Dear NDA community,
What a joy and honor it is to be serving in my first year as President of Notre Dame Academy. As I near three months at NDA, I am filled with gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from the entire community. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many individuals who have shared stories of their connection to the NDA community. From fourth- generation alumnae to first- time Catholic school families, one common thread runs through all of these stories – a deep love and respect for NDA and its mission.
The entirety of my career has been in Catholic education, and I was blessed to also attend an all-girls Catholic school. Before coming here, I was the founding director of the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute at Sacred Heart Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, a role that nurtured my passion for developing young women into leaders. What drew me to NDA was its deep-rooted commitment to educating young women in a Catholic, academically rigorous environment while empowering them to be strong leaders who make a difference. Since arriving, I have experienced firsthand the warmth, spirit, and dedication that define this remarkable place. NDA is indeed a school devoted to Mary, inspiring young women to lead lives of purpose and vision.
NDA is blessed to be served by a dedicated Board of Directors whose guidance shapes a strong vision for our school. Their recent retreat highlighted both their commitment and their faith in NDA’s future. I am grateful to work with an incredible Leadership Team, faculty, and staff whose remarkable dedication is unparalleled.
Last week we introduced the new strategic plan, Rooted in Faith, Leading with Vision. This plan is a culmination of a year of collaborative work with the Board, faculty, staff, parents, and alumnae, and honors the rich heritage of NDA and the Sisters of Notre Dame while looking boldly towards future opportunities for growth and excellence.
I am also proud to share that last week NDA once again earned national recognition for academic excellence and Catholic education. After meeting all requirements for Blue Ribbon recognition, the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominated NDA as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School. This marks the fourth time in our history we have received this distinction, making NDA the only Catholic high school in the Diocese of Covington to be nominated four times and one of only two private schools in Kentucky to receive this prestigious honor this year. You can enjoy a few photos of our celebration below.
I am excited to introduce the President’s Perspective, a regular update where I will share the many wonderful things going on at NDA as well as progress of our strategic initiatives. I hope this first edition gives you a glimpse into the excitement of a new school year as well as the deep commitment to the mission and values that have made NDA serve as a beacon of Catholic, all-girls education in Northern Kentucky for 120 years.
In Notre Dame,
Lauren Hitron
President
