The green Class of 2028 has officially kicked off their high school journey and 96 new freshman faces have integrated themselves into the NDB community, starting with the very first spirit rally of the school year.
The freshmen placed first out of all the classes for their competitive spirit and volume and voted for their class mascot: the Jaguars.
The Jaguars were able to bond and become closer as a class at Freshman Orientation, and were also able to meet their fellow Mercy Bears and Serra Padres at both the Frosh Splash and the Tri-School Dance, which both took place on Friday, Aug. 23.
At the splash, frosh from all three schools gathered on Serra HS’s pool deck, swam and mingled with their brother and sister schools.
The dance, hosted in the Father Downey Garden, was themed “Welcome to the Jungle,” and provided a place for freshmen from all three schools to dance, enjoy music and snacks and meet new friends.
Over the course of the school year, the Jaguars will have more opportunities to immerse themselves in the NDB sisterhood.
“I’m excited for the Class of ’28. They seem like a lively, enthusiastic and intelligent bunch,” said Freshman Class Coordinator Jonathan Tomczak. “We have a few events planned; there are the usual rallies, Aquacades and the Big-Little Sister reveal later on. But, I also know they are going to want to plan several events for themselves, and I look forward to seeing what they come up with.”
The Jaguars’ student council will have the ability to plan class bonding activities and events in the coming months.
On Friday, Sept. 13, the new freshman student council was elected, with August Kelly as President, Samantha Barrett as Vice President, Elizabeth Brodeur as Secretary-Treasurer, Sophia Adao as Activities Director, Vanessa Gonzalez as Athletics Director, Riley McGlynn as Spirit Director and Piper Ventura as Historian.
When asked about her plans and goals for the 2024 school year, Kelly stated, “I would love to start organizing some fun activities like movie nights or excursions for some fun for the freshmen. I am also thinking about traditions for the Jaguars, like other classes have.”
She also shared her experience at NDB thus far.
“My favorite thing about my class so far is that everyone is so nice … [and] always smiles back and you can just start up a conversation with anyone else in the class and get to know them. What made me originally choose NDB was that it felt like everyone took events very seriously and … I am so impressed by our class spirit, and I’m not surprised we are leading in spirit points. I also loved the academic opportunities I could take advantage of.”
In addition to bonding with their new classmates, freshmen have made the most of academic and athletic opportunities. Many shared that they loved the welcoming atmosphere and the close- knit sisterhood at NDB, as well as the support offered by teachers, counselors and upperclassmen.
“I love the sisterhood at Notre Dame and how welcoming everyone is,” said newly elected Historian Piper Ventura. “NDB has provided me with more opportunities to be involved and grow in the community.”
Head of School Meredith Essalat is thrilled for them to embark on their four years at NDB, “It feels like they’ve been part of NDB for a really long time. Like they’ve come in with just incredible energy and commitment to our community,” said Essalat. “When Mrs. Anderson was building this class in admissions, I think that was what she was going for. It was just adding to the confidence and the empowered nature of each of our students.”
The Class of 2028 is full of vivacious school spirit and excitement, with their win at the rally and their student council’s goals for the school year. The community is full of excitement at what the Jaguars will accomplish during their time at NDB.
