Notable Alumni of Cardinal Dougherty High School
Cardinal Dougherty High School (CDHS) was a private, Roman Catholic high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located in the East Oak Lane section at 6301 North Second Street. The school, named for Cardinal Dennis Dougherty, Archbishop of Philadelphia from 1918 to 1951, was under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Established in 1956, Cardinal Dougherty experienced peak enrollment in 1965, boasting 5,944 students. The school closed its doors in 2010. Though founded as co-educational, a wall initially divided the boys' and girls' sides of the building, a unique physical characteristic that was removed in the summer of 1969. Over its history, Cardinal Dougherty produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Many graduates fondly remember their time at Cardinal Dougherty, cherishing the memories and the education they received. One alumnus, in their valedictory address to the graduating class of 1979, spoke of the experiences that brought growth, happiness, maturity, and even disappointment. They emphasized the importance of the bond formed between students, faculty, and families, strengthened by love and care. This bond, they hoped, would never be forgotten, representing the Christian value of love and sharing. The speaker encouraged their fellow graduates to embrace the future with joy, to love, to live, and to learn.
The valedictorian recalled researching their speech in the school library, a stark contrast to the readily available information of the internet age. They remembered the advice from a nun to enunciate the school's full name, "Cardinal Dougherty High School," to avoid it becoming a jumble in the large hall. Despite the initial nervousness, the speaker was deeply touched to see tears in the eyes of their classmates, knowing that their message resonated with them. The valedictorian's speech included the quote from Virgil, "For they can conquer who believe they can," instilling self-confidence in fellow graduates.
Athletics
Cardinal Dougherty was known for its strong athletic programs, producing many talented athletes who went on to achieve success at the collegiate and professional levels.
Basketball Stars
Marvin O'Connor played basketball at Temple University.
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Cuttino "Cat" Mobley: Known for his basketball prowess, Mobley's journey began with practice sessions with his father, Donald Easley. Although he initially played football, Mobley transitioned to basketball, honing his skills and developing a reputation as a shooter with zone-busting ability. Despite some challenges with the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Mobley's confidence and scoring ability were undeniable.
Kyle Lowry: A standout basketball player, Lowry faced challenges during his time at Cardinal Dougherty. In one Catholic League semifinal game, Lowry incurred his fourth foul, leading to a moment of uncertainty. However, coach Mark Heimerdinger showed faith in Lowry, keeping him in the game. Lowry responded by playing smart and contributing to the team's victory. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to prove himself and avoid letting his coach down.
Mark Heimerdinger: Served as the coach at Cardinal Dougherty from 1983 to 2009.
Shawn Newman: Newman's remarkable performance against West Catholic, where he scored 58 points, ranks 10th in city history. His scoring breakdown was 12-8-12-26, showcasing his consistency throughout the game. Newman displayed a variety of shots, utilizing his skills to shake past defenders for jumpers and layups. Despite his individual success, Newman expressed a desire for team success, stating that he would prefer to score fewer points in a win.
Arts and Entertainment
Cardinal Dougherty also fostered creativity and talent in the arts, with several alumni making their mark in the entertainment industry.
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Joe Conklin: A comedian and master impressionist, Conklin, known as the "Man of a Thousand Voices," credits Cardinal Dougherty with providing him with the characters, rules, opportunities, and friendships that shaped his career. He recalls announcing basketball games for the legendary Bob Harrington and cherishes the memories and experiences he gained at the school.
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