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Samantha Stangroom, a recent graduate of the Academy, was selected as Student of the Month just prior to graduation.

Samantha exemplified the spirit of the Academy.  She was an active member of the National Honor Society where she recently had organized the Penny Wars, a Spirit Week fundraising event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  She also worked at the Academy’s Extended Day Program and tutored younger students.

In addition to her strong academic performance, Samantha was the Team Manager of the Academy’s softball team where she played for two years, and a member of the cheerleading team for the past four years.  She also received the Most Improved Player Award for both sports.

Outside of the Academy, Samantha is a member of Girl Scouts and volunteers at the Lowell Humane Society. She has participated in Taekwondo at Dracut Taekwondo for the past six years, and is working toward her second degree black belt.  She also works with younger children to help them receive their black belts.

The daughter of James and Catherine Stangroom of Dracut, MA, she will be attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell this fall where she is enrolled in the nursing program.  She received a Dean’s Scholarship and a James Jacoppi Scholarship.

All dressed up and proud as they could be, they had practiced and practiced.  Now, they were ready for their BIG MOMENT.  From the number of digital and video cameras pointed at them, it certainly could have been a Hollywood Grand Opening.  In reality, it was the Academy of Notre Dame’s kindergarten graduation.

As the curtain opened, one by one, forty-seven young-sters took their spots on the stage, some sending a quick wave out to mom and dad when they caught their eye.  Each wore a yellow and blue ribbon signifying the school colors, with Academy of Notre Dame printed on it in gold.

With poise, the youngsters moved through their well-rehearsed program of prayers and songs, expertly coached by music instructors Mrs. Tae Dooley and Mrs. Eliza Bradley.  Then, it was time to award the diplomas.

Sr. Mary Duke, SND, elementary school principal, took the stage along with kindergarten teachers Mrs. Donna Schelling and Mrs. Geraldine Bourke who read the students names from their respective classes.  One by one, they came forward to receive their diplomas from Sr. Mary, some receiving loud shout-outs and cheers from their family fan clubs.  As each shook hands with their principal, onlookers couldn’t miss how pleased they were with themselves.  Special perfect attendance awards were then announced for Ella Tomaino and Aaria Prakash.

Sr. Mary then congratulated the soon-to-be first graders, praised them for all of their hard work and wished them well as they set off for first grade in the fall.  She also took a moment to thank the parents and families for their help, cooperation and support throughout the 2009-2010 year.

Graduate Maeve McComas then took center stage to invite guests for refreshments in the cafeteria.  The program closed with a heartfelt performance of The Kindergarten Graduation Song... “Our kindergarten days are past.  We look ahead to more of reading and of everything that school will have in store....This special day we celebrate...We love you everyone.” They then blew big kisses to their families. 

Off they all went to pose for more photos, some refreshments in the cafeteria, and a summer full of fun!

Mr. Nate Froment, Elementary Athletic Director at the Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro, MA, recently acknowledged the many skilled athletes involved in Elementary and Middle School athletic programs at the Academy’s annual Sports Awards program. This was an evening to recognize the many team and individual accomplishments which took place throughout the past year.  Each student was recognized and awarded a certificate, and many received plaques and trophies for their individual achievements.

In addition to excellence in academics, students in grades five through eight brought home a wide range of athletic awards this year. Just a few highlights include: the girls’ Soccer Team, coached by Nate Froment, remained undefeated and league champs for the ninth straight year; the Volleyball Team, coached by Melanie Curren, advanced to the league championship game for the tenth consecutive year; the girls’ Basketball Team, coached by John Hamilton, won its second straight league title and went undefeated this season; and the Academy’s Softball Team, coached by Nate Froment, finished its regular season undefeated and advanced to the league championship game where they won against Ste. Jeanne D’Arc with a twelve to five win!  Aubrey Specht pitched the complete game with eight strike-outs. Erica Di Meo had an unassisted double play to clinch the championship.

Awards were also given to the following students: 

Volleyball: Coach’s Award- Alexandra Machado of Nashua, NH; Most Valuable Player- Sarah Glasheen of Hudson, NH; Most Valuable Player- Caitlin Harney of Hollis, NH; Most Improved Player- Alexandra Frazier of Dracut, MA.  In addition, the team was recognized for being the 2009 Ecumenical League Runner-Up with thirteen trophies.

Girls’ Soccer:  Most Valuable Player/Offense- Alysandria Wayne of Lowell, MA; Most Valuable ls’MA: Coach’s Award- Irene Demoulas of Lowell, MA. As the Ecumenical League Champions the team received nineteen trophies.

Boys’ Cross-Country: Most Valuable Player- Brandon Conceicao of Nashua, NH; Coach’s Award- Evan Wendt of Tyngsboro, MA; Most Improved Player- Michael Harney of Hollis, NH.

Girls’ Cross-Country: Most Valuable Player- Lindsay Saracco of Tyngsboro, MA; Most  Valuable Player- Katherine Donnelly of Chelmsford, MA; Coach’s Award- Maeve Norton of Chelmsford, MA; Most Improved Player- Ashley Richard of Haverhill, MA.

Girls’ Basketball: Coach’s Award- Lindsay Saracco of Tyngsboro, MA; Offensive Player of the Year- Sarah Morrison of Chelmsford, MA; Most Improved Player- Nadia Mezghani of Nashua, NH; Maximum Effort Award/Defensive Player of the Year- Sarah Studley of Billerica, MA.  The 2009-2010 Ecumenical League Champions walked away with fifteen trophies.

Boys’ Basketball: Most Valuable Player- Nicholas Valente of Tewksbury, MA; Most Valuable Player- Chris DiMeo of Groton, MA; Coach’s Award- Michael Harney of Hollis, NH; Coach’s Award- Andrew St. Pierre of Groton, MA.

Cheerleading: Most Spirited- Kaleigh McMahon of Lowell,MA; Most Improved- Emma Burgess of Tyngsboro, MA; Coach’s Award- Katharine Stamas of Tyngsboro, MA; Coach’s Award- Amanda Perrin of Tyngsboro, MA.

Bowling: Team High Average- Shannon McCarthy of Chelmsford, MA: Most Improved Player- Maya Davis of Nashua, NH; Coach’s Award- Alex Stever of Lowell, MA.

Softball: Most Valuable Player- Rachael Simpson of Littleton, MA; Most Valuable Player- Julia Smith of Tewksbury, MA; Most Improved Player- Aubrey Specht of Littleton, MA; Most Improved Player- Erica DiMeo of Groton, MA.

Track and Field: Most Valuable Players- Kathryn Regan of Hollis, NH; Alysandria Wayne of Lowell, MA; and Eric Vadenais of Tyngsboro, MA. Most Improved  Player-Julia Zanette of N. Chelmsford, MA; Most Improved Player- Joey Goudey of Dracut, MA; Coach’s Award- Samantha O’Neil of Tyngsboro, MA and Michael Harney of Hollis, NH.

Tennis:  Most Valuable Players-Arjun Prakash of Tewsksbury, MA, and Sydney Feller of Merrimack, NH; Most Improved Players- Alexis Dinkel of Groton, MA, and Catherine Monk of Merrimack, N

Congratulations and thank you to all of the Academy’s athletes for putting forth such great effort and teamwork this year!

Pictured above in photo left to right, front row:  McKenna Bazemore, of Lowell, MA; Julia Smith of Tewksbury, MA; Alexis Beati (Team Manager) of Lowell, MA and Rachael Simpson of Littleton, MA.  Pictured left to right back row:  Hannah Paquette of Tyngsboro, MA; Caitlin Harney of Hollis, NH; Loren Sullivan of Tewksbury, MA; Carley Scarano of Tewksbury, MA; Julia Kasmouski of Tyngsboro, MA; Nate Froment of Manchester, NH, Elementary Athletic Director and Coach; Erica Di Meo of Groton, MA; Molly McNamee of Lowell, MA; Aubrey Specht of Littleton, MA; Sarah Glasheen of Hudson, NH, and Jessica Wetzonis of Billerica, MA.

Barbara Dunsford has been named the new Director of Institutional Advancement at the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, MA.  She comes to the Academy with decades of experience in fundraising and what she terms FUN-raising.  “What better job to have than where I see the direct impact of people’s generosity, both small and large, on our communities?  Each day individuals make a difference, sometimes knowing the effect of their philanthropy, and other times, not knowing who will be helped.”

Holding a B.S. and M.S. from UMass/Lowell, Dunsford has worked for many area non-profits during her career.  These include:  The University of Lowell, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Saints Memorial Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Lowell, The Community Family, and the D’Youville Foundation, as well as Brakeley Fundraising in Connecticut.

Ms. Dunsford will focus her attention upon building constituency relations, researching and developing prospects, expanding the planned giving program and overseeing special events such as the Academy’s Golf Tournament this June and the Medallion Awards for Leaders of Distinction to be held in September.

She feels her background and skills will transfer easily to the Academy’s setting.  “My nephew attended the Academy through the eighth grade,” she explains, “so I am familiar with an Academy education which laid the groundwork for his success and achievements today.  It is my pleasure now to move this forward for other students so they may have a similar experience.”

“We are pleased that Barbara has chosen to join the team at the Academy of Notre Dame,” states Interim President John B. Oblak.  “We are a very special institution and Barbara brings a level of professionalism, experience in the art of donor development and community involvement that are certain to help us as we move the Academy forward.”

In addition to her adeptness for fundraising, she also has a passion for yoga.  She is a graduate of Classical Yoga from the NH YogaLife Institute and has taught at Community Teamwork Inc., Lowell Community Health Center, The Community Family, Lowell General Hospital and Ocean Spirit Yoga.

She is the founder of Seacoast Women’s Week and also has generously volunteered her time with a number of community organizations, among them:  The Community Family, the Revolving Museum, the Seacoast Alliance Santa Program, the Team Walk for Cancer Care, the Lowell Folk Festival, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Reunion, the Friends of the Highlands and the Ole Strand Theater Performers.

 She divides her time between her hometown of Lowell, MA and Portsmouth, NH.

The Academy is proud to announce Deidre Baker as the Valedictorian and Katarina Struckmann as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2010.

Deidre is involved in Blue and Gold, a carefully selected group of students who represent the Academy at school events such as open houses, high school information fairs and visits to area schools.  In addition she serves as the Co-President of the National Honor Society, is an active member of the French Honor Society, Philosopher’s Club, Glee Club, Missions Moderator, and is the editor for the school newspaper.  She has built a distinguished academic record making the Principal’s List for sixteen quarters taking Advanced Placement and Honors Classes, and was named the Academy’s Law Day Essay winner and representative to the Lowell District Court Law Day. In addition she received a National Merit Letter of Commendation.  Outside of the classroom, Deidre has spent four years on the Varsity Basketball Team and is active in her community by volunteering at Camp Paul in Chelmsford, MA.  She is also part of a summer basketball league.   

Deidre is the daughter of Donald and Denise Baker.  She will continue her education this fall at LeHigh University in Bethlehem, PA, where she will major in Biomedical Engineering.

Kat serves as Webmaster for the National Honor Society and is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society.  In addition, since freshman year, she has been on the Principal’s List and has achieved “Academic Excellence.” She was also awarded a National Merit Certificate of Merit. Outside of school,Kat has received the Rensselaer Medal and served as Co-CEO for 2009-2010 and Strategy Vice President in 2008-2009 in FIRST Robotics, a program which inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills.  She volunteers at the Humane Society of Greater Nashua and enjoys figure skating.

Kat is the daughter of Conrad and Nancy Struckman. She will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, where she will be majoring in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence. 

Sarah Dys, a junior at the Academy, was recently selected as Student of the Month for March.

Sarah is described by her teachers as a tireless, hardworking and energetic student who sets her sights on what needs to be done and works hard to see it to fruition. One example is that, this year, she took the initiative and restarted the Recycling Club. Sarah is Co-President of the National Honor Society and serves as Mission Moderator.  She also volunteers at open houses, orientation and fine arts nights, the Alumnae Tea, Freshman Reception, and Junior Retreat, as well as helping plan the Mission Trip to Kentucky. 

In addition to her academics, Sarah is an all-season athlete and was named Conference All-Star in both soccer and basketball. She is currently captain of the Academy’s basketball and softball teams.

Outside of the Academy, Sarah is a Massachusetts State Soccer Referee and coaches Dracut U12 Soccer.  In her free time, she volunteers at the Meadow Lodge Drum Hill Assisted Living facility in Chelmsford, MA.

Sarah is the daughter of Michael and Rabiah Dys of Dracut, MA, and is looking forward to pursuing Neuroscience and Psychology after completing high school.

Sonia Doulamis has received the Distinguished Senior Award for the month of March.

Sonia is a member of Blue and Gold, a carefully selected group of students who represent the Academy at school events such as open houses, high school information fairs and visits to area schools. She currently serves as Treasurer for the National Honor Society and is a contributing editor for the school newspaper. 

Volunteering countless hours helping in the Athletic Department, Sonia organizes medical kits and helps with the uniform coordination. She also is an eleven-season athlete participating in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Spring Track and Field. She has received the MIAA Sportsmanship Award.

Outside of school, Sonia volunteers her time with Mickey’s Kids training Special Olympians in track and field. Her passion for the Special Olympics is evident and she has been quoted saying, “it matters more that we all cross the finish line than it does who comes in first”.  In addition, she has run various road races sponsored by the Lowell Board of Runners.  She also is a member of Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA).

Sonia is the daughter of Constantinos and Katherine Doulamis of Lowell, MA. She plans to attend Virginia Tech next fall where she will be majoring in nutrition. 

Seventh- and eighth-grade social studies students recently competed in the English Speaking Union Middle School Public Speaking Competition on March 6, 2010 at the Newman School in Boston.  The students researched and selected a famous historical speech, then prepared a one-minute introduction describing why that speech was significant in history and why it is still relevant today.  The students then selected a two-minute excerpt from their speeches, and memorized and delivered it in the classroom. 

Each social studies class selected a winner to represent the Academy at the competition.  Classroom winners included:  seventh graders Brandon Conceicao, Colin Dwyer and Arjun Prakash; and eighth graders Hannah Wright, Sarah Glasheen, Erika Doherty and Anna Charbonneau.

Colin Dwyer, Hannah Wright, and Sarah Glasheen were selected to represent the Academy at the Boston competition.  Colin captured 1st place declaiming President Bush’s speech to the nation that explained the horrific events that occurred on September 11.  Hannah Wright received 2nd place for declaiming Elie Wiesel’s speech, “The Perils of Indifference,” which discussed the holocaust and the indifference of people during that time.  Sarah Glasheen captured third place declaiming “Tear Down This Wall” by Ronald Regan, which asked General Secretary Gorbachev to eliminate the Berlin Wall.

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the contest and to Mrs. Christine Habermann, who coordinated this unique opportunity to learn about history and public speaking.

Pictured here left to right: Alex Stever, Emily Craig,and Julia Mancini.

Elizabeth Pepe of North Andover, MA, a junior at the Academy, was recently selected as Student of the Month.

Liz is described by her teachers as a student who is friendly, polite and who always wears a smile on her face.  She is a risk-taker who commits fully to her activities and makes her hard work seem effortless. 

Besides being an active member of Model UN, Blue and Gold, the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Student Leadership, Liz currently serves as Vice President for her class.  She has been elected Class Secretary for Model United Nations for the 2010-2011 school year.   In addition to her academic accomplishments, Liz is involved in the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the Sophomore Semi-Formal, and Retreat and Spirit Week Committees.  She has participated in the Danvers to Duran walk, an overnight event that helps to support the Damien House and Rostro de Cristo in Ecuador.   She also is part of the Academy’s Drama Guild where she performed in the play “Willy Wonka Jr”.

Liz has played soccer for 12 years, with the past three in Varsity Soccer.  Her team recently voted her co-captain for the upcoming fall season.  Outside of school, Liz is involved in the Special Olympics Track & Field. She is the daughter of David & Natasha Pepe of North Andover, MA.

 

Chelsea Curran of Dracut, MA, a senior at the Academy, has received the Distinguished Senior Award for the month of February.

Chelsea is described by her teachers and peers as a hard-working student who readily makes herself available to help out in any way she can.  She has been an asset to the Academy community in a variety of ways.  In addition to serving as Secretary for the National Honor Society, she is the features editor for the school newspaper and currently is a member of the Animal Rights Club.  During her sophomore year, she participated in a mission trip to Alabama to help restore homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.  Chelsea has been on the swim team for the past four years and currently is Team Captain.

Outside of school Chelsea volunteers for her church, the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, in Lowell, MA, and has volunteered in the Special Olympics Swimming Program.  She holds a special interest in writing and recently took an online playwriting course through Brigham Young University.     

Chelsea is the daughter of Michael and Linda Curran of Dracut, MA. She plans to continue her education after graduation.