To welcome the Crusaders back to school, new renovations were recently installed courtesy of Mike Albarrell. Students are appreciative to have such a kind donor who would gift them with high quality, up-to-date bathrooms. It was a wonderful enhancement to start off the year.

With the ordination of Bishop Alfred Schlert, an alum of Notre Dame HS, the Crusaders were ecstatic to welcome him back to his Alma Mater. The school was able to hold Bishop Schlert’s first mass after his ordination, where he felt humbled to come back to his roots. Students enjoyed his presence and even had quick chats and took selfies with him after the mass.

On Sept. 22, a pep rally was held to honor fall sports and pump up the students for the game later in the afternoon. The band played songs and the cheerleaders performed several cheers to enhance the school spirit. Athletic Director Amy Rogers got the stuents on their feet with her enthusiastic speech. Like Rogers says, “It’s always a great day to be a Crusader!”

The week leading up to Homecoming is called Spirit Week. This is a time when students dress up according to the themes selected and express their school pride. This year, the Crusaders decided to go with a “versus” theme, where students get the choice of picking one option or the other. For example, the first day of Spirit Week or Oct. 23, is “Rockers Vs. Rappers.” Students can dress up as either one. Other themes include “Past Vs. Future,” Nerds Vs. Jocks,” “Comfy Cozy Vs. Business Casual,” and lastly Blue and Gold Day. On the last day, a pep rally is held to get the students hyped up for the big game.

Homecoming is Oct. 14, but before that, seniors get to make their selections for court on Sept. 27. This is a fun opportunity for seniors to nominate their classmates they think would best fit the role. After the students are nominated, on Oct. 13 the homecoming game, the girls selected get to sit in cars as they process around the football field. After they get out and walk down the field one by one, the queen is crowned on the spot.

Organized by Nancy Caroprese, on Oct. 18, a Mass of Remembrance is being held for those who have lost a loved one. Each of their names will be read aloud in memory of them. This will be a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony that will honor the lives of those who are no longer with us.

On the sports aspect, the boys soccer team is currently 10-0 and the football team is 3-2 but still coming in hot. Cross country team coach Art Corrigan has just recently acquired his 600th win for the girls team. This is an incredible record-breaking feat and all his athletes are extremely proud of his accompaniment. The girls soccer team is holding a Gold and Purple Out game for Angel 34, to support those with pediatric cancer.