As graduation approaches, the Class of 2024 has been participating in NDB’s traditional senior activities. The past month served as a reminder to the Dragons that their time on campus is ending and has been a time of both celebration and reflection for the class. The conclusion of high school is certainly a bittersweet time, and as they prepare for their new adventures, they also remember the old.
The Class of 2024 began their high school journey in August 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic. They attended their first day of school via Zoom classes, and the COVID-19 quarantine made it difficult for students to connect with classmates and teachers alike. Although an unconventional start to their high school experience, the administration, students and teachers attempted to make their freshman year as typical as possible. The Link Crew hosted Freshman Orientation on Zoom, equipped with bonding and icebreaker activities for the new class to enjoy. Following this, the Class of 2024 voted to be named the “Dragons,” as it symbolized their green class color and their ability to persevere through any challenges they would face.
The Dragons spent the rest of the semester on Zoom, getting to know each other as best they could. They elected their freshman student council by watching pre-recorded speeches, and these newly chosen leaders guided their class through the year with regular class meetings and “Dragon of the Week” elections, which were a way for students to recognize their classmates anonymously, and say a “thank you,” even if it was behind a computer screen.
The class eventually returned to campus in a hybrid model, with half of the student body coming on Monday and Tuesday and the other half on Thursday and Friday. In April, they experienced an online Aquacades, a tradition that is hard to replicate over a screen. However, the 2020-2021 Associated Student Body was able to plan and execute “DISNEYCADES,” and the freshmen watched the routines at home or with small groups of new friends.
“Being involved in student council has allowed me to see the growing closeness in our class as the years have passed as we organize and host m
In August of 2021, the Dragons returned to campus and had their first “normal” NDB year, equipped with all of the traditions that make the year so special. They went to their sophomore retreat in person and got involved with life at NDB. In a way, their sophomore year was their first year of high school, so many students spent the time trying to get to know other classmates and themselves. The Dragons experienced their first school rallies, in-class testing and regular athletic schedules, as well as their first authentic Aquacades, where they placed second.
“I have had the incredible opportunity to watch the Dragons grow up over the past four years. These girls have matured so much since their freshman year, and I can see how comfortable they are in their own skin,” said Director of Student Life and Leadership Alisia Bergholm. “I always knew all of them could do it and I am incredibly proud of each of them. They all set an amazing example for all their peers at NDB.”
By their junior year, the class was accustomed to life at NDB and felt a new confidence to create clubs, join leadership boards and pursue passions. The Dragons also celebrated their Junior Ring Ceremony on a Sunday afternoon in November, where they were officially recognized as upperclassmen and role models to their fellow NDB sisters. They continued through the year in a perseverant manner, having loaded on challenging courses in addition to their Capstone Projects. The Dragons remained strong, just as they always have, and completed the year dignified, with memories of their Gatsby Ball and a first-place win at Aquacades behind them.
Their accomplishment at Aquacades was nothing short of impressive, as their spirit and dedication to their class was what earned them their trophy. They brought this same energy with them to their senior year, and although it was certainly tested during the months of college applications and long nights, the Dragons held on to their “fire” throughout the entirety of the year. They won their second Aquacades in a row, an experience that brought some to tears. The Dragons have since participated in their Senior Day of Reflection, Senior Sunset and soon, graduation.
“I feel like we never really got the full experience of high school because of COVID, but everyone in their own way has been able to really find confidence in themselves and in what they do,” said Senior Class President Cailin Thompson. “I know that each one of us is ready to take on our next adventure of college and thrive because of what NDB has taught us.”
As the hundredth graduating class of NDB embarks on their future journeys as alumnae, they say farewell to the community that fostered their growth and embraced their individuality for four years. The end of high school has now arrived for the Dragons, and it is time that they let out one last roar.
