The Word Magazine | Fall Semester 2022

D ivine S avior H oly Angels H igh School

D ivine S avior H oly Angels H igh School

SPONSORED BY THE SIS TERS OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR

SPONSORED BY THE SIS TERS OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR

4257 Nor th 100th Street | Milwau ke e, WI 53222

4257 Nor th 100th Street | Milwau ke e, WI 53222

A ll Girls Mak es All the Diff erence | dsha.info

A ll Girls Mak es All the Diff erence | 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.

2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

John McDermott, Chair Rockwell Automation, retired

Maureen Carney Goetz, DSHA ’ 96, Vice Chair CBRE

Derek Mosley, JD, Secretary Marquette University Law School

Mike Hodan, Treasurer Wells Fargo Advisors

MEMBERS

Juan Banda | Froedtert Hospital Froedtert Health

Dr. Kathleen Cepelka | Retired, Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Craigh Cepukenas | Artisan Partners

Cristy Garcia-Thomas | Aurora Health Care, Inc.

Molly Hegarty Kanter, JD | State of Wisconsin—Department of Workforce Development

Brigitte Hyler Richerson | Advocate Aurora Health

ADMINISTRATION

Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’ 92, President

Dan Quesnell, Principal

Sally Gramling, DSHA ’79, Chief Financial Officer

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

Frank Probst, Sponsorship Coordinator Sisters of the Divine Savior

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

Mary Jo Layden | Community Volunteer

Aaron Lipski | City of Milwaukee Fire Department

Gerry Schwarz | Kickhaefer Manufacturing Co.

Moe Tarantino | Community Volunteer

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

NEW COURSE FOCUSES ON DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS

This fall, the DSHA Specialized Studies Department has added a new course entitled Character-Driven Leadership. This one semester elective class for sophomores through seniors focuses on developing leadership skills. As students learn how to lead, they are prepared to step forward into the future with vitality, hope, and courage. Character-Driven Leadership, taught by Social Studies and Specialized Studies Faculty Tom Montgomery , is deliberately and intentionally focused on helping each student grow and develop into an articulate, confident, and capable leader. Based on the most current and relevant learnings on leadership, the course allows students to graduate with the confidence to lead themselves and others, and is purposefully designed to develop the “Leader” Quality of a DSHA Graduate.

During the fall semester, Dashers explored four principal areas of leadership: leading yourself, identifying your leadership mindset, allowing yourself to be led, and leading by example. Several guest speakers visited the class throughout the fall to share their career and leadership paths, including Megan Troy, DSHA ’01 , who serves as Counsel at Mayer Brown LLP.

Karinna Trotter, DSHA ’25 , shares of Troy’s visit and the class, “I found her braveness, independence, and determination to be most inspiring. She seemed to never be afraid of a dispute or challenge, no matter how hard she would have to work. She always found ways to collaborate and build success for others. She mentioned how to goal set and how to accomplish those goals multiple times, which I am hoping to input into my own life.”

DSHA added two additional new classes this semester including Earth Science along with EDU 405: Exceptional Learners, a course in which students earn three transferable college credits through Mount Mary University. Students in this course serve as a Marian Scholar Peer Mentor, along with engaging in an additional day of education at MMU in Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and/or the Education Department to develop strategies for supporting exceptional learners.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the President & Principal Special Events | Highlights

Dasher Life | Highlights

Fall Athletics | Highlights

Fall State Championships

Fine Arts | Highlights

Sister Act Musical | Award Nominations

Heart + Intellect Feature | STEM Scholars Fosters Confidence

Intellect + Faith | Goodness & Kindness

Civil Discourse

Faith + Heart Feature | Choosing Faith through Campus Ministry Offerings

Faculty + Staff Focus | Director of Student Services

Maria Schram and DEI Director Cynthia Blaze

Giving Tuesday

Alumnae Weekend 2022 Recap

Young Alumna of the Year | Lissa deGuzman, DSHA ’12

Alumna of the Year | Judie Dalum Taylor, DSHA ’87

Jubilarian of the Year | Sue Behling Schmitt, HA ’67

Alumnae

The Word Magazine is published for and about the students, alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and friends of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. Your feedback is always welcome; contact VP of Marketing & Communications Molly Shea at SheaM@dsha.info.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Molly Shea, VP of Marketing & Communications

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

Alex Mora, Director of Graphic Design & Marketing Projects

STAFF WRITER: Erin McCarville, Marketing & Development Writer

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS:

President Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’92; Alumnae Director Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08; Principal Dan Quesnell; Senior Director of Development Matt Johnson

Penny’s Eva-Marie Moss, DSHA ’23 (front) and Julia Rentmeester, DSHA ’23 , surprise future Dashers from the class of 2027 with their acceptance letters in December. To learn (and see!) more, read the letter on page 6 from President Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’92 , and Principal Dan Quesnell

DSHA FACULTY AND STAFF RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION

During the fall semester, three members of the DSHA TSC (standing for total school community, meaning all faculty and staff) received significant recognition at the national level for accomplishments in their respective areas of expertise. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of the DSHA faculty and staff for their dedication, life-changing work, and influence in their fields.

This fall, Applied Wellness Program Director Joanna McQuide, DSHA ’93, became a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach. She is formally equipped to support others in activating internal strengths and external resources to make sustainable and healthy lifestyle behavior changes. DSHA is now one of the only high schools in the country with a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach directing a student wellness program. The Applied Wellness Program at DSHA mimics how individuals achieve whole-person wellness beyond high school: through reflection, contemplation, planning, and action. McQuide provides students with the framework and a variety of opportunities to practice and internalize this process so that wellness becomes more than a requirement—it becomes a way of life.

In October, Science Department Chair Stacey Strandberg was published in the Volume 84, No. 8 October 2022 edition of The American Biology Teacher Journal. Her article entitled Autopolyploidy & Allopolyploidy Card Sort: Investigating Chromosomal Errors That Lead to Sympatric Speciation helps students in AP Biology learn how new species evolve in the same area. After over a year and a half of research, Strandberg created a card game that allows students to understand speciation on a wider level. She has received numerous emails from professors and teachers nation-wide who applaud her for her insight and method of teaching speciation.

Scan to read Stranberg’s full article from The American Biology Teacher Journal

In December, DSHA Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun was awarded the National Federation of State High School Associations (NHFS) Citation Award by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAA) in Nashville, TN. This prestigious career-highlight award is presented to athletic administrators from across the country for their long-time contributions to interscholastic athletics at the state, local, and/or national level. She is now only the 11th person and 2nd woman from the state of Wisconsin to receive this national citation award since its inception in 1971. This award comes just two years after receiving national recognition from the NIAA in the Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award.

Scan to learn more about the 35 years of accomplishments of Seegers-Braun, and watch her accept her award (29:49 – 33:58 in the video).

THE MOST REVEREND ARCHBISHOP LISTECKI PRESIDED OVER THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MASS AT DSHA

On December 8, students, faculty, and staff gathered as a school community to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Most Reverend Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki presided over the Mass with Master of Ceremonies Fr. Jim Lobacz. The DSHA Divine Strings, handbells, and the liturgical music team provided the music. At the beginning of the Mass, the Archbishop shared, “I want you to realize how much you represent the Catholic identity in our community.” He called attention to how DSHA lives out his three priorities of shepherding the Church: Catholic identity, evangelization, and stewardship. During the homily, the Archbishop discussed the idea of decision making, advising students to look to Mary as an example. He urged students, when making a difficult decision, to ask themselves, "am I following God's will?" He went on to emphasize that the basis of one’s Catholic faith is "listening to God and His will,” just as Mary did when she became the Mother of God—when she was around the same age as DSHA students. DSHA extends a most sincere thank you to Archbishop Listecki and Fr. Lobacz for helping the school community celebrate this Holy Day of Obligation.

Dear DSHA Community,

As you, know the Sisters of the Divine Savior (SDS) are our sponsoring order. We are so blessed to share a physical building with them and get to see them in some capacity nearly every week. We look to their leadership, and are inspired by their charism to be “deeply rooted in Jesus, our Savior”. In a practical sense, we are driven by their core values on a daily basis as we lead our school community in the hours, days, weeks, and months that make up a school year.

This fall, we have placed a particular emphasis on unity as a school community, rooted in the SDS core value of collaboration. Our scriptural theme for the year is from Psalm 133:1: How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity!

In this issue you will see several ways our emphasis on unity has played out with students: from girls growing in their faith through expanding and thriving Campus Ministry offerings; teams coming together to break records and win state championships; our Sister Act musical receiving 13 Jerry Award Nominations; and new programs like STEM Scholars allowing our girls to grow in confidence because they are working alongside of, and inspired by, one another and their teachers.

We are so proud of what our students have accomplished this semester together—in unity—deeply rooted in Jesus, our Savior. In addition to our students, our unified community includes faculty and staff, alumnae, and our future Dashers. In addition to what you will read in this issue, here are some of our favorite moments of unity that show how our student experience encompasses the collaboration of our wider community.

Parents at Freshmen Retreat & Service Day | For years, retreats have been a significant part of the DSHA faith formation experience for our students. Older students and alumnae often point back to the Take Flight freshman retreat as a significant time in their faith journey as a young adult, and where they started to feel the goodness and kindness of the DSHA community. This year, parents were invited to join two different points in the retreat: evening Mass on Sunday, October 16 with Fr. John Burns, and their daughter’s Freshman Service Day reflection the following day. Parents, you are the most important people in your daughter’s faith journeys. It was a true blessing to invite you inside the DSHA faith formation experience at the start of her freshmen year. Her experience is your experience, too. And we are so grateful to partner with you on her faith journey.

Faculty Release Days | This fall, each of our academic departments experienced an Academic Release Day. For example, on the Social Studies Department’s release day, each faculty member in that department had the opportunity to shadow a student schedule for the full day. Teachers observed the following in different departments than that which they normally teach: student engagement and relationships, work load, teaching practices, uses of technology and other resources, and more. Perhaps most importantly, faculty were able to experience the day in the life of a student, celebrate the work of their colleagues, seek opportunities for further inter-departmental collaboration, and reflect on how they might implement some of the learnings into their own classrooms.

Welcoming Future Dashers | One of the very last things we did fall semester was to send acceptance letters to our incoming class of 2027. What a joy it is to welcome this new group of young women to our community! This year, some of our future Dashers were surprised at their homes by our three senior Penny’s: Eva-Marie Moss, DSHA ’23 ; Julia Rentmeester, DSHA ’23 ; and Sophia Simon, DSHA ’23 . Our newest class of Dashers received their acceptance certificates and balloons from the Penny’s, along with our admissions staff, Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA ’15 , and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA ’10

If you have not yet seen the video of this special day, we encourage you to watch and celebrate our newest class! A special thanks to Natalie Sanchez, DSHA ’18 , for capturing the excitement on film!

As we are now into our second semester of the year, we continue our emphasis on unity and the collaborative core value of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, and look forward to sharing more with you on how we are living this out as a school community in the coming months. Thank you for being a part of our supportive, good, and kind community. We are better together.

Katie Konieczny, ’92 President Dan Quesnell Principal

SPECIAL EVENTS | HIGHLIGHTS

1 | MOTHER DAUGHTER TIME

DSHA students and their mothers or special mother figures were invited to the historic downtown Milwaukee Pfister Hotel for the annual Mother Daughter Liturgy and Luncheon on Sunday, November 20. Fr. John LoCoco from Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond Du Lac presided over the Mass. Following the service, over 600 mothers and daughters spent quality time together over a meal, experienced a fashion show and stocking stuffer pop-up shop, and had the opportunity to take professional photos together to commemorate the event. A special thanks to DSHA parents Angela Lenzen and Brenda VanHimbergen for chairing the event. Pictured in the back row from left to right are current DSHA parent Birdie Mooney , Claire Mooney, DSHA ’23 , and Nina Warren, DSHA ’23 . Pictured in the front row is current DSHA parent Kadi Anderson (left) with her daughter Anaya Anderson-Crosly, DSHA ’26

2 | DASH THROUGH THE UNIVERSE

A favorite annual tradition, the 2022 DSHA Dash-A-Thon was held on Wednesday, September 21. Girls gathered for an all-school assembly in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium before the themed seven-mile run/walk. This year, students dressed to fit the “Dash Through the Universe” theme. The event provides Dashers with the chance to give back to their school and celebrate the mission, vision, and community of DSHA. This year, students surpassed their goal and raised over $90,000! Pictured: Nora Sprenger, DSHA ’26 (left) and Olive Foster, DSHA ’26

3 | IRISH ÉIRE

Alumnae, parents, and friends of DSHA were invited to Irish Fest on Sunday, August 21. Hosted in the Aer Lingus Hospitality Area, participants enjoyed complimentary beverages, live music, and reconnecting. Pictured from left to right: Current DSHA parent Matt Fricker Principal Dan Quesnell , current DSHA parents Tom and Lisa Pienkos with their two younger children and daughter Anna Pienkos, DSHA ’25 , Emily Fricker, DSHA ’24 , and Ellen Fricker, DSHA ’20

4 | ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CHEER

On Sunday, December 4, alumnae, families, and friends of DSHA were invited to spend a festive Afternoon in Santa’s Workshop. The event featured performances of classic and contemporary Christmas songs by the DSHA Angelaires and Divine Strings while children were invited to make a Nativity scene craft, build an Advent wreath, decorate a gingerbread house, and visit Santa. A special thanks to the DSHA Alumnae Board for sponsoring this festive event! Pictured: Daphne Blader Lingsweiler, DSHA ’02, with husband Ethan Lingsweiler and two sons Beau (left) and Mac (right.)

5

|

WELCOMING FUTURE DASHERS

DSHA opened its doors to 8th graders and their families on Sunday, October 23. Participants attended Mass, took a student-led tour, and had the opportunity to speak with DSHA faculty and staff members. 8th graders and their families learned about the benefits of an all-girls, Catholic, and Salvatorian environment that focuses on whole-person education. They also learned about co-curricular activities, fine arts offerings, Dasher athletics, along with opportunities available to them at DSHA.

Families of 5th–7th graders: Save the date for our next Open House on April 23, 2023 !

6

|

GOLF OUTING AND DINNER PAR-TEE

On Friday, September 9, DSHA parents, alumnae, and friends gathered as a community for the annual Parent Athletic Association Dasher Golf Outing & Dinner at the University Club of Milwaukee. A favorite event, the proceeds go towards benefitting Dasher athletics and includes specialty cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and more. A special thanks to DSHA parents John & Mary Ellen Krueger for chairing the event. Pictured from left to right: current DSHA parent Brenda VanHimbergen , Jenny McGaver, DSHA ’94 , current DSHA parent Jill Belardi , and current DSHA parent Angie Holton Lenzen, DSHA ’98

DASHER LIFE | HIGHLIGHTS

1 | OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

On Monday, December 12, faculty, staff, and students gathered to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with an all-school Mass. In collaboration with DSHA Campus Ministry, the Furia Latina co-curricular helped plan the bilingual Mass that celebrated DSHA’s devotion to Mary as an all-girls high school. Edgar Islas, father of Carolina Islas, DSHA ’26 , led the traditional mariachi-style praise and worship music, and Fr. John Thiede, S.J. from Marquette University presided over the Mass. At the preparation of the gifts, students from the Dance Academy of Mexico performed a traditional Mexican folk dance as a form of prayer and to honor Mary who brought so many to Jesus in North America. Pictured: Angeline Ortiz, DSHA ’26

2 | THE POWER OF COLLABORATION

During the 2022-2023 school year, DSHA is working together on a new project called $10,000 Together. Inspired by this school year's scriptural theme—“how good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity”—from Psalm 133:1, the project relies on collaboration from the entire student body. The goal of $10,000 Together is to raise $1,000 for ten organizations that are important to DSHA students. Each month, the student body votes on an organization to support. Throughout the fall semester, Dashers raised $1,000 each for the following non-profit organizations: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis; Camp Hometown Heroes; St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House; La Casa De Esperanza; and Warm Hands, Warm Hearts. Pictured: Alexandra Schneider, DSHA ’25 , (left) and Maura Lucke, DSHA ’24

3 | PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

On Monday, November 7, the DSHA class of 2024 participated in Junior Activity and Interview Day. Dashers spent the morning bonding as a class and attended a prayer service. In the afternoon, students participated in mock interviews with over 40 professionals from the greater DSHA community, including a number of DSHA alumnae. They dove into their college and career readiness by exploring online tools and updating their resumes. Pictured: Social Studies Faculty Tom Montgomery and Charlotte Fetherston, DSHA ’24

4 | INTENTIONAL DISCUSSIONS

Throughout the first semester, the DSHA Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council hosted three Dasher Dialogues. Topics included cultural appropriation and microaggressions, navigating friendships, and mental health. These optional dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven years. Consistent with the DSHA mission to form young women who accept the gospel call to live lives that will 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: Shawntell Rodriguez Cavero, DSHA ’24

5 | LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

On Friday, October 14, the AP Environmental Science class, instructed by Science Faculty Megan Hahn , tested the water quality of the Menomonee River. Members of the class collected data involving dissolved oxygen levels, temperature, river velocity, the number of invertebrates, and water clarity, as well as collected samples to bring back to the classroom to determine the number of nitrates and phosphates in the water. It was an opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned in class throughout the semester. Pictured left to right: Ada Rebholz, DSHA ’24 , Katie Hyde, DSHA ’24 , Chloe Blankenheim, DSHA ’24 , and Sarah Daniels, DSHA ’23

6 | SHAKESPEARE IN ACTION

On Thursday, October 6, students enrolled in the Shakespeare course, taught by English Faculty Andy Berens , traveled to American Players Theatre in Spring Green to see the live performance of Hamlet. As Shakespeare intended for his work to be performed, it was important for Dashers to witness a production of one of his plays.

7 | THE STUDENT WORD PUBLICATION

This fall, DSHA students and moderator English Faculty Wendy Fitch revived the student Word publication through an online platform. Students write, edit, design, and choose the content featured on the website. This semester, coverage included fall sports at DSHA, Dash-A-Thon, and several opinion pieces. To read the work of DSHA students visit dshatheword.com

8 | FRESHMEN BONDING

The DSHA Class of 2026 participated in Freshmen Retreat and Service Days on Sunday, October 16 and Monday, October 17. On Sunday, the newest Dashers engaged in prayer, small group community building, faith-sharing activities, listened to witness talks, and attended a special retreat Mass. The following day, they gave of themselves through community service to various organizations in the Milwaukee community. These special days are intentionally held at the beginning of the year to help students meet one another and bond as a class.

FALL ATHLETICS | HIGHLIGHTS

A SEASON FOR THE BOOKS

This fall Dasher Athletics brought home four state championships. Additionally, the DSHA Athletic Department, guided by long-time Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun , was awarded significant program recognitions at both the state and national level.

 National Federation of State High School Association's Level 1 and Level 2 Honors | DSHA is only the second school in Wisconsin to earn this national distinction. This honor recognizes the dedication and commitment of the DSHA coaching staff in their continued education through research-based and student-centered curriculum to create the best-possible experience for student-athletes.

 WIAA Award of Excellence | This fall, the WIAA released the 2021-2022 recipients for this state-wide honor. The award promotes and recognizes the efforts and achievements of schools in the areas of sportsmanship, ethics, integrity, leadership, and character. DSHA has received this award four times since its inception in 2016.

FALL ATHLETICS BY-THE-NUMBERS

4 4

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ATHLETES RECEIVED

ALL-STATE HONORS

DASHER ATHLETES NOMINATED FOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR BY THE USA TODAY MILWAUKEE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AWARDS

ATHLETES NAMED GMC CHAMPION/ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

ATHLETES RECEIVED

ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS

6

5 7 5 38

FALL SPORT ATHLETES SIGNED COLLEGIATE LETTERS OF INTENT

 Olivia deGuzman, DSHA ’23 | Volleyball at Illinois Weslyan

 Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23 | Field Hockey at Boston College

 Ellie Connor, DSHA ’23 | Volleyball at Loyola University New Orleans

 Yessenia Morales, DSHA ’23 | Rugby at United States Military Academy at West Point

4

FAITH FRIDAY MASSES

3

TEAM SERVICE PROJECTS

LEADERSHIP SUMMITS

Leadership & Team-Building Speaker | All 2022-23 coaches and student-athletes workshopped the topic Great Teams have Great Teammates with motivational speaker and former college basketball coach Jamy Bechler. First day of practice/ tryouts begin for all fall sports.

Placed 1st of 24 teams at first tournament of the season at Homestead HS.

Top 10 finish at first meet of the year at Washington Co. Golf Course.

5 Dashers named to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Players to Watch List

Madison Quest, DSHA ’25 , and Sophia Wendlick, DSHA ’24

Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24 , and Molly Jex, DSHA ’24

Kate Kreuger, DSHA ’24

Placed 2nd of 4 teams at first tournament of the year at Arrowhead HS.

Won first meet of the season at Waukesha North HS for the first time in school history.

Placed 4th of 20 teams at first meet of the season at Lincoln Park Golf Course.

First game of the season; def. University School of Milwaukee 7-0.

Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) | SAAC met for the first time. The council is made up of representatives from each sport and provides a voice to student-athletes to enhance the athletic experience at DSHA and support the core values of Dasher Athletics: academic success, athletic excellence, service to others, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. 2022-23 members: President Helena Cesarz, DSHA ’23 ; Vice President Sofia Anderson, DSHA ’23 ; Secretary Maggie Gavahan, DSHA ’23 ; Service Coordinator Sophie Paruzynski, DSHA ’23 ; Hailey Bachmann, DSHA ’24 ; Emily Brzezinski, DSHA ’23 ; Mandy Delcore, DSHA ’24 ; Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23 ; Charlotte Fetherston, DSHA ’24 ; Molly Jex, DSHA ’24 ; Kate Krueger, DSHA ’24 ; Eleanor Langenfeld, DSHA ’24 ; Dani Riemer, DSHA ’25 ; Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24 ; and Madison Turcinovic, DSHA ’24

Competed in the St. Louis Gateway Classic finishing 3-0 in pool play.

Faith Friday Mass

Placed 4th at GMC Conference Championship; Ava Johnson, DSHA ’26 , placed 1st overall.

Placed first at the GMC Championship Meet for the 6th year in a row! Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24 , is named GMC Singles Athlete of the of the Year. Molly Jex, DSHA ’24 , and Lizzie Stuckslager, DSHA ’26 , are named GMC Doubles Athletes of the Year.

Faith Friday Mass

16 Dashers celebrated senior night.

Placed 6th of 24 teams at the Asics Challenge Tournament in Chicago with top 24 teams from WI, IL, IA, and KY.

Placed 3rd at the WIAA State Tournament.

Food Drive for Mother of Good Counsel Food Pantry

Faith Friday Mass

Finished 2nd at WIAA Regional meet.

Competed in the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis finishing 3rd out of 24 teams.

Volunteered with Aceing Autism

OCTOBER

Finished 2nd at GMC Championship Tournament.

First game of season; def. Green Bay 54-0.

Finishes 8-0 and 1st place in GMC Conference play.

5 seniors celebrated senior night.

Finished 2nd at WIAA Sectional and qualified for state meet.

WHSFHA State Champions! Def. Arrowhead 4-0.

Faith Friday Mass

State Semi-Final Game | Def. University School of Milwaukee 5-0.

Placed 1st at the WIAA Sectional and qualified for the WIAA Team State Championship.

Finishes regular season 12-0 as WHSFHA Conference Champions!

Finished 10th at WIAA State Championship Meet in Madison. Ava Roesch, DSHA ’26 , finished 30th overall, and Kate Krueger, DSHA ’24 , finished 32nd.

6 Dashers celebrated senior night.

WIAA Individual State Championship | Doubles team of Molly Jex, DSHA ’24 , and Lizzie Stuckslager, DSHA ’26 , place 1st to become WIAA State Champions! Carolyn Schaefer, DSHA ’24 , placed 7th in the singles tournament.

Finished 5th at GMC Conference Meet.

Faith Friday Mass

Volunteered at Special Olympics of WI Volleyball Tournament

Faith Friday Mass

State Semi-Final Game | Def. Brookfield 34-0.

Finished 4th at WIAA Sectional meet.

WIAA Regional Champions def. Whitefish Bay 25-19, 25-12, and 25-11.

WIAA Sectional Champions and qualifies for state def. Sussex Hamilton 25-22, 25-18, and 25-21.

NOVEMBER

Finishes 4th of 14 teams at the WIAA Sectional meet.

Sock drive to support House of Hope MKE for those experiencing homelessness.

Leadership Summit | 22 DSHA student-athletes attend the GMC Leadership Summit.

State Champions! A-side def. Sussex Hamilton 36-26. Rugby B-side finished 6th in state.

WIAA State Champions!

State tournament results:

 Quarter-finals | def. Middleton 25-9, 25-13, and 25-18

 Semi-finals | def. Appleton North 25-23, 25-17, and 25-14

 Finals | def. Oconomowoc 25-16, 25-16, 18-25, 18-25 and 15-13

Finishes season ranked 19th nationally in the USA Today Sports/ American Volleyball Coaches Association

National High School Volleyball Super 25 Final Ranking.

WIAA State Swim & Dive Meet

Results: Allison Brennan, DSHA ’24 , placed 13th for overall diving; the 200-yard medley relay team of Chole Rummel, DSHA ’25 ; Lauren Correa, DSHA ’24 ; Rose Kachelski, DSHA ’24 ; and Maggie Brzezinski, DSHA ’26 , placed 16th setting a new school record of 1:51.77. Correa also placed 16th in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Scan to read more about the seasons, captains, chaplains, and honorees of each fall athletics team.

DSHA Volleyball Wins State and Finishes Season with a Top 25 National Ranking

The DSHA Varsity Volleyball team finished its season with a WIAA State Championship in early November, the fourth for the program. Additionally, in mid-November they received national recognition from the USA Today Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association National High School Volleyball Super 25 final ranking, finishing 19th overall in the nation with a final record of 34-6.

A Q&A conversation with DSHA Varsity Volleyball team captains Bella Lipski, DSHA ’23 , and Sophia Wendlick, DSHA ’24 , and team chaplains Olivia deGuzman, DSHA, ’23 , and Ava Kharitou, DSHA ’24

Q: You’ve had an incredible season. What were your team goals at the beginning of the season?

A: We had five main goals and they were listed in our locker room for the entire season. Number one was to win state. The others were to: place top three in all tournaments; win (GMC) conference; win sectionals and regionals; and grow as a community and be a family to each other. We accomplished all of these, except for one really tough tournament in Chicago (with teams from multiple states,) because everyone actively committed. We spent a lot of time in practice revisiting the goals and holding each other accountable. Everyone was all in.

Q: When you look back on your season, what are your thoughts on all that you have accomplished?

A: It is still sinking in for almost all of us. We worked so hard and had so much fun. It is amazing to look back knowing that what we hoped would happen is actually possible. And to watch the video back of the final point at state and see it happen is still the best feeling. It is so special because we

had so many conversations about our roles. We didn’t switch those up on the court that much during games, but every single person embodied their role so well in practice and in play. There was no negativity. We truly cheered each other on all season. We stayed engaged in seeking one goal at a time. Our captains kept us grounded and we had the freedom from our coaches to work through any challenges with each other. Before each practice we would talk about what worked well and what we could improve on. We really focused on serve receive, consistent passes, missing little-to-no serves and celebrating well. We also focused on keeping positive body language and holding each other accountable.

Q: After you accomplished winning conference, sectionals, and regionals, how did you prepare for the WIAA State Tournament?

A: Our practices before state were some of our best—we were zoned in and worked so hard. We spent so much time together getting to know each other off the court over the season, that by the time state came around we had built a bond and trust both on and off the court. This allowed us to play aggressive knowing we would cover each other, hold each other accountable, and celebrate our successes together. Before state we did a chapel time with prayer and affirmations, and reminded each other of all we accomplished together—including how we were all best friends. We also each wrote down something we were scared of going into state. It was helpful to know that as an individual, you weren’t the only one who was nervous. And it allowed us to let go of any apprehensions beforehand. It helped the nerves to turn into excitement and confidence.

Individual Awards

WIAA Post-Season Play

 Regional Finals

| October 22-29

def. Whitefish Bay 25-19, 25-12, and 25-11.

 Sectional Semi-Finals

def. Germantown: 25-21, 25-12, 25-18

 Sectional Finals

def. Sussex Hamilton 25-22, 25-18, and 25-21

WIAA State Tournament | November 3-5

 Quarter-Finals

def. Middleton 25-9, 25-13, and 25-18

 Semi-Finals def. Appleton North 25-23, 25-17, and 25-14

 Finals

def. Oconomowoc 25-16, 25-16, 18-25, 18-25 and 15-13

Q: In the state final, you led 2-0, and then entered your fifth set tied 2-2 with Oconomowoc, the defending state champions. What was your mindset going into that final set of the season after giving up the previous two?

A: We knew we would probably have to face Oconomowoc again (after playing them in the regular season.) Their roster was stacked and we knew they would come ready to play. We also knew we wanted to leave everything on the court. We were at state, so we thought, ‘why not take the big swings and serve aggressively?’ We had all of those hours in the gym and we knew we trusted each other and our coaches to put the ball down and cover each other. We were not going to walk away with any what-ifs. The game was still the game; the bonds we had with each other were still our bonds. Going into that fifth set, we knew it would be a tough match and would come down to mental toughness for both teams.

Q: The final set in the state championship game came down to a thrilling match point. Walk us through the last play.

A: Our last play was perfect—and we never doubted we would make the play. We were up 14-13 on serve receive. Olivia (Durst, DSHA ’25) passed it perfectly to Jordan (Czajkowski, DSHA ’25) who set it to Madison (Quest, DSHA ’25) and she killed it. It could not have gone any better—you can’t relive this feeling. We ran together as one unit knowing we did it together. We were literally the best team—the last team standing. The team wants to repeat next year, but we’ll never do it again with this group. It was so special and will always be a formative part of our high school experiences.

Bella Lipski, DSHA ’23 | Team Captain American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Awards: All-American Team Honorable Mention, All Region (WI, IA, IL, and MO) Team · Best & Brightest First Team for earning a 3.8+ GPA or above during her junior season the previous year · Honorable Mention All-State · 2nd Team All-Conference

Oliva deGuzman, DSHA ’23 | Team Chaplain 2nd Team All-Conference · AVCA Best & Brightest First Team for earning a 3.8+ GPA or above during her junior season the previous year

Sophia Wendlick, DSHA ’24 | Team Captain

WIAA State Tournament All-Tournament Team

· 2nd Team All State · 1st eam All-Conference ·

Nominated for Girls Volleyball Player of the Year by the USA Today Milwaukee High School Sports

Awards · National VolleyballMag.com’s Dream Team of the Week Pre-Season: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Players to Watch and Wisconsin Volleyball Association Top-Rated Junior in WI

Jordan Czajkowski, DSHA ’25

WIAA State Tournament All-Tournament Team ·

Honorable Mention All-State · Honorable Mention

All-Conference · Nominated for Girls Volleyball Player of the Year by the USA Today Milwaukee High School Sports Awards · WisSports.net

Athlete of the Week

Olivia Durst, DSHA ’25

Honorable Mention All-Conference

Madison Quest, DSHA ’25

WIAA State Tournament All-Tournament Team ·

Unanimous 1st Team All-State 1st Team All-Conference · Volleyballmag.com Top Player in WI ·

Nominated for Girls Volleyball Player of the Year by the USA Today Milwaukee High School Sports Awards · National VolleyballMag.com’s Dream Team of the Week · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Player of the Week · Pre-Season: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Players to Watch · Wisconsin Volleyball Association Top-Rated Sophomore in WI

Head Volleyball Coach Caitie Ratkowski, DSHA ’02

AVCA Regional (WI, IA, IL, and MO) Head Coach of the Year · 4th State Championship with DSHA: 2001 as a student-athlete; 2014 as an assistant coach; 2015 & 2022 as head coach

FALL ATHLETICS | STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

ALL IN: VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY TEAM WINS THIRD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOUR SEASONS

This fall, the DSHA Varsity Field Hockey team took home the state championship after defeating Arrowhead 4-0 on October 16 in the Wisconsin Field Hockey Association (WHSFHA) state tournament. This is the third state championship for the team in four seasons. With senior leadership and a building culture of competitiveness rooted in teamwork, this season marked a record-setting undefeated conference season for the Dashers.

Q & A with Field Hockey State Champions & DSHA Varsity Field Hockey Team Captains

Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23 ; Morgan Mackey, DSHA ’23 ; and Anna Falci, DSHA ’23

Your field hockey team has won three of the past four state championships. What was the key to your success on the field?

Mackey: I think we were so successful because we hold each other accountable. If we made mistakes, we made sure to own up to them and try to learn from them moving forward. As a team captain, it was important for me to see weaknesses on our team as an opportunity for growth. This was important because we had to build each other up and support one another to be united as a team. We also really wanted to exceed what we’d done in the past and go above and beyond what people thought we could do. This collective drive made us a better team.

What have you learned from being part of the DSHA Varsity Field Hockey Team? What have you learned about yourself?

Doerr: I’ve learned a lot about working together as a team. Everyone has an individual goal but you can only be successful if you work together. You might not always be a starter, or in the position you want on the field, but you’re on the team for a reason. Every position is important and every player has to contribute for all of us to succeed. As for myself, I’ve really grown in patience. Not just patience for my teammates, but for myself as well. It helps me to recognize that I won’t

be perfect but as long as I own up to my mistakes and take responsibility, I can grow and get better. It’s a quality that will be helpful in my future career, family life, schoolwork, and friendships that I make.

How has faith played a part in your team?

Falci: The first true service work I’d ever done was through the DSHA Field Hockey team my freshmen year. We volunteered at Feeding America (a non-profit organization that works to end hunger) and it really introduced me to DSHA’s goal of working service into everyday life. I think getting the team involved in the greater mission of DSHA is important. We also prayed together before each game. The prayer always helped center us before going out into the field.

What was special about this year’s team?

Mackey, Doerr, and Falci: Every year we had a team motto. This year, it was “all in.” To us, this means not only taking the important games seriously but everyday practices, fitness exercises, film reviews, and team bonding activities. We know it’s easy to get ahead of yourself and think “I want to win the state championship,” but if you have that mindset from the beginning, you’re going to miss out on pivotal learning moments. It was important to be “all in” throughout the entire season in order to truly be successful.

Record: 10-0 in WHSFHA; 19-3 overall

WHFSA Conference Place: 1st

Team Chaplain | Lizzie McDevitt, DSHA ’23

Head Coaches | Co-MAX FH Coaches of the Year

English Faculty & Technology Instructional Coordinator

Quinn Loucks and Sue Walline

Notable Recognitions:

• MAX Field Hockey 2nd Team Mid-West Region; MAX FH Player of the Year; 1st Team All-Conference: Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23

• 1st Team All-Conference: Anna Falci, DSHA ’23 ; Eleanor Langenfeld, DSHA ’24 ; Morgan Mackey, DSHA ’23

• 2nd Team All-Conference: Charlotte Featherston, DSHA ’24; Kali Kiekow, DSHA ’24; Mia Kurth, DSHA ’24; Emily Lund, DSHA ’25

• Honorable Mention All-Conference: Ada Rebholz, DSHA ’24

DYNAMIC DUO BRINGS HOME STATE DOUBLES TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

The DSHA Varsity Tennis doubles team of Molly Jex, DSHA ’24, and Lizzie Stuckslager, DSHA ’26, won the WIAA Girls Tennis D1 Doubles State Championship on October 16. Entering the tournament as the fourth seed, the pair went on to defeat the sixth seed 6-2, 6-0 in the final match. This is the first state title for both Jex and Stuckslager.

“We were so successful as a team of two because we were able to tell each other what was working versus what was not. There are different aspects of our play that are stronger than the other, and we’ve learned how to compromise to keep those strengths present in the game. We kept communication clear between the two of us, and if something wasn’t working we’d come up with a solution together.”

— Molly Jex, DSHA ’24 (pictured left)

“As a freshman on the varsity team, tennis gave me a sense community at DSHA. It was nice to see my teammates in the hallway and between classes. I loved the all-day tournaments because while we played a lot of tennis, there was also a lot of downtime with the team and my doubles partner. The bond we created as a doubles team allowed me to play better throughout the season! The sense of support contributed to our successful season.”

— Lizzie Stuckslager, DSHA ’26 (pictured right)

Doubles Season Record: 29-4

Notable Recognitions for both Jex and Stuckslager

• WIAA D1 Doubles Champions

• Greater Metro Conference (GMC) Doubles Team of the Year

• Sectional #1 Doubles Runner-Up

• 1st Team All-Conference #1 Doubles

• Nominated for Girls Tennis Player of the Year by the USA Today Milwaukee HS Sports Awards

The DSHA Varsity Field Hockey team is pictured with their state championship trophy following their win on October 16.

1 | CAROL OF THE BELLS

The DSHA handbell ensembles delivered some Christmas cheer throughout the Advent season. On December 1, the DSHA beginning handbell students performed for the residents of St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus. On December 3, members of the advanced handbell groups performed at the Basilica of St. Josaphat before, during, and after the 4:30 p.m. Mass.

On December 5, students showcased what they learned throughout the semester at the 6th annual DSHA HandbellPalooza Christmas concert. In addition to classic and contemporary Christmas carols, the production included a medley of songs from the films Lion King, Aladdin, and Annie

Pictured from left to right: Megan Schraufnagel, DSHA ’25 ; Molly Jex, DSHA ’24 ; Ana Sophia Phillips, DSHA ’25 ; and Maeve Steger, DSHA ’25

2 | A DIVINE PERFORMANCE

On December 14, DSHA hosted the Instrumental Christmas Concert. The DSHA Divine Strings performed Deck the Halls, Away in a Manger, First Snow, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, and The Christmas Song. The DSHA Orchestra paid tribute to John William’s 90th birthday by playing a Star Wars epic, including songs from the first six films.

On December 8, the DSHA Divine Strings also provided the instrumental music to accompany the all-school Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mass presided over by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki.

Pictured: Yessica Rodriguez, DSHA ’25 , and Lucy ApolinarHernandez, DSHA ’23

3 | THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

On December 11, the DSHA Camarata Choir and the Angelaires hosted the annual Choral Christmas Concert in the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. For the first time, the special show also included performances by the Marquette University High School Chorus.

The DSHA Camarata Choir opened the show with a South American greeting song titled Hlohonolofasta which translates to “blessed is everything in the name of Our Father.” The Angelaires brought the Christmas spirit by performing a medley of Christmas songs including It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Silent Night, and more. To close out the show, the DSHA Angelaires were joined on stage by the MUHS Chorus for a combined performance of Dashing Through the Snow

Throughout the semester, the DSHA Angelaries also performed at various organizations including St. John Vianney in Brookfield during their Santa Brunch, the Wisconsin Club for the Christ Child Society Brunch event, St. Anthony’s on the Lake in Waukesha for the Young at Heart Christmas party, and more. They were also featured on CBS 58 during their Winter Wonders Marketplace performance at the Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Pictured front row, left to right: Maeve Pickart, DSHA ’23 ; Sera Stephenson, DSHA ’24 ; Caelinn Carraher, DSHA ’23 : Emily Fricker, DSHA ’24 ; Ella Connely, DSHA ’24 ; Analise Groh, DSHA ’24 ; and Julia Mansfield, DSHA ’24

4 | CREATING THE GOODNESS AND KINDNESS

Visual Arts students in AP Art, Drawing, and Art Studio had the opportunity to create a child’s portrait as part of the Memory Project, a youth arts organization that promotes understanding and kindness between children around the world. They mobilize artists globally to create and provide handmade portraits as special memories to children facing a variety of challenges. This fall, 25 DSHA Visual Arts students created unique portraits for 25 children from Nigeria. The project allowed students to live out the Goodness and Kindness of Jesus through their artistic talent.

Pictured: Eva Kunz, DSHA ’23 , with her completed portrait.

Pictured: Sandrine, Biagui, DSHA ’23

Pictured L to R: Maeve Pickart, DSHA ’23; Audrey Watzka, DSHA ’23

Pictured: Sister Act Stage Crew

Sarah Daniels, DSHA ’23; Sandrine, Biagui, DSHA ’23; Caelinn Carraher, DSHA ’23

Pictured: Sera Stephenson, DSHA ’24, with the Sister Act ensemble.

Pictured L to R: Ellie Stockwell, DSHA ’26; Emily Fricker, DSHA ’24; Maggie Weiner, DSHA ’24; Caelinn Carraher, DSHA ’23; Zoe Stoller, DSHA ’23

Earns 13 Jerry Award Nominations

This fall, DSHA Theatre brought Sister Act to the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre November 4–6 and 10–12, directed by Director of Theatre, Choir, & Liturgical Music

Zachary Ziegler . Full of fabulous dance moves, a soul-flavored score, laugh-out-loud Catholic humor, and inspired by the famous 1992 film, the production follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, who, disguised as a nun, uses her disco moves and powerhouse voice to breathe new life into the church and create sisterhood in the process.

The set, designed entirely by Producing Director Amanda Marsala , was built by the DSHA Stage Crew, and created the perfect setting for the story with beautiful stained-glass windows and 70’s style backdrops.

In December, DSHA’s presentation of Sister Act received numerous nominations for the production from The Jerry Awards This awards-program is run by the Overture Center in Madison, and recognizes excellence in high school musical theatre across Wisconsin. Reviewers from the program attended three different performances of Sister Act in November, providing written feedback. Finalists in each category will be selected in May; awards will be presented at a ceremony and performance in June.

JERRY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Overall Production Award

Nominations

 Outstanding Ensemble

 Outstanding Stage Crew

Individual Student Award

Nominations

 Outstanding Lead Role

Sandrine Biagui, DSHA ’23 , as Deloris Van Cartier

 Outstanding Lead Role

Sera Stephenson, DSHA ’24 , as Mother Superior

 Outstanding Lead Role

Maeve Pickart, DSHA ’23 , as Sister Mary Robert

 Outstanding Lead Role

Luke Schneider, MUHS, as Curtis

 Outstanding Lead Role

Henry Halpern, MUHS, as Eddie

 Outstanding Supporting Role

Caelinn Carraher, DSHA ’23 , as Sister Mary Patrick

 Outstanding Supporting Role

Sarah Daniels, DSHA ’23, as Sister Mary Lazarus

Production Team Award

Nominations

 Outstanding Musical Direction

Music Director and Orchestra

Conductor Julie Johnson

 Outstanding Scenic Design

DSHA Producing Director

Amanda Marsala

 Outstanding Lighting Design

Lighting Designer Mike Van Dreser

 Outstanding Costume Design

DSHA Parent Martha Connelly and DSHA Past Parent Laura Lois

Cast-Nominated Spirit Awards

 Sandrine Biagui, DSHA ’23

 Emily Fricker, DSHA ’24

“I couldn’t imagine doing the show with anyone other than the cast and crew we had. My character, Deloris, was searching for a sense of community. That was my biggest takeaway because I felt like I also found a community with the DSHA cast and crew throughout the experience.”

— Sandrine Biagui, DSHA ’23 , as Deloris Van Cartier

HEART + INTELLECT FEATURE

THROUGH THE STEM SCHOLARS PROGRAM

By Erin McCarville

Founded by Specialized Studies Department Chair and Mathematics Faculty Connie Farrow and Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield in the spring of 2020, the DSHA STEM Scholars program is designed for motivated DSHA students who are curious about and willing to engage in learning and applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program requires rigorous coursework, participation in a STEM-related co-curricular, and attendance at quarterly meetings where they discuss or participate in STEM-related opportunities and offer support to one another. STEM-related research is recommended. The program has grown from twenty-three students enrolled in the 2020-21 school year to sixty-five in the current school year.

PASSING ALONG A LOVE OF MATHEMATICS

Casey Masterson, DSHA ’23 , has always had a passion for numbers. “I’ve always loved math but I became even more interested in 8th grade when it started getting harder. I liked that there was a set of rules to follow in order to reach a goal,” she stated.

Upon acceptance to DSHA, Masterson was eager to continue to explore the subject. As she started choosing specific classes, she gravitated toward advanced level mathematics courses taking Honors Geometry her sophomore year and Honors Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus her junior year. This year, she is enrolled in both Calculus and AP Statistics.

“AP stats is my favorite class I’ve ever taken,” she expressed. “I really like probabilities and using numbers you already have to predict numbers you can have in the future.” Masterson credits this course to influencing her desired future career—business analytics.

“It’s cool because my dad is an engineer and my mom was a business major,” she explained. “I’m getting to combine both.” Receiving STEM support and encour -

agement at home, it was actually Masterson’s father who encouraged her to apply for the STEM Scholars program. “When my dad first mentioned it, I looked into it and realized I was already taking many of the required courses out of my own interest,” she said. Wanting to take advantage of the opportunity, she applied and was accepted.

As she started to attend STEM Scholar meetings, Masterson found it “inspiring to see other girls my age, and even younger, know that they want to do something in the field.” Recognizing that STEM is often a male dominated space, Masterson thinks a program like this is invaluable at DSHA. “It’s so important to foster STEM interest and confidence in girls, especially at a young age.”

Wanting more exposure to women in the field, Masterson had the opportunity to tour HUSCO, International Inc., a privately-owned company that specializes in hydraulic and electro-mechanical control systems, with students enrolled in DSHA's Introduction to Engineering course and the STEM Scholars Program. Girls were given a tour of the facility and listened to female engineers talk about their journey into STEM. While there,

Casey Masterson, DSHA ’23, puts her problem-solving skills to the test in AP Statistics.

stem scholars program

The DSHA STEM Scholars program is designed for motivated high school students who are curious about and willing to engage in learning and applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A STEM scholar will show a commitment to STEM-related academic and career options. The program emphasizes specific course work, hands-on research projects, and learning beyond the classroom.

Additionally, the program will provide students with peer support; career information; leadership development; professional mentorship; and camaraderie. On completion of the program, students will receive special designation at graduation and on their transcript which shows evidence of the students’ commitment to their field of study.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK

 4 years of science courses.

 4 years of math courses.

 Must take at least 1.5 credits of the following courses:

 Intro to Computer Science or AP Computer Science

 Intro to Engineering

 Intro to Statistics or AP Statistics

 Graphic Design or autoCAD1

 Stagecraft I or Stagecraft II

 Advanced Economics

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 Attendance at STEM-related Career Day presentation(s) OR shadowing a STEM professional

 Active participation in a STEM-related co-curricular

 STEM-related research, either at DSHA or off-site is encouraged

Masterson again found herself inspired by women in the field. “Seeing their poise and how they conducted themselves in the work environment, not just with us as visitors but their colleagues as well, was inspiring,” she said. “They were making it a welcoming place for everyone.”

Knowing how vital it has been for her to see women working in STEM roles, Masterson started thinking about how she could provide that same example for other women. “I would like to do service work with younger kids interested in STEM or get a group of girls together to talk about STEM related careers to younger kids. I want to be an example for young women,” she expressed. “I want them to see that they can do this work. I want to show them that girls can like circuits, numbers, and math.”

THE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM MY TEACHERS AND THE INSPIRATION FROM MY OTHER FEMALE CLASSMATES HAVE REALLY ENABLED MY CONFIDENCE IN MY STEM ABILITIES TO GROW THE CONFIDENCE IS SOMETHING I WILL CARRY WITH ME AS I CONTINUE PURSUING THIS FIELD.”

CASEY MASTERSON, DSHA '23

Preparing for her future, Masterson shadowed a statistics lecture while touring St. Louis University. She was excited to realize that she was already familiar with most of the information

“I recognized everything he was talking about in class,” she said. “I feel very prepared for the next phase.”

Masterson recognizes she feels ready because of the content she’s learned in class, and also because of her environment at DSHA.

“The encouragement from my teachers and the inspiration from my other female classmates have really enabled my confidence in my STEM abilities to grow. The confidence is something I will carry with me as I continue pursuing this field.”

A DISCOVERED PASSION FOR ENGINEERING

Paulina Jimenez Gonzalez, DSHA ’24 grew up thinking she wanted to be a lawyer. It wasn’t until she enrolled in a few STEM courses at DSHA that she was exposed to a new field, and subsequently, a new interest.

“When I started high school, I became more interested in STEM, especially engineering, because of all the opportunities I have had here that I wasn’t exposed to in middle school,” she said. After excelling in her STEM courses her freshmen year, Jimenez Gonzalez was encouraged to join the DSHA/MUHS Robotics team her sophomore year. It was during one of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics competitions that she realized she might want to pursue an alternate path. Increasingly interested in STEM, she decided to enroll in the Introduction to Engineering course her junior year. The course, which quickly became her favorite, solidified what she was beginning to realize— she wanted to be an engineer.

“I want to be behind the scenes and learn how things are made and built,” she stated. Realizing her new career aspiration, Jimenez Gonzalez decided to take advantage of as many STEM opportunities as she could at DSHA. She became a mechanical lead of the robotics team and started looking for STEM related internships in the area. Hearing of the STEM Scholars Program, she immediately applied and was accepted for the 2021-2022 school year.

“I wanted a community of women that had the same interests as I did. Just the idea of a STEM program with all girls seemed really empowering and supportive,” she stated.

For Farrow, Jimenez Gonzalez described exactly what she was hoping to achieve with the creation of the program. Farrow shared, “we wanted the program to be more than academics. We wanted to give the girls support. STEM is not the easiest curriculum to navigate and to know there are other students interested in the field and sticking through those hard math and science classes, is really important,” she expressed. “It’s all about support.”

As a junior, Jimenez Gonzalez has started thinking more critically of her future career as an engineer.

She is excited by her own passion for the field, along with the impact she could have in the lives of others.

“I want to discover and create things that can make life easier and better for people. For example, in my Introduction to Engineering Course, I’m making a device through the Computer Aid and Design application that would make it easier for the elderly population to cut their nails.” Projects such as these have been extremely fulfilling to her. “Engineering allows me to follow through in the part of my faith that teaches me to be of service to others,” she expressed.

Paulina Jimenez Gonzalez, DSHA ’24, shares her Introduction to Engineering project with Principal Dan Quesnell.

DSHA STEM Scholars and members of the Introduction to Engineering course visit HUSCO, International Inc., to hear from women working in STEM.

HEART + INTELLECT FEATURE

Jimenez Gonzalez plans to continue focusing on STEM related opportunities throughout high school. “Being exposed to so many STEM opportunities while gaining encouragement and guidance from my teachers has really given me the confidence I need to continue pursuing this path.”

As a senior next year, Jimenez Gonzalez plans to enroll in the AP Computer Science course to learn more about the “design aspect” of engineering as she seeks to expose herself to every engineering opportunity possible to continue to learn how she can make a difference in the world.

BEING EXPOSED TO SO MANY STEM OPPORTUNITIES WHILE GAINING

ENCOURAGEMENT AND GUIDANCE FROM MY TEACHERS HAS REALLY GIVEN ME THE CONFIDENCE I NEED TO CONTINUE

PURSUING THIS PATH

PAULINA JIMENEZ GONZALEZ, DSHA '24

STEM CO - CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES AT DSHA

SMART Team | Students Modeling a Research Topic—Students work in teams to understand a molecular story and then design and build a physical protein model.

HOSA | Health Occupations Students of America—HOSA is dedicated to preparing students for future careers in the health/science field. HOSA is meant to empower its members to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.

Math Club | Students participate in math games and puzzles designed to foster critical thinking skills.

Robotics | The award-winning Hilltopper Robotics Team is a collaboration between DSHA and MUHS students. Students will build, program, and operate robots as well as handle the web design, marketing, and fundraising side of the program in preparation for competitions.

ALL-GIRLS & STEM BY-THE-NUMBERS

All-girls learning environments champion the educational needs of girls in STEM majors and careers. 1

 Girls’ school graduates on average report greater science self-confidence than coeducated peers in their ability to use technical science skills, understand scientific concepts, generate a research question, explain study results, and determine appropriate data collection. 1

 Girls’ school graduates are 6 times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attended coeducational schools. 2

 At the start of university, girls’ school graduates in the U.S. rate their confidence in their math skill abilities higher than their coeducated peers. 3

1. Dr. Tiffani Riggers-Piehl, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Fostering Academic and Social Engagement: An Investigation into the Effects of All-Girls Education in the Transition to University

2. Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

3. Dr. Linda Sax, UCLA, Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in their Characteristics and the Transition to College

BE THE GOODNESS AND KINDNESS OF JESUS

Collaborative Civil Discourse

On November 2, all DSHA students spent their World Language or Applied Wellness hour learning about how to engage in civil discourse rooted in the Salvatorian mission call to be the goodness and kindness of Jesus to one another.

During these sessions, led by a member of the academic administrative team, students learned to understand and articulate the scriptural foundation of collaborative civil discourse at DSHA. Additionally, in small group discussions, they worked through recognizing appropriate examples of DSHA’s civil discourse guidelines (noted below), how to put them into practice, and how to respectfully respond when others may not follow the guidelines.

Consistent with the collaboration core value delegated to DSHA by the Sisters of the Divine Savior, the purpose of these guidelines is to provide the framework for respectful conversations that create a sense of unity as students learn and grow from one another’s insights, experiences, and perspectives. The intention for the guidelines is to shape discussions in the classroom, in-person social and co-currciular interactions, and even social media platform engagement. All students committed to follow the eight guidelines with the understanding that these environments flourish when a community seeks truth through collaborative and constructive dialogue, and to listen with a sincere desire to learn from one another, particularly when facing conflicting ideas, opinions, and viewpoints.

COLLABORATIVE CIVIL DISCOURSE GUIDELINES FOR THE DSHA CLASSROOM & BEYOND

1 | Our goal is to discover truth together. No one wins or loses in collaborative discourse. Be compassionate with others even when you disagree. Be vulnerable and open to evolving your own views.

2 | Your first priority is listening. Our goal is to turn our ears to wisdom, and incline our heart to understanding. This involves actively listening to others, so we can discover what we share as true. Listen for commonalities, not just differences.

3 | Embrace positive behavior. Notice how you are reacting and responding when others speak. Give positive feedback, even those you disagree with, through encouraging words and actions. Recognize the goodness and kindness of Jesus.

4 | Do not interrupt. Do not talk over someone else who is speaking, even when you are excited. Side conversations are disrespectful to the speaker and distracting.

5 | Do not disrespect others. Do not make demeaning or inappropriate comments, facial expressions, or gestures; remain checked in to the conversation.

6 | Practice empathy. This is especially important when you disagree with others. Never reject another person in full just because you disagree with some of their opinions.

7 | Seek to clarify differences. Ask questions to understand when you do not agree. Don’t assume that you know what someone else means. Differentiate between facts and opinions.

8 | Find common ground. Identify and call attention to areas of agreement. The goal is to engage with alternative views to better understand the truth and to develop unity within our community.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE & GUIDANCE

Building a community rooted in unity. How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Recognizing the human dignity of each person.

Turn your ear to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding.

Proverbs 2:2

Listening and speaking with the guidance of Jesus on minds, hearts, and in our words.

Be the goodness and kindness of Jesus, the Savior.

Titus 3:4

IMPACT ON CLASSROOM + COMMUNITY

“Having our collaborative civil discourse guidelines did impact our conversations in a really positive way—especially in A.P Government. It helped to have documentation hanging in the classroom to refer to. Disagreeing without being disagreeable is an important skill to have. Additionally, in my A.P. Government class, and for seniors preparing to vote, we have used the USCCB’s (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) ‘Faithful Citizenship 2022’ document to help students work through questions on responsible citizenship, to help students recognize the nuance of evaluating a position. The broader media often shows political contests from a ‘how to defeat’ perspective. However, when we use guidelines like our civil discourse framework and the USCCB’s questions, we are able to enter into a safe space of listening to understand. I think we’ve done a really good job of creating this type of environment for our students.”

Social Studies Faculty Patrick Dawson

“I think everyone felt comfortable sharing opinions in class with the civil discourse guidelines. Having the framework helped us to focus on listening and respecting each other. Sometimes it can be difficult to have sensitive conversations, but after we had the training, it was a good reminder that helped guide serious discussions with an emphasis on understanding other opinions and learning new ways of thinking about things.”

Lila Waltenberger, DSHA ’25

“The guidelines have given me some language and structure for how to approach conversations where students have different backgrounds and perspectives. I appreciate that they are so rooted in listening. I studied at a Benedictine school for my master's degree, St. John's University, and St. Benedict called his community to listen ‘with the ear of your heart’. I love that line and that's what we invite students to do through these guidelines. I have seen the greatest impact in my sophomore Sacramental Life class. For example, when we were discussing baptism, we did a day of infant baptism dialogues. Students were asked to dialogue on the reasons why different Christian denominations hold different views on what age to baptize. The students did a really good job listening to each other as they formed rationale. After students were assigned an age to formulate an argument around, I gave them a chance to share their personal views. They listened with such care and respect; they gave each other the time and space to respond. As a teacher, I’m grateful for the framework as something we can commit to as a whole school —in and outside of the classroom.”

Theology Faculty Jena Thurow-Mountin

“I think it is really important to hear different points of views from each other —not just on the opinion but why someone feels the way they do. It isn’t necessary to agree, but it is important to understand. Understanding each other is a vital part of learning —especially in theology class. Listening helps us connect with each other. Even outside the classroom and into our daily lives. I’m on Service Team and I’ve noticed the guidelines have helped us to bounce ideas off of each other, and understand and respect where someone is coming from. This is so important in trying to build up the community.”

Charlie Smukowski, DSHA ’25

CAMPUS MINISTRY MODEL | All-School + Optional Offerings

Philosophy | Rooted in Salvatorian, Catholic spirituality, Campus Ministry at DSHA gives all students the opportunities and community they need to develop a lifelong relationship with God, participate in the sacraments, and be open to where God is calling them in life.

 All-School Opportunities | Faith is at the heart of everything at DSHA. All students are involved in Campus Ministry through monthly all-school Masses, retreats, and service programs, along with participation in liturgical celebrations. Theology classes and student-led prayer also bring faith into the daily student experience.

 Opt-In Opportunities | To build a lifelong faith, it is important for teenagers to be given the opportunity to opt-in to faith formation activities in order to find a sense of belonging in their faith. DSHA’s peer-connected opportunities help young women grow in their faith in a way that is meaningful to the individual, while authentically connecting with one another in a Catholic community. The peer ministry model of faith development allows for students to see other girls practicing their faith, and eventually take on Campus Ministry leadership roles of their own.

Prayer & Liturgy

 Daily | All-School Prayer

 Weekly | • Mass (either all-school or Faith Friday)

• Rosary • Confession

 Monthly | Eucharistic Adoration

 Liturgical & Special Seasons

• Father Jordan Spirit Week

• Catholic Schools Week

• Diven Mercy Chaplets

• Advent • Lent Retreats

 Opening Campus Ministry Retreat | open to all students

 Freshmen Retreat & Service Day | Set Sail

 Sophomore Retreat | Through the Turbulence

 J unior Retreat | Be Present

 Senior Retreat | On the Journey Service Students participate in nearly 25,000 hours of Salvatorian service each year—rooted in the mission of the Sisters of the Divine Savior to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world.

Presence & Pastoral Ministry Campus Ministry staff are available to students throughout the day for care, support, and guidance as needed.

Faith & Mission-Based Co-Curriculars

 Freshman Retreat Team

 Freshman Deck Crew

 Goodness & Kindness Teams

 Hometown Heroes

 Interfaith Team

 Liturgical Music Team

 Service Team

 She’s the First

 Sophomore Retreat Team

 Special Weeks Teams

 Student Auction Team

 Raise Awareness

 Respect Life

Student Leadership Opportunities

 CMC Council

 Service Coordinators

 Sacristans

 Liturgical Music Coordinators

 Afternoon Prayer Coordinators

 PB&J Coordinators

 Collections Coordinators

 Rosary Coordinators

 Goodness and Kindness Coordinators

 Freshman Retreat Coordinators

 Sophomore Retreat Coordinators

 Junior Retreat Coordinators

 Senior Retreat Coordinators

FAITH + HEART FEATURE

Choosing FAITH

BY MOLLY SHEA

Campus Ministry at DSHA hosts a robust array of faith formation offerings throughout the year. This model is an intentional combination of all-school and optional opportunities that are built upon the understanding that faith is personal to each girl. When students are offered an environment of choices in which to engage their faith, they actively say “yes” to growing their relationship with God in a way that is meaningful and personal among community. This fall, many of the DSHA Campus Ministry optional offerings were reworked into the co-curricular schedule to offer more freedom and flexibility for students to partake. In turn, student participation, engagement, and activity increased across all grade levels.

When Gracie Mount, DSHA ’23 , was a freshman, Campus Ministry at DSHA was something that held little interest for her. Even coming from a Catholic grade school that she loved, she had other interests she was excited to pursue in high school.

“I went to Mass because I went with my parents and it was a part of (grade) school. It was always something I did willingly, but not necessarily something I chose,” Mount shares of her experience with her faith prior to DSHA. “I knew I would continue to go to at DSHA, but because it was part of what was expected.”

In the fall of her freshmen year, Mount’s good friend Nora McCormick, DSHA ’23 , invited her to visit the Campus Ministry Center because McCormick had heard “cool things” about Campus Ministry. Those “cool things” turned into life-changing things for Mount.

“I started to visit the Campus Ministry Center more frequently and I felt so welcomed by the older girls in there. I saw their relationships and dynamics with each other. It was something I knew I wanted to strive for,” Mount shares.

As she sought opportunities to partake in more Campus Ministry offerings, Mount began attending Faith Friday Masses each week her freshman year. Faith Fridays are optional Masses that take place during the weeks without an all-school Mass. “I have found that when you have the opportunity to prioritize experiences where you are choosing your faith, and sharing that with others, your relationship with God will grow. And so do your relationships with others. As a freshman, I had no idea how impactful these Campus Ministry experiences would be.”

CHOOSING MASS

Over the course of her four years of high school, Mount has transitioned from watching and participating, to leading and creating Campus Ministry experiences for other students. This year, she serves in the role of a Campus Ministry Officer. Seven senior leaders serve as officers; they are meant to be a model of faith to their classmates, while developing school-wide Campus Ministry and faith-based programming throughout the year.

This has been a particularly meaningful year to serve in the role of an officer for Mount. Prior to the start of the year, the school co-curricular schedule was restructured to allow for a protected time each Friday for Mass and faith-based co-curriculars.

“Coming out of COVID, we knew we had a need to rebuild our community. It was so isolating. As officers, we were really excited for this change,” Mount shares. “With the new schedule we’ve had so many more girls attending Faith Friday Masses. Seeing other girls live out their faith really matters—especially to the younger girls who can see that juniors and seniors are giving up their time to go to Mass instead of scrolling Instagram.”

Since the inception of the schedule change this fall, attendance at optional Faith Friday Masses has nearly tripled compared to last school year. On average, 164 girls now attend these Masses each week.

When asked why this optional time of prayer and liturgy matters for students, Mount is quick to point out that high school can come with a lot of pressure. Having a sacred and dedicated time each week for a known pause

Pictured: Gracie Mount, DSHA ’23 (left) and Syniah Lee, DSHA ’24 (right)

can have a profound affect on her spiritual, mental, and social-emotional well-being.

“When we are together at Mass, nothing outside matters when you are praying with your friends—and meeting new ones,” Mount shares.

RAISING $10,000 TOGETHER

In addition to protected time for Faith Friday Masses, the schedule change has also allowed time dedicated for faithbased co-curriculars. On Fridays, mission and Campus Ministry-focused co-curriculars meet; and on Thursdays, academic-focused co-curriculars meet. Students now have the ability to participate in both types of offerings, which has led to an increase in Campus Ministry participation, and an increase in collaboration across all groups.

Because of the altered schedule and options for students, a collaborative year-long effort between all co-curriculars was set in motion at the very beginning of the school year called $10,000 Together. The project is student-led and inspired by this school year's scriptural theme: “How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity,” from Psalm 133:1.

Syniah Lee, DSHA ’24 , serves on the Underclasswomen Campus Ministry Council and has taken on an integral role in the $10,000 Together project. She shares, “The goal is to raise $1,000 for ten organizations that are important to DSHA students throughout the year. Students get to vote for the organizations from a list of choices. And then all of the co-curriculars host fundraisers until $1,000 is raised. Then we donate the money and start again on the next one.”

During the fall semester, a collaborative effort among co-curriculars raised $1,000 each for the following Milwaukee-area organizations: ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis), St. Bahkita Catholic Worker House, Camp Hometown Heroes, Warm Hands Warm Hearts, and Casa de Esperanza.

A MORE WELCOMING & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

Lee, who is involved in a number of other co-curriculars including Sisters of Culture and DEI Council, has seen the benefit of this project for the student body at large. “This makes our community more welcoming and inclusive. All of our different co-curriculars get to work together for one cause as the goodness and kindness of Jesus. Everyone has brought so much positivity and energy to the project,” she says. “When you see other clubs putting in such great effort, it inspires you to work hard and do the same. When we work together we not only accomplish more, but we grow closer with other girls we may not have interacted with because of different interests.”

When reflecting on the amount of work given and dollars

raised during the fall semester, Lee shares, “I feel so lucky and grateful that I get to see how this is playing out among our school. To see girls owning and choosing to act on their faith and impacting the community around them—both here and through these organizations—it is really special. Different clubs don’t always know what other groups are working on. In addition to raising dollars, we are also able to recognize and celebrate the great work other girls are doing.”

FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE

At DSHA, the mission of Campus Ministry can be summed up in a prayer by St. Therese:

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Each Friday of the week this school year has embodied the invitation of St. Therese: “It is there for each and every one.”

“It’s a hard world for young people to choose their faith,” says Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson “Studies have shown, and our own experience as educators supports, that the more people that surround them, the more opportunities that they have to have meaningful prayer and reflection, and the more chances they get to serve others is what gives them the greatest chance of living their faith long term.”

Mount adds, “We see how hard our classmates work to put together things for others to be a part of. Their hard work and passion makes you want to make the choice to participate. My own relationship with God has grown so much because of being a faith community where you get to prioritize choosing your faith and seeing other girls do the same.”

“To see girls owning and choosing to act on their faith and impacting the community around them —both here and through these organizations—it is really special.”

A LIFE-LONG PURSUIT

Monson often speaks about how the Campus Ministry efforts at DSHA are about creating a life-long faith. In addition to the daily prayer and all-school Masses, along with mandatory service, retreats, and Theology, the importance of having a faith formation model that gives young people opportunity after opportunity to choose faith for themselves is invaluable. Campus Ministry at DSHA is rooted in students having positive experiences with their faith, continuing to seek faith for themselves, and to eventually to lead that experience for others.

“The more they choose faith for themselves now, the more likely they are to enter college and keep living that faith without their parents or teachers requiring it of them. They will do it because it is just who they are,” Monson says. “More than anything, I want our girls to have the deep-down confidence that God loves them, and to have them choose that relationship with God for themselves. Because when that confidence does ‘settle into your bones’, in the words of St. Therese, it allows you to be the person you were meant to be in the world.”

Nora

Claire

Gracie Mount, DSHA ’23

Molly Reardon, DSHA ’23

Jane Retzer, DSHA ’23

Lucy Richburg, DSHA ’23

Yaleska SosaAzcarraga, DSHA ’23

Delaney

Pictured: Above,

hosted a food fair on December 9 featuring desserts with influence from Mexico, Spain, the Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Latin America. Proceeds benefited the $10,000 Together project. Below, students peruse the DSHA St. Nick Market in December. Vendors from several Milwaukee area small businesses sold stocking stuffersized items to students, faculty, and staff, with donated proceeds benefitting the $10,000 Together project.

Pictured: Students earned a reward after each $1,000 milestone was raised toward the $10,000 Together project. These awards were voted on by the entire student body. Following the second $1,000 collected, which benefited the St. Bahkita Catholic Worker House, Dashers voted for Principal Dan Quesnell to dye his beard red.

McCormick, DSHA ’23

Mooney, DSHA ’23

Eliana Idzikowski, DSHA ’24

Syniah Lee, DSHA ’24

Salma Chaouis, DSHA ’25

Scott, DSHA ’25

Furia Latina

& STAFF FOCUS TWO NEW ADMINISTRATIVE

FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES Maria Schram

At DSHA, the Director of Student Services develops and articulates the vision and philosophy of Student Services programs by planning and providing strategic leadership consistent with the mission of DSHA. Student Services serves students with a focus meeting the needs of the whole person—academic, social, emotional, wellness, and mental health of each student.

Education:

 BA in History, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

 BA in Broad Field Social Science, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

 MS in Educational Administration, Cardinal Stritch University

Professional Experience:

 St. John the Evangelist Catholic School | Principal

 St. Monica Parish School | Principal

 St. Mary Parish School of Hales Corners | Principal

 St. Joan Antida High School | Principal and Academic Dean

Q: What is your favorite thing about serving at an all-girls school?

A: I am all about the empowerment of women and the opportunities girls have in this setting that will positively impact their adult lives—college and beyond. In my past experience as a principal at an all-girls high school, and here, I see girls thriving in an academically rigorous and faith-based environment that encourages students to advocate for themselves and others. Girls feel comfortable participating in class and sharing their thoughts, leading them to become skilled communicators. A DSHA education affords girls substantial opportunities.

Q: What do you value or appreciate most about the Salvatorian mission?

A: Service to others. In our adult life, one of the impost important things we can do is to make an impactful change in the lives of others. We are called to do this in our vocation or volunteering. Through our DSHA mission, we instill service to others with the hope that students carry it forward in their lives while being good, kind, and faith-filled people.

Q: What is your hope for our students as it relates to your role as Director of Student Services?

A: Our goal is to be the best in everything that we do, and to do it through our Catholic school lens. That is the standard that drives me. Every decision we make is in the best interest of students and how to improve upon meeting their needs socially, emotionally, and intellectually. We are looking at what we offer, how we support girls in all aspects of who they are, and their DSHA experience. We are relying on data—and seeking this each quarter—to provide necessary offerings and interventions. Additionally, we look to see how students are responding and making sure we are defining and developing processes to meet those needs.

 Favorite experience with students at DSHA? | “I love all-school assemblies and Mass—anything with the collective school community coming together—the energy shows how special our community is.”

 Family | Husband Dave of 35 years, two sons, and a large Greek extended family “whom we gather with as much as possible!”

 Parishioner | St. Charles in Hartland

 Hobbies | Golf, travel, and spending time in Door County

 Item of note | In 2019, Schram received the prestigious Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Leadership Award.

TEAM MEMBERS

BRING A COMBINED 81 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE TO THE YOUNG WOMEN OF DSHA.

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Cynthia Blaze

At DSHA, the Director of DEI develops and oversees all DEI programming in a manner consistent with Catholic Social Teaching, and with an intentional emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and sisterhood among all Dashers while celebrating our unique differences, experiences, and perspectives.

Education:

 BA in Religious Studies, Cardinal Stritch University

 MA in Pastoral Formation, St. Francis Seminary

 Master Catechist Certification, Xavier University, New Orleans

Professional & Ministerial Experience:

 Central City Catholic Parishes of Milwaukee | Parish Director, RCIA Coordinator, and Leader of Mission & Ministry Programming

 Marquette University High School | Theology Faculty MUHS Diversity Office Advisor, and Moderator for the PRIDE (Personal Responsibility, Improvement, Development, and Enhancement) Homeroom, predominantly serving Black students

 Brother Booker Ash Lay Ministry | Theology Professor

 Archdiocese of Milwaukee | Black Catholic Ministry Commission Member

Q: What is your favorite thing about serving at an all-girls school?

A: I get girls—their emotion, their passion, their sisterhood. This feels like a really good fit. Friendship in high school is super important. Girls especially need really good friends with the same interests and concerns. We thrivewhen people understand who we are. It forms intimate bonds that last forever. I feel that in my faith journey God has been preparing me for this role and has ordered my steps. I feel so supported, valued, and appreciated, and I’m confident in who I am and why I’m here. I’m grateful to have arrived at DSHA and in this all-girls environment.

Q: What do you value or appreciate most about the Salvatorian mission?

A: The Sisters of the Divine Savior are very collaborative. From the beginning, the ordained collaborated with the lay. That interests me very much. When I work with students, we always focus on how we collaborate in unity. I love working with students on being both leaders and participants. I’m inspired by the founder of the Salvatorians, Blessed Francis Jordan, who always spoke of the importance of working together.

Q: What is your hope for our students as it relates to your role as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

A: The mission of our school is to be the goodness and kindness of Jesus. We live in a manner that puts our faith in the forefront of our lives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not commands but a calling. I want to help DSHA become a place where every graduate knows the strength and bravery of walking independently together, with God as our guide. Where every girl is able to find her voice within our community. I would like for our girls to look to this office as inclusive for all—not just for students of color, but anyone with a concern that I could advocate for. And when they walk across the stage at graduation, that the sisterhood is real—that each girl felt like she belonged and grew and learned a lot. My big word for the year is “belonging”. We all—every one of us—facilitate the sense of belonging.

Get to know CYNTHIA BLAZE

 Favorite experience with students at DSHA? | “One day I was helping two students work on college applications— there was a very lengthy area for them to share their experience with DEI and they were stressed. We talked through how to connect the dots of their experiences and understanding of what DEI is and being comfortable in it. I believe it was a formative and helpful conversation for them and I’m grateful they saw me as a resource.”

 Family | A large family including three daughters who attended DSHA, 11 grandchildren, four of whom currently attend DSHA.

 Parishioner | St. Sebastian in Milwaukee

 Hobbies | Sewing, listening to music, taking her grandchildren to $5 movie night and dinner; and reading anything by James Patterson, Brene Brown, “or anything recommended by Oprah!”

 Item of note | Blaze is the recipient of the Nathaniel Gillon Award by Marquette University High School.

Nov 29, 2022

This year, DSHA celebrated its first official Giving Tuesday, a global movement encouraging people to give and celebrate generosity through collaboration on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

Thank You, DSHA Community!

On Tuesday, November 29, the DSHA community came together to raise funds for the DSHA Annual Fund. This fund impacts all Dashers as it helps close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a DSHA education, supporting whole-person education through exceptional college-prep academics, Catholic faith formation, co-curricular experiences, and the mental/social/emotional health of all students.

Giving Tuesday by the Numbers

$37,387 | total raised on Giving Tuesday toward the $1,088,697 2022-23 annual fund goal

106 | total donors including alumnae, parents, past parents, faculty, staff, students, and grandparents

7x | Funds raised this Giving Tuesday helped close the gap more than seven times!

15 | states represented

13 | advocates who encouraged others to participate through the GiveSmart platform

Special Giving Tuesday Thank Yous!

What does "close the gap" mean?

▶ The gap is the difference between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of a DSHA education.

▶ The gap for the 2022-2023 school year is $5,200 per each DSHA student.

▶ As funds are raised in support of the DSHA Annual Fund, the community helps to close the gap, the difference between tuition and the actual cost of a DSHA education.

▶ 2x the impact | Judy Bultman, DS '57 , generously matched the first $5,200 raised, offering the first set of donors the opportunity to double their impact, collective raising $10,400 to close the gap two-fold.

▶ 3x the impact | Following the first $10,400 raised, an anonymous couple offered to triple the impact of the next set of donors up to $10,000.

▶ Advocating for Dashers | An additional anonymous donor and advocate matched $1,000.

▶ All in the DSHA family | Principal Dan Quesnell , Theology Dept. Chair Lisa Metz , Social Studies Faculty Patrick Dawson , and World Languages Faculty Eileen Gleeson sent copies of family-favorite, hand-written holiday recipes to donors who gave $50 or more on Giving Tuesday.

Questions on Giving Tuesday, the DSHA Annual Fund, or the gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of a DSHA education? Visit dsha.info/give or contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin at MazelinK@dsha.info or 414.616.2807

Alumnae Weekend

• SEP.30-OCT.2

1 | CLASS REUNIONS COCKTAIL HOUR

F R I D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 30

Milestone reunion years, classes ending in 2 and 7, gathered at Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club in Wauwatosa for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and Dasher spirit! The evening was full of reconnection, sisterhood, community, and fun. Pictured from left to right: Erin Duffy Glembocki, DSHA ’12 ; Colleen Gresk, DSHA ’12 ; Kara Miller, DSHA ’12 ; and Christine Klein, DSHA ’12

Classes ending in 3 and 8—next year we’ll celebrate you on Friday evening!

Save the date for next year: Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

2 | ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

F R I D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 30

The DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame celebration, hosted by Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun , honored three inductees: Andrea Novak Bonk, DSHA ’00 , for basketball (pictured left); Amy Mickschl Ames, DSHA ’97 , for swimming (pictured center); and Kate Troy, DSHA ’00 , for tennis (pictured right). Seegers-Braun shared a few words about each individual and the honorees addressed their family and friends.

3 | YOGA FOR THE MIND AND BODY

S AT U R D A Y, O C T O B E R 1

Led by Jamie O’Niell, DSHA ’07 , all alumnae were invited to a yoga session on Saturday morning. Held in the DSHA Mind and Body Studio, alumnae enjoyed a light breakfast after the session. Pictured in the back row, from left to right: Melissa Schneider, DSHA ’07 ; Therese Mance Hayden, DSHA ’07 ; Brook Lange Crevcoure, DSHA ’07 ; Jennifer Zastrow Poedel, DSHA ’07 ; Maureen McElligott, DSHA ’07 ; and Gina Konieczka, DSHA ’07 . Pictured in the front row, from left to right: Lindsey Townsley Birdsall, DSHA ’07 ; Jamie O’Neill, DSHA ’07; Kylie Friedrich, DSHA ’07; and Abigael Hutchinson, DSHA’ 15

4 | DASH-TOBER FEST

S AT U R D A Y, O C T O B E R 1

Dash-tober Fest was brought back by popular demand. The second annual outdoor event featured live music by Random Maxx, food trucks, and specialty brews. Alumnae also enjoyed sweet treats and snacks provided by their fellow Dashers. Molly Sullivan, DSHA ’04 , owner of Miss Molly’s Café & Pastry Shop donated cookies for the event. Batter MKE, owned by Brittany Gusho Wohlfeil, DSHA ’05 , donated specialty mini cakes. Katie Spaulding Wessel, DSHA ’03, owner of Milwaukee Pretzel Company donated pretzels, and Jessie’s Nutty Cups, owned by Jessica Taige, DSHA ’04 , provided handcrafted peanut butter cups. Pictured from left to right: Maya Pitts, DSHA ’17 ; and Jessica Diez, DSHA ’17

This party is for all DS, HA, and DSHA alumnae!

Save the date for next year: Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023

5 | ALUMNAE WEEKEND MASS

S U N D A Y, O C T O B E R 2

All alumnae and their families were invited to celebrate Mass as a community with Fr. Kevin Barnekow. The DSHA class of 1972—the newest Jubilarians—were honored at the Mass which also included a special prayer and rose ceremony to commemorate departed classmates. Pictured from left to right: Barbara J. (B.J.) Starck Schneider, DS ’58 ; Judy Carney Keyes, DS ’58 ; and Maureen Driscoll Connell, DS ’58

6

|

JUBILIARIAN BRUNCH

S U N D A Y, O C T O B E R 2

After inducting the DSHA class of 1972 into the Jubilarian community, all Jubilarians—women who graduated from HA, DS, or DSHA 50+ years ago celebrated a ladies-only brunch. 2022 Jubilarian of the Year Sue Behling Schmit, HA ’67 , received her award and addressed the community of women. To learn more about Schmitt, visit pages 43-44. Pictured from left to right: Cynthia Hartmann Thorn, DSHA ’72 ; Mary Byrne Kruse, DSHA ’72 ; and Susan Harte, DSHA ’72

Calling all classes who graduated in 1973 or earlier!

Save the date for next year: Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023

DSHA 2022 YOUNG ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

Lissa deGuzman, DSHA ’12

BROADWAY AND NATIONAL TOURING ACTRESS

By Erin McCarville & Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08

After graduating from DSHA, deGuzman followed her passion and attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN where she graduated with a B.F.A. in musical theatre. Post-graduation, deGuzman performed in regional theatres across the country. She landed roles in Bliss; Chasing Rainbows; Fiddler on the Roof; West Side Story; Godspell; 9 to 5; Pippin; Spring Awakening; The Wizard of Oz; and Les Miserables

In 2019, deGuzman made her Broadway debut as the lead role of Ann Darrow in King Kong. She was part of the post-pandemic Broadway reopening when she performed in Aladdin in 2021. In February of 2022, deGuzman was cast as the lead role of Elphaba in the National Broadway Tour of Wicked the musical. Wicked is one of the longest performing shows on Broadway, presenting in over 100 cities and 16 countries. While Elphaba is known as one of the most challenging female roles on Broadway, deGuzman remained confident in herself and her skills. “I have been in many productions and theatres in different environments, and I feel equipped to blossom in each space,” she says.

TURNING PASSION INTO SERVICE

FINDING HER VOICE

While at DSHA, Lissa deGuzman, DSHA ’12 , found her voice on the stage. She was a part of the DSHA musicals every fall and spring, participated in the winter plays, and was a part of the Angelaires—including holding the role of president her senior year.

“DSHA taught me to be myself. It is a safe environment that fostered the ability to be oneself, cater to my strengths, work on my weaknesses, and be a safe space to receive love,” she shares.

Off the stage, deGuzman enjoys volunteering for various organizations. “I have this burning desire to continuously grow to be a better person and assist in making the world a better place. I want to use my platform to pay it forward.” During the height of COVID-19, deGuzman volunteered, with the non-profit organization Sing for Hope. She met with nursing homes via zoom and performs sets for the residents. She has also taught weekly vocal classes at the New York City Department of Aging. Additionally, in every city in which the Wicked tour performs, members

Scan to view opportunities to see deGuzman star as Elphaba in the National Broadway tour of Wicked.

of the cast provide service to local organizations or gather clothing, food, or monetary donations to help support various non-profits around the country.

Working with these organizations has pushed deGuzman to not be afraid to go outside her comfort zone. “I encourage Dashers today, and all Dashers who have ever existed, to continue to push their boundaries, to continue to go out of their comfort zone, to travel, and to say yes to experiences you would normally say no to.”

A COMMUNITY THAT PERSISTS

An excellent role model for past, current, and future Dashers, deGuzman was presented with the Young Alumna of the Year Award in Chicago after several DSHA community members traveled to see her play Elphaba in Wicked. Upon reception, deGuzman reflected on the community that helped her to arrive at this moment in her career.

“I had a really special high school experience. (Fine Arts Faculty & Producing Director) Amanda Marsala , (Former Fine Arts Faculty & Director of Choral Studies) Becky Wickert , and (Former Director of Theatre and Theatre Manager) Michael Stafford , really put out these incredible productions at DSHA. They put their heart and soul into each performance and modeled for us students what could happen if you put your full effort into something.”

She concluded by thanking the DSHA community

DSHA FAVORITES

ALUMNAE FEATURE

gathered. “As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude not only for this great honor, but for your endless support. As I’ve traveled across the country, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many DSHA graduates and I’ve learned how important community, friends, and family really are. I truly believe you don’t get where you are alone. I could not have made it where I am today without my family, friends, and this DSHA community.”

In her spare time, deGuzman loves to eat at local restaurants while she is on tour. Currently, she’s on a mission to find the best cinnamon roll in the United States! She likes to explore the different cities she travels to, drink tea, cook, bake, and keep up with her Duolingo.

Most Inspirational Teacher | “Michael Stafford was my most influential teacher. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He was the first one to tell me that if I focused on honing my skills, I could make theatre my career. He helped me create a list of colleges with good theatre programs, he helped me pick out and coached audition materials. Without his support, I wouldn’t have pursued theatre. He believed in me before I really believed in myself.”

Favorite Class | “My favorite class was AP Chemistry. I was an overachiever and spent my lunchtime with a handful of other girls and (Former Science Faculty) Cathy Loehr. The extra time we all spent together really brought out a different side of all of us. During that class each of us aced a test, failed a test, sobbed, or had a breakdown. Mrs. Loehr was great at teaching the subject while also pushing us to succeed. She allowed us to have moments to cry and be human. I remember that class being more than just an AP Chemistry class, it was a safe haven.”

Favorite DSHA Memory | “One of my favorite DSHA memories is specifically about my 2012 senior class. I secretly recorded the song Forever Young and put it on our retreat CD. I underestimated how recognizable my voice was and my class requested that I sing the song live at our Baccalaureate Mass. When I finished singing, my class gave me a standing ovation. The outpouring of support and love that I felt in that moment was unprecedented. I carry that moment with me and remember how special DSHA is for engraining in each of us the importance of empowering and celebrating other women.”

DeGuzman’s DSHA senior yearbook photo.

DSHA 2022 ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

Judie Dalum Taylor, DSHA ’87

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ENTERFORCE & DUECO SAFECURITY, LLC

By Erin McCarville & Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08

SHE IS A SELF-ADVOCATE

Throughout her time at DSHA, Judie Dalum Taylor, DSHA ’87 , spent her years understanding what it means to have a voice, learning how to advocate for herself, and developing her confidence. As a student, she was involved all four years in softball, was part of the first DSHA Golf team, and participated in student governmen—becoming the senior class president her final year.

Following graduation from DSHA, Taylor attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and earned her B.S. in business administration marketing. It was a dream of hers to represent a company that was local to Milwaukee and had a reputation of fun and character—and she did just that by starting her career with WOW Distributing Company based out of Waukesha. As the marketing/sales manager, she directed sales, marketing, and promotion of Miller products.

SHE IS A LEADER

After her role with WOW Distributing Company, Taylor then pursued joining her family businesses of Utility Equipment Leasing Corporation (UELC) and DUECO, Inc. While at UELC, she traveled nationally and internationally, and later held the role of president during her last nine years of working there. Simultaneously, Taylor was the president and CEO of DUECO, Inc. She oversaw all sales and operations for the company in the 17-state region and led 400 team members through their 10 branch locations.

Today, Taylor is the president and CEO of Enterforce, Inc. and DUECO Safecurity, LLC. She leads these certified, woman-owned businesses that provide customized workforce management solutions and services to large-business clients.

SHE IS A BELIEVER

In addition to her current leadership role, Taylor strongly believes in the importance of honoring God through service work. She is one of four co-chairs for the United Way Campaign this year. She also serves on boards of several organizations including: Journey 21; La Casa de Esperanza; Marleh Lehmann Scholarship Foundation; ProHealth Care, Inc.; St. Camillus Retirement Community; St. Charles Catholic Church; United Way; Utility Equipment Holding Company; Creighton University; and Waukesha County Community Foundation. Additionally, she has served on the board of directors at DSHA from 2014-2020, as the marketing committee chair from 2017-2020, as an executive committee member from 2018-2019, and on the alumnae board from 1998-2001.

Taylor is pictured with her Alumna of the Year award alongside of DSHA President Katie Konieczny, DSHA ’92 .

“My siblings and I were taught at an early age that it is important to give back through our time, talent, and treasure. We were taught that God is the center of our lives and ultimately, it is our service to others that honors Him. I believe we all have a responsibility to support charities and local organizations to help those in our community.”

In addition to giving back through her time and talent, she believes in giving of her treasure. “I think it is important to support the organizations that helped shape me. I have been a financial supporter of DSHA since I graduated because I feel so grateful for what they did for me, not only as a student, but as a whole person. DSHA helped to make me into who I am today”.

SHE IS A CRITICAL THINKER AND COMMUNICATOR

Exhibiting the qualities of a DSHA graduate, Taylor was honored with the Alumna of the Year Award on Friday, September 30 during the Alumnae of the Year assembly where she had the opportunity to speak to all current DSHA students. Taylor expressed how she experienced her high school years stating, “knowing how I felt at this age, I know some of you may think you’re utterly lost.” Understanding this, she encouraged students to find their “north star” to help guide them.

“Metaphorically speaking, your

DSHA FAVORITES

Most influential Teacher | “(Social Studies Faculty)

Chris Weiss (DS ’70) was truly an amazing teacher and so well-respected by me and all my classmates. She taught with passion, used examples for all to understand the concepts, and cared about each student and how they learned best. She exuded a drive that made you want to learn more.”

Favorite Class | “Human Anatomy was one of my favorite classes in high school. It was captivating to learn about the body, nervous system, tendons, joints, etc. Although I never had a passion to go into medicine, I thought the class was fascinating and (Former Science Faculty) Betty Jo Azpell (HA ’58) was a wonderful teacher!”

‘north star’ is your personal mission statement. Whatever it is that you believe in so greatly that motivates you. The thing that makes you who you are and can direct you. It’s a fixed destination that you can depend on in your life as the world changes around you.”

She encouraged students to think critically about what their “north star” might be, and then defined her own. “My ‘north star’ is to stand firm with my integrity and make a difference. I want to make a difference in the lives of my children, fiancé, extended family, friends, the team at my company, and those in need.” She also encouraged students to “maintain faith, trust in God and His plan, and surround yourself with those that fill your cup. Trust me, I have lost my path before and what brings me back to my ‘north star’ every time is my faith in God, family, and friends.”

In addition to addressing students, Taylor also spoke at the President’s Dinner on Wednesday, November 2 and shared a similar message to those gathered.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her two children; including Amanda Taylor, DSHA ’18, and fiancé on the lake. She loves to travel, ride her Harley, golf, hike, and kayak.

Best DSHA memory | “My best DSHA memory was becoming senior class president. I felt so honored to be leading the class our last year of high school. I was in charge of the Big Sister/Little Sister program, senior lounge, assisted with senior production, was a speaker at graduation, and many meetings and duties in between. The leadership skills I learned assist me today when I’m leading a company. We had 126 people in our class, all of whom I knew senior year and continue life-long friendships with today because they are what made high school great!”

DSHA 2022 JUBILARIAN OF THE YEAR

Sue Behling Schmitt, HA ’67

CATHOLIC EDUCATOR + COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

By Erin McCarville & Danielle Jerominski Rabe, DSHA ’08

Following her family tradition of receiving an all-girls education at Holy Angels Academy is something Sue Behling Schmitt, HA ’67, holds close to her heart. During her high school years, Schmitt focused on staying involved—especially in theatre and the first-ever group of Angelaires—as well as learning to grow, and challenging herself intellectually, physically, and spiritually.

A PASSION FOR EDUCATION

Inspired by her time at Holy Angels Academy, Schmitt decided to pursue a career in education. After graduating in 1967, she attended Mount Mary University for two years and then graduated from Marquette University with her B.S. in history and elementary education. Going on to earn her master’s degree in education from Aurora University, she began her teaching career at St. Robert’s School in Shorewood. She taught history, religion, and science at the Catholic school for eleven and a half years. She was also involved with the fifth and sixth grade spring musicals and enjoyed helping direct, write, and choreograph the shows. Schmitt then taught at St. John Vianney School in Brookfield for 26 years. During that time, she helped start and coordinate the school’s spring field days. She also began and moderated the middle school student council that helped students develop leadership skills by organizing service projects and pep rallies.

Schmitt was passionate about teaching at Catholic schools because it allowed her to weave her faith into the curriculum. “As a social studies teacher in a Catholic school, I had the freedom to intertwine how our faith should guide students’ views on life outside of the classroom. Challenging them to think and explain their opinions on a variety of topics was always rewarding.”

A HEART FOR SERVICE

In addition to her passion for education, Schmitt also strives to better her community through service work. She started and coordinated Habitat for

Humanity for 16 years at her home parish of Christ King in Wauwatosa. She also coordinates the parish’s Advent and Lenten outreach, and along with her husband, Luigi, she is an active member of Christ King’s St. Vincent de Paul Society.

“One of the most powerful ways my husband and I have tried to give back to our community is through our parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society. Going on visits to those in the Milwaukee area who may have no job, bed, refrigerator, stove, or furniture, and may suffer from physical or mental illness, is eye-opening and humbling to say the least. Providing assistance to our neighbors in the central city not only helps them but helps us too. We are reminded that we are all God’s children and equal in His eyes.”

Schmitt also has a deep respect for the work that Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does worldwide and has been a committee member for the Annual CRS Archbishop’s Annual Reception for the past six years. Additionally, she sits on the Archdiocesan CRS Parish Ambassador Corps committee.

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

Schmitt’s commitment to education, service, and the Catholic faith, culminated in her receiving the DSHA Jubilarian of the Year Award on Sunday, October 3 during Alumnae Weekend. Jubilee Brunch, the last event of the weekend, honors women who graduated from Holy Angels, Divine Savior, and/or Divine Savior Holy Angels 50+ years ago. Upon the recognition, she spoke to the community of women about the importance of staying connected to one another.

“Reflecting on why I might have been given this honor, and I am honored by it, I know it’s not because I have done anything big and grandiose. It’s probably because I’ve tried to stay connected with the people in my life in a lot of little ways. Whether it be showing up as a wife, mom, sister, friend, a Catholic middle school teacher, an active member of my parish and community, or my neighborhood bridge group of 40 years,” Schmitt tries to remain committed to the people in her life.

Schmitt has also served as her Holy Angels class representative since 1967. For the past 56 years, she has enjoyed keeping her classmates united in friendship. “These relationships and experiences have formed us into who we are today. I know my faith, family, and friends have continued to challenge me and make me a better person. These relationships are what keep us going, keep us active, keep us growing, no matter what our age.”

In her spare time, Schmitt loves being with her family, whether it be at Sunday dinners, on vacations, or anytime in between. She enjoys golf, reading, traveling, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams— especially Marquette University’s men’s basketball, where she and her husband have been ticket holders for 51 years.

DSHA FAVORITES

Most influential Teacher | “My American Government teacher, Mary Moss , was amazing and made me love all things history and government. My other favorite teacher was Sister Genevieve . She had us memorize poems and present them to fellow students in her drama class. Her class was one of the main reasons I decided to get involved in school plays!”

Favorite DSHA memory | “I have so many wonderful memories of my four years at Holy Angels. However, the junior class trip is my favorite. Many students from our class were fortunate enough to travel by train to Washington, D.C., New York, Quebec, and Montreal. Getting to see the amazing sights and be with my fellow classmates for over a week was so much fun. We were truly a very lucky group of girls!”

Schmitt (center) is pictured with her daughters, Jenny Schmitt Nyquist, DSHA ’97 (left) and Ann Schmitt, DSHA ’03 (right) at Jubilee Brunch.

Schmitt’s Holy Angels Academy senior photo.

1 | Elizabeth “Betsy” Stone, DSHA ’10 , was recognized as a 2022 Feminist Honoree by the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee. The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee is a nonprofit with a mission to activate philanthropy that advances equity for women. Stone is an associate and litigation lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP and a member of the firm’s Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice.

2 | On November 29, DSHA 2021 Athletic Hall of Famer and Young Alumna of the Year, Arike Ogunbowale, DSHA ’15 , was named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the sports category. Current Dallas Wings guard and two-time WNBA all-star, Ogunbowale was named to this list for her excellence on and off the court. She is a founding member of LeBron James’ "More Than a Vote" initiative that encourages African Americans across the country to register to vote and cast a ballot on Election Day. She is also part of a media startup Just Women's Sports that focuses on increasing attention for female athletes and their teams.

3 | Elizabeth Rendfleisch, DSHA ’87 , is VP & Director of Interior Design at Penguin Random House in New York City. With her husband, Mark Wish, she recently founded, edited, and published Coolest American Stories. The 2022 volume won the International Book Award for Fiction: Anthologies. Rendfleisch discusses her career in publishing and her move to New York City on “This Podcast Will Change Your Life” found at bit.ly/3CZoKlw (case-sensitive).

4 | This past June, Amanda Savagian, DSHA ’10 , received her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. Savagian credits her scientific career to Former Science Faculty Betty Jo Azpell, HA ’58 , and the required course work of the DSHA Independent Science Research Project. While working towards her PhD, Savagian served as President of the Princeton Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Women in Partnership where she organized and led mentor groups composed of graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, administrative staff, and faculty focused on issues affecting women in STEM.

5 | On November 22, Claire Hubley, DSHA ’18 , returned to DSHA to speak to the AP Human Geography class taught by Social Studies Faculty Chris Weiss, DS ’70 . Hubley graduated from Tulane University in 2022 with a degree in public health. While in school, she wrote a book titled RX: Why a Healthy You Requires a Healthy Planet. Hubley spoke to the class about climate change, food deserts, and her writing process. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree in international health with a concentration on nutrition and epidemiology at Tulane University. Her book is currently being sold at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

6 | Abby Mackenzie Basile, DSHA ’03 , teaches history at a Catholic grade school in Colorado. In May, she was recognized in the state for excellence in Holocaust education. She tributes her passion for teaching history to Social Studies Faculty Patrick Dawson , Social Studies Faculty Chris Weiss, DS ’70 , and 2022 Jubilarian of the Year Sue Schmidt, HA ’68 , who taught her at St. John Vianney in Brookfield. Wanting to keep some DSHA traditions, Basile hosts a Gr8 Lengths hair donation program at her school. She also asks her students to participate in “harvest days” where they bring in canned goods, similar to the current Collections Day at DSHA.

7 | Jessica Trudell, JD, DSHA ’00 , was appointed by the Board of Directors with the State of Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care to serve as Executive Director/ State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The program advocates for residents' rights and quality of care for the state's older adult long-term care residents and individuals receiving services through Medicaid. Trudell has been with the Board for three years, previously serving as Counsel to the Board and the Equity and Inclusion Officer.

8 | Erin Waldron Grossi, DSHA ’96 , was recently promoted to Partner and eMobility & Energy Systems Innovation Lead for the North American consulting business for Accenture LLP. Grossi previously served on Accenture's strategy team. With a doctorate from Georgetown University, Grossi has focused on energy and industrial systems for nearly two decades, helping to build clean-energy economy as an international economist. She was recently honored with a request by the University of Chicago to join their inaugural cohort of fellows in their Leadership and Society Initiative.

9 | Gaining inspiration after traveling with her husband and four daughters for many years, Maggie Duffey Gerth, DSHA ’81 , is the founder and CEO of Props Luggage. The patent-pending leg system props up a carry-on sized suitcase and creates a convenient surface and guaranteed luggage rack. Featured in Entrepreneur, The Coolector, My Subscription Addiction, and more, view the travel companion at propsluggage.com

10 | Mae Hurtado-Theile, DSHA ’20 , a Mercile J. Lee Scholar, is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a full tuition scholarship with plans to graduate a year early in 2023. Pursuing a degree in genetics and genomics with certificates in French and leadership, she has been involved in scientific research focused on metabolism and diabetes. This fall, Hurtado-Theile was awarded scholarships to attend two national Diversity in STEM conferences where she won poster awards at both. At the Great Minds in STEM conference, she earned first place in the Undergraduate Math & Science Poster Competition. At the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Dive in STEM conference in Puerto Rico, she received the Outstanding Poster Award.

Alumnae

WHO HAVE RECENTLY PASSED:

GRADUATE FROM THE 1930 s

Loretta Barber Dittmer, HA ’39 March 11, 2022

GRADUATES FROM THE 1940 s

Georgeanne Van Wie Lockwood, HA ’44 February 14, 2022

Beverly Bolger Klein, HA ’44 September 29, 2022

Audrey Graser Greeley, HA ’45 March 17, 2022

Mary Ormsbee Haas, HA ’45 April 3, 2022

Barbara Sneddon Larsen, HA ’46 May 14, 2022

Joan Steinhagen Wagoner, HA ’47 June 16, 2022

Gloria Manna Barnes, HA ’47 July 27, 2022

Jeanine Venne Schuetz, HA ’48 April 1, 2022

Dolores Horvath Lecher, HA ’48 May 15, 2022

Janet Hebein Fuhrman, HA ’48 August 24, 2022

Kathleen Klarer Mohan, HA ’49 April 8, 2022

Helen Shaughnessy Langhoff, HA ’49 July 30, 2022

GRADUATES FROM THE 1950 s

Sally Bartzen Rice, HA ’50 May 29, 2022

Kathleen Hayes Phillips, HA ’53 March 21, 2022

Joanne Herzog Fuss, HA ’53 June 9, 2022

Suzanne Hahn Baumgart, HA ’53 July 26, 2022

Eleanor McDermott Schroeder, HA ’53 September 18, 2022

Barbara Matuszak Lee, HA ’54 November 5, 2022

Marilyn Vermeulen Spiegel, HA ’55 March 4, 2022

Judith Mueller O’Hair-Regan, HA ’55 May 26, 2022

Elaine Adolph Brown, HA ’55 July 31, 2022

Mary Ann Gillick O’Neil, HA ’56 April 14, 2022

Bonnie Runge Hitchcock, HA ’57 May 23, 2022

Mary Alice Mueller Wildt, HA ’57 July 27, 2022

Carol Stuessy Schuessler, DS ’58 March 9, 2022

Mary Bornheimer Myers, DS ’58 July 17, 2022

Joan Bielefeld, DS ’59 March 1, 2022

Diane Hauser Washbush, DS ’59 March 17, 2022

Nancy Grota Halston, DS ’59 May 13, 2022

Kathy Honish Matuszak, DS ’59 May 17, 2022

GRADUATES FROM THE 1960 s Corinne Skowron Finn, HA ’60 April 21, 2022

Sheila Baker Hess, DS ’60 July 7, 2022

Katherine Peters Zacharias, DS ’60 October 30, 2022

Marjorie McGarty Sheahan, HA ’63 March 8, 2022

Sue Savignac Thode, DS ’63 November 2, 2022

Barbara Sullivan Deam, DS ’64 February 25, 2022

Susan Siewert Gramling, DS ’64 June 1, 2022

Mary Cannon, HA ’64 July 1, 2022

S. Jane Eschweiler, SDS, DS ’65 June 9, 2022

Annemarie Lucchesi Breske, HA ’65 June 25, 2022

Kathleen Houghton, HA ’66 July 28, 2022

Kathleen Corry, DS ’68 June 26, 2022

Jacqueline Eberle O’Malley, DS ’69 September 9, 2022

GRADUATE FROM THE 1970 s Sandra Harris Tran, DSHA ’77 March 11, 2022

GRADUATE FROM THE 1990 s Kerry Goss Beamon, DSHA ’99 December 4, 2022

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEIR SOULS, AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD, REST IN PEACE.

Save these dates!

Dasher Day of Giving | Wednesday, April 19

Mark your calendars for our seventh annual Dasher Day of Giving. Last year, over 300 DSHA community members raised $48,145—we are so grateful! Keep an eye on your email inbox and follow DSHA on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin at mazelink@dsha.info or 414.616.2807

Alumnae Service Day | April 22

DSHA alumnae and students will serve together at the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House in Milwaukee from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The day will begin with a welcome in the chapel, followed by indoor/outdoor chores and fellowship. Registration details coming soon.

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

Spring Open House—Grades 5-7 | Sunday, April 23

Future Dashers in grades 5-7 and their families are invited to experience and learn about all things DSHA! Families will experience Mass and student-led tours where they will learn about the 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

Questions? Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA ’10 , at duffya@dsha.info or 414.616.2808

Grandparent Liturgy | Wednesday, April 26

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 Mazelin at mazelink@dsha.info or 414.616.2807

DSHA Summer Cool—Rising Grades 1-9 | June-July

Future Dashers in rising grades 1-9 will have their best summers yet at DSHA Summer Cool. With 100+ 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 Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA ’16 , at lagorem16@dsha.info or 414.721.2909

Fine Arts At DSHA

 May 1 | Handbellpalooza Spring Concert

 May 3 | Spring Instrumental Concert

 May 5 | Angelaires and Concert Choir Spring Concert

 May 10 | Parent Fine Arts Association Awards Night

 July 14-16 | DSHA Community Theatre Works, Disney’s Descendants—The Musical » dsha.info/tickets

Athletics at DSHA

 Visit dsha.info/athletics for a schedule of spring events.