The Word Magazine | Fall Semester 2021

MEET THE MARIAN SCHOLARS PG. 29

FALL SEMESTER 2021

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Divine Divine Savior Savior Holy Holy Angels Angels High High School School SPONSORED SPONSORED

BY THE

BY THE SISTERS SISTERS OF THE OF THE DIVINE DIVINE SAVIOR SAVIOR

4257 4257 North North 100th 100th Street Street | Milwaukee, | Milwaukee, WI WI 53222 53222 All All GirlsGirls Makes Makes All All the the Difference Difference | dsha.info | dsha.info

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School is a Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women that excels at developing the whole person. Sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior and grounded in their mission to make known the goodness and kindness of Jesus Christ, we develop our students into capable young women of faith, heart, and intellect who accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference.

2021-22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE John McDermott, Chair Rockwell Automation, retired

S. Grace Mary Croft, SDS, DS ’56, Sponsorship Coordinator Sisters of the Divine Savior

Maureen Carney Goetz, DSHA ’96, Vice Chair CBRE

Frank Probst, Sponsorship Coordinator Sisters of the Divine Savior

Hon. Derek Mosley, JD, Secretary Milwaukee Municipal Court

Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’92, President and Ex-Officio Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

Mike Hodan, Treasurer Wells Fargo Advisors

MEMBERS Craigh Cepukenas | Artisan Partners

Mary Jo Layden | Community Volunteer

Cathleen A. Ebacher, JD | Community Volunteer

Aaron Lipski | City of Milwaukee Fire Department

Cristy Garcia-Thomas | Advocate Aurora Health

Gerry Schwarz | Kickhaefer Manufacturing Co.

Molly Hegarty Kanter, JD | Centro Legal

Moe Tarantino | Community Volunteer

Brigitte Hyler Richerson | Advocate Aurora Health

S. Carol Thresher, SDS, DS ’59 | Sisters of the Divine Savior

Joseph Kerschner, MD | Medical College of Wisconsin Andy Lampereur | Financial Consultant

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’92, President Dan Quesnell, Principal Sally Gramling, DSHA ’79, Senior VP of Finance & Administration 1 FALL S EMESTER 2021

S T U D E N T S D I S C OV E R A N D C O N N E C T TO PA S S I O N S I N N E W CO-CURRICULAR MODEL Twenty co-curriculars offered in the 2021-22 school year are featured in a new model. The learning experience in each co-curricular group intentionally complements and extends what students are learning and experiencing in academic departments and/or in close connection to our mission as a Catholic school. Co-curriculars help build community through shared interests and across grade levels. Research in co-curriculars also show benefits such as improved academic results, practice in professional leadership and confidence, enhanced life skills, and positive results in college and beyond.

On Thursday, November 18, the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) co-curricular met during the school day. The students were presented with a case study patient and symptoms, and then worked together to research and diagnose the patient. HOSA is dedicated to preparing students for professional roles in the health science career cluster by hosting guest speakers from the medical community, and participating in activities that help students get a feel for a variety of medical fields. The mission of HOSA is to empower its members to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.

HOSA co-leader Ellie Gonzales, DSHA ’23, notes that while the co-curricular allows students to look ahead to future career paths and hear from medical professionals, “the HOSA community where we work, learn, laugh, and serve together is really important because it gives us girls a special place to talk to others about something we all love.”

Pictured from left to right: Raegan Walesa, DSHA ’24, and Lauren Correa, DSHA ’24.

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In November, a few members of the acclaimed PILOBOLUS dance company, a Connecticut-based non-profit that helps people explore their creativity, visited DSHA to teach a master class to interested students. This was an Applied Wellness offering that gave students the opportunity to learn about the art of dance while receiving a good workout.

Pictured is Anna Schneider, DSHA ’22 (left), and Erin Fricker, DSHA ’22 (right), mirroring each other ’s movements in one of the exercises.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S The Word Magazine is published for and about the 6

Letter from the President & Principal

students, alumnae, parents, faculty, administrators, and

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Special Events Highlights

friends of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. Your

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Dasher Life Highlights

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Fine Arts Highlights

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Athletics Highlights

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Faculty & Staff Focus | All-Female Math Department

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Celebrating Retirement | Sue Goulee

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Donor Profile | Dr. Mary Sanfelippo, HA ’62

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Faith Feature | Student Advent Project

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Intellect Feature | The Marian Scholars and the College-Prep Experience

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Heart Feature | Junior Activity and Interview Day

S TA F F W R I T E R :

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Alumnae Weekend 2021 Recap

Madeline Zukowski, DSHA ’1 1, Marketing &

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Young Alumna of the Year | Arike Ogunbowale, DSHA ’15

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Alumna of the Year | Molly Hogan, DSHA ’02

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Jubilarian of the Year | Maria Haas Tess, HA ’68

Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08; Principal Dan

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Alumnae News

Quesnell; Senior Director of Development Matt Johnson

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In Memoriam

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Save the Date

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feedback is always welcome; contact VP of Marketing

& Communications Molly Shea at SheaM@dsha.info.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Molly Shea, VP of Marketing & Communications C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R :

Alex Mora, Director of Graphic Design &

Marketing Projects

Development Writer ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS:

President Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’92; Alumnae Director

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear DSHA Community, For the past few years, each issue of The Word Magazine has included three feature stories rooted in our mission: one each to highlight an aspect of the faith, heart, and intellect whole-person education that DSHA students receive. We take this approach because we cannot possibly cover the breadth and depth of the full student experience. So we choose some highlights with the hope of sharing a slice of DSHA with those of you who do not get to be in the building with us each day.

Our scriptural theme for the school year has been “Be the Goodness and Kindness” from Titus 3:4. All year, as a TSC (faculty and staff) and student body, we have been asking how we can be the goodness and kindness of Jesus to one another. As we have collected the stories that make up this fall semester issue of The Word Magazine, it feels important to acknowledge that our feature stories and other highlights in the issue are foundationally rooted in this theme. But here’s a secret—it wasn’t intentional.

Molly Shea VP of Marketing & Communications Editor-In-Chief

As our team prepared this issue to go to print in mid-February, we noticed that our content was organically woven with threads of students, faculty, and staff being the goodness and kindness to one another through purposeful connection.

As you read the forthcoming pages, we invite you to view them through the lens of this theme.

The Intellect feature (p. 29) on the new Marian Scholars Program is certainly about the scholars, their DSHA experience, and their curriculum; yet when you read the perspectives of those involved with the program, you will find a learning community of support, joy, and friendship.

The Heart feature (p. 33) on Junior Activity and interview Day shows how DSHA is preparing our young women for the future, but it is also about classmates lifting one another up in collective prayer and affirmations as they enter into the back half of high school together.

The Faith feature (p. 25) is a story of Dashers extending the goodness and kindness of their own sisterhood to a vulnerable population close to home during the Christmas season with the understanding that we all have things to give and things to receive from one another through service, especially when women champion women.

And finally, the all-female Mathematics Faculty Focus feature (p. 19) intends to show the vision girls can have when looking toward an academic or professional career in STEM. And yet it is also very much about students benefitting from—and being encouraged by—the overflow of love and support that the faculty show one another on a day-to-day basis.

Our magazine team—including the dynamic duo of Director of Graphic Design Alex Mora and Marketing and Development Writer Madeline Zukowski, DSHA ’11—hopes that you get to experience a piece of the halls of DSHA in the pages ahead. More importantly, we hope you find yourself encouraged by the goodness and kindness of the incredible young women of DSHA and the faculty and staff that make their life-changing education so special. We thank you for your patience in reading the coverage from the fall semester issue this winter. We look forward to sharing the winter and spring happenings from our current second semester with you in our next issue, coming early this summer.

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During the Feast of the Immaculate Conception/ Our Lady of Guadalupe allschool Mass on December 8, Quetzaly Torres, DSHA ’22, performed traditional Azteca dancing. This dance is a prayer—a petition to Mary to pray for and protect us; a remembrance for St. Juan Diego to whom Mary appeared in 1531. It is also a celebratory connection to God.

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L E T T E R F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T & P R I N C I PA L

Dear DSHA Community, This year our scriptural theme is “Be the Goodness and Kindness” from Titus 3:4.

All semester we have been guiding our young women to seek opportunities to be the goodness and kindness of Christ to one another—at the lunch table or in classrooms, on the competition floor or theatre. And as a faculty, staff, and administration, it has been our joy to see this play out and to recognize it in our students. We have found that there have been an abundance of joyful moments. We have been inspired by the goodness of our girls to choose joy at every opportunity.

Extra Sisterhood A day full of sisterhood, spirit, and glitter—extra this year!—Dash-a-Thon was back in its traditional format after a COVID-19 hiatus. Students dressed in theme for a 7-mile walk/run collecting memories that we hope will last their lifetimes. This allschool community experience offers students an opportunity to financially give back to DSHA through their own fundraising efforts. The goal was to raise $86,000, yet the incredible young women of DSHA worked together as classes (with each grade level having a unique goal) and collectively brought in a Dash-a-Thon record-smashing $104,964.75. Topping the amazing effort and gift to DSHA by our students, the day was a bright shining light of joy to start our fully in-person school year.

Extra Blessings After a year where our retreats took on various forms, again due to COVID-19, Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson and a number of student retreat leaders went above and beyond to prepare the formative special experience that is Freshman Retreat this October. Entitled “Set Sail” this retreat offered the freshman class the opportunity to bond in small groups, pray together, serve those in need at various community sites, and celebrate Mass together. Watching our upperclasswomen retreat leaders gift our newest Dashers laughter, smiles, and the chance for bonding and collective worship as a class was an extra special show of the goodness of kindness of Christ this fall.

Additionally, we gathered as one community for all-school Masses in the theatre again. We look forward to the blessing that is celebrating each Mass, especially one of the annual favorites, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception/Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass in December (pictured left) during Advent.

Katie Konieczny, ’92 President

Dan Quesnell Principal

Extra Surprises When we think of joyful moments, some of the best are the those that come in the form of surprises. Inspired by our students, we wanted to choose to take advantage of some moments of surprising joy. During our annual Fr. Francis Jordan Awareness Week each September we celebrate the founding of the Salvatorians and the Sisters of the Divine Savior. During the week we hold an all-school Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, and Reconciliation, along with holding collections and introducing service opportunities for the year. Concurrent to honoring our Catholic identity, fun activities take place in the form of a spirit week. We experienced so much laughter and sisterhood that we decided to add a second fall semester spirit week around Halloween where students dressed up, went trick-or-treating in the building, and participated in a surprise Halloween dance. Additionally, Theology Faculty Danny Pavlovich and his band Fat Andy, along with the Angelaries, surprised Dashers with a concert which turned into an all-school sing-along. The joy and the goodness and kindness experienced with our entire school community singing Lean on Me will be a day to remember.

Extra Applications This fall we received an abundance of applications for the DSHA Class of 2026 following a robust season of recruitment and admissions opportunities, including a full fall Open House, led by Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA ’10. We are, once again, blessed to have a full freshman class. This spring, our students, faculty, and staff will welcome these bright young women into the DSHA sisterhood as we host them for orientation, Mass, visit days, fun days, and more.

Thank you, to our community, for your love and support for the DSHA mission.

May we all recognize the goodness and kindness of Christ in our midst.

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SPECIAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS

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The Pfister Hotel hosted mothers or special mother figures and their daughters at the annual Mother Daughter Liturgy & Luncheon on November 21. After celebrating Mass with Marquette University’s Fr. Tom Anderson presiding, mothers and daughters experienced quality time together over a meal while Comedy Sportz of Milwaukee provided hilarious, goodtime, family-friendly entertainment. Moms and daughters were able to commemorate the day by taking a professional photo together. Pictured is Anya Dempsey, DSHA ’25 (left), with her mother Sandra Dempsey and Cloe Vang, DSHA ’25, with her mother Xai Vang.

DSHA welcomed hundreds of 7th and 8th grade girls and their families in October for DSHA Open House. After Mass with School Chaplain and Theology Faculty Fr. Patric Nikolas, SDS, families went on student-led tours throughout the building and met faculty members across multiple departments. Prospective students were also able to learn about the co-curricular and athletic experiences offered, as well as see the Divine Strings and the theatre department perform.

2 | DAS H E R ZO O AT DASH-A-THON Dashers showed their philanthropic and spirited enthusiasm at the end of September for the annual Dash-a-Thon, a 7-mile themed run/walk full of sisterhood, glitter, and fun. The theme for this year’s event was Dasher Zoo; freshmen dressed as sea animals, sophomores as land animals, junior as air animals, and the seniors as the zookeepers. Dash-a-Thon also provides students a chance to give back to DSHA and celebrate the mission, vision, and community of the school. Students raised a record-shattering amount of $104,964.75 in the only student-run fundraiser that supports DSHA. Pictured is Brisedia Palacios, DSHA ’22 (right), painting the face of Madeline Kindberg, DSHA ’23, during Dash-a-Thon.

3 | FO R E T H E ST U DENT-ATHLETES One hundred and four golfers enjoyed a round of golf at the University Club of Milwaukee on September 10 at the Parent Athletic Association Dasher Golf Outing & Dinner, where all proceeds help DSHA Athletics give student-athletes the best coaches, training, and equipment. Sofia Miranda, DSHA ’22, the president of the Student Athletic Advisory Council, and a member of the 2021 Division 1 State Championship soccer team, spoke at the dinner. She shared her experience playing soccer and the empowerment she feels because of the opportunities and the generosity of those present at the outing. Pictured from left to right are current parents Chelsey Simuncak, Julie Swiderski, Aimee Sullivan, DSHA ’91, and Melissa Kharitou.

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5 | H E LLO H I G H S CH OOL The DSHA Class of 2025 had an orientation day to themselves before school officially began in late August. After a pep rally with the Penny Dashers in the morning, students were able to walk through their daily schedules, as well as learn more about Freshman Wellness, Campus Ministry, and Student Services.

The day ended with Mass in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel.

Pictured left to right: Veronica Schoenauer, DSHA ’23, Katherine Mark, DSHA ’25, and Janyla Brown, DSHA ’25.

6 | S LÁ I N T E !

Alumnae, parents, past parents, and other members of the DSHA community were invited to gather on the Sunday of Irish Fest downtown at the Aer Lingus Hospitality Area. Following the DSHA tradition to celebrate Irish Fest, the community enjoyed the atmosphere and the chance to connect with one another following the annual Milwaukee Irish Fest Liturgy for Peace and Justice. Pictured is Jenny Poethig, DSHA ’97, with daughters Julianna (left) and Caitlyn (right).

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1 | ST E M S C H O LARS MEET W ITH M AKERS In September, Specialized Studies Department Chair Connie Farrow and four of her STEM Scholars attended Maker Faire Milwaukee hosted by the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

The group was able to explore the exhibits of makers—which included engineers, scientists, artists, and more—and learned how to solder electronics. DSHA’s STEM Scholars program is for students seeking to integrate and apply their knowledge of math and science in order to create technologies and solutions for real-world problems. Visit dsha.info/STEMScholars to learn more about the program. Pictured from left to right are Charlotte Lund, DSHA ’23; Abigail Quesnell, DSHA ’24; Olivia Campbell, DSHA ’24; and Valeria Cervantez, DSHA ’24.

2 | C E LE BR AT ING HISPANIC HERITAG E In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), the DSHA Furia Latina co-curricular hosted a Hispanic food fair offering churros, tamales, flautas, arroz con leche, vigoron, brigadeiros, and more. Proceeds from the fair went to the Casa Romero Renewal Center, which provides faith formation programs to the outside community. The next day, DSHA held the first annual Hispanic Heritage Month Read-In, during which faculty and students shared literature written

by Hispanic authors.

The next month, Furia Latina built a beautiful home altar in honor of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated October 31-November 2. All students, faculty, and staff were invited to bring in a picture of a deceased loved one to place on the altar in remembrance.

3 | S OAR ING IN THE FAITH The DSHA Class of 2025 set sail on their freshman retreat in October, and experienced two full days of prayer, class bonding, and service. The first day included Mass, discussion in small groups, and taking time to reflect on their individual faith journeys. On the second day, students went out into the community to serve at organizations including the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House and Catholic Charities. Karalyn Peterson, DSHA ’25 (in green on far left), and Karinna Trotter, DSHA ’25 (in blue on far right), enjoy Freshman Retreat with their peers.

5 | B E T H E G OOD N E SS A N D K I N D N E SS In honor of this school year’s scriptural theme, “Be the Goodness and Kindness” from Titus 3:4, each class period was asked to reflect on and write down how they can show and live out the goodness and kindness of Jesus to one another. Students now have visible reminders of how to show the love of Christ to the community throughout the day.

6 | WAT E R WORKS In mid-September, Science Faculty Stacy Strandberg’s AP Biology class traveled to Fowler Lake and the Oconomowoc River to conduct lab work studying the dissolved oxygen concentrations in two diverse aquatic ecosystems. Hands-on experiences like this provide students with opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to a real world setting, helping students to better understand academic concepts.

Pictured from left to right are Abby Laughlin, DSHA ’22; Matina Naum, DSHA ’22; Rachel Gauthier, DSHA ’22; Katie Delcore, DSHA ’22; and Maellie Lewna, DSHA ’23.

7 | P E A N UT B UT T E R A N D J E LLY Every first and third Thursday of the month, DSHA Campus Ministry hosts their peanut butter and jelly ministry during which they invite all students to make a few sandwiches during the lunch hour for those in need. Generous donors provide the bread, DSHA school departments provide the fixings, and organizations including the Guest House of Milwaukee and Repairers of the Breach receive around 400 sandwiches twice a month. Pictured from left to right are Dayanara Hurtado, DSHA ’23, and Yalesaka Sosa-Azcarraga, DSHA ’23, making sandwiches for those in need.

4 | DASHER DIALOGUES Throughout October, November, and the beginning of December, the DSHA Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and Furia Latina hosted four Dasher Dialogues. These optional dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the past six years. Consistent with DSHA’s mission to form young women who accept the gospel call to live lives that make a difference, Dasher Dialogues create a loving and caring space for conversations that can be uncomfortable. These conversations focus on the dignity of every Dasher while helping students understand their responsibility to act as disciples of Jesus Christ. Pictured speaking is Syniah Lee, DSHA ’24.

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FINE ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

1 | CAROL OF THE B E LLS The two DSHA Handbells classes composed of students learning handbells, as well as the Advanced Handbells class, were able to showcase what they learned throughout the semester at the Handbellpalooza Christmas concert December 6. They played traditional Christmas songs including What Child is This?, Silent Night, and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

The groups also played Christmas favorites such as All I Want for Christmas is You, and contemporary music including Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. Pictured from left to right: Allie Brennan, DSHA ’24; Margarita Guttierez, DSHA ’24; and Eva-Marie Moss, DSHA ’23.

2 | CHRISTMAS P LAYLI ST The annual Christmas instrumental concert took place at DSHA on December 8. Both the Divine Strings and the DSHA Orchestra performed. The Divine Strings performed pieces including For Unto Us and the Christmas-themed Concert Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 8. The DSHA Orchestra delighted the audience with a Christmas medley of songs including The First Noel and Hark the Herald Angels Sing, in addition to Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. Pictured from left to right: Sophia Campos, DSHA ’24; Elizabeth Otten, DSHA ’22; and Camryn Lasota, DSHA ’22.

3 | ALL I WANT FOR CH RI ST M AS The DSHA Camerata Choir and the DSHA Angelaires raised their voices in song during their annual Christmas concert entitled “All I Want for Christmas” on December 12. The Camerata Choir took the stage first performing Cradle Hymn, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and Mr. Postman. The Angelaires finished the concert with Go Where I Send Thee, Mary, Did you Know?, and the Angelaires classics Mr. Santa and Peace, Peace.

Pictured, outer row from left to right: Vivian Goller, DSHA ’23; Lauren Tallmadge, DSHA ’22; and Ella Connelly, DSHA ’24.

4 | SPREADING T H E G OOD N E SS A N D K I N D N E SS Visual Arts Students (left to right) Lilian Janisch, DSHA ’23; Anne Scheidt, DSHA ’24; and Penelope Godfrey, DSHA ’22, drew and painted a mural on the 3rd floor skybridge of Ascension’s St. Joseph Hospital in December. Their message to "share love" encapsulates what it means to be the goodness and kindness of Jesus Christ to one another. This mural may be one of many; Ascension is considering requesting additional work from DSHA artists in the future.

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Top row, pictured left to right: Lizzie Dondlinger, DSHA ’22, and Rachel Visser, DSHA ’22 Second row, pictured left to right: Emily Fricker, DSHA ’24; Ashlynn Thorsen, DSHA ’22; and Sofia Romo, DSHA ’25 Last row, pictured left to right: Genevieve Baynes, DSHA ’24; Ella Connelly, DSHA ’24; Molly Schmidt, DSHA ’22; and Grace Organ, DSHA ’22

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FINE ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

D S H A T H E AT R E P R E S E N T S D I S N E Y ’ S F R E A KY F R I DAY DSHA’s Theatre Department presented Disney’s Freaky Friday November 11-14 to audiences excited to see in-person performances again in the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. This magical musical tells the story of an overworked mother and her high-school aged daughter as they swap bodies and try to figure out how to make things right again. Katherine, played by Lizzie Dondlinger, DSHA ’22, and Ellie, played by Rachel Visser, DSHA ’22, live life for a day in the other’s shoes, learn to appreciate the struggles and joys of each other’s day-to-day experiences, and most importantly realize the incredible love and respect that bond them as mother and daughter.

The show was a perfect fit for an all-girls school with two female leads and a majority-female cast. “So often stories depict a woman with a male saving her, but instead we got to play women who found strength and joy in each other,” said Dondlinger, who was cast as one of the leads — the mother of the mother-daughter duo. “Getting to portray such an independent, hard-working, confident and successful woman was truly a blessing. I like to believe some of Katherine’s confidence rubbed off on me.”

Some highlights from the musical include: MARIAN SCHOLAR MAGGIE SWEENEY, DSHA ’22 DSHA’s Marian Scholars Program, a student-centered inclusive education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensures that the scholars receive the full DSHA experience. For Sweeney (pictured on the cover), part of that experience was being cast in the musical’s ensemble. Working alongside Sarah Daniels, DSHA ’23, Sweeney learned the music and mastered the choreography. “It was awesome to see Maggie giving her all in each of the shows,” Daniels said. “After seeing all the hard work she put into it and all the hurdles we had to overcome, I was incredibly proud of her outstanding performances. The journey from auditions to the performances can be a long and challenging one, and she stuck with it. I have always enjoyed performing alongside my friends, including Maggie!”

STAG E C RE W S H IN ES The actors and actresses depend on the stage crew to help put on a spectacular performance. From the lights and the microphones, to the scenery and sound effects, the stage crew shines behind the scenes. Cloe Vang, DSHA ’25, experienced her first time on the crew team at DSHA and worked the audio and production sound. She loved getting to know others and grow closer to her fellow crew and cast members as the show approached. “We put a lot of work into every small detail, and we want to make sure everything is absolutely perfect for the show,” she said. “Stage crew does all the backstage work. We hang the backgrounds and create them, we control sound and lights, we grab props from the basement, and much more. Everything we do is extremely important (to the success of the show).”

DISNEY’S FREAKY FRIDAY CAST & CREW LIST Cast | Rachel Visser, DSHA ’22; Lizzie Dondlinger, DSHA ’22; Elayna Pasqua, DSHA ’22; Henry Halpern; Grace Organ, DSHA ’22; Molly Schmidt, DSHA ’22; JJ Eagleeye; Ashlynn Thorsen, DSHA ’22; Genevieve Baynes, DSHA ’24; Ella Connelly, DSHA ’24; Sarah Daniels, DSHA ’23; Ella Markwald, DSHA ’24; Isaac Visser; Olivia Connell, DSHA ’22; Erin Fricker, DSHA ’22; Caelinn Carraher, DSHA ’23; Julia Mansfield, DSHA ’24; Emily Fricker, DSHA ’24; Fred Ehrlich, Sera Stephenson, DSHA ’24; Audrey Ellis, DSHA ’24; Audrey Watzka, DSHA ’23; Tess LaForest, DSHA ’24

Ensemble | Anna Pienkos, DSHA ’25; Audrey McCormick, DSHA ’23; Elise Daczko, DSHA ’23; Keyshla Vega, DSHA ’25; Maggie Weiner, DSHA ’24; Ella Steiner, DSHA ’23; Nina Kuehn, DSHA ’25; Maggie Sweeney, DSHA ’23

Stage Crew | Sandrine Bangui, DSHA ’23; Annabelle Bannach, DSHA ’22; Joanna Blonski, DSHA ’22; Olivia Campbell, DSHA ’24; Evelyn Czosnek, DSHA ’25; Mia Dembowski, DSHA ’24; Adrienne Eberle, DSHA ’25; Babette Fransee, DSHA ’25; Alicia Jackson, DSHA ’24; Maddie Lund, DSHA ’24; Maggie Murphy, DSHA ’24; Elizabeth Orta-Medina, DSHA ’25; Gianna Poniewaz, DSHA ’22; Wrenly Porter, DSHA ’22; Lucy Richburg, DSHA ’23; Sofia Romo, DSHA ’25; Lulu Salentine, DSHA ’23; Delaney Scott, DSHA ’25; Alicia Torres, DSHA ’25; Rebeca Urbina, DSHA ’25; Cloe Vang, DSHA ’25; Maia Witt, DSHA ’25

E M POWERING O NE ANOTHER A successful musical takes months and months of practice, patience, and determination. To help each other stay positive, cast and crew members wrote affirmations for one another on post-it notes, which ended up covering the choir room door. Notes acknowledging “awesome dance moves,” “the best hugs,” and being “a great role model” were called shoutouts and were written after rehearsals recognizing someone who went above and beyond that day.

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he Dashers were back in action this fall, competing in s e a s o n s s i m i l a r t o t h o s e ex p e r i e n c e d b e fo re t h e COV I D -1 9 pandemic hit. DSHA had several athletes co m p e te at t h e st ate l e v e l , w i t h t h e D S H A Va r s i t y Te n n i s Te a m a n d t h e D S H A R u g b y A Te a m t a k i n g h o m e t h e r u n n e r - u p t r o p h i e s a t t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e state tournaments (see pages 17-18.)

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CROSS COUNTRY The DSHA Varsity Cross Country team came in fourth at the Greater Metro Conference (GMC) meet on October 16. They placed sixth in the WIAA Sectional on October 22.

Olivia Campbell, DSHA ’24, placed eighth individually at the sectional with a time of 19:34.6, qualifying for the WIAA State Cross Country meet on October 30. She finished 63rd out of 186 runners with a time of 20:27.3.

GMC Conference Place: 4th Notable Recognitions: • 1st Team All-Conference: Olivia Campbell, DSHA ’24 • 2nd Team All-Conference: Haddon Russell, DSHA ’23 Team Captains: Ximena Cardenas, DSHA ’22; Maggie Gavahan, DSHA ’23; Addie Grogan, DSHA ’22; Julia Miller, DSHA ’22

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Coaches: English Faculty and Department Chair Andy Lelinski, English Faculty Peter Nurre, and School Counselor Therese Hayden, DSHA ’07

FIELD HOCK EY The DSHA Varsity Field Hockey team was the #2 seed in the Wisconsin High School Field Hockey Association (WHSFHA) tournament in mid-October. After a first round bye, they fell to Arrowhead 2-3 in sudden death overtime play on October 13. The field hockey team played the most games in a season in school history, including games in two out-of-state tournaments, and a non-conference game against New Trier High School in Northfield, Illinois.

Record: 8-4 in WHSFHA; 13-10-1 overall WHSFHA Conference Place: 2nd

3

Notable Recognitions: • 1st Team All-Conference: Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23; Rachel Gauthier, DSHA ’22; Molly Guenther, DSHA ’22 • 2nd Team All-Conference: Anna Falci, DSHA ’23; Scanlon Mellowes, DSHA ’22; Sarah Winkler, DSHA ’22; Tamera Wright, DSHA ’23 • Honorable Mention All-Conference: Mia Kurth, DSHA ’24; Morgan Mackey, DSHA ’23; Shattera Richerson, DSHA ’22 Team Captains: Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23; Morgan Mackey, DSHA ’23; Sarah Winkler, DSHA ’22 Team Chaplain: Rachel Gauthier, DSHA ’22 Coaches: English Faculty and Instructional Technology Coordinator Quinn Loucks and Susan Walline

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FA L L AT H L E T I C H I G H L I G H T S

GOLF

VOLLEYBALL

The DSHA Varsity Golf team competed in the GMC Championship on September 22 and came in sixth place. They finished seventh in the WIAA Regionals on October 30. Kate Krueger, DSHA ’24, came in 4th individually with an 82 at the WIAA Regionals. She came in second with a 79 at the WIAA Sectionals October 1, qualifying for the WIAA State Championship on October 11-12. She shot a two-day total of 163, 80 the first day, and 83 the second day, and tied for 25th place out of 78 golfers.

The DSHA Varsity Volleyball team was the #2 seed in the WIAA Regional, defeating Milwaukee Vincent 25-3, 25-5, 25-4 and Arrowhead 25-18, 25-26, 25-13 to win the WIAA Regional Championship on October 23. They faced #3 seed Sussex Hamilton in the WIAA Sectional Semi-Final, winning 25-23, 25-20, 29-31, 25-13, to advance to the WIAA Sectional on October 30. The team ended its season as the sectional runner-up after falling to Brookfield Central.

GMC Conference Place: 6th Notable Recognitions: • Honorable Mention All-State + 2nd Team All-Conference: Kate Krueger, DSHA ’24 Team Captain: Anne Naumann, DSHA ’22 Team Chaplain: KiKi Zincke, DSHA ’22 Coach: Phil Plautz

SWIM AND DIVE The DSHA Varsity Swim and Dive team competed at the GMC Championship meet on October 30 and placed 5th overall. Divers Kathryn Kleczka, DSHA ’22; Blake Kayzar, DSHA ’24; and Allison Brennan, DSHA ’22, finished in the top 10. Swimmers Emily Brzezinski, DSHA ’23; Peyton Washington, DSHA ’25; Lauren Correa, DSHA ’24; and Scout Correa, DSHA ’22, also placed in the top 10. Based on their sectional performance, Kleczka qualified to compete in the WIAA State Diving Championships, and Lauren Correa qualified to swim the 100-yard breaststroke during the state swimming meet on November 13. Kleczka placed 14th out of 24 divers, and Lauren Correa finished 18th out of 25 swimmers in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:07.02.

GMC Conference Place: 5th Notable Recognitions: • Honorable Mention All-Conference: Kathryn Kleczka, DSHA ’22 Team Captains: Scout Correa, DSHA ’22;

Kathryn Kleczka, DSHA ’22; Kayla Vanderhoef, DSHA ’22 Team Chaplains: Lauren Correa, DSHA ’24; Maggie Johnson, DSHA ’24 Coaches: Anthony Klobus (swim) and Herman Acevedo (diving)

Record: 5-3 in GMC; 35-9 overall GMC Conference Place: 4th Notable Recognitions: • 1st Team All-State + 1st Team All-Conference: Madison Quest, DSHA ’25 • Honorable Mention All-State + 1st Team All-Conference: Julia Wojciak, DSHA ’22 • Honorable Mention All-Conference: Kara Schmit, DSHA ’22 Team Captains: Bella Lipski, DSHA ’23; Julia Wojciak, DSHA ’22

Team Chaplains: Ava Kharitou, DSHA ’24; Sophia Wendlick, DSHA ’24 Coaches: Catie Ratkowski, DSHA ’02, and Amanda Dettmann, DSHA ’11 The DSHA JV Volleyball team served up a recordsetting and unprecedented season: they went undefeated and 81-0 in sets, meaning they won every set of every game during their season.

STATE-QUALIFYING DASHERS: (pictured left)

1 | Olivia Campbell, DSHA ’24, celebrates with her team and coaches at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet on October 30.

2 | Kate Krueger, DSHA ’24, participates in the WIAA Golf State Championship Meet on October 11-12.

3 | Kathryn Kleczka, DSHA ’22, poses with DSHA Diving Coach Herman Acevedo and teammates at the WIAA State Diving Championship on November 13.

4 | Lauren Correa, DSHA ’24, swims the breaststroke a the WIAA State Swimming Championship on November 13.

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T E N N I S T E A M M AT E S S H I N E A S S I S T E R S W H I L E E A R N I N G S E C O N D P L A C E AT S TAT E After claiming first place at the Greater Metro Conference tournament and the WIAA sectional, the DSHA Varsity Tennis Team advanced to the WIAA State Tennis Team Championship Tournament, placing second.

“Coming in as the runner-up at team state was such a refreshing and heart-warming feeling,” said Alex Moews, DSHA ’22, one of the captains on the team. “We had a very intense match in the semifinals that many expected we weren’t going to win, but we fought the hardest I’ve ever seen us do that day. We proved everyone wrong. It was the best feeling to end on such a high note.”

The GMC tournament at the end of September was bittersweet for the Dashers. They came in first for the fifth year in a row, but captain, key player, and Moews’ doubles partner Lailah Young, DSHA ’22, tore her ACL and was out for the season.

“We had a true heart-to-heart moment at the last practice before sub-sectionals,” said Moews. “No one wanted the season to end, so as motivation, we decided that on our road to state, we were ‘doing it for Lailah.’ Playing in the spirit of Lailah instantly boosted the motivation and drive to win for our teammate.”

At the WIAA sectional October 6, the team came in first, with Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24; Grace Packee, DSHA ’22; Madi Guillermo, DSHA ’24, placing first in all three singles positions.

The doubles teams of Moews and Molly Jex, DSHA ’24; Kelly Coury, DSHA ’23, and Joan Barry, DSHA ’23; and Katie Buettner, DSHA ’23 and Joanna Blonski, DSHA ’22; placed first in their respective doubles positions.

Schaefer and the doubles team of Moews and Jex qualified for the WIAA State Tennis Individual Championship October 14-16. Schaefer placed seventh, and the team of Moews and Jex finished in 12th place.

In Madison at the WIAA State Tennis Team Championship Tournament October 22-23, the team was the #2 seed. They defeated Badger High School 6-1, and Franklin 4-3. In the state championship match, they fell to Neenah 3-4, and finished their fantastic season as the WIAA State runner-up.

“At DSHA, I think what makes us different from the other tennis teams in the state is our drive to win as a team,” Moews said.

“While we, of course, all want to win individually, getting that team victory always takes number one priority “It’s more than just a tennis team; we truly become one big family. The DSHA Tennis Team is where teammates turn into sisters.”

GMC Conference Place: 1st Notable Recognitions: • 1st Team All-Conference: Joanna Blonski, DSHA ’22 (#3 doubles); Katie “KK” Buettner, DSHA ’23 (#3 doubles); Madi Guillermo, DSHA ’24 (#3 singles); Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24 (#1 singles) • 2nd Team All-Conference: Kelly Coury, DSHA ’23 (#2 doubles); Molly Jex, DSHA ’24 (#2 doubles); Alex Moews, DSHA ’22 (#1 doubles); Grace Packee, DSHA ’22 (#2 singles); Laliah Young, DSHA ’22 (#1 doubles) • Honorable Mention All-Conference: Ava Depies, DSHA ’22 (#4 singles) • GMC Singles Player of the Year: Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24 Team Captains: Alex Moews, DSHA ’22; Grace Packee, DSHA ’22; Laliah Young, DSHA ’22 Team Chaplain: Katie “KK” Buettner, DSHA ’23 Coaches: Melissa Gebhardt and Brooke Skemp

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FA L L AT H L E T I C H I G H L I G H T S

RUGBY A TEAM SEES RUNNER-UP TITLE AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH The DSHA Rugby A Team played against opponent Catholic Memorial High School in the Wisconsin Girls’ Rugby State Championship Game October 31. After a close 17-21 game, their successful season ended, and they were named the state runner-up.

“I think we definitely needed a loss more than a win,” Beth Susek, DSHA ’22, one of the team captains, said. “It would have been awesome to be state champions of course, but there are a lot of things we need to fix both offensively and defensively that would have gone unnoticed if we had won.”

The DSHA Rugby A Team plays in the Jeff Noe Conference, which includes the Brookfield club team, the Green Bay co-op team, the Madison club team, and another club team from the Kettle Moraine area.

DSHA first faced the Brookfield Bruisers in mid-September, defeating them 27-5. They then won against the Madtown Furies 70-5. The Green Bay co-op team was then defeated by the Dashers 48-5. Finally, DSHA swept the Kettle Moraine Knightmares 70-0.

For Susek, one of the most important parts of the season happens before state at the team bonfire. “We say who we play for,” she said. “It helps remind us of why we play rugby and why we always give it our all.”

In the state championships, they faced Hamilton High School in the semi-finals which they defeated 22-17 before falling to Catholic Memorial in the championship game 17-21.

The DSHA Ruby A Team will have another chance to go for the midwest and national titles during their spring season.

“Knowing that I still have another season in the spring has really helped me stay positive after our loss,” Susek said. “As

The DSHA Rugby A Team captains Maura Walsh, DSHA ’22 (far left); Beth Susek, DSHA ’22 (middle); and Carly Nigro, DSHA ’22 (far right), celebrate the team’s runner-up finish.

soon as we lost that game, I told myself that I was going to start putting in the work for the next season. The way I felt after losing that game is an emotion I would hate to have to experience again, and I believe that all my teammates feel the same way. It is important for us to see this as an opportunity for growth.”

Above all, Susek has valued her time on the team because of the support from her teammates and coaches.

“Rugby is unlike any other sport I have played before,” she said. “It brings people from all different grades and all different friend groups together in a way that no other sport can. I love every one of my teammates, and value them greatly.”

Record: 4-0 in Jeff Noe Conference Jeff Noe Conference Place: 1st Notable Recognitions: • All-State Recognition: Kathryn Becker, DSHA ’22; Evelyn Coffou, DSHA ’24; Meghan Finerty, DSHA ’24; Lajess Jordan, DSHA ’23; Yesenia Morales, DSHA ’23; Flannery O’Keef, DSHA ’24; Elizabeth Susek, DSHA ’22; Madison Turcinovic, DSHA ’24; Maura Walsh, DSHA ’22; Meghan Walsh, DSHA ’24 Team Captains: Carly Nigro, DSHA ’22; Beth Susek, DSHA ’22; Maura Walsh, DSHA ’22 Team Chaplain: Carly Nigro, DSHA ’22 Coaches: John “Chin” Klein, Borus Turcinovic, and Joe Kloiber

DS H A WORD M AG A Z IN E

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FA C U LT Y + S TA F F F O C U S

ALL-FEMALE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT SHOWS DASHERS STRENGTH IN THE FIELD B Y M O L LY S H E A

O

f the seven teaching faculty in this department, only one took calculus as a senior, though they all have undergraduate and/or advanced degrees in mathematics.

When asked about their backgrounds they are quick to point this out to show the growth mindset that is possible when learning math, often contrary to common perception. As a group, their goal is to develop and refine their students’ ability for problem solving, and to equip each student with sufficient mathematical skills so that she has the freedom to pursue the college curriculum and/or career of her choice — regardless of what math class she is placed in as a freshman. Additionally, the all-female faculty strives to provide an atmosphere where students learn to enjoy and appreciate mathematics and develop a confidence in their mathematical skills.

The combination of the all-girls learning environment and the all-female faculty allow young women to see themselves in their teachers. As this group of women support one another in their day-to-day, they offer an equally supportive environment for their students to learn.

Mathematics Faculty Laura Clark, DSHA ’93, has a professional background as an actuary with an MBA and an MAF (Master’s in Finance) while Mathematics Faculty and Specialized Studies Department Chair Connie Farrow brings the benefit of a prior career in engineering to the classroom. “The girls here feel so supported and equal — there is no hierarchy within the student body or our staff,” Clark says. Farrow adds, “I spent a large portion of my career in a male dominated field — and not everyone was treated as an equal. I was always trying to prove myself as one of two women (in my place of work.) It’s a different feeling than we get to give our girls here. They will leave DSHA knowing they can be and do anything.”

Matina Naum, DSHA ’22, is currently taking AP Calculus (AB) taught by Mathematics and Specialized Studies Faculty Libby Wissing, DSHA ’10, and AP Computer Science taught

by Farrow. When Naum reflects on her four years as a math student at DSHA, she points to the growth that her teachers have encouraged in her. “They are my role models. They have taught me that it is about mindset and attitude as you work on something new,” she says. “They have encouraged what we call ‘productive struggle’ and even celebrated our errors because it means we are learning. They are so gracious and have reshaped my approach to learning math.”

^

For nearly a decade, the DSHA Mathematics Department has been comprised of an all-female faculty. And thus, the young women of DSHA are shown that women can be −─and they are−─ strong in the field of mathematics. This unique staffing structure offers girls the opportunity to learn in an environment where there is an absence of a reinforcement of gender stereotypes when it comes to professional success in mathematics.

At DSHA, young women are celebrated for their achievements in mathematics, and portrayed as leaders when it comes to problem solving, working through the application of concepts, and critical thinking in the subject area.

Pictured left to right: Naum and Farrow in AP Computer Science class.

“Girls are encouraged to ask questions, to take risks without fear of failure — knowing that working through the process is learning,” says Mathematics Faculty and Department Chair Dawn Gardner. “They get to be who they are — their curiosity is encouraged while their confidence grows.”

Naum plans to study cellular and molecular biology in college, and will continue taking math classes, crediting her strong mathematical foundation for her ability to pursue a career in her desired field.

“Girls here are so eager,” Mathematics Faculty Emily Brown adds, who previously taught in a co-ed, public school setting.

“They are the ones answering all of the questions — they are not worried about going up to the board to solve a problem in front of each other — it’s a supportive culture that encourages action.”

“My teachers have lit a passion for math in me that I didn’t know was there four years ago,” Naum says. “The teachers we have — the people they are — I just love them so much.

They have built a community of strong women that are leading (me and my classmates) to take risks we didn’t know we could take.”

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×÷√+=

1

1

5

7

3

DAWN GARDNER

6

5

Mathematics Facu l t y an d D e p ar t m e n t C h a ir

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CONNIE FARROW Mat h em at ic s Fa c u lt y a n d S p ec ia lize d Stud i es Fa c u lt y a n d Dep a r t m en t C h a ir

AT DSHA SINCE 1997 | TEACHING SINCE 1996

AT DSHA SINCE 2013 | TEACHING SINCE 1987

How her colleagues describe her: She is the best leader.

We would not be the same department without her —she is an exceptional and compassionate department chair.

2

2

How her colleagues describe her: Connie is our encyclopedia and organizational guru! Her experience and knowledge as a professional engineer make her a resource for everything. She is our department’s very own Google.

EMILY BROWN Mathematics Facu l t y AT DSHA SINCE 2015 | TEACHING SINCE 2004

6

How her colleagues describe her: Emily uses every second of her open time helping students. She goes out of her way to give herself to our girls— she will never turn anyone away.

3

RISSIE LUNDBERG, DSHA ’93 Mat h em at ic s Fa c u lt y AT DSHA SINCE 2006 | TEACHING SINCE 2003 How her colleagues describe her: Rissie’s love of books and reading allows her to see beauty in math in a really unique way. She sees things from a different perspective that benefits both our students and our department.

LAURA CLARK, DSHA ’93 Mathematics Facu l t y AT DSHA SINCE 2016 | TEACHING SINCE 2009 How her colleagues describe her: She is so smart and brings tangible real world experience from her actuarial science background. As an alumna, she is such a great example of the Qualities of a DSHA Graduate for our students.

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LISA CURRAN Mathematics Facu l t y

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LIBBY WISSING, DSHA ’10 Mat h em at ic s a n d S p ec ia lized St u d ies Fa c ul ty AT DSHA SINCE 2014 | TEACHING SINCE 2014 How her colleagues describe her: Libby has an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious. She builds relationships with her students and is there for them for whatever they might need — in math and beyond.

AT DSHA SINCE 2021 | TEACHING SINCE 1995 How her colleagues describe her: Lisa brings new ideas to the table and does not settle for the status quo. She is able to use this to challenge students in different and creative ways.

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C E L E B R AT I N G R E T I R E M E N T

EMBODYING THE TEACHERSTUDENT FRIENDSHIP Q & A with Newly Retired Social Studies Faculty Sue Goulee

N

ewly retired Social Studies Faculty Sue Goulee has been a warm presence in the classroom and halls of DSHA for over two decades. Always thinking of her students, she is passionate about having a positive relationship with the girls she teaches—especially her freshman students—and helping young women see the history around them. From her shoe collection to her energy in the classroom, she is a beloved teacher by many. Although Goulee retired from teaching following the end of the 2020-21 school year, she is still involved in the planning and communication areas of the Freshman Wellness Seminar program and is a substitute at DSHA.

Q: Why were you passionate about teaching social studies?

A: Back in college, I loved the teaching style and personality of my history professor. I did not like history classes in high school, but one professor can make a difference and turn it around. I hope to do that for my students. Turn them into life-long lovers of history. To help them not see it as a dead subject but understand where we were and where we are going.

Q: What was your favorite social studies class to teach and why?

A: My favorite was Cultures and Civilizations with freshmen, for two reasons. First, I love the variety of topics covered.

It opens the eyes of students that history is not just European-centered. Amazing accomplishments have occurred around the world. I enjoy teaching freshmen also. They

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are fresh at DSHA; they are excited to be in a new chapter of their lives; and I love to see them grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

Q: You are known for having a display of Time Magazine covers wallpapering the inside of your classroom. Why was this something you wanted to share with students?

A: The reason I started doing that is because it helps students to see history is being made while we are living. We obviously think of what’s happening in our personal timeline as current events, but current events become history. Time marches on, and what was happening while they were in high school is going to become a part of history textbooks in the future.

Q: You were a part of the group that first discussed designing the Marian Scholars inclusive program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What was it like for the first year of the program to overlap with your last year at DSHA?

of the Sisters of the Divine Savior and helps to impart them on the lay community is an honor.

A: My last year was a unique one, with the hybrid model and a pandemic going on. I was nervous before the school year started and I was afraid I would not meet the needs of Mia (Ruge, DSHA ’24, DSHA’s first Marian Scholar) because I did not know the best strategies or methodology in the classroom in that unique situation.

However, I can say that Mia was the shining spot of my last year. She brought such joy and unconditional love and happiness to my classroom every day. It’s not about methodology or strategy, it’s about the strong relationship and special bond we created. I am so grateful for that.

Q: What is your favorite DSHA memory?

Q: You are also known for your colorful, unique shoe collection. Why do you love shoes?

A: I truly do see shoes as works of art.

When you think of it, a shoe is a wearable form of sculpture. The styles and colors that we each select are reflections of what we find beautiful. I am drawn to shoes that lift my spirits when I wear them.

A: Two years ago, my mother passed away and it was a difficult time. On my first day back in the classroom, my first hour class had an array of gifts for me to show their love and support. One memorable gift was a little box that had personal messages of support from each girl in the class. That was so important for me to be able to move forward on that first day back.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: When you’re a teacher, you are not aware of the fact that you are aging, because the students in front of you are the same age and you don’t see the progression of time in yourself. I want to thank all of my students for helping to make me feel young, valued, and appreciated.

Q: What does it mean to you to have worked at a school where the Catholic, Salvatorian mission is at the forefront?

S U E G O U LEE AT-A-G LA NCE: Years teaching at DSHA: 25 Classes taught: • Cultures and Civilizations • U.S. History • Behavioral Science • Freshman Wellness Seminar Co-curriculars moderated: Blood drive, as part of Student Council What she will miss most at DSHA, besides her students: Her amazing colleagues who were energizing and supportive in ways she cannot repay; the close bond of the DSHA Social Studies Department; and the daily contact with inspirational colleagues.

Favorite quote: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

– Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked Family: Husband, James; 2 daughters; and grandson Charlie Education: BA in History, Minor in Psychology and Secondary Education, Marquette University

A: I have the utmost respect for the Salvatorians and their mission. As part of Freshman Wellness Seminar, we take a tour of the SDS Community House. I love to share with the students the role of the sisters in promoting social justice. To be associated with an institution that lives the charisms

MRS. G O ULE E , T H A N K YOU FOR… “... always being there for me during some very hard times. You were the most amazing teacher. You always wanted the best for us and always wanted us to succeed. I know I could always count on you to help me academically and I know you impacted not just my life, but the lives of all your students. I knew that I could always count on you and your kindness.”

– Gabi Banda, DSHA ’23

DS H A WORD M AG A Z I N E

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DONOR PROFILE

W

hen Dr. Mary Sanfelippo, HA ’62, was a student at Holy Angels Academy, she decided to study vitamin deficiencies in mice for a science fair. While she thought the study was simple, it came with a twist.

Sanfelippo had three groups of mice: one group which was fed regular food, one which was fed food that did not contain vitamin B, and one which was fed food that did not contain vitamin C. She predicted that the group that did not eat vitamin C would develop scurvy.

Enriching Life By Lifelong Learning In

S.T. E. M. Science | Technology | Engineering | Math

BY MADELINE ZUKOWSKI, DSHA ’11

Dr. Mary Sanfelippo, HA ’62 , while living

and giving back to causes on the West Coast, has turned her attention back to DSHA. She is encouraged by the growth of STEM at DSHA, and the interest that Dashers have shown in the subjects, which are close to her heart as a medical doctor. Fueled by this interest, she and her husband recently gave a generous gift of $50,000 to DSHA in support of STEM education. Related to Sanfelippo’s passions of science and patient care, she believes DSHA has a unique capacity to form young women academically, spiritually, and socially to bring both expertise and compassion to those they meet—no matter what career path they take.

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“One of the mice that were the normals (from the group that were fed regular food) got out of the containers and this caused a great deal of scare throughout the school,” she said.

She and the others searching soon found the mouse under one of the seats of the auditorium, “and everything was okay,” Sanfelippo recalled with a laugh.

D O W H A T YOU LOVE

A second-generation Holy Angels graduate, Sanfelippo went on to attend Marquette University, majoring in biology and pre-med with a minor in history and philosophy. After attending medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, she decided to “spread her wings” and move to San Diego “to get away from the cold.” She finished her residency and nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego where she focused on the study of kidneys. She then became a research scholar at Stanford University, and went back to UCSD to teach as an assistant clinical professor. After realizing she missed taking care of patients, she opened a practice of her own and retired in 2013 after 31 years in the practice.

“If you do what you love, it’s not work,” she said. “I fell in love with the specialty of nephrology. It’s complicated and essential, no matter what the situation is.”

I NTROD UC TI ONS TH A T LA ST A LI F ETI ME

Sanfelippo comes from a family who is well versed in the medical field and many of the components that are now referred to as STEM. She was exposed to the area of study from a young age, with a father who was a doctor and a mother who was a nurse. But because not everyone grew up in an environment like hers, she notes the importance of introducing young women to STEM. “The interest in STEM begins with exposure,” she said. “It begins with giving students the opportunity to appreciate the different areas of STEM like engineering, biological sciences, and so on. This exposure will hopefully peek their interests and will instill a passion for a lifelong learning experience. Not everybody is from a family where science was a part of the dinner table conversations.”

D SH A + STEM = OP P ORTUNI TY

DSHA has worked hard and continues to encourage exposure of STEM opportunities to students, so much so that the interest of students in STEM has outgrown the building’s

“There is an enormous amount of potential for the formation of strong, Catholic, educated, and devoted women,” she said.

“DSHA appears to be right in the flow of that. I encourage supporting them.”

While she was involved in a variety of activities at Holy Angels—from theatre to student council—she noted that her Catholic education emphasized “relying on God’s grace and His leadership in our lives.”

When sharing her hopes for current and future Dashers she says, “You need a firm foundation of the Catholic faith and see it in action in the people you work with as well as the people who are teaching you. It will give you the strength you need later in life.”

TH E STR ENG TH OF G OD A ND WOME N

That strength is something that Sanfelippo has relied on working in a male-dominated field, often with patients who are dealing with a chronic disease. Along with God’s strength, Sanfelippo has used her strength as a woman to provide gentleness to her patients.

“STEM is and will be a critical part of our future as a society going forward,” she said. “Intelligent, well-educated Catholic women should be among those who lead the way.” facilities. Students can engage in more than a dozen advanced STEM classes, take advantage of STEM co-curriculars like robotics or Students Modeling a Research Topic (SMART) team which allows students to practice being a research scientist with guidance of professionals from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Fairly new to STEM opportunities at DSHA is the STEM Scholars program, designed for highly motivated and highly engaged students who show a dedicated academic and career interest in STEM, with hands-on research, projects, and learning beyond the classroom.

But no matter what discipline women decide to study, Sanfelippo notes that lifelong learning, faith, love, and strength applies to everything. She’s an example of using those components of her life to enrich it.

“We bring the totality of our life experiences to the bedside of our patients, or to an engineering project or to architecture or to whatever discipline we choose. Our lives are not made up of one dimension; we are multidimensional.”

DSHA hopes to build a new state-of-the-art lab to match the interest of students in STEM in the coming years. With Sanfelippo and her husband’s generous gift to DSHA, the school is closer to doing so.

“There’s much interest in STEM and that’s really exciting,” Sanfelippo said. “I see STEM as an expanding area, and DSHA needs the money and funding to continue to expose students to an education in the STEM disciplines,” she said. “If they are exposed to disciplines and it awakens in them an interest that will last a lifetime, that is a very good result.”

A F IRM FOUNDA TI ON

To join Sanfelippo in giving to STEM at DSHA, contact Senior Director of Development Matt Johnson at johnsonm@dsha.info or 414-721-2911.

To learn more about STEM at DSHA, visit dsha.info/STEMScholars.

Ten years ago, Sanfelippo, who has stayed in California, came back to Milwaukee and DSHA for her 50th class reunion. She saw cases of athletic and academic awards, experienced Mass, and saw the intentionality and importance of what DSHA pursues today. She then heard Former President Ellen Bartel (1998-2018) speak about Catholic education for girls, and the leadership opportunities girls receive at DSHA. Sanfelippo was impressed and wanted to be a part of that.

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FA I T H F E AT U R E

Student Advent Project Helps Launch New St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House B Y M O L LY S H E A

During the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent each year, DSHA students plan a school-wide project to support an organization of their choosing. The Advent project typically champions an organization local to Milwaukee, while the Lenten project often supports an international organization. This past Advent, the new St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House of Milwaukee was the project of choice for the nine seniors who serve in the student leadership role of Campus Ministry Officers.

Right Outside of Our Doorsteps The Campus Ministry Officers at DSHA hold vital leadership roles in the planning and execution of faith formation offerings throughout the year, working closely with the DSHA Campus Ministry faculty and staff. Officers go through an application process spring of junior year. When they are seniors, they focus their work in one of three areas —prayer, service, and communications—each integral to the school-wide student experience.

Additionally, the officers serve as models of approachable faith to their classmates with the goal of leading and developing programs to help their peers grow in their individual relationships with God, as they grow together as one Body in Christ.

A highlight of the year for the officers are the liturgical season projects during Advent and Lent. The officers choose an organization for the school to support, develop corresponding programming, and manage the projects from conception to completion for the entire student body to take part in. The projects are always rooted in a scriptural theme. This Advent, inspiration for their work, and the season at large, was drawn from Luke 1:45: “Blessed is she who believes that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.”

“We wanted to focus on the importance of trusting in God and the need for His strength during the Advent season. It

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highlights the need to give and extend our service to others,” Campus Ministry Service Officer Grace Dunn, DSHA ’22, shares of their theme. “During our Advent project, our goal was to work with our DSHA community, and together gain a better understanding of the issues and needs right outside of our doorsteps, here in our city. We also wanted to help Dashers engage in the Christmas spirit by giving back to others.”

Connecting Communities Dunn and her fellow officers spent the summer before their senior year pooling potential ideas for their Advent and Lent projects. In August, they chose the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House as the Advent project organization for students to support through activities and fundraising efforts during the month of December. St. Bakhita is the patron saint of human trafficking and the namesake of the worker house that will serve as a safe, dignified, and beautiful space for women who are survivors of sexual exploitation. In partnership with Franciscan Peacemakers, who provide wholistic support for the residents, the St. Bakhita house will help provide the safe living space along with a supportive community necessary to enhance successful healing.

“We chose the St. Bakhita house because we wanted to

The 2021-2022 DSHA Campus Ministry Officers collectively planned and led the execution of the Advent Project in support of the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House, encouraging participation from the full student body throughout the month of December. Officers pictured left to right: (bottom row) Sarah Winkler, DSHA ’22; Sarah Kanter, DSHA ’22: Sophia Rifelj-Hammernik, DSHA ’22; Grace Organ, DSHA ’22; (top row) Katie Berthold, DSHA ’22; Lizzie Dondlinger, DSHA ’22; Erin Fricker, DSHA ’22; Grace Dunn, DSHA ’22; and Scanlon Mellowes, DSHA ’22.

“

WE CHO S E T H E S T. B A K H ITA HOUS E BE CAUSE W E WANT E D T O HE LP BUILD A R E F UGE FOR

WOM EN W HO H AV E SU F F E R E D THR OUGH T R AFFICK ING. . . AS AN ALL- GIR LS SCHOOL, THERE IS

“

SOMET H I NG R EA LLY S P E CIA L A B OU T GIR LS HE LPING GIR LS, WOME N HE LPING WOMEN, RIGHT

HERE I N OU R OW N COM M U N IT Y.

—

Grace Dunn, DSHA ’22

help build a refuge for women who have suffered through trafficking—right here in Milwaukee,” Dunn shared. “As an all-girls school, there is something really special about girls helping girls, and women helping women, right here in our own community.”

On Tuesday, November 30, the Campus Ministry Officers presented the project to the full student body, faculty, and staff during the annual Advent Assembly. The DSHA community was invited to help raise funds and collect supplies for the house as it prepares to open this spring. The officers also invited Anne Haines, Director of the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House, and long-time friend of DSHA, Frank Miller, who serves on the worker house board, to speak about their mission.

Miller spoke to students about the two women who inspired the house, St. Bakhita and Dorothy Day. Day started the Catholic Worker movement, living the gospel call to love and serve with those living on the margins in hunger, poverty, homelessness, or exile. Her launch of the Catholic Worker Houses of Hospitality nearly one hundred years ago currently lives on through over 170 houses, including the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House.

Haines shared her vision for the house, noting they will engage in prayer, hospitality, education, and connection to nature as

they help to provide housing and a supportive community for women who are survivors of sexual exploitation. She shared that women living in the safe space of transition benefit from the community-building and spiritual nourishment that are inherent to the Catholic Worker tradition. She closed by inviting students to live the Beatitudes proclaimed by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, asking Dashers to give generously to the Advent fundraiser, and to learn more about the issue of human trafficking that is present in Milwaukee.

Haines closed her presentation by sharing with students, “God put something in each and every heart here today to make a difference.”

And DSHA students answered the call.

A Social Justice Call to Action Beginning the very next day, the Campus Ministry Officers kicked off a number of activities to support the worker house and other local organizations. From December 1-15, right up until finals, students held a warm clothing drive and encouraged essential supply items from an Amazon wish list to be purchased for the house. Additionally, students made and sold pancakes before school, collecting donations toward the fundraising effort, along with donating the collections

DS H A WORD M AG A Z I N E

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26

gathered at Mass during the Mother Daughter Liturgy and Luncheon event.

On December 6, DSHA hosted a special St. Nick’s Market in the Chris and John McDermott Gymnasium where the entirety of proceeds would benefit the St. Bakhita house. The DSHA Sisters of Culture and E.V.E. (Equality. Voice. Empowerment.) co-curriculars sold Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

Vendors included alumnae Brittany Gusho Wohlfeil, DSHA ’05, of Batter Milwaukee; Amy Kroll Scales, DSHA ’06, of Scales Family Farm; and S. Karlyn Cauley, SDS, DS ’61, from the Art Gallery of the Sisters of the Divine Savior. A number of student artists and entrepreneurs also sold items and donated proceeds to the effort.

In addition to alumnae and current students championing the

market, DSHA hosted special guest Franciscan Peacemakers, whose Clare Community will partner with the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House through a shared mission of providing support for survivors of sexual exploitation. The work and mission of Franciscan Peacemakers is to provide a pathway to sustainable, healthy, safe, and productive lives for women engaging in prostitution due to trauma, human sex trafficking, and drug addiction. To support their mission and fundraising needs, as well as to provide marketable employment skills, women involved in the program create beautiful, locally crafted bath and body products to directly support the fight against human trafficking in the Milwaukee area. These products were also sold at the St. Nick’s Market with proceeds benefitting the Advent project.

Prior to the market, Shelly Roder, Director of Communications and Marketing for Franciscan Peacemakers, and current DSHA parent, spoke with Dashers about the work that both Franciscan Peacemakers and the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House are involved in. Roder shared that unknown to many, Milwaukee is a national hub for sex trafficking. The women under the care of the Franciscan Peacemakers often come to them because they have nowhere to turn. She encouraged students to ask how they could make room for vulnerable people, for those in their immediate spheres —classmates, friends, neighbors —that might be in need of loving connections with others.

Roder challenged students to be the actual goodness and kindness in the world, and encouraged them that “we can be this to others when we have our feet firmly planted in love. When you do something good for someone else, you are connected to love —you are reminded that we are grounded as beloved children of God.” She also called students to love as Christ and St. Francis did noting, “to love others well is to look for people on the margins and to treat those without connections with dignity and respect, to invite them into connectedness.”

That My Work, Too, May Be Holy When looking back on the Advent project as a whole, Dunn speaks with such fondness when reflecting on the response toward the initiative she saw from her classmates. “We just unite together through service. My hope for the project was for people in our school and our Milwaukee community to see the need for goodness and kindness. And when we see the need, ask ourselves how we should respond.”

This image of St. Josephine Bakhita (courtesy of the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House) was used to help promote the Advent project among students. Prior to living in Italy as a Canossian sister, St. Bakhita had been enslaved as a child, captured in her native country of Darfur (now in western Sudan) in 1877. She was declared a saint in 2000 — the first Black woman in the modern era to receive this honor. She is the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

In addition to raising funds and collecting supplies, students responded by supporting the St. Bakhita house through prayer. In addition to all-school prayer every day, each week during Advent students, faculty, and staff were invited to the Mother of Our Savior Savior Chapel to pray the Rosary, praying through the intercession of St. Bakhita for the women that the worker house will eventually serve. Additionally, Eucharistic Adoration was held on December 15 in honor of the same.

Dunn and the Campus Ministry Officers took on a special role

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FALL S EMESTER 2021

FA I T H F E AT U R E

“This was such a blessing, because when you are trying to launch a new and expansive initiative such as St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House, it is not always easy to get people to step up in support,” Haines shares of the DSHA Advent project.

“This was one of the first initiatives to assist us in this way; it was so invigorating to have this kind of support. And doubly so in meeting the girls and seeing their enthusiasm.”

Since the project, Haines has received emails from students who want to continue to help, and she sees the relationship with DSHA as “growing and ongoing,” agreeing with Dunn that the idea of women helping women creates a natural fit for both parties involved. This spring DSHA will have students assigned to the worker house for Sophomore Service Day on April 12, with additional opportunities in the near future.

Campus Ministry officer Grace Organ, DSHA ’22, presents the Advent project and scriptural theme to students on November 30.

in responding to the project through prayer. “Every Monday we would meet and share our ‘roses and thorns’ when we prayed,” Dunn said explaining that roses were their highs and thorns their lows. “Prayer are those minutes that we can let everything go and be reminded that there are issues greater than our own struggles. We look outward towards others and at the big picture; it allows us to have more gratitude and become more selfless in our approach to the needs of others.”

Throughout their work on the Advent project, Dunn and the other officers often relied on St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit:

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

“Repeating this prayer helped keep me centered,” Dunn says.

“It reminded me of the importance of the work we were doing and the need for outreach in our community. This strengthened me with the knowledge that I am not alone, but supported by my school community, and united in our shared goal of improving our Milwaukee and global community by helping our neighbors.”

To Answer the Call This spring on May 1, the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House will open its doors on the corner of 2nd and Burleigh Streets in Milwaukee. According to Haines, the house is equipped to open in part due to the generosity and work of DSHA students. In addition to the donated items which included household basics such as silverware, a knife set, a vacuum cleaner, and more, Dashers raised over $4,800 for the house.

As Dunn reflects on the impact she and her classmates have had on the house and the lives of the women they will be supporting, along with the impact the project has had on DSHA students, she refers to feeling empowered. “This only makes us want to look for more ways to make a difference. Sometimes it is hard to envision an impact until you see what you can do,” she shares. “We grew together and drew strength from our faith and our community for a common need. My hope all along was for girls to learn more about the experiences and pains that other people are living in their day-to-day, and answer the call to acknowledge how great a need there is in our community. As Catholics that is what Jesus teaches us, to live in service to each other. It is amazing to see how we could unite together among our differences in backgrounds, perspectives, and faiths, and work to make real change in our world. That is what the St. Bakhita house does. And I think we did that through the Advent project, too. Together.”

A DV E N T O F F E R I N G S A T D S H A November 30 | Advent Assembly December 1 | Warm Clothing Drive Begins December 2 | Collections Day: PB&J Sandwiches for Repairers of the Breach and the Guest House; Non-Perishable Items for St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at Mother of Good Counsel; Monetary Collections for St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House December 6 | St. Nick’s Market December 7 | Advent Reconciliation December 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception/ Our Lady of Guadalupe All-School Mass December 9 | Candlelight Memorial Prayer Service December 10 | La Posada Nativity Celebration December 13 | Rosary and Reconciliation December 15 | Eucharistic Adoration December 15 | Finals Week Feast

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Meet the Marian In the 2020-2021 school year, DSHA introduced the Marian Scholars Program, an inclusive education program for

young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students in the program are aided both academically and socially by peer mentors and faculty members. They also participate in all aspects of the DSHA experience.

In the 2021-22 school year, the program has expanded to offer this college-prep, Catholic, and all-girls education to multiple young women, with hopes of providing additional girls this unique experience in the coming years.

M AGGIE SW E E N E Y, DSHA ’23

MI A RUGE, DSHA ’ 24

Previous school: Wauwatosa East High School

Grade school: St. Robert Catholic School

Peer mentors: Carys Abbott, DSHA ’22; Maggie Caraher, DSHA ’22; Sarah Daniels, DSHA ’23; Carolina Ewig, DSHA ’22; Katelyn Kohloff, DSHA ’22; Leah Laeuger, DSHA ’23; Jane Martin, DSHA ’23; Yesenia Morales, DSHA ’23; Izzie Nielsen, DSHA ’23; Sofia Spano, DSHA ’23; Molly Reardon, DSHA ’23

Peer mentors: Stephanie Arenal-Copto, DSHA ’22; Ella Bressanelli, DSHA ’22; Maggie Caraher, DSHA ’22; Mary Czarnecki, DSHA ’23; Rachel Gauthier, DSHA ’22; Danielle Hart, DSHA ’22; Ava Jenkins, DSHA ’22; Maeve Pickart, DSHA ’23; Maura Walsh, DSHA ’22

DSHA favorites: • Class | Applied Wellness and Acting I: Intro to Theatre • Faith-based offering | Singing We Are One Body at Mass • Non-academic activity | Participating in the DSHA Dance Team Co-curriculars/activities: Best Buddies co-curricular; Yearbook co-curricular; ensemble member in DSHA’s fall musical Disney’s Freaky Friday What she loves most about DSHA and the all-girls atmosphere: “I love the girls here. I’ve made good friends who know me pretty well. The teachers here on staff are great, especially (Marian Scholars Faculty) Gretchen Caraher and (Director of Marian Scholars) Mary Anderson who bring us kindness and joy. Some of my relatives are Dashers too, and I just love being a Dasher.”

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FALL S EMESTER 2021

DSHA favorites: • Class | U.S. History and Art Foundations • Faith-based offering | Leading all-school afternoon prayer • Non-academic activity | Immaculate Conception/Our Lady of Guadalupe All-School Mass Co-curriculars/activities: Best Buddies co-curricular; member of Campus Ministry service collections team What she loves most about DSHA and the all-girls atmosphere: “I’m a foodie so I like to visit Connie and Angelica in the cafeteria and ask what they are serving. I like saying good morning to everyone in the hallways. I like to giggle with the girls in my carpool. And of course, I love (Retired Social Studies Faculty) Sue Goulee.”

Scholars

I N T E L L E C T F E AT U R E

A Growing Program DSHA has welcomed Macy Damon, DSHA ’26, to the Marian Scholars Program for the spring semester. In the 2022-23 school year, DSHA will have six Marian Scholars.

Marian Scholars Program Curriculum Each scholar’s schedule is carefully designed with input from parents/ guardians, teachers, and the girls themselves. Every girl in the Marian Scholars Program has a schedule that includes a combination of general education academic and elective classes, as well as special education classes in reading, writing, and math that are specifically designed for students in the program.

L I L I G O M E Z, DSHA ’ 25 Grade school: St. Sebastian Catholic School and St. Coletta Day School of Milwaukee

Sample Freshman Schedule

Peer mentors: Bridget Barry, DSHA ’23; Andrea Cardenas, DSHA ’24; Zanyla Comer, DSHA ’22; Nora Quesnell, DSHA ’22; Sophia Rifelj-Hammernik, DSHA ’22; Fernanda Sandoval, DSHA ’23; Sophia Simon, DSHA ’23; Kayla Vanderhoef, DSHA ’23

2nd period | Functional Math*

DSHA favorites: • Class | Algebra I, College Prep English I, Spanish I • Faith-based offering | Listening to all-school prayer twice a day to connect to God and reading all-school prayer • Non-academic activity | Attending assemblies

5th period | Cultures and Civilizations

Co-curriculars/activities: Best Buddies co-curricular; running concessions at a past DSHA Varsity Basketball game

8th period | World Language

What she loves most about DSHA and the all-girls atmosphere: “I like that there are no distractions from boys and that I’m starting to make good friends. I like that I get good grades on homework and tests, as well as the good education I am getting here.”

1st period | Academic Reading* 3rd period | College Prep English I 4th period | Applied Wellness Seminar

6th period | The Bible: The Living Word of God 7th period | Camerata Choir

*Classes designed and taught specifically for students in the Marian Scholars Program.

(cont.)

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T H E

M A R I A N

S C H O L A R S

P R O G R A M

A N D

T H E

College-Prep Experience Marian Scholars Peer Mentors

The Marian Scholars Program is one of many ways DSHA lives out its Catholic, Salvatorian mission. It fosters a spirit of inclusivity that was modeled by Mary, the Mother Our Savior, as well as Blessed Mary of the Apostles and Blessed Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan, the founders of the Salvatorians. In addition, the program assists DSHA in embracing the great mosaic of all God’s children.

DSHA’s Marian Scholars Program relies on a peer mentoring component. Each Marian Scholar attends each class period with a different peer mentor who has previously taken the course. This mentor helps the student engage in class, offers curriculum modifications, and lends support as needed.

Dual-Credit Opportunity In the 2022-23 school year, peer mentors will have the opportunity to receive dual credit for their participation. Dual-credit courses allow students to take college credit-bearing courses by college-approved high school teachers. Peer mentors will participate in Mount Mary’s dual-credit program and earn college credit for the course EDU 405, titled “Introduction to Exceptional Learners.”

While the link between the Marian Scholars Program and DSHA’s Catholic identity is clear, there is also a connection between the program and the overall college prep experience that benefits not only the Marian Scholars, but all students inside the classroom and in the community at large as young women prepare for life beyond the walls of DSHA.

“This program prepares me fr the wrld“In an inclusive clasrom, per mentrs are outside of DSHA because I am able to the devlop ‘secret sauce'; the Marian Scholars lea skils that alow me to comunicate with much mre alongside a per than an adult difernt people on deper levls. I have The per mentrs also wrk with the instruc learned it is imprtant to reach out to those to accomodate and modify concepts fr who are oen le out due to something they Marian Scholar if neded. In accomodatin canot control, to make them fel as loved andand modifying the clas material, learning welcomed as anyone else. I am learning how to takes place.” create a mre conected comunity.”

—

—

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LEAH LAEUGER, DSHA ’23 , pe r mentor of Swe ny

FALL S EMESTER 2021

DIRECTOR OF MARIAN SCHOLARS MARY ANDERSON

I N T E L L E C T F E AT U R E

“Because Mia is fuly included, she stays “When Mia and I work on note taking and engaged in the clasrom. Her per mentrs studying, I pick up study tips. My studying are models to her. It helps that she learnshas been more effective because of it.

I’ve also learned that explaining more side-by-side with her pers because it difficult information to Mia has helped motivates her and helps her stay mre my own understanding of concepts. I really focused and engaged." have to know something to explain it.”

— MARK AND MARY RUGE

, Ruge’s parents

— AVA JENKINS, DSHA ’22, peer mentor of Ruge

“We celbrate difernt upbringings and backgrounds and make that a part of the clasrom, especialy when it comes to histry.

Histry is not sen through one perspective, and e w learn how to lok and understand perspectives in a respectful a w y. In the clasrom, it’s about learning and growing through your clasmates."

— SOCIAL STUDIES CAULF TY ADN DEMET R , Cultures and Civilizations teacher of Gomez and her freshman classmates

“In class discussions, we take Liliana’s ideas into account and build off of her ideas, which helps all of us understand the material better."

— MAEVE STEGER, DSHA ’25, classmate of Gomez in Cultures and Civilizations course

Peer Mentor Ava Jenkins, DSHA ’22 (far right), organized a birthday party for Marian Scholar Mia Ruge, DSHA ’24 (middle, in red DSHA polo) and her favorite teachers.

To learn more about the DSHA Marian Scholars, visit dsha.info/MarianScholars or contact: Director of Marian Scholars Program Mary Anderson at andersonm@dsha.info Marian Scholars Faculty Gretchen Caraher, DSHA ’93, at caraherg@dsha.info

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JUNIOR ACTIVITY & INTERVIEW DAY HELPS STUDENTS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

By Madeline Zukowski, DSHA ’11

DSHA’s college-preparatory curriculum assists each student to think critically and communicate effectively while preparing for her college experience. When a student reaches junior year, her academic workload has progressed to challenge her beyond what she experienced freshman and sophomore year. Junior year also marks the second half of high school, which presents thoughts and decisions of what is next.

To allow juniors the opportunity to jump start what is to come—the college search, college applications, as well as interviews for college, scholarships, jobs, and more, DSHA Student Services created the annual Junior Activity and Interview Day. The first of its kind took place 11 years ago, in November 2010. The day took place on November 5 this year.

Junior Activity and Interview Day takes a wholistic approach, “helping students see who they are, what they want, and their goals,” said Director of Student Services Jacky Krawczyk. By junior year, students’ soft interpersonal skills, or how they communicate and interact with those around them, is developing according to School Counselor Mallorie Svetlik. The entire day, from taking a step back from the stress that comes with junior year to connect with one another, to putting each girl’s communication and confidence into practice, helps the development of the skills she will need in the future.

“We are a college-prep school and we provide this unique experience that other schools may not provide,” said Krawczyk.

PART ONE: Class Bonding, Reflections, and Prayer

PART TWO: College and Career Readiness

After spending time in fellowship during breakfast in the Quad, the DSHA Class of 2023 engaged in activities that helped them foster sisterhood and positively reflect on their education. First, they engaged in affirmations, stating what they appreciate about each member at their table, encouraging them to realize characteristics about themselves that they may not see. Second, they wrote letters of gratitude to someone who has impacted their education, like a favorite teacher or coach, having them reflect on the figures in their lives who have helped them achieve. Finally, they participated in a prayer service organized by their peers with scripture and a dissolving paper activity. The juniors were asked to write down something of which they wanted to let go, put the paper in water, and watch it fade away.

The junior class spent the afternoon polishing the skills needed to prepare for their future in college and beyond.

The afternoon was comprised of three sessions. The first focused on creating a resume, what should be included, and how to adjust a resume for different colleges and jobs. Naviance, the tool DSHA uses for college and career readiness, allows students to save different versions of their resumes to use as needed. Second, the juniors completed two surveys on Naviance, one to discover their subject areas of interest, and one to learn about possible career paths based on those interests—gaining the opportunity to start thinking about college majors and what the future may look like. Lastly, students spent time exploring colleges on Naviance, pinpointing which schools they might be interested in and the requirements for each college and university.

“

“

BEING ABLE TO SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER AND

PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES LIKE AFFIRMATIONS, PRACTIC-

BEING A FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT, I HAVE ALWAYS

THOUGHT OF COLLEGE AS A FAR-OFF DESTINATION. I

ING GRATITUDE, AND ATTENDING THE PRAYER SERVICE

BELIEVED I WOULD REACH IT BUT WAS NOT QUITE SURE

BROUGHT ME CLOSER TO MY CLASSMATES AND HELPED

OF THE TRUE MEANING BEHIND THAT GOAL. HAVING THIS

ME TO POSITIVELY INFLUENCE MY WELLBEING. BEING

DAY HELPED ME REALIZE COLLEGE IS A POSSIBILITY, AND

ABLE TO SPEND THE WHOLE DAY TOGETHER AS A WHOLE

TALKING ABOUT RESUMES, COLLEGES, CAREERS, AND

CLASS GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH UP, HAVE

CAUSES MOTIVATED ME AND GOT ME EXCITED FOR MY

FUN, AND SPEND SOME TIME ON OURSELVES WHILE BEING

NEXT STEP IN LIFE AND IN BEGINNING TO PINPOINT

TOGETHER.”

GOALS AND CAREER PATHS.”

—

PAIGE SPICKA, DSHA ’23

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—

YALESKA SOSA-AZCARRAGA, DSHA ’23

H E A R T F E AT U R E

PART THREE: The Interview

Opposite the college and career readiness activities, students were dressed in their best professional wear and were paired with a DSHA alumna or community member to practice interviewing. Beforehand, students answered a questionnaire that prepared them to speak about the Qualities of a DSHA Graduate and their faith formation experiences. The purpose of this helped students practice preparedness and learn about professional appearance and posture. The interviewer guided the student through the interview and was encouraged to give feedback in real time. Svetlik stated that both the students and interviewers commented it was a good experience, with the students growing in confidence, and adults having the opportunity to assist and connect with enthusiastic young women.

“

Maellie Lewna, DSHA ’23, speaks during a college/ career activity.

Tamara Wright, DSHA ’23, bonds with her peers.

THE INTERVIEW WAS AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY

FOR US TO PRACTICE IN A SAFE AND LOW-STAKES ENVIRONMENT SO WE CAN IMPROVE BEFORE WE INTERVIEW IN THE REAL WORLD. FOR EXAMPLE, I LEARNED IT’S OKAY TO PAUSE AND TAKE A BREATH BEFORE ANSWERING A QUESTION. IT HELPED ME CALM MY NERVES. HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE HELPS ME FEEL MORE CONFIDENT AND ASSURES ME I CAN INTERVIEW WELL.” —

“

LOVELY PETTY, DSHA ’23

Jane Retzer, DSHA ’23, reflects at the prayer service.

THE STUDENTS WERE OVERALL INCREDIBLY POISED,

PREPARED, AND UNSHAKEN. THEY WERE THOUGHTFUL. THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IS VERY FORWARD-THINKING. IT ALLOWS THEM TO PRACTICE THE TYPES OF SKILLS THEY WILL NEED IN FUTURE INTERVIEWS AND IN COMMUNICATION IN GENERAL. IT’S STARTING THE PROCESS EARLY, TO LEARN TO HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO TALK TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW AND LEARN THAT IT’S OKAY TO PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK AND TALK ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS AND PASSIONS.”

Sophia Simon, DSHA ’23, talks with a classmate during a college/ career activity.

— JENNY SCHMITT NYQUIST, DSHA ’96 * Director of Human Resources at Sprecher Brewing Company

*Nyquist served as one of 42 interviewers for the day.

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2 0 2 1

Alumnae Weekend •

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1 | ALUMNAE COCKTAIL HOUR F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 1 Dozens of alumnae gathered at Buckatabon Tavern & Super Club in Wauwatosa for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and Dasher spirit! The evening was full of reconnection, community, and fun.

Pictured in the back row, from left to right: Jane Kopczynski, DSHA ’75, and her husband Mark Kopczynski. In the front row, from left to right: Deborah Romens Karis, DSHA ’75; Christianne Murn, DSHA ’75; and Deb Holzahauer, DSHA ’75.

STUDENT-LED SCHOOL TOURS S AT U R D AY, O C T O B E R 2 Alumnae were transported back in time as they walked the halls of DSHA. Current student ambassadors led tours, sharing the latest and greatest DSHA happenings, as well as showing guests the newer additions to campus from the last few years, including the Mother of Our Savior Chapel, the new wing of classrooms, the Sarah M. Hegarty Fitness Center, as well as the expansion and redesign of the Chris and John McDermott Gymnasium.

2 | DASH-TOBER FEST S AT U R D AY, O C T O B E R 2 Fall vibes were in the air during the all-new Dash-tober Fest!

The outdoor event included food from Heaven’s Table Food Truck, beverages, Milwaukee’s favorite rock ‘n roll cover band, and of course, great Dasher company from all classes. Highlights of the night include: 5 Card Studs | Alumnae polished off their dancing shoes, grabbed their sisters, and boogied the night away like they were back in high school. The groovy 5 Card Studs brought rock ‘n roll, pop, soul, funk, and disco music to DSHA’s backyard.

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R

1

-

3

•

A. Class Reunions | Classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6 had reserved tables at the event along with other special touches including a professional photo taken together as a class.

Reunions ranged from the DSHA Class of 1975 celebrating their 45th reunion to the DSHA Class of 2016 celebrating their 5th reunion. Pictured from left to right: Natalie Cavalco, DSHA ’16; Steph Cavalco, DSHA ’16; Mary Bieser, DSHA ’16; and Alex Gonzales-Walker, DSHA ’16.

B. DSHA Celebrity Bartenders | Beloved faculty members and coaches served as celebrity bartenders throughout the night and were able to mingle with former students. The celebrities included, pictured from left to right Science Faculty and Soccer Head Coach Kevin Roethe; Social Studies Faculty and Department Chair Patrick Dawson; World Languages Faculty Eileen Gleeson; Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson; Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Director of Fitness Performance, Health & Fitness Faculty and Department Chair Brian Calhoun; Mathematics Faculty and Department Chair Dawn Gardner; Theology Faculty and Department Chair Lisa Metz; Social Studies Faculty and Head Softball Coach Tom Montgomery; and English Faculty and Head Field Hockey Coach Quinn Loucks.

3 | ALUMANE WEEKEND MASS S U N D AY, O C T O B E R 3 All alumnae and their families were invited to celebrate Mass as a community with School Chaplain and Theology Faculty Fr. Patric Nikolas, SDS. The HA, DS, and DSHA classes of 1970 and 1971—the newest Jubilarians—were celebrated at the Mass, while a special prayer and rose ceremony paid tribute to their departed classmates. Pictured from left to right: Mary Howard Johnstone, DS ’65; Sue Stark Manthei, DS ’65; Mary Pat Klein Pfeil, DS ’65†; and Mary Pat Caffrey Dries, DS ’65.

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4 | JUBILIARIAN BRUNCH S U N D AY, O C T O B E R 3 After inducting the HA, DS, and DSHA classes of 1970 and 1971 into the Jubilarian community, all Jubilarians, those women who graduated from HA, DS, or DSHA 50+ years ago, celebrated a ladies-only brunch. 2021 Jubilarian of the Year Maria Haas Tess, HA ’68, addressed the community gathered. To learn more about Maria, visit page 41.

Pictured from left to right: Mary Ann Kluwin Longergan, DS ’55; her daughter Marureen Ferguson; and Barbara Rutkowski, HA ’68.

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DSHA 2021 YOUNG ALUMNA OF THE YEAR | DASHER ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | #24 DSHA JERSEY RETIREMENT

Arike Ogunbow W N B A G UA R D, DA L L A S W I N G S

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n Thursday, December 30, Arike Ogunbowale, DSHA ’15, returned to DSHA for her #24 jersey retirement ceremony at half-time of the DSHA vs. Madison Memorial Varsity Basketball game. At a pre-game ceremony for family and friends, she was also inducted into the 2021 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame and honored as the 2021 DSHA Young Alumna of the Year.

An activist, creator, and basketball superstar, Ogunbowale is redefining the career of a women's basketball player. Less than three years ago, Ogunbowale hit two of the most famous shots in college basketball history to win a national title at the University of Notre Dame and has continued to make her mark on the game. During her first three years in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings, Ogunbowale was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team (2019), earned the WNBA scoring title (2020), was twice named All-WNBA, and was the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game MVP. In June 2021, she became No. 7 on the WNBA's all-time consecutive double-figure scoring list.

Leveraging her platform as a professional athlete, Ogunbowale is passionate about uplifting young female athletes, breaking down barriers for participation in sports, and supporting racial and social justice initiatives. As a current resident of Dallas, she has served as a community leader committed to supporting programs that empower and celebrate women and girls, promote diversity and inclusivity, and provide opportunities for youth to develop their abilities. She was honored for her work off the court in July 2021, receiving the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award.

While a student athlete at DSHA from 2011-2015, Ogunbowale led her team to a 2015 WIAA State Basketball Championship. She was named the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15 seasons. She remains the all-time leader at DSHA in points, assists, and rebounds.

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“It’s amazing to have a piece of myself in the gym,” says Ogunbowale on her DSHA jersey retirement. Pictured with Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun and Principal Dan Quesnell.

Ogunbowale credits, in part, her time at DSHA to the success she has had throughout her time at Notre Dame and in her current role as a guard with the Dallas Wings. “DSHA specifically helped me with my confidence. The faculty and staff truly believes in students and wants them to be great,” she says of her time as a Dasher.

“Being home like this is bringing back so many memories. This is home. This is where it all started,” she shared upon accepting her awards at DSHA on December 30. “This is where I learned to dream and how I would work for that dream.”

Her hope and message for current Dashers is this: “It is okay to think you’re one of the best at whatever you do. Of course, always remain humble and grateful. But in order to be great you have to believe in yourself.

That humble confidence will take you a long way.”

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wale, DSHA ’15 OGUNBOWALE | BASKETBALL BIO WNBA | Dallas Wings • 2021 WNBA All-Star Game MVP • 2021 All-WNBA Second Team • 2021 WNBA Cares Community Assist Award • 2020 WNBA Scoring Champion • 2020 All-WNBA First Team • 2019 WNBA All-Rookie

NCAA | University of Notre Dame • Notre Dame Women's Basketball All-Time Leading Scorer • NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player • 2x Associated Press and espnW All-American • 2018 NCAA National Champion

WIAA | DSHA Varsity Basketball

Ogunbowale is conscious of giving back. She signs every autograph, takes every picture with fans, and uses her platform to celebrate others and her communities. Pictured with Lily Lancaster, DSHA ’26.

"It's special to have people look up to you.

You've got to give back always."

• Wisconsin State Champion 2015 • Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year: 2013, 2014, & 2015 • 2015 All-American Honors: WBCA All-American, Naismith Trophy second-team All-American, USA Today All-USA Second Team, Parade All-American, Finalist for the Morgan Wootten Award, McDonald’s High School All-American • AP Wisconsin Player of the Year: 2014 & 2015 • 2015 Wisconsin Miss Basketball • First Team All-State All Four Years • All-Time Leader in Points, Assists, Rebounds, 2-Point Field Goals Made, Free Throws Made

Snap this code to watch the video honoring Ogunbowale in honor of her #24 jersey retirement featuring DSHA President Ellen Bartel (1998-2018), Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun, Principal Dan Quesnell, Former DSHA Varsity Basketball Coach Jeff Worzella, and Grace Thomas, DSHA ’15.

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hroughout her time at DSHA, Molly Hogan, DSHA ’02, spent her high school years developing a voice that has carried her into her current roles, both professionally and through a number of service-based positions with non-profit groups in the greater Milwaukee area. As a high school student, she was involved all four years in volleyball as a middle hitter, a member of the yearbook staff, and an active participant in Campus Ministry. Hogan received the Salvatorian Service Award for her dedicated service hours beyond the graduation requirement through consistent service at Sojourner Truth House, working in an MPS classroom for students with special needs, along with involvement in a pro-life group.

A DEVELOPING VOICE “My time at DSHA gave me a voice. The faith formation and service opportunities allowed me to present and live out what I was learning. And volleyball was instrumental in my leadership development. These activities—especially beyond the classroom—taught me how to use my voice in a productive way, in a manner that showed me how to lead and work within a team environment,” Hogan shares. “Throughout my career, even when I was the most junior person in the room, I had the confidence to speak up, but also the awareness to do so in a way that was helpful. The things I was involved with in high school challenged me and allowed me to develop critical thinking skills that have put me in a position to think creatively—to take an idea and have the confidence to try and execute it.”

A PASSION FOR PROBLEM SOLVING Following graduation from DSHA, Hogan attended Marquette University and then transferred to the University of Notre Dame, pursuing a lifelong dream to attend college there. She graduated in 2006 with 39

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her Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in finance.

Hogan has spent the majority of her professional career working in commercial banking. She currently serves as Director of Strategy at BMO Harris Bank, supporting bankers and their business-to-business clients throughout the U.S. Hogan’s training as a financial analyst and years of experience in banking set her apart to take on a unique role for BMO Harris Bank this past year. She led the company-wide training and communications efforts for BMO’s loan forgiveness process of the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, leading over 1,000 employees and 22,000 clients through the process.

Her efforts were instrumental in helping thousands of business owners continue operations with as little interruption as possible throughout the pandemic.

“I love being the problem solver—to be the person to develop the process and put definition around something,” says Hogan of her current role. “Even if it has nothing to do with my current role—I love the challenge.”

A HEART FOR SERVICE While executing the standard roles of her position at BMO and leading the PPP loan efforts, Hogan prioritized dedicated service work to a number of Milwaukee area organizations. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight since 2008, serving in a variety of capacities including as a member of the board of directors from 2014-2016, as the board treasurer, and as a “bus captain” accompanying veterans to Washington, D.C. Additionally, Hogan is currently involved with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Campaign Cabinet, Fisher House Wisconsin, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, and the 412 Network. In 2016, Hogan’s work earned her the

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DSHA ’02 United Way’s Philanthropic 5 Award for her consistent and dedicated service to the greater Milwaukee community. Hogan is also involved with Milwaukee’s TEMPO Emerging Women Leaders program, where she helped establish a “New Member Engagement Program.”

A HOPE FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE DASHERS This spring, Hogan will serve as the keynote speaker for students at DSHA’s Carla Olle, HA ’60, Career Day, where she will also be honored with her award for DSHA 2021 Alumna of the Year. When asked to reflect on her hopes for current and future DSHA students, Hogan shares, “There are so many ways you can learn at DSHA—in the classroom, through service and your activities. My Grandpa Hogan always said that if you are going to be involved in something, make sure it’s something you care about or else you won’t put your heart into it. You have so many opportunities here at DSHA—try different things. Find out where you are best able to contribute and eventually you’ll figure out what you are passionate about and keep charging toward that; charge toward that undeterred.”

Molly Hogan, DSHA ’02 (far right), poses with her volleyball teammates after winning the 2001 WIAA State Volleyball Championship.

Hogan credits much of her success to her classmates and friendships from her time at DSHA. To current students, she also shares, “Draw inspiration from the people around you—the relationships you form now will help you grow and learn to be a better individual.”

During her spare time, Hogan loves to spend time with her friends, family, and dog, Fiona. She loves to run, garden, cook, play golf, read, and is an avid sports fan cheering for the Packers, Brewers, Notre Dame, and Marquette, where she is a season ticket holder for women’s basketball.

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Maria Haas Te COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

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hile Maria Haas Tess, HA ’68, was the only girl coming from St. John deNepomuc Grade School to Holy Angels Academy in 1964, it did not take her long to find her place socially and academically. She became a member of the Angelaires, the audition-based group of singers. Later, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and was named the valedictorian of the Holy Angels Class of 1968.

“My four years at Holy Angels Academy gave me a great sense of independence, freedom, leadership skills, and the ability to stand up for issues I believed in,” she said.

A PASSION FOR PHILANTHROPY And standing up for issues she feels strongly about is her passion. After Tess earned a full scholarship to attend Marquette University and studied education for two years, she switched paths and accepted the purchasing manager position at Rexnord, Inc. She then worked as the director of procurement at Rexworks, Inc. When Tess had the opportunity to relocate, she chose to stay in Milwaukee and intentionally pursue volunteer opportunities and philanthropic pursuits with her husband, Bill.

Tess has volunteered at Junior Achievement, the Hales Corners Public Library, the Muskego Public Library, and the Ronald McDonald House, also serving on the boards of the Wisconsin Jaguar Club, Friends of the Muskego Public Library, and the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance.

One of her shining moments as the part of the Friends of the Muskego Public Library was chairing the first ever library garden walk to help raise funds for the library programs during COVID-19. The community embraced the event, so much so that 41

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Tess is chairing the event for the second year in a row in 2022.

THE POWER OF EDUCATION Tess and her husband give to all levels of education; at the high school level they give exclusively to DSHA. Tess has served on the DSHA Alumnae Board since 2014 (as the president for two years) and is an enthusiastic supporter of DSHA in both her treasure and time.

“I hope DSHA continues to be a sound educational

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ess, HA ’68 facility that directs young women to wonderful futures and goals…. DSHA has done well to get its message across—that all aspects of a young girl are critical. That message is more important now than it has ever been before.”

Tess was honored as the 2021 Jubilarian of the Year at Jubilee Brunch during Alumnae Weekend October 3. Jubilee Brunch, the last event during Alumnae Weekend, honors women who graduated from Holy Angels, Divine Savior, and/or Divine Savior Holy Angels 50+ years ago. Tess spoke to all in attendance about the importance of supporting their alma mater, how each person matters and is appreciated, as well as the key each alumna holds. This key opens a priceless, lifetime membership to the alumnae community—a sisterhood of strong women whose friendships, mentorship, love, and support mean so much.

“I was so comfortable addressing my fellow alumnae,” Tess said. “I am grateful I was afforded the opportunity to touch on the different ways of giving back to the school (at Jubilarian Brunch). It was just a rewarding experience for me.”

While she is a graduate of Holy Angels Academy, attending before the two schools merged into DSHA in 1970, she hopes all DS and HA graduates can open their hearts and embrace the entire DSHA sisterhood.

“It’s a fact that if you allow yourself to open up your mind to anything in life, you heart soon follows,” she said.

In her spare time, Tess loves to garden, attend car shows with her husband, and work on jigsaw puzzles.

Top: Tess’s Holy Angels Academy senior photo Bottom: Tess addressed DS, HA, and DSHA jubilarians at the Jubilarian Brunch during Alumnae Weekend 2021.

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ALUMNAE NEWS

1 | Jeanne Balistreri Bjork, DSHA ’80, the head of Pewaukee High School’s Visual Arts Department, received the 2021 International Society of Technology Education (ISTE) Arts and Technology Network Creativity Award last year. This award honors an educator whose exemplary work provides a model for integrated arts and technology teaching, learning, and leading in the digital age. Bjork teaches AP Art and Design, drawing, painting, digital photography, animation, graphic design, and digital illustration at Pewaukee High School.

2 | Hannah Draver, DSHA ’12, became the owner of a dental practice, Draver Dental, in Shorewood this past summer. The only dentist of the practice, Draver provides preventative, cosmic, sports, and general dentistry, as well as treats orofacial pain.

3 | In August 2020, Lana Farkas Holman, DSHA ’97, became the first artist in residence at Aloft Hotel in the Deer District.

Her watercolor paintings displayed in the hotel include famous Milwaukee landscapes, as well as portraits of Bucks athletes.

In May 2021, Holman surprised retiring Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke (pictured) with a watercolor portrait of him and his color analyst, Marques Johnson. For the last few years, Holman has created sidewalk art in Bayview; one her sidewalk art drawings depict Dasher Arike Ogunbowale, DSHA ’15.

To learn more, visit lanaholman.com.

4 | After completing her Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Mount Mary University in 2018, Alex Zens, DSHA ’06, opened and owns the NEIGHBOR Art Studio, located on Milwaukee’s East Side. The studio offers classes for children 8 months to 12 years old, and gives them a space to explore, play, create, and get messy. The studio encourages open ended art making and using the creative process to enhance sensory development and positive social interactions among peers and neighbors. The studio also sells age-appropriate art supplies, kits, and other art-centered gifts. Visit neighborartstudio.com for more information.

5 | Erin Strohbehn, DSHA ’98, has been selected as a Notable Woman in Law by BizTimes Media. This distinction is given to women lawyers who have a track record of setting legal precedents, winning big cases for their clients, and mentoring future women in law, all while giving back to their communities. Strohbehn is the only female partner at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown.

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6 | In September 2021, Carmelita Tiu, DSHA ’93, launched the podcast “Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them.” This podcast is for growth-oriented, mindful, and time-strapped mothers who want to raise brave, compassionate, and strong daughters.

This podcast helps inform and inspire mothers so they can show up for themselves and their daughters in the way they want to. New episodes of the podcast are posted weekly and are 20 minutes in length. Visit knowberaisethem.com for more information, and find the podcast on Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts.

7 | In late 2020, Amelia Coffaro, DSHA ’03, founded Well Entrepreneur, an initiative reimagining a healthier path of entrepreneurship that supports individual and collective wellness. This initiative, which supports whole-person innovation and entrepreneurship, is a partner of the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) at UW-Milwaukee. Coffaro is an entrepreneur in residence at the LEC, and recently participated in the center’s Startup Challenge, which encourages students and community entrepreneurs with existing businesses to research and develop their ideas, prototype products, services, or social ventures; launch new businesses; and gain the skills that come from entrepreneurial experience.

Yvonne Gruber Angell, DSHA ’85, was named the Vice President of Chemistry at GenEdit in June. GenEdit aims to enable treatment of a broad range of diseases by limiting the challenge of delivering genetic medicines. Angell leads the chemistry team in the design of novel polymer nanoparticles for targeted delivery of various therapeutic cargo, such as oligonucleotides, mRNA, and proteins.

Emily Nolan, DSHA ’17, was named the middle school minister of St. Dominic Parish in June. In her role, she will help run the middle school formation program called Edge, work closely with the middle school teachers of St. Dominic Catholic School to grow its campus ministry, and plan summer trips for middle schoolers to Edge and LifeTeen camps.

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SEND US YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS! We want to know what’s happening in your (or fellow alumna’s) life: a degree earned, a new job or promotion, a book written, a wedding*, a new family member*, an honor received, or volunteer work. Let us know about get-togethers, memories and other adventures! Please share with Alumnae Director Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08 at RabeD@dsha.info or 414.616.2808. *Weddings, births, and adoptions submitted for this fall will be published in our spring semester DS H A WORD 2022 M AG issue.

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IN MEMORIAM

Alumnae

W H O H AV E PA S S E D S I N C E O U R L A S T P U B L I C AT I O N :

S. Mary Kendergan, OP, HA ’41: October 31, 2021

Gayle Herber Bosch, DS ’52: January 2, 2021

Anne Miotke, DS ’61: November 21, 2021

Elaine Mackinson Jacobson, HA ’44: July 22, 2021

Judith Johnson Welch, HA ’53: August 21, 2021

Anne Wilmot Johnson, HA ’62: August 30, 2021

Geraldine Bohr Schmidt, HA ’44: January 4, 2022

Mary Mistele Little, HA ’53: November 15, 2021

Carol Pechacek Schwartz, DS ’63: December 31, 2021

Janet Van Ess Vredenbregt, HA ’45: September 28, 2021

Marjean Clendenning Koceja, HA ’54: July 3, 2021

Barbara Wick Rampolla, HA ’65: October 10, 2021

Zita Cotter Enright, HA ’45: December 11, 2021

Janice Dietz, DS ’54: August 4, 2021

Geraldine Melius Johnson, HA ’65: October 31, 2021

Nancy Landgraf Steigerwald, HA ’45: December 24, 2021

Mary McNamara Purtell, HA ’54: November 15, 2021

Mary Pat Klein Pfeil, DS ’65: February 4, 2022

Rosemary Molzahn Fischer, HA ’46: October 17, 2021

Sara Jane Fieweger Gral, HA ’54: January 2, 2022

Cheri Coffey Maniscalco, HA ’66: October 27, 2021

Lorayne McKee Gehringer, HA ’47: January 23, 2022

Nancy DeHaven Sterr, HA ’55: October 24, 2021

Maureen Mueller, HA ’67: June 18, 2021

Mary Carol Kuhns Jasenski, HA ’48: July 16, 2021

Nancy Nevins Leister, HA ’55: December 7, 2021

Barbara Conroy Borowski, HA ’70: May 14, 2021

Helen McDonald O’Donoghue, HA ’49: May 12, 2021

Mary Ann Rogi Schuh, HA ’56: August 2, 2021

Deborah Elsner Maury, DSHA ’72: November 20, 2021

Shirley Szerbat Greske, HA ’49: June 17, 2021

Katherine Volz Schmitt, DS ’57: May 27, 2021

Judith Shiely King, DSHA ’73: August 26, 2021

Elizabeth Bodenbach Esser, HA ’49: September 9, 2021

Judith Palmer Cody, HA ’57: August 14, 2021

Paula Biedlingmaier Salkin, DSHA ’74: June 30, 2021

Florence Mayer Waterston, HA ’50: May 9, 2021

Joanne Ament Peters, DS ’58: August 16, 2021

Kimi Krueger, DSHA ’78: September 25, 2021

Doreen Schmit Rohde, HA ’51: May 22, 2021

Marjorie Renner Hegner, DS ’59: August 4, 2021

Beth Klamerus Newton, DSHA ’88: September 21, 2021

Geraldine Murphy Kallas, HA ’51: June 10, 2021

Barbara Bogk Rogalski, DS ’61: June 14, 2021

Rachel Ryan, DSHA ’02: December 30, 2021

Mary Ann Hanley Laughlin, HA ’51: August 15, 2021

Serene Oberg, HA ’61: August 22, 2021

Barbara Zyskowski Jelinske, HA ’52: July 1, 2021

K. Bridget O’Neill Murray, HA ’61: September 19, 2021

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE U P O N T H E M . M AY T H E I R S O U L S , A N D T H E S O U L S O F A L L T H E FA I T H F U L D E PA R T E D , 45

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SAVE THESE DATES! DSHA AUCTION — FOREVER PLAID, 80s ED. | Saturday, March 26 Dust off your yearbooks, find your hair crimper and stonewashed jean jackets, and watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for inspiration to celebrate and further the DSHA mission 80’s style! Bid on your favorite silent auction items or make a gift that will change the lives of young women in Milwaukee. All are invited to participate! Learn more at dsha.info/auction.

QUESTIONS? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Keller at kellerk@dsha.info or 414.616.2807.

FINE ARTS AT DSHA GR AN D PA R E N T LITU RGY | We d n e sd ay, April 27 Dasher grandparents are invited to celebrate Mass with their granddaughters at DSHA with light refreshments and time together to follow.

QUESTIONS? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Keller at kellerk@dsha.info or 414.616.2807.

ALUM N A E S E RV I C E DAY | Sat u rd ay, A pril 30 Alumnae—join your fellow classmates and current DSHA students for a morning full of packaging, sorting, and labeling food for those in need at Feeding America.

QUESTIONS? Contact Alumnae Director Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08, at rabed@dsha.info or 414.616.2808.

S PR I N G O P E N H OU SE — GRA DES 5-7 | Sunday, M ay 1 Future Dashers in grades 5-7 and their families are invited to experience and learn about all things DSHA! Following Mass and student-led tours, you will meet and hear from DSHA faculty and staff; learn about a Catholic Salvatorian education and thriving Campus Ministry; and hear from current students and teachers about why all girls makes all the difference in the college-prep environment. Learn more at dsha.info/openhouse.

May 4 | Spring Instrumental Concert May 6 | Angelaires and Concert Choir Spring Concert May 9 | Handbellpalooza Spring Concert May 11 | Parent Fine Arts Association Awards Night May 18 | AP Art Gallery Exhibit July 15-17 | Community Theatre Works—Matilda the Musical

ATHLETICS AT DSHA Visit dsha.info/athletics for a schedule of spring events.

QUESTIONS? Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA ’10, at duffya@dsha.info or 414.616.2805.

DAS H E R DAY O F GIVIN G | We d n e sd ay, M ay 4 Mark your calendars for our sixth annual Dasher Day of Giving. Last year, nearly 300 DSHA community members raised $58,164—we are so grateful! Keep an eye on your email inbox and follow DSHA on Facebook and Instagram for more information on how to participate.

QUESTIONS? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Keller at kellerk@dsha.info or 414.616.2807.

DS H A S U M M E R CO O L — RISIN G GRA DES 1- 9 | June- July Future Dashers in rising grades 1-9 are about to have their best summers yet at DSHA Summer Cool. With 125+ camps designed with girls in mind, there’s something for every girl with camps centered around athletics, STEM, faith, leadership, music, reading, study skills, theatre, visual arts, wellness, and writing. Registration is open now at dsha.info/summer.

QUESTIONS? Contact Admissions and Marketing Assistant Meaghan Lagore, DSHA ’16, at lagorem16@dsha.info or 414.721.2909.

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Divine Savior Holy Angels High School Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 2221 Milwaukee, WI

SPONSORED

BY THE SISTERS OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR S PONSORED

BY THE S ISTERS OF THE D IVINE S AVIOR

4257 North 100th Street | Milwaukee, 53222 4257 North 100th Street | Milwaukee, WI WI 53222 All Girls Makes All Difference the Difference | dsha.info All Girls Makes All the | dsha.info

Congratulations,

DSHA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR PEGGY SEEGERS-BRAUN, RECIPIENT OF THE BRUCE D. WHITEHEAD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD!

In December 2021, DSHA Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun received the Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association at a ceremony in Denver. Seegers-Braun is one of 10 athletic directors (and the only female athletic director) in the nation who was named a recipient in 2020. The award recognizes Seegers-Braun for her length of service, as well as her special accomplishments and contributions to interscholastic athletics on a local, state, and national level.

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