Thank You Mr. Dwyer!

Mr. Dwyer-- A DJO Superstar

Will Perryman ('28)

When it comes to teaching at Bishop O’Connell High School, few have the prestige and experience of Mr. Denis Dwyer, a theology teacher at Bishop O’Connell High School. Mr. Dwyer grew up in Falls Church, and came to Bishop O’Connell from Saint James School in fall of 1957, making him part of the original graduating class of O’Connell, the Class of 1961. While recounting his O’Connell experience to Visor reporter Will Perryman, he reflected on things that were much different from the school students know today. Up until a few decades back, the school had a co-education system, meaning that while it accepted both genders, they were educated in different parts of the building, meaning Mr. Dwyer would have rarely interacted with female students at the time. Mr. Dwyer also played an active role in O’Connell sports at the time, “I enjoyed the friendship of my classmates, especially my teammates on football and baseball teams. Thanks largely to good coaching, I excelled in both sports.” After graduation, Mr. Dwyer went to the University of Virginia, where he got his bachelor degree, but did not receive his certification to teach. From 2000 to 2005, he served as both development director and alumni coordinator while he was back in school to get his teaching degree. He earned his masters in Theological Studies from George Mason and he began to teach in the theology department at O’Connell in 2005. Over his time as an educator, Mr. Dwyer has developed several courses in theology and written a book, prefaced by Bishop Burbidge. This school year is his 20th year on the job, ending his career by teaching sophomore theology; Jesus Christ our Redeemer and The Church: The Source of Our Salvation. When asked how he felt about those years, Dwyer responded, “I feel very blessed to have had an opportunity at O’Connell to answer God’s call to teach while earning a living and adding to the financial security for my wife and myself. My 25 years back at O’Connell have been exciting and very satisfying. Most of all, I have enjoyed my relationships with my students, and the fellowship of my wonderful colleagues.” Mr. Dwyer is looking forward to retirement, mainly to be able to be closer to his family. One of his students said that their favorite thing about Mr. Dwyer was “his firm belief and intention to get us to heaven”, highlighting Mr. Dwyer.’s devotion to his students and the Catholic faith. On behalf of all at Bishop O’Connell, the Visor thanks Mr. Dwyer for the legacy he has left behind at Bishop O’Connell, as a student, alumni and educator.