In the crowded halls of Dowling, the busy classrooms, and beyond – in bustling dance studios (and probably any coffee shop you can find) there is a calming presence throughout it all. Jolenne Bigelow. 

Since the beginning, Jolenne Bigelow has been a performer. Since she was five, she’s been doing Irish dance at a branch of Foy School of Irish Dance, a nationally recognized group based in Chicago. Bigelow has been competing with the group for the past 6 years, and is currently ranked as “Prize Champion” – the second highest level within the Irish dance world. 

When people first think of dance studios and late nights running routines – they usually think of Abby Lee Miller, reality T.V., and a plethora of issues ranging from body dysmorphia and eating disorders; however, at Foy School of Irish Dance this isn’t the reality. Foy doesn’t promote diet culture, and instead focuses on the health, in every aspect, of their dancers. Bigelow has been at Foy since she was 5, and has grown up with the other students, “we’re a very tight knit community, and it feels very safe.”

Outside of Foy, Bigelow is involved in Dowling Dimensions show choir, Grace Notes jazz choir, varsity mock trial, and every production with Dowling’s drama department. She was also accepted into the 2025 Iowa All-State Chorus, and is the president of her 4-H club.

Bigelow has found a balance to maintain her mental health through it all whether it be yoga, taking walks, or spending time with her friends she has found a balance to maintain her busy schedule. Her mental health takes priority and she does her best to take care of herself so she is able to be there for the people in her life saying, “Even if I’m tired I’m a part of so many different teams that I know I have to show up and do my best to be a good influence on others.”