NDP CELEBRATES 2026 IB DIPLOMA CANDIDATES - A Catholic and Marist School | Notre Dame Prep | Pre K-12 Oakland County, MI
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Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
NDP CELEBRATES 2026 IB DIPLOMA CANDIDATES - A Catholic and Marist School | Notre Dame Prep | Pre K-12 Oakland County, MI
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April 22, 2026
For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click
here
.
Two-year program highlights academic rigor, independent research and student growth.
Notre Dame Preparatory School recognized its 2026 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidates Monday evening, honoring a group of 20 seniors whose academic work reflects both depth of study and intellectual independence.
The annual celebration highlighted the completion of the school’s most rigorous academic track, a two-year course of study that challenges students across disciplines while emphasizing research, writing and critical thinking.
“This has been a great group to work with,” said IB Diploma Program Coordinator Katrina Sagert. “These 20 multi-talented students have excelled in their academics as well as student leadership, athletics and in service. They are models of Christian people, upright citizens and academic scholars.”
Understanding the IB Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a globally recognized curriculum designed for students in their final two years of secondary education. Participants study six subject areas, including language and literature, a second language, social studies, experimental sciences, mathematics and the arts.
Students complete a mix of higher-level and standard-level courses, along with three core requirements: the Theory of Knowledge course, the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program and the Extended Essay.
The Extended Essay, a 4,000-word independent research paper, is often considered the centerpiece of the program. It requires students to explore a topic of personal interest through sustained academic inquiry, often at a level comparable to introductory university research.
Sagert noted that the program’s structure encourages both intellectual and personal development.
“These are truly ambitious young people, and I’m so proud of their accomplishments,” she said.
Growth across two years
During the ceremony, faculty speakers reflected on the students’ development since entering the program as juniors.
Sagert said Theory of Knowledge teacher and CAS coordinator Kyle Lilek emphasized students’ “curiosity and humility” as drivers of growth, while IB English Literature teacher Anthony Butorac pointed to their increasing “confidence and community.”
Together, those traits illustrate the program’s broader aim: not only academic achievement, but also the formation of reflective and engaged learners.
Research topics reflect wide-ranging interests
The Class of 2026 IB Diploma candidates’ Extended Essays demonstrate a wide range of academic interests, spanning science, literature, history, psychology and culture.
Several students explored questions in health and science. Maren Studt examined the effectiveness of oral appliances compared to CPAP machines in treating sleep apnea, while Julia Pakkala researched the effects of sleep deprivation on neurocognition. Krrish Patel analyzed the impact of robotic-assisted surgery on patient outcomes, and Samuel Piechocki investigated the effects of a carnivore diet on muscle growth.
Other projects focused on psychology and social issues. Jamie Thomas considered the role of mental health in sentencing decisions for violent offenders, and Ella Kissman studied variables affecting ADHD symptoms in children. Lucy Silver evaluated the effectiveness of criminal profiling in high-profile cases.
In the humanities, students engaged with literature, history and culture in varied ways. Daniel Archey analyzed themes of religion, love and loss in “Les Miserables,” while Mia Carles examined narrative self-awareness in “Lolita” and “Diary of an Oxygen Thief.” Brooks Warner explored themes of justice and redemption in the novel “Holes.”
Several essays connected culture and the arts. Mary Rose Montales studied Western influence on Pokémon character design, and Lauren Fletemier compared the cultural impact of film scores and popular music. Emily Seifert traced the influence of composers across musical eras, and Olivia Lawroski analyzed the evolution of method acting through prominent performers.
History and global perspectives were also prominent. Elisa Kim researched the impact of the Reformation on Baroque art, David Lanfear examined Cold War tensions and space technology development, and Lucas DiGrande analyzed behavioral finance during the 2008 financial crisis.
Other projects reflected interdisciplinary thinking. Quinn Thomas explored how cultural and religious influences shape depictions of vampires in literature, Samantha Broutin studied trends in the music industry, and Daniel Lebanion considered how technological innovation may shape the future of the American muscle car.
Class of 2026 candidates
The 2026 IB Diploma Program candidates are:
Daniel Archey, Samantha Broutin, Mia Carles, Lucas DiGrande, Lauren Fletemier, Elisa Kim, Ella Kissman, David Lanfear, Olivia Lawroski, Daniel Lebanion, Mary Rose Montales, Julia Pakkala, Krrish Patel, Samuel Piechocki, Emily Seifert, Lucy Silver, Maren Studt, Jamie Thomas, Quinn Thomas and Brooks Warner.
A continuum of learning
Notre Dame Prep offers the IB continuum from early childhood through grade 12, providing students with a consistent framework that emphasizes inquiry, global awareness and academic rigor.
The Diploma Program serves as the culmination of that experience, bringing together skills developed over many years into a final, comprehensive academic challenge.
As Sagert noted, the results are evident not only in the students’ research, but also in their character.
“They have excelled in their academics as well as student leadership, athletics, and in service,” she said. “These are truly ambitious young people.”
The ceremony recognized not just the completion of a program, but the preparation of students for the demands of higher education and the responsibilities that follow.
For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click
here
.
Comments or questions?
mkelly@ndpma.org
About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."
Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at
www.ndpma.org
.
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Phone: 248-630-7719
Email:
MAC@ndpma.org
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NDP CELEBRATES 2026 IB DIPLOMA CANDIDATES
Share to Facebook
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Share to LinkedIn
Share to Pinterest
Share to Email
Print this page
Share this article with a friend.
April 22, 2026
For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click
here
.
Two-year program highlights academic rigor, independent research and student growth.
Notre Dame Preparatory School recognized its 2026 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidates Monday evening, honoring a group of 20 seniors whose academic work reflects both depth of study and intellectual independence.
The annual celebration highlighted the completion of the school’s most rigorous academic track, a two-year course of study that challenges students across disciplines while emphasizing research, writing and critical thinking.
“This has been a great group to work with,” said IB Diploma Program Coordinator Katrina Sagert. “These 20 multi-talented students have excelled in their academics as well as student leadership, athletics and in service. They are models of Christian people, upright citizens and academic scholars.”
Understanding the IB Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a globally recognized curriculum designed for students in their final two years of secondary education. Participants study six subject areas, including language and literature, a second language, social studies, experimental sciences, mathematics and the arts.
Students complete a mix of higher-level and standard-level courses, along with three core requirements: the Theory of Knowledge course, the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program and the Extended Essay.
The Extended Essay, a 4,000-word independent research paper, is often considered the centerpiece of the program. It requires students to explore a topic of personal interest through sustained academic inquiry, often at a level comparable to introductory university research.
Sagert noted that the program’s structure encourages both intellectual and personal development.
“These are truly ambitious young people, and I’m so proud of their accomplishments,” she said.
Growth across two years
During the ceremony, faculty speakers reflected on the students’ development since entering the program as juniors.
Sagert said Theory of Knowledge teacher and CAS coordinator Kyle Lilek emphasized students’ “curiosity and humility” as drivers of growth, while IB English Literature teacher Anthony Butorac pointed to their increasing “confidence and community.”
Together, those traits illustrate the program’s broader aim: not only academic achievement, but also the formation of reflective and engaged learners.
Research topics reflect wide-ranging interests
The Class of 2026 IB Diploma candidates’ Extended Essays demonstrate a wide range of academic interests, spanning science, literature, history, psychology and culture.
Several students explored questions in health and science. Maren Studt examined the effectiveness of oral appliances compared to CPAP machines in treating sleep apnea, while Julia Pakkala researched the effects of sleep deprivation on neurocognition. Krrish Patel analyzed the impact of robotic-assisted surgery on patient outcomes, and Samuel Piechocki investigated the effects of a carnivore diet on muscle growth.
Other projects focused on psychology and social issues. Jamie Thomas considered the role of mental health in sentencing decisions for violent offenders, and Ella Kissman studied variables affecting ADHD symptoms in children. Lucy Silver evaluated the effectiveness of criminal profiling in high-profile cases.
In the humanities, students engaged with literature, history and culture in varied ways. Daniel Archey analyzed themes of religion, love and loss in “Les Miserables,” while Mia Carles examined narrative self-awareness in “Lolita” and “Diary of an Oxygen Thief.” Brooks Warner explored themes of justice and redemption in the novel “Holes.”
Several essays connected culture and the arts. Mary Rose Montales studied Western influence on Pokémon character design, and Lauren Fletemier compared the cultural impact of film scores and popular music. Emily Seifert traced the influence of composers across musical eras, and Olivia Lawroski analyzed the evolution of method acting through prominent performers.
History and global perspectives were also prominent. Elisa Kim researched the impact of the Reformation on Baroque art, David Lanfear examined Cold War tensions and space technology development, and Lucas DiGrande analyzed behavioral finance during the 2008 financial crisis.
Other projects reflected interdisciplinary thinking. Quinn Thomas explored how cultural and religious influences shape depictions of vampires in literature, Samantha Broutin studied trends in the music industry, and Daniel Lebanion considered how technological innovation may shape the future of the American muscle car.
Class of 2026 candidates
The 2026 IB Diploma Program candidates are:
Daniel Archey, Samantha Broutin, Mia Carles, Lucas DiGrande, Lauren Fletemier, Elisa Kim, Ella Kissman, David Lanfear, Olivia Lawroski, Daniel Lebanion, Mary Rose Montales, Julia Pakkala, Krrish Patel, Samuel Piechocki, Emily Seifert, Lucy Silver, Maren Studt, Jamie Thomas, Quinn Thomas and Brooks Warner.
A continuum of learning
Notre Dame Prep offers the IB continuum from early childhood through grade 12, providing students with a consistent framework that emphasizes inquiry, global awareness and academic rigor.
The Diploma Program serves as the culmination of that experience, bringing together skills developed over many years into a final, comprehensive academic challenge.
As Sagert noted, the results are evident not only in the students’ research, but also in their character.
“They have excelled in their academics as well as student leadership, athletics, and in service,” she said. “These are truly ambitious young people.”
The ceremony recognized not just the completion of a program, but the preparation of students for the demands of higher education and the responsibilities that follow.
For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click
here
.
Comments or questions?
mkelly@ndpma.org
About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."
Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at
www.ndpma.org
.
Post RSS Feeds
NDP CELEBRATES 2026 IB DIPLOMA CANDIDATES
FAITH IN ACTION
THREE SIGN TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE
GRATITUDE IN ACTION
A MISSION IN MOTION
THREE NDP STUDENTS EARN NJHS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
NDP NAMES JASON WHALEN HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AND HONORS PAT FOX’S LASTING LEGACY
A COHERENT VISION FOR MATHEMATICS
Prep News Now
Irish Magazine
Submit a story idea
Viewbook
Storybook
Visual Identity Standards
Office of Marketing & Communications
Dan Lai
Senior Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications
Phone: 248-630-7721
Mike Kelly
Director of Marketing
Phone: 248-972-7346
Jim Sesi
Webmaster
Phone: 248-630-7719
Email:
MAC@ndpma.org
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