In response to the war raging in Ukraine, NDCL connected its students' hands and hearts in solidarity with the Ukrainian people through prayer and a variety of creative initiatives...
Funds Raised for Ukrainian Relief
In response to the war raging in Ukraine, NDCL connected its students’ hands and hearts in solidarity with the Ukrainian people through prayer and a variety of creative initiatives that raised more than $22,000 for Ukrainian relief efforts.
The impetus for NDCL’s Ukrainian relief efforts began with the students who sought ways to respond to the horrible images of human suffering they see every day in the news. Theology teacher Joe Alto, Director of Campus Ministry Halle McKeon and Director of Student Leadership Ben Lozar ’09 worked together on a series of activities to tap into the students’ spirit of solidarity and altruism.
Mr. Alto reached out to the local Ukrainian community to order 400 dozen pierogi, which NDCL used as promotional incentives to encourage online donations from parents, alumni and friends of the school.
Students celebrated Ukrainian culture, community and food by making and selling khrustyky, a sweet treat often known as angel wings in the United States. Over the course of just two days, students, staff and volunteers took a crash course in Ukrainian cooking to make thousands — and thousands — of khrustyky.
NDCL’s Ukrainian relief efforts culminated with an all-school Mass on Friday’s Feast of the Annunciation, which Pope Francis designated as a special day to consecrate the whole world, especially Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Prior to the Mass, science teacher Paul Billig, who ministered in Ukraine prior to joining NDCL faculty, joined with senior Kyle Yates to teach the congregation a traditional Ukrainian call-and-response verse.
After Mass, students served and enjoyed pierogi and khrustyky at lunch. They also listened to Ukrainian music, viewed several Ukrainian cultural items displayed by Mr. Billig and took chances on raffles for Ukrainian-themed prizes.
NDCL will donate all proceeds from NDCL’s relief efforts to the Ukrainian Eparchy (Diocese) of Parma, which will distribute the funds to churches in Ukraine and Poland.
While NDCL is completely sold out of pierogi and khrustyky, it will continue to accept donations for Ukrainian relief
Governor’s Art Show Honors
In a competition that included more than 8,000 entries, juniors Liam Filsom and Krista Duffy have been named state winners in the annual Ohio Governor’s Art Exhibition. Their outstanding achievement places them in the top 3 percent of student artists statewide.
The works of Liam, Krista and other state winners will be showcased in a exhibit that runs from April 24 to May 19 at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus.
Liam and Krista are the students of art teacher George Yaniga.
