Notre Dame High School Distinguished Awards Program
Notre Dame High School is pleased to announce academic awards given at the school and Department levels each year. These awards complement the traditional and prestigious Bank of America Plaques and Certificates, National Merit Finalists and Commended students, and California Scholarship Federation and recognitions. The National Honor Society Life Memberships inductees are acknowledged at a separate ceremony. Students also receive rotary and other scholarships, honors at entrance, and special college and university achievements earned annually by the graduating senior. In addition, students participate in numerous contests in core academic areas earning recognition and honors at the grades nine through twelve levels.
School-wide Awards
The Principal's Award
In the 1998-1999 academic year, the Notre Dame High School Principal’s Award was established to honor a graduating senior for outstanding academic achievement, exemplary community service, and consistent participation in the spiritual life programs of school and parish. This special award is a true reflection of our mission which states in part, “at Notre Dame, we seek to help our students not only master the skills needed in college and beyond, but also discover within themselves a love of learning, a love of service for others, and a love for the spiritual life.”
St. Julie Billiart Award
St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, was a visionary religious educator in early nineteenth century France and Belgium. In establishing her schools, St. Julie continually reminded her sisters of their primary mission "teach them whatever is necessary to equip them for life." Each year, St. Julie Billiart Awards are given to outstanding senior students who have demonstrated academic excellence in a particular departmental area as well as a commitment to the philosophy and mission of Notre Dame High School.
Valedictorian
The Notre Dame
Valedictorian is the student with the highest cumulative grade point average after the fifth grading period of the senior year. The nomination is based on a weighted, internal GPA which takes into account any honors classes in which the student has been enrolled.
Salutatorian
The
Salutatorian is selected by her classmates after a presentation of all candidates' addresses to the senior class and class advisors.
The Notre Dame High School, Belmont, California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society Kathleen C. Tiernan Memorial Scholarship.
The California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society Kathleen C. Tiernan Memorial Scholarship is given each year in memory of a beloved Notre Dame teacher, Kathleen Tiernan. Notre Dame High School's chapters of California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society awards scholarships to outstanding students who have excelled in the classroom and who have given outstanding service to the school community.
Michele Micheletti '96 Award
While a student at Notre Dame High School, Michele Micheletti, a member of the class of 1996, distinguished herself in academics, co-curricular activities, Visual and Performing Arts, and community service. On October 31, 1997, Michele, a sophomore at MIT, was killed in a tragic automobile accident as she attempted to cross a four-lane drive in front of her dorm.
Her parents established memorial scholarship funds at Junior State of America and Notre Dame High School. In addition to these two scholarship funds, they established the Michele Micheletti ‘96 Award to honor a graduating senior who has maintained a strong four-year record of academic achievement, leadership, and service.
The St. Julie Character Award
The St. Julie Character Award was established in 2005. This award is given to a senior who exemplifies the Gospel way of life through a consistent expression of respect for all creation. She continually role models the values of integrity, humility, and courage in her school, community, and personal life.
The Citizenship Award
The
Citizenship Award (sponsored by The National Association of Secondary School Principals) is presented at Class Day and is given to one student in each grade level, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. The award criteria are as follows:
1. The student must participate in the life of the school and demonstrate community service; 2. She must show a positive attitude toward classmates, school, and community; 3. She must display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility; 4. She must possess strength of character and the courage to do what is right; and 5. She must promote citizenship within the school and the community.
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
American Mathematics Competitions
Founded in 1950,
American Mathematics Competitions seek to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through the excitement of solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format. Each year, mathematics students at Notre Dame have the opportunity to participate in the American High School Mathematics Examination. The student who achieves the Highest Score on the AMC-12 from Notre Dame High School can also qualify for the second round of these national competitions, known as the American Invitational Mathematics Examination.
The California Department of Education and the California Mathematics Council's Exemplary Mathematics
Achievement Award
As a professional organization of 10,000 educators who are working towards excellence in mathematics education, The California Department of Education and the California Mathematics Council recognizes outstanding student achievement in mathematics. By doing so, this recognition supports the mission that all students have the capacity to become mathematically competent and confident when provided a rigorous and challenging mathematical program supported by high expectations.
Math League Contest
The Math League is dedicated to bringing challenging mathematics materials to students to stimulate interest and confidence in mathematics. Over 1 million students participate in Math League contests each year. Math League’s High School Contests are the best in high school mathematics competition. Students in each league compete for the highest scores, while schools compete for the highest team score. The competition consists of six High School contests each year.
Rensselaer Medal
For more than 84 years Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has awarded the
Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. The medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. The medal is given to a junior who has excelled in the area of science and mathematics.
The University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Science Award
The University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Science Award recognizes students who have attained high scholastic standing in science courses. Winners of this award may apply to become a University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Scholar. This designation carries with it potential scholarship funds.
The University of Rochester Humanities/Social Sciences Award
The University of Rochester Humanities/Social Sciences Award is given to a student who has outstanding achievement in the humanities and/or social sciences. Students who receive this award may apply for a University of Rochester scholarship.
Wordmasters
WordMasters is a national competition for high school students requiring close reading and analysis of many different kinds of
poetry and prose. The competition requires participation in four challenge meets held throughout the school year. The Gold
Division section is offered to students currently enrolled in grades eleven and twelve, the Blue Division section is offered to students
currently enrolled in grades nine and ten.
NCTE Achievement Award
This award is given by the
National Council of Teachers of English to encourage high school students in their writing and to recognize publicly some of the best student writers in the nation.
American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Outstanding High School Student in French Award