The legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame has always centered on four ideals: the goodness of God, the worth of each individual, providing witness to God’s love, and the need for education that promotes goodness and growth in students. In 2017, the Sisters of Notre Dame formally adopted these ideals as four educational principles to help guide Notre Dame teachers and students in their mission for transformative education.
Well before the official adoption of these four educational principles, a group of sisters in the Covington congregation envisioned a program that would engage their high school students as partners in these key ideals through dedicated service projects throughout the local community. This mission led to the establishment of the Junior Service Program, which responded to community needs by building connections in the neighborhoods where students lived. For the past 50 years, every junior at NDA has had the opportunity to participate in this transformative program.
In 1974, Sr. Bernadette (Sr. Lea Paolucci) and Sr. Edwinita (Sr. Mary Rita Geoppinger), in cooperation with Principal Sr. Virginia Ann Cleves, established a pilot program in one junior religion class that paired two to five students with a community agency or educational facility within driving distance of NDA. Students would leave campus during a combination of their religion class and study hall to report to their assigned service agency and offer assistance in whatever form was needed.
Sr. Mary Bernadette / Sr. Mary Lea Sr. Mary Rita Sr. Virginia Ann
The philosophy of NDA’s service program is based on the belief that religion is to be lived, not just learned. One of the simplest precepts of Jesus’ teaching is to love one’s neighbor and to reach out to others, especially in times of need. Notre Dame incorporated into its religion curriculum a regular opportunity to do just that. In the simpler, less complicated world in which Jesus lived, the needy were often obvious and accessible. In today’s world of technology, rapid development and modern convenience, it can be easier to isolate ourselves. Reaching out to one’s neighbor now requires an active and deliberate effort. Notre Dame’s Junior Service Program is designed to give students the support, encouragement and opportunity to hear Jesus’ words, apply them to the real world, and respond with love, compassion and generosity.
The growth of this unique and highly successful service program can be attributed to three groups who were instrumental in its creation and remain essential to its continuation. It is their vision, dedication and commitment to serving the local community and our students that has carried the program forward.
First, without the vision of teachers and administrators, the Junior Service Program would never have grown from a cocoon of ideas into a hands-on service opportunity that provides powerful witness to the teachings of Christ through acts of care and concern. Leading the initial group of 30 juniors, Sr. Edwinita brought the program to life. From 1974 until 1982, she served as the program’s primary administrator, overseeing student placements and conducting reflection sessions at the end of each year. Following in her footsteps as service coordinators were Sr. Mary Renee Nienaber (1982–1986), Sr. Mary Margene Koester (1986–1988), Ms. Shelly Zeiser (1988–1995), Sr. Marla Monohan (1995–1997), Ms. Lynn Dickman (1996–2012), and Mrs. Bridget Price (2012–present).
Also vital was the support of the school’s administrative team through the years. These leaders ensured that schedules remained consistent, worked with insurance groups to maintain safety, and supported faculty coordinators and students year after year. Sr. Virginia Ann Cleves (1971–1986) gave the program its first leap of support. Each principal who followed recognized the value of the service program and helped it grow. These principals include Sr. Rita Geoppinger (1986–2001), Sr. Elaine Marie Winter (2001–2011), Dr. Laura Koehl (2011–2015), and Mr. Jack VonHandorf (2015–present).
Second, this program would not be possible without the partnership of local agencies and schools. Their willingness to host and support our students each week has provided opportunities for students to truly become the hands and feet of Christ in our communities. In 1974, Easter Seals, Redwood, Prince of Peace and St. Agnes agreed to partner with NDA in this experimental program. Fifty years later, the number of partner agencies has grown from four to more than 20. Current partners include Be Concerned, Blessed Sacrament School, Covington Community Montessori, Immanuel Sonshine Preschool, James E. Biggs Preschool, John G. Carlisle Elementary, Julie Learning Center, Madonna Manor, St. Augustine School, St. Charles Community and St. Vincent de Paul.
Finally, we thank our Notre Dame students for their openness and willingness to embrace the service program. Many service placements have challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, opening their eyes to the worth and dignity of every person they encounter and showing them how they can promote God’s word and love to all. NDA students are engaged in many forms of service throughout the community, providing care, assistance and support to those most in need. They also serve as ambassadors and advocates for agencies in need of support.
In January 2025, the NDA community gathered for a schoolwide assembly to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Junior Service Program and to bless the juniors who will participate this year. Before students left the auditorium, campus minister Mrs. Bridget Price asked the junior class to stand and respond to four questions:
Will you promise to give all you can to the people you are about to meet?
Will you promise to put others’ needs ahead of your own?
Will you promise to be gentle and respectful with each person you help?
Will you be willing to learn as much from them as they can from you?
Then, she asked them to bow their heads and accept the following blessing:
“May your hands be guided with kindness, your heart filled with compassion, and your spirit strengthened with purpose as you embark on this service. May your time and dedication inspire others to join in the work of service. Go forth with grace and humility, knowing that your acts of care will bring light to others, remembering that you are Christ’s hands and feet in this world. Amen.”
With this simple blessing, the cocoon of ideas envisioned in 1974 continues to guide NDA students in bearing witness to the teachings of Christ through acts of care, compassion and service to those in need.
