In honor of Catholic Schools Week (January 25-31), we’re lifting up some of our favorite stories from the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting the connection between our students and the life of service embedded in the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community, and our school’s Graduation Outcomes.
In October, students in ND’s Latinas Unidas and Crafty Corner conducted a winter clothing drive for the Center for Farmworker Families (CFF) in Watsonville, with the support of campus ministry and other school staff. They received a record-breaking response of donations from our school community in the form of jackets, sweaters, and blankets, as well as monetary contributions of $1,000 that were converted into gift cards. Students later traveled with staff to join a monthly donation distribution in Watsonville and participated in serving more than 300 families. Throughout this donation drive, our students practiced compassion and care for a community in need that demonstrated empathetic leadership and exemplified the values we seek to impart in teaching them to become justice advocates.
In November, ND’s very own Mary Rose ’26 was presented with the St. Francis of Assisi Award at the annual Saints in the City celebration hosted by Bishop Oscar Cantú and the Diocese of San José. This event recognizes high school students who carry the torch of discipleship with fearless faith, enduring hope, and bountiful charity. The St. Francis of Assisi Award recognized Mary Rose for possessing the spirit of evangelical outreach and expressing her faith freely, totally, fruitfully, and faithfully.
From November 13-17, Notre Dame students and chaperones experienced the annual Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice conference in Washington, DC, the largest annual Catholic social justice gathering in the United States, where participants learn, pray, and advocate. The Teach-In is a place for members of the Ignatian family — including representatives from Jesuit institutions and the larger church — to be empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked. In addition to attending the conference, ND’s delegation of Pink & Teal Stingrays from the Class of 2026 and staff members spent the week visiting monuments and museums throughout our nation’s capital, connecting with ND alums and peers from other schools in the Notre Dame network, and meeting with the offices of Senator Adam Schiff and Congress members Ro Khanna, Sam Liccardo, and Zoe Lofgren to advocate for environmental justice.
In December, the ND school community made their annual pilgrimage to Cathedral Basilica St. Joseph for Advent Liturgy. Our students, faculty, staff, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, presiders, liturgical ministers, campus ministry, dancers, and music ministry contributed to an inspiring and insightful celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During her homily, Sr. Gillian Wallace gave a reflection on taking her perpetual vows and her calling to God. Later in the day, students connected with Sisters in Pardini Park to learn more about the vocation of a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.
We are so proud and grateful to our students and school community for embracing the spirit of Saint Julie and honoring the dignity and sacredness of each person throughout the year!