There is a famous quote that states “You have to know the past, to understand the present.” In acknowledging that statement, we have created a Notre Dame Academy Legacy Award to acknowledge certain individuals who have had a long, lasting impact on making our Sports Program what it is today.
During the 95/96 school year, Dave Bilski became involved in St. Martins Elementary School, which eventually became Notre Dame Academy in 2006. Dave was a basketball coach for over eight years, as he coached his children: Jenna, Lauren, and Brian during their elementary and middle school years. Coaching basketball, and working with young men and women, was a passion for Dave. When Dave speaks of his years coaching for Notre Dame, he recalls specific games, moments in the games, and kids that he coached. His passion, enthusiasm, and the pride that he has for coaching and being able to be on the sidelines while his children played, is evident whenever talking to Dave.
After Howie Stutz and Bill Dunford retired, Dave organized the Sports Program, and had a lasting impact during in the merger involving St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure to Notre Dame Academy. When St. Martin’s became Notre Dame Academy, Dave was the treasurer for the Sports Committee, and was instrumental in fundraising for the NDA Sports Program, and in helping to purchase all new uniforms for the new school.
In my time knowing Dave, it is evident that he truly cares about Notre Dame Academy, and understands the importance of Catholic education, athletics, and giving back to one’s community through community service. Each year, Dave Bilski and members of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Nash Council #3875 hosts a free throw contest for our students and students in the South Buffalo community. This year they are planning to host a Soccer Shout out Competition as well. Each Spring, Dave, his family, and the Knights of Columbus run and organize a Golf Raffle, with the proceeds going to (4) 8th grade students that plan on attending Catholic High School. This year alone, they gave over $14,000 in scholarship money to students in our area, (2) of which were from Notre Dame Academy.
As you can see, Dave Bilski has had a lasting impact on our Sports Program, and he continues to give of himself to help our student athletes, and their families through community events and initiatives, and in his commitment to Catholic Education. Dave is an example of what we preach to our students daily, about being “Neighborly, Deviated, and Accountable,” and we are very fortunate to have Dave as part of our Notre Dame Academy Family.