Focus Magazine XIX

A PU B L I C AT IO N FO R THE D OWLING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well. With the second semester underway, I would like to express my gratitude for this community. Whether you are a parent, an alum or a friend, our mission is fueled by you and our dedicated faculty and staff. I am pleased to share some recent highlights that are only possible with your support.

Service to others is one of the many ways our students put their faith into action. There is no better example than the annual Christmas Baskets service project. Thanks to outstanding leadership from the senior class and the generosity of our community, our students were able to help more than 100 local families this Christmas season by providing gifts, groceries, and other household items. It is an honor for us to carry on this tradition started more than 50 years ago by the BVM Sisters at St. Joseph Academy.

The dedication of our students also extends into the classroom. In our efforts to prepare them for life after high school, we have implemented a new program to build communication and leadership skills and are making progress in developing a new career academy track. We will also host our annual college fair later this month with more than 70 schools in attendance and will continue our school-wide testing day in March when every junior will take the ACT on campus while freshmen and sophomores take the pre-ACT. Ultimately, our goal is to help students discover and cultivate their God-given talents and graduate with the confidence to lead positive change in the world.

Activities outside of the classroom are also an important part of the Dowling Catholic experience. I am proud to share that more than 90% of our students are involved in an extracurricular activity. This brings many accolades to celebrate, including the boys cross country team’s 10th state championship title; the dance, swim and dive, and volleyball teams finishing as runners-up at state; as well as successful band, choir and theater performances to name just a few. I hope you enjoy reading about the many ways students shared their gifts and talents in the pages ahead.

We have also faced difficult times together. We rely on our faith as we work to heal from the tragic loss of one of our students, Max Fahnlander. I am grateful for the ongoing prayers and support from so many in our community. We continue to pray for Max’s family, friends and classmates.

We are working to partner with parents to equip students for the unprecedented challenges they face today. In recent years we’ve increased our focus on mental health and have added several new initiatives to provide education and support for students and families.

This includes focused time with our counseling staff, additional guest speakers, and a new anonymous reporting tool to share concerns with the administration. A working group continues to meet regularly with a focus on student safety, social media, technology, mental health, and internal protocols.

I am also grateful for our engaged alumni community. In recent months we enjoyed welcoming many of them back to campus for different celebrations including class reunions, Masses, a swim and dive reunion, and the celebration of 50 years of girls basketball with members of the first team. We hope our alumni located in Iowa and across the country know they will always have an important place in this community. Once a Maroon, Always a Maroon.

Thank you for your continued support. Your partnership makes our mission possible.

In Christ,

Dr. Dan Ryan President

2

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

CONTENTS

Focus magazine is published for Dowling Catholic parents, alumni and donors.

OUR MISSION Preparing Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ. Every Dowling Catholic graduate discovers and cultivates their God-given talents to make positive change in the world.

ON THE COVER

8

4 |

7 |

8 |

10 |

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE Fulfilling the DCHS mission.

CALENDAR

Find out about upcoming Dowling Catholic events.

FEATURE

Students travel on a discernment pilgrimage to Iceland.

12 |

WELL DONE

14 |

CLASS NOTES

PRESIDENT: Dr. Dan Ryan

16 | TRUE MAROON

Celebrating the 2023 DCHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

18 | FEATURE

A life of prayer, ministry and community.

21 | IN MEMORIAM

Extending sympathy to the families of alumni who have passed away.

ON CAMPUS

Students take the stage.

In January a group from DCHS traveled to Iceland for a discernment pilgrimage where they participated in activities related to various vocations to discern God’s call to holiness in their own lives.

22 | THE PULSE

Carrying on the legacy. A new era for speech and debate.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT: Julie Bell EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tara Nelson ART DIRECTOR: Colin Gargano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rachel Brown Ted Power COPY EDITORS: Kathy Kirby Power ‘80 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Terry Clark ‘96, Turner Fry ‘24, Colin Gargano, Joe Hartman ‘24, Earl Hulst, Ryland Jones, Jenny Umstead ‘89

Success in and outside of the classroom.

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

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

|

WINTER 2024

3

A DVA N C E M E N T U P DAT E

COST OF EDUCATION* Tuition & Fees “Gap” Donors make a significant impact at Dowling

Tuition covers just 70% of the per-student cost,

Catholic High School, providing crucial support

with the remainder funded by parishes and the

to programs and resources that truly benefit all

Annual Appeal. Support of the Annual Appeal also

students. Thanks to the generosity of those who

helps to cover the “gap” between tuition and the

contribute, we are able to fulfill our mission of

cost to educate each student.*

preparing Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ. The impact of the We Are Maroons Annual Appeal is

School Services: The Annual Appeal supports every

reflected in the following ways:

aspect of the school’s daily operations. Dowling Catholic’s commitment to excellence extends to the

Student Life: Through faith and academics, student

building and grounds, technology and providing

activities, athletics and the arts, the Annual Appeal

competitive teacher compensation.

Parish Contribution

The cost to educate each student for the 2023-2024 school year is

$14,290 leaving a “gap” amount of

$3,088

serves the interests of our students. With donor support we are able to grow existing opportunities

To donate, please visit:

and launch new initiatives to help students in their

www.dowlingcatholic.org/annual-appeal.

faith and academic pursuits.

Matching

Gifts:

Many

employers

sponsor

a

Tuition: DCHS is committed to serving the Greater

matching gift program, providing an easy way

Des Moines community and making a Catholic

to leverage your gift. Some of these employers

education accessible to all. Gifts to the Annual

include MidAmerican Energy, Wellmark and Wells

Appeal helped to provide $1.4 million in tuition

Fargo. To find out if your company participates

assistance to DCHS students during the 2022-

in a matching gift program, please visit

2023 school year.

www.dowlingcatholic.org/matching-gifts. The

The students, faculty, and

impact of your gift may be doubled or even tripled!

staff are always supportive

“My favorite aspect of the Dowling Catholic community is the overall sense of unity.

of one another through any adversity or challenges and rally together to achieve

Bishop Dowling & St. Joseph Academy Societies In recognition of our founding schools, DCHS has established a convenient giving program that provides donors with an opportunity to make multi-year gifts and bypass fundraising solicitations.

The Bishop Dowling and St. Joseph Academy Societies recognize multi-year pledges to the We Are Maroons Annual Appeal or endowment. Donors can pledge $2,000 or more to the Annual Appeal for three or more years. Those wishing to support the endowment can pledge $5,000 per year for three or more years. While creating ease for the donor, members of our giving societies provide DCHS with a reliable revenue stream which allows the school to plan for the future.

For more information or to enroll, please contact Julie Bell, Advancement Director, at 515.222.1048 or jbell@dowlingcatholic.org. Additional information is also available at www.dowlingcatholic.org/societies 4

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

many goals. I am so grateful to be a Maroon!”

Alex G. ‘25

Timothy E. Sheaff Speech, Debate and Drama Endowment

Book of Gratitude

A new endowment has been established at Dowling Catholic in honor of Timothy E.

Our tradition of publishing a Book of

Sheaff ‘86. Read a tribute from alumnus Steve Strachota ‘86, who invites others to

Gratitude continues with an online

join him in perpetuating the incredible legacy of Tim Sheaff. To contribute, please visit

publication so we can more efficiently

www.dowlingcatholic.org/debate.

acknowledge and celebrate the p e o p l e a nd orga niz at ions t hat

Tim, a member of our graduating class of 1986, recently passed away – far too young and with so much left to offer his students, community, and family. Tim married Christy (Frueh) Sheaff, another graduate of our class – and had six children who all attended DCHS. Dowling Catholic as well as speech and debate are poorer for his absence. But we can perpetuate his legacy through the support of this special endowment which will be used to support Dowling Catholic drama, speech, and debate activities.

Tim and I participated in many debate and speech tournaments together across the U.S. and I was blessed to call him a friend. I remember him as precocious, animated, talented, and passionate. It was therefore no surprise to hear he had taken over the Dowling Catholic speech and debate program – where he excelled. Tim’s commitment raised Dowling Catholic drama and speech to a new level of participation and exceptionalism. He was broadly recognized across Iowa and national associations. In 2022 Tim was inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame.

It was not until Tim’s passing, however, that I experienced the full impact of his life’s work on the debate program across Iowa and the nation. The outpouring of adoration and admiration shook my core. I looked back on the positive impact Dowling and my participation in debate had on my life successes, contemplating the multiplication effect that Tim’s service gave to an entire generation of students throughout the years. In an uncertain world where rigorous analysis and articulate thought often give way to false narratives and closed minds – Tim’s lifelong vocation to speech and debate helped arm students with the skills required to find

support our school. We appreciate the tremendous contributions of our faculty and staff and the support from our families, alumni, volunteers and local business partners. We recognize that the majority of our community members contribute far more than financial resources. You give of your time and talent, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

A special thanks to our Leadership Council and Foundation Board for their leadership and generosity. We are also grateful to those leaving a l e g a cy through your bequest intentions benefitting generations for years to come. Your support truly sustains our mission as we prepare Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ. To view a list of donors for fiscal year 2022-2023, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/BoG23.

truth through dialog and discussion.

It is now our turn to carry forward Tim’s work. The establishment of an endowment ensures Tim’s commitment to learning will continue unabated. It will help maintain the level of excellence Tim’s hard work and passion achieved. An endowment will help support student participation, attract the very best teachers/coaches, and ensure Dowling Catholic’s drama, speech and debate programs remain an impactful contributor to student success.

Business Directory D o yo u own or operate a loc a l

In short, funding the Tim Sheaff endowment is our opportunity to “pay it forward” for

business? Dowling Catholic has

future students.

a new initiative that provides the opportunity to be featured in our

Tim shined a light on those he interacted with and brought meaning to the words of Author

online business directory which

Alysha Siddiqi: “Be the person you needed when you were younger.”

is promoted on our website and social media channels and in our

Thank you, Tim, it is our turn now.

parent and alumni newsletters.

Make a donation and your business will be shared with thousands of families, alumni and supporters!

To l e a r n m o r e , p l e a s e v i s i t

Steve Strachota, Dowling class of 1986

www.dowlingcatholic.org/directory.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

5

The Dowling Catholic community came

The event would not have been possible

together in late October for the 62nd Annual

without our presenting sponsors, Global Direct

Pancake Breakfast with more than 1,800

Marketing and Knights of Columbus Bormann

people in attendance. Guests were treated

Agency, and the following businesses which

to performances by band and choir students

also provided sponsorship support: A.J. Allen

and had the opportunity to interact with

Mechanical Contractors, Beisser Lumber

representatives from numerous student

Company, Blue Compass, West Bank, Barr-

clubs and activities. Proceeds from the

Nunn Transportation LLC, Dario Lenarduzzi

event will support a new Student Activities

Te r r a z z o C o . , F i r e C r e e k G r i l l , G l o b a l

Endowment which will provide opportunities

Tech Services Inc., Graham Construction,

for new clubs and groups and enhancements

Huntington Learning Center, Integrity Printing,

to those already in existence.

Lisa Giudici Travel, Mercedes-Benz of Des Moines, Snyder & Associates, Drake University

A special thanks to Jen ‘89 and Paul Damge

and Raising Canes.

and Matt ‘86 and Bethany Kiernan who served as event co-chairs, and to Elizabeth

Thank you to all who attended or contributed

Colosimo who managed the bake sale. We

to the success of the event in other ways.

would also like to thank Deb Derry ‘89 who

Your support truly makes a difference

brought the campus store to the event,

f o r o u r s t u d e n t s . To l e a r n m o re a b o u t

Colleen Conway-Schiltz who provided the

upcoming community events, please visit

decor, and the nearly 500 additional student

www.dowlingcatholic.org/events. To volunteer

an d a d u l t vo l u n te e r s w h o g e n e ro u s l y

or learn about sponsorship opportunities,

donated their time and talent to help make

please contact Bonnie Bronson, Events

the event a success. We are also grateful to

and Community Engagement Manager, at

Mr. Steve Holland, Director of Bands, and Mr.

bbronson@dowlingcatholic.org.

Quinn Tipping, Director of Choral Music, for leading the student musicians and vocalists.

6

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

Be a Part of the Tradition!

CALENDAR > APR 6 Bash on Buffalo

> MAY 6 Spring Choral Concert

Dowling Catholic High School

Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

2507 University Avenue, Des Moines

The Bash on Buffalo features live and

The Dowling Catholic choirs will present

You can be a part of this tradition that has

silent auctions, a cash raffle and live

their annual spring concert at 7:00 p.m.

been raising awareness, enthusiasm and

entertainment. New this year, proceeds

in the historic Sheslow Auditorium. The

funding for our beloved Maroons for over

will support the purchase of a new bus

concert will feature performances by

80 years. Dowling Club support allows

to transport students to extracurricular

the Jazz Choir, Dowling Catholic Singers

us to offer a wide variety of athletics,

activities, retreats, and athletic events.

and A Cappella Choir. The evening will

Dowling Club boosters have been supporting our student-athletes since 1941!

providing students with the opportunity to learn and grow in the sports they love the

conclude with special recognition of

> APR 24 Scholastic Achievement Assembly/ Distinguished Alumni Awards

senior choir members.

Dowling Catholic High School

St. Francis of Assisi

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School proudly

The Class of 2024 will have the

bestows alumni of St. Joseph Academy

opportunity to celebrate the Sacred

and DCHS with Distinguished Alumni

Mass together one last time and to be

Joining the Dowling Club has its privileges!

Awards. Honorees will be recognized

sent forth from Dowling Catholic to

Boosters receive a one-time 15% discount

during the Scholastic Achievement

love and serve the Lord. The celebration

in the Campus Store or online, special

A ss e m b l y. Th e a n n u a l n o m i n ati o n

of Mass with the graduates and their

invitations to appreciation events, and

deadline is February 15. Please submit at

families will begin at 7:30 p.m.

sports passes to all home events (excluding

www.dowlingcatholic.org/nominate-now.

most. In addition, your support enhances our athletic programs tremendously in a number of ways, ensuring all programs have uniforms and equipment, providing assistance to coaches, allowing us to maintain and upgrade athletic facilities, and more.

tournament play). To learn more, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/dowling-club.

Thank you for your support. Go Maroons!

Athletic Sponsorships

> MAY 23 Baccalaureate Mass

> MAY 24 Graduation Ceremony > APR 25 - 27 Spring Musical

Knapp Center, Drake University

Dowling Catholic High School

2525 Forest Avenue, Des Moines

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

Dowling Catholic’s commencement

The Spring Musical is presented annually

ceremony for the Class of 2024 will

by the Dowling Catholic Performing

take place at the Knapp Center on the

Arts Department. Performances will

Drake Campus at 7:30 p.m.

take place in the DCHS auditorium.

> AUG 5 DCHS Golf Outing > APR 28 Spring Band Concert

Terrace Hills Golf Course

Dowling Catholic High School

8700 NE 46th Ave, Altoona

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

Each summer the DCHS community

The concert will feature performances

comes together for a fun day of golf

by the Concert Band, Symphony Band

to raise money for the Coppola Family

student-athletes, while also increasing

and Outstanding Performer award

Endowment. This fund was initiated in

your brand visibility and giving back

winners from the State Solo Contest. In

the early 1970s and continues to provide

to the DCHS community, then look no

addition to musical performances, the

tuition assistance to DCHS students.

further. For more information on game

annual band awards presentation will

For more information or sponsorship

day sponsorships, digital advertising,

also take place.

opportunities, please contact Bonnie

The DCHS Athletic Department has an exciting opportunity underway with a variety of exclusive athletic sponsorships!

If yo u ’re interested in h e lpin g me e t department needs and supporting our

field signage, corporate Dowling

Bronson at bbronson@dowlingcatholic.org

C l u b m ember s hips , or a cu stom ize d

or 515.222.1095.

package created just for you, please visit dowlingcatholic.org/athletic-sponsorships.

For the most current event information, please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/events.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

7

A Divine Adventure Twelve DCHS seniors began the year

who served as the kitchen masters, one

“Discernment prayer is absolutely

with a new perspective as they traveled

of several jobs assigned to each of them.

necessary and an essential part of what

on a discernment pilgrimage to Iceland

With just four hours of daylight, much of

we do,” said Fr. Downey. “Going beyond

the first week in January. Led by Fr. Reed

their time was spent in darkness.

that, prayer is going to be hard when

Flood ‘13, Fr. James Downey ‘11, Mr. Terry

people don’t have the understanding

Clark ‘96 and Mr. Ryland Jones, they

“We intentionally did a lot of prayer

that it can be as simple as sitting there

discerned God’s call to holiness through

before the sun came up and after

having a casual conversation. If they

exploring

and

the sun went down,” said Fr. Downey.

have the words and a model to follow

natural beauty, climbing Mt. Helgafell’s

“The time of prayer in darkness was

they will eventually understand that

“Holy Mountain,” exploring a volcano

especially important just to be able to

prayer is how you are in a relationship

Iceland’s

wilderness

tunnel, and visiting with the Carmelites

with God.”

and Servadores religious sisters.

“I think everyone took away so much Fr. Flood first traveled to Iceland during seminary. As DCHS chaplain, this was the second year in a row he returned with a group from DCHS, traveling last

“The purpose

from visiting with the religious sisters,”

behind the Iceland

that they are just isolated, but after

said Fr. Downey. “At first it might seem

Discernment

spending an hour with them it becomes

chaperones. He believes the location

Pilgrimage is to reveal

greatest joy. In dedicating their lives to

is perfect for a discernment trip as the

an essential truth

prayer they are free from everything we

get people’s attention but also provide

regarding vocations:

to-day lives. They have a freedom that

a perfect image of what a spiritual

God calls us on a

year with six students and two other

rugged beauty and dramatic landscape

journey is.

“The

Divine Adventure”

purpose

behind

the

Iceland

Discernment Pilgrimage is to reveal an

very clear that they really have the

are tied to and worry about in our daycomes from being able to fully focus on what ultimately matters.”

In examining a way of life so different

FR. REED FLOOD ‘13

from their own, one student shared the

essential truth regarding vocations: God

words of a religious sister that explained

calls us on a Divine Adventure,” said

their calling perfectly: “Our vocation

Fr. Flood. “The exterior experiences in

is where our greatest desire meets the

Iceland reflect an even greater interior

set everything aside and have those

experience:

world’s greatest need.”

life.

parts of the day dedicated to it. Part of

Climbing mountains, exploring petrified

the retreat pilgrimage is adventure, but

For Terry Clark, chair of the theology

volcano tunnels, and eating ammoniated

there is definitely an important aspect

department and director of ministry and

sharks

related to pulling away from everything

formation at DCHS, each aspect of the

and everyone else. The distance allows

trip provided a unique perspective. He

you to grow closer to each other, to

felt the natural landscape helped them

fraternal bonding.”

get comfortable with sitting in darkness

the

contribute

inner

to

spiritual

this

tangible

experience of adventure.”

The group began each day with Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

to focus on ways to incorporate prayer

before participating in activities related

He felt that visiting with the religious

to various vocations. They also exercised,

sisters was very powerful in gaining an

listened to a daily talk from each adult

understanding of prayer, something he

“The landscape is so unique and stark

related to a different theme, and enjoyed

recognizes that many are uncomfortable

it’s almost like being on a different

meals together prepared by the students

with or don’t know how to do.

planet,” said Clark. “Even when it’s light

8

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

into their daily lives.

it’s almost like dawn. You can’t help but

feel called to Catholic ministry, which led

my life will reflect how I grew through

withdraw into yourself, noticing the

him to where he is today.

this experience.”

thought and prayer. Everyone had vastly

“Growing up in Alaska, I’ve always felt

No matter what vocations the students

different perspectives going in, so it was

connected to nature and God’s beauty,”

decide to discern, Fr. Flood hopes this

great to see how locked into the process

said Jones. “The experience alone of

trip is just the beginning and can be a

the senior guys were by the end of the

climbing Mt. Helgafell was amazing and

catalyst, one that moves people from

week. Seeing them want to go on the trip

quite the physical feat. It was icy and

knowing about God, to knowing God. He

not just for the scenery and experience,

super foggy, and the focus of the day

would also love to see the trip grow and

but also the faith and discernment was

was silence with two dedicated periods

is open to new possibilities in the future,

probably the most beautiful aspect.”

for thinking and discernment. One was

including a trip for females who want to

while crossing over a frozen swamp, and

discern God’s call.

beauty but also sitting in the darkness in

As the only chaperone somewhat new

the other was on the way down where

to Catholicism and DCHS, Ryland Jones,

we sat in silence on a ledge. This was a

“Somewhere along the line, pursuing

the male Ut Fidem coordinator at DCHS,

solid reminder that this was no vacation.

one’s vocation and living a life of faith

had a unique perspective as his path

We were there for a purpose. I’ve learned

became labeled as boring by today’s

to youth ministry was not necessarily

that the key is to listen and look. Many

society. That is so far from the truth. The

typical. He previously served in the Army

people pray, but they never look. I am

greatest adventure we can ever hope to

as an infantryman with the 10th Mountain

still learning, and it was amazing to see

experience is rooted in our God-Given

Division out of Fort Drum, New York. He

the growth in the young men over the

vocations. God created the world and

returned home after an injury where he

course of the week.”

he created us, so he knows what will

met his wife, a DCHS alumna from the

ultimately fulfill our deepest desires.

Class of 2014, who was stationed in

“My time in Iceland was one of the

I pray this pilgrimage will inspire the

Alaska with the Army. They eventually

highlights of my life,” said senior Adrian

world to live out their vocations. If God

returned to her hometown and were

Brown. “Being surrounded by beauty,

is calling you to the seminary or religious

married in the St. Joseph Chapel. It was

faith,

life, then buckle up. I cannot fathom a

on their honeymoon that he began to

changed me. I will never be the same, and

culture

and

brotherhood

has

greater adventure than that.”

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

9

School of Magic In l ate October, th e Pe rformin g A rt s

Raymond. “People knew the best way to

They had many such moments during the

Department brought the magic of Harry

honor Mr. Sheaff would be to continue the

production, particularly when the unveiling

Potter to the stage for the fall play production

legacy and just do a really great show. We talk

of the ofrenda in his honor was inadvertently

of Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a

about him a lot. This is very much the space

scheduled during the first dress rehearsal.

Certain School of Magic. Written by playwright

that he built. If kids want to reminisce, have a

Matt Cox, the play is a parody of the Harry

moment or a laugh, this is a space where they

“We had a good chuckle, and the kids said

Potter book series by J.K. Rowling but told

can do that.”

he would be so mad if they missed the dress

from the perspective of the Puffs inspired by

rehearsal for his ofrenda,” said Raymond.

the Hogwarts house, Hufflepuff.

Junior Ella Johnson is now a fall play veteran The play was directed by Sarah Raymond

but that wasn’t the case when she decided

but selected by Tim Sheaff ‘86, the longtime

on a whim to audition for the fall play as a

director of drama and debate who passed

freshman.

away in June. For the fall play, Sheaff typically followed a rotation of the American Classics,

“I hate chocolate, a sentiment far from the

Shakespeare, and then something more

truth, was the opening line in the monologue

lighthearted every third year. Shakespeare

I used to audition my freshman year,” said

was up in his rotation, but in May, he messaged

Ella. “I had decided to audition the night

Raymond, who at the time was assisting with

before, and while I boasted no prior acting

the fall play and spring musical, and said they

experience, I had a love for watching plays

should look at the Puffs script because he

and was enchanted by the idea of performing

thought more kids would be excited about it.

in them. Now as a junior, three years in the fall play has allowed me to adopt the persona of

His intuition was correct, and the production

nine different characters, build relationships

ultimately included a cast and crew of

with three of my closest friends, and work

40, attracting many n ew st u de n t s wh o

with two extremely gifted directors. As I look

auditioned because they loved Harry Potter.

to my senior year, the curtain call to my fall

They produced the Young Wizarding edition,

play career, I am overjoyed by the prospect

so the kids in the audience knew many of the

of acting alongside the next freshman who

jokes and were particularly engaged.

decides to pursue high school acting on a whim, getting to hear one more laugh from

“Everyone rallied around the production,

the audience, and in the words of the late Mr.

including the parents, faculty and staff,” said

Sheaff, ‘do art.’”

10

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

The Gift of the Magi The winter play production The Gift of the Magi was presented for the DCHS community in early December with a special matinee performance for more than 400 parochial school fourth-grade students before opening night. The story is a classic Christmas parable about a young couple who deal with the challenge of buying secret gifts for each other with very little money.

The winter play is produced and performed by Acting + students, a class taught by Mrs. Sarah Raymond that includes students at the sophomore level and higher who have completed Acting I and II. Raymond directs the play, and this year there were nine in the cast, four on the crew, and a few additional students outside of the class who volunteered their time.

“These students are like the varsity team of acting,” said Raymond. “They can manage their own time and don’t need a lot of direction. They could be thrown into any situation and would handle it well.”

While this is just her second year at DCHS, Raymond has been teaching and doing theater for 18 years. For the winter play, she was focused on finding a classic Christmas show because of the timing and the excitement the younger audience always brings when it comes to celebrating the season.

“This production is special because the cast and crew often remember coming to DCHS to watch when they were young,” said Raymond.

“Many of them still have connections and they get excited to perform for their former school.”

The winter play is the second of three productions the Performing Arts Department puts on each year. The spring musical production of Newsies will be presented to the community on April 25-27, 2024.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

11

National Merit Semifinalists Dowling Catholic is proud to announce that seniors Mitchell Cook, Brett Gifford and John Thilges have been named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. The names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program were announced in September.

Students enter the scholarship program by taking the Preliminary SAT. The nationwide pool of semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in the state of Iowa who represent less than one percent of all high school seniors in the U.S. The students now have the opportunity to compete for National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring.

WELL DONE

Christmas Baskets In early November, Dowling Catholic students

by making Christmas cards for the families. Faculty

kicked off the annual Christmas Basket service

and staff supplied 441 gifts for every child attending

project started more than 50 years ago by

Moulton Elementary and monetary donations, a

the BVM Sisters of St. Joseph Academy.

portion of which receive matching gift support each

Each year DCHS proudly carries on this time-

year thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

honored tradition of helping local families in need during the Christmas season.

The project concludes with the Candlelighting prayer service before seniors go out into

Today, Christmas Baskets is one of the largest

the community to make deliveries to

school-wide service projects and is led by the

their families. Thanks to their hard

senior class which enlists the help of students

work and outstanding leadership,

in all grade levels as well as their families,

DCHS students were able to help

faculty, staff, and the greater community.

make Christmas brighter for 103

Groups of seniors meet with their “adopted

local families.

families” to determine their needs and wants which are then presented to underclassmen

“I have been coordinating

who are invited to contribute or participate in

the Christmas Basket

the project in other ways.

project for 32 years and am continually amazed

In addition to gifts to place under the tree, each

at the compassion and

family receives groceries, toiletries, household

generosity of the Dowling

items, clothing, and other necessities.

Catholic students, parents,

Generous support from local businesses

faculty and staff, and the

makes much of this possible. Capital City

g r e a t e r c o m m u n i t y,”

Fruit donated produce as they have for the

said Jeff Ferguson, a

last 32 years, Two Men and a Truck provided

teacher and director of

boxes for the deliveries, Kum & Go offered a

student activities. “It

discount on the purchase of gift cards, and

humbles me every year

Variety a Children’s Charity donated bikes.

when I look at what we

The DCHS Art Club also contributes annually,

have done, how we have

this year making a monetary donation and

truly lived the mission of

candles for each family. Two additional

Dowling Catholic. Thank you

student service clubs, Cards for a Cause and

to everyone.”

Outreach, contributed to this year’s project 12

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

A Royal Renaissance Celebration In January the Dowling Catholic Performing

Students begin rehearsing at the end of

Tipping appreciates the opportunity the

Arts Department hosted the annual Madrigal

October when casting occurs. The Royal

genre provides for many students to perform

Dinner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Court typically consists of upperclassmen

as well as the educational aspect of working

in We st Des Moines . D e spite ch alle n ge s

who are selected via audition along with

with centuries-old music.

presented by a winter storm, the show went

the court jester. Additional roles include the

on with approximately 100 student vocalists

serving chorus, the royal pages, and the royal

“Our music today owes a lot to what composers

and instrumentalists involved in providing an

court which are usually underclassmen.

were starting to innovate and create 500 years ago,” said Tipping. “It’s great music that is

evening of festive music and entertainment Historically a madrigal is a secular genre of vocal

really at the core of our repertoire for choir

music that was typical of the Renaissance Era,

and band. I think we have one of the finest

The Madrigal Dinner has been a tradition at

usually performed a cappella with many different

madrigals when you add in the costumes, the

Dowling Catholic for more than 20 years. Mr.

harmonies. Today, madrigals are often hosted

food and the venue. It feels like walking into a

Quinn Tipping ‘09 has been involved in 14 of

by colleges and some high schools and filled

castle and really transports you to a different

them, first as a student and now as the director

with music, pageantry and food, reminiscent

time. The kids have fun and it’s educational

of choral music. Mr. Steve Holland, director of

of a Renaissance feast. The interactive dinners

for them to learn this type of music. It’s a

bands, has been involved with the production

are typically comedic in nature and include a

unique event that has become one of our

every year and Mrs. Lindsay Hughes, assistant

skit and a meal divided into courses, each of

greatest traditions.”

director of choral music, for the past three.

which is heralded with a traditional song.

for the community.

Iowa All-State Music Festival Congratulations to the DCHS students who participated in the 2023 Iowa All-State Music Festival held November 16-18, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. A new school record was set with the following 15 students selected for the All-State Chorus: Zoe Ball, Kerigan Creighton, Audrey Doud, Ben Hall, Liv Hall, Colin Heaston, Grace Hochberger, Elizabeth James, Sarah Kinnison, Lewis Lentsch, JD Martin, Mara Mead, Ephraim Messer, Quentin Steinbach and Jacob Suresh.

Grace Aerisolphal (trumpet), Presila Edward (violin), and Isabella Rempe (violin) were selected for the All-State Orchestra.

The All-State Music Festival Concert was presented on November 18, 2023, at Hilton Coliseum and broadcast by Iowa PBS on Thanksgiving. Special recognition goes to Presila Edward, a four-year member of the All-State Orchestra, and to Zoe Ball, who was a featured soloist in this year’s All-State Chorus. The concert takes place annually and features performances from more than a thousand of Iowa’s top high school musicians and vocalists.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

13

CLASS NOTES

To share alumni news or update your contact information, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/alumni or contact Kathy Kirby Power ‘80, alumni manager, at kkirbypower@dowlingcatholic.org or 515.222.1087.

The 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were recognized during a ceremony at DCHS and the homecoming football game. Congratulations to Cristen (Slings) Clark ‘01, Bill Gaul ‘03, Christopher M. Geneser ‘85, Jim Hallman ‘81, Allison Olberding ‘16, Erica Olberding ‘16 and Bryan Ollie ‘99!

Congratulations to RJ Hernandez ‘75 who was inducted into the 2023 Iowa Latino Hall of Fame. Each year, six Latino Iowans are recognized for using their talents and skills to improve the quality of life in Iowa. Hernandez was honored for providing family counseling, mentoring young men, coaching basketball for multiple schools, and preserving Latino history, traditions, and customs utilizing music and song as tools to educate and empower thousands of young students. Several of his Dowling classmates attended the ceremony, including Terry Lewton, Mary Menough Bartusek, Nancy Katich Ott, Brian Tracy, Rick Cacciatore, Lisa Hostelka Eittreim and Mark Otto from the Class of 1975.

Listen to Stories From Buffalo Road, a podcast from Dowling Catholic High School featuring guests with a special place in school history.

The latest episode features

Bob

‘54

The DCHS community came together for an All Souls Day prayer service at the Maroon Memorial where the names of the deceased were read aloud, including prayer intentions for more than 100 alumni from the old Dowling, St. Joseph Academy and DCHS. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

and Madeline (Kieler) Harlan ‘56 w h o t a l k a b o u t their time at Dowling and SJA in the 1950s. Search “Stories From Buffalo Road” on Spotify and YouTube to find the episodes streaming now!

14

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

Save the Date A Band and Color Guard alumni reunion will take place on September 25th and 26th over homecoming weekend.

More details to follow!

As a student at Ave Maria University in Florida, Dylan Smidt ‘21 founded a brand inspired by his Catholic faith which has amassed a following of buyers from his former peers at DCHS to professional athletes. He became interested in graphic design as a junior at DCHS and designed clothing and a children’s book called “God’s Little Kiddo.” His interest grew from there and led to the start of Radical Love, a clothing company that combines scripture and style. Learn more about his company at radicallovecommunity.com.

Dowling

Catholic

partnered

with

LifeServe Blood Center to host a blood The 2023 Swim & Dive Reunion was held at Dowling

drive on campus in honor of Ava Vaske ‘21,

Catholic on October 28, 2023, in celebration of the

an alumna who lost her battle with cancer

decades-long tradition of DCHS swim and dive excellence.

in 2022. The drive included 30 first-

The festivities began with a social hour and included a

time donors and 50 units of blood were

photo booth, a video of alumni swimmers and coaches,

collected which will save or sustain up to

and an overview of the current program and plans for

150 lives. A special thanks to the Vaske

the future. The DCHS Swim & Dive Team and Riptide also

family for letting us be a part of honoring

displayed their many talents in the pool. Kristin Hall ‘95

Ava’s memory in this meaningful way.

served as emcee and speakers included Coach Crouch, Paul Eure ‘83 (DCHS girls/boys coach), Ann Peterson ‘98 (Riptide coach), Dr. Ryan and current swimmers.

used for the first ti m e l i tu rg i c a l l y during Mass of the Holy Spirit.

The shields of Dowling Catholic High School and St. Joseph Academy adorn the bases, honoring the history and traditions of both schools. The hand-carved Cimabue Corpus and wood “Dowling Cross” were created in northern Italy, a region known for nurturing generations of artists who are masters of blending artistic creativity and devotional expression. A special Dowling Catholic High School was blessed to celebrate the start of a new school year with a new processional cross and candles which were a 50-year reunion gift from the class of 1972, the last classes to graduate from the “old” Dowling and St. Joseph Academy. They were blessed by Bishop Joensen and

thanks to The Cosgrave Company which coordinated the design, implementation, and completion of this project, and to Mike ‘72 and Donna Egan who represented the alumni class at Mass.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

15

Athletic Hall of Fame DCHS proudly bestows numerous awards on St. Joseph Academy and Dowling Catholic alumni, including selection to the Athletic Hall of Fame. Induction is merited by excellence in athletics, coaching or a related area during high school and/or beyond at the college, amateur or professional level. Please join us in congratulating the 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

CRISTEN (SLINGS) CLARK ‘01 In softball, Cristen had a 12:1 strikeout-towalk ratio, played in four state tournaments and held a 97-11 record. She was named allconference four times and all-district and allstate three times. In 2001 she earned elite allstate recognition and was named to the Iowa 3A All-Star Team and the Elite All-Star Team.

She played in four state basketball tournaments and was a member of the 1998 and 2000 championship teams coached by Bob and Sharon Hanson. She was also a Bernie Saggau Award winner and earned allconference honors in volleyball.

Cristen is the owner of Fastpitch Farm Softball and works as an agricultural communications consultant, a food editor, and farmer. She resides in Runnells, Iowa, with her husband and two children.

She is very thankful for the sacrifices her parents made for her to be able to attend DCHS. Having active children of her own, she can’t imagine what a 31-mile drive to school each day would be like. She is also grateful for the incredible experiences and outstanding education she received. Among the many wonderful coaches and teachers she had the opportunity to learn from, Coach Sharon Hanson is the person who stands out as she praised hard work, appreciated her farming background, and had a way of getting the best out of every player.

Cristen tries to emulate those qualities as a coach and would still run through a brick wall for Coach Hanson to this day.

BILL GAUL ‘03 Bill was a four-year varsity swimmer who helped his team to four consecutive state championships. He was state runner-up in the 100 breaststroke his senior year which set a new school record. He was also part of a medley relay team that set a new school record the same year.

Bill also excelled in academics and was a member of the National Honor Society and an Aquinas Key and Academic Letter recipient.

He also swam for local and travel teams and has a trophy case full of memories. He earned his Eagle Scout Award in 2002, using his project to raise money and complete enhancements for the Camp Sunnyside swimming facilities.

Bill continued his swimming career at the University of Missouri Rolla where he participated in the NCAA national championships all four years and helped his team to a fourth-place finish in 2007. He was

16

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

recognized twice by ESPN The Magazine as Academic All-American Team Member of the Year and once as Academic All-American Athlete of the Year. At the conclusion of his college career he had earned ten All-American swims and four Academic All-American recognitions.

He graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and accepted an assistantship at Iowa State University where he earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. He currently lives in Ames, Iowa, and works for Syngenta as a technical analyst.

CHRISTOPHER M. GENESER ‘85 Christopher was a three-time state wrestling qualifier who earned a third-place finish two of those years. His team earned the state championship title in 1984 and finished as runnerup in 1985. He was a State Junior Freestyle place winner (4th - USA Wrestling), a USA Junior Freestyle World Team member, a Junior Freestyle World Champion (USA Wrestling, FILA), a two-time National Junior Freestyle place winner (3rd & 4th, USA Wrestling), a State Junior Freestyle Champion (USA Wrestling), and a 1985 High School All-American who was recognized by Amateur Wrestling News.

He went on to wrestle at Notre Dame where he was a four-year starter.

He was a three-time Western Regional finalist (two-time champion, NCAA qualifying tournament), a three-time NCAA Division-I tournament qualifier, a National Freestyle place winner (6th place, Espoir college level), and ranks second all-time in wins in Notre Dame Wrestling history. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and became a certified CPA. He currently resides in Chicago with his wife, Lisa, and their four children. He is a partner and CFO with CIVC Partners, LP. What he remembers most about his time at Dowling Catholic are the relationships created in the classroom with teachers and his friendships with classmates and teammates.

JIM HALLMAN ‘81 Jim played in two state high school baseball tournaments and helped his team to the state championship game his senior year. He was recognized with all-conference, all-district and all-state honors in baseball.

He went on to play baseball at Grand View University where he earned alldistrict, All-Area 4 (Midwest Region) and All-American honors. He played

in two College World Series and holds school records for total bases in a career and most games played as a catcher in a season and in a career.

He was inducted into the Grand View University Hall of fame in 2011.

He served as a professional baseball scout for the Chicago Cubs and as a baseball coach at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas, at the University of Northern Iowa, and at Dowling Catholic.

Jim currently serves as the assistant baseball coach at Grand View University and is the owner and lead instructor at Grand Slam USA, an indoor baseball and softball training facility. During his tenure at Grand View his teams have made five national tournament appearances and he has coached or instructed more than 40 players who have signed professional baseball contracts. He resides in Urbandale, Iowa, with his wife Margaret and their children, Abby, Megan and Amanda.

During his time at DCHS he really enjoyed getting to know new students every year who came from different parochial schools and the faith-based learning environment which was very important to him. He is always proud to tell people he is a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School.

ALLISON OLBERDING ‘16 Allison was a four-time golf letter winner, named to the 2015 women’s golf all-tournament team, the 2016 all-state golf team, and was a finalist for All-Iowa Elite women’s golfer of the year in 2016.

She was the 5A team state champion in 2015, the 2015 regional team winner, the 2016 state team runner-up, and placed fourth individually in 2016. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.

She went on to play two years of collegiate golf at the University of North Carolina at Asheville where she served as a representative for the UNC Asheville Student Athletic Advisory Committee, a leadership group consisting of student-athletes representing all sports at UNC Asheville.

She then attended Drake University for two years where she continued her golf career and was a Women’s Golf Coaches Association All American Scholar and member of the dean’s list from 2016-2019. She is currently a fourth-year dental student at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Many of her favorite memories from Dowling Catholic include all of the early mornings spent at Waveland Cafe with her golf teammates before going to practice at Blank Golf Course.

BRYAN OLLIE ‘99 Bryan Ollie was a successful running back and runner. During his senior year in football, he rushed for 1,348 yards, ran for at least 100 yards in all but one regular-season game, averaged over 10 yards per carry, and had six multitouchdown games. He was also named to the All-Central Iowa Metropolitan League team and the Des Moines Register’s second-team All-Iowa squad.

During his career, he rushed for 2,726 yards, had 46 touchdowns, and led the Maroons to the Class 4A playoffs each season. He is also a two-time All-Central Iowa Metropolitan League Team Member who helped his team to a state championship game appearance in 1998 where they finished as Class 4A runner-up.

She went on to play golf at William & Mary where she was a fouryear starter. She played 97 career rounds, the most in school history, and graduated with the third-lowest career scoring average in school history. She was the Hound Ears Individual Champion, the Richmond Individual Champion, and named to the All-CAA tournament team with three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. She also holds the record for the fifth-lowest round in W&M history. She was named to the dean’s list twice, to the Spring 2020 CAA Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and was a four-time W&M Provost Award winner. She was also a two-time member of the Women’s Golf Leadership Council.

In track he won a state title as a member of the 4x100-meter relay team. He was also a member of the 4x100 team that ran the fastest time in school history, a school record they held for over 20 years. At the Drake Relays he ran on the 4x100 team that finished fourth and the 4x200 team that finished third.

She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia, where she is the Senior Audit Associate in the Federal Audit Practice for KPMG in Washington, D.C.

Bryan graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies. He appeared on the CBS reality television show Big Brother 10. He currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona, with his wife and daughter. He is the owner of Ollie Athletic Training, a digital marketer for OpenX and a real estate investor.

Her favorite memories from DCHS center around the team camaraderie during long travel trips to golf tournaments.

ERICA OLBERDING ‘16 During her time at Dowling Catholic Erica played golf and volleyball She was a four-year letter winner in golf, a member of the 2015 state championship team, and a member of the National Honor Society.

He received a scholarship to play defensive back at Iowa State University where he was a member of the Dan McCarney-coached teams that went to bowl games three consecutive seasons. He was a four-year letter winner at defensive back and special teams.

For a complete list of Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/ahof.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

17

A Life of Prayer, Ministry and Community Sister Carol Marie Baum, who graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1960, has one disappointment about growing old.

“There’s lots to learn,” Sister Carol Marie said about her religious studies and formation.

“I’m a little disappointed to be as old as I am because it seems like there is a lot out there yet that I don’t know.”

But she has no doubt from where her endless curiosity stems.

“Those seeds were planted by the [Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary], very definitely, in grade school and high school both,” she said.

Carol Marie Baum grew up in Des Moines, attended the now-closed St. John’s Elementary School and then went to St. Joseph Academy.

She made her profession and formally joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs), following in the footsteps of her teachers and mentors at St. Joseph.

“They were always trying to draw you out to be really independent, well-schooled and willing to step up to the plate and do the things you know you can do and not expect someone else to pick you up,” she says of the encouragement she received at St. Joseph.

St. Joseph Academy was founded in 1885 by the BVM sisters, who first settled in Philadelphia and later established their headquarters in Dubuque. St. Joseph served as Des Moines’ girls Catholic high school for almost a century. In 1972, it merged with Dowling High School, which until that time had been a boys school.

Sister Carol Marie remembers the many sisters who served as role models and mentors.

Sister Mary Thomasette helped her discern her vocation with the BVMs. “She was excited to work with freshman girls, wanting them to learn all that they can and be the best that they can,” she said.

“She taught me the wonderful importance of being responsible for what choices you make and that every choice has a consequence.”

Window originally located at St. Joseph Academy Des Moines, Iowa Gift from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center and SJA Class of 1951 18

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

Sister Lorette made sure the 400 or so

Called back to Des Moines to help care for her

But amidst that reality, Sister Carol Marie

students were fed every day and made enough

sister who had developed a brain tumor, Sister

still marvels at the BVM story, one started

in the kitchen to donate to the less fortunate.

Carol Marie went from serving youngsters

almost 200 years ago when an Irish nun led

to serving seniors. She worked helping the

four others to the United States to serve

“She was such a saintly person. The work she

residents of Mercy Park Apartments, which

emigrant children.

did in that cafeteria was phenomenal,” said

stood near Mercy Hospital.

“I’m sure Mary Frances Clarke never thought

Sister Carol Marie.

this was going to be her legacy. One-hundred ninety years, starting with five women,

And at St. John’s, there was Sister Erna,

coming to the United States and now here

whom Sister Carol Marie remembers helping

“There is the whole emotional piece that goes with anything.

But I do believe that nothing happens by happenstance. There is a reason for everything.”

after school, dusting erasers, cleaning chalkboards and just chatting and visiting.

“I often wonder if she ever got into any trouble being late for prayers because we would just be goofing off,” she said.

we are in various roles and places still and doing good work,” said Sister Carol Marie.

It is with that same spirit that she thinks of the closing of St. Joseph and the merger with Dowling.

Anchored by faithful Catholic parents who

“There is the whole emotional piece that

fostered an environment of giving and

goes with anything. But I do believe that

inspired by an older sister who also joined the

nothing happens by happenstance. There is a reason for everything,” she said.

BVMs, Sister Carol Marie began her vocation as an elementary school teacher. She taught

It was a change, but certainly not the first nor

first through third graders in Chicago and

the last that Sister Carol Marie has experienced.

“And I think for us the reason is to say ‘You know, look at what has come as a result

San Francisco for more than 20 years.

In 1960, Sister Carol Marie was one of 118

of what took place.’ We have a thriving,

“Little kids are so exuberant. They are like

young women across the country to enter

flourishing Dowling St Joseph education

little sponges,” she said.

the BVMs. Not all of them stayed the three

opportunity. We have a great staff. And they

years to their canonical year, but compare

too are providing an atmosphere and an

But God had another mission for her: to be

the number to today, where there is just one

education that will go far and wide.”

there for senior citizens.

BVM candidate in her canonical year.

BVM/SJA Endowment The BVM/SJA Endowment was established in 2022 to commemorate the 50th year of the last graduating class of St. Joseph Academy (SJA) in 1972. This endowed fund supports tuition assistance for young women attending Dowling Catholic High School and will live on in perpetuity.

The endowment also serves as a tribute to the alumnae of SJA and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) who established the school in 1881. To date, nearly 60 alumna have supported the fund.

Anyone is welcome to support the endowment, including alumni, families of SJA graduates and others who embrace the value of Catholic education. To learn more, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/endowment.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

19

Honoring the Departed Each fall students in Dowling Catholic’s Art

community and cultural liaison at DCHS. This

to pray for the departed during the month

Club create an ofrenda in celebration of Day

year the newly founded club HERO (Hispanic

of November.

of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, a Latin

Empowerment Resource Organization) also

American holiday observed on November 1

contributed greatly to the project along with

“We care for people from womb to tomb...

and 2. The ofrenda is an essential part of this

several alumni and adult volunteers.

AND beyond!” said Kane. “We are reminded

celebration, serving as a visual reminder of

to always pray for the deceased, but

the departed. This year’s 20th annual ofrenda

Among his many roles, Sheaff was chair

especially in November when we begin our

was created in honor of Mr. Tim Sheaff, an

of the Performing Arts Department and

month with All Souls and All Saints days.

alumnus from the Class of 1986 and a beloved

director of the fall play and award-winning

Tim Sheaff’s character was larger than life.

teacher and director of drama and debate

spring musicals. In tribute, the ofrenda was

This ofrenda paid tribute to him and the

who passed away on June 21, 2023.

constructed with pieces from theater sets

scale of it beckoned us to come to the

and included a faux stained glass window

chapel from all the way across the Narthex!

More than 50 students contributed their

of Saint Genesius, the patron saint of actors

It was difficult to pass through the north

time and talent to creating the meaningful

Sheaff prayed to before every performance.

end of the school without seeing it and

tribute that honored Sheaff’s tremendous

These were just a few of the visual elements

remembering Tim’s impact. It also urged

legacy at DCHS where he had served since

created to demonstrate his tremendous

us to go into the chapel and pray for our

1997 when he returned to his alma mater

impact on the lives of countless students in

departed. I feel humbled and honored

to teach drama, debate, speech and film.

the classroom, on the stage, and through

to help students create these temporary

Students began working on the ofrenda in

speech and debate.

m e m o r i a l s … .o u r st udent s do suc h a n

early September under the direction of Mrs.

incredible job installing them and paying

Brenda Kane, an art teacher at DCHS and

The ofrenda was on display in the Narthex

close attention to the details. Our ofrendas

moderator of the Art Club who has led

following the unveiling and prayer service on

are beautiful and leave a lasting impression,

the project since its inception with guidance

October 24, offering a place of remembrance

just like those we honor.”

also provided by Mrs. Paula Plasencia,

and welcoming those who visited the chapel

20

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

to the families of the following alumni who have passed away.

Theresa (Ausilio) Riccelli ‘43 SJA John “Jack” Northup ‘47 Elizabeth “Betty” (Forrer) Rooney ‘47 SJA Shirley (Bennett) Burdock ‘49 SJA Joseph “Duane” Biegger ‘50 Joseph “Joe” Joyce ‘50

IN MEMORIAM

Dowling Catholic extends its sympathy

Samuel “Sam” Rizzuti ‘50 Robert “Bob” Brandser ‘51 Cyril “Pat” Duff ‘52 Elizabeth “June” (Theiler) Maley ‘52 SJA Ruth (Fitzsenry) Woodward ‘52 SJA Gayle Moon ‘53 SJA Rose Pigneri ‘53 SJA Donald “Don” Dorrian, Sr. ‘54 Colleen (Vivone) Breheny ‘54 SJA Richard “Roy” Tibbetts ‘55 Charles “Chuck” Young ‘55 Patrick “Pat” Crawford ‘56 Jody (Broderick) McCarthy ‘56 SJA Thomas “Tom” Gordon Cota ‘58 Julie (Harrington) Best ‘59 SJA Frank Severino ‘59 Joan (Barsetti) Smith ‘59 SJA ​​William “Bill” Curry ‘60

In Memory of Max Fahnlander The Dowling Catholic community mourns the loss of Max Kenton Fahnlander, who passed away on October 27, 2023.

Maurice “Maurie” Maher ‘60 Richard “Dick” Prey ‘60 Donald Cain ‘61 Martin “Marty” McGrane ‘61 Edward Cunningham ‘63 Richard “Dick” Kinley ‘63 Julie (O’Neil) Siberz ‘63 SJA Jack Scrignoli ‘65

He was the third child born to Matt and Tami

Paul Doke ‘65

Fahnlander on October 27, 2007. His siblings are

Robert “Bobby” Graham ‘66

Noelle, Brady, Timmy and Bridget. Max attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and was a sophomore at

Daniel “Dan” Moore ‘66 Ruth (Schuler) Quinn ‘66 SJA Ron Drey ‘67

Dowling Catholic. Max cherished his faith, family and

Joseph “Joe” Fazio ‘67

country and had mentioned interest in joining the

Msgr Frank Chiodo ‘68

U.S. Army. He chose St. Francis of Assisi as his saint

John “Jack” Sauer ‘68

for his upcoming confirmation as they both shared a love of nature and animals. Max loved trying to make his peers laugh, listening to and making music, and going for long walks on the many trails in Urbandale.

Diane Sokolik ‘69 SJA Richard “Rich” Croskey ‘70 Mike Timmons ‘73 Kevin Hamilton ‘74

He enjoyed family time, making up games and adventures with his many cousins,

Daniel “Dan” Thornton ‘74

and spending time on the family farm. He also loved sports, watching his beloved

Daina (Voskans) Young ‘74

Green Bay Packers and Iowa State Cyclones, and playing football through his

Mark Conley ‘77

freshman year at Dowling Catholic. Additionally, he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, swimming and golf.

Brian Hutchens ‘79 Mike Sitroneto ‘79 Paul Lakers ‘82 David Nelson ‘82

Max was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. He saved many lives as an

Robin Hrubetz ‘83

organ donor, leaving this world the true hero he always wanted to be. To read Max’s

Rachel Dubec ‘96

full obituary, please visit www.desmoinesregister.com/obituaries/dmr134840.

Thomas “Matt” Carlson ‘09 Sean Pattschull ‘19

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

21

Be The GIANTS “Be The Giants” is the mantra for this year’s speech and debate team as the program embarks on a new era with Simon Sheaff ‘13 at the helm. He established the theme in homage to a famous quote while mindfully honoring the legacy of his father, Tim Sheaff ‘86, as he took over the program following his passing in June of 2023.

Simon is no stranger to speech and debate having achieved great success himself,

Next, the team will compete at districts for the

that he put into his announcing duties. If he

first at DCHS and then at Baylor where he

opportunity to qualify for nationals followed

got the script in time, he would practice, over

attended college on a debate scholarship.

by the IFL State Tournament where they will

and over again, names that he knew he might

After graduation, he went on to coach policy

attempt to repeat as state speech champions.

have trouble with. When he got on the bus

debate at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis

at the end of the awards ceremony to drive

while earning his master’s degree and working

In the article below Simon writes about the

back to Iowa, his voice would be hoarse and

towards his Ph.D. He occasionally helped his

“bittersweet honor” of taking over for his father

his feet would be tired. Being a giant on the

father with the team at DCHS before he

and what it means to be considered a giant.

stage took hard work.

began serving as the assistant coach upon

The original article is from the 2024 February/

his return to Des Moines three years ago.

March issue of Rostrum magazine, a publication

In the midwest, Tim Sheaff achieved the

Those students he first helped to coach

of the National Speech & Debate Association:

status of “giant” by starting The Paradigm at

are now seniors preparing to graduate in

www.speechanddebate.org/rostrum-archive.

Dowling Catholic. The Paradigm is the largest

May.

_____________________________________

speech and debate tournament in the state of Iowa and one of the largest in the region

The season began in September with two

As the tributes to Tim Sheaff rolled in last

that offers all NSDA main events. “Paradigm”

tournaments hosted by DCHS. First was The

summer on Facebook, in newspapers, and

is a strange name for a tournament. The

Paradigm, an annual tournament founded

in this very magazine, he was called many

tournament is so named because, when the

by Tim Sheaff that included 80 schools from

things. An icon. A legend. The GOAT. A giant.

Paradigm was founded, it was an attempt to

12 different states. The second was a new

bridge the gap between two worlds in Iowa

tournament, the Maroon Maelstrom, that

The truth is, he was a man - a human being,

speech and debate. Two opposing camps

kicked off the Iowa competition circuit.

like anyone else in our community and

thought much differently about speech and

world. So what does it take for a man to be

debate and generally despised each other.

considered a giant?

The two camps essentially traveled two

After several months of competing locally and throughout the state, the team’s success

different circuits in the state and refused to

continued into January when DCHS won two

This is a question I have pondered as I have

compete against one another. The Paradigm

state championships at the Iowa High School

had the bittersweet honor of taking over

was created to reconcile these two opposing

Speech Association State Tournament. Seniors

the Dowling Catholic Speech and Debate

paradigms into one new paradigm - that

Suzanne Bigelow and Collin Comito won their

program from Tim Sheaff, who also happened

everyone should debate everyone. That

second consecutive state championship in

to be my father. What did my father do that

competition was about the search for Truth,

Policy Debate, making them the first back-to-

made himself a “giant?”

not bound by ideological blinders.

decade, and juniors Leonard Klemm and Cate

Across the country, certainly what my father

The Paradigm achieved its goal and has since

Sullivan won their first state championship in

was most well known for was his voice

become one of the premier tournaments in

Public Forum Debate. There were also great

booming out over hotel ballrooms as he

the region, known for its hospitality and high-

performances from Jack McGuire, Betzy

announced the names of NSDA national

quality competition. That level of hospitality

Sandoval, John Thilges, Ethan Stanley, Toby

champions. His talent as an announcer

and competition is not easy to maintain, as

Nielsen, Jackson Smith, Matthew Pierson, and

was matched only by his joy at getting the

anyone who runs an annual tournament can

dozens of other students who contributed to

honor of saying the names of thousands of

tell you - it took a lot of hard work. But my

the team’s success.

students who stood on the Nationals stage.

father’s constant refrain about the tournament

What others did not see was the hard work

was not to complain but to say (or post on

back policy state champions in more than a

22

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC HIGH SC HOOL

Facebook) “I LOVE HOSTING THIS EVENT!!!”

if sometimes delivered sarcastically) gave

and that love was evident in every decision

us the ability to pursue our dreams. He was

He would want me to mention that all of

he made about the tournament. It is that love

tough on us to be sure, but we never felt that

these pursuits were guided by his Catholic

that I still use as the guiding principle for

he did not have our best interests at heart. He

faith and that he often drew on the strength

directing the tournament.

lived the mantra from his favorite movie to

of St. John Chrysostom, St. Thomas Aquinas,

never take sides against the family.

and St. Genesius.

would not have counted Tim Sheaff as a

As I prepared for this season, the first season

But standing on the shoulders of giants

mentor. He deliberately searched out young

of Dowling Catholic Speech and Debate

does not automatically make one a giant.

coaches or young potential coaches to offer

without my father’s involvement in more than

This is why the phrase Be The Giants is an

his own version of sage, sarcastic advice. You

30 years, I kept thinking about him as a giant.

imperative statement - that is, it instructs or

knew Tim Sheaff believed in your ability to

I also continually came back to a quotation

orders the hearer to action. Here we find the

coach when he would yell at you in a tabroom

often attributed to Isaac Newton (though

first reason that such a phrase well suits my

or judges lounge about some success that

its origins may be from far before Newton’s

father. The man did love to order people to

your student had achieved. “SEE?! SEE WHAT

time): “If I have seen further, it is by standing

do stuff. But more importantly, because it is

HAPPENS WHEN YOU LISTEN TO ME?!,” I

on the shoulders of Giants.” In homage to this

an imperative phrase, it implies that being

heard him hurl at more than one young coach.

quotation and mindful of my father’s legacy,

a giant is a choice. It is something that you

The Tim Sheaff coaching tree is keeping

I chose for our team’s theme for the year: Be

can do or not do, a decision that you can

Iowa speech and debate alive and thriving

The Giants.

consciously make. If it is true, as Shakespeare

In Iowa, there are few active coaches who

w ro te th at “s o m e a re born great , som e

- something of which he was immensely proud. He always wanted his teams to win, but he also loved watching coaches he had encouraged and guided succeed as well.

This phrase was not a mantra of my father’s or in any way an important saying to him. But “Be The Giants”

achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” Be The Giants urges us to accept the second choice for ourselves - to work to achieve greatness.

Here at Dowling Catholic, Tim Sheaff was a

I think sums up some of my father’s

giant because of his hard work towards success.

philosophies about the speech and

For a man with such a loud voice, my father’s

When he was hired at Dowling Catholic in 1997,

debate community, and the evidence

life was quietly dedicated to such pursuits.

he was hired as a theater director, which was, after all, what his education was in. However,

of this can be seen all around me as

Ask the thousands of students he taught, the hundreds he coached in speech and debate

before accepting the role, he insisted that

I attempt to honor his legacy in the

Dowling allow him to restart the speech and

very classroom where he taught me

you he had high standards and expected

debate team, which had withered since he

the difference between a link and an

them to work hard.

graduated as a member of the Dowling team 10 years earlier. His decision to re-start the team paid off - with a half-dozen top-10 finishes at Nationals, including a National Championship in Humorous Interpretation, TOC qualifiers, and so many state and district champions that he stopped keeping track. This success did not come easy - as the current coach of the team, I can attest that the administrative burden alone could be a full-time job. Finding time to actually coach requires immense dedication and I don’t even have to find the time to direct two plays and a musical a year!

All of these things make my father a giant to others. But to me and my siblings, he was a giant for so many other reasons which I cannot possibly list. His unwavering love of our mother was a model for all of our relationships. His constant support (even

internal link.

One thing that my father would be furious with me for not including is the giants on whose shoulders he stood. He would want this article to mention Fr. John Acrea, who founded the speech and debate team at Dowling Catholic. He would want me to mention Dowling’s previous coaches, Fred Sternhagen and (especially) Dave Huston.

He would want it to be clear that everything he achieved was in some way attributable to my mother, who allowed him the late nights and long weekends away. He would want you to know that his idea of art came from Hopper and Wood and The Cars and Magrite and Elaine Stritch and Jimmy Stewart and Sondheim and VanderRoe and Sam Cooke and The Go Gos.

or directed in the theater, and they will tell

But being a giant is so much more than “achieving greatness.” The common theme among the ways that made my father a giant is hard work and love. Love for this community. Love for the pursuit of Truth.

Love for the students of Iowa (and across the country). Love for his family.

If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of a giant. I may never coach a national champion. I may never become a Hall of Famer. But I will stand on the shoulders of a great giant and approach my family, my community, my job, and my pursuit of excellence with love.

So for those of you who knew and loved Tim Sheaff, I’ll give you a great way to honor him: Be The Giants.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2024

23

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1170 DES MOINES, IA

PLANNED GIVING

$20 Comfort Wash Youth T-Shirt - Cotton Candy or Lavender

$20 Freedom Wear Women’s Lola T-Shirt Loganberry or Silver

$70 Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Training 1/4 Zip Maroon or Black

$71 Nike Men’s Victory Stripe Polo Maroon/White Stripe

We kindly ask you to consider remembering Dowling Catholic when planning your estate, defining your legacy, and evaluating your

SAVE 15%

ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE Please present this coupon or use code WINTER2024 online

charitable interests. Your planned gift could change

Some exclusions apply; uniform items, spirit signs, yard signs and activity specific apparel are not eligible for discount.

Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases.

Coupon expires March 30, 2024

24/7/365 online! | dchscampusstore.com | 515-222-1012 | campusstore@dowlingcatholic.org

the world for students you will never have the opportunity to meet.

For more information, please visit: plannedgiving.dowlingcatholic.org https://dowlingcatholicmaroonboutique.myspreadshop.com