Each May, Dowling Catholic recognizes students for a variety of awards. Here is a list of DCHS Girls Track & Field award winners (dating back until 2020).
Senior Awards
Pax Christi Award
The Pax Christi student is selected by the senior class. This student is committed to Christian faith and service and actively participates in the life and spirit of DCHS. They exemplify Christ-centered leadership, respect fellow human beings as demonstrated through Christian service, and inspire others through words and actions to live a Christ-centered life.
2026 – Ginny Heddinger (joined track & field senior year)
DCHS Spirit Award
The DCHS Spirit Award is presented to students who model integrity and moral character. Their positive spirit and sharing of time and talents are true examples of Christ-centered leadership. The faculty selects seniors who best represent the spirit of DCHS.
2026 – Grace Schuler
Athlete of the Year (new in 2025)
The DCHS Athlete of the Year award is presented to one female and one male student athlete who have each achieved outstanding success in athletics while also excelling in the classroom.
2026 – Ellie Muller
2025 – Alex Gaskell
Scholar Athlete
This award is decided upon by the Athletic Department with recognition going to graduating seniors, one male and one female, who have achieved outstanding success in both academics and athletics.
2026 – Maddie Nagel
missing 2023-2025 winners
2021 – Anna Flynn (only did track & field senior year, junior year lost to COVID)
Multi-Sport Athlete Award
The Multi-Sport Award goes to seniors who have achieved success in multiple sports during their time at DCHS. Recipients must have participated and lettered in at least two different sports during their high school careers.
2026 – Lauren McCoy
2025 – Kate Nelson
2024 – Liv Hall
2023 – Julia Moore (did track & field freshman & sophomore year only)
2022 – Megan Wainwright
Bernie Saggau Award
The Bernie Saggau Award is presented to the senior who best exemplifies a patriotic spirit with strong religious and moral convictions; who lives and professes the qualities of honesty, integrity and sportsmanship; and believes that games and life should be conducted by the rules. Mr. Saggau was Executive Director of the IHSAA for 38 years.
2020 – Mallory Wilson
Sister Clemenza Community Service Award
The Sister Clemenza Community Service Award honors seniors who have excelled in the spirit of Christian service. Sr. Clemenza, a former DCHS counselor, was the “go-to person” to get things done. This award is not based on the number of service hours, but on how the student has served the people of God.
2023 – Bethany Patton (did track & field freshman & sophomore year only)
Governor’s Scholar Award
This award goes to seniors from across the state who have been honored by the Governor for their high academic achievement.
2026 – Elise Huegerich
2023 – Nicole Pedersen
2021 – Emily Ball
Junior Awards
John Hayes Award
Selected by the athletic department, recipients of the John Hayes Award exhibit strong leadership and dedication to activities, athletics and academics; demonstrate commitment to hard work; live a faith-life modeled in service; and exude a caring and supportive attitude. Mr. Hayes was the DCHS athletic director from 1977 to 2005.
2026 – Cora Volp
2025 – Elise Huegerich
2024 – Kate Nelson
2022 – Olivia Kramer
2020 – Anna Flynn (only did track & field senior year, junior year lost to COVID)
Vonnie Hess Award
The Vonnie Hess Award is a memorial tuition award created in honor of the caring mother of former DCHS president, Fr. Michael Hess. Recipients are selected based on participation in activities that fulfill Dowling Catholic’s mission of community involvement, achieving above-average grades, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
2026 – Cora Volp
2023 – Kenzie Dean
Dr. Robert Breedlove Award
The Dr. Robert Breedlove Award recognizes a junior who best models hard work, leadership and courage while exemplifying the Christian principles valued by Dr. Bob Breedlove, the father of several DCHS graduates and athletic team doctor for many years. He was known for his generosity as demonstrated through the countless hours of medical and personal support he provided to DCHS athletes and coaches
2025 – Lauren McCoy
2023 – Ella Anliker
2021 – Calli Coppola
2020 – Karleigh Osborn
St. Martin De Porres Award
The St. Martin De Porres Award goes to junior students who are involved in activities that advocate for racial and social justice, both at DCHS and in the community.
2024 – Alma Drazi
Sophomore Awards
Sister Judith Sheahan Award
Sr. Judith Sheahan was an assistant principal at DCHS and a service-oriented leader with meticulous organizational skills. The Maroon Council recognizes two sophomores who reflect the qualities of great leadership and selfless service with the Sister Judith Sheahan Award.
2022 – Emlda Tombe
2021 – Nicole Pedersen & Ataya Wurju
Freshman Awards
Jack Wahlig Award
The Jack Wahlig Award honors a retired accountant and parent of DCHS alumni who expected his children to be involved in school activities, strive for excellence, exhibit leadership and care for others. This award recognizes freshmen who excel in these areas.
2025 – Kate Clendenin & Azucena Leaños
2021 – Liv Hall & Emlda Tombe
Staff Awards
Teacher of the Year
This award is voted on by the senior class and is presented at graduation.
2026 – Tyler Patten
Bishop Dowling Award
Named for our founder, the Bishop Dowling Award is given to four faculty/staff members who exemplify our core values – faithful, caring and dedicated – in remarkable ways.
2025 – Tyler Patten
2021 – Kelly Parriott