A PUBLICATION FOR THE DOWLING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER DR. JERRY DEEGAN
Dear Friends, I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. There are many reasons to be thankful for the blessings bestowed upon us at Dowling Catholic. You are counted amongst those blessings. We have a new name and format of our magazine. We chose Focus because it defines well our mission and challenge‌to keep our Focus on what is important. We made changes to our format to make the magazine more readable and easier to follow. We hope you enjoy it. A portion of each issue will contain features illustrating how our students, alumni or community are Christ-centered Leaders living out their charisms of Faith - being on a faith journey, Truth - seeking to be the best version of self, and Wisdom - being a servant leader walking in the footsteps of Christ. Our goal is to keep you informed about the regular news of the school and alumni but also give witness to interesting and sometimes inspiring happenings as well. I hope you enjoyed our Annual Report and I want to thank everyone for the generous support shown to our students and the school. Our students are able to have quality instruction, equipment and facilities because of the investment of so many wonderful donors. We are excited about the construction progress of the new Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel, as you will read in one of our features. We are fully enclosed and on target to finish sometime in early April. We are extremely excited about the stained glass windows in the new chapel that will illustrate the combination of formation and education and contain meaningful messages. I cannot wait to see the chapel when it is finished. It will be a beautiful structure and will provide a sacred space for our students to grow in their faith. I wish you and your family a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
TEACH ME YOUR WAY, LORD, THAT I MAY WALK IN YOUR FAITH. PSALM 86:11
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CONTENTS Focus magazine is published for Dowling Catholic parents,
FEATURES
alumni and donors.
ON THE COVER
6
The cross featured on the cover was constructed and donated by Jon Hrabe, former Dowling Catholic parent and current grandparent. Located on campus south of the 17th Street entrance, the cross was handcrafted by Hrabe.
10 CONTACT Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Rd. West Des Moines, IA 50265
16 IN EVERY ISSUE 4
| ADVANCEMENT UPDATE
CLASS NOTES:
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How to help every student everyday.
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| ON CAMPUS
| WELL DONE
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| STEM SPOTLIGHT DCHS is pleased to be adding both FFA and agriculture courses.
Submit class notes, including your full name and class year, to advancement@dowlingcatholic.org
TRUE MAROON Featuring outstanding and successful alumni.
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Success in the classroom and on the field.
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CALENDAR Find out about upcoming Dowling events.
Check out the latest school happenings.
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515.225.3000 www.dowlingcatholic.org
CLASS NOTES/ IN MEMORIAM Be in the know about alumni and friends of Dowling.
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THE PULSE Dowling wins pop concert in national Twitter campaign. F O CU S
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ADVANCEMENT UPDATE
Every gift makes a difference.
THE ANNUAL APPEAL DIFFERENCE We invite you, along with other parents, alumni and friends to support the Every Student Every Day Annual Appeal each year to ensure Dowling Catholic’s success in preparing our students to be Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ. Your generosity provides a faith integrated curriculum, an academic proficiency that is top-rated in the state and helps to keep tuition affordable for all. For more information call 515-225-3000 or email Staci Burr at sburr@dowlingcatholic.org.
Did you know tuition only covers 67 percent of the per-student cost for each child?
Value tuition rate that is less than per-student cost.
www.dowlingcatholic.org/donatenow 44
CATHOLIC OLIC HHIGH IGH SC SCHOOL HOOL DDOOWWLIN LINGG CATH
HOW DID YOU PANCAKE? and twenty-two businesses and organizations donated goods and services. For others, hearing about the Dowling Catholic Pancake Breakfast brings back memories. Fr. Paul Monahan said, “Hearing about the event revived memories of the first Pancake
The 53rd Annual Pancake Breakfast will go
Breakfast 53 years ago. I remember the ex-
down in the books as another successful
we sold the most tickets and received a prize
event for Dowling Catholic High School and
(which I don’t remember)….but we did hold
the Parents’ Guild with over 3,000 people in
bragging rights.” Fr. Monahan, now retired,
attendance. This Dowling Catholic tradition,
actively served the Diocese for over 50 years
which raises money to support teachers and
and taught at Dowling Catholic High School
staff in fulfilling classroom needs, would
from 1960-64.
citement in my freshman home room because
not be possible without the support of local businesses and the many dedicated volun-
The history behind Pancake Breakfast was
teers who donate their time and energy to
also of special significance for another who
the event.
attended this year’s breakfast. Aloyse Dowie ’38 (St. Joseph’s Academy) attended the
Chairing this year’s breakfast were Lisa
breakfast with her daughter Cindy Dowie
Scolatti and Katie McKenzie, assisted by
Elgin ‘71 (St. Joseph’s Academy). Dowie’s
co-chairs Jennifer and Pat Kelly and Kim and
husband Frank ’38, who passed away in
Mike Darr. Parents and students also provide
2012, was one of the original founders of the
support to this community event by selling
Pancake Breakfast. Dowie, along with the late
and purchasing tickets. For the first time this
Pat Connelly ’40 (St. Joseph’s Academy) and
year students were also involved in promot-
Noah Lacona, who graduated from Lincoln
ing the event through a social media cam-
High School in 1941, founded the breakfast
paign organized by the event chairs using
for the Dowling Club in 1953. The event was
Twitter and Instagram.
first held in St. Theresa’s parish hall, and then moved to the Dowling gymnasium. As
One long-time sponsor, Harvey Sergio of
attendance grew, the breakfast first moved to
Heartland Products, has supplied the pancake
Vet’s Auditorium before the current location
batter for many years. Sergio made a promise
at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
years ago to Sister Frances Comito that he would provide the pancake batter for as long
Next year’s 54th Annual Pancake Breakfast
as he is able and he has continued to do so
will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds,
every year. In addition, sixteen local business-
Varied Industries Building, on Sunday, Oct.
es provided $4,450 in underwriting support,
25, 2015. F O CU S
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CHAPEL PHOTO in shaping the Christ-Centered Leaders of tomorrow
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DO WWLIN LIN G GCATH OLIC HO OL DO CATH OLICH IGH H IGHSCSC HOOL
Dowling Catholic High School is pleased to Mike Coppola, on behalf of announce the naming of the Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel in recognition of the Coppola brothers Arthur ‘68 (Kate Freylack ‘84), Edward ’72 (Nancy) and Michael’s ’74 (Julie) one million dollar gift to the We Believe Capital Campaign. In addition to their We Believe Campaign gift, the Coppola brothers are long-time supporters of Dowling Catholic’s financial aid program, sponsoring an annual golf outing
the brothers noted, “We have long credited our Dowling education as being a critical foundation in our formative years both intellectually and spiritually. We are confident that the new chapel will assist Dowling Catholic in shaping the Christ-centered leaders of tomorrow.”
for over 30 years that benefits students who
LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE! As with past recognition opportunities of the We Believe Campaign, individuals and families can make their gift in honor of a loved one, mentor, friend or something meaningful to them.
are in need of tuition assistance to attend Dowling Catholic.
Gifts can be made in installments of up to five years, thus allowing for benefactors to con-
Dr. Jerry Deegan, President of Dowling Catholic High School said, “For many years, the Coppola family has provided financial
ART COPPOLA
ED COPPOLA
MIKE COPPOLA
tribute more than possible with a “one-time gift.” Many recognition opportunities have been reserved, but the following individual
assistance to families who need help to
opportunities are still available in the chapel
attend Dowling. Their gift for the chapel
The Coppola brothers are also past recipients
and the We Believe campaign extends their
of the Civitas Award, the highest honor given
support to the faith life of ALL students.”
by the school in recognition of their extraor-
Narthex/School Lobby: $500,000
dinary dedication and service to Dowling
Crucifix: $250,000
The Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel is
Catholic.
scheduled to open in the spring of 2015.
and narthex:
Altar: $250,000
This historic campus addition will assist
To view the chapel construction
St. Joseph Statue: $200,000
students on their faith journey to become
photo gallery, visit
Stained Glass Windows: $100,000
Christ-centered Leaders.
stjosephchapeldchs.smugmug.com
Choir Loft: $75,000 Confessional: $50,000 Priest Chair: $50,000 Pews: $25,000 each (few available) Partial Pew: $10,000 (few available) For further information, please contact: Ryan Osborn, 515-222-1095 or rosborn@dowlingcatholic.org Julie Matternas, 515-222-1044 or jmattern@dowlingcatholic.org
Chapel Interior Rendering (provided by RDG Planning & Design)
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ON CAMPUS
THE REAL DEAL With the construction of the Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic High School, the students in Andy Schreck’s Civil Engineering and Architecture class are gaining more than a place to worship and celebrate Mass. Working with Graham Construction, students are experiencing all aspects of the project from planning and design to construction during weekly site visits. Guided by Project Superintendent, Jason Wegner and Project Engineer, Tim Bratvold, students have watched them build walls, pour the floor, install plumbing, electric, and HVAC systems, and have even visited the roof. “It has been great working with Jason and Tim from Graham,” said Schreck. ”They do an excellent job of explaining each phase of the project to the students and allow them to get up close to the materials and the construction processes. They engage the students, answer their questions, and keep things fun and interesting. Most importantly, they’re teaching our kids the importance of safety and respect for all people involved with the project.” Through this experience students are learning more than would ever be possible in a traditional classroom setting. They do learn about structural calculations, construction materials, and building utilities as they traditionally would, but these students will also take with them invaluable first-hand experience. “I visit with all three of my classes and see something new each time,” said Schreck. “I know that this type of experience does not come along often. In my previous work experience, I helped engineer job sites in preparation for a building, but I’ve never been able to observe construction of the building itself.” The students are also aware of the importance of the Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel to DCHS and understand the historical significance. The chapel will be standing long after these students are gone, and no other group will have the intimate knowledge of the planning, engineering, and details that went into the construction. Schreck hopes it’s something they’ll remember and be proud of for a long time.
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THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH The 2014 Homecoming Week theme was all things Disney. Students were very creative and enjoyed dressing up each day based on a different Disney movie. Special events during the week included a nighttime showing of the movie Up, a service project collecting food items and writing notes to younger students, a karaoke singing contest, and a spirited pep assembly where seniors James Bussey and Sydney Ellis were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. The DCHS Parents’ Guild hosted a tailgate for all fans, alumni and students. The football team had a big win over Lewis Central with a final score of 51-10. The week concluded with a magical Homecoming dance attended by more than 500 juniors and seniors.
13TH ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS’ DAY CELEBRATION This year’s Grandparents’ Day Celebration was a record-breaking day! Nearly 700 grandparents attended the festivities which included a coffee social, an opening prayer by theology teacher A.J. Spike `06, school year highlights by Dr. Jerry Deegan, and senior Joe Brett `16 speaking about his Dowling Catholic experience and how his grandparents have influenced his life. Bob and Maureen Young provided opening comments before the all-school Mass, which was the highlight of the morning as more than 2,200 Dowling Catholic community members worshiped together as One Body of Christ. Visit our Facebook page to view photos from this year’s celebration. Please mark your calendars for next year: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015!
SEND OUR LOVE AROUND THE WORLD “We can send our love around
A group of 40 talented, enthu-
I think older kids can teach the
the world” is the message sung
siastic and dedicated seniors
younger kids about not bully-
by Dowling Catholic Maroon
have visited Holy Trinity, St.
ing and not using drugs and
Crew seniors. These seniors
Theresa’s, Sacred Heart, and
alcohol. They take that mes-
have been sending their love to
Holy Family, with more visits
sage even more to heart than
the parochial schools this fall,
to come. Each assembly uses
if adults just tell them. I really
helping Rock in Prevention and
music and skits to promote the
enjoy sharing such a positive
founder Pat McManus ‘76, per-
message and reach the younger
message with younger kids and
form assemblies that campaign
students. Senior Logan Pierce
mentoring them in the process.”
against bullying and drug and
said, “I enjoy putting on Rock In
alcohol use.
Prevention assemblies because F O CU S
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After graduating from high school, Jacque LeWarne ’14 danced her way into the Top 10 of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” before embarking on a cross country dance tour.
Since graduating from Dowling Catholic
You Think You Can Dance” during her senior
LeWarne was one of 157 dancers (from five
High School in May of 2014, it’s safe to
year, and she’s enjoying every minute of it.
auditioning cities) who made it to Los Angeles for the semi-finals. Shocked and excited
say that most of Jacque LeWarne’s fellow classmates have not experienced dancing on
LeWarne’s “So You Think You Can Dance”
when she learned she made the call-back,
national television and visiting more than 70
journey began when she traveled to Chica-
LeWarne had to miss a another week of
cities as part of a nationwide dance tour.
go with her mother to audition during the
school, but had signed a contract agreeing to
second semester of her senior year. Expect-
confidentiality and had to continue to keep
That’s exactly what Jacque LeWarne has
ing nothing more than a good experience,
her plans a secret.
been doing since she first auditioned for
she missed a few days of school, but kept her
Fox’s nationally televised competition “So
audition quiet.
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D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL
Soon enough everyone in the Dowling Cath-
hometown cheering her on, LeWarne made it
or was homesick and missing my
as far as the final six before being eliminated
family...I knew God was with me. Also all the
in August.
support from my Dowling friends and
LeWarne’s experience didn’t end there as
uplifting and encouraging! I’m very grateful!”
family throughout my experience was very she is currently traveling the country as part of the 74-city “So You Think You Can Dance” Live Tour with the top ten finalists. The tour began in October when it came through the Midwest with performances in Davenport, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. With stops everywhere from New York City to Vancouver, the tour will conclude in February with a performance in Fargo, North Dakota. “The tour has been amazing!” said LeWarne. “All the dancers that were on the show with me have become a second family. It’s like we are on one big family road trip, and we get to do what we love every night. I love being able to see the country and explore at least a little in each town.” Prior to the show LeWarne’s plans had in-
“Dowling was great in preparing me for my experiences after graduation. The community at Dowling Catholic helped strengthen my faith and keep God close.”
cluded attending Iowa State University, and aside from being part of the dance team, she was planning on putting dance on hold. Now once the tour ends, LeWarne hopes to dance professionally for a few more years while taking college classes online. Wherever LeWarne’s talent takes her, she believes her faith and education at Dowling olic community would learn what LeWarne
Catholic have been
had been up to as she began competing
instrumental in preparing
weekly on national television.
her for her future.
LeWarne has been studying ballet since the
“Dowling was great
age of three. However, during the show, she
in preparing me for my experiences
and her competitors were quickly challenged
after graduation,”said LeWarne.
with learning a variety of styles of dance in-
“The community at Dowling
cluding ballroom, contemporary, hip-hop and
Catholic helped strengthen
jazz, among others. The viewing audience,
my faith and keep God close.
combined with the input of a panel of judges,
Especially during the summer
determined which dancers advanced to the
when I was nervous and stressed
next stage from week to week. With her
about getting my dances down F O CU S
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WELL DONE
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE TO PLAY BASEBALL
FOOD (drive) FIGHT!
Since the year 2000 the Kiwanis Miracle League of Des Moines has
peanut butter. Dowling Catholic students donated over 1000 items
been helping children with special needs play baseball. Many Dow-
to benefit the Backpack Buddies program, a program designed to
ling Catholic teams and service groups have become involved with
send free food home on the weekends and holidays to students and
this great organization. HDMC (Helping the Des Moines Community),
their families who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
the Dowling Catholic cross country teams, and the Dowling Catholic
Senior Lilli Lopez said, “We wanted to get involved with this program
baseball team have all volunteered in recent months to help special
because no child should ever go hungry.” Senior Jill Connolly added,
needs children bat, field, and run the bases. Senior Kylie McMurray
“It was awesome to have a friendly competition with another school.
said, “It’s a great experience not only for the kids, but for us as well!”
Regardless of the results, we were both helping the community.”
During the second week of October students from DCHS engaged in a food drive contest with Johnston High School. Freshmen brought in pudding cups, sophomores fruit cups, juniors soup, and seniors
KING LEAR TO DOWLING CATHOLIC STAGE The DCHS Performing Arts Department was up for the challenge when director Tim Sheaff decided to look past the obvious Shakespeare options and tackle King Lear for the Fall Play. It was no easy feat with darker material and challenging characters, but 23 students created the world of Lear with excellence. “We produce Shakespeare in the fall every three years,” said Sheaff. “As I knew we would have a very talented stable of performers, I knew we needed a piece of literature that would challenge them.” King Lear is the tale of a father who divides his land among
two of his three daughters, misjudging the third daughter’s DOW CATH OLICOLIC H IG H SC HO 12 12 DLOING WLIN G CATH H IGH SCOL HOOL
love for him. Once the two daughters receive the land, they have no use for the old man and mistreat him. It’s a story of family dysfunction, greed, and ultimately of loss and destruction. According to Sheaff, the famous storm on the Heath stretched the technical capabilities of the student crew but they successfully managed the storm. In the scene, Lear rushes from a fight with his daughters into a raging thunderstorm. Thunder and lightning are the backdrop, but may also be considered a reflection of the state of Lear’s mind as he is filled with fury towards his daughters and on the verge of madness.
THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP
Dowling Catholic High School’s Best Buddies program offers stu-
Making freshmen feel welcome has always been a priority at Dowling
dents from DCHS the opportunity to mentor and develop friendships
Catholic, but this year the Campus Ministry team has created a new
with students from Ruby Van Meter School. Ruby Van Meter is a Des
program that focuses on sophomores. Christy Sheaff, Campus Minis-
Moines Public School serving over 175 students with moderate to
try Director, said, “The purpose is to identify the role of sophomores
severe disabilities. Through the Best Buddies program, co-moderated
as necessary and essential members of the Dowling Catholic commu-
by counselor Dan Malloy and Spanish teacher Becky Cunningham,
nity and help them negotiate the changes that occur during sopho-
students participate in various activities throughout the year. This
more year. We hope this will help them grow in holiness, confidence
fall DCHS students held pizza parties for their buddies to celebrate
and leadership.”
their Homecoming, and recently hosted Ruby Van Meter students at DCHS for lunch and a tour. Taylor Dworek, a senior at DCHS and Best
The sophomores recently attended the Sophomore Activities Fair
Buddies President said, “We team up with our buddies, hang out with
where they learned about the many ways to get involved at DCHS. As
them, dance with them. It is just an awesome organization that every-
a class, the sophomores will complete a service project, host a sopho-
one should be a part of.”
more social event, and attend the Sophomore Quest Retreat.
“Physically, mentally, and emotionally, this role was challenging ,” said senior Jeffrey Laughrun who portrayed King Lear. “As a seventeen year old, portraying an eighty year old man was difficult. The most challenging aspect, however, was portraying a father who lost a daughter. I’ve never suffered the loss of a loved one, and certainly don’t have any children. I had to draw on how I feel about friends, family, my significant other, and simply try to put myself in other’s shoes.” Sheaff concluded, “I love having 20 plus students prepare so that 1000 other students and the community at large can come and feel one of the great works in the cannon of all literature.” FO CU S S | | F AFLALL L2 021041 4 FO CU
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STEM SPOTLIGHT
FUTURE FARMERS OF...DCHS? Farming is not what traditionally comes to
Experiences (CDE), classroom instruction and
“Parents often ask
mind when thinking of Dowling Catholic or
FFA. The curriculum will also include many
why FFA at Dowling
STEM (science, technology, engineering and
opportunities for hands-on learning that are
Catholic, and my
math), but Dowling Catholic is pleased to be
project, activity and lab driven. According to
answer is why
adding both FFA (Future Farmers of Amer-
Prombo, this curriculum goes well beyond
not?” said
ica) and agriculture courses as the latest
farming and has a lot to offer students in an
Dowling
enhancements to the STEM program. Tonia
urban setting.
Catholic High School
Prombo, a new science teacher at DCHS, is “Farming actually makes up only two percent
President Dr.
of agriculture,” said Prombo. “Hopefully
Jerry Deegan.
Prombo comes to Dowling Catholic with
incorporating agriculture into the STEM
” We’re located in the epicenter of
a Bachelor of Science degree in Agrono-
program at DCHS will give students a better
agriculture in the U.S. With local partners
my, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech
focus for college and inspire them to think of
like Stine, Kemin, Monsanto and Pioneer
Communications, and a Master’s degree in
possible careers they might not have consid-
related to the business of agriculture, what a
Agriculture Education, all from Iowa State
ered otherwise.”
great opportunity this will give our students
leading the way.
to learn more about the important work
University. Prombo also holds endorsements in biology, general science and multi-occu-
In addition to aligning with the STEM units,
that’s taking place in Iowa. The world’s
pational teaching, and is currently teaching
CASE presents cross-curricular opportunities
population is estimated to be 9 billion by
Biology and Integrated and Advanced
with English and the arts. In doing so, stu-
2050. Knowing how to provide food for that
Biology at DCHS.
dents have opportunities to practice public
number will be key for the future.”
speaking, develop leadership skills and Agriculture programs are in fact designed to
participate in community service.
The dreams are big when it comes to the future of FFA and agricultural programming
be STEM based, and Prombo teaches using CASE (Curriculum for Agriculture Science
The FFA organization has also embraced the
at DCHS. In addition to new course offer-
Education), which is written with specific
fact that it’s not just about farming anymore.
ings and expanding FFA activities, plans
alignments for science, technology, engi-
In 1988, the official name of the organization
also include the possibility of a green house
neering and math. The program at DCHS
was changed from “Future Farmers of Ameri-
available to the entire science department,
has been designed with a three-pronged
ca” to “The National FFA Organization”
additional outdoor classrooms and more.
approach to include Career Development
to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture.
I N G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL 1414D ODWOLWLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL
CALENDAR > DEC 1 Dowling Catholic Christmas Concert Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines
> DEC 12 Candlelighting Ceremony Dowling Catholic High School Gym 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will
The Candlelighting Cere-
Please join us for Dowling Catholic’s 31st
include sacred and secular Christmas music
mony, a tradition started at
Annual Gala and Auction. This event helps
performed by the Jazz Choir, Mixed Chorus,
St. Joseph’s Academy, will
raise funds for the teachers’ classroom wish
Chamber Choir, and A Cappella Choir. A
take place at 1:00 p.m. and
list. This is not only a fundraising event, but
special portion of the concert will include a
celebrates the conclusion of
also an evening of wonderful food, music
Dowling Catholic’s Christ-
and fellowship.
selection that features the senior members of the choral program. Free to the public.
> APR 11 31st Annual Gala and Auction Embassy Suites 101 East Locust Street, Des Moines
mas Basket program. The service program is led by Dowling Catholic seniors and provides assistance to families in need during the holidays.
> JAN 8 > DEC 4 President’s Christmas Luncheon Des Moines Golf & Country Club 1600 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Today’s Maroons, Tomorrow’s Leaders Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines This is an event for Dowling Catholic graduates from the class of 2011. The event will provide an opportunity for alumni
Dowling Catholic friends and alumni are
approaching college graduation to network
invited to join Dr. Jerry and Pat Deegan as
with alumni business leaders in Des Moines.
they host the annual President’s Christmas
The event is sponsored by the Greater Des
Luncheon to kick off the Christmas season.
Moines Partnership. For more information, contact Meg Courter at mcourter@dowling-
> DEC 5 - 7 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Dowling Catholic Auditorium 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines
catholic.org or 515.222.1048.
> APR 23 Scholastic Achievement Assembly/ Distinguished Alumni Awards Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines Dowling Catholic High School proudly awards alumni of both St. Joseph Academy and Dowling Catholic High School with the Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni Awards. Nominees selected will be honored at the Scholastic Achievement Assembly on Apr. 23. Nominations are
> FEB 26
due Nov. 30. Please contact Meg Courter at
Guild Style Show Sacred Heart Parish Center 1601 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines
515.222.1048 or mcourter@dowlingcatholic. org with questions or to make a nomination.
course offered at Dowling Catholic. Perfor-
This fun and exciting night is something not
mances will take place Dec. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m.
to be missed! Groups may purchase a table
> For the most up-to-date calendar information visit www.dowlingcatholic.org
with a special matinée Dec. 5 for parochial
and decorate with a theme of choice. Some
school fourth graders. Cost: $5 for adults
themes are very elaborate, some humorous,
and $3 for children and students with SAT.
and some just a lot of FUN! This night is a
The Winter Play is produced by students in the Acting + class, the highest level acting
gift acquisition party to help support the annual auction. Don’t miss this fun night.
F O CU S
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With the important job of cultivating faith in their students, the Dowling Catholic faculty is working together to grow as Christ-centered leaders through interactive School of Faith sessions. The School of Faith is based out of Kansas City and provides ongoing adult catechesis to all 44 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City. In addition, School of Faith presenters now travel to Des Moines on a monthly basis to lead sessions for all teachers in the Diocese of Des Moines. The idea of ongoing faith formation began two years ago when schools in the Des Moines Diocese participated in Catholic identity workshops. The sessions proved valuable, which led to the Diocese making the School of Faith available to all diocesan schools through a partnership with the Diocese of Kansas City and the School of Faith.
“The School of Faith provides a wonderful opportunity for our faculty to learn, reflect and collaborate on ways to model Catholic values for our students,� said Dowling Catholic President Dr. Jerry Deegan. The mission of the School of Faith is to offer doctrinal and spiritual formation through the catechism with programs that stress the call to prayer, virtue and holiness of life. The program supports faculty in their efforts to walk in the footsteps of Christ as they work with the students. One pillar of the faith program is interior formation, which encourages growth in a deep relationship with Christ through prayer. The L IN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HO 16 16D O W DO WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SCOL HOOL
other pillars are intellection formation, community and friendship, and Apostolate, which encourages applying truth, beauty and the goodness of the Catholic faith to everything that is done in the school. The curriculum is taught through a series of monthly sessions in an interactive, retreat format. The program allows teachers to grow in their relationship with Christ and one another as a community. “The value I’ve seen for our faculty is that they have the chance to be together and talk to one another about prayer and their individual faith journeys,” said Dowling Catholic Principal Dr. James Dowdle. “It offers a more structured way for our faculty to share their
Teachers Billy Battistone and Andy Schreck discussing topics of the session.
faith lives with one another.”
LEADERS FOR LIFE CENTERED ON CHRIST Our tag line doesn’t just apply to the students of Dowling Catholic; it also holds true for our faculty. As teachers and administrators participate in
“The children at the
Jeff Ferguson, Director
the School of Faith, they are growing in their
church thrive on the love
of Student Activities and
relationship with Jesus Christ, strengthening
and attention given to
social studies teacher at
their relationship as a community, and being
them by their Dowling
Dowling Catholic, shares
inspired to live out God’s word and share their faith with the students they work with
Teri Breck
friends,” said Sullivan. “I witness relationships being
Jeff Ferguson
his faith with students through leading the club
built in a matter of min-
HDMC (Helping the Des Moines Communi-
utes.” Breck echoes this
ty). “I am challenged to find enough proj-
Brenda Sullivan, Spanish teacher, and Teri
noting, “Service groups
ects for our students because they are so
Breck, art teacher, formed a new service
like SOS have allowed me
willing to volunteer,” said Ferguson. “I am
the opportunity to develop
extremely proud of our students; they are the
wonderful relationships
epitome of Christ-centered leaders.”
every day.
group at DCHS called SOS (Service of Solidarity). The group spends time with children
Brenda Sullivan
that attend Trinity United Methodist/Las
with DCHS students outside the classroom
Américas Church in Des Moines while their
setting as well as serving others.”
parents are attending English Language Learner classes.
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17
TRUE MAROON
UNO, DOS, TRES MENTES would like to become the ‘Frito-Lay’ of Des Moines.” The Campos brothers have not forgotten where they came from and enjoy giving back to the community whenever possible. Angelo quotes the words of Muhammad Ali when asked why giving back is important to the two of them: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Giving back to DCHS is something the brothers have also enjoyed in recent months. The brothers attended the Dowling Catholic Homecoming tailgate where they generously served their salsa. They also recently came back to the school to speak to Tracy Sandbothe’s Entrepreneurial Studies classes. Phillip ’08 and Angelo Campos ’05
Dowling Catholic alumni Angelo ’05
and
for distribution. They currently operate out of
Students enjoyed sampling salsa while learning about the business and how much it has grown in the past year.
Phillip Campos ’08 have come a long way
their own commercial facility in Grimes and
since they began making salsa in their moth-
plan to expand to a bigger facility in March
“It is our duty to give back to the community
er’s kitchen. After family members, friends
of 2015. With a recent spike in demand, the
and help create opportunities for others,”
and co-workers constantly told them how
brothers also anticipate the possibility of
said Angelo.
good their homemade salsa was, an idea
becoming more than a two-man operation in
was born and the brothers began selling
upcoming months. Expanding the product
their fresh salsa at local farmer’s markets and
line is also in the works.
regional craft fairs in 2013.
“We believe in supporting the community that we grew up in. We want
“Our goal is to start ‘layering’ products into
to show others that a simple idea can
Tres Mentes Salsa can now be found in Hy-
grocery stores,” said Angelo Campos. “Since
evolve into something great if you have
Vee stores across the metro and in Ames,
we spend so much time in stores, we’ve been
the ambition, focus, and vision. We want
Indianola and Omaha. The brothers have
able to spot potential trends and oppor-
no plans of stopping there and hope to be
tunities with new products that could be
to teach others that those who think they
distributing their salsa regionally and in many
launched into grocery stores. We have also
more of Hy-Vee’s stores located in eight
had individuals reach out to us about ideas
both usually right. It’s all about believing
different states.
and products they would like to see reach
you can.”
can and those who think they can’t.....are
grocery retail level. We are always open to In addition to preparing and delivering the
new product ventures and would like to start
Find out more about Tres Mentes Salsa at
fresh salsa, the brothers also work together
adding products under the ‘Tres Mentes
www.tresmentessalsa.com or find the
to market their product and find new places
Gourmet Foods’ name. More or less we
company on Facebook.
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D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME At Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 26, Dowling Catholic inducted seven alumni into the Dowling Catholic/St. Joseph Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2014 inductees are: Pat Mitchell `07 Basketball, Football
Charles “Chuck” Bisignano
Nathan Feltz `06 Soccer, Football, Basketball
was inducted posthumously as
Nathan was a three-year
lic Male Student Athlete of the
he passed away in 1992. He
starter on the Dowling varsity
Charles Bisignano `37 Football
Pat was named Dowling CathoYear in 2007. At the University
was represented by his son, Gary Bisignano
soccer team and remains the school’s all-time
of North Dakota he led the team to back-to-
`61. Chuck was one of several stars that led
leading scorer. At DePaul University, he was a
back Great Western Tournament titles. Pat
Coach Harry O’Boyle’s “Irish Eleven” on the
four-year starter and letter winner.
currently plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League. He was represent-
gridiron in the mid-1930s. His nickname was “King Kong Bisignano” for his pounding
Nathaniel M. McCoy `08 Golf
ground game and for spearheading the Dowling offensive attack.
Natalie Bright `98 Basketball, Softball In high school, Natalie helped secure basketball State Championships in 1996 and 1998 and was named to the All-Tournament team three times. In college, she was a three-year starter at the University of Missouri.
Nate was the State Individual Champion, Player of the Year, and selected to the 4A All-Tournament Team his senior year. He was named Iowa State Male Athlete of the Year his senior year of college and finished the year as the 42nd ranked college player in the country. He currently plays on PGA Tour Canada.
ed at the induction festivities by his father, Pat Mitchell, Sr.
John Naughton `80 Special Recognition John has been a regular presence at Dowling Catholic for many years – first as a student, then as an alumnus, fan and notably through his 26 years at the Des Moines Register as a ground-breaking journalist dedicated to the coverage of high school sports.
Tyrone Tyler `95 Football, Track, Baseball While he was a three sport athlete in high school, Tyrone’s continuing success led to football careers at St. Ambrose College and three arena football teams. He also founded the Midwest Football Alliance, and coaches the semi-pro Des Moines Blaze football team and the Dowling Catholic sophomore wide receivers.
Gary Bisignano `61 (representing his father), Natalie Bright with her son Owen, Nathan Feltz, Nate McCoy, Pat Mitchell Sr. (representing his son), John Naughton and Tyrone Tyler. F O CU S
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19
CLASS NOTES Andy Umthun ‘01 head football coach at Estherville Lincoln Central, was recently named District 2 Coach of the Year in Class 2A.
Deborah Boyer is pictured with son Mason `17, daughter Andrea Boyer `13 and son Carson `19. Andrea is a Presidential Scholar and member of the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama.
Three Dowling Catholic alumni competed in the 2014 Las Vegas Classic Invitational
Dowling alum and author Robert Pascuzzi `82 visited Dowling Catholic on Oct. 2 to speak to the senior class. Pascuzzi wrote the book “The Ravine” which was this year’s senior class book read.
Collegiate Debate Tournament which took place on Oct. 18-20 on the UNLV campus. Jenna Bauer ‘13 and her partner were Double Octo-Finalists, Ben Weinhardt ‘14 and his partner were also Double Octo-Finalists, and Simon Sheaff ‘13 and his partner were Quarter-Finalists. Bauer and Weinhardt are currently attending Gonzaga University and Sheaff is at Baylor.
On Thursday evening, Jan. 22, we will dedicate the wrestling room in honor of former
Henry Sieck `14 and Mac Robinson `13 re-
longtime Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Bob
cently shipped off to Fort Benning in Georgia
Darrah. Details forthcoming.
for Basic Training in the United States Army.
Gov. Terry Branstad recently named Michelle “Miki” McGovern `69 the Acting Workers’ Compensation Commissioner. McGovern has served as an Iowa Workers’ Compensation Deputy Commissioner for the past 26 years. McGovern holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa and a law degree from Drake University.
Nathan Bartels `01 recently helped his family renovate and re-brand Cosi Cucina,
An October 12 Des Moines Register article
a long-time Des Moines restaurant favorite
covered Tommy Gaul `10 and his role as
for its eclectic, Italian cuisine. Nathan and his
the center for the University of Iowa Foot-
Michael Reinsvold `11 has been named
wife Emily are now onto evolving their own
ball Team in their recent 45-29 win against
Drum Major for the University of Notre Dame
company, Bidlake, a clothing and accessories
Indiana.
Marching Band.
company.
20
D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL
IN MEMORIAM
MAROONLINE
Dowling Catholic extends its sympathy to families of the following alumni who
This November, Dowling Catholic
passed away.
launched MaroonLine, a free, personalized online service for members of the Dowling Catholic community. Dowling and St. Joseph Academy alumni are able to update standard information such as mailing and email addresses, but are also able to input where they attended college and information about their careers. In doing so, they’ll be able to leverage their alumni status for profes-
online contribution, pledge payment and/
sional networking, or for simply catching
or see their donation history. All Maroon-
up with classmates.
Line members are able to enjoy the ease of online event registration and stay connected
Parents can access an online parent
to Dowling Catholic through e-newsletters,
directory and see their student records.
videos and social media. To register, visit
Donors have the ability to make an
my.dowlingcatholic.org
IN MEMORY OF KEN NORTHNESS KEN NORTHNESS 1945-2014
Advanced Pre-Calculus and Early Bird Algebra. Ken also served as the Math
Mr. Kenneth
Department Chair at Dowling Catholic.
Northness passed away on October 18, 2014, in Des
Colleague and friend, math teacher
Moines. Ken was a long-time, highly re-
Veronica Degen said, “Ken was a
garded, mathematics teacher at Dowling
mentor and friend to everyone who
Catholic. He served Dowling Catholic for
taught with him. Even in his retirement
45 years, teaching multiple math courses
he would give me advice as both a
from 1967-2012. Ken received his B.S.
teacher and a department chair. Ken
from Loras College and his M.S.E. from
had high expectations for the students
Drake University, and then spent his
in his classes and was always willing to
entire career in education. He is survived
work with them. He would tell me not
by his wife Rosemarie, their children and
to sweat the small stuff but to look at
their families.
the bigger picture. My own children are better math students because of Ken’s
While at Dowling Catholic, Ken taught
teaching and I am a better teacher
AP Calculus, Advanced Algebra 2,
because of working with Ken.”
Mary (Regan) Duffy ‘38 Rose (Bisignano) Gowdey ‘38 Agnesrose (Whalen) Gradoville ‘39 Lucile (Caligiuri) Enloe ‘40 William Kunz ‘43 Joe Rae ‘43 Joseph Hearn ‘44 Ester Knight ‘44 Mary (Aldera) Reed ‘44 Richard McNabb ‘46 Ramona (Romeo) Muse ‘46 Gertrude (Doud) Carter ‘49 Bill Lamm ‘49 Richard Ojendyk ‘49 Lawrence Dowie ‘50 Marjean (Haverkamp) Nees ‘50 Barbara (Wilhelm) Schwarz ‘50 Theresa (Carroll) Contri ‘51 Joanne (Melton) Randich ‘51 George Durand ‘53 Karen (Gustafson) Heddinger ‘54 John Shelledy ‘54 Deanna (Coleman) Hassett ‘55 Catherine Chiodo ‘56 Judith (Kerrington) Auge ‘57 Phyllis (Leto) Brodie ‘57 Lawrence Wonderlin ‘57 Dorothy (Janssens) McCloud ‘59 Paul Fleischacker ‘60 Daniel Gannon ‘61 Bernadette (Toriello) Evans ‘62 Michael Rush ‘62 Marlene (Chiodo) Laria ‘63 Thomas Caldbeck ‘64 James Hiatt ‘64 Theresa Hockins ‘66 Clement Landis ‘66 Desirei (Lynch) Marchand ‘66 Clyde Smith ‘66 Stephen Carberry ‘67 Mark Sullivan ‘68 Michael Stratton ‘ 70 Emily Hart ‘72 Philip Danilson ‘73 Mark Melton ‘73 Vicki (Jackson) Scharf ‘78 Liz (Johnson) Traver ‘82 Michael Trout ‘82 Elizabeth (Crummett) Breck ‘84 Robert Lose ‘86 Steven Van Dee ‘87 Jeffrey Kubat ‘03
F O CU S
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21
It’s not every day at Dowling Catholic that a British pop band performs in the school gymnasium, but that’s exactly what happened when Rixton visited the school on October 2.
Dowling Catholic was approached by the
Twenty-two high school rivalries around the
Great American Rivalry organization about
country were chosen and given a specific
participating in a national Twitter competition
week to tweet something positive about their
“After day one when we reached 40,000
against Valley High School as the two schools
school, along with the hashtag “X” as many
tweets, and Valley wasn’t close, we thought
were preparing to meet up on the football
times as possible. #X is meant to signify that
we might have a chance to win the concert,
field. The contest was sponsored by AT&T as
a person can’t talk because they’re driving.
so that became our focus,” said Tickel. “As
part of the company’s “It Can Wait” cam-
and working together as a school.
the week went on, the focus really became
paign, an initiative to end texting and driving.
Spanish teacher Kasey Tickel led the way and
the message - the importance of not texting
The local competition with Valley was just
began engaging the students. According
and driving. A lot of us realized how often we
the first step in what would become Dowling
to Tickel, the initial motivation was to beat
glance at our phones while driving and how
Catholic’s moment to shine as the winning
Valley High School, but as momentum grew,
easily that could lead to an accident. Every-
high school in the nation.
the focus became more about the message
one embraced the message and really started
22
D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL
to spread the word that no text is worth a life.” When Tickel found out that Dowling Catholic won the contest, excitement took over the school.
“When I received the text that we had won, I was very proud of our students and so excited that they were going to have an experience that no other high school in the country would have.” “I think our kids were excited that we had
OUR MISSION Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. Dowling will inspire a Christ-centered love of learning and a respect for fellow human beings through the application of moral principles, a commitment to service, and excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and extra-curricular activities.
won this concert, but also proud that they helped spread an important message. Uniting as a school to do it was the icing on the cake!” said Tickel. The reward was a private concert performed by Rixton, a British band whose popularity has propelled them to appear near the top of the music charts with their hit single “Me
Focus is a publication of Dowling Catholic High School. PRESIDENT: Dr. Jerry Deegan EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Ryan Osborn ‘01
and My Broken Heart” and to perform on the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show. The school gym was transformed, and students and teachers packed the audience. As described by Spanish teacher Judy Chamat, “It was magical.” Senior Olivia Kennedy expressed, “It will forever be one of my favorite things from senior year-- watching my classmates team up to spread the word about not texting and driving! Plus, Rixton really made us feel like we had accomplished something big!”
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tara Nelson ART DIRECTOR: Holly Baumgartel CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Meg Courter Kasey Tickel COPY EDITORS: Holly Ackermann Staci Burr Julie Matternas
After the concert the band stayed for an hour to sign autographs, take pictures, and interact with the students before jetting off to New York to film a video. Dowling Catholic was probably not somewhere a band from England ever expected to perform, but it was a day Dowling Catholic students and teachers
SUBSCRIPTION: To notify the school of address changes or personal updates, please contact, advancement@dowlingcatholic.org 515.225.3000
will never forget. w w w. dowlingcatholic. org F O CU S | FALL 2014 23
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DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 1400 BUFFALO RD. WEST DES MOINES, IA 50265
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D O W L I N G C AT H O L I C
Stop by the Dowling Catholic Campus Store, located in the cafeteria, to purchase apparel and gift items!
$25 Youth Baseball Tee Under Armour $20 Girls Pink Tee Under Armour
$35 Womens Long Sleeve Under Armour $25 Stocking Hat Under Armour
Regular Hours: M-Th 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (while school is in session)
Holiday Hours: Dec. 7 12 – 4 p.m. Dec.10 5 – 8 p.m. Dec.17 5 – 8 p.m. Dec.19 4 – 7 p.m.*
*The store will close for the holiday on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. 24
D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL
$75 Mens Sweatshirt Under Armour
$30 Cotton Gray Hoodie Under Armour $65 Womens Full Zip Under Armour