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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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WINTER 2022
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