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.