A message from the DHS Board Chair
“What does Duchesne need?”
It’s a question alumni, parents, and community members have asked for years. The Duchesne Board of Directors has a clear and confident answer: continued enrollment growth, sustained financial support, and the active engagement of our entire Pioneer Nation. But there is so much more…
President Paul Boschert ’77 and Director of Advancement Becky Williamson continue to share updates on where the school stands with the progress already made, and what will be required over the next several years to ensure Duchesne’s long-term success. The message is equal parts celebration of recent wins and a call to action for everyone who cares about the future of the school.
Enrollment Momentum: Turning the Tide
In the early 2020s during Covid, Duchesne faced a daunting challenge: lower than normal freshman classes, which in turn led to smaller upper-class numbers for the subsequent years. This was an unsustainable enrollment level for a school with the kind of academic, extracurricular, and faith-based mission Duchesne champions.
But the tide has turned!
In the 2024–2025 school year, Duchesne welcomed a freshman class number that showed a 29% increase over the previous year — a significant jump from 2023-2024. This fall, the incoming freshman class showed a 39% increase year over year, the strongest freshmen enrollment in over 10 years. It’s evidence that the school’s renewed outreach efforts are paying off.
We’ve reversed an unsustainable trend. That’s no small feat. And it’s just the beginning.
The growth is no accident! Duchesne’s admissions team has expanded its reach to more than 60 private and public grade schools, strengthening relationships with feeder schools and introducing more young families to the Pioneer experience. The school has also been tracking engagement from 6th–8th graders who visit campus or participate in three or more activities — the increases in attendance for these events is a key predictor of continued future enrollment increases.
Based on these efforts, the Board projects the 2026–2027 freshman class will again exceed previous Freshmen enrollment.
Financial Achievements:
A Strong Foundation
The past two years have brought more than just enrollment growth — they’ve also seen a remarkable wave of financial support from alumni and friends of Duchesne.
Since 2023, donor generosity has totaled more than $2.6 million. Of that, $1.5 million has been invested directly into facility and program improvements — visible upgrades that enhance the student experience. Another $1 million has supported the school’s annual operating budget, helping ensure academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and mission-centered education.
These investments have touched every corner of the campus. From classrooms to student programs, the results are impressive and energizing.
I want to emphasize that these upgrades are not just cosmetic — they are part of a larger strategy to position Duchesne for sustained growth and success.
How We Get There:
Expanding the Circle
Today, much of Duchesne’s annual fundraising comes from a loyal group of dedicated alumni and friends who give year after year. While their continued support is essential, the Board is clear that the future depends on widening that circle.
Last year saw meaningful contributions from both long-time supporters and new or re-engaged donors. The challenge now is to accelerate that growth — increasing both the number of participants and the total dollars contributed.
Participation rates vary by graduating class, and those numbers are shared regularly in newsletters. The Board plans to highlight them again in upcoming communications, underscoring that every gift — regardless of size — moves the school closer to its goals.
A Stronger Partnership with the Archdiocese
The Board also addressed a topic that has been on many minds: the school’s relationship with the Archdiocese following the “All Things New” process. In recent years, the initiative has caused understandable concern and uncertainty among Duchesne families and supporters.
Today, the reality is very different. The Archdiocese is fully invested in Duchesne’s future, providing not only financial guidance and support but more importantly, ongoing positive engagement as our school works our strategic planning process for long-term sustainability and growth.
Recently Julie Scott Soffner, President of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, stated to the Board,
“The future of Duchesne High School looks incredibly bright. Duchesne’s reputation remains strong when considering key metrics: the school’s commitment to Catholic identity and mission-delivery, overall school growth, increased annual giving and fundraising efforts, facility enhancements, and the structure and competency of the new Governing Board. Increased levels of engagement from passionate Duchesne supporters is equally impressive. We are proud to watch Pioneer Nation grow under its new leadership and governance structure. Together, we continue to nurture a Christ-centered, academically excellent institution while focusing on sustainability for generations of future Duchesne High School families.”
The Road Ahead:
A Call to the Pioneer Nation
For Duchesne, the message is clear and forward-looking. Enrollment is climbing, facilities are improving, and community support is strong. But sustaining that trajectory will require continued commitment — from current donors, from alumni who have not given in recent years, and from new supporters inspired by the school’s mission.
The answer to “What does Duchesne need?” is simple. We need continued support from those already giving, an increase in participation from alumni, parents, and friends who may not have given recently, and the shared energy of a united Pioneer Nation to go out and tell our story of success and growth.
The coming years offer the chance to solidify Duchesne’s position as a thriving, mission-driven school that prepares students for success in life and leadership. The Board is confident that, with the continued dedication of alumni, parents, and friends, that vision will become reality and will thrive for another 100 years.
For now, we invite the community to engage, attend upcoming events, spread the word — and above all, to give generously. If you have not been to Duchesne in the last 12 months, I invite you to come for a tour. You will be amazed at the transformation that has occurred.
The future is bright, but it’s not a given. It’s something we build together, step by step, gift by gift, student by student. Come back home to Pioneer Nation and help us continue the legacy of shaping leaders in Mind, Body, and Spirit!
Go Pioneers,
For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.duchesne-hs.org. Or call Becky Williamson, Director of Advancement, at 636.757.6931 to schedule a visit.