In the midst of hectic winter weather and COVID-related set-backs, Notre Dame is doing its very best to keep the ball rolling in all of its activities and make the most of the third quarter.

Although the winter sports season has made many unfortunate schedule changes due to dangerous weather, ND’s teams have kept their positive energies, as well as winning streaks. ND’s wrestling and basketball teams currently hold impressive records; wrestling 5-0; girls basketball 7-1; and boys basketball 10-2. Both boys and girls basketball playoff games began the week of the Feb. 21.

Meaningful senior nights completed with festive posters, announcing of names and escorting of athletes by their parents for the basketball and cheer teams took place last month. Among the announced were girls basketball players Sarah Atileh, Sydney DeFranco, Claire Gormley, Abigail Grim, Grace Medei and Maya Santos; boys basketball players Na’Kai Carew, Nolan Disora, Joe Galle, Logan Rickert and Robby Spirk; and cheerleaders Gia Baldo, Talia Collina, Keirsten Fettes, Marin Fleming and Emily Frinzi. Congratulations to all ND’s student athlete seniors.

All spring sports, including baseball, softball, boys tennis, track and field, and boys and girls lacrosse (played at Moravian Academy), are scheduled to start March 8. For those participating, be sure to visit the ND website for requirements for tryouts.

As a result of the excessive amount of snowfall so far this year, all ND’s built-in snow days have been used. Therefore, all future school days unable to be in-person will be held online.

Despite many setbacks this school year has seen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Notre Dame has decided to allow for its typically biannual kairos retreat, March 23-26 at the Malvern Retreat Center. This time away from life’s countless stressors and distractions is dedicated to focusing on deeply bonding with fellow classmates, as well as strengthening relationships with Christ. Participation is open to a limited number of ND seniors as well as a handful of juniors, and it is greatly encouraged by regular faculty attendees, Ms. Boccardi and Mrs. Hillhouse.

The second semester also brings the makings of a new club. ND teacher Dr. Lencheski, along with executive council members and senior students Emily Britland, Theresa Crimi and Laura Dainauski, have started the SADD (students against destructive Decisions) Club, the nation’s premier youth health and safety organization. With future meetings and events being optional, they are encouraged and aimed toward benefiting all students in forming smart and effective decision-making skills. Be sure to join the SADD Club’s google classroom for more information.

February has also been a month for individual accomplishments in the ND community. Senior and speech and debate club member Gwendolyn Guo qualified for the Allentown Diocesan Forensic League National Qualifier. Former ND student, outstanding wrestler and current U.S. Naval Academy member Andrew Cernigilia was named NAAA Athlete of the week Feb. 17.

For any more information on ND news, visit its website, https://ndcrusaders.org/spring-sports/.