Blazers Give Back: Class of 2024 Alumnae Revisit Refugee Youth Project over Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving break offered a unique opportunity for six alumnae of Notre Dame Prep's Class of 2024, not only to reunite with one another but also reconnect with some special friends made at Moravia Park Elementary School through Baltimore City Community College's Refugee Youth Project (RYP). For nearly a decade, Notre Dame Prep has partnered with RYP seeking to improve the lives of Baltimore's youngest refugees by supporting their academic needs. Jill Noss, Cathy Guterres, Blythe Binder, Fifi Sudano, Kaelin Herwig, and Giuliana Caltabiano, all passionate volunteers with RYP during their time at NDP, decided to spend their time off giving back to a community that had captured their hearts.
"This idea has honestly been in the works for a while," shared Jill. "We always talk about going down to the school when we’re free. We all miss the kids at RYP and the connections we made throughout our time volunteering. When we were all home and available, it was a no-brainer. Mr. Pomplon and Ms. Walter told us that Moravia Park still had school, but since NDP was out for Thanksgiving break, there would be no volunteers to help. We decided to fill in the gaps and go see our old friends."
The alumnae’s visit wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was a powerful example of Living the Mission, Notre Dame Prep’s theme for the 2024–2025 school year. By returning to serve, these alumnae demonstrated that their commitment to the school’s values extended far beyond their years on campus. “Walking back into Moravia Park and being greeted by our old friends, who remembered us and missed us as much as we missed them, was so heartwarming,” Jill said. “The service opportunities we’ve been given are transformative, and specifically our relationship with RYP is something I will always cherish.”
For these alumnae, service wasn’t just about fulfilling a graduation requirement—it was about maintaining a commitment to the communities they served. “It is so fulfilling to see first-hand the impact us volunteers make in the students’ lives, and seeing the joy on their faces when we walked back into the school was so powerful, and really proves that our efforts are worthwhile," said Jill.
Their experiences at NDP instilled in them a strong dedication to social justice and community engagement that they carried into life after graduation. “It is important to all of us to continue this work after we graduate from NDP because it is truly meaningful to us all,” Jill reflected. “It feels like a natural extension of everything I have learned through the service program at NDP. It’s about staying engaged because the cause is truly impactful to each of us.”
The alumnae also recognized the bond that their shared experiences at NDP helped create. “I think that we have all kept very close relationships to each other even though we no longer attend the same school,” Jill said. “We have a group chat specifically of the girls who did RYP last year that definitely stays active, but even besides that, I know we all love to check up on each other!”
This visit was not just a reunion—it was a testament to the lasting impact of their service experiences and the mission-driven education they received at Notre Dame Prep. As Jill summed up, “Looking at my class and the service we have completed, it is clear that our relationship with our community goes further than just completing our service hours. It is a true commitment to contributing to our society.”
Notre Dame Preparatory School
An Independent, Catholic Girls School, Grades 6-12, Sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame
