Notre Dame High School Students Make Thrive in Joy Firsts in the Dominican Republic

Thrive in Joy welcomed an inspiring group of 11 Notre Dame High School students, along with faculty members, Coach Cindy Kramer and Mr. Medene Presley, for an unforgettable week of service in the Dominican Republic. This trip in June marked several firsts for Thrive in Joy: the first high school student group, an initial visit to a school for the deaf, and a first-time outing to the zoo with the children from the Remar Orphanage.

Thrive in Joy’s Director of Dominican Republic Programs, Josue Najera, was a valuable resource in helping to coordinate this historic trip even though he was unable to join the team due to family commitments. Josue and Nick were both proud alumni of the Notre Dame Knights class of 2012.

The week’s activities brought joy to children and teens at CCES, the premier school in the Dominican Republic serving the deaf. Translating hugs, smiles, and waves became second nature as we connected with the children. Only smiles were needed to encourage the 100+ deaf students who participated in activities with our team. Together we built spaghetti towers and enjoyed an energetic volleyball game which brought us all even closer to the students and each other.

The principal at CCES was overjoyed by our presence telling us they had not had a mission team visit since before the pandemic and it meant so much to the students to have us there.  This trip also brought us back to the Herrera community where we delivered food and provisions to families in need. Additionally, one of the highlights of every trip is our always-uplifting return to the Remar Orphanage. On this visit we treated the children, young adults, and staff to a delicious fried chicken dinner and they treated us to a spectacular talent show!

Thank you to all the Notre Dame staff, parents, and students who made this trip possible and to our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment and spirit.