Notre Dame High School (Chattanooga)
Encyclopedia
Notre Dame High School is a coeducational, Catholic college preparatory school in Chattanooga, Tennessee
, United States
, serving grades 9-12 and welcoming students of all faiths. Notre Dame High School is the oldest non-public school in Chattanooga celebrating 135 years in 2011. On October 15, 2010, Notre Dame was named to the top 50 Catholic secondary schools in the U.S. The recognition was bestowed upon them by the Catholic High School Honor Roll.
In 1878, both schools were closed temporarily because of the yellow fever epidemic. After reopening, a period of prosperity followed; the enrollment increased so rapidly that a new and larger building was erected in 1886. In 1898, Notre Dame Academy became a co-educational parochial school; the name was unofficially changed to Notre Dame School. In 1926, Monsignor Francis T. Sullivan, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul, readied another school for occupancy on 8th Street where Notre Dame remained until 1965.
In 1954, Notre Dame High School became inter-parochial under the direction of a priest-principal, Reverend James Driscoll. This change, in keeping with the policy of the Diocese of Nashville, was to establish combined high schools in cities where there were two or more parishes. In 1963, Notre Dame High School became the first school in the Chattanooga area to become racially integrated.
Increased enrollment again necessitated more spacious accommodations. In September, 1965, Notre Dame High School moved to a new campus at 2701 Vermont Avenue, where it stands today. The Reverend William Bevington, newly appointed principal, began the process of resettlement.
Dedicated in 1966, the campus consisted of a classroom wing, a library, science lab-lecture areas, a fine arts room, and typing and home economics classrooms.
In 1967, Reverend Lawrence A. Maxwell became principal. He served three years and was followed by Reverend J. Patrick Conner in 1970. Father Conner was principal for four years.
In the fall of 1974, Notre Dame High School came under the direction of James D. Phifer, the first layman to be named principal. Under his leadership Notre Dame maintained a vibrant student body as it faced the demands of the seventies and eighties. In addition, a stadium and auditorium were constructed during his tenure.
In 1993, Gilbert L. Saenz assumed the role as principal of Notre Dame High School where he served for three years. Under his leadership, the school refocused on the enhancement of institutional Catholicity, on improving curricular and academic standards, on emphasizing personal responsibility and on improving campus support structures.
In 1996, Perry L. Storey became principal of Notre Dame. The goals established by Mr. Storey were financial viability and enhanced communication among faculty, staff, students and parents, alumni, priests, parishes, feeder schools, and community partners. During his first five years as principal, the school successfully completed a five million dollar capital campaign, the largest in the school's history.
The capital campaign provided for major renovation to the existing facility and for the addition of a new wing with a state-of-the-art library/multimedia center, three new computer laboratories, and a multipurpose room. In addition to the facility changes, major curriculum innovations were implemented, including a dual enrollment program with Chattanooga State Technical Community College and an expanded Advanced Placement program. A modified block schedule was also introduced.
The John Varallo Athletic Center and Classroom Annex opened. The new facility occupies a prominent section of the NDHS campus and includes a 6,628 square-foot auxiliary gymnasium, a new weight room, new men’s and women’s locker rooms, a new art studio and dark room, four academic classrooms, new offices and training facilities and flexible use space for dance, cheerleading and yoga, an indoor wellness track, a 5,218 square-foot wrestling and training center and 4,636 square-feet of multi-use space for student, alumni and community programs.
The fourth Bishop of Knoxville, Richard F. Stika, arranged for the return of four Dominican Sisters from the St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee. With the help of many benefactors, a house on Glenwood Avenue was completely renovated for use as a convent. The Notre Dame Convent was blessed and dedicated in January 2011.
On October 15, 2010, Notre Dame High School was named one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the Nation. The Acton Institute reviews over 2,000 secondary schools each year. To be recognized the school must excel in three categories: academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education.
Notre Dame High School welcomes the 2011-2012 school year celebrating the school’s 135th anniversary. In honor of this anniversary, the school implemented a new student program, the House System. This new program offers more leadership, social, and mentoring opportunities for students.
Sports include:
In 2006, Notre Dame won the Class A/AA Volleyball State Championship 3-2 over Knoxville Catholic. The score of the final game was 16-14.
In 2008, Notre Dame won their third state wrestling tournament. http://www.tssaa.org/2007Champions/StateDualWrestling/dualresults.cfm?class=A-AA
The Irish boys soccer team won the state championship in 1996 and 1997.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is the fourth-largest city in the US state of Tennessee , with a population of 169,887. It is the seat of Hamilton County...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, serving grades 9-12 and welcoming students of all faiths. Notre Dame High School is the oldest non-public school in Chattanooga celebrating 135 years in 2011. On October 15, 2010, Notre Dame was named to the top 50 Catholic secondary schools in the U.S. The recognition was bestowed upon them by the Catholic High School Honor Roll.
History
In January, 1876, the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Community in Nashville opened a parish school in Chattanooga at the request of the Reverend Patrick Ryan, the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church. A second school was the opened for non-Catholic girls.In 1878, both schools were closed temporarily because of the yellow fever epidemic. After reopening, a period of prosperity followed; the enrollment increased so rapidly that a new and larger building was erected in 1886. In 1898, Notre Dame Academy became a co-educational parochial school; the name was unofficially changed to Notre Dame School. In 1926, Monsignor Francis T. Sullivan, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul, readied another school for occupancy on 8th Street where Notre Dame remained until 1965.
In 1954, Notre Dame High School became inter-parochial under the direction of a priest-principal, Reverend James Driscoll. This change, in keeping with the policy of the Diocese of Nashville, was to establish combined high schools in cities where there were two or more parishes. In 1963, Notre Dame High School became the first school in the Chattanooga area to become racially integrated.
Increased enrollment again necessitated more spacious accommodations. In September, 1965, Notre Dame High School moved to a new campus at 2701 Vermont Avenue, where it stands today. The Reverend William Bevington, newly appointed principal, began the process of resettlement.
Dedicated in 1966, the campus consisted of a classroom wing, a library, science lab-lecture areas, a fine arts room, and typing and home economics classrooms.
In 1967, Reverend Lawrence A. Maxwell became principal. He served three years and was followed by Reverend J. Patrick Conner in 1970. Father Conner was principal for four years.
In the fall of 1974, Notre Dame High School came under the direction of James D. Phifer, the first layman to be named principal. Under his leadership Notre Dame maintained a vibrant student body as it faced the demands of the seventies and eighties. In addition, a stadium and auditorium were constructed during his tenure.
In 1993, Gilbert L. Saenz assumed the role as principal of Notre Dame High School where he served for three years. Under his leadership, the school refocused on the enhancement of institutional Catholicity, on improving curricular and academic standards, on emphasizing personal responsibility and on improving campus support structures.
In 1996, Perry L. Storey became principal of Notre Dame. The goals established by Mr. Storey were financial viability and enhanced communication among faculty, staff, students and parents, alumni, priests, parishes, feeder schools, and community partners. During his first five years as principal, the school successfully completed a five million dollar capital campaign, the largest in the school's history.
The capital campaign provided for major renovation to the existing facility and for the addition of a new wing with a state-of-the-art library/multimedia center, three new computer laboratories, and a multipurpose room. In addition to the facility changes, major curriculum innovations were implemented, including a dual enrollment program with Chattanooga State Technical Community College and an expanded Advanced Placement program. A modified block schedule was also introduced.
The John Varallo Athletic Center and Classroom Annex opened. The new facility occupies a prominent section of the NDHS campus and includes a 6,628 square-foot auxiliary gymnasium, a new weight room, new men’s and women’s locker rooms, a new art studio and dark room, four academic classrooms, new offices and training facilities and flexible use space for dance, cheerleading and yoga, an indoor wellness track, a 5,218 square-foot wrestling and training center and 4,636 square-feet of multi-use space for student, alumni and community programs.
The fourth Bishop of Knoxville, Richard F. Stika, arranged for the return of four Dominican Sisters from the St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee. With the help of many benefactors, a house on Glenwood Avenue was completely renovated for use as a convent. The Notre Dame Convent was blessed and dedicated in January 2011.
On October 15, 2010, Notre Dame High School was named one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the Nation. The Acton Institute reviews over 2,000 secondary schools each year. To be recognized the school must excel in three categories: academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education.
Notre Dame High School welcomes the 2011-2012 school year celebrating the school’s 135th anniversary. In honor of this anniversary, the school implemented a new student program, the House System. This new program offers more leadership, social, and mentoring opportunities for students.
Spiritual Life
Personal and spiritual growth are encouraged and nourished through a four-year program of theology studies that allows students to examine social justice issues and the histories and beliefs of the world's major religions. Notre Dame's campus ministries are active throughout the year, and the school calendar includes weekly all-school Mass, daily Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation services, class retreats, and SEARCH weekends. Students enrich their lives through service to others in the community and find both encouragement and the spiritual opportunities to explore and strengthen their personal relationship with God.Student life
Notre Dame is committed to seeing that students experience the full range of opportunities in life. Clubs, fine art activities, and leadership organizations are available for every student's interests, and our competitive athletic teams provide an outlet that helps our students build character, gain self-confidence, and understand the value of teamwork. Just a few of the activities offered to students include:- Houses of Fortis Bellator, Fons Vitae, Lux Vera, and Rex Gloriae
- Mock TrialMock trialA Mock Trial is an act or imitation trial. It is similar to a moot court, but mock trials simulate lower-court trials, while moot court simulates appellate court hearings. Attorneys preparing for a real trial might use a mock trial consisting of volunteers as role players to test theories or...
- Environmental Club
- Toss-Up (Academic Bowl)Quiz Bowl
- Concert and Jazz Bands
- Pep Band (plays at football games)
- Liturgical Music Club (Plans and leads music at Mass)
- BETA Club ( National Beta ClubNational Beta ClubThe National Beta Club is an organization for 5th-12th graders in the United States, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, character and service....
) - Mu Alpha ThetaMu Alpha ThetaMu Alpha Theta is a United States mathematics honor society for high schools and two-year colleges. It has over 89,000 student members in more than 1,800 schools worldwide. Its main goals are to inspire keen interest in mathematics, develop strong scholarship in the subject, and promote the...
- National Honor SocietyNational Honor SocietyThe National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
- Fellowship of Christian AthletesFellowship of Christian AthletesThe Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1954 and that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. It falls within the tradition of Muscular Christianity. Although established by evangelical Protestants, the concept has...
- Foreign Language Club
- Green and Gold Ambassadors
- Table Tennis
- Green and Gold Club (School Ambassadors/Public Relations)
- Theatre (classes as well as a fall, winter, and spring production)
- Dance (Classes in addition to two teams)
- Gang Green (spirit team at football games)
- Ultimate Frisbee Club (New in 2011)
- Cooking for College
- Chess Club
- Board Games and More
- Choir Club
- Jazz Band
- Journey Through the Gospel of Matthew
- Science Fiction Book Club
- Technology Student Association (TSA)
- Walk and Talk
- Yoga Club
- Co-Ed Volleyball
- Democracy Club
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Fraternus
- Shamrock Players (Drama Team)
Sports
Notre Dame is the home of the Fighting Irish. The following sports are offered at Notre Dame High School.Sports include:
- FootballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
- Track and FieldTrack and fieldTrack and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
- BasketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
- BaseballBaseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
- VolleyballVolleyballVolleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
- Soccer
- SwimmingSwimming (sport)Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native...
- Cross CountryCross country runningCross country running is a sport in which people run a race on open-air courses over natural terrain. The course, typically long, may include surfaces of grass and earth, pass through woodlands and open country, and include hills, flat ground and sometimes gravel road...
- RowingSport rowingRowing is a sport in which athletes race against each other on rivers, on lakes or on the ocean, depending upon the type of race and the discipline. The boats are propelled by the reaction forces on the oar blades as they are pushed against the water...
- TennisTennisTennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
- GolfGolfGolf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
- WrestlingScholastic wrestlingScholastic wrestling, sometimes known in the United States as Folkstyle wrestling, is a style of amateur wrestling practised at the high school and middle school levels in the United States. This wrestling style is essentially Collegiate wrestling with some slight modifications. It is currently...
- BowlingBowlingBowling Bowling Bowling (1375–1425; late Middle English bowle, variant of boule Bowling (1375–1425; late Middle English bowle, variant of boule...
- LacrosseLacrosseLacrosse is a team sport of Native American origin played using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick, mainly played in the United States and Canada. It is a contact sport which requires padding. The head of the lacrosse stick is strung with loose mesh...
- CheerleadingCheerleadingCheerleading is a physical activity, sometimes a competitive sport, based on organized routines, usually ranging from one to three minutes, which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate...
In 2006, Notre Dame won the Class A/AA Volleyball State Championship 3-2 over Knoxville Catholic. The score of the final game was 16-14.
In 2008, Notre Dame won their third state wrestling tournament. http://www.tssaa.org/2007Champions/StateDualWrestling/dualresults.cfm?class=A-AA
The Irish boys soccer team won the state championship in 1996 and 1997.
Notable alumni
- Dennis HaskinsDennis HaskinsDennis Haskins is an American actor known for his role as principal Richard Belding in the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC. He then went on to star in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired from 1993 to 2000...
, played Principal Belding in Saved By The BellSaved by the BellSaved by the Bell is an American television sitcom that aired between 1989 and 1993. The series is a retooled version of the 1988 series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which was itself later folded into the history of Saved by the Bell... - Adarius BowmanAdarius BowmanAdarius Bowman is an Canadian football wide receiver for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders as an undrafted free agent in 2008. Bowman was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on April 1, 2009...
, current wide receiver for the Winnipeg Blue BombersWinnipeg Blue BombersThe Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a Canadian football team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are currently members of the East Division of the Canadian Football League . They play their home games at Canad Inns Stadium, and plan to move to a new stadium for the 2012 season.The Blue Bombers were founded...
of the Canadian Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football.... - Pez WhatleyPez WhatleyPezavan Whatley was a professional wrestler in the 1980s and early 1990s who wrestled primarily under the ring name Pez Whatley.-Career:...
, state wrestling champion and professional wrestler - Chris Grabenstein, author of Tilt-A-Whirl, Mad Mouse, Whack-A-Mole and Hell Hole; a series of fictional crime novels centered around a small, coastal town in New Jersey.