Through the Decades

BY MICHELLE MCDANIEL

Since its founding, Bishop Lynch High School has been more than a place of learning—it’s been a launching point for lives rooted in purpose, service, and community. These six remarkable alumni’s stories span fifty years, from the spirited halls of the 1970s to the dynamic classrooms of today, reflecting the heart and soul of Bishop Lynch. Now, five of them are approaching milestone reunions this fall.

Though their paths have led them in different directions, one thing remains constant: the values, relationships, and sense of belonging they found at Bishop Lynch continue to inspire and guide them. While the BL experience has naturally evolved over the decades, it remains grounded in the same enduring foundation of faith, excellence, and community.

This is Bishop Lynch. This is what it means to be a Friar—through the decades.

John Farrell ’75

Retired from a career in operational and financial management

John Farrell ’75 remembers Bishop Lynch High School as a place of camaraderie and perhaps a little chaos—in the best possible way.

He fondly recalls the spirited antics of his classmates—jumping out the classroom window and racing to touch Ferguson Road before the teacher arrived (and hoping their fellow students didn’t lock them out), or male students donning short wigs to conceal their long hair—as well as the unforgettable personalities of teachers and priests. One of his favorites was Fr. O’Connell, who organized evenings filled with activities at the school to help freshmen get to know each other. Another was Fr. Fabian, who once demonstrated golf techniques in his cassock and always kept students on their toes.

John was a standout athlete, earning All-State honors in football and setting multiple school records in track, even making it to the state finals three years in a row. But he credits Bishop Lynch most for its rigorous academics. Remembering how his high school reading list overlapped with a graduate-level college course, he says, “I thought college was easier than Bishop Lynch.”

After a year at the University of Texas, John transferred to the University of North Texas, where he thrived. “I blossomed there,” he says. “But Bishop Lynch laid the foundation.”

John has remained deeply committed to Catholic education. Years later, he established an endowment fund for St. Pius X Catholic School to help the school enhance its programs, equipment, and facilities. His dedication to community and excellence has also been recognized as he was inducted into the Bishop Lynch Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and named Alumni of the Year in 2000. Both he and his wife, Maria Longoria Farrell ’76, are proud Bishop Lynch graduates, as are their four children—John Farrell ’00, Melanie Farrell Duke ’02, Christine Farrell-Howitt ’04, and Kevin Farrell ’07.

John took an active role in helping organize his 50th class reunion, reaching out to former classmates, assembling a slideshow of old photos, and even hosting a gathering at his home. More than anything, he was grateful to reconnect, swap stories, and discover more about his friends, new and old.

“A wonderful reunion committee and great classmates combined to create a truly one-of-a-kind reunion for the class of ’75. What a blast and what a special class,” he says.

Patrick Banks ’90

SVP Treasury Management Relationship Manager, Regions Bank

The Bishop Lynch experience was more than just academics and athletics for Patrick Banks '90—it was the beginning of lifelong friendships and an enduring connection to community.

Stepping onto campus as a freshman, he remembers the excitement and uncertainty of a new beginning, but also the strong sense of belonging. He found his place through football, track and field, and a close-knit group of friends, many of whom he remains close with to this day. He credits faculty and staff like Fr. Sean Martin for shaping his path. “At first, you’d think he was tough,” Patrick says, “but he truly cared.” Fr. Martin knew the students’ families, encouraged accountability, and even offered to write personal college recommendation letters for seniors.

The values Patrick learned at Bishop Lynch— kindness, humility, and service—continue to guide him today. At work, he strives to be reliable—the kind of colleague who steps up when help is needed and offers support without hesitation. He’s quick to credit BL for instilling that mindset early on.

Homecoming still brings Patrick back. He and his high school friends make a point to attend the game and reconnect at alumni mixers. One of his favorite memories came a few years after college. According to Patrick, it felt like a reunion on top of a reunion. “You couldn’t walk five feet without seeing someone you knew,” he says. Even now, coaches will shout his name from the sidelines like no time has passed when he returns.

Patrick’s pride in his alma mater has come full circle: His daughter, Alese Banks ‘23, graduated from Bishop Lynch just two years ago. Watching her go through the same halls reminded him of just how special the school really is.

Jennifer Lacy ’95

Legal Assistant, Tollefson Bradley Mitchell & Melendi, LLP

As a class representative for Bishop Lynch, Jennifer Lacy ’95 sees her role as a bridge between her classmates and the school, encouraging alumni to stay engaged, return to campus, and give back, even in small ways. “It’s not about how much you give,” she explains, “but how many people participate.” That spirit of collective effort reflects the same community that first drew Jennifer to Bishop Lynch as a transfer student in the middle of her junior year.

At Bishop Lynch, Jennifer sought a more rigorous academic environment to prepare for her goal of becoming a lawyer. She found that challenge— and a true sense of belonging—at BL. From writing papers to enjoying technical theater, choir, and electives where she could choose whatever interested her, she embraced the opportunities and still remembers her teachers and classmates fondly.

The transition wasn’t just academic. At Bishop Lynch, Jennifer reconnected with old friends from elementary school and was welcomed into a tight-knit class. “At my old school, I was one of thousands,” she says. “At BL, I wasn’t just a number.” That feeling stayed with her, through friendships that have lasted decades and into her service on the alumni board, where she’s connected with graduates across generations.

Now, Jennifer is especially excited to help with Homecoming and reunite with classmates who’ve become lifelong friends. For Jen, that community remains at the heart of everything. “I love the school so much,” she says. “It’s about giving back and being part of something bigger. That’s what sets it apart from all the others.”

Dr. Mitchell McKnight ’05

Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dallas Oral Surgery Associates

For Dr. Mitchell McKnight ’05, attending Bishop Lynch High School was a natural step—he was the third of four siblings, following in the footsteps of his older sister and brother, Dr. Michael Lane ’01 and Matthew McKnight ’03. His younger brother, Markus McKnight ’06, followed him one year later. But it wasn’t until college at the University of Texas that he fully realized the value of his Bishop Lynch education. “The lightbulb went off when I realized how well-prepared I was compared to others,” he says, crediting teachers like Coach Kantor and Mr. Story for giving him a strong academic foundation.

In high school, Mitch stayed involved—football, student council, math club, and more. Some of his best friendships were formed on the field, including former middle school rivals who became teammates. He still keeps in close contact with many of those classmates today.

After Bishop Lynch and the University of Texas, Mitch followed a demanding path to become an oral surgeon, completing both dental and medical school, along with residency training in New York. It was during that time that Bishop Lynch President Chris Rebuck reached out, rekindling Mitch’s connection to the school. Now back in Dallas, Mitch serves on the BL Alumni Board and actively gives back, from helping with Career Day to staying involved in Homecoming planning as his twenty-year reunion approaches.

“I feel fortunate with where I am in life,” he says. “If I can give back, I want to. Bishop Lynch meant a lot to me, and I want to help make it even better for the students coming through now.”

Eva González ’15

Professional soccer player, FC Juárez

Soccer has always been at the center of Eva González’s journey—from Roffino Stadium to the professional pitches of Mexico. Now playing for FC Juárez, Eva still carries the lessons and memories of her high school days with her.

Eva spent all four years at Bishop Lynch on the women’s soccer team, where she competed at the varsity level and served as team captain. Her most cherished memories stem from the camaraderie sports brought—traveling with the team, bonding on bus rides, and experiencing the joy of team spirit. On the field, Eva helped lead Bishop Lynch to four consecutive state playoff appearances, advancing to the semifinals three times.

Attending Bishop Lynch wasn’t always the plan, but after conversations within her family—her aunt, Helida González ’01, being an alumna—Eva became the first of her siblings to attend. She’s grateful she did. “I truly enjoyed my time there,” she says, pointing to the strong relationships she built with teachers, some of whom she still keeps in touch with today.

After graduating, Eva went on to play Division I soccer at Seton Hall University. Following college, she took a brief break from the game to earn her police license at the Dallas Police Academy. But the draw of the pitch pulled her back, and nearly five years later, she’s still playing professionally in Mexico.

Eva credits Bishop Lynch with helping her develop critical time management skills. Called up to the Mexican national team during high school, she had to balance international travel and academics, often completing coursework remotely before it became the norm. That experience prepared her for college athletics and, later, earning her master’s degree while playing professionally.

Eva is grateful she’s been able to stay connected with the Bishop Lynch community despite the physical distance as she follows her dreams.

Jana Ampil ’25

Incoming student at the University of Tulsa

Over the course of her four years at Bishop Lynch, Jana Ampil ’25 immersed herself in a range of activities that expanded her world far beyond her middle school bubble. BL became more than just a place to learn—it was a space to grow, connect, and discover her passion. From choir and lacrosse to the Asian American Club, Jana committed herself fully to each, and in return, found community, confidence, and friendships.

“These activities really allowed me to branch out and meet people I never would have crossed paths with in class,” she reflects. “Some of my closest friends I met because we shared something we loved, like singing or playing lacrosse.”

One of her proudest moments came this spring, when she stood on stage during her final choir concert—not just as a singer, but as student director. Leading a song in front of her peers felt like a culmination of years of hard work. “It was so heartwarming,” she says. “I could really see the fruits of my labor.”

But not all her favorite memories are tied to performances or achievements. Sometimes, it was the everyday moments, like laughing with friends at lunch or connecting with new classmates, that meant the most. “BL is such a wide community,” Jana says. “People come from all over, and everyone tries to make you feel like you belong.”

Perhaps nothing captures the warmth of that community better than the night she was crowned prom queen—an honor that surprised her more than anyone. “I didn’t expect to win at all,” she admits. “That just meant the world to me.”

Jana’s time at Bishop Lynch gave her the academic foundation she needed and helped her discover her direction. Because of a digital media class she took senior year, she’s decided to pursue a career in technology and marketing. As Jana looks ahead to starting at the University

of Tulsa this fall, where she’ll major in marketing with a minor in business information systems, she feels both prepared and excited.

From John Farrell’s classroom pranks in the ’70s to Jana Ampil’s time as a student director, these stories capture more than individual achievements—they reflect the spirit of a school that shapes students not just for success, but for lives of purpose and connection. As the Bishop Lynch community celebrates these milestone reunions, it also celebrates the legacy that continues to grow: one Friar at a time, through the decades.

Welcome Home, Friars!

Alumni PartyAll Bishop Lynch Alumni Friday, October 17, 2025

Reunions for the Classes of 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 Saturday, October 18, 2025

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