While the new year brings new opportunities, 2022 had many events that were historic for the SDHS community. Last year our school made advancements by expanding and enjoying tremendous success in athletics. 

This January marks one year that The Wies Family Center for Sciences has been open. January 2022 was the grand opening, which took years to plan and fundraise.  

“With the new building the space offers a time for students to hang out in the morning, empower hour, and at the end of the day.  The space must be a place where students can be comfortable to meet and visit with friends, do homework in a quiet place, or be used for collaboration during a class period,” principal Stacy Stewart said.

Since the expansion, St. Dominic was able to improve classes and programs like biomedical sciences, engineering and a studio for  journalism/ broadcasting. Students use brand-new equipment to enhance learning.  

“These additional course opportunities give students a chance to find a new passion or continue to thrive in an area they already love. What I love to see is our students thinking outside the box and asking us- “Can we do this?”  When administrators, teachers, and students are ‘all in’ amazing things are created,” Stewart said. 

The space even allowed St. Dominic to show another historic event as SDHS alums Tim Ream and Josh Sargent played for team USA in the World Cup. The USA games were shown on the large wall inside the atrium bringing both students and teachers together to watch this unbelievable, historic moment.

In the 2021-22 new facilities played a role as we set another historic mark with enrollment jumping to 911. Now we stand at over a thousand students enrolled in another record setting school year. As time goes on, more students become interested in St. Dominic..

“Enrollment has been steadily increasing over the past several years.  For example, just in the last three years our overall enrollment has added an additional 185 students,” Director of Admissions Bobbie Peters said. 

Along with the new building, the athletic department has also been making history. Boys volleyball left their mark as they became state champions, earning the first such title for men’s volleyball.

“That was just a really cool experience. It was like a once in a lifetime type of thing. So it was really special the whole ride and the whole journey for that group of boys. Just awesome because they were the best teammates and it was truly just a special year,” Assistant Coach Lyn Zelnis said. 

Our talented girls soccer team also cemented their legacy on the field by winning state, for the third year in a row. The team moved up a class but stayed at the top. 

“Three in a row was significant because after the COVID season, we were moved up to class four from class three. That’s where we want to be at the very top. Very proud of the girls on the team,” Head Coach Greg Koeller said. 

Lastly, for the first time in school history, St. Dominic’s football team made their first appearance at the State Championship. All fans watched the team in awe game after game as they kept advancing in their season. 

“It truly made the whole season, I mean, everything about the Golden State championship run, our community made it so special. You know, bringing out extra bleachers, if you’re planning to have a crowd. Watching kids play doesn’t mean as much as having a whole community behind you,” Head Coach Blake Markway said. 

St. Dominic has made many changes and as time goes on the school will continue to make historic marks. The most important thing is that the community came together for a great year and will make greater memories for this new year.