Last month the Crusaders broke an all-time record for the Mini-THON’s 10TH-year anniversary by raising $88,112,08 for pediatric cancer awareness. This is an incredible feat that the entire Crusader family is proud of!

Leading into the not-so-warm spring season, the Crusaders have taken part in several activities to boost morale and have fun. On March 4 the Notre Dame Theatre Company held a successful designer purse bingo. Some designer brands featured were Coach, Vera Bradley and Kate Spade. Everyone enjoyed the fun opportunity to support the Theatre Company’s upcoming musical, “Cinderella.”

The Crusaders will be performing Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” April 20 through 22. Sophomore Evelyn Carlin will be featured as Ella, and senior Greg Bianchi as Topher (the prince). The cast is excited to showcase their talents in the upcoming production.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, student council organized a fun day March 16 full of activities for younger feeder school children. The children got to participate in festivities such as crafts and learning how to Irish step dance. Everyone had a blast dancing and learning how the shamrock resembles the Trinity.

Living Stations were held March 28 by some of the Notre Dame seniors. The Crusaders held several practices to make sure the recreation of stations was just right. The event was organized by Beth Dollard, and some feature actors included Nick Melhem as Jesus, Brianna Wolke as Mary, and Veronica Darno as Veronica. The event was well received by those who saw it, and all the hard work from practices truly paid off.

Some upcoming events for the Crusaders to take part in are the senior retreat April 18, the sophomore retreat April 24, and the Ave Maria Awards Banquet April 29. The Key Club is holding its annual Special Olympics April 26. In order to take part, Key Club members must have participated in at least two Key Club activities beforehand to insure those who want to get involved are serious about joining. The Crusaders look forward to holding this event every year because it is a fun and enjoyable experience.

Upcoming events in May include the Grandparents’ Breakfast May 1, when students get to enjoy a meal with their grandparents. This is a great way for students to engage with their grandparents and spend time with them, if they do not get to often. This day will also include a celebration of the arts.

A college fair will be held May 4 for students to get to know colleges and see which ones interest them. This allows students to feel comfortable with the college process and get the ball rolling.

The Foreign Language Society Induction will be held May 10 for those who qualify. Olympics will also be hosted for 4th graders May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.