The student news site of Dowling Catholic High School

The Dowling Catholic Post
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
Sign at a Women's March on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Equal Rights Act to Amendment
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
The painting "Westward" that stands grand in the Capital
The Pulse of Iowa: A Look in the Capital
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
Anne Grant smiles during her commitment photoshoot, repping ISU's red and gold.
Cyclone in the Making
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
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
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
The man behind the mystique.
The Most Well Known Stranger
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
  • March 3Thank you for celebrating Scholastic Journalism Week with us 2/24-2/28!
  • March 3IHFSL State Speech and Debate tournament is 3/6-3/8
  • March 3Spring Break 3/14-3/21
  • March 3Girls state basketball tournament takes place March 3-8
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
Mackenzie Branstad

Mackenzie Branstad, Staff Writer

Mackenzie Branstad is a junior at Dowling Catholic High School. She is involved in Best Buddies, Student Ambassadors, Super Cool Service Club, and Ut Fidem. She also runs cross country and plays tennis. Outside of school Mackenzie loves to hang out with her friends, shop, travel, and go on walks outside. Mackenzie’s favorite color is blue and she has three younger sisters. Mackenzie is a newcomer to the Dowling Catholic Post and is so excited to be a part of the staff.

All content by Mackenzie Branstad
Taylor Swift sings on stage with her guitar in hand.

In the Swiftie Era

Mackenzie Branstad, Staff Writer
May 23, 2023
The 1994 girls tennis team.

You Know the Drill

Ella Johnson and Mackenzie Branstad
May 17, 2023
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
The Dowling Catholic Eco Club poses with moderator Deacon Heinrich.

Climate Crisis

Mackenzie Branstad, Staff Writer
March 31, 2023
Dowling yearbook of 1982/1983. Cover with words that begin with mar.

Fashion Flashback

Mackenzie Branstad, Staff Writer
February 7, 2023
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