School News

A DSHA education is more than facts, concepts, coursework, and a rigorous college-prep curriculum. It is about young women finding a place that affirms they are created in the image and likeness of God. It is about being known by teachers, counselors, pastoral staff, administration, and the sisterhood that is only possible in an all-girls environment. It is about finding passion and purpose in the company of a supportive, Catholic community. Over the course of the spring semester of 2020, DSHA learned that while better together, this unique education — at its true core — is still possible when required to be physically apart because of a dedicated faculty and staff, unwilling to settle in order to meet students in their evolving needs.

During this time of crisis, the community has looked to, and continues to depend on, the frontline heroes. The setting of their work may differ from person to person—they may work in hospitals, directly in the community, or in places with vulnerable populations—but they all have a passion and drive to help their neighbors, even as it presents a risk to their own well-being.

Dozens of DSHA alumnae are these heroes. They all embody what it means to be a Dasher — a confident, capable woman making an actual, tangible difference in the world for good.

They are believers. They draw on their faith that was strengthened at DSHA, and
lean on this faith during this difficult time.

They are self-advocates. They assess their strength and abilities, and do their part to help whenever and however they know they are capable. With courage, they fight for what is right—for their patients and themselves —evenin the midst of risk and unknowns.

They are critical thinkers. Even though their job responsibilities and roles have evolved, they adapt quickly and intelligently, making choices of life and death each day.

They are communicators. They hear from those who are struggling; they respond and they share in those struggles. They communicate using both strategy and empathy, grace, and truth.

They are leaders. In constant collaboration with others, they proactively fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the effect it has on all members of the community.

While the DSHA Qualities of a Graduate were established in these frontlines alumnae during their time at DSHA or its founding schools, we are learning from them each and every day, even as they continue to discover new information themselves. They show us what it means to carry oneself with confidence, to selflessly help others, and to trust in our values and beliefs—even and especially when times are tough. We are proud to call these alumnae a part of our community.

Fred Rogers is famously quoted for saying, “When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

These alumnae are quick to point to others who are helping, the people they find in their line of work that inspire them. But they deserve the recognition as well.

They are the helpers. And for that, we are immensely grateful.

During this time of crisis, the community has looked to, and continues to depend on, the frontline heroes. The setting of their work may differ from person to person—they may work in hospitals, directly in the community, or in places with vulnerable populations—but they all have a passion and drive to help their neighbors, even as it presents a risk to their own well-being.

Dozens of DSHA alumnae are these heroes. They all embody what it means to be a Dasher — a confident, capable woman making an actual, tangible difference in the world for good.

They are believers. They draw on their faith that was strengthened at DSHA, and
lean on this faith during this difficult time.

They are self-advocates. They assess their strength and abilities, and do their part to help whenever and however they know they are capable. With courage, they fight for what is right—for their patients and themselves —evenin the midst of risk and unknowns.

They are critical thinkers. Even though their job responsibilities and roles have evolved, they adapt quickly and intelligently, making choices of life and death each day.

They are communicators. They hear from those who are struggling; they respond and they share in those struggles. They communicate using both strategy and empathy, grace, and truth.

They are leaders. In constant collaboration with others, they proactively fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the effect it has on all members of the community.

While the DSHA Qualities of a Graduate were established in these frontlines alumnae during their time at DSHA or its founding schools, we are learning from them each and every day, even as they continue to discover new information themselves. They show us what it means to carry oneself with confidence, to selflessly help others, and to trust in our values and beliefs—even and especially when times are tough. We are proud to call these alumnae a part of our community.

Fred Rogers is famously quoted for saying, “When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

These alumnae are quick to point to others who are helping, the people they find in their line of work that inspire them. But they deserve the recognition as well.

They are the helpers. And for that, we are immensely grateful.

During this time of crisis, the community has looked to, and continues to depend on, the frontline heroes. The setting of their work may differ from person to person—they may work in hospitals, directly in the community, or in places with vulnerable populations—but they all have a passion and drive to help their neighbors, even as it presents a risk to their own well-being.

Dozens of DSHA alumnae are these heroes. They all embody what it means to be a Dasher — a confident, capable woman making an actual, tangible difference in the world for good.

They are believers. They draw on their faith that was strengthened at DSHA, and
lean on this faith during this difficult time.

They are self-advocates. They assess their strength and abilities, and do their part to help whenever and however they know they are capable. With courage, they fight for what is right—for their patients and themselves —evenin the midst of risk and unknowns.

They are critical thinkers. Even though their job responsibilities and roles have evolved, they adapt quickly and intelligently, making choices of life and death each day.

They are communicators. They hear from those who are struggling; they respond and they share in those struggles. They communicate using both strategy and empathy, grace, and truth.

They are leaders. In constant collaboration with others, they proactively fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the effect it has on all members of the community.

While the DSHA Qualities of a Graduate were established in these frontlines alumnae during their time at DSHA or its founding schools, we are learning from them each and every day, even as they continue to discover new information themselves. They show us what it means to carry oneself with confidence, to selflessly help others, and to trust in our values and beliefs—even and especially when times are tough. We are proud to call these alumnae a part of our community.

Fred Rogers is famously quoted for saying, “When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

These alumnae are quick to point to others who are helping, the people they find in their line of work that inspire them. But they deserve the recognition as well.

They are the helpers. And for that, we are immensely grateful.

Due to social distancing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the closure of DSHA, the achievements of students were honored virtually. The Parent Fine Arts Association Awards Night, the SDS Salvatorian Senior Awards Night, and the Underclasswomen Honors Assembly were all made into videos and shared with our community in May. Click on the links below to celebrate the achievements of our students! 

DSHA Director of Fitness & Performance and Health & Fitness Department Chair Brian Calhoun has been at DSHA since 2015. His goal is to challenge students to live by the motto has that shaped his life — push and work beyond what you are capable of; beyond what is comfortable.   

Human Anatomy and Physiology has been offered at DSHA for more than 15 years and became a dual-(college) credit course eight years ago. This popular class, along with other courses in the dual-credit program, offers students a multitude of benefits as it relates to both college preparation and career exploration. 

For two weeks in October, DSHA juniors and seniors hosted 31 students from Lycée Saint Jean, a Catholic, co-ed high school in Limoges, France. This is the first part of the French exchange partnership between DSHA and Saint Jean, which has been in place for 30 years. In the spring, DSHA French students will travel to Limoges and stay with a host student from Saint Jean.

Claire Halloran, DSHA ’16, was named one of 32 recipients of the prestigious 2020 Rhodes Scholarship, which provides the opportunity to study at Oxford beginning next fall.