In its very first year, DSHA’s Salvatorian Family House System became a new way for Dashers to lead, connect, compete, and belong.

More than 120 student leaders helped shape the inaugural year of the House System, serving as House Captains, Penny leaders, Communications Representatives, DEI leaders, Campus Ministry Representatives, and Den Directors. Together, they built traditions, created community, and helped establish a foundation that many hope will define the DSHA experience for years to come.

Payton Josetti, DSHA ’26, a Penny for Lumen House, reflected on the growth of school spirit throughout the year: “Seeing the spark develop in the Lumeneers over the course of this year has been so fun to watch.”

"We Were Creating Something New

When the Salvatorian Family House System (SFHS) officially launched this year, students stepped into something entirely new. Although nearly two years of planning laid the groundwork, no one could fully predict what it would become once students made it their own. With no traditions to inherit or leaders to follow, they built connections, created new traditions, and brought the House System to life together.

For many student leaders, especially members of the class of 2026, the experience became about more than competitions or assemblies. It became an opportunity to shape school culture, strengthen community, and

leave a lasting impact on DSHA.

“I knew I wanted to leave an impact on the school,” shared Madeline Hodges, DSHA ’26, House Captain for Dignitas.

Others described the experience as rewarding, inclusive, challenging, collaborative, and deeply meaningful.

Lucy Elgersma, DSHA ’26, House Captain for Illustratae, reflected on the experience of helping establish the foundation of the system from the very beginning: “We put in a lot of work over the summer, and I feel confident that we created a good foundation for a system that will continue to grow and change.”

That sense of ownership appeared throughout the student reflections in the end-of-year leadership survey.

Rose Fleisch, DSHA ’26, House Captain for Caritas, shared that she wanted to be “a part of something special and new in the community,” while Paula Goetz, DSHA ’26, House Captain for Lumen, described the experience as "rewarding, challenging, inclusive."