Although school was not in session Sunday, more than 250 Notre Dame Regional High students, teachers and parents gathered at the school to pray. A few miles away at Saint Francis Medical Center, Brother David Migliorino, the school's principal, was undergoing successful triple-bypass heart surgery.
Brother David, a Franciscan friar who wears a hooded black robe, is an intense and fun-loving man who sometimes switches roles with a student for a day. The outpouring comes for a leader who has worked to deepen the nurturing, familial atmosphere at the school since becoming principal in 1999.
"The support has just been overwhelming," said Jeff Whorley, dean of students.
Brother David's heart problems began last Monday when he went to the hospital after experiencing tightness in his chest. After tests and an overnight stay, he was released from the hospital on the condition he would come in for a checkup in a week. However, the tightness and pain in his chest worsened on Saturday, forcing his return to the hospital for surgery.
Brad Wittenborn, assistant principal, sat with Brother David Sunday after his surgery.
"Everything has gone well," said Wittenborn of the surgery and recovery. "He is able to sit up and talk to people."
Although the principal was allowed only a few visitors in his critical care room, students, teachers and parents demonstrated their concern in other ways.
Wittenborn told of the many volunteers offering to bring food, cook, clean and sit with Brother David.
"One of the things we are trying to do is put together meals while he is in recovery," parent Jayne Erwin said. "Low-fat, low-sugar, heart-healthy kinds of things."
A sign-up sheet for these services is currently in the works at Notre Dame. A meeting will be held today at the school to further organize volunteers.
"Brother David means the world to all of us. Whatever people are asked to do, there will be tons of people jumping on board," said Cindy Heischmidt, one of the parents who attended Sunday's prayer support at the school.
Even though all of this has happened on a three-day weekend, Wittenborn said there is an outpouring of concern and support from the students. Those at basketball practice on Sunday rushed up to him eagerly asking about Brother David.
"It speaks volumes for how students feel about Brother [David]," said Wittenborn.
Amber Karnes, a senior at the high school, was out of town with the junior varsity basketball team when she received news about the principal's surgery.
"I'm worried," she said. "I was taken back for a second. You don't think of it happening around you."
Brother David is expected to be moved from the critical care unit to a regular room today, where visitors are welcome during regular visiting hours. He is expected to be out of school for the next six weeks for recovery.
Whorley said the entire staff is ready to pitch in to help cover Brother David's responsibilities. As assistant principal, Wittenborn will be in charge of the school.
Karnes does not expect the students to behave differently, but she does expect a change in the school's atmosphere without the positive presence of Brother David.
"He brings the day to life. I mean, not hearing his voice, not hearing his random comments over the intercom," added Karnes. "It's going to be different without him. Six weeks is a long time."
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