For my family, Carondelet has been more than a school. It has been a second home, a shared tradition, and the foundation for the women I am so proud of today.
In May, my two youngest daughters, Allison ’25 and Amelia ’25, walked across the stage to receive their Carondelet diplomas. Allison will soon head to Fordham University to study business, and Amelia will begin her nursing studies at Fairfield University. Before them came their sister Audrey ’24, now a sophomore at Santa Clara University in the Honors Program, double majoring in English and business. Their oldest sisters are Maggie ’22 and Lily ’22. Maggie is now a senior at Santa Clara majoring in business, and Lily is a senior nursing student at Baylor.
For the past six years, at least two Bowes have walked the halls of Carondelet, weaving my family into the fabric of the school. Their achievements tell a story of leadership, service, and spirit: 16 years of student leadership, three Jefferson Awards, five Presidential Volunteer Awards, eight different sports across 31 teams, nine captain armbands, three homecoming court selections, and a salutatorian.
I am deeply grateful to the entire Carondelet community for making these years so joyful and meaningful for my family. Teachers and coaches often said how much they loved seeing multiple Bowes, noting both the shared family traits and the distinct strengths each daughter brought. Each carved her own path, yet all were shaped by the Carondelet values of Heart, Faith, Courage, and Excellence—lived in classrooms, on courts and fields, during assemblies and retreats, and in everyday moments.
And the sixth remarkable woman? Their mother, Teresa Peinado ’90, whom I fondly watched cross the same Carondelet stage to receive her diploma 35 years ago. Teresa will always be the most powerful role model of these enduring Carondelet values to my daughters, and her journey came full circle as she proudly watched each of them follow in her footsteps.
While my family’s daily presence at Carondelet may be ending, I will be watching with gratitude and wonder as these six remarkable women carry its values forward in every part of their lives. Their legacy is only beginning to take shape, and will not be measured in diplomas or awards, but in the courage, compassion, and light they bring to the world. I am excited to see how their stories unfold in the many chapters still to be written.
Thank you, Carondelet.
And to my beautiful family, always remember: We are the Bowes!
Jim Bowes (De La Salle ’90) is the proud father of five Carondelet graduates and husband to alumna Teresa Peinado Bowes ’90.