News for O'Dowd alumni, parents, and friends
Finding God in All Things
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Dear Dragon Community,
As we prepare to celebrate the joy and hope of the Christmas season, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. This sacred time of year invites us to reflect on the blessings we have received and the light we bring to others, and I am filled with gratitude for the bright light that shines from our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
This year, we honor the light of Bishop Emeritus John S. Cummins, who passed away after six decades of service. Bishop Cummins was a beloved member of the O’Dowd community, and his leadership inspired generations to live out the Gospel values of service, justice, and faith. Please see below for information on his funeral rites tomorrow and this weekend. We keep him, his family, and all who mourn him in our prayers this season.
We also honor the bright accomplishments on our campus. Our annual Impact Report highlights some recent successes, including inspiring reflections from current students and young alumni who are discovering their unique passions and pursuing their dreams. With the support of our exceptional faculty, robust academic and co-curricular opportunities, and a culture built on belonging, O’Dowd Dragons go on to lead positive change in communities near and far.
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As we welcome a new year, the O’Dowd community will continue to nurture the spirit of hope and joy in all of our students, supporting them to bring their faith, values, and vision in service to building a better world.
May all that is holy shine brightly in your hearts and homes this season.
With warm blessings,
Kim Walsh
President, Bishop O’Dowd High School
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REMEMBERING BISHOP CUMMINS
On December 3 Bishop Emeritus John S. Cummins entered into eternity. Bishop Cummins was a teacher and dean of students at O'Dowd from 1957-1962. He went on to serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland from 1977-2003. In recognition of his profound legacy, O’Dowd’s John S. Cummins Center is named in his honor. We gratefully remember all that Bishop Cummins gave to our school and Catholic education. Funeral service details can be found here. May he rest in peace.
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JOIN US FOR ALUMNI EVENTS IN 2025
For our 17,436 alumni, O’Dowd will always be home. Coming back to campus, whether it has been 5 years or 50 years, can offer a warm homecoming. Alumni are invited to our premier alumni events in the New Year: the Alumni Happy Hour on February 5, Alumni Living Lab Work Day on April 5, and the Alumni Reunion Day on May 3! Contact Megan Cannon, Alumni Giving & Engagement Associate, for more information.
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ALUM CONDUCTS AVIAN RESEARCH
Mia Rosati '20 recently began her role as the Community Conservation Fellow at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary, where she focuses on habitat restoration and community engagement. She recently graduated from UCLA, where she conducted research in avian ecology and presented her work at the Ecological Society of America's annual conference.
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FALL SPORTS ROUND-UP
Competitive games and lively student sections led to a fierce sports season this fall. “From girls golf and football, to cross country and water polo, our teams showed their commitment to excellence, both on and off the field,” asserts Carlos Reed, Director of Athletics. Read our Fall Sports Round-Up and see our 44 WACC All League winners, including four Players of the Year!
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STUDENT LEADERS SHARPEN MEDIA SKILLS
Since 2023, our student leaders have expanded and enhanced O’Dowd’s daily announcements with new bi-weekly video segments. “Using video as a new medium for announcements allows student leaders to communicate in a more relatable way,” says Aidan Feldman ’25, Associated Student Body Vice President. “We have learned to be funny, informative, and creative - guiding students while maintaining a professional presence.” Through hands-on learning and collaboration, O’Dowd’s eight leadership teams are creating innovative videos to inform our community about all the opportunities on campus.
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CAREER INDUSTRY INSIGHTS FOR DRAGONS
Each month, our career counselor invites a guest speaker to share valuable insights with students about their journey into their professional field. “This program gives students the opportunity to explore careers by learning directly from industry experts,” shares Anjelica Tynes, Career Counselor. “Through these experiences, students gain valuable knowledge on how to leverage their academic and extracurricular activities to prepare for their desired career paths.” Interested in sharing about your career? Email our career counselor Anjelica Tynes.
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DRIVE
For over 30 years, O’Dowd’s Campus Ministry Team has partnered with St. Vincent’s Day Home in West Oakland to support families in need for the Christmas season. Our school works together to provide children’s gifts and household supplies to families, and O’Dowd students participate in a special visit to the Day Home, playing games and bringing holiday cheer to the children.
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SOUNDS OF THE SEASON - WINTER CONCERT
Our instrumental music department held a holiday concert, delighting the audience with tunes including “Three English Carols” and “Merry Christmas Everyone.” Watch the performance!
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DIY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
The JFK Annex was filled with festive sounds and delicious smells as our Eco Leaders and Creation Care Team hosted the annual holiday festival. Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed hot cocoa, ornament making, and cookie decorating. Back as a favorite activity, clippings from the Living Lab’s plants were available for many to create wreaths and swags.
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Grandmaster JORDAN PALLEN ’87, a martial artist and business owner, recently competed at the World Karate and Kickboxing Union World Championships. He brought home two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze.
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DAVID GREEN ’03 was recently promoted to Lieutenant at Oakland Fire Department. David has been with Oakland Fire for 11 years.
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RUBY PEREZ ’16 was a guest star in multiple episodes of NBC’s Chicago PD, which aired in November. Ruby was a student speaker at O’Dowd’s 2015 Transforming Lives Dinner.
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December
26 Boys Soccer Alumni Game (10:00am)
February
5 Alumni Happy Hour (4:30-7:00pm) - Purchase Tickets
March
15 O' Dowd Crab Feed (6:00-9:00pm) - Tickets on Sale in January!
May
3 Alumni Reunion (2:00-7:00pm) - Purchase Tickets
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BEING A DRAGON IS A GIFT. YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN
In this season of giving, we would be thankful if you considered O’Dowd among your philanthropic priorities before year-end. Your investment enhances the student experience through the retention and development of talented educators, technology upgrades, facilities enhancements, counseling, academic support, and co-curricular programs – all the things that make O’Dowd an amazing place for our students to learn and grow. Gifts made by December 31 are eligible for year-end tax-savings!
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