composed for the Liturgy. 

Community Party: Later Friday evening, the entire NDP school community gathered for an evening of fellowship. Food trucks, lawn games, spirit activities, a Silent Disco, and a “Friday Night Under the Lights” varsity soccer game set the tone for an evening of fun. School spirit was palpable as more than 1,000 friends and families came together on a glorious night to celebrate not just a school but an institution that has shaped the lives of thousands of young women for a century and a half.

Blazer Dash Scholarship Run: Tropical Storm Ophelia did not dampen the energy at the 26th Annual Blazer Dash Scholarship Run, held on Sunday, September 24. The event, which supports scholarships, garnered a record number of registrants this year—more than 1,400! In addition, for the first time ever, one class, the Class of 2024, had 100% registration. While the weather deterred some participants, many intrepid runners and walkers braved the elements to support NDP and its students.