DHS Students Honored with Service Awards

By Nancy Kohl ’78
Director of Alumni Engagement and
Donor Engagement

We are Pioneer Proud of Eve Francis McGowan ’26 and Isabel Rakers ’26 and Congratulate them for the recent Archdiocese of St. Louis awards they received in recognition of their service to others.

Eve is the recipient of the 2026 Archbishop John L. May Service Award. This award is presented by the Office of Catholic Education and Formation of the Archdiocese of St. Louis to honor high school seniors across the Archdiocese of St. Louis who demonstrate exceptional dedication to faith-filled service. A constant volunteer at her church, Eve demonstrates community service, volunteer achievement, and outstanding leadership in all she does.

Eve is part of the Duchesne House System leadership, serving Kateri House as soul officer. She is a student ambassador at school, as well as a captain of the cheer squad. She will also be a leader for the senior class’s Kairos Retreat in March.

Isabel is the 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Model of Justice Award Recipient, so named for her exceptional commitment to leadership, service, and social justice in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy. She will be among those honored during the 50th Celebration Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice this Sunday, January 18, at 2:30 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd.

Among Isabel’s involvement at Duchesne, she is a co-captain of Drexel House. She will be a leader for her peers at the upcoming Kairos Senior Retreat and serves the school as an ambassador. Isabel has also modeled great sportsmanship in her journeys to districts and state to represent Duchesne’s Track and Field and Cross County teams. She was recently nominated for the St. Charles County Sports Hall of Fame for her accomplishments, humble example, and leadership.

"Helping others is the most important thing a person can do, and I'm passionate about using my own resources to make a difference," Isabel said.