Nazareth Prep Welcomes Students and Teachers for a New Year of Personalized Learning

Sister Linda Yankoski helps new Nazareth Prep student Deaira Johnson light a candle at New Student Orientation.

"No matter how you got here, we believe you were called to be here." With these words, Holy Family Institute Chief Executive Officer Sister Linda Yankoski welcomed students to Nazareth Prep during New Student Orientation. The chapel was filled with nervous energy as 44 new students came forward to each light a candle signifying their place at the school. The orientation class included both this year's freshman class and transfer students who are coming to Nazareth Prep for their sophomore or junior years.

Nazareth Prep freshman Tessa Allison in class on the first day of school.

During their week-long orientation, new students were introduced to the Nazareth Prep way of life, the basics of our Internship Program, and the layout of our school building and campus. Throughout the week, students got to know one another through team-building activities, taking the first steps toward building a school community that will support them through the coming years.

New Student Orientation is an important opportunity to start the 2023-2024 school year strong. As Head of School Dr. Stacy Tweedy said, "This time we spend together is to build a space that allows you to do your best work here and fulfill your potential and your capacity."

Nazareth Prep students meet their mentors for the first time at Internship Partner Orientation.

Students aren't the only ones preparing for the coming year. Orientation was held on Thursday and Friday, September 7 and 8 for our Internship Program mentors. These representatives from our Internship Partners came to campus to get ready for internships to begin in mid-September and to meet their interns over lunch. Mentors are crucial to our students' success, helping them become work-ready and develop skills such as communication, complex thinking, and decision-making.

Nazareth Prep offers a diverse and innovative education, and this school year is off to a strong start. The school's success depends on students, families, teachers, staff, and corporate and nonprofit partners coming together with a shared goal – creating life-changing opportunities for our community's young people.