Tradition of Service: NDP Celebrates 2025 Penny Queen Week
From November 17–21, the halls of Notre Dame Preparatory School buzzed with fun tunes, elaborate costumes, delicious baked goods, and a spirit of charity as the community celebrated one of its most highly anticipated traditions: Penny Queen Week.
Held annually the week before Thanksgiving break, Penny Queen is sponsored by the Christian Community Awareness Program (CCAP). The event blends high-energy fun with deep purpose, led by student-elected class "Penny Queens" who serve as the creative force behind the week’s fundraising efforts.
Held annually the week before Thanksgiving break, Penny Queen is sponsored by the Christian Community Awareness Program (CCAP). The event blends high-energy fun with deep purpose, led by student-elected class "Penny Queens" who serve as the creative force behind the week’s fundraising efforts.
The festivities kicked off on Monday morning with an all-school assembly where CCAP representatives and the Penny Queens addressed the student body regarding the impact of their fundraising and the challenges ahead. Setting the tone for a week of creativity, the Queens began the celebration dressed collectively as the emotions from the hit movie Inside Out.
While the week was filled with treats and bake sales, the primary goal remained focused on supporting transformative service initiatives. Proceeds from Penny Queen Week benefit three vital causes:
- The Josanna Abromaitis Service Endowment: Named for the SSND who founded Our Daily Bread, this fund supports service projects, including NDP’s Holy Week delegations.
- Ignacio Ellacuria Scholarships: Rooted in NDP's connection with a women-led community in El Salvador, these scholarships empowered 25 high school students this past year alone.
- Camp Umoja: Donations help fund buses that connect Baltimore City children to mentorship programs and summer camps.
Donations by the Numbers In addition to monetary fundraising, the school organized a massive food drive to benefit Ss. Gregory the Great, St. Edward, St. Bernardine, St. Pius V, and St. Peter Claver. Each grade level was tasked with collecting specific non-perishable items, resulting in a successful delivery of donations:
- Seniors: 167 jars of jelly
- Juniors: 180 jars of peanut butter
- Sophomores: 92 boxes of cereal
- Freshmen: 66 packages of pancake mix
Before departing for Thanksgiving break, the Penny Queens revealed one final surprise: a basketball showdown. With assistance from the varsity basketball team, the event featured student representatives from the Middle Level and Upper Level as well as faculty and staff competing alongside the Penny Queens. From layups to half-court shots, the competition provided a spirited send-off for the holiday.
As the week concluded, the community was reminded that every penny raised goes toward life-changing opportunities, proving once again that at NDP, small acts lead to great impact.
Notre Dame Preparatory School
A Catholic, independent college preparatory school for girls in grades 6–12, sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame
