Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools Announces 2025 Teacher, Administrator, and Volunteer of the Year
April 2, 2025
DES MOINES, IOWA – Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Teacher, Administrator, and Volunteer of the Year awards. These individuals have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to Catholic education and their commitment to students, schools, and the greater community.
Cindy Schwery Named Teacher of the Year
Cindy Schwery of Shelby County Catholic Schools has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year. Schwery is known for keeping God front and center in her music classroom. She is active in her parish, creative, empathetic, and beloved by her students.
“Cindy is such a cheerleader and positive force when it comes to our Catholic school,” said one of her nominators. “She’s a blessing and a gift to Shelby County Catholic School,” commented another.
Schwery shares her musical talents at Mass and school programs, and she incorporates various subjects, including math and social studies, into her music curriculum. She also shares her faith through action, including caring for her 93-year-old father and volunteering as a freshman confirmation teacher and with the community Easter Egg Hunt.
Erica Arnold Honored as Administrator of the Year
Erica Arnold of Dowling Catholic High School has been selected as the 2025 Administrator of the Year. Arnold has spent 27 years in Catholic education, with the past 13 years as an administrator at Dowling Catholic. She is known for her dedication to ensuring students are placed in the proper courses and for her data-driven decision-making.
“Erica works diligently to ensure that the students coming into DCHS are placed in the proper courses to best enhance and further the gifts they have been given by God,” one commenter stated.
Known by some as “the spreadsheet queen,” Arnold uses her gifts to identify the best academic path for each Dowling student.
Tomas Munoz Recognized as Volunteer of the Year
Tomas Munoz of Holy Trinity Catholic School has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Munoz has been sharing his time and talent at Holy Trinity since 2021. He is known for his positive attitude, kindness, and strong faith.
“Tomas is a consistent model of faith around the building,” said one nominator. “He is always sharing his faith and experiences with students and staff and is the best example of kindness to all he meets.”
Munoz is beloved by students and staff alike and often brings treats and gifts to the school. He loves being around the staff and is willing to help in any way, including subbing, teaching religious education, and covering recess duty.
“We are incredibly blessed to have such dedicated and passionate individuals in our Catholic schools,” said Donna Bishop, superintendent of Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools. “Cindy, Erica, and Tomas exemplify the values of faith, excellence, and community that we strive for in Catholic education. Their contributions make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and our school communities. We are grateful for their commitment and congratulate them on this well-deserved honor.”
Schwery, Arnold, and Munoz will be honored at the Bishop’s Celebration of Catholic Schools on September 13th in Krause Hall at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide students with innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation.