Blair Student Leadership Program

Here at Notre Dame Prep School, students are named Blair Leadership Scholars because of academic achievement and the leadership potential they evidenced prior to coming to NDP’s Upper Level.  Begun in 2005, thanks to the vision of one-time NDP parent Dan Twomey and funds from the Frank and Kathleen Blair/Christina Thalheimer Foundation, the scholarship program provides leadership enrichment and mentorship, as well as lays the foundation for a legacy of scholar-leaders at NDP.

During the course of her time in the Blair Leadership Program, each Blair Scholar spends time developing a “personal mission” and a supporting portfolio demonstrating this effort.  Through introspection, research and dialogue, each scholar works to understand her special gifts and talents and how they may be used to make the world a better place.  This requires the girls to realize their aptitudes, cultivate their “passions,” and to focus on the social issues that most inspire them. 

Students are named Blair Leadership Scholars because of academic achievement and the leadership potential they evidenced prior to coming to NDP’s Upper Level.

Blair Scholars have participated in both experiential and adventure-based leadership activities.  Recently, the girls visited a local climbing gym to participate in team- and trust-building activities.  There was even some rock climbing—the girls achieved “new heights” both literally and figuratively.  In their monthly meetings, the girls have studied contemporary leaders whose passions for particular issues guided them to visible leadership roles. 

Each Blair Scholar “shadows” an adult leadership mentor to gain real-world experience.  As the program grows over the years, these mentors will eventually be former Blair Scholars themselves.  Ultimately, it is hoped that the community of Blair Scholars and Alumnae that develops will build upon itself and expand.