Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2008 / Notre Dame named one of nation's top 50
Notre Dame named one of nation's top 50
by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published November 28, 2008
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Notre Dame Prep juniors Nickolas Salic and Jackelyn Adams work on a project in their International Baccalaureate art class. The school recently was named one of the top 50 Catholic schools in the United States. |
Detroit — Notre Dame Preparatory School's mission is to "form Christian people, upright citizens, and academic scholars," through the grace of God, and they've been recognized by a national organization for nearly those exact criteria.
Notre Dame announced last week that it has been named to the National Catholic High School Honor Roll, a compilation of the nation's best 50 Catholic secondary schools, for the third time in the past four years. It's the only school in the Archdiocese of Detroit to earn the honor, and among only six in Michigan.
Fr. Joseph Hindelang, SM, principal of Notre Dame, said it was quite an honor to be named so consistently for the honor. "It's nice to get outside affirmation that we're living up to our mission," he said.
The honor roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization, and produced in consultation with an advisory board of Catholic college presidents and scholars. Fr. Hindelang explained that schools apply for the honor, but as word got out and more and more schools applied, Notre Dame has continued to win despite the increased volume of schools. The criteria for the award are academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education, mirroring Notre Dame's mission.
As Fr. Hindelang explained, all components of the school's mission are important — their Catholic and Christian identity is their reason for being, their community service requirements reinforce that they minister to others less fortunate, and academics, which includes Church teaching in all disciplines. Not only is the award a tribute to the school's teachers for incorporating the school's mission, but also to the students for their commitment to academics and being good Christians, he said.
"It's neat to see this recognition from outside the school," Fr. Hindelang said. "We are living up to our mission." Honor Roll advisory board member Fr. David M. O'Connell, CM, president of Catholic University of America, said schools who submit themselves for consideration "must examine themselves on a regular basis using a well-rounded approach that assesses adherence to the Church's educational calling." "The Honor Roll strengthens schools by encouraging high standards and vibrant Catholicism," he said.
This year nearly 300 schools completed the three detailed surveys that measure a school's adherence to the Church's educational mission. Each school also receives an evaluation to see how it compares to other schools nationwide. The Honor Roll recognition follows Notre Dame's recent authorization as Michigan's only Catholic International Baccalaureate "World School," the program of which began this school year.
For more information about Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit www.ndpma.org.
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