The 2025 seniors are wrapping up their time at NDP and will be graduating in less than a month. Katherine P. ‘25 and Olivia S. ‘25 give their reflection of their past 4 years.
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Katherine:
As I look back over my seven years at NDP, I feel an overwhelming sense of warmth, satisfaction, and completeness. While there’s a definite twinge of sadness in leaving, it’s the kind that comes from saying goodbye to a place that has truly become my second home.
I remember how excited I was as a little sixth grader slipping into my new blue dress and saddle shoes for the first time, proudly following in my big sisters’ footsteps. Being in middle school with an older sister in the Upper Level made me feel important, like I was part of something bigger. Teachers already knew my name, the hallways felt familiar, and I began to carve out my own place in the community.
Seventh grade surprised me, bringing laughter and new best friends and a handful of memories that will forever make me smile. Even though the Covid-19 pandemic challenged everything we knew, combined with the loss of our beloved classmate Lara Hough, somehow our class stayed stronger than ever and found joy in small moments. Returning to 8th grade in hybrid style, we still put on a Rock and Roll themed land version of the synchronized swim show. Just as we do today, we faced all our challenges with grace, and our class stayed close-knit and spirited.
When it came time to move into the Upper Level, I was excited but also nervous for what felt like a much bigger version of NDP. Luckily though, switching my white name pin to green and slipping on my blazer felt like stepping into who I was meant to be. My new sisters and old combined chose our class colors of blue and purple, unknowingly defining who the class of 2025 would be for the next four years. I also found myself embracing all that high school had to offer me and continued on my tennis career on the tennis team, joined Blaza Swim, crew! Putting myself out of my comfort zone was a theme for the year, as I joined 13 clubs. But soon enough I found the ones that truly resonated with me, including: The Gateway, Women in Medicine, and Student Council.
One of the most special traditions at NDP has to be Gym Meet. Every year brought its own magic, but I especially cherished experiencing it as just another member of the class—intentionally avoiding committees so I could soak it all in. From my first aerobics routine as a freshman to our dance plaque win junior year and the unforgettable silver cup victory senior year, the memories I made in the gym are some of the most joyful and bonding of all. The plague, long practices, march and song, tirelessly learning aerobics and dance routines—it all brought my class closer in a way nothing else could.
Sophomore year, often seen as insignificant in the realm of high school, held special meaning for me. I formed lasting friendships, especially in advisory with two of my closest friends. It was also a time of spiritual growth for me, sparked by the encouragement of Mr. Wigs. Junior year continued that journey. Being asked to do the Call to Worship was an honor, and sharing the journey of finding my deep-rooted faith was a moment of deep pride and reflection.
Junior year also brought the best day ever, Ring Day! I still can’t believe I’ve joined the many NDP alumnae who’ve worn the same symbol of sisterhood before me. Becoming a big sister myself was just as special and one of my favorite traditions. One of the other best parts about junior year was junior retreat! This time still stays with me as I remember the bonds formed with myself, friends, and God.
As I moved into my final year, I found myself stepping into leadership roles—leading Ski Club, The Gateway, and Student Council. These experiences shaped me, challenged me, and helped me grow into the leader I never knew I could be. Senior year has been overflowing with memories: our NYC trip, being Jolly for Tree Trim, giving the morning announcements, participating in liturgies, and savoring every “first” and “last.”
As I reflect back on all the good times at NDP, of course, it is a bittersweet feeling. But the deeper I reflect, I realize how truly grateful I am to have had such a positive experience here. I have been empowered by being in an all women environment and know that this will serve me well in college and beyond. I know with this background, that I am enabled to use my voice and “transform the world” with love, kindness, and strength. I know that if I fall or slip (we all know I do that quite a bit), I will have a whole community of sisters cheering me on at Hampton Lane. So, I leave NDP enriched, inspired, and with a grateful heart—carrying with me the courage, faith, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Olivia:
Six years ago, I stepped onto NDP’s campus as a tiny seventh grader. Four years ago, I began my time as a still-tiny high schooler. Now, in less than a month, I still have not grown much, but I am preparing myself to walk across the stage, shake Sister Patricia’s hand, and accept my diploma. Where did the time go?
For me, I always looked forward to graduation. I was always looking towards that next moment when I would “spread my wings and fly away”, as my grandfather tells me. But I am beginning to see the reality of what leaving NDP means to me. When I walk through the Gateway, I will be saying goodbye to the building that I have spent almost every single day for the last six years. I have done so much these past couple years. I have taken dozens of classes, spent almost every day running, basically lived in the library, and gone through every tradition that the school has had to offer. How do you leave a place that has been with you for so long?
I think that as I think back on the time I have spent at NDP, I think about how it will impact me in the future. Because of NDP, I am a Catholic and my faith in God has allowed for me to find the best university for me. Because of NDP, I found my love for running and achieved my dream of watching a championship banner being hung up in the Upper-Level Gym. Because of NDP, I found friends who have since become my sisters. Because of NDP, I have cultivated my passion for writing and discovered what my dream career is. I have learned to play an instrument, read over a hundred books, and have spent more money in Cafe NDP than was probably good for me.
This school has been my second home. There were the days when I had zero interest in being here, but there were many days where I only wanted to be at NDP. Every day was different. I have enjoyed my classes, been taught by some of the best teachers, had fun with my friends, and grown as a person. I am no longer the small seventh grader who cried when she first saw the library because the school she was coming from did not really have one. I am going to college, and ready for it. I am thankful to NDP for everything that they have done for me. While I do look forward to graduation with great excitement, I know that, when I walk through the Gateway, I will be sad to wave goodbye. But I know that this school will always be here, should I need to come back.
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These last four years have flown by. As freshman, we chose our class colors in honor of our lost sister. We spent our first CCAP dance outside under the tent and surfed the waves at our very first Gym Meet. As sophomores, we saddled up and received our class pins. As juniors, we danced the night away at our first AA, obtained our rings, and flew to Neverland to bring home the dance plaque. As seniors, we dressed up as “Toy Story” characters to bring Andy’s room to life at NDP and secured the silver cup and two plaques after haunting Hampton Lane.
To administration, faculty, and staff, thank you for being our guides. You have led us through these past couple years, and we will forever be thankful. Thank you for supporting us. To the younger classes, thank you for being our sisters and friends. We will miss you next year, but we cannot wait to see what you will do. Enjoy these next couple of years because they will fly by. To our sisters of blue and purple, we argued, laughed, cried, and danced together. We have been there for one another through the ups and downs. We may be going our separate ways, but we will always be there for one another.