THS Alumni

Mack Dougherty was a member of The Healdsburg School class of 2010. A graduate of Cardinal Newman High School, Mack is proudly serving as a damage controlman in the United States Coast Guard. More than two years into his tenure, Mack has patrolled the high seas from Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska to Japan and Central and South America. Combatting overfishing is one of the ways Mack is making a difference and helping to protect our shared oceans.

Thinking back to his years at THS, Mack says, “THS gives you the tools needed to become a great leader, and it’s up to you to take what they give you and run with it. When it comes to accomplishing your goals the biggest step for me personally was the initial commitment. When I first started looking into the Coast Guard a majority of my peers were looking into what college they wanted to attend, making me the odd one out. It’s important not to be afraid to be different; there’s not one path that’s right for everyone, so find the one that’s right for you.”

In finding his own path, daily representing the United States with the utmost integrity in his interactions with people around the world, and working to ensure the well-being of our precious oceans, Mack’s compassionate leadership shines.

Colby Groom graduated from The Healdsburg School in 2012 and is now a senior at Cardinal Newman High School. Prior to Colby’s tenth birthday, he underwent back-to-back open-heart surgeries. From a young age, Colby became an active volunteer with the American Heart Association. During his seventh grade year at THS, Colby was inspired to raise money for heart research by creating a wine with his father, Daryl Groom, a notable winemaker. Colby Red was born! Colby Red is a flavorful California cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot & Petite Sirah.

Colby has now raised $650,000 to benefit the American Heart Association and other heart-related charities and events. Earnings from Colby Red also support families who lack the health insurance needed to provide their children who suffer from heart defects with the needed vital treatments and procedures.

Reflecting on his time at THS, Colby says his understanding of leadership came from his relationships with his teachers who modeled on a daily basis that a leader is someone who shows the way rather than bosses around. Colby’s sense of compassion grew as he learned what it meant to be an active part of the community by participating in service-learning projects such as cleaning up Foss Creek.

Colby was appointed a national spokesperson for The Children’s Heart Foundation, and Cardinal Newman also awarded him the Mary Ellen C. Walter Service Award. He is truly a compassionate leader whose innovation, drive and dedication are an inspiration.