Bonnie Westrich has announced her retirement from Notre Dame Regional High School.

Westrich was hired by Brother David Migliorino, OSF in the spring of 2002. Throughout her time at Notre Dame, Westrich has worked in the main office, athletics office and development office. She has been involved in Open Houses, freshman enrollment, faculty in-services, weekly scheduling, the summer camp program, golf tournaments, athletic hall of fame events, and was an integral part of the Notre Dame bingo program.

Westrich said, “I loved the fast pace of all three departments I worked with, and all – I mean all – of the parents, families and community members I have met through my years at Notre Dame.”

“She is the glue that holds everything together. That’s what comes to my mind when I think of Bonnie,” said Notre Dame Assistant Principal Paul Unterreiner. “Every day at Notre Dame is different, yet Bonnie keeps all of us up to speed.”

Her Calling

Westrich says that her greatest achievement throughout her time at Notre Dame is the connections she’s made with students. The moments she treasures most are when she’s at a game at Notre Dame, or shopping at the grocery store, and a graduate stops her for a hug and to catch up.

“When a graduate introduces me to their girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancé, or hands me their newest family addition…those are truly the moments I treasure,” she says.

Westrich says she feels working at Notre Dame has been her calling.

“If I made a bad moment for someone better, put a smile on a face, helped a kiddo overcome their nerves, or even make a momma feel better on a bad weather day that her kiddo made it to school, I have met my calling. I love the smiles I get when I talk to a student about one of their achievements. Letting them know they have been seen is a mission of mine.”

Notre Dame Principal Tim Garner said, “Ms. Bonnie has been the friendly voice on the phone and the smiling face that many students and parents encounter upon entering into Notre Dame. More importantly, she has been the calm in the midst of the storm that a high school can be. She always has just the right words to say to give things perspective and to allow that little bit of guidance that is needed at the right time.”

Notre Dame – A Family Affair

Westrich is a 1977 graduate of Notre Dame. Westrich’s daughter, Dana Welter Tingwall, graduated in 1996, and her son, Derek Welter, is a 2000 graduate. Derek’s wife, Stacey Seyer Welter, graduated in 2004, and they have three daughters, Reagan, Riley and Emmy, who will all attend Notre Dame. Another two of Westrich’s granddaughters, Chelsea and Paige Westrich, attended Notre Dame until they moved.

“A big thrill working for your alma mater is to see your classmates and those you went to high school with send their next generation through,” Westrich said. “But my proudest moment is about to come this May when my grandson, Brayden Tingwall, walks across the stage and moves that tassel over, marking the beginning of a third generation to graduate from Notre Dame.”

While Westrich’s husband, Mike, did not graduate from the high school, he’s been an integral part of the Notre Dame family. Mike served as the school board president, played a role in the fruition of the current campus, served as bingo chairman for six years, and is currently the president of the finance committee.

Westrich’s extended family are also Bulldogs.

“My brother, Larry Eftink (’80), his wife Suzanne Priest Eftink (’80), and their kids Clayton (’05), Whitney (’08) and Hunter Eftink (’15) are all Notre Dame grads. So yes, my family really does bleed blue,” Westrich said. “I thank and appreciate my parents, Louis and Alene Eftink, for their decision and sacrifice to begin my journey at ND.”

Retirement

Westrich plans on traveling with her husband, and is looking forward to all of the adventures her grandkids will take them on in retirement. She is also looking forward to playing golf and enjoying lake time with her best friend of 50 years, Karen Beussink Rigdon (’77).

“My time and work at ND have been a joy. I have met and worked with some of the greatest people in the world, and even watched several grow through high school and come back to work here,” Westrich reminisced. “I will retire proud and happy and continue to support the school on the hill, this sacred place. I am forever ND.”