The student news site of Dowling Catholic High School

The Dowling Catholic Post
Cafeteria trashcans being emptied halfway through lunch.
A Disposable Dilemma
Millie Bobby Brown's addresses fans and critics alike, amassing over 5.4 million views on the Instagram video.
The Expectation for Celebrities to Stay Young
Dow Jones Industrial Average tanked following President Trump's tariff announcement.
Tariff War: A Fail for the US Economy?
From former recession hits to today's top qualifiers, pop music is evolving.
Recession Music Revival: Is Pop Bringing Back the Party in Tough Times?
History Will Be the Judge
History Will Be the Judge
The movie poster featuring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood with one of the Bridges in the back
Exploring Iowa
Mr. Smith's senior picture (Mr. Smith)
Embracing Spirituality: Meet Mr. Smith!
Mrs. Thierer with her adorable granddaughter (Courtesy of Mrs. Thierer)
The Faithful Educator: Mrs. Thierer
"WHATCHU WANT?"...
“WHATCHU WANT?”…
Mrs. Koppes' twins and husband in a family photo ( Courtesy of Mrs. Koppes)
Leading The Future of Students: Mrs. Koppes’ Story
Aresnal and French National Team legend, Thierry Henry doing his iconic corner flag celebration (The US Sun)
Soccer: Universal Language that Connects the World
O'Grady doing what he loved best - cheering on the Maroons
The Man Who “Finished Strong:” A Personal Memorial to Denny O’Grady
Mara Mead, Isa Colon-Alba, Elizabeth James, Franny Umstead, Lilian Schultheis, and Maddie Ricke attend a football game in their overalls.
Senior Style: Crafting Football Overalls with a Sentimental Flair
Father Andrew, Father Acrea, Father Downey, and Father Flood stand on the sideline at a football game.
Football for the Fathers
The Dowling Catholic girl's volleyball team celebrates a point after a long rally.
Through a Different Lens
Father Andrew, Father Acrea, Father Downey, and Father Flood stand on the sideline at a football game.
Football for the Fathers
Anne Grant smiles during her commitment photoshoot, repping ISU's red and gold.
Cyclone in the Making
Abby Wilcox poses for her announcement post to the University of South Dakota.
Go Yotes!
Bracelets from the Unravel Pediatric Cancer nonprofit help support the cause.
Digging for Gold
Nick Pulliam getting the student section hyped up at a football game.
Nick Pulliam – Our Dowling Leprechaun
Aresnal and French National Team legend, Thierry Henry doing his iconic corner flag celebration (The US Sun)
Soccer: Universal Language that Connects the World
A view of the blue oval at the Drake Relays 2023 during an officials' break
Beginnings of the Blue Oval
The 1994 girls tennis team.
You Know the Drill
Fisher tees off at one of the first golf meets of the season (R. Gray)
Pilar Fisher Says Goodbye to Golf
Naura Smith tik tok photo of her preparing food for her children.
The Rise of Minimalism: How Environmental Crises, Political Uncertainty, and Social Media Saturation Are Reshaping Consumption in 2025
A collection of popular shows from the '90s and early 2000s.
The Resurgence of Old TV Shows
A spread of yarn, showing off a bunch of different kinds of needlecrafts
The Art of Needlecrafts
Nora Romain and Leo Klemm biting their medals.
Debate: A Pathway to Public Speaking Skills and Future Success
Samantha Ratsakanh enjoys the sunset in her senior pictures.
Student Spotlight: Samantha Ratsakanh
Around Town: The Picker Knows
Around Town: The Picker Knows
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Southeast Polk Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Southeast Polk Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Volleyball Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Volleyball Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Roosevelt Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Roosevelt Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Football Game
Journalism Period 7 Broadcasts
Journalism Period 2 Broadcasts
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Southeast Polk Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Southeast Polk Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Volleyball Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Volleyball Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Roosevelt Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Roosevelt Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Waukee Northwest Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Ankeny Football Game
PORTFOLIO BY STVN: Dowling vs. Ankeny Football Game
From left to right: Zoe Saldaña as Rita Mora Castro, Selena Gomez as Jessi Del Monte, and Karla Sofia Gascón as Emilia Pérez
The Tragedy of “Emilia Pérez”
Happiness Expert, Mo Gawdat on "The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett"
Understanding Unhappiness: A Podcast Recommendation During Seasons of Change
A spread of yarn, showing off a bunch of different kinds of needlecrafts
The Art of Needlecrafts
Screenshot of the title screen of Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Hello, Kitty!
The coveted Grammy statue awaits its winners. Watch the ceremony live this Sunday.
May The Best Album Win: A Closer Look into the Nominees for Album of the Year
Father Flood celebrates communion at Coach V's wedding ceremony this past summer in Des Moines, Iowa.
Brothers for Life
2024 Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools
2024 Bishop’s Celebration of Catholic Schools
Father Andrew, Father Acrea, Father Downey, and Father Flood stand on the sideline at a football game.
Football for the Fathers
All are welcomed to admire the Dowling Catholic Ofrenda that will be on display in the Narthex for just over a month, starting October 24th. [Artwork by Carter Coppola]
Bigger Than Life Acts of Faith
Fr. Acrea holding his special rosary of three beads. Each bead symbolizes one Hail Mary.
Dowling’s Beacon of Light
  • April 7Good Friday Liturgy: Friday, April 18
  • April 7No Classes Friday, April 11
  • April 7ISASP Testing: April 15-16
  • April 7April is National Poetry Month!
The student news site of Dowling Catholic High School

The Dowling Catholic Post
The student news site of Dowling Catholic High School

The Dowling Catholic Post
Alaina Cleghorn

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer

Alaina Cleghorn is a junior at Dowling Catholic. She plays on the JV volleyball team and is involved in Ut Fidem and Students for Life. In her free time, she likes to paint, travel, and spend time with friends and family. She loves animals, especially her 8-year-old Cavapoo named Maisy.

All content by Alaina Cleghorn
Mrs. Smith in her office, ready to chat with students [A. Cleghorn]

Mrs. Smith – What Can’t She Do?

Alaina Cleghorn and Mackenzie Branstad
May 11, 2023
A day at school without our phones was not easy, but it was very rewarding.

A Happy Accident

Ella Johnson, Alaina Cleghorn, Mackenzie Branstad, and Ruby Leman
April 4, 2023
Dowling staff and students with the Terra Livre founder, staff, and camera crew [T. Clark]

Spreading Joy at Terra Livre

Alaina Cleghorn and Mackenzie Branstad
March 31, 2023
Father Flood applies ashes to a student during Ash Wednesday Mass.

A Time of Preparation

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
March 22, 2023
Dowling Catholic students gather at the St. Thomas More Center in Panora.

Made for More

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
March 22, 2023
The group of Dowling travelers pose in front of a waterfall in Iceland.

Land of Fire and Ice

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
February 7, 2023
The group of DCHS students gather in front of the Washington Memorial.

Protecting the Preborn

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
February 7, 2023
Barrios shows off his famous smile. [J. Umstead]

A Dowling Treasure

Emily Ponxs, Alaina Cleghorn, and Averi Langin
November 9, 2022
Mr. Wisnieski, Ms. Power, and Ms. Magruder outside the chapel.

Ut Fidem – From A Coordinator’s Perspective

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
October 28, 2022
Mrs. Kirchhoff proudly holds up her favorite sign.

Stacking Them Up

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
October 26, 2022
AP Classes - An Added Load of Stress?

AP Classes – An Added Load of Stress?

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
September 29, 2022
The volleyball team gets ready for their game [J. Stewart]

Serving Up A Successful Season

Alaina Cleghorn, Staff Writer
September 29, 2022
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