When Bishop O’Connell High School first opened its doors in 1957, there was excitement in the air for that first group of freshmen who crossed the threshold. Among that group of students was a young man from St. James Church in Falls Church — Dennis Dwyer.
For four years, he excelled in the classroom and on the football field and baseball diamond, before enrolling at the University of Virginia in 1961, and subsequently entering the business world. But fast forward to the year 2000, and Dwyer was ready to make a career change.
Although he had been involved in his local parish, Dwyer had a strong desire to pass on his Catholic faith in a high school setting. He took a position at O’Connell as the director of advancement and alumni relations while studying to earn a certification to teach. He eventually earned a master’s in theological studies, and in 2005, he transitioned to the theology classroom, where he has taught all grade levels ever since.
“I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity at O’Connell to answer God’s call to teach,” Dwyer said. “My 25 years back at this school have been exciting and very satisfying, and I have enjoyed my relationships with my students, and the fellowship of my wonderful colleagues.”
Dwyer is retiring at the end of this school year. His perspectives and connections reach across the full 68-year history of O’Connell. He can share firsthand observations of how the school settled on “Knights” as the mascot, and describe details of campus construction projects over the years. But what matters most to him is a bit more intangible.
“I hope that I have given my students a strong foundation, and I want them to know the importance of prayer and the Sacraments,” he said. “My ultimate hope is that my students have been inspired to hold fast to their faith, having witnessed my certainty of this fundamental truth: God loves each one of us and wants us to be united with him forever in heaven.”
