O'Dowd in Brief 
News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends

Finding God in All Things
March 2020
Message from President J.D. Childs
Dear O'Dowd Students, Parents, Alumni, and Friends,

We know that right now it is more important than ever to remain engaged and connected with one another.  Included in this month's In Brief are stories emblematic of large and small expressions of creativity, generosity, and the spirit of the common good. We hope you enjoy reading about the people who fuel our work each day.

We are also aware that we are all sharing a difficult time and a world that changes daily. We ask our entire community to pray for all who have been impacted by COVID-19. And if you wish to know more about how O'Dowd is supporting learning in our community during this time, we encourage you to visit our  COVID-19 webpage .

This March In Brief reminds us who and what we are here for--the connection, community, and commitment to education that seeks to bring forth a more just, joyful, and sustainable world — especially when it may seem most difficult. Thank you for all the ways you support one another, O'Dowd, and the broader community.

With wishes of well-being for all,
J.D. Childs
President
ALEXI PAPPAS '08: SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVER STORY Alexi is a 2016 Olympian, actor, writer and Greek national record holder in the 10,000 meters, currently training across the Atlantic for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo that were just postponed until 2021. Like a pro, Alexi took the opportunity to write an excellent reflection on the importance of running now. And Sports Illustrated listened! Enjoy, and enjoy a safe run when you are able.

WELCOME TO THE NEWEST DRAGONS - CLASS OF 2024!
We are delighted to welcome O'Dowd's Class of 2024! The class of more than 300 includes amazing students representing 70 middle schools, 55 zip codes, and 12 religious traditions, reflecting the beautiful diversity of all kinds at O'Dowd and in the greater Bay Area. We can't wait to meet you all!
OLIVIA SALLY '20 ON KQED'S FORUM RE: COVID-19 AND COCA-COLA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
From 93,075 applicants from across the country to 1,928 Semifinalists to 251 Regional Finalists, Coca-Cola just chose its 150 new Coca-Cola Scholars, and O'Dowd's Olivia Sally '20 is one of them. This week she was featured on KQED Forum giving valuable student perspective of how school cancellations have affected high school students. Read more about Olivia's Scholarship.
ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY LEADERS - SUPPORTING THEIR PEERS
Student leaders continue to meet via Zoom and are currently at work on a video to help their peers stay positive during this time, engaging all grade levels in the effort and keeping spirits strong. They are also keeping everyone connected through their Instagram.
DRAGON HOOPS IS HERE!
Former O'Dowd teacher and NYT bestselling author Gene Yang's book about O'Dowd and basketball is out! We were disappointed to cancel the Book Release event due to COVID-19 concerns, but we encourage all to order their copy from Mrs. Dalloway's Literary and Garden Arts , who was to host the event. AND to follow Gene's virtual book tour on Instagram.
WATCH! JEVON HOLLAND '17
FOOD JUSTICE FOR KIDS
Jevon, currently a junior at University of Oregon and safety for Ducks football, joined up with Cal's Elijah Hicks and other Pac-12 players to raise awareness, funds and food for kids in need amid the COVID-19 crisis. To date, the players have raised more than $15,000 of their $20k goal. Watch the fundraising video that went viral
WATCH! A BRIEF REFLECTION FROM FR. JIM SULLIVAN: APPRECIATING OUR BLESSINGS
Father Jim Sullivan, O'Dowd's chaplain, offers this video reflection to inspire gratitude in these tough times. If you are searching for a way to stay connected spiritually, here are more resources: virtual daily Mass and a Catholic meditation app to keep your faith strong.
Campus News
O'Dowd Voted Best Private High School Thanks to our tremendously enthusiastic community of families, O'Dowd has been voted the best private high school by Oakland Magazine. This honor is a testament to the good will, positive spirit, and joy of our community, as winners are selected through reader votes. Thank you, O'Dowd!
Grit and Grace: Basketball Teams Finish Strong When COVID-19 Cuts State Hopes Short Both Men's and Women's teams had incredible seasons moving into the State competition before COVID-19 emerged. Women ranked 48th in nation, NCS Div. 1 Champions undefeated in league. Men ranked 31st in nation, NCS Open Champions with an 18-game winning streak. Go Dragons!
Dragon Chicks Have Arrived O'Dowd's "Chicken Tenders" student group just welcomed 12 newborn chicks. Skye Dodge '20 shared the image to offer everyone a "semblance of hope and happiness" amid the crisis.
Alumni News
Timothy Sullivan, Ph.D. '88 Engineering for the National Good Timothy Sullivan Ph.D. '88 was named 2020 Federal Engineer of the Year Award winner by the National Society of Professional Engineers on February 14 in Washington, DC. His many accomplishments include implementing changes to the national defense building codes and supervising a $300 million environmental engineering budget.
Mary Yelnicker '99: Serving the Nation Mary completed a tour with the Chairman of Joint Chiefs Staff in June 2019, then took command of the 532nd Training Squadron at Vandenberg Airforce Base, with a cadre of over 100 in a squadron that provides initial skills training to approximately 450 Airmen annually.
Sal Beeby '17: Doing Oakland Good Interning for Oakland Mayor Schaaf's office, Sal has been helping to provide updates and resources to communities and community leaders, as well as helping to organize two online town halls related to COVID-19. He shared, "Some of us take our access to the internet and to information for granted, and it is especially important during this time to make sure all residents and communities are informed. I am proud of my hometown and grateful to be able to help keep people in it safe and informed."
Events - Cancellations and Postponements
Event Cancellations Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we have had to cancel and postpone a number of events. Among these were:
  • AAPI and Latinx Family Days
  • Dragon Hoops Book Release and Book Signing (but we encourage you to get your copy of Gene Yang's new book by ordering from Mrs. Dalloways Literary and Garden Arts in Berkeley
  • Alumni Night at the Theater
Grand Reunion - Event Postponed After careful consideration, Bishop O’Dowd High School has made the difficult decision to indefinitely postpone the 2020 Grand Reunion. We are disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our alumni as planned.
Summer Academy - Registration is Open Though summer is understandably not top of mind for most right now, we hope this crisis will pass and are prepared with summer opportunities for students to be engaged and inspired, and learn and stretch to new athletic heights. O'Dowd programs include middle school, high school prep, and high school courses and activities. Learn more or register today