Rooted in Community, Carried Through Generations
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Kathy Canty Brown ’84 | O’Dowd Senior Director of Development
Daughter of Tim Canty ’58, Parent of Joshua Brown ’12 & Rebecca Brown ’18
I’ve walked these halls as a student. I’ve stood on the sidelines as a parent. I’ve shown up each day as a staff member, first as a math teacher and later in the development office, committed to giving back to a place that gave so much to me. I’m one of many in a three-generation O’Dowd family - and I know I’m not alone.
Over the past 75 years, more than 600 families have chosen Bishop O’Dowd High School not just once, but across generations. Students from the school’s earliest classes went on to send their children - and then grandchildren - to O’Dowd. Many families are connected across siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and in-laws. O’Dowd isn’t just part of one person’s story - it becomes part of the family.
In a world where families have endless choices, the decision to return to O’Dowd isn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake. It’s about identity. It’s about who we are, together: a deeply connected community that supports students to grow into their fullest potential. A community so strong that alumni feel called to return, beyond reunions, to serve as teachers, coaches, counselors, and staff. Choosing O’Dowd is a choice to belong - to a place rooted in values, strengthened by relationships, and committed to preparing young people to lead lives of purpose, faith, and impact.
The three families featured here are just a glimpse into that legacy. From founding-year students to current sophomores, their stories reflect something powerful: a tradition of excellence rooted in community - and passed on with love. We’re forever Dragons.
Click through to the stories below.
