Focus Magazine XVI

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

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Friends, Another school year has come to a close and it is my privilege to share with you some highlights and recent accomplishments of our students.

I would first like to congratulate the members of the Class of 2022. These graduates have shown incredible growth during their time at Dowling Catholic. Their leadership has been outstanding and they have served as wonderful role models. They overcame challenges and continued to live their faith by helping those less fortunate, collectively serving more than 44,000 hours during their four years at DCHS. They also excelled in academics and as a group were offered more than $9.4 million in scholarships to colleges across the nation. Their high school years coincided with a global pandemic, but they remained committed to achieving their goals. We look forward to following their success as they assume their roles as leaders in the future.

There are many highlights from the school year to celebrate, including the first state title in school history for the boys track team, the success of the speech and debate team, outstanding band, choir and theater performances, and the list goes on. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work put forth by our students and hope you enjoy reading about these activities in the pages ahead.

We continue to focus on initiatives that will prepare our students for life after high school and success in their post-secondary pursuits. For the second year every junior took the ACT exam on campus during the school day while freshmen and sophomores took the pre-ACT. We also hosted a college fair and a summer job fair and continue to innovate and look for ways to bring real-world experiences to the classroom.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to share that we have completed our strategic planning process with goals and strategies for the next five years. Some highlights of the plan include a focus on personalized learning to meet a variety of academic goals and needs, maintaining our commitment to access and affordability through increased tuition assistance, fostering student faith life through closer partnerships with parents and parishes, and enhancing our facilities and grounds to better support student life. Our completed plan is available on our website. I look forward to sharing updates as this plan is implemented.

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

In Christ,

Dr. Dan Ryan President

CONTENTS

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

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

10

4 |

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

7 |

CALENDAR

8 |

10 |

11 |

12 |

Fulfilling the DCHS mission.

Find out about upcoming Dowling Catholic events.

ON CAMPUS

Check out the latest school happenings.

REGIONAL UPDATE

Read about plans to regionalize Catholic schools in the Des Moines area.

FEATURE

Students travel abroad to serve others.

WELL DONE

Success in the classroom and on the field.

14 | CLASS NOTES

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

16 | TRUE MAROON

Celebrating the 2022 DCHS Distinguished Alumni.

A St. Joseph Academy tradition was revived in May with the crowning of seven statues in the building and around campus to honor Mary as the Queen of Heaven. Pictured on the cover is the statue located outside of the gymnasium doors.

PRESIDENT: Dr. Dan Ryan DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT: Julie Bell EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tara Nelson

18 | SPOTLIGHT

ART DIRECTOR: Colin Gargano

20 | 50 YEARS TOGETHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rachel Brown Ted Power

Spring sports recap.

Celebrating the history of St. Joseph Academy and Dowling High School.

21 | IN MEMORIAM

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

23 | THE PULSE

DCHS recognizes year-end award recipients.

COPY EDITOR: Kathy Kirby Power ‘80 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Earl Hulst

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

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

WE ARE MAROONS ANNUAL APPEAL Donors make a significant impact at Dowling Catholic High School, providing crucial support to programs and resources that truly benefit all students. Thanks to the generosity of those who contribute, we are able to fulfill our mission of preparing Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ. The impact of the We Are Maroons Annual Appeal is reflected in the following ways: Tuition: DCHS is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines community and making a Catholic education accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Gifts to the Annual Appeal helped to provide $1.4 million in tuition assistance to DCHS students during the 2021-2022 school year.

Support of the Annual Appeal also helps to cover the “gap” between tuition and the cost to educate each student.* Tuition covers just 80% of the per-student cost, with the remainder funded

COST OF EDUCATION* Tuition & Fees “Gap” Parish Contribution

by parishes and the Annual Appeal.

Student Life: Through faith and academics, student activities, athletics and the arts the Annual Appeal serves the interests of our students. With donor support we are able to grow existing opportunities and launch new initiatives to help students in their faith and academic pursuits.

School Services: The Annual Appeal supports every aspect of the school’s daily operations.

Dowling Catholic’s commitment to excellence extends to the building and grounds, technology, providing competitive teacher compensation and more.

To donate, please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/annual-appeal.

The cost to educate each student for the 2022-2023 school year is

$13,442

leaving a “gap” amount of

Matching Gifts Many employers sponsor a matching gift program, providing an easy way to leverage your donation.

Some of these employers include MidAmerican Energy, Wellmark and Wells Fargo. To find out if your company participates in a matching gift program, please visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/ matching-gifts. The impact of your gift may be doubled or even tripled!

$2,754

*Based on parish-participating tuition for the 2022-2023 school year.

Dowling Club is the booster organization that has been raising awareness, enthusiasm and funding for our athletes since 1941. Dowling Club support allows us to offer a wide variety of athletics, providing our students with the opportunity to learn and grow in the sports they love. In addition, your support enables us to enhance our athletic programs by furnishing uniforms and equipment, maintaining

and

upgrading

supporting coaches, and more.

4

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

athletic

facilities,

SET IT AND FORGET IT......

Do you find yourself wondering if you made a gift to DCHS this year?

impact that every fundraising dollar makes in creating opportunities for

Or are you looking for a way to simplify your giving and have a bigger

DCHS students and families.” Nick Blyth ‘02

impact helping today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders?

Leaders for Life Program DCHS has two convenient giving programs available to help you

The Leaders for Life Program provides an opportunity to make a

achieve your goals.

recurring gift to DCHS directly from your checking/savings account and bypass fundraising solicitations. What might seem an insignificant

Bishop Dowling & St. Joseph Academy Societies

monthly gift can really add up!

The Bishop Dowling and St. Joseph Academy societies provide donors with an opportunity to make a multi-year gift to the We are Maroons

For example:

Annual Appeal and/or endowment and bypass fundraising solicitations.

$10/month = $120/yr

Donors can pledge $2K or more to the Annual Appeal for three or

$50/month = $600/yr

more years. Those wishing to support the endowment can pledge $5K

$167/mo = $2,000/yr = President’s Council level and invitation to

per year for three or more years. While creating ease for the donor,

annual appreciation events.

members of the Bishop Dowling Society provide DCHS with a reliable revenue stream which allows the school to plan for the future.

“Taking a few minutes to set up a recurring gift to Dowling Catholic makes sustained giving simple, predictable and manageable for my

“I learned about the Bishop Dowling and St. Joseph Academy societies

young family. Also, I know that this pattern of giving is helpful for

while serving on the Foundation Board. In just my first year, I have

DCHS as they often have recurring expenses or unplanned needs

been reminded of how much my DCHS experience has enriched my life

throughout the year. With a recurring gift, DCHS can depend on a

since graduating in 2002. From personal friendships I’ve maintained

steady stream of support versus waiting and hoping for year-end gifts

and grown, the professional network I’ve built within the DCHS family

or pledges to be fulfilled. This mutual benefit is what draws me to

throughout the country, and the foundation of faith I developed while in

making recurring gifts that I can grow over time to meet my family

school, I am grateful to be in a position to pay it forward and help foster

donation goals as well as Dowling Catholic’s growth and faith goals.”

the same experience and opportunities for the next generation. The

Kyle Wilcox ‘04

Bishop Dowling Society provides an “auto-pilot” way for me to have an annual giving strategy or plan rather than being solicited each year. I

For more information or to enroll, please call Julie Bell at 515-222-1048

now better understand the growing need for tuition assistance and the

or visit www.dowlingcatholic.org/giving-societies.

Becoming a booster has its privileges! Boosters receive:

Future Maroon Membership (K-8) - $100

•

A one-time 15% discount in the Campus Store or online purchase

•

Membership provides entry into all 2022-2023 home games

Adult Membership - $250*

through June 30, 2023 •

•

Special invitations to Dowling Club appreciation events and

Family Package $600

tailgate parties

Includes TWO Adult Memberships and TWO Future Maroon

Sports passes to all home events (excluding tournament play and

memberships. Save $100 when you purchase a family package!

district/regional events)

To become a booster, please visit: dowlingcatholic.org/dowling-club. *Call Kathy Kirby Power at 515.222.1002 for a discounted rate for 65+.

F O CU S

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SUMMER 2022

5

The Bash on Buffalo After being held virtually the past two years,

and vice president of Frank’s Divine Pie.

the Bash on Buffalo was back in person with more than 300 guests in attendance

This

year’s

event

and nearly 150 people raising their paddles

been possible without the support of

virtually as remote bidders.

local

businesses

would

and

the

not

have

tremendous

contributions of more than 150 volunteers.

In addition to live and silent auctions and

We are immensely grateful for the support

raffle drawings, the event also included

of our presenting sponsor, Global Direct

outstanding live entertainment provided by

Mail

students in the DCHS jazz band and dance

sponsor, Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating

team, a joint performance by alumnus

&

Nicholas Sinclair ‘00 and current student

businesses: Des Moines Dance Party DJ’s,

Adrian Brown, as well as the Final Mix Show

Hummel’s Nissan, I2Tech, Iowa Spring

Band. Guests also enjoyed excellent food

Manufacturing,

provided by Gusto Pizza Co, El Guapo,

Moines, Stivers Lincoln Ford, West Bank

Anna Dolce and King Smoke Barbeque with

and Wolfe Eye Clinic.

&

Marketing,

Cooling,

as

well

our

as

Golden

the

Mercedes-Benz

Ticket

following

of

Des

catering led by Joe McConville ‘98, alumnus

FATHER ACREA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD Father John Acrea celebrated the 60th

Vianney in St. Paul, Minnesota.

anniversary of his ordination to priesthood on June 3, 2022. Today, he spends his time

In 1980, he returned to Dowling as a faculty member and served

serving at the school where he first began

the school and at the St. Joseph Education Center for the next

teaching more than six decades ago.

nine years. While teaching at Dowling, he became the school’s first debate coach and went on to lead teams to four state

Father Acrea studied at Mount St. Bernard

championships and a fifth place finish at nationals.

Seminary and Creighton University before earning a master’s degree in education. He first began teaching in

In 1989, Father Acrea returned to pastoral service, serving St.

1962 at the Old Dowling High School in Des Moines. He taught for

Ambrose Cathedral Parish in Des Moines, St. Mary/Holy Cross

nine years, served as principal for one year, then studied for a year

Parish in Elkhart, Holy Spirit Parish in Creston and St. Edward

at the North American College in Rome.

Parish in Afton.

He returned to teach for three additional years before going into

In his retirement, whether concelebrating Mass, offering daily

parish ministry. During his career he has served as a pastor at both

reconciliation or assisting at retreats, Fr Acrea is a blessing to the

urban and rural parishes, director of vocations for the Diocese of

DCHS community and continues to make a difference in the lives

Des Moines, and spiritual director at the seminary of Saint John

of students.

6

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

CALENDAR

We also extend a special thank you to Joel and Amy Pearson, Sally and Kim Beisser, Annie and Tom Baldwin and Gilroy’s for their

AUGUST 1 Golf Outing

OCTOBER 4 President’s

Echo Valley Country Club

Council Dinner

3150 Echo Valley Drive

Des Moines Golf & Country Club

and Stacey Cale, Bob Carber, Brooke Dirks,

Norwalk

1600 Jordan Creek Parkway

Sara Ervin, Justina Glick, Stacey King ‘95,

Each summer the DCHS community

West Des Moines

Andrea and Tony Klemm, Katie Jensen

comes together for a fun day of golf

This annual recognition dinner is a

‘90, Dr. Jessica Lawson, Cynthia Salsberry,

to raise money for the Coppola Family

special event honoring those individuals

Karen Larson, Sanita Simms ‘00 and Dr.

Endowment. This fund was initiated

who support Dowling Catholic with

Melissa Young Szalay. The support from

in the early 1970s and continues to

gifts of cash or stock totaling $2,000 or

many DCHS faculty and staff members who

provide tuition assistance to DCHS

more annually (fiscal year July 1, 2021 -

made contributions of their time, talent and

students.

June 30, 2022).

gifts in kind, and to the following volunteers who led or co-chaired committees: Matt

treasure also contributed greatly to making the Bash an evening to remember and a success for our students.

or

to

For learn

more

information

about

sponsorship

opportunities, please contact Carolyn at

OCTOBER 10 Grandparents’ Day

cburchkirchhoff@dowlingcatholic.org

Dowling Catholic High School

or 515.222.1095.

1400 Buffalo Road West Des Moines

To learn more about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, please visit dowlingcatholic.org/events.

SEPTEMBER 16 Dowling Club

Grandparents are the guests of honor

Appreciation Tailgate

during this annual celebration. Each

Valley Stadium

year our special guests have the

4440 Mills Civic Parkway

opportunity to visit campus and enjoy

West Des Moines

refreshments, hear from student and

Dowling Club members are invited

faculty speakers, and celebrate Mass

to a tailgate hosted by DCHS at

with their grandchildren.

Valley Stadium prior to the football game vs. Iowa City High. Join fellow

OCTOBER 23 Pancake Breakfast

members in recognizing our special

Iowa State Fairgrounds

guest, DCHS alumna and University

3000 East Grand Avenue

of Iowa women’s basketball player

Des Moines

Caitlin Clark ‘20. Not a member yet?

This year marks the 61st anniversary

Visit our website to learn more:

of this great DCHS tradition which

dowlingcatholic.org/dowlingclub.

brings the community together and raises money to support students

SEPTEMBER 30 Homecoming &

and teachers.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Valley Stadium

DECEMBER 2 Christmas Luncheon

4440 Mills Civic Parkway

Glen Oaks Country Club

West Des Moines

1401 Glen Oaks Drive

Community

members

are

invited

West Des Moines

Catholic’s

DCHS parents, alumni and friends are

Homecoming. Join us at Valley Stadium

invited to celebrate the Christmas

to cheer on the Maroons at the varsity

season with a wonderful lunch, special

football

guest speakers and entertainment

to

celebrate

game.

Dowling

The

Homecoming

Court and Hall of Fame inductees will

from student musicians and vocalists.

be introduced at halftime.

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

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SUMMER 2022

7

ON CAMPUS

SPEECH AND DEBATE It was an unprecedented year for the DCHS Speech & Debate Team with the return of several seasoned competitors as well as team members of all experience levels contributing greatly to the team’s tremendous success.

In January the team competed in the Iowa High School Speech Association State Championship where seniors Zach Harnden and Christopher Pierson defended their 2021 title and repeated as state champions in the Public Forum Debate category. Also in a remarkable performance from two sophomores, Suzanne Bigelow and Collin Comito made it to the final round of the Policy Debate category and were named runners-up.

In February DCHS won the Overall District Team Championship, placing first in Speech Overall Sweepstakes and first in Overall Debate Sweepstakes. In addition, the following students qualified to compete at nationals in June: Isabelle Colon Alba, Violet Bordenaro, Richard Bottenberg, Collin Comito, Zach Harnden, Elliott Haupts, Jack McGuire, Ann Pierson, Christopher Pierson, Matthew Pierson, Olivia Reisdorf, Betzy Sandoval and Katherine Strawn.

The team’s success continued in March when they won the 2022 State Speech Championship.

Seniors Zach Harnden and Christopher Pierson won the state championship in Public Forum Debate, repeating their win from last year. Bringing home individual titles were Matthew Pierson who finished as state champion in United States Extemp and Reese Lovell who was the champion in Informative Speaking. Several team members also brought home individual awards with the following students finishing as runners-up: Jack McGuire and Betzy Sandoval (Policy Debate), Ann Pierson (Dramatic Interp), Elizabeth James and Sophia Burns (Duo Interp), Elizabeth James (Humorous Interp), Violet Bordenaro (Informative Speaking), Ella Johnson (Original Oratory) and Conrad Krantz (United States Extemp and Spontaneous Speaking). Zach Harnden was also voted Iowa Senior of the Year by the speech and debate coaches of the state.

Congratulations to the entire team on an outstanding year!

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Seniors Daniel Lu and Allison Szalay have been named finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. Nearly 1.5 million students entered the scholarship program by taking the PSAT their junior year. The top scorers were named semifinalists, a number that represents less than 1% of all high school seniors in the United States.

Approximately 15,000 of those students were selected as finalists based on academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, honors and awards. Each finalist was also required to submit a personal essay and a recommendation from a high school administrator. Congratulations to these students on their outstanding achievements!

8

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

DANIEL LU

ALLISON SZALAY

STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE DCHS students returned to the stage in late

“Meredith Willson says that The Music Man

April with an Iowa classic, performing for

is not a caricature of Iowa but a valentine

a full-capacity audience for the first time

to the people of his home state,” said

in more than two years. Prior to opening

Tim Sheaff ‘86, director of drama and

night, the cast and crew put on a special

debate. “Using this show to bring our

matinee performance for more than 300

arts community back to its full creative

sixth graders from Bergman Academy and

potential seemed like kismet.“

area parochial schools, kicking off a run of five outstanding performances of Meredith

The musical provided many opportunities

Willson’s beloved musical “The Music Man.”

for student involvement with nearly 70 in the cast, crew and pit. While several

Set in 1912 in the fictional town of River

cast members are regulars on the theater

City, the musical is based in large part on

stage, the big musical numbers were a

Willson’s birthplace of Mason City, Iowa.

draw for some who had only previously

The central character is Harold Hill, a con

been involved with the performing arts

man who arrives posing as a traveling

through choir, band or dance.

salesman

with

promises

of

teaching

children to perform in a marching band. He

“The

knows nothing about music, however, and

opportunity to express my talents in a way

has every intention of skipping town with

that I had not previously done before,” said

the payments he receives. A local librarian,

Jack Power, a member of the DC Singers

Marian, sees through his con but begins

and Grace Notes Jazz Choir. “Being able

to fall in love with him over the course of

to spend time and work together with my

the musical, with Harold ultimately risking

friends to create an incredible show was a

being caught to win her heart.

fantastic experience that I hope to be able

Music

Man

was

an

excellent

to do again in the future.”

F O CU S

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SUMMER 2022

9

REGIONAL UPDATE

Steve Lacy, Regional Board Chair

In January of 2022 Bishop William Joensen

“My experience has shown me the necessity

Meredith Corporation

endorsed the proposal from local pastors to

and immense potential of collaboration, a key

St. Augustin Parish

regionalize the Catholic schools in the Des

component of this model as pastors, principals

Moines area. The recommendation from

and diocesan leaders work together in new

Mary Coffin

the pastors came after more than a year

ways,” said Dr. Ryan. “We are fortunate in Des

Former Executive Vice President - Wells Fargo

of researching the regionalization concept

Moines to begin this regionalization process

Sacred Heart Parish

which has been successfully implemented

in a proactive position to sustain excellence

by Catholic schools across the country.

rather than a reactive measure to survive.”

Former CEO and Executive Chairman -

Miquel Hadsall Vice President of Finance - Beal Derkenne

The region will consist of the 11 Catholic

Next steps in regional planning include

Construction

grade schools in the Des Moines metro and

implementing best business practices and

St. Joseph Parish

Dowling Catholic High School. Each of the

increasing tuition assistance, all of which will

schools will continue to function in their

contribute to the collective sustainability and

Brian Johnson

current locations serving the grade levels

vitality of each school. Significant progress

Senior Vice President - Casey’s General Stores

they do today. Currently, each grade school

has been made in working with local business

Saint Pius X Parish

is attached to one parish which is responsible

managers to develop a common chart of

for the operation of the school. The regional

accounts. Another important step underway

Mark Schaul

model will bring the schools together in a

is development of the agreement between

Former President and CFO - SNI Companies

system that will enhance operations through

the region and each parish. This agreement

Sacred Heart Parish

collaboration and leveraging of collective

will reflect that parishes will retain ownership

resources. Working in concert with the

of each school building and will address key

Luis Valdes

Diocese, the region will make it possible to

categories including educational materials,

Former

direct resources towards making schools

technology,

Chairman - Principal International

better while preserving the traditions, culture

utilities and others.

St. Francis Parish

Important steps have also taken place to

It has been determined that St. Joseph

Creating a regional system will also enhance

increase tuition assistance which is a top

Catholic School will be the first to pilot the

the excellence that already exists and address

priority. It is anticipated that additional funds

regional business model and staff members

obstacles to future growth and vitality.

from the Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO)

have been meeting with the regional business

Those issues include teacher compensation

will provide $800,000 to $1 million in tuition

operations committee to begin planning for

and retention, providing sufficient tuition

assistance to families in the Des Moines

the upcoming fiscal year. Budgets and school

assistance, duplication of business operations,

region for the 2023-2024 school year. Local

operations will remain the same for the 2022-

and the complexity and costs related to

entities and the Diocese are working together

23 school year and additional schools may be

operating and supporting schools.

to develop a process to anticipate need and

engaged during the pilot period.

grounds

and

maintenance,

President

and

CEO/Current

and individual identities of each school.

allocate funds consistently.

“I am grateful for the ongoing work of

Dr. Dan Ryan has been appointed by Bishop Joensen to serve as president of the new

A governance model has been established with

our pastors, boards, administrators and

regional system while continuing in his role

a board of directors that will exercise authority

volunteers who bear the extensive expertise

as president of Dowling Catholic. In this

in the following areas: compensation planning,

that will propel the regionalization process

combined role, he will continue to focus

tuition rates, tuition assistance management,

forward,” said Bishop Joensen.

on the success of DCHS while also building

business operations, communications and

upon the individual strengths of each of

policy. The regional board will include clergy

Please

the K-8 schools in the region which are also

to be appointed by Bishop Joensen and the

DSMRCSplan.org for progress updates and

integral to the mission of Dowling Catholic.

following lay members at this time:

additional information.

10

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

visit

the

regional

website

at

FAITH IN ACTION

“We were able to grow in our compassion

they visited downtown Antigua, hiked up

and love of God and each other through

the Pacaya Volcano, and ziplined through

Service to others is central to the mission of

our interaction with 91 children at the Terra

the Guatemala wilderness.

Dowling Catholic High School and just one

Livre Education Center,” said Terry Clark

of the many ways students put their faith in

‘96, director of ministry and formation and

“Our

action. While 10 service hours per semester

theology chair at DCHS. “We shared smiles,

relationships,” said Smith. “We reflected and

are required for graduation, so many go

laughter and most importantly love while

prayed and talked about building a strong

above and beyond, with the student body

playing with kids. The relationships that we

relationship with God and with others on

collectively serving nearly 48,000 hours

were able to develop are transformational

the trip and the families we worked with. I

during the 2021-2022 school year. While most

in regard to who we are and what we are

truly believe they will take what they learned

hours were served locally in the community,

called to.”

and use it to make a difference in the lives of

several DCHS students had the opportunity

focus

was

also

on

building

those around them.”

to travel across the globe when international

A

service trips resumed in early June.

Guatemala, where they built three homes

The final trip provided students with the

from the ground up for families in need,

opportunity to go on a cultural tour of Costa

A group of students, faculty and friends from

working alongside those who will own

Rica. This was the fifth trip for DCHS students

DCHS traveled to Goiania, Brazil, to work with

them. This was the fifth time a group from

led by Spanish teacher Lance Peterson

Terra Livre, a non-profit organization which

DCHS has traveled to work with Imagine

who

provides daycare, after school workshops

In

environmental

and community education programs for

organization dedicated to bettering the lives

leadership skills and improving their Spanish.

local families. DCHS has maintained a

of underprivileged children and families.

Highlights included traveling to a coffee

second

group

Guatemala,

a

traveled

to

charitable,

Antigua,

non-profit

longstanding partnership with Terra Livre since the first service trip to Brazil in 2005.

focuses

on

teaching

service

and

them

about

conservation,

plantation, learning about organic farming, “With the focus of this trip, I returned feeling

white water rafting and exploring nature.

like our students learned so much about The group spent most of their time working

how to break the cycle of poverty,” said Erik

“The students had a great time,” said

with children at the center where they

Smith, a theology teacher and service trip

Peterson. “They learned a lot about the

helped with school work, played games

moderator at DCHS. “They saw firsthand

culture and people of Costa Rica. This

and presented on important life skills.

what life is like when others don’t have all

experience left a lasting impression and

Once the workday was done, they had the

that we have and they took it to heart.”

everyone involved learned a lot about the

opportunity to be immersed in the culture,

country and themselves.”

attending a traditional Brazilian Samba and

The students stayed with host families and

visiting waterfalls in the countryside.

were also able to experience the culture as F O CU S

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SUMMER 2022

11

WELL DONE

MOCK TRIAL The DCHS Mock Trial team completed another successful season, culminating in the opportunity for several students to compete at state. With a total of 19 students in the club, two teams were formed with the following students serving in leadership roles: Mike Posegate and Halle Mohan were co-presidents, Tre Salazar was vice president, and Grace Kottmeyer was secretary.

The Maroon Team qualified for state after competing with great success in the Iowa High School Des Moines Regional. Team members included seniors Halle Mohan and Mike Posegate; juniors Grace Kottmeyer, Tre Salazar and Sandy Wang; sophomores Elizabeth Topf, Robby Duran and Ned Whipple; and freshman Veronica Smith.

which was the first high school mock trial competition for most of

Mike Posegate, Halle Mohan and Elizabeth Topf earned All-District

the students. Team members included sophomores Danny Peirick,

Honorable Mention Attorneys at the regional competition, Robby

Katya Bañuelos Moriel, Betzy Sandoval and Lauren Reinsvold; and

Duran earned All-District Outstanding Witness, and Halle Mohan and

freshmen Kati Strawn, Alma Drazi, Ajoung Ajoung, Lilian Schultheis,

Elizabeth Topf earned All-District Honorable Mention Witnesses.

Riley Hogendorn and Karthi Bashiyam.

The state competition was held March 31-April 2 in Des Moines. The

The following honors were earned by the White Team in the

Maroon Team competed in three trials, winning their first and third

regional competition: Katie Strawn and Alma Drazi - All-District

and finishing 15th out of 32 teams. Several team members earned

Outstanding Attorney; Lilian Schultheis - All-District Honorable

awards, including senior Mike Posegate who was recognized as an

Mention Attorney; Danny Pierick - All-District Outstanding Witness;

Iowa High School Mock Trial Tournament All-State Attorney.

and Katya Bañuelos Moriel - All-District Honorable Mention Witness.

The White Team did an excellent job competing in the Ames regional

Congratulations to both teams on an outstanding season!

CHOIR AWARDS The Spring Choir Concert was performed for the DCHS community at

The DCHS Choral Service Award is presented each year to a

Sheslow Auditorium on Monday, May 9. The evening included special

senior who has demonstrated sincere service to the choral

recognition of the senior choir members and the presentation of three

program during their high school years. This year there were four

special choral awards.

recipients: Austin Riewer and Cassie Rounds from the Dowling Catholic Singers, and Nathan Baumhover and Josie Talley from

The Douglas Schultz Memorial Award is presented each year to a

the A Cappella Choir.

member of the freshman class in recognition of outstanding service to the freshman chorus. This year’s recipient was Lewis Lentsch.

Congratulations to the 2022 award recipients and all of the senior choir members. We are proud to recognize these students

Joe Miyazaki received the Iowa Choral Director’s Outstanding Senior

for their leadership, dedication and commitment and wish them

Award, presented annually to a student who has demonstrated

the best in their future endeavors.

outstanding musicianship and leadership in the choral art.

12

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

BAND AWARDS The Dowling Catholic band program is proud to recognize students for their achievements and contributions with awards presented annually each spring. Congratulations to the following 2022 award recipients: Senior Awards John Philip Sousa Band Award - John Cahalan Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award - Kate Cain Louis Armstrong Band Award - Nick Celsi Reubin Alcoy Memorial Award - Colleen Cain

Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Awards

Woody Herman Jazz Award - Riley McElroy

Sean Runyan Memorial Scholarship Award - Matthew Dietrich

Quincy Jones Musicianship Award - Neal Stoll

Michael Cargill Jazz Scholarship Award - Samuel Nielsen

Mary Perlowski Spirit and Dedication Award - Myrissa Graves

Director’s Award - Grace Aerisolphal (freshman)

Service and Commitment Award - Daniel Musel

Director’s Award - Brett Gifford (sophomore)

Most Improved Senior - Christian Niola-Velesaca

Director’s Award - Aiden Volp (junior)

Good Samaritan Award - Nico Antenzano

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND Two Odyssey of the Mind teams from Dowling Catholic completed an outstanding season at the World Finals held at Iowa State University May 25-29. They were among 10 teams from Iowa competing with a total of 625 teams from across the United States and Poland, Switzerland and South Korea.

Team A consisted of Kathleen Belz, Stephanie Rash, Molly Eure, Katie Flaherty, Charlotte Chance, Betzy Sandoval and Grace Hoffman. Team B included Matteo Fontana, Max Young, Collin Comito, Jake Leo, Owen Leyser and Ella Elliot. The teams were led by Kate Leo, English teacher and Odyssey of the Mind moderator at DCHS.

Both teams competed in the same category and had to write an original musical about a little known historical figure. They competed well and enjoyed living for five days on the ISU campus and making friends with students from Poland, New York and New Jersey.

The teams qualified for the World Finals after earning several

“Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is an experience like no other,”

top finishes at the state competition held in early April in Ames.

said Leo. “It was less of a competition and more of a celebration

The students participate in a two-part competition at state - one

of creativity and unique problem solving. These young people

that they spend the year preparing for and the other they are

represented DCHS perfectly with their top-notch character and

presented with the day of the competition and have to solve the

amazing creativity. I’m incredibly proud of how hard they worked all

problem in the moment.

year preparing for this event.”

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13

CLASS NOTES The annual Dowling Catholic alumni soccer

Congratulations to Luke Lynch ‘04, Meghan

tournament took place at DCHS on Saturday,

Malloy ‘02 and John Marshall ‘04 who

May 14. Congratulations to the following

were named to the Des Moines Business

alumni who were on the winning team:

Record’s annual Forty Under 40 list. The

Mark Adams ‘08, Dylan Godwin ‘19, Manuel

honorees were profiled in the Business

Gutierrez ‘09, Ben Jurgens ‘21, David Lyle

Record and recognized at an event on

‘11, Alex Perlinger ‘17 and Garrett Crall

March 30, 2022. The 40 local business

(asst. varsity coach). Thanks to head varsity

leaders were chosen based upon impressive

coach Jackson Teeling ‘09 for organizing the

career

tournament and to all who played!

community involvement. Read more online:

achievements

and

unparalleled

www.businessrecord40.com Nine teams participated in the 11th Annual DCHS

Alumni

Basketball

Tournament

on

Saturday, April 16. Represented were the classes of 2000, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and the winning team from the Class 2021, pictured left to right: Asst.

Athletic Director Mike O’Connor, Ryan Riggs, Simon Daniel, Matt Riedl, Charlie Correll, Sam Hughes, Carson Boyle and Abe Mabior.

St. Joseph Academy alumnae gathered at DCHS on Sunday, May 22 for the inaugural Mass to honor Mary, the Mother of God, as was the custom at St. Joseph Academy for many years.

Deacon Alex Kramer ‘14 and seminarian

Alumnae celebrated Mass with Fr. Tom De

Mike Mahoney ‘12 assisted Pope Francis

Carlo ‘61, visited the statue of Mary and the St.

at his celebration of Easter Mass in St.

Joseph stained glass window brought to DCHS

Peter’s

from the Academy, and enjoyed refreshments

ordained a priest on June 24, along with

and conversation.

Deacon Nick Smith ‘14 at St. Ambrose

Square.

Deacon

Kramer

was

Cathedral in Des Moines.

Congratulations to Karissa Schweizer ‘14 who recently won her first title in the USATF 10,000m Championships and will represent Team USA in July at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She runs for Nike’s Bowerman Track Club and was an Olympic finalist in Tokyo last August.

Photo Credit: @Justin_Britton

14

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

Fr.

Frank

Palmer

‘54

celebrated

the

60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on June 3. He served as a pastor, teacher and retreat leader before his retirement in 2006. He has assisted at St. Pius X and Holy Trinity parishes and continues to assist at his home parish of St. Anthony in Des Moines. Read more online: dmdiocese.org/news/father-frank-palmer

The

annual

Dowling

Catholic

athletic

department reunion breakfast took place on Saturday, May 14 with several alumni, former coaches and staff members in attendance. The event was started in 2010

by Coach Ron Gray ‘73 and longtime DCHS athletic trainer, Del Lark. Pictured left to right: Ron Gray, John LaBonia ‘58, Fr. John Dorton ‘62, Larry Weier, Mike Skoglund, Don Mauro ‘49, Pat Civitate, Mark Amadeo ‘80, Joe Cordaro ‘67, Del Lark, Frank Schweizer and Mark Crouch.

Kirby Power ‘18 and Jon Wisnieski ‘13 will be joining the DCHS staff as Ut Fidem Coordinators. Power graduated in May from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She interned at the St. Thomas More Newman Center as both the Catholic Education Program and Communications intern. Wisnieski played football at the University of Iowa and graduated with a degree in business administration and finance before attending St. Thomas where he received a Master of Arts in Theology.

He most recently discerned with the Dominicans the last six months before his return

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

to Des Moines.

ALUMNI ADMINISTRATORS AND PRIESTS TO RETIRE Msgr. Frank Chiodo ‘68 is retiring after

Sacred Heart Seminary and School of

initiatives earned national recognition and

devoting his life to pastoral service. He

Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He

positioned the school as a leader in this area.

attended Immaculate Conception Seminary

was ordained in 2000 by Bishop Joseph

in Conception, Missouri, and St. Thomas

Charron and began his ministry at St.

Mary Jo (Mehalovich) Kever ‘78, principal

Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado.

Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines. He

at St. Pius X School in Urbandale, also

He was ordained in 1976 by Bishop Maurice

returned to St. Francis where he has served

retired at the end of the school year after

Dingman and began his service at Christ the

since 2013.

38 years in Catholic education. She earned

King Parish in Des Moines. In 1990, he was

a bachelor’s degree in education from

named a Prelate of Honor with the title of

Ellen

principal

ISU and a master’s degree in educational

monsignor by St. John Paul II. He has served

at St. Theresa Catholic School in Des

leadership from Drake. With an expertise

at his home parish of St. Anthony since 2007.

Moines, retired at the end of the school

in curriculum design, she led the faculty in

year after more than 32 years in Catholic

integrating strong curriculum instruction

Fr. Ray McHenry ‘70 worked in the family

education. She earned a bachelor’s degree

into a Christ-centered learning environment.

business for 20 years before answering the

in elementary education from ISU and a

call to priesthood. He earned a bachelor’s

master’s degree in educational leadership

Read more in the May edition of the Catholic

and

Creighton

from Drake. Her work leading several STEM

Mirror: catholicmirror.dmdiocese.org.

University and a master’s in divinity from

(science, technology, engineering & math)

master’s

degree

from

(Johnson)

Stemler

‘74,

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SUMMER 2022

15

Each year Dowling Catholic proudly honors

When he wasn’t working, he could be found

numerous children whom he continues to

deserving alumni of St. Joseph Academy

coaching his children in baseball, softball and

pray for everyday.

and DCHS with Distinguished Alumni and

basketball. He served as a youth minister at

Distinguished Young Alumni awards. We are

Visitation and taught Religious Education

Rick also became a woodworker later in

honored to recognize Rick Lehman Sr. ‘65,

and Confirmation at St. Pius X and St. Mary

life. He has made and given away hundreds

Theresa Welch ‘83 and Kyle M. Wilcox ‘04 as

of Nazareth for 28 years. He served on parish

of crucifixes which can now be found

our 2022 recipients.

and finance councils, was involved with the

throughout the city, including one that was

Sierra Club, and was a member of Legatus and

blessed and is now in the chapel at DCHS.

Rick Lehman is a 1965 graduate of Dowling.

a Lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy

After high school, he joined the Navy and

Communion. He and his brother also started

He and his wife have eight grandchildren and

served in the Vietnam War. After he was

the first Catholic radio station in Des Moines.

currently reside in Des Moines. He enjoys the

discharged he met his wife Marcia and they

opportunity to teach his grandchildren and

were married at St Pius X Church in Santa Fe

In retirement he found many opportunities

their friends about faith and often reminds

Springs, California.

to contribute to the Catholic community,

them that they are God’s children.

volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Pantry, In 1975, they moved to Des Moines with

praying at Planned Parenthood and Knights

Theresa Welch is a 1983 graduate of Dowling

their three children, Rick Lehman Jr. ‘89,

of Columbus and speaking at local churches

High School. Theresa graduated from Mercy

Renee

Ross

for Iowa Right to Life. He and his wife have

College of Health Sciences in 1994 and has

Lehman ’91, all DCHS graduates. He and

also served for many years as sponsors

been a registered nurse for 28 years.

his brother owned and operated Lehman’s

of the Fellowship of Catholic University

Commercial Service and Green’s Appliance

Students (Focus). He is sought as a faith

She began her nursing career as a bedside

until his retirement in 2008.

mentor by many community members and

nurse in postpartum and special care

has served as confirmation sponsor for

nursery and as a nurse for Mercy Clinics.

16

Lehman

Blakely

’90

and

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

She is currently the executive director of

Kyle M. Wilcox was born and raised in

system. Throughout this time, he has also

InnerVisions

Des Moines and attended Holy Trinity and

served as the president of the Healthcare

pregnancy and STD medical clinic which

Dowling

2004.

Financial Management Association, Iowa

helps women and men make life affirming

During his time at DCHS he lettered in

Chapter, the president of the Grinnell Early

decisions for their children. Theresa also

football and was named a Class 4A first

Learning Center, served on numerous local

serves on the board of directors for Vibrant

team all-state offensive lineman. He earned

and regional boards and volunteers to

Home Care.

an athletic scholarship to the University of

support child and adolescent development.

HealthCare,

an

unplanned

Catholic,

graduating

in

Northern Iowa and a transfer scholarship Prior to joining InnerVisions she spent much

to the University of Iowa where he went on

Kyle currently lives in Johnston, Iowa, with

of her career in home care and hospice,

to receive a B.A. in health and sport studies

his wife Kaitlin. Together, Kaitlin and Kyle

working at UnityPoint at Home and St.

and his master’s in health administration.

have three children: Lawrence (6), Thomas

Jude Hospice in various roles including clinician,

manager

and

director.

Her

(4) and James (3). They are members of After

graduate

post-graduate

school,

Kyle

fellowship

at

received

Holy Trinity Parish.

previous experience also includes work as a

a

Grinnell

pharmaceutical representative for Schering

Regional Medical Center. He is a board-

He

Pharmaceuticals where she was the Hepatitis

certified Fellow of the American College

provided by Dowling Catholic is a distinctive

C Educator, and at Novartis Pharmaceuticals

of Healthcare Executives and a board-

advantage for students as they enter the

where she helped launch several medications

certified Fellow of the Healthcare Financial

next phase of life, but even more so that

for diabetes and heart disease.

Management Association.

the growth and development of faith is

believes

the

quality

of

education

invaluable for the rest of their lives.

Theresa and her husband Ken live in

After a decade of service in Grinnell, he now

Ankeny, Iowa, with their daughter Olivia

serves as the vice president of finance &

To view a complete list of Distinguished

who attends St. Theresa Catholic School in

operations. Over this period, Kyle has helped

Alumni Award recipients, please visit:

Des Moines. Their son Anthony is a 2008

oversee the growth, financial stabilization

dowlingcatholic.org/distinguished-alumni.

graduate of Dowling Catholic and lives in

and ultimately the integration of a previously

Denver, Colorado.

private hospital into the UnityPoint Health

PERFORMING ARTS HALL OF FAME Tony Valdez ‘69 was inducted into the

and with The Rockets and The Tony Valdez Large Band. He is a three-

Dowling Catholic Performing Arts Hall of

time inductee in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has played

Fame on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

with some of the best musicians in Iowa.

Valdez grew up in a musical family in West

Answering another call, Tony was ordained a permanent deacon in

Des Moines and attended Sacred Heart

2014 and serves the Diocese of Des Moines at Christ the King parish.

Catholic School. As a freshman at Dowling

He and his wife, Eileen, reside in Des Moines and have been married

High School, he began playing sock hops

for more than 30 years.

and proms with his classmates in the band the Echo’s Five. After graduating, he honed his skills as a guitar player and vocalist with

The Performing Arts Hall of Fame was established at DCHS in

bands such as the Cavaliers, Night Flight and others.

2004 to recognize alumni or faculty members who have achieved success in the performing arts or who have positively impacted the

After raising a family, he pursued his music career full-time as he

programs at DCHS. For a complete list of inductees, please visit:

forged ahead with his bands, playing for the last 20+ years as a duo

www.dowlingcatholic.org/pahof.

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17

SPRING SPORTS RECAP

Alex Gaskell and Esaba Okwaramoi made Iowa

Tennis

Chalstrom. “From the first day, we talked about

and setting an all-time state record with a time

The girls tennis team brought home the Class

how the team tournament was our focus. The

of 1:00.44. Kramer and Okwaramoi were also

2A state championship title, winning all of the

girls really bought into the team event and

named first team all-state.

first five singles matches to claim the title and

supported each other so well. It’s fun to see

finish the season with a perfect 13-0 record.

how excited they were for each other. We are

The state team also included Ella Anliker,

The state team included Allison Szalay, Kenzie

so proud of the work this team put in and I am

Crystal Castellano, Mackenzie Dean, Reese

Klein, Isa Valverde, Ellie Sackett, Ava Petersen,

thankful to have coached this group.”

Ervin,

history, winning the state championship title

Lauryn

Frerichs,

Julie

Friedrich,

Sally Gaskell, Ashley Hall, Liv Hall, Emily

Presila Edward, Grace Frye and Juju Mauro.

In boys tennis Daniel Lu was the Class 2A

Heitzman, Anna Huss, Shea Johnson, Ruby

Allison Szalay finished as runner-up in the

individual state champion for the second

Leman, Yalayzah Lovan, Avery Muller, Kate

individual girls state championship, Kenzie

consecutive year and was named first team

Nelson, Sam Schroeder, Madeline Stevenson

Klein and Ava Petersen were runners-up in

all-state. Daniel competed with Allison

and Ava Zediker.

doubles, and Isa Valverde and Grace Fry

Szalay to finish their high school careers as

finished sixth.

the Class 2A state coed tennis champions.

Soccer

With the coed title, Allison joins the exclusive

The girls soccer team finished an outstanding

In post-season honors Allison Szalay was

list of players to hold four state titles (team,

regular season and defeated Des Moines

named first team all-state and recognized as

singles, doubles and coed).

Roosevelt 3-1 in the regional final to advance to state. The team faced tough competition

Senior of the Year, Ava Petersen was named first team all-state, Mackenzie Klein was

Girls Track

and fell to Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln in

named second team all-state, and Aaron

The girls track team finished the season as

the quarterfinals.

Chalstrom was named Class 2A Coach of

conference and district champions and tied

the Year in his first year as head coach.

for eighth place at state. Among several

Ella Anliker was named second team all-state

outstanding performances, the girls shuttle

and first team all-district; Julia Moore and Josie

hurdle relay team of Olivia Kramer, Ruby Leman,

Patton were named second team all-district;

“We are just really proud of our girls,” said 18

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

BOYS TRACK EARNS STATE TITLE After finishing as conference and district

Carson Brown and Gabe Shaw in ninth.

champions, the DCHS boys track and

Head coach Jarred Herring also received

field team took home the Class 4A state

top honors as he was named Class 4A

team title for the first time in program

Boys State Coach of the Year and All-

history, scoring an all-time high of 93

Iowa Coach of the Year.

points to win the championship. The victory was a true team effort led by

The state team also included Christian

several outstanding performances.

Baccile, Andrew Bliss, Carson Brown, Dante

Cataldo,

Colin

Thomas

Clark,

Huegerich,

Cody

Mikey McClain finished his high school

Heikes,

Dylan

career as a repeat state champion in both

Manning, Jack Moore, Jared Ricke,

the 100M and 200M with two new state

Ethan Rosendahl, Nathan Rotherham,

records. He also helped seal the team’s

Tyler Schweizer, London Stone and

top spot as a member of two winning

Adam Townsend.

relay teams, joining Carson Brown, Kaden

and Ella Anliker, Julia Moore and Josie Patton were named first team CIML all-conference.

Emanuel and Jalyn Thompson in the

The team had an individual athlete or

4x100 to win the state title and break

relay team earn all-state honors in eight

a school record, and Kaden Emanuel,

events, and elite all-state honors in

Andrew Bliss and Carson Brown to win

nine events, with 12 different athletes

the 4x200 with a new school record.

earning recognition.

Jackson Heidesch earned the state title in After a successful regular season, the boys soccer team defeated Roosevelt in the substate

the 1600M and finished third in the 800M

“I am extremely proud of this team

and eighth in the 3200M.

which was led by 20 seniors,” said Herring. “After finishing as the runner-

semifinals before falling to Waukee Northwest.

The following players were recognized as 2022 CIML all-conference selections: Daniel Griesemer and Henrry Abarca were named first team; Diego Leon and Jonathan Mendez were named second team, and John Foth, Ian Gredell, Raymond Molina, Fabian Leon, Owen Smerage, Joe Reed and Enrico SartoriFernandes were recognized as honorable mentions.

Daniel

Griesemer

was

also

recognized with first team all-state honors.

Girls Golf

Finishing as runners-up were the 4x800

up last season they set the goal of

team of Sam Leto, Max DeRocher, Gabe

winning the school’s first state title and

Shaw and Matthew Bootman, and the

they did this in extraordinary fashion.

sprint medley team of Jake Nevitt, Jalyn

Our team motto is pursuing excellence

Thompson, Carson Brown and Kaden

in all things and this team did just that.

Emanuel. Additional top performers

I am most proud of the way the guys

included Will Bussey (third in the 110M

carried themselves all season. As they

hurdles), Will Ryan (third in the 3200M),

encountered adversities that come with

Kaden Emanuel (sixth in the 400M),

each season, they remained strong in

Jaylen

in

their faith and were the Christ-centered

discus), and the distance medley relay

leaders that the DCHS community would

team of Jake Nevitt, Jalyn Thompson,

be proud to have representing them.”

Pettus-McMullen

(eighth

The girls golf team completed a successful season with an overall record of 37-31.

Highlights included a fourth place finish at regionals, third place at the S.E. Polk Invite with a season low team score of 363, third at the Centennial Invite, and fourth at the CIML Conference Tournament where sophomore Allie Nedved placed eighth individually.

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19

C E L E B R AT I N G 5 0 Y E A R S

Few months, if any, in the history of St.

’72, “Committees sprang up to plan for the

thoughts turned to prom at the Val Air and

Joseph Academy and Dowling Catholic High

‘new school.’ Juniors ordered and wore their

an evening appropriately named “The Last

School are remembered more than May 1972.

‘Dowling’ class rings. ‘New school’ activities

Dance Will Last Forever.”

involved only three classes...”

A month of ceremonies marked beginnings

A week before prom, SJA alumnae, friends

and endings, celebrated the past and

They were a memorable class, however. The

and supporters celebrated the school with

heralded the future, and left memories on

Stepperettes marched to national and state

an open house on the Grand Avenue campus

which the SJA and Dowling classes of 1972

championships. The football team won

and a festive banquet that night at the Hotel

will reminisce during their 50th anniversary

another Metro title. The songs of “Fiddler

Fort Des Moines. The events gave alumni

reunion this summer.

on the Roof” and “The Music Man” echoed

one more chance to tour the school. Bishop

from stages. The seniors spearheaded

Maurice Dingman celebrated Mass at the

The girls of St. Joseph’s Class of 1972 were

fundraisers

campus chapel and presided over the dinner.

the last graduates of their school. The boys

Muscular Dystrophy, the Kidney Foundation

of Dowling’s Class of 1972 were the last

and the March of Dimes.

and

service

projects

for

seniors to attend class in the aging buildings on the old campus in Des Moines.

The next weekend it was an historic Dowling class that took centerstage. It was the 50th

The classes of 1972 were also coping with

reunion of the Class of 1922, the first senior

the realities of what it meant to be 18. The

class whose members had enrolled as ninth

Their joint commencement ceremony on

boys could be drafted as the war in Vietnam

graders when the school opened in 1918.

May 26, 1972, is a significant benchmark

continued. And they were eligible, for the

They were the first four-year graduates. The

in the timeline of Catholic education in

first time, to vote.

18 surviving members of the class were all

Des Moines, but at the time, those seniors

present for a weekend of events.

occasionally referred to themselves as “the

“My memory of my senior year at St. Joseph

forgotten class.”

Academy is how invested in being prepared

They were the honored guests on May 15

to participate in the political process we

when the new school was dedicated on

They weren’t a part of where much of the

were,” said Kathleen (Carroll) Miller ‘72 SJA.

Buffalo Road. More than 2,000 people

school was focused – the pending merger of

“We would be the first class of 18-year-olds

turned out, including the students who

the schools and the move to a new campus

that would be eligible to vote in the national

would

in West Des Moines where school would

election. We were discussing national and

Archbishop Luigi Raimondi came from the

resume in the fall.

world events that would prepare us to

Vatican to celebrate Mass at the dedication.

participate in an informed manner.”

Bishop Dingman concelebrated.

On May 13, 1972, however, most seniors’

Almost two weeks later came the joint

fill

the

classrooms

in

the

fall.

As the SJA yearbook staff aptly put it in their 1972 edition entitled metamorphosis 20

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

IN MEMORY OF MARSHAL B. MCMANUS

IN MEMORIAM Dowling Catholic extends its sympathy

The Dowling Catholic community mourns the loss of Marshal B.

to the families of the following alumni

McManus who passed away on May 3, 2022, as the result of an

who have passed away.

automobile accident.

Marshal was born on December 14, 2004, to Jackie and Brad McManus ‘89. Marshal was caring, fun-loving, kind, respectful and genuine. He loved spending time with his family, friends and his girlfriend Gracie. Marshal was an avid fan of the Chiefs and Royals and enjoyed kayaking, fishing, gaming, playing golf, photography, and watching sports. He was a junior at Dowling Catholic High School and was a beloved friend to many.

Marshal is survived by his parents, sister Alyssa, nephew Jadyn, brother Derek, stepmom Kelley McManus, stepsister Dani Hubbard, stepbrother Ryan Hubbard, and grandparents Joy and Ed McManus. To honor Marshal, his family asks others to carry forward his value system in their own lives. Be kind, be a little quirky, accept others for who they are, and help make this world a better place. To read more about Marshal, please visit: https://bit.ly/3yJlusS

graduation ceremony for the two classes.

’72 wrote. “When the time came, it was

Joint ceremonies weren’t new as SJA and

with the spirit of pride and sadness that the

Dowling had celebrated graduation together

seniors led the school to solemnly close the

since 1961.

pages of 88 years of history.”

The ceremony took place at Vets’ Auditorium.

That tradition of spirit and pride was true for

The speaker was U.S. Sen. Harold Hughes, a

the Dowling boys of 1972 as well.

former Iowa governor. His parting words to the graduates captured the persevering spirit

“There was no greater camaraderie than the

which permeated the Classes of 1972.

Dowling Class of 1972 because we knew we were the last of a Catholic community of young

“The love that human beings have for one

men going to class in less than first-class

another is real. So is the immortality of the

accommodations,” Mike Egan recalled. “That

human spirit that lifts mankind to heights of

old school and those priests and teachers

generosity and sublime achievement … so

made us men. The discipline was much needed

are the ideals of young Americans like you,”

and helped me tremendously in life.”

Hughes told the graduates.

Indeed, “the forgotten classes” of 1972 Diplomas were distributed. Prayers were

carried on the great tradition of serving as

said. St. Joseph Academy closed.

Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.

“SJA was an institution where tradition

For a detailed account of this important

reigned and those traditions centered around

chapter of Dowling and SJA history, please

the seniors,” the editors of metamorphosis

visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/alumni.

Anthony “Tony” Damiani ‘38 Margie (Bachrodt) Muelhaupt ‘39 SJA Sr. Concetta Naba, BVM ‘40 SJA Laurence “Jim” McMichael ‘45 Margaret “Angie” (Dillon) Kuhlman ‘46 SJA Janaan (Walsh) Happe ‘47 SJA Godfrey J. Heger ‘47 Margaret (Mulstay) Anderson ‘48 SJA Ruth (Rottee) Donnelly ‘48 SJA Diana (Piagentini) Houge ‘49 SJA James “Jim” Martin ‘49 Mary Anna Weber ‘50 SJA Mary Belle (McPherson) Lawless ‘52 SJA Robert “Bob” Wilkinson ‘52 Mary Kay (Broderick) Riley ‘54 SJA George Kinley ‘55 Michael “Mike” Seeburger ‘57 Terry Lipovac ‘58 Colonel John Joseph Haluska Jr. ‘59 William “Bill” Bartelt ‘60 Barbara (Tantillo) Dorsey ‘60 SJA Charles “Chuck” Tiano ‘60 Matthew “Matt” Coenen ‘61 Bernetta “Bernie” (Schile) Madsen ‘63 SJA Jeanne (Dolan) Cox ‘63 SJA Joanne “Jody” (Dieter) Skowronek ‘63 SJA Patricia Maher ‘64 SJA Adrian Binkerd ‘65 Philip Hoffman ‘66 Robert “Bob” Snyder ‘67 Mary Wagner ‘67 SJA Jerrald “Jerry” Hardy ‘68 Douglas “Doug” Peiffer ‘69 Nancy Harvey ‘70 SJA Timothy “Tim” Hartman ‘71 Edmundo “Eddie” Rivera ‘71 Milton “Milt” Dakovich ‘72 Pamela Hill ‘72 SJA Ralph Kiel ‘72 David Krumbholz ‘72 William “Bill” Walter ‘72 Chris “CJ” DeAngelo ‘74 Patrick “Pat” Steinbach ‘74 Dennis Stephens ‘74 Joan Willer ‘74 Mario Zenti ‘74 Victoria “Vicki” (Glenn) Ferin ‘75 Rhonda (Darrah) Currie ‘76 Jeff Welter ‘77 David Wright ‘79 Frank Cataldo ‘81 Michael “Mike” Miller ‘81 Matthew “Matt” Freylack ‘83 Christopher “Chris” Bazzocco ‘84 Rebecca “Becky” (Costello) Bazzocco ‘85 Stephanie (Schneider) Becerra ‘89 Steve Graham ‘90 Ryan Smith ‘90 Jeffrey “Jeff” Meyers ‘93 Amee Rietz ‘94 Corey Allen Paetznick ‘04

F O CU S

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SUMMER 2022

21

FAREWELL

AWARDING EXCELLENCE

Mr. Pete Ause

Each spring Dowling Catholic proudly

and personal support he provided to

retired at the

recognizes

DCHS athletes and coaches.

end

awards. Congratulations to the following

of

school

the year

students

with

year-end

FATHER JOHN ACREA AWARD

2022 award recipients:

after serving for more than

Suzanne Bigelow AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP AWARD

Presented to a student who has shown

Petra Knupp

commitment, dedication and determination

Recognizes seniors who demonstrate

in debate. Father Acrea founded the debate

good citizenship, a sense of responsibility

team in 1963 and impacted an entire

and service to the community.

generation of DCHS debaters.

long-term substitute teacher. He recalls

BERNIE SAGGAU AWARD

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR AWARD

being impressed with how friendly the

William Bussey

Allison Szalay & Petra Knupp

people at DCHS were. That impression

Presented

best

This award goes to seniors from across

would never leave him throughout his

exemplifies a patriotic spirit with strong

the state who have been honored by

entire career.

religious and moral convictions; living

the Governor for their high academic

and professing the qualities of honesty,

achievement.

three decades as an English teacher at Dowling Catholic High School.

He attended Iowa State University and began his career at DCHS in 1989 as a

to

the

senior

who

Ause joined the faculty in 1989 and went

integrity and sportsmanship; and believing

on to teach English for 32 years, leaving

that games and life should be conducted

JACK WAHLIG AWARD

DCHS for one year before returning

by the rules. Mr. Saggau was Executive

Lewis Lentsch, Jacob Suresh, Ellie

Director of the IHSAA for 38 years.

Olson & Grace Frye

in 1999. In addition to his tremendous impact in the classroom, he also made a difference for so many students through

This award honors a retired accountant

DCHS SPIRIT AWARD

and

Joe Baumhover & Zuzia Wheeler

expected his children to be involved in

Presented to students who model integrity

school activities, strive for excellence,

and moral character. Their positive spirit

exhibit leadership and care for others.

a senior class moderator for nearly two

and sharing of time and talents are true

The award recognizes freshmen who

decades and served for several years as a

examples of Christ-centered leadership.

excel in these areas.

committee chair of the annual Christmas

Faculty selects seniors who best represent

Baskets service project. He also enjoyed

the spirit of DCHS.

his involvement with extracurricular, faith and service activities at DCHS.

He coached volleyball for five years, was

parent

of

DCHS

alumni

who

JOHN HAYES AWARD Olivia Kramer & Jackson Heidesch

serving as a Kairos leader and traveling with colleagues in the World Languages

DR. ROBERT BREEDLOVE AWARD

Selected by the athletic department,

Department during seven trips to Mexico.

Cooper Nicholson

these

Recognizes a junior who best models

leadership and dedication to activities,

hard work, leadership and courage while

athletics and academics; demonstrate

exemplifying

principles

commitment to hard work; live a faith-

valued by Dr. Bob Breedlove, the father

life modeled in service; and exude a

of several DCHS graduates and athletic

caring and supportive attitude. Mr.

team doctor for many years. He was

Hayes was athletic director at DCHS

known for his generosity as demonstrated

from 1977 - 2005.

“I’ve acquired a lifetime of memories during my time at DCHS,” said Ause. “And most of all, I will remember my students.”

We are grateful for his lasting impact on so many in the DCHS community and wish him all the best in retirement.

the

Christian

through the countless hours of medical 22

D O WLIN G CATH OLIC H IGH SC HOOL

students

exhibit

strong

MULTI-SPORT AWARD

participates in the life and spirit of DCHS.

award is not based on the number of service

Carson Brown & Megan Wainwright

They exemplify Christ-centered leadership;

hours, but on the ways the student has

This award goes to two seniors, one male and

have respect for fellow human beings as

served the people of God.

one female, who have achieved success in

demonstrated through Christian service; and

multiple sports during their time at Dowling

inspire others through words and actions to

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES AWARD

Catholic. Nominees must have participated

live a Christ-centered life. The recipient is

Jaz Paz, Nolan Lynch & Nianrob Malua

and lettered in at least two different sports

selected by the senior class and delivers the

This award goes to junior students who

during their high school careers.

commencement address.

are involved in activities that advocate for racial and social justice, both at DCHS and

SISTER JUDITH SHEAHAN AWARD

SCHOLAR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Alier Agau & Anthony Cataldo

Allison Szalay & Daniel Lu

Sr. Judith Sheahan was an assistant principal

Two seniors are selected by the Athletic

VONNIE HESS AWARD

at DCHS. She was a service-oriented leader

Department

Sophia I Mauro & Nicholas Stalzer

who was meticulous with her organizational

success in academics and athletics.

for

achieving

outstanding

in the community.

This memorial tuition award was created in honor of the caring mother of former DCHS

skills. The Maroon Council awards two sophomores who reflect the qualities of

SISTER CLEMENZA COMMUNITY

president, Fr. Michael Hess. Recipients are

great leadership and selfless service.

SERVICE AWARD

selected based on participation in activities

Nate Brown & Madisyn Godwin

that fulfill Dowling Catholic’s mission of

PAX CHRISTI AWARD

Honors seniors who have excelled in the

community involvement, achieving above

Andrew Robey

spirit of Christian service. Sr. Clemenza, a

average

The Pax Christi student is committed to

former DCHS counselor, was known as the

extracurricular activities.

Christian faith and service and actively

“go-to person” to get things done. This

grades,

and

involvement

in

AWARDING EXCELLENCE Each spring Dowling Catholic recognizes faculty and staff with two special awards. Named for our founder, the Bishop Dowling Award is given to four faculty or staff members who exemplify our core values - faithful, caring and dedicated - in remarkable ways. This year we are pleased to honor Bill Barrios, Charlene Flood, Mike O’Connor and Taylor Schulte as recipients of the Bishop Dowling Award.

The John Baptiste de La Salle Award was initiated by Joe Brick and his family in 2014 in honor of Janet Brick who passed away in 2011. Each year the Brick family chooses a faculty member who represents the qualities of Janet and the philosophy of de La Salle: to work in a way that makes a difference by touching the hearts of students. We are proud to recognize Nancy Holsapple as the recipient of the John Baptiste de La Salle Award. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients. We are grateful for their exceptional contributions to the mission of Dowling Catholic over the past year.

BILL BARRIOS

CHARLENE FLOOD

MIKE O’CONNOR

TAYLOR SCHULTE

NANCY HOLSAPPLE F O CU S

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SUMMER 2022

23

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