Kim Grilliot has been a leader at Notre Dame Academy for two of its big anniversaries, and through it she says the school’s original mission is still at its heart.
“We want the students to be intellectually curious, passionately faith-filled, and socially responsible servant-leaders,” Ms. Grilliot said. ”We want them to serve their community and be intellectually present.”
Ms. Grilliot, who was the school’s first lay principal and now is president of the school, was at Notre Dame for its 100th celebration and also is there as the all-girls, private school in West Toledo marks its 120th anniversary this year.
The Sisters of Notre Dame opened the school in 1904 at West Bancroft Street and Detroit Avenue. It was then co-ed for grades 1-4 and all girls for grades 5-12. In 1934, it became an all-girls school for grades 7-12.
In 1959, ground was broken for the new facility on Sylvania Avenue. The building was dedicated in 1960 and opened for girls in grades 9-12. Grades 7-8 were added in 2007/2008.
NDA has made many changes over the years, including the addition of smart boards and a television broadcast studio and becoming a 1:1 iPad school. The academy has an 850-seat performing arts center.
“We offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, which is a rigorous course of study that links the humanities, the sciences, mathematics, languages, and community service,” Ms. Grilliot said. “It is a worldview program for students. We have students here from Germany and France, and we are sending students to Germany in the fall.”
Steve Coppens has been a teacher at the school for 17 years. He teaches Advanced Placement environment and IB biology. His wife, Marianne Coppens, a nurse practitioner, is a 2000 graduate.
“I believe in the mission of this school,” Mr. Coppens said. “My wife still has friends that she originally met here. I respect the sisterhood and the faith here.”
Laura Gallaher, chairman of the English department, has been with NDA for 42 years. Ms. Gallaher said the school has made changes in the years she has been there, but everyone still believes in and lives the mission statement.
Mrs. Gallaher also said the all-girls school really does help foster stronger women.
“When you put girls together, good things surface,” she said. “The students here are communal, nurturing, earnest, and smart. This really is a holistic education here. We teach to our students’ minds, but we also nurture their spirit and faith life.”
Director of Alumnae Engagement Melanie Ogrodowski, a class of '93 alumna, went on to earn her degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.
Mrs. Ogrodowski worked for a couple of years at NDA before moving on to another position. It is a move she still questions to this day.
“When I was younger, the thought process at the time was to move and jump to many positions in order to move up in the business world,” Mrs. Ogrodowski said. “In 2019 I brought my daughter Lily to this school for an open house. I was excited to be back here. She asked me why I left my job here. I did not have a good answer for her.”
Then coronavirus hit, Mrs. Ogrodowski said.
“That summer, my current position opened up and I was excited,” she explained. “I applied, and here I am four years later. All I can say is that NDA has always felt like home to me. It is familiar, comfortable, and peaceful.”
Lily is now going into her senior year at the school. Younger sister, June, will be starting seventh grade at its junior academy in the fall.
Imanga Lufungulo, a junior, is a member of the African American Club, runs track, and is a member of student council. She said NDA has taught her to be conscious of the world around her.
“I have learned that it is important to have an open mind,” Imanga said. “It is crucial in this world so you can better understand people and be able to make connections on a deeper level.”
Imanga’s family moved to the United States in the early 2000s from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Her mother, Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga, is an engineer, a professor of electrical engineering technology, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a government official leading electrification initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Her father, Safari Lufungulo, is a real estate investor and also returns to the Congo to help people.
“I am planning on getting a degree in STEM or computer science with a minor in theater and performing arts,” Imanga said. “I do plan on doing what my parents do and helping the people of Congo as well. I want to make a difference.”
Meredith Morris, a junior, has been at NDA since seventh grade. She is an IB diploma candidate and says she appreciates the opportunities she has at the school. Meredith is hoping to major in business and minor in biochemistry or biology when she graduates.
“This school is a lot of fun, and I have had a lot of opportunities here,” Meredith said. “A big component is the Creativity, Action, Service project. It is a service project that allows me to do charity work.”
Meredith is planning a golf tournament at Stone Oak Country Club. The proceeds would go to Mom’s House.
Abigail Beier, a sophomore, has also been a student since seventh grade. She said she likes that she feels challenged at NDA.
“I like how active and challenging it is here,” she said. “I have learned a lot about time management and to have more confidence in myself. I am in two AP courses and honors programs, and I was worried about doing them. My counselor told me not to worry, just work hard, and I will be fine. She was right and that helped me.”
Abigail’s mother, Gayle, is a 1993 NDA graduate.
The academy will be holding several events to celebrate the anniversary. On June 2, there will be a 120-year celebration for faculty and staff. A Back to the Nest Fest on Aug. 18 will celebrate students coming back to school. On Aug. 23, there will be a school-wide pilgrimage to mark the 120 years. A Sisters of Notre Dame Founder's Day in October and final event in November/December will also be held.
Kitty Slight, senior director of marketing and enrollment management, said NDA has 10,000 alumni worldwide. Many support the school financially as well.
“I want people to know that if they want their daughter to be a part of the legacy here, it really is attainable,” Mrs. Slight said. “With Ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship program, coming to school here is possible.”
Mrs. Slight said anyone can call NDA and ask about financial help as well.
“The sisters see the dignity of the person,” she said. “They want to educate all young women, not just those from a certain class.”
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