Dasher Kickoff Address: DSHA Is About Building Confidence

I’m Josie Marsho, a senior here in the the class of 2025, and I’m thrilled to welcome you all to what will be an unforgettable, whirlwind four years. 

A little background on me: I came to DSHA from Longfellow Middle School in Wauwatosa. My first day of school was my second time ever setting foot in the building and coming from a public middle school only knowing a few girls, I had no idea what to expect. I had never prayed at school. I had never worn a uniform. I only knew a few girls. It was an entirely different environment.

I think you’ll all come to see that it’s not just new classrooms or the dress codes that make DSHA feel different — there’s this infectious, positive energy. There’s something about being surrounded by so many empowered girls that makes all the difference. 

It’s the kind of community where each of us is encouraged to be brave and try things we never thought we could do. Whether it’s joining a new team, speaking in front of an audience, or taking on that AP class that feels like a stretch, you’re in the right place to discover just how capable you are. The best piece of advice I give to any incoming freshman is to get involved, especially in the fall! Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone!

One of the moments when I knew I was in the right place was with the SMART Team, a scientific research co-curricular that models proteins and writes research abstracts to be published in journals. I got to work with Mrs. Strandberg, our SMART team advisor and the best biology teacher, who showed me that you'll know you’re truly learning when you don’t just learn answers, you learn to ask more questions and open yourself to new ideas. Through SMART team, I got to travel across the country to Philadelphia, San Antonio, and this year, Chicago. Each trip, each conversation with a mentor, deepened my understanding of science and, in turn, my own confidence in it. The SMART team taught me that confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about stepping up, learning as you go, and trusting that you have something valuable to contribute — even if you’re still figuring it out. 

Speaking of stepping up, I am one of the cross country captains at DSHA! Get it? Stepping…running. Now, full disclosure: I used to really hate running. But, over the past four years on this team, I’ve come to discover that cross country isn’t just about running; it’s about friendship, resilience, and growing together as a team, living in the moments between the miles.

Whether it’s pushing through a grueling hill workout or cheering for teammates during a race, the cross-country team has taught me that leadership isn’t about being the fastest or the loudest — it’s about lifting others up, especially when they need it most.

Whether it's laughing about the random things that happen on runs — like the time we fled from an angry herd of turkeys or bonding over Taylor Swift’s latest album — the team becomes like a quirky family. My friends and I still laugh about our freshman season, how one of my best friends Simone came prepared with fun facts to break the ice. Nothing says bonding quite like learning that chickens can survive without a head.

Being part of a community like that, where you know the girls around you have your back, gives you a kind of confidence that no one can take away. It’s not about being perfect. So whether you’re competing on the forensics team (which I’m a captain of — great way to improve public speaking skills!) or donating your hair for children with hair loss (like I did last week, ten inches), it’s about showing up, doing your best, and knowing that you’re supported, no matter what. 

And that’s what DSHA is all about: Building confidence not just in your abilities but in the community around you. We’re all here to support each other, to lift each other up, and to remind one another that even when we face setbacks, we can keep moving forward. Before each cross country race, we say our team prayer, which is like to share with you all today: “Lord, we do not know what you have in store for us today, but we know that you love us, and as long as we let you lead us, we can never truly fail." Amen.

Dashers, as you step into this new chapter, think of this prayer as your reminder to trust the process — there’s no need to have everything figured out right away, and you don’t have to go it alone. Parents, as you support your daughters through the ups and downs, this prayer is a reminder that, even when the path feels uncertain, they’re surrounded by a community that’s always ready to guide and encourage them.

In my faith, I’ve gone from worrying about fitting in to feeling supported and uplifted by the spiritual community here. The simple act of starting the day with prayer has become a foundation for my growth, not just as a student, but as a person of faith. From leading a freshman retreat small group to volunteering in the Milwaukee community to the classroom, I’ve grown in my faith and trust in my voice. Growing in my faith has sparked my confidence and feeling of self-worth and belonging, and a trust in voice. DSHA has given me confidence in myself, and I have faith in a community that lifts me up, encourages me, and challenges me to be my best self and serve others, living out our spiritual theme: caring for one another.

To the class of 2029, I want you to know that this place is a safe space for you to grow and try new things. You’ll find strength in your classes, on your sports teams, in your clubs, and most of all, in each other. You’ll be amazed at the confidence you’ll discover in yourself and in the amazing community around you. You’re here for a reason. You belong here. 

And to our parents sitting here today: Thank you for trusting DSHA with your daughters. I know it’s a big leap. I know you and your daughters are feeling nervous and excited. I should know, I was in your shoes once and my mom and incoming Dasher sister are in our audience today! I've said it once and will say it again: I love DSHA and the self-assurance my Dasher education has given me. At DSHA, we’re not just taught history, and literature and math and science and arts; we’re taught to believe in ourselves, to take risks, and to ask for help when we need it. We are encouraged to grow not just in our minds, but in our hearts and spirits. Your daughter will become a Woman of Faith, a self-advocate, a critical thinker, a communicator, and a leader within their class. And as your daughters begin this journey, they will be supported every step of the way by an incredible group of teachers, coaches, staff, and fellow students.

We’re actually both in the class of 2029. You all will be graduating from high school, and I’ll be graduating from college that same year. It’s kind of crazy to think about how we’ll all be starting this journey at the same time, just in different places. You’re going to learn so much over the next four years, and I’ll be right there with you on my own adventure as a biology major going into the field of scientific research. So go out there, class of 2029—be bold, take risks, and remember: you'll gain the confidence of a Dasher and the strength of this amazing community.