Notre Dame Academy administrators, Kim Grilliot, principal, left, and Notre Dame Sister Mary Ann Culpert, president, met International Baccalaureate (IB) graduate Yordanos Rufu and discussed the benefits of the (IB) degree for women. (Photo courtesy of Notre Dame Academy)

The conference theme was built around the powerful student philosophy of educator Kurt Hahn, who founded the Outward Bound movement and the first United World College, that students should develop the “power to think and the will to act.”

“The conference theme reflected our mission statement that encourages ‘young women for leadership and service by providing an exceptional educational experience permeated with Christian values,’ ” said Sr. Mary Ann.

Sessions included Approaches to Learning and Personality Theory, The IB Learner Profile as a Tool for Developing International Mindedness, Implementing the Diploma Program, Increasing Access and Choice: The Diploma Program Online Project, Developing Authentic Projects for Service and Action and many others. An area that both administrators are exploring is the IB Program as part of the Notre Dame Junior Academy.

One of the highlights of the conference was meeting and hearing from IB graduates how the program impacted their lives and their futures. One such young woman, Yordanos Refu, immigrated to Idaho from Ethiopia and completed the IB Program. Now in college studying international politics and economics, she spoke extensively to Sr. Culpert and Mrs. Grilliot about how the IB is beneficial for women.

The IB is recognized by the world’s leading universities. IB features strong academic coursework in core subject areas of math, English, foreign language, social studies and science. Students must also complete a course titled “Theory of Knowledge,” a 4,000-word extended essay that investigates a topic of special interest to the student, and a creativity-action-service requirement that encourages students to develop and share their talents with others.

There are only 17 IB high schools in Ohio and none of the schools are Catholic. Both Toledo Central Catholic High School and Notre Dame Academy are pursuing the program.