Notre Dame Academy announces 2026 President’s Dinner honorees

GREEN BAY – Notre Dame Academy (NDA) is proud to announce the distinguished individuals to be honored at the 2026 President’s Dinner.

This annual event, held on May 6 at The LedgeCrest Reserve, celebrates the leaders, supporters, and alumni who embody the mission of Catholic education in Northeast Wisconsin.

This year, the Founders Award will be presented to Diane Conway. The Founders Award is the academy’s highest honor for supporters, recognizing an individual, couple, or organization for their longstanding commitment to Catholic education. Recipients are chosen for their selfless contribution of time, talent, and gifts to the NDA community.

“Diane Conway’s impact on our school cannot be overstated,” said Amy M. Ott, president of Notre Dame Academy. “Through her decades of visionary leadership, generous philanthropy, and steadfast belief in Catholic education, Diane has helped shape not only the foundation of NDA but also the lives of countless students and families in our community.”

Additionally, NDA will present the Distinguished Alumnus Award to two outstanding graduates of its legacy schools: Eric Novotny, Premontre High School 1988, and Aaron Popkey, Abbot Pennings High School 1989. This award recognizes alumni who have achieved professional excellence and personal integrity while reflecting the core values of Catholic high school traditions.

“It is a privilege to recognize Eric and Aaron,” Ott continued. “Eric’s more than 30 years of dedicated service to NDA and Aaron’s deep commitment to the Board of Education, along with his service on numerous other committees, reflect a remarkable devotion to their community. Their professional success and lifelong dedication to the values instilled during their time at Premontre and Abbot Pennings serve as a powerful example for our current students. They truly represent the enduring spirit of our legacy schools.”