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Check out all concert footage »

Check out all concert footage »

Check out all concert footage »

Freshman, sophomore and junior students were recognized for outstanding achievement in academics and student activities at a multi-grade awards assembly held in the large gymnasium on May 15. Seniors were recognized at a separate awards ceremony held on May 8.

Thirteen freshmen, 10 sophomores and 27 juniors were recognized for maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or better through the semester ending December 2012.

Several students in each of the three grades also received department medals and certificates for their mastery in English, fine arts, world languages, mathematics, physical education, religious studies, science and social studies.

Download the award list »

National Honor Society members were recognized, as well as students participating in student council, campus ministry and other campus life activities.

Two special awards – the Outstanding Male/Female Award and the Spirit of the Dragon Award – were presented to students in each of the grades.

The Outstanding Male/Female Award is given to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement in all areas, and who are highly respected by members of their class for their overall involvement, attitude and service to others.

The Spirit of the Dragon Award is given to students who embody the well roundedness of an active and engaged Bishop O’Dowd High School student outside of the classroom, and who go above and beyond their involvement in class activities, clubs, the fine and performing arts, athletics and service to the O’Dowd and/or surrounding communities.

Freshman winners were Matt Saccomanno and Lorna McElrath (Outstanding Male/Female Award) and Sean Lee (Spirit of the Dragon Award).

Sophomore winners were Bryan Cardenas and Lauren Choy (Outstanding Male/ Female Award) and Chris Leboa (Spirit of the Dragon Award).

Junior winners were Bakare Awakoaiye and Parker Harrison (Outstanding Male/Female Award) and Paige Dolby (Spirit of the Dragon Award).

Pictured above left to right: William Du (Salutatorian), Jonathan Pena, K.C. Waters (Scholar Athlete), Joe Raphel, Eugene Hamilton (Scholar Athlete), Daylen Yang (Valedictorian), Sophie Vaughn (ASB President)

Joe Raphel ’70 toured campus today and met with some of our students. During his visit, Joe had a chance to visit our Living Lab, the digital music studio, the new chemistry lab/classroom – and even got a sneak peak at this year’s yearbook.
 
Joe is the 2013 recipient of the Cor Unum Award, presented each year to select members of the O’Dowd community whose lives and work embody the core values of leadership, service, social justice and intellectual competence expressed in the school’s Mission. He will receive the award at the June 2 graduation ceremony and offer remarks. 

Tesla Coil Activates One Tube of Gas in Darkroom

Tesla Coil Activates Two Tubes of Gas

Close Up of Plasma Ball Connect to Hand

Voice Activated Plasma Ball

The O’Dowd community gathered on the Quad last week for the End of School Liturgy, celebrated by campus chaplain Fr. Gerald Pedrera and Deacon Noe Gonzalez.

Prior to the start of the liturgy, the Campus Ministry Team performed a skit that used the Forrest Gump storyline to talk about elements of the school’s charism – community in diversity, strength of character, kinship with creation, social justice and joy.

At the conclusion, students planning to participate in various service learning programs this summer were given a special blessing, and faculty members leaving O’Dowd – Dona McCabe, Liza Dodd (both retiring) and Christina Airaghi (moving out of state) – were recognized and thanked.

“We will miss Dona, Liza and Christina. They have each touched our community with great compassion and love. When teachers leave us to seek different paths, they inspire us all to follow our dreams. We pray for all of them that they will experience great joy,” Principal Pam Shay said.

Zoo Walk prize winner Jessica Osterberg ’14 and three of her friends took a day trip to Fisherman’s Wharf on May 13.  They visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, where they experienced the strange, the unusual and the unbelievable in the museum’s unique interactive galleries. The group’s next stop was the Pier 39 aquarium where they saw the undersea world of jelly fish, starfish, rays and other sea creatures.  It was a fun day of beautiful weather, sightseeing and friendship.