Notre Dame kicked off the second semester with the 11th annual Mini-THON. The 24-hour dancing event reached a new high, raising over $100,000 for kids diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Working with Four Diamonds, Notre Dame students help families and researchers with funding to find a cure for cancer. Three hundred-thiry kids participated in the event and spent the whole night dancing, listening to motivational speakers, and remembering those affected by the disease.

With the second semester quickly passing by, the Crusaders have been busy supporting all the spring sports teams. With the track and field, softball, baseball and tennis teams warming up for their seasons, the ND family is excited to support their teams and hope to see a District XI title among all spring sports.

The wrestling season ended with two state champions and six wrestlers qualifying for the state tournaments. Freshman Ryan Crookham and junior Andrew Cerniglia won gold at the state finals, breaking records and making history. The basketball season ended with boys falling short of the district title. The girls basketball season ended with a district title and making it to the second round of states. Junior Cassie Murphy reached her 1,000 points at the final game, earning a title on the Crusader gym walls.

Key Club has worked throughout the year with different service projects, focusing primarily on Peaceable Kingdom, an animal shelter in Whitehall. Students who participate in the club help spread the word about their projects and bring in items and awareness to help people and animals in need.

Junior Kelsey Preistaf went on a mission trip to Central Africa and used the soccer ball donations from the club to bring to children in Chad.

Senior Alex Garrido is currently raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Notre Dame students have worn red on dress down days to support the cause. Alex speaks to cancer survivors and builds friendships through his service to LLS. He collaborated with the Mini-THON Committee and brought inspiring, vivacious speakers to motivate students to keep fighting for a cure.

Prom night is on May 17 at Hotel Bethlehem. Students are excited about the event and girls are already picking out prom dresses and hairstyles. Boys are preparing to ask out their dates to the event to enjoy the night filled with great food and music.