The ND Spirit

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

I'm always struck by how certain passages in the Passion will speak to me each year. This year, the words on Jesus on the Cross stood out. Even Jesus's hope wavered and he wondered where God was in the midst of his suffering.

Not difficult to understand why this passage struck me. The challenge of this spring is finding God in the midst of all the anxiety, sadness, and upheaval. As our Spirits worry about their places next year, we're seeing the impact on their moods, attendance, and well-being. It's the Cross we have to bear during this Lent. But it's also a time of hope for a resurrection.

The words of the cowboy poet, Zach Bryan, ("East Side of Sorrow") seem especially relevant:

Askin' God where the ... he'd been

Have a blessed Holy Week and a joyful Easter break!

Go Spirits!

Dr. Tim Uhl

• • This week's students announcements can be found here.
• Here is the cast list for Little Shop of Horrors, our spring musical scheduled for May 1 & 2.
• Here is a look at the swim schedule.

• April 1st: "Home" swim meet @ Alvarez
• April 3-12: No School (Easter Break)
• May 1 & 2: Spring Musical: "Little Shop of Horrors"
• May 9: Celebrate Notre Dame, 1 pm (all alumnae, former teachers, and former parents invited)
• May 15: Prom
• May 22: "Meet the Singer-Songwriters" school production
• May 29: Baccalaureate Mass (5:00 pm) followed by Community Dinner
• May 30: Graduation (noon)

• Senior Update: College Decisions & Next Steps
  By now, you should have received your college decisions—congratulations! As you consider your options, remember that I’m here to support you with reviewing financial aid offers, weighing your choices, or simply talking through the emotions of this process. Feel free to stop by or schedule a time to meet.

  Key Reminders:

  • Attend admitted student events and schedule visits if needed.
  • Review financial aid packages carefully.
  • Submit your Statement of Intent to Enroll (SIR) to one college by May 1.
  • After committing, check your college portal/email for next steps (housing, orientation, etc.).
  • Decline other offers once you’ve made your decision.

  To Do:

  • Update your college decisions in Scoir.
  • Confirm your final college choice in Scoir.

  Helpful Resources:

  • You got accepted, Now What? (Big Future)

  • Next Steps for Any College Admission Decision (Princeton Review)

  • Evaluating your Financial Aid Award Letter (Princeton Review)

  • How to ask for more Financial Aid (College Data)

  College Life Student Panel for ND Students- Friday, April 3rd from 4-6 PM

  A Notre Dame Class of 2025 alumna, along with fellow UCLA Regent Scholars, is hosting a live “College Life” student panel via Zoom this Friday, April 3, from 4–6 PM. This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand about the college experience and ask questions. RSVP and submit your questions here. This event is geared towards high school juniors, but all are welcome.

  Notre Dame Foundation Scholarships, Applications Due May 1st
  

  Notre Dame freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are invited to apply for Notre Dame Foundation scholarships if they will be attending Santa Catalina, St. Francis, or Palma School in August 2026. Furtner information on scholarships available and the application process can be found here: https://notredamesalinas.org/foundation-scholarships

  
  

  Outside Opportunities:

  • 2026 Leadership in Civic Engagement High School Summer Internship-Applications now open! This summer opportunity offers hands‑on learning, community service hours, guest speakers, and the chance to build leadership skills.
  • Law Day 2026 is May 1st. f your student is interested in attending, please contact Mrs. Stone by April 20th.

Scholarship list

Our alumnae and former staff share a deep and enduring love for Notre Dame. As of today, more than 420 guests have RSVP’d for our May 9th Celebrate Notre Dame event—a powerful testament to the lasting impact ND has had on so many lives and the strong sisterhood it has fostered.

While our school may be closing its doors, its story is far from over. Each of you remains an alumna—forever part of a community rooted in shared experiences, meaningful friendships, and enduring values. Our alumnae community is not defined by a building, but by the connections we carry forward.

Though this moment is difficult, closure does not diminish our legacy—it deepens our bond and reminds us of all that Notre Dame has given us, and will continue to give through one another.

Email: tuhl@notredamesalinas.org

Website: www.notredamesalinas.org
Location: Salinas, CA
Phone: 831-751-1850
Twitter: @drtimuhl