The Vipers: Maddie Mosso
As recent graduates of eighth grade, they have spent the past month transitioning into life at NDB and learning how to manage being a high schooler.
“[I appreciate] how much the teachers care. I feel like they really want me to succeed,” said freshman Lizzie Scott.
Soon into the year, the freshmen debated on whether their class mascot should be the “Vipers” or the “Bulls.” Eventually, after forms were sent out to the entire freshman class, they decided to be called the Vipers. After their mascot was arranged, freshmen class elections were held and the Vipers elected their student council, a group of seven girls devoted to leading the class through their first year at NDB
In addition to this, several freshmen tried out for the many fall sports teams at NDB. There are freshmen teams for a few sports, but freshmen also were given positions on JV and Varsity teams, allowing them to meet more students both in and out of their grade.
Outside of school, the freshmen have been invited to attend several Tri-School events. This began with the Tri-School Dance, hosted in NDB’s Father Downey Garden. The theme was “Notre Dame Lands,” based off of the popular musical festival, Outside Lands. Freshmen danced, took group pictures at the photo booth and got an option to interact with other Serra HS and Mercy B freshmen.
Shortly following the dance, Tri-School freshmen attended their Frosh Splash at the Serra pool, again getting to know other Tri-School freshmen.
“[I like] the school activities, like the outside events that we do, and hanging out with my friends,” said freshman Emily Weisman.
The Sharks: Page Krensavage
The Sharks are officially back from summer and are beginning to settle into their new routine. In just the first month of school, the Class of 2026 is working on some new things. However, there are also mixed emotions about this school year.
“It’s scary but exciting at the same time. It’s scary because grades matter more this year, but exciting because this is a more memorable year of high school. My friends and I are going to be driving soon and we are thinking more about the future,” said sophomore Alexandra Charnas.
The sophomore class is also enjoying the fun things about high school that happen during the fall season, such as the football games. The Sharks love attending the Friday night football games, whether at Serra HS or somewhere else. Now that they are no longer freshmen, they are more excited to go to the games since they know more people, whether it is the people playing in the game, or fellow classmates going.
“I think that watching the games as a sophomore is more fun because you know more people so you hang out with them and socialize more. I also think that it is less intimidating because you are not the lowest grade level anymore,” said sophomore Finley Wilke-Hiland
There are also new things in store for the Class of 2026. The Sharks are working on designing their class hoodie as well as new chants. In addition, for the first time, the sophomore class is allowed to attend two of the college rep visits. The sophomores are excited and grateful for the opportunity.
“I am happy that Notre Dame is including us in the visits because next year I am expecting a limit on college rep visits so it gets us ahead. It also gets us into the college mindset,” said sophomore Jolie Girgus.
The sophomores are off to a great start with the first month of school, making great headway with spirit events and college applications. The Sharks are optimistic and excited for what the rest of the year will bring.
The Monarchs: Andie Wong
On August 14, the Monarchs walked on campus for the first time as upperclassmen excited to take on new responsibilities. Over the summer, many volunteered at nonprofits and enrolled in community college courses in preparation for junior year, or what is known as the most difficult year of high school.
As exciting as it is to have more schedule flexibility and leadership opportunities, most are stressed out about their homework load and the upcoming PSAT in October. It is especially difficult to fit in an adequate amount of time for sleepin between their other commitments, including school and club sports, fulfilling NDB service hour requirements, and preparing for their capstone projects. Though lunch and collaboration are designated for relaxing with friends and meeting with teachers, many have college and club meetings scheduled during those times to avoid conflicting with their after-school extracurriculars.
Junior Julia Mazariego reflects on her first couple months of junior year balancing three AP classes and being a member of the NDB Cheer Team.
“I think that the workload has increased from last year to this year,” said Mazariego. “However, for as long as I can remember I’ve always had after-school activities and have been able to balance it well. The homework has increased,…but I have learned to manage my time well so far.”
Luckily, many juniors still found the strength to earn an early spirit point lead by finding the most rubber ducks around campus. Bringing that energy with them, they were eager to meet their Little Sisters and enjoyed refreshing ice cream cones together during collaboration on August 31st. Shortly after, Junior Vice President Bella Svanberg announced that the Student Council would be introducing royalty cards for the chance to win a raffle filled with surprise prizes. They will be punched each time a Monarch goes above and beyond for their class or attends class-bonding events, such as the upcoming beach-themed Luau and Aquacades.
Many juniors just showcased their clubs at the Club Fair on September 28 and are establishing leadership positions and diligently planning for upcoming meetings. With college applications just a year away, clubs are a great way for them to showcase their passions on a deeper and more personal level. Looking ahead, the juniors purchased rings for the Junior Ring Ceremonyin early November and are planning strategies to redeem themselves at next year’s Aquacades.
As demanding as it is, the juniors are appreciative of the new opportunities they get to experience and are looking forward to a year filled with even better memories than last year.
The Dragons: Karly Bordin
The Class of 2024 had an exciting start to their senior year this month. As it is NDB’s centennial, banners are hung along Belmont to celebrate the hundredth graduating class. The seniors came the week before school started to paint their parking spots, which will become a new class tradition.
On the first day of school, they arrived in the Father Downey Garden at six in the morning for Senior Sunrise, a tradition to start off the year for the class. The Dragons ate breakfast together and spent time as a class before the official start of school. Some even decorated their cars or wore sashes in honor of their senior year.
Continuing the fun, the class gathered at the pool for their Senior Splash on August 31. Everyone wore their class shirts, and the students jumped in the pool and got shaved ice to celebrate. The class continued to bond at the Senior Giants game on September 8. Tickets were purchased through Coach Kate, and seniors headed to Oracle Park for the night to watch the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies in an exciting Friday night game.
The seniors are also well into their college applications process, with class meetings and lunch bunches being held by Mrs. Rossi and various college representatives coming to Notre Dame. These events will continue throughout the fall while students work on applications and figuring out their next steps.
