Congratulations to Danielle Deschenes MacDonald, Class of 1995 for being honored as the St. Julie Alumna of the Year for 2026!
The Alumni of the Year award is named for the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, St. Julie Billiart, who was a leader of Christian education and an inspiration to many. This award was established to honor alumni who demonstrate the noble qualities of St. Julie, including leadership, faith, commitment, service, and courage. The St. Julie Award has been presented annually since 1988.
Danielle is a dedicated educator, working for the last 22 years at Salem High School in New Hampshire. She teaches AP Calculus and Dual Enrollment courses. She has devoted countless hours to the math team, mentoring new educators, guiding student teachers, and math tutoring. She's been honored by students and faculty alike over the year. Beyond academics, Danielle's love lies in athletics. A runner for 26 years, she has completed two marathons and about 30 half marathons.
No matter how long it has been, Danielle's heart has always remained tied to NDA. She is a constant presence at alumni gatherings, has played in NDA alumni volleyball and basketball games, and proudly came back to campus in May 2026 to present the Medallion to her niece.
Danielle credits her longevity and success as an educator to the strong foundation provided by her family and her time at NDA. In particular, she speaks of two NDA mentors who shaped her life: Mrs. Carlon, who taught her to cherish each student's uniqueness, and Ms. Zappala, who built her confidence as an athlete and with whom she shares a wonderful, enduring friendship today.
Because of the role models she had at NDA, Danielle pays that gift forward every single day, seeing and uplifting each student just as her mentors did for her. That ability to see, support, and inspire every student is the true legacy of an NDA education, and Danielle strives to live it every single day.