Focus Magazine X

A PUBLICATION FOR THE DOWLING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

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SPRING 2019

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER DR. DAN RYAN

Dear Friends, With the close of the school year, it is my privilege to share with you some highlights and recent accomplishments of our students. I would like to start out by congratulating the members of the Class of 2019. They are now an important part of our alumni family which comes together under the motto: “Once A Maroon, Always A Maroon.”

These graduates have demonstrated great talent and shown tremendous growth during their time at Dowling Catholic. Through donating an incredible number of service hours, participating in retreats and extracurricular activities, and their accomplishments in the classroom, they have demonstrated outstanding leadership and served as wonderful role models. They lived their faith through various projects and helped those less fortunate by collectively donating more than 50,550 hours of community service over their four years at DCHS. They also excelled in their academic studies, resulting in more than 13 million dollars in scholarship offers to a variety of colleges across the nation. We look forward to following their success as they assume their roles as leaders in our parishes and communities in the future.

In reflecting on the last year, I would also like to acknowledge the teachers and staff who make this journey possible for all of us. We are fortunate to be part of this community of faith which comes together not only to celebrate success, but also in difficult times. We continue to mourn the loss of two members of the DCHS family with the passing of Wendy Swanson, a member of the World Languages Department for the last 38 years and a beloved teacher, colleague and friend to so many.

We are also deeply saddened by the loss of Ross Leeper, a music teacher who spent the past five years at DCHS and shared the joys of music with thousands of students throughout his career.

We also wish the best to two faculty members who retired at the end of the school year. Sally Benson spent the last 37 years at DCHS as a valued member of the World Languages Department teaching Spanish. Kathleen Dautremont spent 42 years in Catholic education, serving the last 27 as a theology teacher at Dowling Catholic. We are thankful to both for their many years of service and dedication.

Looking ahead, we continue to innovate and work towards finding new ways to bring real-world experience to the classroom.

This year provided us with the opportunity to pilot Insight, a program which partners teachers with local businesses. We plan to expand this program with additional business partners and are working towards creating a summer internship program in an effort to enhance our career-readiness programming.

We are also raising our expectations when it comes to how we measure success, looking beyond high school to college preparation and college graduation rates. Next year, we will provide one ACT exam for every junior to be taken on campus during the school day in late March. Sophomore and freshman students will take a pre-ACT test the same day. The programming changes are part of an ongoing initiative to provide every student with the opportunity to be successful beyond high school.

Thank you for your dedication and continued support. It is your partnership which makes these accomplishments and initiatives possible.

With Gratitude,

Dr. Dan Ryan

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D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

CONTENTS

Focus magazine is published for Dowling

FEATURE STORY

Catholic parents, alumni and donors.

ON THE COVER Students in Mr. Ryan Lensing’s AP Biology class had the opportunity to visit Kemin Industries where they worked alongside scientists in the laboratory as part of Insight, a pilot program at DCHS which pairs teachers with local businesses to bring real-world experience to the classroom.

CONTACT

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Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Rd. West Des Moines, IA 50265 515.225.3000 www.dowlingcatholic.org

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

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| ADVANCEMENT UPDATE How to help every student, every day.

| ON CAMPUS

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Find out about upcoming Dowling Catholic events.

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Check out the latest school happenings.

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| WELL DONE

| ACTIVITIES SPOTLIGHT All-state art team earns top award.

TRUE MAROON

CLASS NOTES Submit class notes, including your full name and class year, to

advancement@dowlingcatholic.org

Featuring outstanding and successful alumni.

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| CLASS NOTES/ IN MEMORIAM

Success in the classroom and on the field.

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CALENDAR

Be in the know about alumni and friends of Dowling Catholic.

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THE PULSE Spotlight on the alumni community.

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SPRING 2019

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ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

WAYS TO GIVE Donors make a significant impact at Dowling

“We give to the Annual Appeal because we

support Dowling Catholic Athletics and, in

Catholic, providing crucial support to

realize that tuition alone does not cover the

return, receive a sports pass for home athletic

programs and resources that truly benefit all

costs of sustaining a top-rated high school.

games, a Campus Store discount, a member

students. Thanks to the generous support of

The Annual Appeal also helps lower the

recognition card and a window decal.

those who contribute, we are able to fulfill

tuition expense, giving those an opportunity

our mission of preparing Leaders for Life,

who otherwise might not have a chance to

IN-KIND GIFTS

Centered on Christ.

become a Maroon. Dowling Catholic has

Gifts in-kind, or non-cash gifts, are gratefully

meant so much to our family and has given

received in support of the many needs of

WE ARE MAROONS ANNUAL APPEAL

our two daughters a strong foundation to

DCHS.

Every aspect of the Dowling Catholic

live their lives. We support DCHS through

experience - including faith and academic

the Annual Appeal to keep it strong into the

“Why I give to DCHS is really quite simple. I

programming, student activities, athletics

future as a top-rated school in academics and

had reached a point in my life when I felt I had

and the arts - is supported by the Annual

activities while building the spiritual character

more than I needed and that my children and

Appeal. Important funding is also provided for

of our families.”

their families were doing well enough on their

improvements on campus and throughout the

Joe Pollpeter ‘80 & Kara Pollpeter

own. I wanted to start giving something back

building, including technology updates and

on a regular basis to those where I felt the

increased security measures. Funds from the

MATCHING GIFTS

greatest gratitude for what had been given to

Annual Appeal are also designated each year

Many employers sponsor a gift program

me. It was around this time that the tax laws

to enhancing our tuition assistance program,

by matching employee donations. This

were firmly fixed such that IRAs/SEPs and

making a Dowling Catholic education

is an easy way to leverage your gift into

the like could be directly contributed to tax-

accessible for all.

a larger donation. To find out if your

free institutions and not counted as income

company participates, please visit: www.

to the IRA holder. I had always been grateful

dowlingcatholic.org/giving/matching-gifts. If

to Dowling for the wonderful education,

your company is eligible, request a matching

the priests/teachers and the discipline they

gift form from your employer, complete

provided me. So, Dowling was already very

and sign the form and return it to the

high on my gratitude list, but in seeing and

Advancement Office with your gift. We’ll do

hearing all the gratitude expressed by my

the rest!

classmates at our 50 year reunion in 2010 plus the beauty of the Dowling campus, which

Isabela Yamen ‘19

ENDOWMENT FUND Build a legacy at Dowling Catholic by creating an endowment to honor or memorialize a friend, mentor or family

I had never seen before this trip, Dowling moved to #1 on the list and remains there for my foreseeable future.”

Anonymous Alumni Donor

member. We will coordinate with you regarding your family’s wishes in naming the fund and the criteria.

On behalf of all of the students at Dowling Catholic who benefit from your support, thank you for your generosity. To learn more or to

DOWLING CATHOLIC ATHLETIC CLUB (DCAC) The DCAC is a way to 4

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

make a gift, please visit: dowlingcatholic.org/ donatenow.

THE BASH ON BUFFALO

More than 300 alumni, parents and friends

auction chair, enlisting the help of more than

of DCHS gathered in early February for the

30 volunteers to make this event a success.

Bash on Buffalo, Dowling Catholic’s annual

Alumni Joe Pollpeter ‘80 and Ed Schiller

auction. This year marked the 35th for this

‘79 led raffle ticket sales, and Bob Brown

great DCHS tradition which brings community

Chevrolet generously donated a 2018 Chevy

members together for an important cause -

Cruze as the top prize.

our students!

Sponsorship support from Concrete Proceeds from the event go towards fulfilling

Technology, Inc., Gary Kirke, Graham

a variety of needs in the classroom and on

Construction, Hummel’s Nissan, i2 Tech, Amy

campus. A number of different areas will

and Joe Pearson, Two Rivers Glass and Door

benefit from this year’s event, including the

and R & R Realty also contributed greatly

science department and the Krause Family

to the success of the event. A special thank

Media Center. Proceeds will also be used to

you to alumnus Josh Sinclair ‘96 who shared

enhance technology and purchase new band

his musical talent on stage, and to Kue’d

instruments.

Smokehouse for providing the incredible food.

This event would not be possible without

To learn more about upcoming events and

the many volunteers who donate their time

volunteer opportunities at Dowling Catholic,

and talent and the sponsors who provide

please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/events.

their support. Carolyn Kirchoff served as the

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SPRING 2019

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ON CAMPUS

STYLE SHOW Dowling Catholic’s annual Evening of Style has become a tradition for many members of the DCHS community. Hosted by the Maroon Volunteer Parents, groups purchase tables and decorate with a theme of choice, many of which include elaborate costumes and props. This year’s event benefited post prom.

Guests are served dinner before watching a fashion show, a highlight yearafter-year as DCHS students and staff hit the runway wearing the latest fashions. This year’s show featured prom fashions, with shoes and gowns provided by Twist Boutique and Schaeffer’s Bridal, and tuxedos by Men’s Wearhouse.

Each year a group of art students put their own twist on fashion, treating guests to a “Trashion Show” finale, wearing garments created entirely from repurposed or recycled materials. According to art teacher Brenda Kane, this year was unique as all of the work put in by the students took place outside of the classroom on their own time. “I love that they are dedicated to using their creative skills to serve their community,” said Kane. “This project is just one of the many ways our art students give back throughout the year.”

Zach Watters ‘19 & Aura Garcia Camacho ‘19

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AWARDING EXCELLENCE Principal Matt Meendering was selected as a recipient of the 2019 Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) Outstanding Administrator Award and recognized during the IBA Awards Banquet in downtown Des Moines on May 10, 2019. The IBA annually selects three administrators nominated by member band directors to receive this award. These administrators exhibit leadership traits which support the growth and success of band programs, students, directors and school communities.

Meendering was nominated by Steve Holland, DCHS Director of Bands, and Nicholas Hoover, Assistant Director of Bands. Per the nomination, Mr. Meendering “has done more than just attend concerts and verbally support what we do in music, but has also taken direct actions that support arts education and done so with the individual student in mind.”

FAREWELL Sally Benson is retiring after 37 years at

Kathleen Dautremont is retiring from

DCHS. Benson began her teaching career

a career spanning 42 years in Catholic

in Dows, Iowa, before coming to DCHS to

education. She has spent the past 27

teach Spanish in 1982.

years teaching theology at Dowling Catholic.

“Over the past 37 years, DCHS has been woven into the fabric of my life,” said

Her career began in a small town south

Benson. “I have loved sharing the lives of

of Carroll, Iowa, where she spent two

a multitude of students, and making the

years teaching at a Catholic elementary

best of friends among my wonderful colleagues. At the same time, I

school. She then came to Des Moines where she taught at Holy

was raising my own family and experiencing the joy of watching them

Family School and St. Pius X School in Urbandale. She went on to

grow. It was a wonderful ride and I’ll forever be grateful to DCHS for

serve as Director of Religion at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des

being such an important part of my life. Now I’m looking forward to

Moines before joining the DCHS faculty as a theology teacher in

exploring the next chapter.”

1992. During that time she and her husband of 41 years have raised three children.

Benson was looking forward to enjoying retirement alongside her friend and colleague Wendy Swanson, who passed away unexpectedly

“I have enjoyed my time at DCHS,” said Dautremont. “These 27 years

in April. The two had served together in the World Languages

have gone by so fast! During that time I have shared joys, sorrows

Department for the last 37 years.

and triumphs with students, faculty and staff. I am sad to leave but anxious to get on with the next phase of my life. I am so thankful to

“From our first day together as new teachers at DCHS in 1982, Wendy

everyone at DCHS for all of the happiness you have given me.”

was my rock,” said Benson. “We taught side-by-side for decades and were simply the best of friends. I will always treasure the lifetime of memories and laughs.”

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SPRING 2019

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Service to others is a cornerstone of the

will work alongside the families who will own

“Of course the students grow a lot from what

Dowling Catholic experience and just one of

the homes.

they see and experience, but we have found

the many ways students live out their faith

that they really appreciate their time more

through action. While service is a graduation

Prior to the trip, students collected donated

if they realize how hard they worked to get

requirement, the majority of students go

items and raised money to purchase goods to

there,” said Smith. “Our students are on a

above and beyond, with collective hours

stock the houses. They will bring with them

faith journey, and this trip is just one pit stop

served in the community exceeding 222,500

towels, shower curtains and other household

along the way to becoming strong disciples.

over the last three years.

necessities.

We hope the students traveling with us come home from Guatemala closer to being that

The goal of Dowling Catholic’s service

“We like to call our service trip the Guatemala

program is to ensure that students are

Project,” said theology teacher Erik Smith.

strong disciple.”

seeking to serve the community, the world

“For us, it’s not just about building houses

Summer break also provides DCHS students

at large, and to see Christ in all people. With

for the people in Guatemala. The project

with the opportunity to serve in Costa Rica

more than 20 service groups offered each

also includes building stronger students and

where they practice their Spanish and learn

semester, there are a variety of opportunities

disciples. This year, the project will end with

about the culture. Led by Spanish teacher

available to students. While the majority serve

us building five houses, but it began with 30

Lance Peterson, this summer’s trip will be the

locally, there are also opportunities to serve

amazing students planning and executing

fifth during which the group will serve at a

across the globe.

three fundraisers and a large goods drive.”

Sea Turtle rescue while taking advantage of all that nature has to offer.

One such opportunity involves travel to

Smith explained that the goal is to help

Antigua to work with Imagine In Guatemala,

students learn what it takes to set and achieve

“This trip provides students with the

a non-profit focused on improving the lives

a goal so that they walk away from this

opportunity to witness God’s beauty in nature

of residents. In June, a group of 30 students

project really valuing the importance of hard

and a chance to make a difference,” said

and 12 adults from DCHS will make the trip for

work and planning. They will spend time on

Peterson. “We get to work and stay on the

the fourth time. The group will stay with host

the trip in reflection, thinking back to different

coast with an indigenous community to save

families and travel into the surrounding hills

things they did to prepare.

turtles and make a lasting difference. We also

to build five houses from the ground up. They 8

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

go zip lining, whitewater rafting and tour the

country. It can be a life changing experience

many other cultures,” said Cain. “I think one

in one of the coolest places on earth.”

of the most amazing things our students gain on this trip is the realization that it’s such a

Spring break provides another opportunity

blessing to have the opportunity to give back.

for DCHS students to choose service over rest

It’s a gift, and this trip really makes them

and relaxation. A group from DCHS will travel

cherish it.”

to Goiania, Brazil, for the twelth time during Spring Break 2020 to work with the children

The importance of that realization often

of Terra Livre, a non-profit educational

rings true long after graduation, with many

center which provides daycare, after school

alumni seeking to serve or pursue career

workshops and community education for local

opportunities abroad. One of those alumni

families.

is Grant Otte ‘13 who moved to Nicaragua

Grant Otte ‘13

in 2017 to work for Amigos for Christ, a

with were able to make a tremendous impact,

Students spend their days at the center,

non-profit which focuses on community

treating nearly 700 patients at dental camps

striving to serve as role models to the

leadership, water and sanitation, healthcare,

in rural villages.

children. They hope to inspire confidence

education and economic development.

so that they too will someday seek out the

For Kennedy, her education also led her

opportunity to serve others and become

Otte initially worked with short-term mission

abroad. She was invited to be a student in a

leaders in their communities. Once the

groups, planning the worksite logistics

psychology honors seminar which included

workday is done, students are immersed in

and cross-cultural activities. Some weeks

a class about the implications of Western

the culture with their host families.

consisted of working with a pickaxe and

influence and colonization on the continent

shovel to hand-dig lines which bring clean

and the psychological realities that come

English teacher Molly Cain ‘10, who has served

water to rural families. Other weeks they

out of these. At the end of the course, she

twice as a chaperone, believes the trip is so

partnered with rural families to help them

had the opportunity to gain research and

impactful not only because of the opportunity

build modern bathrooms with a toilet, sink,

field experience in Namibia, a country in

for students to learn about global issues, but

shower and septic tank. Currently, his work is

Southern Africa. She spent over two weeks

also because of the bigger life lessons they

focused on measuring family incomes in the

traveling through the country, conducting

take with them.

communities, gathering data which impacts

research which focused on the curation of

organizational decisions.

“the stranger” in local Namibians, a relatively

“It is wonderful that service is so ingrained

new concept to a country full of tribalism. She

into the daily lives of our students, but they

“I love working at Amigos for Christ because

plans to continue to work with the data she

don’t always realize that’s not the case in

of our focus on maintaining dignity and

collected in the next step of her education,

working side-by-side within our communities,”

which is a doctoral program centered around

said Otte. “The impact on the people in the

global well-being. She was drawn to the

communities is what makes the work so

international focus of the program and hopes

meaningful.”

to pursue a research and teaching career at the university level. Her plans also include

Kayla Erps ‘11 and Olivia Kennedy ‘15 are two

booking a return flight to Namibia as soon as

alumni who have also had the opportunity

possible.

to work and serve internationally. For Erps, a

Kayla Erps ‘11

dental student at the University of Iowa, her

These are just a few of the many DCHS

studies provided her with the opportunity

students and alumni serving others and

to participate in a dental observership and

working to make a difference. Whether

mission trip with the Indira Gandhi Institute

they serve locally or abroad, their impact

of Dental Sciences in Pondicherry, India. In

is meaningful in the work they do and the

just six days she and the group she worked

tradition of service they carry on by example.

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SPRING 2019

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WELL DONE

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND

CHOIR HIGHLIGHTS

Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is an international creative problem-

A successful season for the Dowling Catholic choirs was culminated

solving program that engages students in their learning by

by a Division I rating earned at the State Large Group Contest on

allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life. In April, a team

Sunday, May 5, 2019. The season finale took place the following

from Dowling Catholic competed in the state finals at Iowa State

evening at Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake University campus

University, placing first and earning a bid to the World Finals in May

as the singers presented a beautiful Spring Concert to the DCHS

at Michigan State University. The team also won an OMer award for

community. The following three special awards were presented

creativity in their setting.

during the concert:

OM was a new activity this year at DCHS, and team members Rosie

Eva Kilbrid received the Douglas Schultz Memorial Award in

Becicka, Kathleen Belz, Dan Choi, Mallory Hendricks, Will Jung,

recognition of outstanding service to the Dowling freshman

Ocean Oh and Drew Roemen were led by English teacher Kate Leo.

chorus; Matt Hermes was presented with the Iowa Choral Director’s

The team began preparing for the competition in September, working

Outstanding Senior Award for demonstrating outstanding

at each practice on a spontaneous problem, which is a new challenge

musicianship and leadership; and Lisa Ratsakanh received the DCHS

they have to solve as a group staying within the established

Choral Service Award for demonstrating sincere service to the choral

perimeters and rules. At the state competition and at World Finals,

program during her high school years.

the team does not know what the challenge is or what type it will be.

They also compete with a long-term problem which they spend all

The month prior, DCHS had 52 entries in the State Solo/Ensemble

year creating a solution for.

Contest, earning 29 Division I ratings, the most since 2014; 20 Division II ratings; and three Division III ratings. Additionally, Stan

“Odyssey of the Mind is such a unique experience and one that most

Przedlacki and Audrey Holtkamp were awarded two of the three

people don’t really understand until they get involved, but there is

“Outstanding Performance” awards. Congratulations to all on an

really nothing like it,” said Leo. “The students brainstorm, create,

outstanding season.

write, build, problem solve and work as as a team - invaluable life skills that every employer would want an employee to possess. It’s a great extracurricular.”

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SPRING MUSICAL The Dowling Catholic Performing Arts Department presented Rodgers

The story’s setting also made it appealing to revisit this production.

and Hammerstein’s State Fair to the community on April 11-13, 2019.

Originally based on Phil Strong’s novel of the same name, State Fair

“The tie to Iowa is so fun,” said Sheaff. “The students really enjoy the

was the only musical they wrote directly for feature film. In 1995, the

music and singing about Ioway. After a long winter it’s also nice to

story was adapted for the stage, featuring additional songs from the

pretend it’s August.”

Rodgers and Hammerstein songbook. With America’s heartland and the Iowa State Fair as the backdrop, the storyline is one the cast, crew

For senior Eleanor Ball, who served as the stage manager, her last

and audiences alike could relate to.

production at DCHS is one of her favorites.

The musical tells the story of the Frakes as they leave behind life

“This is the tenth show I’ve done at Dowling Catholic and the fourth

on the farm for a three-day adventure at the Iowa State Fair. Set in

one I’ve stage managed, and I think it’s been my favorite,” said Ball.

1946, parents Abel and Melissa are hoping to win blue ribbons, while

“It’s the strongest bond I’ve had with any cast or crew, and I had such

their children, Wayne and Margy, are intent on finding romance and

fun working to pull the show together. It’s always daunting to organize

adventure on the midway.

such a big endeavor because in my position, you have to make sure everything in every area of the show is spot on, from the color of the

Director Tim Sheaff ‘86 shared a favorite little known fact about this

props to the logistics of the costume changes. I really enjoy tackling it

musical which was produced at DCHS for the first time more than a

though and will take great memories from this production with me.”

decade ago.

The production was reviewed for the Iowa High School Musical Theater “We originally put this production on in 2008 and the cast included

Awards which provide students from award-winning musicals with the

three current faculty members,” said Sheaff. “Quinn Tipping, who

opportunity to share highlights on the Civic Center stage during the

played the lead, Mary Bartemes and Nick Spike. Now, 11 years later, we

awards showcase in June.

put on this production again and these three are now teachers.”

DCHS earned Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Performance of Tipping ‘09 is the Director of Choral Music, Bartemes ‘10 the Assistant

Song for “All I Owe Ioway.” Will Donaghy, who played Wayne Frake, was

Director, and Spike ‘08 is a P.E. teacher and the boys head swimming

awarded Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role, named a Triple

coach.

Threat Award nominee, and was invited to participate in a workshop with Tony-award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. Erin Greening, Stan

Sheaff selected the production not only for the storyline, but also

Przedlacki and Olivia Stange also received Special Recognition for

because it requires a large cast with many opportunities for students.

Performance in a Principal Role.

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SPOTLIGHT

ALL-STATE ART

Seniors Rebecca Wagner, Mila Golebiewski,

Kansas City Art Institute, the Creative Center

to identify students with exceptional artistic

Tu Nguyen and Shae Gu have been named

in Omaha, the University of Iowa and the

and literary talent and present their work to

to the 2019 Iowa All-State Art team by

Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

the world.

team, Dowling Catholic won first place in

All four individual winners plan to study

In April, the visual arts team also competed

the competition with the top five individual

art in college this fall. Rebecca Wagner

in The Burbs, a pop-up art show featuring

portfolio scores. The team included the

will attend the Kansas City Art Institute as

22 schools and 18 different categories.

four individual winners as well as seniors

a graphic design major; Shae Gu plans to

Wagner won Best in Category and Student

Jack Eichholz and Mary Pane. The students

study illustration at the School of Visual

Choice and Ally Baumhover received Best

and their instructors were recognized at

Arts in New York City; Tu Nguyen will major

in Ceramics. This year’s show was hosted

an awards ceremony at the Des Moines Art

in graphic design at the Minerva School of

by Ankeny Centennial at the Drake Harmon

Center on May 11, 2019.

KGI; and Kamilla Golebiewski will major in

Center. Next year DCHS will host.

the Art Educators of Iowa. As a visual arts

biological medical illustration at Iowa State All-State is a portfolio competition which

University.

awards the top high school artists and art

“It is so rewarding as a teacher to see these talented students put forth the

programs in the state. Juniors and seniors

Prior to the All-State Art competition,

effort to compete, especially at the level

who are nominated by their teachers submit

Golebiewski competed in the Scholastic

of competition,” said art teacher Lindsay

a portfolio of 10 digital images of their

Art & Writing Awards competition. She

Cooper. “I am so proud of their hard work

work and three essays about their artistic

received five silver and three gold keys in

and dedication.”

experiences. The portfolios are judged by

the competition, the most ever received by

college professors and working artists, with

a single student at DCHS. Presented by the

The Visual Arts Department at DCHS also

the top 20% selected for the team. The

Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the

includes faculty members Brenda Kane,

winners receive scholarship offers from the

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are intended

Department Chair, and Valerie Heath.

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D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

CALENDAR > OCT 4

Homecoming, Hall of Fame Induction & Community Tailgate Valley Stadium 4440 Mills Civic Parkway West Des Moines Members of the DCHS community are invited to celebrate Dowling Catholic’s

> AUG 5

Dowling Catholic Golf Outing Echo Valley Country Club 3150 Echo Valley Drive Norwalk

Homecoming. Join us at Valley Stadium to cheer on the Maroons at the varsity football game. The Homecoming Court and Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced at halftime. The Stepperettes will also join us.

This annual Dowling Catholic tradition

the Coppola Financial Aid Endowment.

This fund was initiated in the early 1970s and continues to provide tuition assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to attend DCHS. Please contact Holly Ackermann at 515.222.1029 with questions or for sponsorship information.

Dowling Catholic friends and alumni are invited to celebrate the season at the annual President’s Christmas Luncheon. Special

brings more than 200 golfers together to raise money for DCHS students through

> DEC 5 President’s Christmas Luncheon Des Moines Golf & Country Club 1600 Jordan Creek Parkway West Des Moines

> OCT 10 Grandparents’ Mass Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Road West Des Moines Dowling Catholic’s annual Grandparents’ Mass is a special celebration during which grandparents are the guests of honor.

They will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments, hear from student and faculty speakers and celebrate Mass with their grandchildren.

guests include students from our band and choir programs.

> DEC 18 Young Alumni Luncheon Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Road West Des Moines Area leaders, human resource managers and alumni from a variety of fields will provide valuable insight into specific industries, the local job market, and finding that first employment opportunity during

> OCT 27

President’s Council Dinner Save the date

Pancake Breakfast Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds 3000 East Grand Ave. Des Moines

This annual recognition dinner is a special

Dowling Catholic’s 57th annual Pancake

event honoring those individuals who

Breakfast is a DCHS tradition which brings

support Dowling Catholic High School with

the community together and raises money

gifts of cash or stock totaling $2,000 or

to support students and teachers in

more annually (fiscal year July 1, 2018 - June

fulfilling classroom needs.

> OCT 1

this professional networking luncheon. The event will include individual introductions, round table discussions and a featured speaker. Please contact Kimberly Bowman at 515.222.1048 with questions.

For the most up-to-date calendar information visit www.dowlingcatholic.org

30, 2019).

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TRUE MAROON

PERFORMING ARTS HALL OF FAME and the University of Texas percussion ensemble. As an educator, John directed the 2017 Iowa All-State Jazz Ensemble and has served on the faculties of Drake University, Grinnell College, and Northwest Missouri State University. He currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife Nicole and son Evan.

“I’m honored to have been included

DOWLING CATHOLIC & ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Freda Nahas ‘31* 2004-2005 Aimee Beckman-Collier ‘71 2004-2005 Michael Cargill ‘85* 2004-2005 Bob Scarpino ‘45 2005-2006

John Kizilarmut ‘96 was inducted into the

in the performing arts hall of fame at

Dowling Catholic Performing Arts Hall

Dowling Catholic,” said Kizilarmut. “It was

of Fame on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The

very meaningful to return to the campus

induction ceremony took place following

with my son, and I’m proud to see how

the closing performance of State Fair,

the band program has continued to

the spring musical produced by the

grow over the years. Many thanks to all

Performing Arts Department.

involved in the process!”

Thomas Lee 2008-2009

Kizilarmut is a percussionist and

The Performing Arts Hall of Fame was

instructor who has performed with a wide

created in 2004 to be able to recognize

Jacob Nissly ‘01 2010-2011

range of artists and groups including

those DCHS alumni or faculty members

Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, Matt

who have gone on to have a career in

Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Branford Marsalis,

the performing arts. It also provides

Logan Richardson, Clark Terry, New York

current students with the opportunity to

Voices, Ana Gasteyer, Shirley Jones,

see those individuals who might inspire

DJ Starscream and the Des Moines

them and demonstrate that it’s possible

Symphony. He is also a frequent guest

to achieve success in the arts beyond

performer and clinician at percussion and

high school. The initial class included one

jazz festivals throughout the midwest.

inductee from each category of vocal,

In 2013, John was a featured artist along

instrumental and theater.

with with TOCA artist Jamal Mohamed and Marimba One artist Matthew Coley

Photos of the inductees are on

at the PASIC convention. He is also an

display in the Performing Arts

active composer and arranger, and his

hallway. For more information on the

works have been featured by many award

nomination process please visit www.

winning music programs including the

dowlingcatholic.org/pahof.

Sr. Carola Broderick, BVM ‘53* 2006-2007 Karen Morrow ‘54 2007-2008

Michael Heaston ‘97 2011-2012 Leslie Scarpino ‘99 2012-2013 Robert Z Grant ‘87 2013-2014 Andrew Westerhaus ‘96 2014-2015 Karl Rohwer 2015-2016 Kevin Judge ‘05 2015-2016 John Kizilarmut ‘95 2018-2019

2013 State Jazz champion Waukee High School Jazz Ensemble, Lake Central High School Band, several DCI Drum Corps, 14

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

former faculty * deceased

Each year Dowling Catholic proudly

numerous awards for her leadership

Iowa with a business degree in 2005.

honors deserving alumni of St.

which has resulted in significant

He worked for a small medical company

Joseph Academy and DCHS with the

improvements for Polk County residents

before joining his current employer,

Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished

and strengthened the communities and

Intuitive Surgical. Since that time he

Young Alumni Awards. In April we

economy of Central Iowa.

has been responsible for building

had the honor of recognizing Angela

and implementing minimally invasive

Connolly ‘72, Dr. Steve Craig ‘72 and

Dr. Craig is a rheumatologist who has

computer assisted surgery programs

Ryan Opp ‘01 as our 2019 recipients.

worked in internal medicine patient

throughout the Midwest, a program

The honorees were celebrated with

care and medical education since his

which has grown from treating a few

a reception prior to the Scholastic

return to Des Moines in 1983. He has a

thousand patients to more than one

Achievement Assembly where they

passion for medical education and an

million annually. Opp has also made a

spoke to the student body.

unwavering commitment to health care

difference in the community by starting

administration. He currently serves as a

a foundation to raise money for a youth

Connolly served as a dedicated

clinical professor and an Assistant Dean

sports complex, an initiative which has

employee in the Polk County Public

at the Des Moines Branch Campus of

evolved into the MidAmerican Energy

Works Department for nearly 20 years

the University of Iowa Carver College of

RecPlex. The complex is anticipated to

before she was first elected as a Polk

Medicine. He loves teaching and enjoys

open in 2020 and will serve thousands

County Supervisor in 1998. She is one

getting to work with bright medical

of youth across the Midwest and will

of just three females to be elected to

students and resident physicians every

help to stimulate the local economy.

the Board of Supervisors in more than

day, including many DCHS graduates.

150 years. Connolly enjoys participating

Dr. Craig has also previously served

To learn more about our 2019 inductees,

in neighborhood organizations and

as a member of the Dowling Catholic

please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/

civic activities and represents the Polk

Foundation Board.

distinguished-alumni

County Board of Supervisors on several boards. She has been recognized with

Opp graduated from the University of F O CU S

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CLASS NOTES Dr. Laure (Marshall) Marino ‘77 has

Jennie Lillis Baranczyk ‘00 has been

been elected to a two-year term as

named to the Des Moines Register’s

President of the West Virginia Nurses

list of the 50 best Iowa high school

Association. Dr. Marino is an assistant

girls basketball stars of all time.

professor of nursing in the WVU

Baranczyk has served as head coach

Graduate School of Nursing and a

of the Drake University women’s

nurse practitioner in private practice in

basketball team since 2012.

Charleston, West Virginia. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a concentration in Executive Leadership from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Tim Sheaff ‘86, Director of Drama and Debate at Dowling Catholic, has been selected as a new member of the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Hall of Fame, the highest honor available to speech and debate coaches. Throughout his career, Sheaff has coached many teams to

Jimmer Dorweiler ‘03 has been inducted into the Iowa High School Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Dorweiler is a director for the Piper Jaffray Investment Banking Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Christine Stewart-Nunez ‘91, a Professor of English at South Dakota

considerable success, including state

State University, was awarded the

and national championships. He is

2018 Whirling Prize in Poetry for

also the recipient of four Diamond

“Bluewords Greening,” her fourth

Awards from the NSDA and serves

collection of poetry. The 2018 prize

as a member of the NSDA Board

focused on the theme of disability.

of Directors. Read more: http://bit.

Learn more about her work and career

ly/2Vq3phl

at: http://bit.ly/2DZl6JH.

Laura Downey ‘07, now Sister Mary

The current alumni network of over 16,000 Dowling Catholic graduates

Esther, was recently featured in the Catholic Mirror where she shared

Maria Beermann-Foat ‘90 has earned

spreads across 50 states and

how she discovered her calling and

a Ph.D. in Organization & Management

many continents. We invite you to

the path to where she’s at now. She

from Capella University. She currently

stay connected! Subscribe to our

previously taught for one year at

resides in the Kansas City area and

alumni newsletter, update your

DCHS and currently teaches theology

serves as a Battalion Chief for Med-Act

information, or submit alumni news

at Notre Dame High School in Peoria,

Emergency Medical Services. She also

at dowlingcatholic.org/alumni. Follow

Illinois. She will make her final vows

works for the National Fire Academy

us on social media at facebook.com/

in July 2020. Read more at http://

in Emmitsburg, Maryland, as a contract

Dowling-Catholic-High-School-Alumni.

bit.ly/2YgMtXw. Sister Mary Esther’s

course designer and instructor. She

brother, Deacon James Downey ‘11, will

previously earned an MBA from

be ordained a priest for the Diocese of

MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Des Moines in June 2019.

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D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORY

We extend our sympathies to the families of the following alumni who

WENDY SWANSON

DCHS in the World Languages Department

passed away.

where she was a beloved teacher, colleague

Everett Jerome Beeson ‘43

and friend to many. She inspired a love of

Mario A. Zenti ‘43

The Dowling Catholic

language, culture and travel for countless

Theresa Grace (Sitroneto) Campbell ‘46

community mourns

students through her classes and trips abroad.

Mary Helen (Cavanaugh) Bertrand ‘47

the loss of Wendy

She is remembered by her colleagues for her

James Menard Meston ‘47

Swanson, a long-time teacher who passed

kindness and generosity as well as her warm

Sally L. (O’Meara) Hummel ‘48

away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.

smile and laugh. Wendy was six weeks from

Dominic “Meco” Colosimo ‘50

retirement and had planned to travel the

William J. Fultz ‘50

Wendy was born on January 26, 1957, in

world with her beloved husband, David.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Fettkether Gerk ‘50 John Kingston Hayes ‘50

Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Vern and Martha

Delia “Dee” (McGuire) Ross ‘51

Swanson. She graduated from Valley High

In addition to her husband, Wendy is survived

School and went on to receive a bachelor’s

by two brothers, Curt (Julie) and Greg; two

degree in education from the University of

nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew;

Northern Iowa and a master’s in psychology

and many other beloved family members. She

from Drake University.

was preceded in death by her parents. She

Mary Ann (Riley) Halter ‘54

will be greatly missed and fondly remembered

Dolores (Fitzpatrick) Long ‘54

by all who were privileged to know her.

Mary K. “Casey” Murphy Self ‘54

Her career as a French teacher spanned four decades, with the last 38 years spent at

Martin A. Siron ‘51 Esther (Favaro) Leo ‘52 Lawrence L. Betsinger ‘54 Dennis R. Donahoe ‘54

James Anthony DiMaio ‘56 James Huelskamp ‘56 Thomas Charles O’Neil, Sr ‘56 Ralph Compiano ‘57

ROSS ALLEN LEEPER

and they married in 1956. He served in the

Richard Mozga ‘58

U.S. Army Band for two years, taught junior

Larry Leo Coleman ‘59

high band for 32 years and was conductor of The DCHS community

bands at Simpson College for 11 years. After

is saddened by the

a brief retirement he returned to teaching

loss of Ross Leeper,

and was the high school band director in

Andrew Kasper ‘60 Thomas C. Wilson ‘61 Charlotte “Carlie” Brien David Mount

‘62

‘62

Joseph Shelledy ‘62

a music teacher, who passed away on April

Knoxville, Iowa, for 10 years before retiring

11, 2019.

from full-time teaching at age 78. He came

Mary Ellen Swatta ‘64

out of retirement once again and spent the

Miriam Armintrout ‘66

Ross was born on November 27, 1933, to Merle

past five years teaching music several days a

Mary Kay Cummings Tamasi ‘66

and Ruth (DeVault) Leeper on the family farm

week at DCHS.

Tommy Leo ‘66

near Earlham, Iowa. His love of music led him

Mary Kay (O’Connell) Edgerton ‘63

Patrick T Nassif ‘67

to pursue a degree in music education, first at

In addition to teaching thousands of students

Kathryn Daly Vandermeulen ‘67

Simpson College and then at Drake University

the joys of music, he served as a mentor to

Carol Anne (Renaud) Krultz ‘71

where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree

many and was a proud father and grandfather

Mark Steven Morris ‘71

in 1955 and later earned a master’s degree.

who will be greatly missed.

Martin “Marty” Lose ‘72

He met his wife Shirley (Paasch) at Simpson

Maria Christina Montalvo ‘75 James Brown ‘79 Teresa Heger ‘79 Kirk Manning ‘82

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THE PULSE

ALUMNI COMMUNITY As an alum of Dowling Catholic you are always a valued member of the community. The current alumni network of over 16,000 Dowling Catholic graduates spreads across 50 states and many continents. No matter the graduating year, the location they call home or chosen profession, common values describe each DCHS alumni faithful, caring and dedicated. All alumni form one family - the Maroons.

We invite our alumni to stay connected to the school and to one another, ensuring the experience they enjoyed at DCHS is honored, preserved and carried on for generations to come.

Whether attending or volunteering at community events, going to a reunion, or getting married in the Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel, there are many ways for alumni to stay connected and to continue to make a difference at DCHS. For volunteer information or to learn more about our upcoming events please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/events

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DO O WLIN WLIN G G CATH CATH OLIC OLIC H H IGH IGH SC SC HOOL HOOL D

Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.

Focus is a publication of Dowling Cathlic High School.

PRESIDENT: Dr. Dan Ryan DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT: Kimberly Bowman EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tara Nelson ART DIRECTOR: Colin Gargano COPY EDITOR: Rachel Brown CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Holly Baumgartel Colin Gargano

Our academic excellence provides opportunities for our alumni to achieve career success all over the country. we are proud to have alumni living in all 50 states as represented in the map above.

Earl Hulst

SUBSCRIPTION: To notify the school of address changes or personal updates, please contact advancement@dowlingcatholic.org 515.225.3000

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D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

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