Winter 2013 - Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

FROM THE PRESIDENTDEAR NOTRE DAME COMMUNITY,YOU HAVE PROBABLY SEEN THE TELEVISION ADS STATING“YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THE ARTS IN PHILADELPHIA” WITHCELEBRITIES SUCH AS KEVIN BACON, BILLY CRYSTAL ANDRACHAEL RAY. The goal of the ads is to increase the visibility of the arts andpromote performances and exhibits in Philadelphia. Well, we certainly can saythat our students love the arts here at the Academy. And this issue of Visions putsthe spotlight on the many opportunities students have to express their creativitythrough Notre Dame's fine and performing arts.Engaging in artistic endeavors helps our students develop self-confidenceand creativity while learning about the value of practice, perseverance andpursuing excellence. The fine and performing arts courses offered at the Academy,including drawing, painting, dance, music ensembles and chorus, continue toenhance our strong academic program.In this issue you will read about the value of the arts in our curriculum as wellas several alumnae artists who launched their creative careers right here at NotreDame. Our center spread features some wonderful photographs of Notre Dame’s40th Annual Art Show and Sale. The Art Show was the brainchild of Mrs. CamBiggie, mother of two alumnae, Amanda Biggie Langford ’77 and Sara BiggieFanning ’81. It is amazing to know that this event has been running for 40 years!We are ever so grateful for our many talented parent volunteers who select andhang art, coordinate the sale of artwork, and create a beautiful Preview Party. Many thanks to this year’s chair, Molly Schneider, and herdedicated committee.We hope you enjoy reading the stories in this magazine and seeing how much our students love the arts at Notre Dame.Sincerely,Veronica Collins HarringtonPresidentMISSION STATEMENTThe Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic, independent,college preparatory school, commits itself to the education of youngwomen of grades 6 through 12 for responsible living in a global society.The Academy, rooted in the faith tradition of the Catholic Church, andthe charism of Saint Julie Billiart, provides its students a challengingacademic curriculum within a rich spiritual community in order to:• inspire them to live the prophetic nature of the gospel, with apassion for justice and love for the poor,• enable them to develop the skills and desire necessary for life-longlearning,• empower them to be honorable, compassionate leaders.