WELL-BALANCED JOURNEY

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May 18, 2022 (Updated Nov. 4, 2022)

For information on enrollment and registration at Notre Dame, an independent, Catholic, International Baccalaureate school, please visit the admissions section of our website here.

After her sixth-grade entry into Notre Dame, 2022 graduate Jessie Kennedy's journey through the school has been influenced by caring, helpful teachers and a faith strengthened by the Marist Way and powerful religious retreats.  

When Notre Dame Prep graduate Jessie Kennedy enrolled at Notre Dame Middle School for sixth grade, she was understandably a little nervous since she was heading to a brand new school after spending most of her elementary education at St. Hugo of the Hills. By the time she got to Notre Dame Prep as a freshman, however, she had left that temporary apprehension far behind and credited her faith as a major factor.

"I asked God for support back then and to help me fit in at my new school," she recalled. "I truly believe that He guided me and put students and teachers in my path because I became really good friends with many people and I am glad He was there to help me."

As she moved to Notre Dame's upper school, Kennedy was a lot more confident in this next stage of her academic life also due in part to her older sister, Kathryn NDP'19, who was a senior at the time. 

"My older sister told me that the teachers will help me and it's also good that I know other kids who currently are going to the high school," she said. "I was especially looking forward to Irish Week as a high school student, even though I knew the freshman would be the underdogs, as usual."

Building and creating things

As she looked forward to graduation last May, Kennedy, a member of NDP's 2022 valedictory court, was awaiting still another big transition as she was heading to Ann Arbor in the fall to attend U-M's College of Engineering.

"The University of Michigan has always been one of my top choices of school," she said just before the commencement ceremony. "They have a great engineering school and the location was a big factor for me. I also didn't want to be too far away, but still far enough away from home that I'd be able to feel independent. I've wanted to go into the engineering field of study for a while now. Ever since I was little, I was always interested in building and creating different things. In school, too, I have always been drawn to my science and math classes, so I knew I wanted to choose a major in the STEM field."

Kennedy said she will miss Notre Dame for many reasons, chief among them its academics and, most especially, its extracurriculars.

"From an academic perspective, I've always felt that the teachers at NDP provide such a great environment for learning. They truly want their students to succeed and are able to provide the necessary resources for us all to succeed. If I ever needed help in my classes, I know all of my teachers were willing to give extra guidance in my studies to help with any problems that came up." 

Confident, concerned representative

One of those helpful teachers is Jocelynn Yaroch, who teaches IB Biology and serves as vice principal for the upper school. She also is a fan of Kennedy.

"If you look beyond how bright Jessie is — and she is very bright — you will be immediately impressed by how well she carries herself. She is confident without even a hint of arrogance and is at ease with many different people. She also is genuinely concerned for the well-being of others and is a great representative of a Notre Dame student."

It hasn't been all about student academics, all of the time for Kennedy, however. After four years, she's also been involved in a myriad of extracurricular activities, including student council, National Honor Society, student ambassadors, theatre, choir, soccer, basketball and cross country. 

"There are so many different clubs and sports teams at NDP that it's very easy to find something that interests you," she said. "Through the student council, I was able to work with about 30 other students and help plan different events at the school. It was great training for taking on leadership roles as we were able to plan different events such as the homecoming and Sadie Hawkins dances and Irish Week." 

Meredith Scott, formerly a teacher in Notre Dame's middle school, also managed NDPMA's theatre department. She says Kennedy worked hard in class and on stage. 

"I was lucky enough to teach her all through middle school in theatre class and in the plays," Scott said. "When she was on stage, she commanded an audience. There just is something captivating about her."

On the sports side, Kennedy has played soccer at NDP for all four years and, she says, met some of her best friends while playing on the team. 

"My last year, I also decided to try out for basketball, which I'd never played before in my life! But the coach let me join the team and I had an amazing time." 

Kennedy noted that that's one of the great things about NDP. 

"You have access to a great academic education while still having the opportunity to participate in a huge variety of clubs and sports. It's really well-balanced at the school so that you can get the best high school experience possible." 

Faith is huge

A major part of that balanced high school experience for Kennedy is how her faith has grown during her eight years on the campus of this Marist-sponsored school.

"Because NDPMA is a Catholic school, we have all-school masses and other worship services," she said. "I think the school does a great job of giving students opportunities to learn about their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. 

"One important way the school does this is by offering the four-day Kairos retreat, which is centered around your relationship with God," she said. "Pretty much every student who goes to the retreat comes out with a positive experience. I was able to be a leader this year and I'm truly grateful for my time on this retreat." 

Truly grateful also pretty much sums up how Kennedy feels about her Notre Dame experience in its totality. 

So now — after walking out of the gym door May 22 as a graduate — what would she tell the next Jessie Kennedy who may be considering an NDPMA education?

"I would say that Notre Dame Prep is a great place and that she will truly enjoy their years here. Along with getting a great education, there are so many opportunities to be involved and to love their middle and high school experience. It's not all academics at this school, and I think she will find that the teachers and the administration also want you to have fun in high school while getting a great education. Finally, I would tell 'the next Jessie' that I totally loved my experience at NDP and that I know she will too!"

For information on enrollment and registration at Notre Dame, an independent, Catholic, International Baccalaureate school, please visit the admissions section of our website here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

Follow Notre Dame on Twitter at @NDPMA.

About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.