2020 DHS Salutatorian Joseph Dooley will be attending Colby College in Maine this fall as an undecided major, but plans to study political science.

Dooley recalls his transition to DHS as a little nerve wracking as he “wasn’t the biggest fan of middle school.” Though nervous, he still found high school to be “instantly more fun.”

Once settled, Dooley became quite an active student, participating in many extra-curricular activities, such as debate team, student council, and PAC. His impressive academic track earned him a spot in the National Honor Society. He also participated in Varsity sports, including tennis.

Dooley says that DHS had an influence on his choice of colleges. "Because DHS is smaller than lots of other schools around us, I chose to go to a smaller college like Colby because I enjoyed my experience at a school that size.”

Though Dooley enjoyed well-earned success throughout his time at DHS, it wasn’t always easy. “My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during my sophomore year, and he died a year later,” recalls Dooley.

“Going though that was the hardest and saddest thing I’ve ever dealt with, and I will never be able to fully recover, but my friends, teachers, Mrs. Andrew, and my family were all super supportive and made it a little easier.”

He highlights his favorite moments at DHS to be the school plays he has performed in (specifically for the METG) and festival competitions.

Dooley enrolled in classes at DHS that challenged him academically with great teachers along the way. The teacher that influenced Dooley the most was Mr. Medeiros. Dooley had Mr. Medeiros as a debate team coach, student council advisor, and an APUSH teacher.

He describes Medeiros as extremely dedicated to his students and their success. “He's an amazing teacher who never fails to make his students laugh. He always found new and exciting ways to engage the class and there’s never a dull moment when he is teaching. Although I’ve had amazing teachers every year, my relationship with Mr. Medeiros is unlike any other.”

Dooley credits his mother as his biggest inspiration. "She is able to balance so much at one time. She has now written two books. One of which she wrote while taking care of her parents and another while taking care of my dad while he was sick. Although I have no desire to be an author, I want to be as capable of managing so much and as selfless as my mom one day.”

Evaluating his growth from freshman to senior year, Dooley recognizes his growth in confidence. “Freshman year I was really quiet and shy, but now I feel that I’m the complete opposite now. I feel I’ve come a long way in the past four years because I am no longer afraid to speak or share my opinion.

When discussing the harsh realities of life during the pandemic, Dooley responds by saying he “surprisingly handling everything well.” He elaborates: “I was obviously sad that senior year was cut short and we missed out on a lot of senior events, but I wasn’t absolutely devastated, and I was able to accept that this year wouldn’t be like others. I did feel I was less motivated, but I’m glad we get to celebrate this class in a vehicle based graduation and then a typical ceremony this summer has kept me going.”

His advice to underclassmen: “ Everything won’t always go your way or end up how you expected, but you can’t let that bring you down or stop you from trying to be positive and having a good time. Endure whatever life throws at you and enjoy high school because it’s meant to be a fun experience."

Godwinna Koroma-Coker, class of 2020, is the Arts and Entertainment Editor of the Dedham Mirror. She is class secretary and a member of numerous clubs, such as Happy Hands, SADD, Real Talk, Link Crew, and Global Citizens. Outside of school, she enjoys exercise, listening to music, and watching films. Godwinna will be attending Curry College in the fall.