NDP STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL SERVICE HONORS

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May 6, 2026

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Fifteen students honored through UNA-USA and InnerView programs; NDP earns Sapphire School Impact Award for more than 2,200 hours of service.

Notre Dame Prep continues its tradition of forming students who lead with compassion and a commitment to service, as 15 students were recognized through the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView Community Service Impact Awards program. The honors place NDP among schools nationwide whose students are actively shaping meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

In addition to individual recognitions, Notre Dame Prep earned the Sapphire School Impact Award after students collectively contributed more than 2,212 hours of service during the 2025-26 school year. The distinction is awarded to schools whose students surpass 2,000 hours of service, reflecting sustained engagement and measurable community impact.

A culture of service in action

At NDP, service is not an isolated requirement but a lived expression of the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Students are encouraged to recognize the needs of others and respond with intentionality, leadership and care.

This year, NDP students joined peers across the country in a national effort that generated more than 2.3 million hours of service and an estimated $78 million in community impact. Students addressed a range of local and global priorities, including efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focused on good health and well-being.

“Even as the world faces tough questions about the future of international cooperation, students are supporting the Global Goals with heart, hard work, and a clear path forward,” said Farah Salim Eck, managing director of the United Nations Association of the USA.

“While the challenges of our time are real, seeing young people step up reminds us that change is always possible. We are so proud to partner with InnerView to celebrate these changemakers who are proving that you don’t have to wait for the future to make the world a better, more united place.”

Recognition of meaningful student engagement

The Community Service Impact Awards recognize students for sustained engagement throughout the academic year, with tiers honoring 40 hours (Merit), 60 hours (Honor) and 100 or more hours (Ambassador) of service.

Beyond recognition, the program provides students with a digital service impact résumé through InnerView, documenting leadership, volunteerism and applied skills that can support college and career pathways.

“This recognition reflects more than participation, it represents the time, care, and commitment these students are putting into causes that matter to them,” said Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView.

“It’s an honor to support and amplify their work. They’re not only creating impact today, they’re building the skills and confidence that will shape how they lead and contribute for the rest of their lives.”

Students recognized for leadership and service

In addition to national honors, several Notre Dame Prep students were recognized by the Michigan Community Service Commission for their volunteer contributions across the state.

“We are so proud to recognize the efforts of the Michigan youth who chose to give their valuable time to help others,” said Ginna Holmes, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission.

“Youth understand the power of volunteering and the importance their actions have in strengthening communities. Their passion and strong desire to make an impact is inspiring.”

NOTRE DAME PREP STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Ambassador Awardees

Cate Jesena, Elena VanDieren

Honor Awardees

Makenna Morabito, Amy Surowiec

Merit Awardees

Edie Byrd, Demiana Ibrahim, Anna Kafarski, Berkleigh Kennedy, Adrianna Khami, Kylie Manjo, Joline Nawar, Jamie Thomas

Zero Hero Awardees

Sami Khouri, Daniel Lebanion, Makenna Morabito, Elena VanDieren

Michigan Awardees

Cate Jesena, Adrianna Khami, Makenna Morabito, Joline Nawar, Chloe Smith, Amy Surowiec, Jamie Thomas, Elena VanDieren

About the United Nations Association – USA
The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges and Congress. With over 20,000 members and more than 200 chapters nationwide, UNA-USA members are united in advancing global engagement and the UN’s mission. Learn more.

About InnerView
InnerView is a national student engagement platform that helps students capture service, leadership and real-world experiences in a personal impact résumé that continues beyond high school. Learn more at InnerView.org.

About Michigan Community Service Commission
The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) utilizes service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. The commission administers more than $21 million in federal funds for volunteer programs and activities. Learn more at Michigan.gov/volunteer.

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."

Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.