Sofia Nielsen, a senior at Notre Dame Academy in Staten Island, New York, is inspiring her classmates to make change. As she gets ready to graduate, her mark on the place is inescapable. As a heartfelt commencement gift, she sketched portraits of 110 fellow graduates, combining her artistic talent with a personal touch.
By the end of two months, Nielsen had made her “crazy idea” into a tangible event. Pulling from the yearbook’s photos from last year, she carefully crafted each likeness, an endeavor that took both artistic integrity and resilience. The project allowed her to engage with her peers across the country in an unprecedented way. She finished all the drawings in secret while FaceTiming with them.
As graduation loomed—just two days away—Nielsen finished the portraits. This time crunch only inspired her. Completing the project on schedule became a source of motivation for her to get it done. The portraits became a material expression of the unexpected networks she cultivated during her time at the academy.
Her sunny disposition and strong creative voice have helped earned the respect of both her peers and faculty. As she gets ready to launch her next chapter, Nielsen has expansive ideas for the fall. She’s looking forward to Macaulay Honors College at the College of Staten Island and a path to nursing.
“A reminder that everything you have done here at Notre Dame will always be a part of you. A way to immortalize our legacy.” – Sofia Nielsen
As for the portraits, they reveal her vivid, imaginative, and at times otherworldly artistic talents. They point to the deep connections the students have made at NDA. As graduation nears, Nielsen’s creative, selfless act becomes an emotional token of loyalty and the journey they’ve both traveled together.
The portraits not only highlight her artistic skills but also reflect the strong bonds formed among the students at Notre Dame Academy. As graduation approaches, Nielsen’s thoughtful gesture stands out as a powerful symbol of friendship and shared experiences.
