Notre Dame High School Non-Profit Org. St. Mary’s Grade School U.S. Postage Paid 127 East Pike Street Clarksburg, WV Clarksburg, WV 26301 26301 Notre Dame Permit No. 21 Return Service Requested & St. Mary’s

Education in Faith, Knowledge, & Service March, 2021 Schools Adjust Well to Coronavirus In the middle of March, 2020, Governor Jim Justice announced that all schools in West Virginia were to close their build- ings due to a virus spreading rapidly across the world. That announcement came on Friday, March 12. By Monday, March 15, Notre Dame & St. Mary‟s were already in full remote learning mode.

Remote learning took place for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year with students, teachers, administrators, and parents adapting quickly to the technology needed in order for teaching and learning to take place within the confines of everyone‟s Britton Named WV Notre Dame & St. Mary’s homes.

Goalkeeper of the Year Fund Hits $105,000 During the Summer of 2020, many hours St. Mary’s 5th Grade Class During Morning Prayer were spent discussing how best to reopen the schools. Different protocols would systems or screened via Zoom. Students the younger employees are high on the great to receive the award.” said The 2020-2021 Notre Dame have to be implemented where physical now sit at least six feet apart while facing waiting list to be vaccinated. Britton who plays for FC Alli- Dame & St. Mary‟s Fund distancing and improved sanitation could the same direction. If class sizes are too ance North outside of the high Campaign has just hit the take place. large to accommodate distancing proto- While the short term plans are to keep the school season. “I had goals $105,000 mark. The goal is cols, classes are held in the cafeteria or students at school for five days a week on coming into high school soccer $200,000 and the campaign Notre Dame & St. Mary‟s reopened on students are separated with plastic a consistent basis, the school administra- and I felt this award was too ends on June 30, 2021. September 8, 2020. However, the routine screens. Lunch now has to be prepack- tions are also in the process of developing high to achieve when I was for students and employees are com- aged and delivered to classrooms or, in long term strategic plans for Notre Dame coming into my freshman year. The Notre Dame & St. Mary‟s pletely different. Temperature checks are pleasant weather, students eat outside. High School and St. Mary‟s Grade I didn‟t even think I could be an Fund is an annual campaign taken upon arrival, mask wearing is man- School. These plans are being developed all state player until my senior that benefits academic/extra- datory, and prayer is done over intercom Students at Notre Dame & St. Mary‟s and will be released later in 2021. year.” curricular programs, building have been in school five days a week maintenance, and provides a when allowed to do so. They have also Notre Dame High School Jun- Britton plans to play at the col- limited amount of academic spent time being taught remotely when ior Student, Wade Britton, has lege level and hopefully in the tuition assistance. coronavirus cases spike in the area. Al- been named the West Virginia USL. After he finishes playing though there are many challenges to the High School Goalkeeper of the he would like to coach soccer at Gifts can be made by sending situation, the students and teachers have year in the A/AA classification the college level. checks using the enclosed been able to transition smoothly between by the WV High School Soccer envelopes or donating online remote and in-person learning. Coaches Association. Soccer coach Ian McAra said, at notredamewv.org. “Wade has all the tools needed As 2021 begins, there is hope on the hori- Britton was also named to the to become an outstanding goal- All gifts are appreciated and zon that school operations can eventually first team All-State, first team keeper. If he continues to im- make a difference. Thank you get back to something like normality. All-Region, and first team All prove, he can accomplish any to those who have contrib- ND Religion Teacher, Melissa McAra, Many of our employees have received St. Mary’s 1st Grade Teacher, Mary County teams. “It felt really goal he sets his mind to.” uted. Teaching Her Class Remotely their first dose of the COVID vaccine and Beth Martino, Receives Vaccine St. Mary’s Receives Generous Grant Light Reflects on her Brief Time as Principal The Sacred Heart Children's Center re- The Sacred Heart Children's Center began cently awarded $26,250 to St. Mary's as a Catholic orphanage in the early 20th Kelly Light started as the Notre Dame ciative of the faculty and Grade School to purchase Ipads for grades century before evolving into a public day High School Principal on August 15, staff for making the best of 3 through 6. care center in the 1970s. In the 1980s the 2020. There were two big things going on a difficult situation." organization became a volunteer directed in her life at the time - A worldwide pan- "Access to devices has become crucial for private foundation accepting funds and demic and she was seven months pregnant Light gave birth to a son, remote learning during the uncertainty of granting requests to benefit the children of with her third child. Jamison, in mid-October COVID-19," said Principal Nicole Folio, Harrison County. and took six weeks of ma- "They will also be used for classroom Due to the timing, Light, a 2006 graduate ternity leave. During that instruction, live streaming of morning "St. Mary's is looking to the future and we of Notre Dame, had mixed emotions time, she felt a little frus- prayer, core subjects, enrichment courses want to be part of that," said Sacred Heart about applying for the position. However, trated about not being at and our newly implemented Mental Board Member Dolores Yoke, "They are Principal Nicole Folio Receives a Check she was reassured by the outpouring of school but was very confi- Health Awareness Program." teaching the whole child." from Board Member Dolores Yoke support from her family and current em- dent in the ability of the ployees. She was delighted when she was people she had left in asked to be the Principal and appreciative charge. Light said, "We of the faith Fr. Joe Konikattil (Designated didn't miss a beat and I was kept well in- dents have had a mixture of remote and in Being A Senior During a Pandemic Pastor of Notre Dame & St. Mary's) had formed about how things were going." -person learning which is dependent on shown in her. Light said, "I was excited the number of coronavirus cases in Harri- 2021. The year everyone wearing masks, desks spaced also grateful that they are thinking of new and humbled to be offered the position Two Notre Dame Graduates, Patty Du- son County. A rewarding aspect for Light that I‟ve been apart, a new water fountain system, daily ways to involve seniors more by allowing and Fr. Joe was looking forward to men- Pont '77 and Becky Korn '89, took charge is seeing the students and employees con- looking forward temperature checks and other safety us to lead prayer over the intercom while toring me as he has a significant amount of the school during Light's absence. Du- tinue to succeed despite the difficult cir- to for as long as measures. While I felt comforted that I at school or via Facebook and Instagram of experience in Catholic education." Pont is the director of religious education cumstances. She said, "Events and activi- I can remem- was safe, I quickly realized it was much when at home. and has taught at Notre Dame for twenty ties have had to be cancelled, but every- ber. I imagined different than years before. We were un- After a tremendous amount of planning, years. Korn has been the school counselor one is doing a great job in challenging starting my able to attend sporting events, special I can‟t help but look at this as an impor- Notre Dame opened on September 8 for for seven years. Both commented on how times." senior year with senior activities were cancelled, and there tant life lesson in that things don‟t always the 2020-21 school year. Many changes this time gave them a much greater appre- the senior was no homecoming week. This change go according to the plan. I have no idea and new protocols had to be implemented ciation of what a Principal does and the At the time of writing, Notre Dame Stu- breakfast, a of pace flipped my world upside down. what the remainder of my senior year has immediately to keep students and employ- challenges that come with it. Korn said, dents have only just returned to the build- tradition where For years I had dreamt of my perfect sen- in store, but I do understand that we have ees safe. Light said, "Managing safety "When you see something through some- ing after the Christmas break. Looking all suffered in many different ways during By Gianna Martino we would meet ior year, and this is it? I started to believe guidelines and providing students with a one else's eyes, it gives you a greater un- forward, Light is positive saying, "The in the parking that there was nothing anyone could do to this COVID-19 pandemic. From losing quality high school experience has been derstanding of their role." DuPont echoed biggest goal, having got the students lot before the last first day of school be- make this year any better. But being the loved ones to not being able to spend time the biggest challenge so far. I'm grateful those sentiments and added, "We were safely back into the building, is to build gan and where we would share the excite- loving family we are at Notre Dame, we with family and friends. At Notre Dame to the parents and students for their con- very appreciative of the help and support them back up emotionally and spiritually. ment of being seniors and talk about our found ways. On Halloween, teachers and we are a family, and it has helped us all to tinued support of Notre Dame and for Fr. Joe gave us." I want to focus on making the school a expectations. I envisioned getting together faculty put together a fun, socially dis- share these trying times together. The their understanding with decisions that positive place to be and continue to grow and decorating the hallways with my fel- tanced day full of activities where every- bonds we form during our senior year have had to be made. I'm also very appre- Upon Light's return, the Notre Dame stu- and improve." low seniors during homecoming week. I one dressed in costumes, received candy, used to be enjoyed even more with the pictured me and my friends taking photos and danced to music while six feet apart senior activities. I personally witnessed in our pretty dresses and dancing together in the school hallways. A few days later, my older sister Sophia miss out on many A Non-Catholic Student at a Catholic School at our last homecoming dance and prom. my fellow classmates and I went to the of her senior milestones last year when this terrible pandemic began. Now as I go Most of all, I imagined gathering with my drive- in. Although we sat in separate When I began kinder- the classroom, and educate us in what it we all have a responsibility to lift each through my own senior year with my class in the church, receiving our diplo- cars, we communicated over Snapchat garten at St. Mary‟s, I means to be a member of a world-wide other up, through community service and mas, and throwing up our graduation caps and FaceTime so we could feel like we graduating Class of 2021, we also face the was too young to realize Church. Even though I do not follow the just choosing to be kinder in how we in- in celebration, saying goodbye to high were together. same lost experiences. But I realize that the differences in faith Catholic faith myself, I have gained that teract with each other, especially since we school and getting ready for the next we must also not lose sight of some things between my home and wondrous sense of belonging to some- are all so close that it is like one big, Notre Dame has handled this crisis well, that we have gained. Our outlook on life chapter in our lives. However, things Catholic school. My thing greater than oneself as a member of amazing family. not only with fun activities, but with our has changed our focus. We have been haven‟t gone exactly the way I antici- teachers treated me ex- this amazing, and very welcoming com- educational needs. These past few months given the opportunity to grow up and see pated. actly the same as their munity. Growing up in this wonderful Catholic we‟ve alternated from online to in person. things around us in a whole new way. other students: I learned school system has given me a well- In March of 2020, our Governor issued a This seemingly uneasy process, actually By Fiona Smith the same Bible stories, Another perk of attending these excellent rounded education with challenging aca- At Notre Dame and St Mary‟s we‟re Stay-at-Home Order because of the went quite smoothly. Teachers make sure enjoyed being an angel in our Christmas schools is that, through religious educa- demics, as well as a spiritual and moral COVID-19 Pandemic. Since the highly we understand the lessons and how to do taught and we know that God is in con- play, and loved to learn. tion, I have learned many valuable moral education, both of which I hold in a very contagious disease is still present, this of our assignments, and they have also been trol. We live this reality and gain strength lessons as well. For example, my own high regard. I may not be Catholic, but I course raised questions as to how big of checking in on each of us to make sure we in knowing him through all the adversities As a non-Catholic student that has gone personal mantra: “Do unto others as you am very proud to say that I will be a an impact it would have on our school. are doing okay at home. Whether we are we will face in life and even through a through the St. Mary‟s and Notre Dame would have done unto you,” is reinforced graduate of Notre Dame in 2021, and I worldwide pandemic. We at Notre Dame When I returned to Notre Dame this year, remote learning via zoom or six feet apart High School system, I have received a not just in religion class, but in every class look forward to using all that I have can take this truth out into the world and things were a lot different. Our school while wearing masks in our classroom, unique and wonderful education and ex- and activity throughout the years. Notre learned as a student of faith throughout share this strength with others around us. took the all the necessary precautions with our teachers are always there for us. I‟m perience. They bring Catholic values into Dame and St. Mary‟s has taught me that the rest of my life. Q & A With Jarrod West ‘17 Run for the Notre Dame & St. Mary’s Fund-

Notre Dame High School prepared me for get. The biggest highlight I've had at Mar- Camino de Santiago college both in the classroom and on the shall was playing in the NCAA tourna- court. That came as a result of great teach- ment in San Diego on national TV. It was In March 2020, shortly after Gover- lenge, a 480 mile journey on foot ers, guidance counselors, other support a dream come true for me because that is nor Jim Justice had closed school with a sixteen week completion dead- staff, and a great principal. That's also a something I watched and enjoyed every buildings due to coronavirus, Ian line. The Camino de Santiago, known result of a great coach. In the classroom I year. A lot of times I had to find ways to McAra committed to train for and in English as the Way of St. James, is was prepared by my teachers on the aca- watch some games during school while I run a half-marathon to benefit the a network of Christian pilgrimages demic side but they also held my account- was at Notre Dame actually. Not to men- Notre Dame & St. Mary‟s Fund. He across Europe leading to the Shrine able and to a high standard. They always tion we won a game in the tournament and completed the distance on April 25, of the Apostle St. James the Great in expected good things out of me and held pulled off a big upset, that made that high- 2020 at Watters Smith State Park in the cathedral of Santiago de Com- me to that standard and held me account- light so much better. the southern part of Harrison County. pestela in Galicia, Spain. McAra able when I didn't meet that standard. said, “There are a number of routes They taught me all the necessary curricu- What degree will you get when you In 2021, McAra, the advancement that can be taken to the final destina- lum, as well as the time management and graduate? director for Notre Dame & St. tion. Although I will not be physi- study skills that I needed to be successful I actually graduated in December and got Mary‟s, is planning another event. He cally there, the route I will virtually As you get close to the end of your sen- in college. As far as basketball goes, play- my undergrad in Business Management. I said, “The 2020 Run for the Notre follow will run across the Northern ior season, was playing college basket- ing for a coach that played college basket- will be starting my Masters in Business Dame & St. Mary‟s Fund was a suc- part of Spain.” ball all you had hoped it would be? ball and wanted to win a state champion- Administration in the spring. cessful venture in terms of fundrais- Yes, it has. My college basketball experi- ship more than anything. ing for the schools. I‟m hoping to For more information about how to ence has been great. I have played with He held us to the highest improve on it this year.” donate visit notredamewv.org or great teammates and played for great standard and also held us search Run for the Notre Dame & St. coaches. I have had a lot of great experi- accountable in every way. On March 1, 2021, McAra will begin Mary‟s Fund—Camino de Santiago McAra is planning a 480 mile virtual journey ences through college basketball, and Not to mention, that coach the Camino de Santiago Virtual Chal- on facebook fundraisers. on foot with a 16 week deadline have done a lot of traveling throughout was my dad so he wanted the United States. Playing in big arenas the best for me, so that's with great atmospheres is one the best how he prepared me. Also Fr. Pat Wash Leaves Significant Gift to Notre Dame feelings ever. We also took a team trip to playing with many good the Bahamas before my sophomore year players in high school and that was a really fun trip. Playing in helped me out a lot be- Fr. Pat Wash has left just over $111,000 in Wash retired from the Priesthood at the the NCAA tournament on national TV cause they pushed me his estate plans to Notre Dame High age of 73 and continued as a supply Pastor puts the icing on the cake with those ex- every day. One of the most School. when needed. periences. I have enjoyed college basket- important things to men- ball these past 4 years and it was all I tion is the amount of sup- Wash, a former Notre Dame student, was Advancement Director, Ian McAra said, hoped it would be and more. port that I had in the Notre Dame commu- What are your plans for the future? ordained to the Priesthood on May 18, “We are very appreciative of Fr. Pat. nity. I had a lot of support and a lot of After college I would like to play basket- 1968 at St. Joseph‟s Cathedral in Wheel- These kind of gifts can alter the course of You hit the 1,000 point mark and be- people who believed in me and that means ball professionally as long as I can de- ing, West Virginia. an institution in terms of finances.” came Marshall's all-time leader for a lot to me. That is something that I will pending on the situation. After my playing steals. How has reaching these personal always be grateful for. Notre Dame is a career, I would like to get into college He attended West Virginia University and Fr. Pat passed away on October 29, 2020 milestones improved your confidence great school and I give them a great coaching with the goal of becoming a gained his Masters in Counseling from at his home in the North View section of within the framework of the team? amount credit for my collegiate success. head college basketball coach someday. Marshall. He was a Licensed Professional Clarksburg after an extended illness. He Those are both great accomplishments Counselor and worked at United Summit was a member of St. James Catholic that I am honored to be a part of. These What has been your biggest challenge Photos courtesy of Jarrod West Center as an addiction therapist. Church. milestones have helped with my confi- at Marshall? dence because both of these milestones I would say the biggest challenge at Mar- show the experience that I have. Being an shall I have had is being away from my Monsignor John J. O’Brien Planned Giving Society older guy now who has played for 4 years family for months at a time. The one con gives me a lot of experience and comfort about basketball season is that it takes up Membership to the Monsignor John J. secure the financial future of Notre Dame while I'm out there on the floor. Adding almost the entire school year and covers O‟Brien Planned Giving Society goes to & St. Mary‟s. these milestones just gives me that much all the breaks so it's hard to get home and those who have made Notre Dame & St. more confidence to want to go out there see my friends and family as much as I Mary‟s a beneficiary in their estate plans. Monsignor O‟Brien was instrumental in the and produce as much as I can for my would like to. planning and building of Notre Dame High team. Annual giving campaigns have improved School. What have been the highlights of your consistently over the past ten years. These How did your time at Notre Dame pre- time at Marshall? campaigns are helping the schools make To discuss leaving your legacy with a pare you for college basketball and col- Being with my teammates every day are improvements and meet their budgetary planned gift contact Ian McAra at 304-623- lege in general? some of the highlights that I'll never for- needs. Planned gifts have the potential to 1026 or [email protected]. Alumni Spotlight: Where Are They Now?

Marcel Malfregeot ‘66 Joseph DuPont ‘05 Jane Quinn King ‘82 Leanna Jordan Lewis ‘94 Elijah Moreno ‘09 Victoria Simon ‘12

Jane Quinn King is a member of the Notre Dame High School Class of 1982. She was also a student at St. Mary's Paul (Joe) DuPont is a 2005 graduate of Grade School. Jane attended Fairmont Leanna Jordan Lewis is a 1994 graduate Notre Dame High School. He obtained State College where she graduated with a of Notre Dame. After a 20-year career as Marcel C. Malfregeot, Jr. has been mar- his Bachelors degree in Political Science BA in Art Education. She taught in Prince an X-ray Technologist, she is currently ried to his wife Betsy for 50 years and has from West Virginia University in 2010, Frederick, MD and then in Hagerstown, employed by the federal government. Leanna resides in Flemington, WV with been greatly blessed with 3 children; Mar- and a Masters degree in Criminal Justice MD. She was named teacher of the year at Elijah Moreno is a 2009 graduate of Victoria Simon is a 2012 graduate of cel III, Michael, & Susan. Further bless- in 2016. He is the son of Notre Dame her elementary school in Washington her husband Chris, and 3 children: Hay- den (ND 8th grade), Caroline (ND 7th Notre Dame High School where he was Notre Dame High School. She continued ings bestowed him with grandchildren; High School Religion teacher Patty Du- County, MD. She was then a stay at the Vice-President of the senior class. her education at Fairmont State Univer- Alex. Ava, Andrew, Silas, Clark, and Pont, and longtime Notre Dame High home mother for 10 years while raising grade), and Annagrace (SM 5th Grade). The family attends Immaculate Concep- Elijah attended Fairmont State Univer- sity where she was a part of the Acrobat- Brooks. Marcel graduated from Fairmont School Golf Coach Paul DuPont. He her three children; Anthony, Katie and sity where he graduated with a degree in ics and Tumbling team. She received a State in Education and from WVU with a comes from a family of Notre Dame Grace. She is currently in her 17th year as tion Catholic Church, where Leanna teaches 3rd and 4th grade CCD. She is business administration. Elijah then degree in business management. Since Master‟s degree +60 hours in Administra- Alumni, including Patty, Paul, his sister the art teacher at St. Joseph School in joined the management training program then, she has managed her parents coffee tion and Management. He retired from the Stasia, his sister Maria, and Brother in Martinsburg, WV. In 2018, Jane was the daughter of the late John (Butch) Jordan („59), and Rosalee Jordan of with Kroger Co. where he spent three shop, Almost Heaven Desserts on Main Harrison Co. Board of Education after 40 law Victor Shaffer. Joe is currently liv- awarded the Silver Apple Award by her years as the Human Resources Assistant Street in Bridgeport, and has helped it to years of service. Marcel also taught for ing in Stuttgart, Germany working for school and honored by the Diocese. Her Clarksburg. Her brother, J.J. („91), is also an alumnus. Store Manager in the Clarksburg and grow significantly. Victoria enjoys tak- WVU School of Medicine in its Commu- the Department of Defense. Joe loves to mother, Josephine Colombo Quinn is a Morgantown area. Elijah is currently ing photos, which happens to be a huge nity Medicine Program. He believes in travel with his son Solomon and wife graduate of St. Mary‟s High School and employed as a supervisor at the FBI part of the success of the business. She community service and has served on Krista, golfing, playing soccer and was named an Irish Legend. Her sisters Criminal Justice Information Services has managed to grow the business so Mary Beth Martino and Pat Ellis teach at Theresa Midlege Gain ‘71 boards in the county and state for the past watching West Virginia University Bas- (CJIS) Division where he has spent the much that they will officially be opening 51 years. Marcel is currently involved St. Mary‟s Grade School. Jane and her ketball/Football. Theresa Gain retired from the VA hospi- last three years. Elijah resides in Pleasant a second location in Morgantown in the with Immaculate Conception Church, and sisters have all sent their children to tal after 44 years. She thoroughly enjoyed Valley, WV with his wife Jessica Mo- coming months. In addition to taking Catholic schools. Jane currently lives in is a Civil Service Commissioner for the Follow Us On Social Media working with Veterans and colleagues in reno and their two cats. Elijah enjoys delicious looking photos of desserts and Falling Waters, WV with her husband Deputy Sheriffs, a member of the Clarks- many critical care departments. Theresa traveling with his wife, spending time at coffee, Victoria enjoys traveling around burg Harrison Regional Housing Author- Brad King who is a North Marion Gradu- obtained her first nursing degree from their Big Bear camp site and doing pub the country to visit friends and other ity and the Governor‟s One Shot. Marcel ate and former Kennedy Award winner. Salem College, then attended WVU for a trivia with his trivia team. coffee shops for inspiration. says, “God has blessed me!” They have been married for 32 years. Master in Nursing. Intermittently, she was employed as nursing faculty at Alderson Irish Legends Gala Postponed Again Broaddus, Mountain State, and 50 Year Reunion! WVU. The dazzling light of her life is After significant planning and promotion, Event organizer Ian McAra said, “We are The Irish Legends Gala is Notre Dame & her family, husband Don, daughters Josa- Notre Dame Class of 1971 the 2020 Irish Legends Gala, set for going to postpone the Irish Legends Gala St. Mary‟s version of a “Hall of Fame.” lyn Mann DO (Bridgeport); Jennifer 50th year reunion will be held March 28, was originally postponed until again due to the uncertainty surrounding Honorees are chosen based on outstanding (Environmental Engineer), Jaclyn (Levi Mid-August 2021. October 9. Covid. Significant time goes into planning achievement and/or significant contribu- Jeans Corporate (both living in San Fran- the event and people travel from all tion to the schools and/or community. cisco, CA). She is a Communion Minis- For more information contact As Coronavirus cases continued to in- around the country for it. We don‟t feel ter, attending All Saint‟s in Bridge- Frank Ferrari by email at crease throughout the year, the October 9 comfortable promoting the gala in the The first Irish Legends Gala was held in port. Activities include parties on the [email protected] date was pushed back until March 27, current climate. A rescheduled date will 2004 and inductees have been honored patio, service volunteering, gardening, or call 304-669-1650. 2021. It will now be postponed again. be announced later in 2021.” annually until Coronavirus hit last year. traveling, and reading.