Hinsdale Central High School

Dolores Drallmeier Bova

Membership level: Hall of Fame

Dolores Drallmeier Bova

Inductee Year 2013
Dolores Drallmeier Bova
Prior to being inducted into the Ice Skating Institute of America (ISIA) Hall of Fame in 1998, Dolores Drallmeier Bova graduated from Hinsdale Township High School in 1950. At HTHS, Dolores served on the Girls Athletic Association Board for three years and was active in all sports which were then offered. She started ice skating at 11 years of age at Johnson Slough, a man-made pond at 4th & Madison and Salt Creek in Fullersburg. While attending HTHS during the late 1940’s, Dolores furthered her passion for ice skating by taking lessons at the Chicago Arena. June 1950 found her in the professional ranks by being asked to join the Hollywood Ice Revue produced by Arthur Wirtz who was President of the Chicago Black Hawks, owned the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Stadium. Dolores skated professionally until 1954 when she turned to teaching. During the late ‘50’s, she trained several Olympic hopefuls, including 5 year old Janet Lynn who, in 1972, became an Olympic Bronze Medalist.

She served as Skating Director for Centennial Ice Rinks in Wilmette, Illinois for over 23 years where she wrote, choreographed, costumed and directed more than 26 ice shows involving as many as 800 students ranging from age 4 to senior citizens – all in one show. She created the “Tot Program” published in the ISIA Test Standards and used by skating rinks internationally. In addition, Dolores developed and wrote numerous teaching techniques used in the ISIA Manuals. Ice Skating School Programs for 18 ice rinks in Illinois and numerous other facilities throughout the USA were developed by her. Being a Gold Certified Judge and a National Level Referee, she functioned in these capacities at Skate Asia 1989, Skate Australia 1990 as well as 12 ISIA National Championships.

ISIA bestowed upon her the “1981 Woman of the Year Award”, the “Great Skate Award” in 1991, the “Top 12 Instructor Award for 10 Consecutive Years” in 1986 (ranking as high as third nationally) and the “Presidents Award for Excellence” in 1995. Her professional affiliations include but were not limited to serving 14 years on the ISIA Board of Directors, 10 years as Secretary and Trustee of the Education Foundation. The Professional Skaters Guild of America (PSGA) also listed her as a member.

“Teaching has enabled me to give back a little joy and happiness that I have had in my life through skating”, she says.

Dolores was married to Phillip Bova for 59 years prior to his recent death. They had two children, Dawn and Steven.
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