2026 Valedictorian/Salutatorian

Published: March 19, 2026

Notre Dame Academy, Toledo, is proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the graduating class of 2026.

NDA’s 2026 Valedictorian is Abigail Beier, of Maumee.

Abigail is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Full Diploma student at Notre Dame Academy, and Speech & Debate team captain, a Student Ambassador, and a member of Executive Student Council. She also plays broomball for NDA, and served as a retreat leader for her peers through the Senior Catholic Leadership Seminar. Abigail also participated in NDA’s international program, studying abroad in Vechta, Germany, and in turn hosting an international student from Germany.

After graduation, Abigail plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington, where she will enroll in the Kelley School of Business. She plans to study Operations Management, with the goal of becoming an Operations Manager for a motor sports team.

Abigail attended St. Joseph Catholic elementary school in Maumee, and is a member of the parish, where she teaches children’s Liturgy of the Word at St. Joe’s on Sundays.

NDA’s 2026 Salutatorian is Elise Busse, of Toledo.

Elise is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Full Diploma Student at Notre Dame Academy, and also has been recognized as a National Merit Finalist and scholarship recipient. She has performed in NDA’s musicals for the past four years, and has participated in musicals withSt. Francis de Sales High School and other community theater groups. She is president of NDA’s National Art Honors Society and Art Club, a Student Ambassador, and served as a retreat leader for students through the Senior Catholic Leadership Seminar. Additionally, she worked as a campaign intern for NDA alumna Erin (Cullum) Kramer ’92 in her successful bid for Toledo City Council last fall.

After graduation, Elise plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she will study Political Science and International Studies, and enroll in the Honors Program. Her goal is to attend law school and work in immigration law or as a lobbyist.

Elise attended St. Rose Catholic elementary school in Perrysburg, and is a member of the parish.

NDA Principal Mrs. Andrea Zimmerman ’96 recognizes Abigail and Elise for their hard work and willingness to lead at NDA. “These two women of vision truly exemplify the effort, leadership, and humble nature of our students. We are grateful for their time with us at NDA, and we recognize that they are ready to move on, to continue to serveas servant leaders outside the NDA community,” she said.