Community celebrates annual father-daughter dance

by Clair Sapilewski

Contributing Writer

On Friday, November 15, NDB hosted its annual father-daughter dance. This year’s theme was 007 and featured the secret agent James Bond himself in cardboard cutout form, black and white decorations, and a photo booth with spy gear props. There were also tables full of candies, cookies, and other treats for everyone to enjoy.

Throughout the evening, girls switched between dancing with their dads and dancing with their friends. They also switched between taking pictures with their dads and their friends and were able to take home copies to remember the evening. Everyone had a good time between the music, dancing, and time with their dads and friends.

Juniors perform community service in the Tenderloin

by Kaitlyn Lopez

Staff Writer

The junior service retreat took place over the course of three days during the week of November 18.  On each day, a different group of juniors volunteered for the St. Anthony’s Foundation, getting a hands-on lesson on social justice and helping people who experience homelessness in the Tenderloin neighborhood of downtown San Francisco.

When they arrived at the foundation, students attended an orientation about the perceptions and history of the neighborhood, the various programs and services that the foundation provide, and the different places that they were going to volunteer.  Then, they were divided into four small groups to serve lunch, sort through donated clothes, or socialize with senior citizens.

In the dining room across the street, students served over 2,000 meals to guests, whether it was behind the counter in the kitchen or out on the floor in the dining room. They also had the opportunity to have lunch with them, learning about the community.

“The Notre Dame Belmont girls put on an impressive performance on a very busy day! I particularly appreciated the positive attitudes and good vibes that they provided for our guests in addition to the food,“ St. Antony’s Foundation Volunteer and Events Lead Keil Chase said.

Another group participated in the clothing program upstairs where they sorted through dozens of garbage bags full of donated clothes. Some hung clothes on racks, stocking the storeroom, and others worked in the boutique, helping people choose clothing.

The last two groups interacted with senior citizens and other adults by participating in arts and crafts and exercises and talking with them.

A few faculty and staff members accompanied each group on each day.

“This is my third year going on it, and each year, I walk away feeling how meaningful it is as a retreat. We can sit in a classroom and talk about homelessnesss and analyze it. But, to be experiencing it firsthand and giving back to those who are experiencing, it is a different reality and impact that is important for us as privileged people to try and identify ways to give back,” Social Science teacher and Junior Class Coordinator Rebecca Fisher said.

Culture Club spends the evening with “Hamilton”

by Mia Hernstadt

Staff Writer

On Thursday, November 21, the Culture Club attended an evening showing of the hit musical “Hamilton” at the Orpheum Theater in downtown San Francisco.

Students as well as faculty and staff and their significant others and family membersmet in the city, some taking BART, others finding their own way up there. Some walked down the street to SAMS American Eatery for dinner and back up to the Orpheum where the big group went in for the show.

The musical tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and the early history of the United States.  The songs were catchy, using a lot of hip hop and other genres of music.

“‘Hamilton’ was a really cool production, and I am happy I got the chance to see it because I loved the show and had a great time,” said senior Kate Ragusa. “We had a great time with all of the teachers and had a chance to bond with them.”