History & Traditions

Join us as we explore the secrets of the Summit and view familiar sights with a new lens.  Developed by Summit social studies teacher and campus historian Tracy Law ’85, Ph.D., and Communications and Development Manager Ryan Glass ’11, class of 2011, the series explores the origins of our landmark 1890 school. Discover history that even students or faculty may not know. #SummitHistory  

Watch Episode 1

In Episode 2 of our video series, hear about the original “Silver Knight” whose contributions to The Summit continue to shape who we are today – both in the classroom and on the athletic field. We offer special thanks to Ken Van Kesteren ’83 who provided original footage of the 1982 Silver  Knights football team. #SummitHistory 

Watch Episode 2

Over our 130 years, The Summit has been blessed with the service of memorable priests.  Meet Father LaSance, who was also internationally renowned as a religious author. #SummitHistory

Watch Episode 3.

Who were the nuns originally interred in the Chapel? Meet the two visionary women who led the Sisters of Notre Dame in founding The Summit. #SummitHistory 

Watch Episode 4.

Through the years, many of The Summit’s neighbors have contributed to the community’s success. Learn about a gentleman who also played a key role in 19th century Presidential politics. #SummitHistory 

Watch Episode 5.

Geographically and spiritually the center of our community, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel houses a wealth of artistic gems. Hear about the vision that led to the creation of this sacred space.

Watch Episode 6.

After whom was Holmes Gym named? What popular building was here prior to the current one? Hear about some athletic history that you may not know.

Watch Episode 7.

Focus on a well-loved piece of religious iconography, created by a renowned European sculptor, but missing from the Chapel for a decade.

Watch Episode 8.

What’s in a name? Learn about the litany of names that The Summit has gone by during our 130 year history and what it meant to be a “country day” school.

Watch Episode 9.

A gift in honor of a graduate, an artistic creation by a 19th century company founded by a female Cincinnati icon – enjoy a closer look with new eyes at one of our many aesthetic gems.

Watch Episode 10.

The eyes of everyone who enters the Chapel are drawn to our stunning Main Altar. Examine the history and artistic beauty of this focal point of so many individual Summit memories.

Watch Episode 11.

From the moment you enter The Summit building, the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the artistic grace of the art and architecture surrounds us with history, community, and beauty.

Watch Episode 12.

Go Red Hawks! For decades, Summit boys in red and black took great pride in the pioneering athletic program that not only dominated city middle-school sports, but also shaped generations of young Cincinnati men.

Watch Episode 13.

To understand the mission of any Notre Dame Academic Community, you must first understand the woman and Saint who gave us the motto, “To Grow In Grace and Wisdom.”

Watch Episode 14.

Where was the first on-campus graduation ceremony held in 1893? For almost a century, this 3rd floor space has served a variety of spiritual, artistic, and social needs of our community.

Watch Episode 15.

Relics are part of the Catholic Church’s way of honoring and venerating individuals who have been beatified or bestowed with sainthood. See the large collection amassed by the Sisters, and explore the magnificent artistry of these tiny artifacts.

Watch Episode 16.

With athletic dominance across a variety of sports, where did The Summit's competitive success begin? Hear about the early wins of the Upper School boys basketball, baseball, and lacrosse squads that paved the way for our Summit Knights today.

Watch Episode 17.

Peek into the past with the story of a room where the 1st masses, 1920’s family-style meals, and contemporary commencement gatherings meet the photographic record of every graduating class since 1892.

Watch Episode 18.

Meet The Summit Headmaster who shepherded us through becoming a coed school (twice!) and helped build the independent non-religious leadership structure that today keeps us a strong, vibrant institution.

Watch Episode 19.

What about our youngest students? Learn about the Alpha Division, one of Cincinnati's earliest adopters of the Montessori method. From 1925-35, this was home to grades 1-6.

Watch Episode 20.

If the mission of the Sisters revolved around educating girls, why were there boys here at The Summit from our first decade? Hear how the responsiveness and flexibility of the nuns were the first steps in our evolution into a co-educational institution.

Watch Episode 21.

No tour of The Summit is complete without visiting the roof with its unique view of our campus, Hyde Park, and the Ohio River. Learn about the changing footprint of the school over the last 130 years.

Watch Episode 22.

Buildings, uniforms, relationships, academics, extracurriculars... in our final episode, join us in reflecting on what aspects of student life have changed dramatically across the generations - and what elements have remained, becoming foundational parts of The Summit tradition.

Watch Episode 23.