Focus Magazine XV

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

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Friends, I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and that this letter finds you and your loved ones well.

As I reflect on the first half of the school year, I am filled with gratitude for this community. We have so much to be thankful for at Dowling Catholic.

One of the biggest blessings has been the opportunity to once again come together as a community of faith. It was wonderful to celebrate Mass with students, faculty and staff and to gather as a community for some of our favorite DCHS traditions, including Grandparents Day, the Pancake Breakfast and the dedication of our new Maroon Memorial which you will read about in the pages ahead.

There are also many accolades to celebrate, including the cross country team’s ninth state championship title, the dance team’s success at state, successful band, choir and theater performances, and the list goes on. I am continually impressed by the level of commitment it takes for our students to consistently achieve this level of success in the classroom and in their activities.

A final highlight that I am always pleased to share is the completion of another successful Christmas Baskets service project, a tradition started more than 50 years ago by the BVM Sisters at St. Joseph Academy. Thanks to the outstanding leadership of our seniors, DCHS carried on the tradition by helping 118 local families in need this Christmas season, the largest number in program history. This is a testament not only to the giving nature of our students, faculty and staff, but also to the generosity of those in our greater community.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to share that we are in the early stages of our strategic planning process to help us prepare for the next five years. I believe we have an unprecedented opportunity to move forward with initiatives that build upon our strengths, leverage new opportunities and secure the future of Dowling Catholic. I look forward to sharing more details in the months to come.

Thank you for your continued support. It is your partnership that makes our mission possible.

In Christ,

Dr. Dan Ryan President

CONTENTS

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

FEATURE STORY

OUR MISSION 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 Christcentered leader.

ON THE COVER The DCHS and St. Joseph Academy community gathered for a special dedication and blessing of the Maroon Memorial, a sacred place on campus for prayer and remembrance.

PRESIDENT: Dr. Dan Ryan

8

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tara Nelson

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 | ADVANCEMENT UPDATE Fulfilling the DCHS mission.

6 | ON CAMPUS Check out the latest school happenings.

10 | WELL DONE Success in the classroom and on the field.

12 | SPOTLIGHT Celebrating the 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

13 | CALENDAR Find out about upcoming Dowling Catholic events.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT: Julie Bell

14 | TRUE MAROON Recognizing our Civitas Award recipients, Dr. Jerry and Pat Deegan.

15 | CLASS NOTES Be in the know about alumni and friends of Dowling Catholic.

17 | IN MEMORIAM Extending sympathy to the families of alumni who have passed away.

18 | THE PULSE

Choir and band highlights.

ART DIRECTOR: Colin Gargano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rachel Brown Ted Power COPY EDITORS: Kathy Kirby Power ‘80 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Earl Hulst Anne Marie Cox

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

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

THE ANNUAL APPEAL DIFFERENCE Donors make a significant impact at Dowling Catholic, providing

Thanks to the generosity of those who contribute, we are able to

crucial support to programs and resources that truly benefit all

fulfill our mission of preparing Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.

students. Every aspect of the DCHS experience - including faith and

To make a gift, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/annual-appeal

academic programming, student activities, athletics and the arts - is

or mail a check in the enclosed envelope.

supported by the We Are Maroons Annual Appeal. *The “gap” amount for the 2021-2022 school year is $2,710.

The impact of the Annual Appeal is reflected in the following areas: MATCHING GIFTS •

•

•

On campus - supporting technology upgrades and improved

Many employers sponsor a matching gift program, providing an easy

security measures to help keep our students safe.

way to leverage your gift. If your company is eligible, please request a

Competitive teacher compensation - helping to attract and

matching gift form from your employer and return to the Advancement

retain the best.

Office at DCHS with your gift. We’ll take care of the rest!

Tuition assistance - $1.4 million in awards to DCHS students during the current school year.

Did you know that some companies also match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses? To find out if your company participates, please visit

In addition, the Annual Appeal also helps cover the “gap” between tuition

www.dowlingcatholic.org/give/matching-gifts. The impact of your

and the cost to educate each student, minimizing tuition increases and

gift may doubled or even tripled!

helping to remove barriers for those seeking a DCHS education.*

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? You can help Dowling Catholic High School continue its mission

DCHS, your planned gift may have other benefits, such as lessening

of preparing Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ by joining our

your family’s tax burden.

Legacy Society. Your support will have a lasting impact benefiting generations to come.

If you have remembered DCHS in your estate plans or would like more information, please contact Julie Bell, Advancement Director,

The Legacy Society recognizes and honors alumni and friends who

at 515.222.1048 or jbell@dowlingcatholic.org.

provide support for DCHS in their wills, trusts, retirement plans, life insurance designations and other planned gifts. These gifts continue the work of Dowling Catholic long into the future.

When I was growing up I never gave any thought to how I had so many wonderful opportunities: a great

Planned gifts, unless specified otherwise by the donor, are directed to the DCHS Foundation Endowment, the annual earnings of which support tuition assistance. For the 2021-2022 school year, endowment earnings provided over $1 million in tuition assistance.

With the financial need of our students on the rise, the importance of increasing our endowment through planned gifts is of great importance.

Along with supporting future Maroons and leaving a lasting mark at 4

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

grade school and a wonderful parish, St Augustin, and Dowling High School. Eventually I realized that individuals who had gone before me had made all of this possible. That is why I have made provisions in my will to support Dowling Catholic and other charities.

Now it is my turn to ensure that a Catholic education will be available to future generations.

Msgr. Michael Hess ‘63

BOOK OF GRATITUDE Our tradition of publishing a Book of Gratitude continues with an

A special thanks to our Board of Education and Foundation Board for

‘online’ publication so we can more efficiently acknowledge and

their leadership and generosity. We are also grateful to those leaving

celebrate the people and organizations that support our school.

a legacy through your bequest intentions benefitting generations for years to come. Your support truly helps to keep our mission alive as

We appreciate the tremendous contributions of our faculty and

we prepare students to become Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.

staff and the support from our families, alumni, volunteers and local

Together, We Are Maroons!

business partners. We recognize that the majority of people in our community contribute far more than financial resources. You give of

To view a list of donors for fiscal year 2020-2021, please visit:

your time and your talent – and for this we are most grateful.

www.dowlingcatholic.org/BoG

PANCAKE BREAKFAST The DCHS community had much to celebrate when the Pancake Breakfast returned to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in October, including a big milestone as this marked the 60th anniversary of this great DCHS tradition. After the pandemic made it necessary to shift to a drivethrough event on campus last year, it was a welcome sight to see the griddles fired up, band and choir students performing, and all of the other activities that make this event so special.

With a history spanning six decades, the breakfast has seen a number of changes throughout the years. One thing that remains consistent, however, are the incredible volunteers who so generously donate their time and talent year after year.

Flanagan, Elizabeth Colosimo and Karen Larson. More than 400 Guests were welcomed to the event by Dennis ‘65 and Mary Bell ‘65

additional student and adult volunteers also contributed greatly to the

who have been involved with the Pancake Breakfast in some capacity

success of this year’s event.

nearly every year since they were students. Jen ‘89 and Paul Damge served as co-chairs, and the following volunteers served as committee

This event would not have been possible without the generous support

managers: Joan and Greg Sheridan, Matt ‘86 and Beth Kiernan, Karen

of our local business partners. Global Direct Marketing served as the

Kuhn, Kathy and Greg Clausen, Lisa ‘89 and Barry Fox, Kay and Craig

presenting sponsor, while the following businesses also provided sponsorship support: Dr. Sally and Kim Beisser, Lawson Family Dentistry, Hartung & Schroeder Law Firm, Integrity Printing, Qualified Plan Consultants, West Bank, Equitable Advisors, Global Aviation Resources, Hummel’s Nissan, Iowa Dental Group, JD Carpenter Companies, Loffredo Fresh Produce, Morrissey’s Fine Jewelry, Oakwood Builders Group, The Palmer Group, S&C Automotive and State Farm Insurance.

Thank you to all who attended. Your support truly makes a difference for our students. To learn more about upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/events.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

5

ON CAMPUS

CHRISTMAS BASKETS In early November, Dowling Catholic students

The BVM Sisters have also continued to

the community to make deliveries to their

kicked off the annual Christmas Basket service

generously support the project, this year

families. Thanks to their hard work and

project. Started more than 50 years ago by

contributing $1,600 in Hy-Vee gift cards.

outstanding leadership, DCHS students

the BVM Sisters of St. Joseph Academy, DCHS

A portion of the monetary donations from

were able to help make Christmas a

has carried on the tradition of helping local

bit merrier for 118 families, including

families in need during the Christmas season.

739 individuals, which is the largest number in program history. In addition

Today, Christmas Baskets is one of the largest

to the baskets, students were also able

school-wide service projects at DCHS. The

to deliver $7,600 in gift cards to help

project is led by the senior class which enlists

families at Holy Family School.

the help of students in all grade levels as well as their families, faculty and staff, and the

“To me, Christmas Baskets is the best

greater community.

expression

of

all

that

is

good

about

Dowling Catholic and the greater Catholic Each family receives a “Christmas Basket’’

community,” said Jeff Ferguson, a teacher

which includes groceries, toiletries, household

and director of student activities who has

items, clothing and other gifts. Capital City

been leading the project for three decades.

Fruit generously donates the produce each

faculty and staff also receives matching gift

“Our donations of money, gifts, time, efforts

year, and Two Men and a Truck provides the

support each year thanks to the generosity of

and prayers for these families truly speaks to

boxes for the deliveries. The art club at DCHS

an anonymous donor.

who we are. And to think that this project is

also contributes, making a monetary donation

led by a bunch of ‘high school kids’ is only

and creating hand painted ornaments for

The project concludes with the Candlelighting

further proof that our future is bright. What

each family every year.

prayer service before the seniors go out into

they have done this year is just extraordinary.”

6

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE The

Dowling

Catholic

Performing

Arts

and considering the required cast, I thought

was involved in both productions and

Department presented two live theater

it was a great opportunity for students to

played the Mad Hatter in the winter play.

productions for the community during the

experience another style of show.”

“Every character was really unique and had

first semester.

a different challenge to overcome. It was Many of the students were involved in both

fun to play with the characters and see

The fall play took place in early November

shows, but the different dynamic between

what we could make of them.”

with four performances of The Hound of

the casts was significant enough to create

Baskervilles: A Comic Thriller Starring Shirley

a welcomed challenge for those who had to

With the majority of the winter play

Holmes and Jennie Watson. This parody of the

transition from one play to the next in such

preparation taking place in class, the cast

classic tale explores what happens if Sherlock

a short time frame.

had significantly more time to spend with

Holmes, one of the most recognizable

the script and develop the characters,

characters in English literature, is out of town

“Putting a group of students in charge of

many of whom lived in Alice’s imagination

when a crime needs to be solved.

creating a production like we do with the

while representing real people in Alice’s

winter play really led to their growth as

life. This required many students to take

play

artistic collaborators,” said Sheaff. “That’s

on multiple roles simultaneously and to

production, was presented on December 3

very different from the fall play which

play characters that were quite opposite.

and 4 with a special matinee performance

has more of the traditional top down

for parochial school fourth graders prior to

management style.”

Alice

in

Wonderland,

the

winter

opening night.

“We basically had the script all semester for the winter play,” said junior Nick

The lighthearted nature of the winter play

Pulliam. “There wasn’t as much dialogue

At the helm of both productions was Mr. Tim

also made the transition a fun one as the

as in the fall play so we were able to

Sheaff ‘86, director of drama and debate,

students had the opportunity to really make

have fun with the physical side of the

who is in his 25th year of teaching and

the characters their own.

performance. As the white rabbit, every

directing at DCHS. When selecting the fall play Sheaff follows a rotation that includes the American Classics, Shakespeare and then something more lighthearted every

single second I was in this funny costume “I liked the goofy aspect of the winter play,” said Parker Ryther, a junior who

was great. It was also really fun to perform for the fourth graders and to answer their questions following the show. They

third year. The winter play is unique in that

really boosted the energy as they

it is traditionally focused on children’s

were laughing and getting really

literature and is produced in class

involved in the performance.”

by acting students.

Next up for the Performing “This fall it was the classic

Arts

Department

high school play,” said Sheaff.

spring musical which will

“We’ve never done Sherlock

be

Holmes, and with this

April 28-30, 2022.

performed

at

is

the

DCHS

being an adaptation

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

7

MAROON MEMORIAL On November 1 students, faculty and

outdoors to the site of the memorial.

The Maroon Memorial was designed

by Brother William Woeger who also

staff gathered with family and friends of deceased members of the Dowling

“Through

our

Catholic

faith,

we

designed the school’s Coppola Family

Catholic and St. Joseph Academy

understand the bonds of love which

St. Joseph Chapel. Every aspect of

community for a combined celebration

unite us in life are not severed in

the design was carefully chosen to

of All Saints and Souls days. The

death,” said Dr. Dan Ryan, president

invite

celebration included Mass and a special

at Dowling Catholic. “It is hoped

understanding.

dedication and blessing by Bishop

that this memorial will speak to our

Joensen of the newly constructed

ultimate destiny of union with God in

The primary symbol is that of a

Maroon Memorial, a sacred place on

the life to come.”

doorway or portal, a metaphor for the

deeper

contemplation

and

passage from this life into the next. It

campus to pray and remember those Bishop Joensen led the group in prayer

is accompanied by text from Leaves

and blessed the memorial with Holy

of Grass, a poetry collection by Walt

Mass was celebrated in the school

Water. Father Ryan Andrew ‘04, DCHS

Whitman. In this passage of “The Last

gymnasium before the group moved

chaplain, read the names of the departed.

Invocation” Whitman writes:

we have gone before us.

8

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

Through

our

Catholic

faith, we understand the bonds of love which unite us in life are not severed in death. It is hoped that this memorial will speak to our ultimate destiny of union with God in the life to come.

Dr. Dan Ryan

Set Open the doors O Soul.

The orientation of the memorial is

Tenderly---- be not impatient.

on the axis with the chapel and was positioned to align with the path of the

•

The Schwager Family in memory of Trevor Schwager ‘18

•

The Kirke Family in memory of Gary Kirke ‘90

The Dowling Catholic cross is positioned

sun on November 2, the traditional day

as a processional cross leading the

for the remembrance of the dead on

•

The estate of Sean Barrettsmith ‘61

way as visitors enter the memorial -

All Souls Day. The memorial includes

•

Colleagues of Bishop Maurice

symbolizing that earthly life, mortality

benches to provide a place for anyone

J. Dingman in recognition of his

and eternal life constitute a journey.

who visits to pray, to remember the

service to the Des Moines Diocese

departed and to reflect on the mystery

(1968-1986)

When passing through the doorway

of God’s faithfulness, mercy and the

of the memorial one encounters God’s

promise of eternal life.

May

the

souls

of

the

faithful

departed, through the mercy of God,

words in the letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians: “Listen, I will tell you a

We are grateful to the following DCHS

mystery: We will all not die, but we will

families and friends who helped make

be changed.”

this place of remembrance possible:

rest in peace.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

9

WELL DONE

DCHS DANCE TEAM COMPETES AT STATE

The Dowling Catholic High School dance team performed at the Iowa State Dance Team Association (ISDTA) Championships in Des Moines on December 3, 2021. The 46th annual competition was held at Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall where teams and soloists were evaluated by industry professionals from across the United States.

As a team Dowling Catholic placed third in Class VII Jazz and third in Class IV Lyrical. In addition, the following six dancers competed as soloists: sophomore Jolissa Thomas (first place), junior Charlotte James (second place), junior Abby O’Hara (third place), sophomore Evelyn Mazur (sixth place), freshman Caroline Maucieri (tenth place) and freshman Lily Schweizer. The team includes 20 members and is coached by Courtney Greteman and Taylor Schulte.

“Courtney and I are so incredibly proud of our dancers this year,” said Schulte. “The dancers knew state was going to be tough given the categories we were competing in but they rose to the challenge. They pushed through 6:30 a.m. practices and always gave us 100%. Individually, our dancers placed higher than we ever have before. Having six dancers place in the top twelve is simply incredible, let alone taking the top three placements. As coaches, there is nothing more we could ask for.”

IOWA ALL-STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL Seventeen Dowling Catholic students were selected to participate in the 75th Annual Iowa All-State Music Festival in Ames. The festival features the state’s top high school vocalists and musicians who are selected through a rigorous audition process.

Selected for the 2021 Iowa All-State Chorus were Madi Bruck, Maddy Hall, Anna Heitzman, Eva Kilbride, Allyson Kuhn, Daniel Lu, Hannah Martin, Joe Miyazaki, Nick Pulliam, Austin Riewer and Olivia Tice.

Selected for the All-State Band were John Cahalan (trumpet), Nick Celsi (alto sax), Emily Nguyen (clarinet) and Kate Cain (euphonium). Grace Aerisolphal and Colleen Cain were named alternates. Selected for the All-State Orchestra were Annamaria Dimon and Presila Edward, both on violin.

The festival concert was presented for the public on Saturday, November 20 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames and broadcast by Iowa PBS on Thanksgiving night.

10

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS Dowling Catholic is proud to announce that three students have been named 2022 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Congratulations to Anyiel Akec, Daniel Lu and Allison Szalay who will now be considered for finalist standing.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 67th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program in September. The nationwide pool of

ANYIEL AKEC

DANIEL LU

ALLISON SZALAY

semifinalists represents less than one percent of high school seniors.

These academically talented students have an opportunity to continue in the competition and compete for scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered in the spring.

CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONS The Dowling Catholic boys cross country team took home the 2021 Class 4A state championship title in Fort Dodge in late October.

This victory marked the ninth team title in program history and the seventh in the past 11 seasons.

Jackson Heidesch won the individual state title and was joined on the Class 4A all-state team by teammates Will Ryan, who finished seventh overall, and Tyler Schweizer who finished 10th. Also competing for the Maroons at the state meet were Matthew Bootman, Jack Flori, Flynn Milligan and Gabe Shaw. Head coach Tim Ives also received top honors as he was named the 4A boys state cross country coach of the year.

The team also enjoyed success earlier in the season, winning their seventh straight Central Iowa Metro League (CIML) conference title and finishing second behind Sioux City North at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational.

“Despite losing to top-ranked Sioux City North three times during the regular season, our runners still entered the state meet confident they could win,” said Ives. “Our guys executed the race plan very well, moving up from fourth place at mile one to first place at mile two. From there we would only extend our lead, helped in large part by Jackson’s first place finish. Our number five and six runners — freshman Jack Flori and sophomore Matthew Bootman — were difference-makers as they both finished ahead of North’s fifth and final-scoring runner.

Needless to say, it was a special day in Fort Dodge for our squad. This team came together at just the right time to produce their best team performance of the year.”

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

11

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME JUDY BALDUCCI

She continued her basketball career at

leading 71 RBIs. Jason graduated from

When Judy joined the

Drake University where she started in all

Old Dominion and ended his playing

Athletic Department

30 games as a senior and scored more

career after starting in 106 consecutive

in

was

than 2,000 career points. During her time

games and serving as team captain his

of

at Drake she was a two-time All-American

senior year. Jason currently works as an

Catholic

honoree, two-time Academic All-American,

account executive with Waukee-based

as the parent to two DCHS students. She

three-time MVC Player of the Year, MVC

Holmes Murphy & Associates.

joined the staff as the assistant to former

Freshman of the Year, four-time first team

athletic director John Hayes and served

All-MVC,

in that role from 1988 to 2000. She wore

Athlete first team. She went on to play

Coach

many hats in her role and enjoyed her

professional basketball in Spain for one

experience includes

work with the coaches for every sport.

year before returning to Drake as the

20 years at DCHS

women’s basketball graduate assistant.

where

1988

already

she a

Dowling

fan

and

three-time

MVC

JOHN WILKINSON

Scholar

Wilkinson’s

he

spent

five seasons as the

In addition to her many contributions to the Athletic Department she also

JASON

varsity assistant softball coach, six seasons

planned community events such as the

MCMURRAY ‘11

as head softball coach and had an overall

annual steak fry and was in charge of

Jason was involved

record of 254 wins and 54 losses. He led

student council, school dances and other

in baseball, football

the Maroons to four state tournament

student activities. Judy was invaluable

and

basketball

appearances where they finished as runner-

in making things run smoothly and was

during his time at

up in 2002 and earned the championship

always available and willing to help the

Dowling Catholic. He started on the varsity

title in 2004. His teams also won five straight

teachers, staff, coaches and students. She

baseball team all four years, was a three-

CIML Conference softball championships.

continues to be a great ambassador for

year varsity starter in football, and started

He was recognized four times as the CIML

Dowling Catholic High School.

on varsity for two years in basketball.

Central Conference Coach of the Year, was

During his high school career he was named

the 2003 Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association

BECCA HITTNER ‘16

to five all CIML teams, three all-district

District Coach of the Year, and the IGCA 4A

Becca played a vital

teams, three all-state teams, and one elite

Coach of the Year in 2004.

role as a team leader

all-state team. He earned all-conference

in both soccer and

honors three times in basketball and twice

He also served for 11 seasons as the girls

girls basketball at

in football. In baseball he was named all-

basketball varsity assistant and sophomore

Dowling

Catholic.

conference, all-district and all-state as a

head coach and seven seasons as the head

She was a member of the Class 5A state

shortstop his junior and senior years. He

girls basketball coach, earning a career

championship basketball team in 2014 and

also helped his baseball and football teams

record of 133 wins and 33 losses. His teams

helped her team to a runner-up finish in

earn state championship titles.

made it to the state tournament five times and finished as runner-up in 2004. He was

2013 and to the semifinals in 2015. She was a three-time all-conference and all-

Jason

state selection and received first team

University of Notre Dame as a shortstop.

Coaches

accolades as a senior when she was also

During his freshman season he started

the Year, four times as the CIML Central

named first team All-Iowa Elite. She was

in 29 games, batting .321 for the Irish in

Conference Coach of the Year, and twice as

a two-year letter winner in soccer, a four-

Big East Play. He then led Iowa Western

the Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association District

year letter winner in basketball and as

Community

Coach of the Year.

a senior averaged 19.0 points and 8.0

Division 1 National Championship with a

rebounds per game.

.390 batting average, 13 doubles, eight

Coach Wilkinson has spent the last nine

home runs and a division and region

years at DMACC where he currently serves

12

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

earned

a

scholarship

College

to

the

to

the

NJCAA

recognized five times as the Iowa Basketball Association

District

Coach

of

CALENDAR as the assistant softball coach. His DMACC teams have been ranked in the top five every

> FEB 10 Evening of Style

by the Concert Band, Symphony Band

Sacred Heart Parish Center

and Outstanding Performer award

season and have made seven appearances

1601 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines

winners from the State Solo Contest.

at the NJCAA College World Series.

Enjoy an evening of great food, friends

In addition to musical performances,

and fashion! Students, faculty and staff

the annual band awards presentation

JAKE YACINICH ‘ 11

will hit the runway with the latest styles

will also take place.

Jake was involved

during this fun night to benefit the Bash

in baseball, football

on Buffalo. Groups may purchase a table

> MAY 9 Spring Choral Concert

and track at DCHS.

and decorate with a theme of choice.

Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University

He was a three-year

2507 University Avenue, Des Moines

> APR 9 Bash on Buffalo

The Dowling Catholic choirs will

Dowling Catholic High School

present their annual spring concert

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Sheslow

The Bash on Buffalo, Dowling Catholic’s

Auditorium. The concert will feature

annual auction, will be held in the school

performances by the Grace Notes,

gymnasium. Please save the date and

DC Singers and A Cappella Choir

join us for an evening of wonderful food,

and

all-conference honors in football and helped

music and community for a great cause –

recognition of senior choir members.

his team earn the state title in 2010. He was

our teachers and students!

starter in baseball, earned all-conference honors three times, was first team all-state his junior and senior years, and was a member of three state

tournament

teams,

including

the

championship team in 2011. He also earned

will

conclude

with

special

> MAY 26 Baccalaureate Mass

also a state qualifier in track.

St. Francis of Assisi

three seasons at the University of Iowa

> APR 27 Scholastic Achievement Assembly/ Distinguished Alumni Awards

where he started at shortstop and was

Dowling Catholic High School

opportunity to celebrate the Sacred

team captain. He was a member of the 2014

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

Mass together one last time and

Dowling Catholic High School proudly

to

bestows alumni of St. Joseph Academy

Catholic to love and serve the Lord.

and DCHS with Distinguished Alumni

The celebration of Mass with the

Awards. Honorees will be recognized

graduates

during

begin at 7:30 p.m.

He went on to play collegiate baseball for

All-Big Ten first team, ABCA first team allregion, and led the Hawkeyes in batting average, runs scored and RBIs in 2014. As a junior, he was ranked second in the Big Ten in batting average and steals, ranking in the top seven in the league in seven categories before being selected in the

the

Scholastic

Achievement

7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines The Class of 2022 will have the

be

sent

forth

and

from

their

Dowling

families

will

Assembly. The nomination deadline is February 15, 2022. Please submit online:

> MAY 27 Graduation Ceremony

dowlingcatholic.org/nominate-now.

Knapp Center, Drake University

2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft following

2525 Forest Avenue, Des Moines

his junior season. He was an eighth round

> APR 28 - 30 Spring Musical

Dowling Catholic’s commencement

draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels and

Dowling Catholic High School

ceremony for the Class of 2022 will

spent five seasons playing professionally

1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines

take place at the Knapp Center on the

for the organization, reaching the AAA

The spring musical is presented annually

Drake Campus.

level of MiLB in 2017 before retiring to

by the Dowling Catholic Performing

focus on coaching.

Arts Department. Performances will

For the most up-to-date calendar

take place in the DCHS auditorium.

information please visit:

Jake earned a B.S. in health and human physiology from the University of Iowa and currently serves as the assistant baseball coach for the Xavier Musketeers.

www.dowlingcatholic.org/events

> MAY 1 Spring Band Concert Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines The concert will feature performances

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

13

TRUE MAROON

CIVITAS AWARD renovations and culminating in the addition of the Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel.

In recognition of all that he has done for the school, the circle drive at DCHS was named Deegan Drive in his honor.

Dr.

Deegan

retired

from

his

role

as

president of Dowling Catholic in 2017. In retirement he has continued to pursue a vision for excellence in Catholic education through his work on a plan to regionalize the Catholic schools in the Des Moines area.

Dr. Deegan’s tremendous leadership and professional

contributions

would

not

have been possible without Pat. With three alumni sons, the Deegans have attended too many community, athletic and fundraising events throughout the years to count. Pat also spent countless hours volunteering, serving on various committees

and

contributing

to

the

Dowling Catholic High School is pleased

English teacher, a counselor and assistant

community and culture at DCHS in so

to announce that Dr. Jerry and Pat Deegan

principal. He left in 1996 to become

many immeasurable ways.

have been recognized with the Civitas

principal at St. Thomas Aquinas High

Award,

bestowed

School in Overland Park and returned to

It is an honor to recognize Dr. Jerry

within the DCHS community. Given just

Dowling in 2001 to serve as the school’s

and Pat Deegan with this special award

seven times in DCHS history, this award

first lay president.

in

the

recognizes

highest

individuals

exemplary and

honor

who

leadership,

citizenship

embody

philanthropy

through

outstanding

gratitude

contributions.

His work with a visioning committee resulted

in

a

strategic

plan

for

their

Their

tremendous legacy

will

undoubtedly have a lasting impact.

which

dedication and service to the school.

continues to drive the school’s mission

“Pat and I are honored and humbled to be

The award was presented by Dr. Dan

today. A new vision was established - to

recipients of the Civitas Award,” said Dr.

Ryan, DCHS president, during the annual

be the best at preparing Leaders for Life,

Deegan. “We share this recognition with

President’s Council Dinner in October.

Centered on Christ - and Catholic was

the entire Dowling Catholic community

added to the name, strengthening the

whose

school’s identity.

support made such a difference in our

As

valued

members

of

the

DCHS

community for nearly five decades, it is The We Believe capital campaign was

contributions.

the

launched under his leadership, resulting

Dowling faculty in 1972 and served as an

in more than $30 million in campus

14

Deegan

joined

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

commitment

and

lives both personally and professionally.”

difficult to convey the impact of their Dr.

friendship,

CLASS NOTES Deacon Alex Kramer ‘14 was ordained to

Dowling Catholic High School proudly

the transitional diaconate on Sept. 30 at St.

honors deserving alumni of St. Joseph

Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. He was joined

Academy and DCHS with Distinguished

by Deacon Jim Obradovich and Father Reed

Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni

Flood ‘13, both of Holy Trinity Parish in Des

awards. Recipients are recognized annually

Moines, and his parents, Mary and Allan Kramer.

at the spring Scholastic Achievement

Deacon Kramer is currently studying at the

Assembly. Any member or friend of the

Pontifical North American College in Rome.

DCHS/SJA community may nominate a

Photo credit: Pontifical North American College

graduate. The annual nomination deadline is February 15. Please visit our website for more information:

Dowling Catholic’s 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame

dowlingcatholic.org/nominate-now

inductees were recognized at an induction ceremony at DCHS and before the Homecoming football

game.

Congratulations

to

Judy

Balducci, Becca Hittner ‘16, Jason McMurray ‘11, John Wilkinson and Jake Yacinich ‘11. Visit our website to read more about each of the inductees: https://bit.ly/3ECZfWn

Football

players

from

Dowling

Catholic’s

2010 state champion team came together with fellow alumni cheerleaders for a 10-year reunion celebration in September. The team’s victory in 2010 marked the first state title at Dowling Catholic for coach Tom Wilson when the team won in overtime to complete an

More than 400 guests were in attendance

undefeated season.

for Dowling Catholic’s annual Grandparents Mass in October, including more than 70

Students, faculty and staff were blessed to celebrate Mass of the Holy Spirit with Bishop Joensen and several alumni priests. Thank you to Msgr. Lawrence Beeson ‘52, Fr. Reed Flood ‘13, Fr. Brad

St. Joseph Academy and Dowling alumni grandparents. Guest speaker Bill Gray ‘70, pictured

with

grandson

Josh

Schultz

‘23, shared his experience and pride in being an alum, past parent and current grandparent at DCHS.

Robley ‘13, Fr. Dan Kirby ‘84, Fr. Acrea (DCHS Spiritual Director),

To update your information or share alumni

Fr. James Downey ‘11, Fr. Ryan

news, please visit: dowlingcatholic.org/alumni

Andrew ‘04 (DCHS Chaplain), Fr.

or contact Kathy Kirby Power ‘80, alumni

Nick Stark ‘13, Fr. Mark Neal ‘81 (not

manager, at kkirbypower@dowlingcatholic.org

pictured) and Fr. John Bertogli ‘69 (not pictured) for joining us.

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

15

LOOKING BACK AT ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY HISTORY When the DCHS community dedicated the school’s new memorial

The sisters left campus shortly after 4 p.m. It would be dark upon

to its faithfully departed on All Souls Day, among those whose souls

their return trip so they caught a streetcar downtown. They visited

they commemorated were two Sisters of Charity of the Blessed

two stores before retracing their steps and arriving back at 31st and

Virgin Mary who died exactly 100 years earlier.

Grand about 6 p.m.

Sr. Mary Rosalita McLaughlin and Sr. Mary Virginis Austin taught at

The campus was a block away, its lights flickering in the darkness

St. Joseph Academy (SJA), the girls high school that 50 years ago

across the street. The sisters waited to cross as cars made their way

closed its campus and, with the boys of Dowling, moved to Buffalo

up and down the dimly lit street. As they were crossing, a car passed

Road in West Des Moines.

another vehicle and struck the two sisters. Sr. Mary Rosalita died instantly. Sister Mary Virginis died an hour later at Mercy Hospital,

The sisters came to SJA three years apart in the first decade of

leaving the SJA community to mourn their loss.

the 20th century, when Pius X was pope, the automobile was in its infancy, the Diocese of Des Moines did not yet exist and there was no

Ten months later Sr. Marie Patrice Lacy, the principal at SJA, gathered

boys Catholic high school in town.

her sisters and students on the south side of campus. There she had built a grotto in their memory.

They were music teachers and accomplished musicians in their own right. Sr. Mary Rosita played and taught piano and organ. Sr. Mary Virginis was a singer and vocal instructor. The students at SJA heard both of them regularly at daily Mass.

The SJA community dedicated the grotto and its centerpiece of Our Lady of Grace and the statue was blessed. Over the next 50 years, the grotto was a quiet retreat and occasional host to a May Crowning.

After Mass came a full day of classes, lesson preparation and paper grading for the sisters who also offered private lessons to interested students, the fees for which were a source of revenue for the BVM order.

It’s unclear what happened to the statue when the school’s belongings moved to the new Dowling campus in 1972.

Some believe it stood for 20-some years between the priests’ residence and the football field before meeting

By the fall of 1921, the Diocese of Des Moines was

an untimely demise at the hands of vandals.

approaching its 10th anniversary. Bishop Austin Dowling had opened the boys school that would

Dowling bought a new statue of Mary and, deciding

one day take his name and had designated SJA the

indoors was a safer location, placed it overlooking

central Catholic high school for girls in Des Moines.

the attendance office, where eventually it was

He also had moved on to be Archbishop of St. Paul,

joined by a stained-glass window recovered from

leaving Bishop Thomas Drumm to lead the Des

the SJA chapel and given to the school by the SJA

Moines Diocese.

Class of 1951.

SJA began its 37th year that fall, full of optimism and

Mary and the St. Joseph window stand there today,

excitement. There was a new athletic field, and the

steps away from the choir room, band room and

dormitories and classrooms shined after a summer

auditorium where students have performed for 50

renovation. Sr. Mary Rosalita had even more reason to be

years, a place where Sr. Mary Rosalita and Sr. Mary

excited. The 1921-22 school year would be the first with

Virginis would feel right at home.

a new pipe organ in the chapel. It had been installed the week of graduation, a gift from the alumnae association.

For a detailed account of this important piece of SJA history, please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/alumni.

On the morning of Nov. 2, 1921, students and sisters at SJA gathered in the chapel for the first of three All Souls

The next issue of Focus magazine will feature a new

Day Masses to commemorate the faithfully departed.

initiative focused on preserving the SJA legacy for

Sr. Mary Rosalita was at the organ and Sr. Mary Virginis

generations to come. Stay tuned for more information.

sang at each Mass.

16

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

IN MEMORIAM Dowling Catholic extends its sympathy to the families of the following alumni who have passed away.

HONORING THE DEPARTED Dowling Catholic’s 18th Annual Day of

“Accepting death as part of the life cycle is

the Dead Ofrenda honored the legacies

difficult, but it is what we are called to do

of three beloved DCHS teachers, Coach

as Christians,” said Kane. “We not only bury

Tom Barnabo, Mrs. Joyce Stasi and Mr.

the dead - we listen, we pray and we provide

Bob Trusty, who passed away during the

encouragement and support for those who

last year. Together, these three dedicated

are suffering in their grief. Creating and

faculty members had a combined 124

viewing an artistic display like this reminds

years of service at DCHS.

us that God is with us and our loved ones and we will all be reunited. It feels good to

The ofrenda, or altar, is an essential part

know that our loved ones are not forgotten.”

of the Latin American holiday, Día de los Muertos, observed on November 1 and 2.

Kane also noted how even after their

Each fall DCHS art club students begin

passing, her former colleagues continued to

working on the ofrenda which is showcased

teach through the installation of the ofrenda.

in the Visual Arts hallway during the month of November. The project takes place

“Watching students discover their lives was

under the guidance of Mrs. Brenda Kane,

heartwarming,” said Kane. “They were more

art instructor and club moderator, and

than teachers, they were our mentors and

Mrs. Paula Plasencia, community & cultural

our friends. The ofrenda provided us with

liaison at DCHS.

the opportunity to learn and remember. They offered us laughter, inspiration, knowledge,

Kane believes the tradition of creating

joy and talent. They were an important part

an ofrenda is a great example of how

of our DCHS family who we will always miss.”

DCHS brings individuals together as a community of faith, uniting those from

Nearly 50 students contributed to this

different cultures in remembrance and

year’s project, using their time and talent

reverence for the souls of the dead.

to create this meaningful tribute.

Mary (Lally) Kent ‘41 SJA Elaine (Stratner) Coyle ‘43 SJA Catherine “Katie” (Rizzuti) Juliano ‘43 SJA Pamela “Pam” (Donovan) Fowler ‘44 SJA John Laudel ‘44 Edward “Ed” Melone ‘47 Gene “Gino” Foggia ‘50 Richard “Dick” Sheehey ‘50 Brian “Tom” Duffy ‘52 James Murphy ‘52 Thomas Novak ‘52 Michael Quinn ‘52 Bridget “Anne” (Carlisle) Stolmeier ‘53 SJA Phyllis (Boatwright) Conway ‘54 SJA Joseph “Joe” Brick ‘55 Sandy Craig ‘55 SJA John Wilson ‘55 Robert “Bob” Langin ‘56 Gordon “Gordy” Reay ‘56 Marquita (Quijano) Schmitz ‘56 SJA Mary (Kinsella) Sieverding ‘56 SJA Phillip Huss ‘57 Catharine “Cathie” (Agey) Ayers ‘58 SJA Mary Helen (Busch) Hughes ‘58 SJA Carol “Jane” (Carson) Boyd ‘59 SJA Robert “Bud” Erickson ‘59 Joseph “Joe” Henn ‘59 Rocky Gabriel ‘60 Patrick Garland ‘60 Michael “Mike” Maher ‘60 Frances ( Dechant ) Scantling ‘60 SJA Lavonne Stein ‘60 SJA Patty (Rios) Iseminger ‘61 SJA Kathleen “Kathi” (Kingsley) Clarey ‘62 SJA Thomas “Tom” Dowling ‘62 Douglas “Doug” Kelso ‘62 Toni (DeFino) Eilbert ‘63 Barbara Fuss ‘63 SJA Steven Landwehr ‘66 Michael “Mike” Nassif ‘66 Linda (Damiani) Peacock ‘66 SJA Patricia “Pat” (Schneider) Miller ‘67 SJA Rose (Schuler) Meader ‘68 SJA Tim Osweiler ‘68 Thomas “Tom” Broadbent ‘69 Marsha (Hein) Francisco ‘69 SJA Dan Minor ‘71 John Dautremont ‘72 Jerrilynn Davey-Beck ‘72 SJA Michael “Mike” Delmege ‘72 Loretta “Pat” (Sweeney) Olney ‘72 SJA Judith “Judy” (Woods) Chase ‘74 Kathy (Townsend) Burris ‘75 Jerri (Smith) Otterness ‘75 Scott Marcouiller ‘80 Matthew “Matt” Meyer ‘80 James “Greg” Harris ‘82 Mary “Cathy” Leonard ‘83 Gregory “Bo” Siberz ‘87 Daniel Kinnison ‘88 Robert “Bo” Pearson ‘88 Andrew “Andy” Wood ‘91 James Kruzich ‘96 Andria Evans ‘97 F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

17

DIMENSIONS SHOW CHOIR

THE PULSE

BAND HIGHLIGHTS In addition to performances at football and

evening culminated with a performance by

basketball games, the Dowling Catholic

Drake Jazz I with DCHS alumni David Breese

bands enjoyed a successful competition

‘18 and Nick Bindel ‘20 both playing trumpet.

season and the opportunity to perform at several community events.

In

December

the

bands

performed

a

beautiful Christmas concert followed by The Vanguard performed in early October

Christmas carols as DCHS Brass Choir

at the annual Valleyfest Showdown where

members toured the community in what

they placed fourth and were awarded

has become an annual tradition. A final

Outstanding

finished

highlight for the semester included a visit

the competition season in Waukee where

to St. Theresa Catholic School by the DCHS

they received the highest rating at the

Jazz II and Jazz Choir who performed for

State Marching Festival followed by an

the student body before Christmas break.

Percussion.

They

outstanding performance that evening at the Waukee Invitational where they placed

Upcoming

events

include

a

combined

second out of 12 bands in Class 4A.

performance by the Concert and Symphony Bands at the annual All-City Concert Band

A highlight for the Jazz II and Jazz Ensemble

Festival at Hy-Vee Hall on January 10 with

was the opportunity to travel to the Fred

additional performances by diocesan band

(‘51) and Patti Turner Jazz Center at Drake

students in grades 5-8. Also in January,

University where they performed for their

both jazz bands will travel to Fort Dodge to

families and were critiqued by Andrew

compete in the Triton Jazz Festival at Iowa

Classen, Head of Jazz Studies at Drake. The

Central Community College.

Students

performing

with

Dimensions were excited to once again return to the stage after a year and a half away. The ensemble debuted their 2021-2022 show, “Up From The Ashes” at the Preview Show on December 19 in the DCHS auditorium.

Dimensions is a show choir ensemble of fifty-two singers and dancers, twelve instrumentalists, and four crew members. Show choir at DCHS is an extracurricular activity which requires members of this group to rehearse twice a week outside of the school day in preparation for their season.

This year’s set is energetic and fun and includes music from Luke Edgemon, Misterwives, and more. The show begins with “Sweeter Ground” with soloist Austin Riewer followed by “Rock Bottom” with soloists Cassie Rounds, Anna Heitzman, and Allyson Kuhn; “How To Return Home” with soloist Madi Bruck; “Fire Under My Feet” with soloists Maddy Hall, Liv Hall, Jake Leo and Joe Miyazaki; and “Gonna Be A Good Day.”

The public is invited to come and support Dimensions as they compete with other high schools from across the midwest. Performances will take place at Des Moines Christian High School on January 8, Davenport North High School on January 29, Urbandale High School on February 12, Southeast Polk High School on February 26, and the final home show at DCHS on March 6.

18

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

CHOIR HIGHLIGHTS The first semester was filled with many highlights for the Dowling Catholic choirs, including two concerts presented to the DCHS community. The fall concert took place in early October at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium

and

the

Christmas

concert

was performed at the historic St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines in December.

The choirs also had the opportunity to share their talents with the community, performing at Grandparents Mass, the Pancake Breakfast and the Christmas Luncheon.

Another

special

tradition

that resumed this holiday season was the Grace Notes Jazz Choir touring the community and visiting friends of DCHS, parochial schools and parishes to perform Christmas carols.

special honors. In addition to the 11

Honor Choir. Congratulations to freshmen

students selected for the 2021 Iowa All-

Zoe Ball, Maren Mead and Jacob Suresh

first

State Chorus, three DCHS students were

who traveled to Ames for the 35th Annual

semester included the opportunity to

also selected via recorded audition to the

Opus Honor Choir Festival held at Iowa

recognize

Iowa Choral Directors Association Opus

State University on November 18, 2021.

An

additional

choir

highlight

students

of

the

who

earned

DCHS MUSICIANS SELECTED FOR HONOR BANDS The

high

University Honor Band along with senior

school musicians with the opportunity to

festival

Nick Celsi (Alto Sax). The event is an annual

work with the nation’s finest conductors.

tradition at Iowa State University and is

During

students

designed to honor the top high school

develop their skills through rehearsals and

music students in the region. Those selected

clinics with guest conductors and members

for the honor band are invited to participate

of the Drake music faculty.

in a festival to take place in February.

The culminating events are the two evening

We would also like to congratulate the

concerts that feature the Drake Bands and

six freshmen and sophomores who were

Two Dowling Catholic students were among

the Honors Bands. The Honors Concert Band

accepted into the South Central Iowa

the top high school musicians selected for

and Honors Wind Ensemble are comprised of

Bandmaster’s Association (SCIBA) honor

the 50th Annual Drake University Honor

more than 200 of the top student musicians

band. The following students auditioned for

Band Festival held December 3-4, 2021.

in the nation who come from high schools

placement and were chosen to represent

DCHS trumpet players John Cahalan, a

throughout Iowa and Nebraska.

DCHS: Caeden Driscoll (Trumpet), Grace

the

provides

two-day

outstanding

festival,

senior, and freshman Grace Aerisolphal were selected for the Honors Wind Ensemble.

Aerisolphal

(Trumpet),

Jack

Freking

John Cahalan and Grace Aerisolphal were

(Trumpet), Jacob Suresh (Percussion) and

also accepted into the 2022 Iowa State

Gregory Pease (Flute).

F O CU S

|

WINTER 2022

19

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1170 DES MOINES, IA

SAVE 15%

ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE Please present this coupon or use code WINTER22 online

Creating a will is one of the most impactful ways to support the people and causes that are most important to you. We hope you will consider

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 February 28, 2022.

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

Dowling Catholic High School as you think about your legacy.

To learn more about simple and tax smart ways to help DCHS continue to prepare Christ-Centered leaders, please contact Julie Bell, Advancement Director, at 515.222.1048 or visit our website:

dowlingcatholic.plannedgiving.org

$18 Freedom Wear Infant Onesie

$20 Freedom Wear Long sleeve T-Shirt

$9 Wincraft Perfect Cut Decal

$18 Next Level Short Sleeve T-Shirt - three colors available

$6 EACH Spring Sports & Activities Decals

$30 Third Street Toddler/Girl Dress size 12mo - 7

other sports/activities available online