Christopher L. Rebuck President
Chelsea Hafertepe Duncan '11 Chief Advancement Officer
Michelle Argumaniz Director of Communications
Monica Austin Director of Alumni and Donor Relations
Anna Huntress '17 Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS
Michelle Cuneo
Ryan Plugge '13 Sports Information Specialist
PHOTOGRAPHY
Drew Merlino
Visual Communications Associate
Coby Littleton
Ben Torres
Dear Friar Family,
As we turn the page into another meaningful season at Bishop Lynch, we do so with deep gratitude for the people, families, and stories that continue to bring our mission to life. In this edition of Reflections, we see our vision statement once again made visible:
These words are more than an aspiration. They are reflected in the lives of our students, the generosity of our benefactors, and the enduring legacy of families who have helped shape the Friar story across generations.
This issue highlights the remarkable philanthropy of Dennis and Dawn Doughty, whose generosity is rooted in gratitude for the Bishop Lynch education that Dennis received and the people who helped make it possible. Dennis’ story is a powerful reminder that the gift of Catholic education extends far beyond a student’s years on campus. Through endowments and support for capital projects, Dennis is helping ensure that talented students with great promise have access to the same lifeshaping opportunity that helped form his own path.
We are also honored to celebrate the Sellers family legacy, a story that reflects the heart of Bishop Lynch as a community of faith, family, friendship, and formation. Their story demonstrates that BL is a place where families are welcomed, relationships are built, and a lifelong connection to mission takes root. From student life and athletics to parent involvement, board leadership, and a deep commitment to Catholic education, the Sellers family has helped strengthen the foundation upon which Bishop Lynch continues to grow.
This edition also gives us the opportunity to celebrate a historic graduating class. The Class of 2026 set a new
Bishop Lynch record, earning more than $51 million in scholarship dollars. These graduates will attend 79 unique colleges and universities across 28 states and in Europe. They submitted 2,044 college applications, were accepted to 247 unique colleges, and earned 5,239 dual credit hours, representing an estimated $4.7 million in college tuition savings. Fifteen student-athletes will continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level. Behind these extraordinary numbers are students who have been challenged, encouraged, and formed by a community committed to helping them discover their gifts and step confidently into the future.
As we look ahead, we also celebrate the upcoming reunions for classes ending in 6, including the very first 60th reunion in Bishop Lynch High School history. What a powerful reminder that the Bishop Lynch experience does not end at graduation. It continues through alumni who return, families who remain connected, and generations of Friars who carry forward the values, friendships, and faith first nurtured here.
Through these stories and more, Reflections stands as a testament to the enduring power of Catholic education and the strength of the Friar Family. Thank you for being part of a mission that is not only remembered, but renewed through every student formed, every family welcomed, every gift shared, and every life shaped by Bishop Lynch.
With gratitude and hope,
Christopher L. Rebuck President
The 258 members of the Bishop Lynch High School Class of 2026 set new academic and collegiate records in their pursuit of excellence, truth, and justice. Bishop Lynch is proud to celebrate the many accomplishments of the 61st graduating class.
Earned more than in college scholarships, setting a new school record
$51 M
79 27,926
8 Attending unique colleges and universities across 29 states and Europe Completed hours of service, locally and internationally
16
14
The Class of 2026 was accepted to 247 unique colleges and universities. Signed
15 student-athletes to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level
5,239 Earned dual credit hours, for a total of $4.7 million in estimated college tuition savings
15
L to R: Keeran Ong, Oliver Maceda, and Dr. Chad Riley
Brittney Aldana
Attending the University of Notre Dame, Full Scholarship
“I learned good study habits and how to succeed as a student, thanks to my teachers. I also learned the importance of friendship.”
A Bishop Lynch High School senior graduates with much more than just a diploma. Bishop Lynch graduates acquire a total formational experience rooted in the four pillars of Dominican life — prayer, study, community, and service. To read the full Profile of a Bishop Lynch Graduate, scan here.
Oscar Maceda, Frassati House
The University of Texas at Austin
Pursuing a degree in biochemistry
Keeran Ong, Siena House
The University of Texas at Austin
Pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering
Charlie DeVoss
Attending Tulane University, Full ROTC Scholarship
“At BL, I really learned how to work better with others. The sense of community helped me to work well in group settings.”
For more than four decades, the Sellers family has been a steady presence at Bishop Lynch High School through their humble commitment to service, leadership, and community.
It is a legacy that began with Anne and Steve Sellers, who believed in the value of Catholic education and modeled a life of dedicated involvement wherever they were needed.
Anne LaHaye grew up in Leonville, a southern Louisiana town of just a few hundred residents, while Steve was raised in Dallas and attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Jesuit. The two met while attending college in San Antonio — Anne at Our Lady of the Lake University and Steve at St. Mary’s University — and married in 1963.
After settling in East Dallas, Anne and Steve’s three children became the second generation of Sellers to attend St. Thomas Aquinas. And when the time came for high school, they chose Bishop Lynch for their children.
"It was the best fit for us," Anne recalled. "Steve had gone to Catholic schools all his life."
Beginning with Sandy Sellers Stansbury '82, followed by Matt Sellers '84 and Pam Sellers Hoppers '88, the Sellers children found a school that would shape not only their education, but also their understanding of community. Like many Friars of their era, the Sellers siblings immersed themselves in school life.
"They all really thrived there and had a good time." Anne said. “They were each stars in their own right.”
Sandy served as female freshman class president and enjoyed traveling with classmates to athletic competitions around the state as a member of the cheer team. She remembers a school that felt both personal and welcoming.
Matt embraced nearly every opportunity Bishop Lynch offered. Athletics, student council, theater, intramurals and friendships all became part of his experience.
"Bishop Lynch allowed me to try and experience everything," he said. "BL taught me not just academics but life lessons, leadership, and dealing with people. Most importantly, I learned the value of having great friendships."
Matt remains connected to many of his classmates today, still considering them some of his best friends despite physical distance and time passed.
Pam arrived at Bishop Lynch already feeling connected, having spent years attending events for her older brother and sister.
"When I started my freshman year, while there were the typical initial feelings of apprehension, I soon felt deeply connected," she said. "I remember having a sense of belonging."
Her favorite memories included lunch conversations with friends, painting football banners, student council meetings, musical rehearsals and learning from faculty members who made the school feel like home.
"What I think was most valuable about my education is not specifically what I learned, but instead that I learned how to learn and keep learning for a lifetime."
The performing arts became a shared thread for all three siblings. Matt and Pam were heavily involved in Blackfriars productions, and Sandy was finally persuaded to perform in her first musical during senior year.
For Anne and Steve, Bishop Lynch was never simply a place where their children attended classes.
As a family, they invested themselves in the life of the school. Anne chaired the magazine drive, volunteered weekly in the bookstore alongside Mrs. Hogan, and rarely missed an opportunity to help. Anne and Steve regularly chaperoned dances and attended games, becoming familiar faces to generations of Friars.
"We had sock hops after the football games back then, and they were always chaperoning those plus the main dances," Sandy remembered. "I remember just coming in from the football games, and there they were. They were just being parents."
Steve's service extended to the school board, where he helped guide Bishop Lynch during important moments of growth and transition including the selection of Deacon Ed Leyden as president and the establishment of the school’s transportation program.
As Anne shared, their service was an expression of their simple belief in supporting the community that was helping form their children.
Today, the three siblings have carried the lessons of Bishop Lynch and their parents’ hard-working spirit into their
professional and personal lives, each with diverse careers and accomplishments. Sandy, who was named the Bishop Lynch Alumna of the Year in 2017, is a CPA with Priolo & Associates in East Dallas. Matt serves as vice president of project development for Kiewit Energy Group and lives in Cypress, Texas, with his wife, Christy. Pam is a speechlanguage pathologist serving at Baylor Rehabilitation Hospital and in private practice, and she and her husband, Marc, live in Dallas.
When Sandy and her husband, Shannon, began exploring high schools for their oldest daughter, their family interview reminded them of what had always made Bishop Lynch unique.
"BL truly lives by their tagline of believing and belonging," Sandy said. "It extends to the whole family, and you build a whole community."
Courtney Stansbury Johnson ’08 — who was St. Thomas Aquinas School’s first third-generation graduate — participated in track, musical productions and the ambassador program. She was followed by siblings Ashley Stansbury Scott ’12, Ryan Stansbury ’15, and Sydney Stansbury ’18, who each embraced their own unique experiences of belonging at Bishop Lynch. Ashley participated in cheer and musical productions, Ryan enjoyed being part of the golf team, and Sydney cheered all four years and remembers the friendships that developed among students and parents alike.
As a Bishop Lynch parent herself, Sandy was inspired by the spirit of servant leadership modeled by her parents. She volunteered weekly in The Locker, assisted with the magazine drive just as her mother had done years earlier, and chaired the annual auction. Shannon served on the Bishop Lynch Board of Directors while Ashley and Courtney were in school, and Sandy just concluded her term on the board.
For Sandy, remaining involved long after her children graduated was never a difficult decision.
“It's important to me to help the next generation have the
same experiences as my kids,” shared Sandy. “I just love the BL community.”
All four Stansbury siblings remain close to the community that paved the way for unique careers and rich family life. This spring, Ryan married fellow Friar Seghen Kalleb ’17, and Courtney and her husband, BJ, welcomed their third daughter. Ashley and her husband, current BL faculty member Jonathan Scott, became a family of four with the birth of their second daughter.
Elsewhere, the Sellers' legacy continues through Matt's children, Sean who lives in New York and Rachel who lives in Cypress, and through Pam's children, Paul and Kathryn, both of whom remain in the Dallas area.
For Anne, who now watches her children and grandchildren carry forward the values she and Steve modeled, her family's dedication to Bishop Lynch isn't simply measured by positions held or years served.
Instead, the Sellers family legacy is one of humble service, steady leadership, and a belief that a community built on belonging is only possible through the commitment of individuals who show up, lend a hand, and invest in others.
Sandy Sellers Stansbury '82
Matt Sellers '84
Pam Sellers Hoppers '88
Courtney Stansbury Johnson ’08
Ashley Stansbury Scott ’12
Ryan Stansbury ’15
Sydney Stansbury ’18
In a beloved tradition of the event, past recipients in attendance pose with Roman, the newest member of the Alumni of the Year family.
Alumni and friends of Bishop Lynch High School gathered in the Monsignor Weinzapfel Atrium on January 29, 2026, to honor the legacy of Roman Plugge ’75, whose dedication to the mission of Bishop Lynch has left a tangible impact on innumerable facets of the school.
Since 1990, the Alumni Association has recognized those graduates who have embodied Bishop Lynch tradition and Dominican heritage of service to the community through the Alumni of the Year program. The annual celebration, hosted during Catholic Schools Week, anchors Bishop Lynch in its purpose and mission, illustrating to current and future Friars alike the impact that graduates are called to have beyond BL’s walls.
Bishop Lynch High School Save the Date
2026 Alumnus of the Year Celebration
Thursday, January 28, 2027
Three generations of the Plugge family celebrate Roman’s award. From L to R: Billy Collins ’06, Stephanie Plugge Collins ’06, Ryan Plugge ’13, Lauren Plugge, Roman Plugge Jr. ’75, Antonia Plugge, Sharon Plugge, Andrew Plugge ’10, Tori Plugge, John Plugge ’77, Kathy Vieger Plugge ’77, Jan Plugge Davis ’72, Roman “RC” Plugge III ’08, Johnny Pelletier ’25, Bill Davis Jr., Kathleen Davis Pelletier ’01, and John Pelletier.
Roman Plugge Jr. ’75, a professional civil engineer, was employed at Halff Associates in Dallas for 37 years where he served as chief operating officer prior to his retirement in 2021. A native of Dallas, Roman attended St. Patrick Catholic School and Bishop Lynch High School prior to earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station.
Roman and his wife Sharon of 40 years have raised four children — daughter Stephanie Plugge Collins ’06 and sons RC ’08, Andrew ’10, and Ryan ’13 — all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps from St. Patrick to Bishop Lynch and on to Texas A&M. Roman became active in the Bishop Lynch Alumni Association 20 years ago, and he has served as a director on the Bishop Lynch Board for 11 years and as the board chair for two years.
Roman and Sharon are passionate advocates for Catholic education, and their steadfast commitment to Bishop Lynch has strengthened the school’s mission and enhanced the student experience. Their tremendous investment was brought to life in several capital projects on campus, including
the funding of a new science wing and fine arts classrooms and renovations to the athletics fieldhouse and Roffino Stadium turf.
In 2020, they established The Plugge Family Scholarship at Bishop Lynch. Roman was also instrumental in helping to form the recent Class of 1975 Endowment, as well as the Father John Gambro Endowment in 2014.
Roman’s dedication to the broader Dallas community is reflected in his engagement with numerous nonprofit boards, including The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority where he served for 16 years, and the St. Patrick Catholic School Advisory Board where he served for six years. Roman is presently serving a 6-year term on the board of Cristo Rey Dallas and is a member of the Endowment Board at St. Patrick Catholic School.
Roman feels blessed to be a part of the Bishop Lynch family, and he is proud of what the school has accomplished over the last more-than-60 years. Because of his generous support, Bishop Lynch is positioned to thrive for generations to come.
Dennis Doughty ’74 reflects on the experiences and individuals that have inspired his decades of philanthropic investment in Bishop Lynch High School. In addition to his contributions to numerous capital projects, endowments, and the annual fund, Dennis established The Theresa Doughty Endowment Fund and The Father John M. Gambro Endowment Fund to honor the memories and legacies of his mother and one of the school’s beloved founding faculty members.
Dennis and his mother, Theresa, on his Bishop Lynch graduation day.
How did your Bishop Lynch education influence your career and personal path?
My time at Bishop Lynch helped instill a strong work ethic and goal-oriented approach to both my career and my life. The curriculum provided exposure to the Great Books, as well as topics in philosophy and theology that helped shape my interest in ethical science and technology. The availability of courses and extracurricular activities in drama, speech, and athletics provided well-rounded experiences that helped me build skills in leadership, oral and written communications, teamwork and collaboration that have been invaluable in all aspects of my life and career.
Along the way, the Catholic character of Bishop Lynch helped me to remain focused on doing things the right way and on helping others.
You’ve supported Bishop Lynch in so many meaningful ways over the years, from establishing endowments to supporting campaigns and scholarships through the Legacy Gala. What has inspired your continued generosity across these different areas?
As the child of a single parent who worked hard to make ends meet, I have a deep appreciation of the difficulty many families experience to afford a Catholic high school education. I could not have attended Bishop Lynch without the generous help of the Knights of Columbus initiated by Mrs. Marie Malouf, one of my eighth-grade teachers at St. Pius X. Throughout my time as a student at Bishop Lynch, several teachers and coaches were personally invested in my success and development as a student and a person. They helped motivate me to seek success through honest hard work.
My contributions to Bishop Lynch are my way to return the kindness and generosity that I received as a student, and to provide opportunities for students like me who come from modest means and are driven to succeed. Over the years, I have been honored to support capital projects and initiatives aimed at improving the student experience. However, the
primary focus of my philanthropy has been financial aid, either directly to students in need or through endowments. The endowments also give me the opportunity to honor those who had a great influence on my life during my formative years — my mother, Theresa Doughty, as well as Mrs. Marie Malouf and former principal Fr. John Gambro, O.P.
In giving back to this community, I hope to help form the next generation of Bishop Lynch alumni who will, themselves, give back when they are able.
What impact do you hope that your philanthropic investments will have on the future of Bishop Lynch?
First and foremost, I hope that my support will allow more students with high potential and limited resources to receive a Bishop Lynch education. I also hope that my contributions will influence my friends and classmates to consider supporting Bishop Lynch in their own ways, whether financially or through volunteer activities, to continue to strengthen the school community and form the leaders of the future. In time, I pray that my contributions will result in future generations of Bishop Lynch alumni who will be inspired to keep the promise of a quality Catholic education alive through their own commitment to give back.
Dawn and Dennis Doughty ’74
To discover the ways a Bishop Lynch endowment can make a lasting impact, contact Chelsea Hafertepe Duncan ’11
chelsea.duncan@bishoplynch.org 214.324.3607 x 4128
By Ryan Plugge ’13
Sports Information Specialist
Bishop Lynch High School inducted four new members into its Sports Hall of Fame during the Alumni Association's annual ceremony on April 26, 2026, continuing a tradition of recognizing excellence across Friar athletics. The event was emceed by Stephen Howard ’88, a 1994 Hall of Fame inductee and former NBA player.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class featured standout studentathletes Chelsea Dillard May ’94 and Kevin Wainscott ’05, along with two championship teams — the 2015 women's soccer team and the 2002 baseball team — each of which left a lasting mark on Bishop Lynch history.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements, dedication, and legacy of the inductees while bringing together alumni, families, and members of the Friar community from across the country to recognize the tradition and pride that define Bishop Lynch Athletics.
Chelsea Dillard May ’94 was an exceptional three-sport athlete at Bishop Lynch High School from 1991 to 1994. In her senior year, she was honored as both Student-Athlete of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. During the 1994 season, May earned All-District and All-State honors in Track & Field and served as team captain for the women's soccer team.
Following her graduation from Bishop Lynch, May continued her athletic pursuits at the University of Oklahoma, where she played on the club soccer team. She has since competed in numerous endurance events, completing 13 marathons and more than 30 half-marathons, including the Boston, New York, and Chicago Marathons, as well as the Steamboat Trail Marathon.
An avid hiker, May has traversed over 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago across Spain, Portugal, and France, completed the entire Tour du Mont Blanc, and hiked 200 miles in the Andes Mountains, including the Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu.
Kevin Wainscott ’05 enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in Bishop Lynch wrestling history. During his four years with the Friars from 2002 to 2005, he helped the program secure four TAPPS State Championships. Individually, Wainscott was a four-time TAPPS State Champion and a four-time Texas Prep State Champion. He was ranked the No. 1 Texas High School Wrestler (UIL/Prep) and as the top wrestler in the state by The Dallas Morning News.
Wainscott's leadership was equally notable, serving as team captain from 2003 to 2005 and guiding the program to a No. 7 national ranking.
After high school, Wainscott competed for Oklahoma State University under legendary coach John L. Smith, finishing with a career record of 33-19 and earning Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 honors as a senior. He then transitioned into coaching, beginning at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas before becoming head coach at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, where he continues to lead today.
After a narrow loss in the previous season's state championship, the 2014-2015 Bishop Lynch women's soccer team captured the program's fourth state title with a 2-1 victory over Ursuline, ending the Bears' 24-year consecutive state championship streak.
Under Head Coach Darrin Hedges, the Friars finished the season 25-2-1. Top Drawer Soccer ranked Bishop Lynch as the fourth-best high school women's soccer team nationally for winter soccer and sixth-best overall for the year. Eleven members of the team went on to play NCAA soccer: Katelyn Curtis ’16 (Rhodes College), Ashley Hanks ’15 (St. Edward's University), Taylor Haynes ’16 (University of Illinois), Micaela MacKay ’16 (Jacksonville University), Natalie McDonough ’15 (University of Missouri), Atupele Mshana ’16 (University of Texas), Anna Schrader ’18 (University of Denver), Erin Scott ’15 (Creighton University), Jamie Jeffrey Strahl ’15 (University of Tulsa), Eva González Tate ’15 (Seton Hall University), and Kaycie Tillman ’15 (Florida State University).
The 2001-2002 Bishop Lynch baseball team holds a singular place in the program's storied history as the school's only baseball state championship team. Led by Kenny Francingues, the Friars finished the season with a 25-9 record and defeated Nolan Catholic 7-1 to claim the state title.
Key contributors included Nick Halovanic ’04, who went 12-0 on the mound and earned First Team All-State honors. Brian Sullivan ’02 (SS), Cullen Schaar ’02 (CF), Jacob Hebert ’02 (DH), and Robert Crump ’02 (2B) were all named First Team All-State, and Michael Gebhard ’04 (P) earned honorable mention All-State recognition.
Six members of the team went on to play NCAA baseball: Evan Gattis ’04 (Texas A&M University), Michael Gebhard ’04 (Benedictine College), Nick Halovanic ’04 (Oral Roberts College), Ryan Hood ’04 (Odessa College), Jordan Knight ’05 (Weatherford College), and Lee Owen ’05 (Texas Christian University).
Save the Date
April 25, 2027
The 2027 Bishop Lynch Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Foundational to the Bishop Lynch experience are the four pillars of the Dominican charism — prayer, study, community, and service — which inspire every aspect of daily life for students and staff alike. These pillars, which inspire the school’s mission and curriculum, create the community of believing and belonging that sets Bishop Lynch apart.
As they move through the school year, students follow “The BL Way,” both a physical path through campus and a model for daily living.
By Laura Gauthier, Director of Campus Ministry
This year’s Holy Thursday Triduum Retreat offered a variety of unique opportunities for students to ponder the mysteries of Holy Week and to have a little fun.
Students began the morning by stepping into the events of the Passion through the Living Stations of the Cross, planned and acted by mentor group chaplains and accompanied by the Bishop Lynch Choir.
The day continued in the Bistro with a Sedar meal led by Jewish and Catholic faculty, giving students a hands-on experience of the Passover meal that Jesus celebrated with his disciples at the Last Supper.Throughout the retreat, students could also participate in service projects, adoration, and time outdoors.
Amidst this holiest week of the Catholic liturgical year, faculty, staff and student leaders created a beautiful space for reflection, prayer, and community.
By Lisa Mazat, TAPPS Academic Team coach
This March, nearly 40 Bishop Lynch High School students competed in 17 academic and speech events to defend our Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state championship title. All in all, a total of 19 students placed in their events.
The academic victory was led by a dominant performance in the humanities, highlighted by an incredible 1-2-3 sweep in Spelling. Friar scholars further excelled in Spanish, Current Events, Social Studies, Literary Criticism, and Ready Writing, alongside a key placement in Number Sense. These results, combined with students' competitive efforts in Advanced Math, TAPPS Math, Calculator, and Science, provided the points needed to secure Bishop Lynch's third consecutive state title.
The Speech team was equally unstoppable, commanding the stage with a powerhouse showing across every category. From the emotional depth of Prose and Poetry Interpretation to the sharp wit of Original Oratory, Persuasive Speaking, and Solo and Duet Acting, BL's performers proved they are the best in the state.
Bishop Lynch was honored to host the national House System Institute this summer, sharing the school’s Dominican charism and House traditions with over 80 educational leaders from private and public schools from across the country.
The three-day symposium in June showcased Bishop Lynch’s House development and programming, and breakout sessions — led by both BL deans and House System leaders from schools in attendance — provided ample opportunity for growth and development.
Also invited to facilitate breakout sessions and panels were several Friar alumni, including Sarah Rios ’23, Terrance Thomas ’23, Sofia Jandres ’25, Isaac Boyles ’26, and Ciara Osuji ’26, whose presence and experience spoke to the enduring impact of the Bishop Lynch House System.
In a beloved annual tradition bridging service and community, students participating in February’s Service Saturday hosted an afternoon of fun for elderly residents at Juliette Fowler Communities. Friars created a carnival experience complete with games, prizes, and treats for residents in the East Dallas senior living campus.
This year’s carnival was particularly special thanks to a visit from Bishop Lynch’s own “CRashers,” President Chris Rebuck and Principal Chad Riley, who both share the initials “CR.” Throughout the year, the “CRashers” make surprise visits to student practices, club meetings, and activities, celebrating the often-unseen ways that Bishop Lynch students live out the school’s mission.
But of course, the highlight of the day for Friars and Juliette Fowler residents alike was the connection through laughter and conversation.
The 2026 Legacy Gala on February 28, 2026, transported guests to a high-rolling night on the Vegas strip, but it was Bishop Lynch students who hit the jackpot thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors.
Elvis was in the building to open the evening’s festivities, and alumnus Terrance Thomas ’23 brought attendees to their feet with his reflection on BL’s impact on his personal and professional growth in high school and beyond.
When the final chips were counted, the event raised more than $630,000 in gross proceeds for need-based and merit scholarships, placing a Bishop Lynch education within reach for families ready to bet on believing and belonging.
13, 2027
For the annual spring
By experiencing sacred beauty and interacting with a creative curriculum, students in the Fine Arts department develop an understanding of self and the relationship they have with the world around them. Critical thinking, compromise, and collaboration are the foundations of courses in both the visual and performing arts, and students demonstrated these characteristics this year through vibrant performances and thought-provoking visual presentations.
Out of nearly 800 students from 100 high school productions across Texas, several Friars were recognized by the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theater Awards (HSMTA) for their roles in the Bishop Lynch spring musical.
Hailey Espinosa, Arturo Pascal, and Jayden Plemons | Outstanding Lead Performer Semi-Finalists
Joseph Merchant | Nominated for Outstanding Featured Performer
Shannon Inman | Recipient of the Bobby Mahurin Theatre Ambassador Scholarship
Camryn Ross was chosen from over 250 students from across North Texas to be part of the Broadway Dallas Performance Ensemble.
Amidst new accolades and inspiring performances, the Bishop Lynch Band demonstrated the value of hard work and commitment to community. In addition to their Christmas and spring concerts, both the band and choir performed at community events and led a middle school clinic.
Their competition showings earned the Friar band the following honors:
First Place | Ranchview Marching Band Competition
First Place | Celina Marching Invitational
Third Place | Texas Private School Music Educators Association State Marching Contest
Division 1 Rating Overall, Division 1 Rating Solos (Ella Arthur, Darby Baines, Aiden Canelo, Roberto Madrigales, and Gianna Suwanda), Division 2 Rating Solo (Brenden Evans) | Texas Private School Music Educators Association Concert & SightReading Competition
The Bishop Lynch Choir anchored an exciting year of growth with two phenomenal performances in their Christmas and spring concerts, and lent their voices to all school masses and community events across the Dallas area.
Choir students competed well, also, with two freshman students earning top marks in the Texas Private School Music Educators Association Competition.
Emily Duke and Audrey McGuire | Division 1 Rating - Solos
A semester of cultivating creative movement and graceful strength culminated in Dance students’ winter and spring recitals, featuring performances from the BL Brigade. Students in fall semester dance classes performed in the winter recital, "Let's Glow," while spring students ended the year on a truly Texan note with their "Two Step Into Summer" recital.
Performing Arts students traveled to New York City in April to perform, take in the sights, and experience why the city takes center stage in the performing arts world. Students sang at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, participated in workshops with Little Shop of Horrors and Broadway music directors, and visited landmarks, including the Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, and the 9/11 Museum & Memorial.
They also attended the off-Broadway performances of Little Shop of Horrors and Broadway's The Great Gatsby, and visited Lincoln Center to see the NYC Philharmonic perform Dvořák and Sibelius.
The Bishop Lynch High School Fine Arts Program was awarded a third-place win in the 2026 TAPPS State Art Competition and several Friars walked away with top honors, each representing hours of creative effort and years of study, resulted in the third-place award for Bishop Lynch.
Black & White Photography (2nd) | Avamarie Bivens
Color Photography (1st) | Avamarie Bivens
Fashion/Textile (1st) | Tor Mosher
Fashion/Textile (3rd) | Jasmin Ventura
Pottery (1st) | Violet Libson
Sculpture (1st) | Stephanie McLeod
Sculpture (3rd) | Trinity Thurman
Senior Portfolio (1st) | Stephanie McLeod
Bishop Lynch High School’s annual Career Night, co-hosted by the College Advising Team and the Alumni Association, brought more than 50 alumni and current parents back to campus to invest in the next generation of Friars.
Through panel discussions, alumni from a wide range of fields shared candid insights into their career journeys, creating a dynamic space for students to explore potential paths while experiencing firsthand the strength of the Bishop Lynch network in action.
The evening also equipped students with practical tools for the future including professional headshots from Tanner Garza ’11 and hands-on support building LinkedIn profiles.
Bishop Lynch is grateful to the alumni and current parent panelists who dedicated their time to mentor, inspire, and help guide the next generation of Friars as they discern their future paths.
You can help Friars build their network from wherever you are.
Save the Date to serve as a Career Night panelist on April 7, 2027, or connect with Bishop Lynch High School on LinkedIn. Email alumni@bishoplynch.org to learn more.
The 2025-2026 school year marked an exciting period of advancement for Bishop Lynch Athletics, with renovations to several key facilities and two state championship wins anchored in a growing program to emphasize student-athlete formation and coaching development. New batting cages and upgraded Roffino Stadium lighting elevate players’ practice and gameplay, and the newly designed Athletic Formation Center provides a dedicated space for leadership development.
Add in several impressive team and individual accomplishments, and you have an all-around spectacular year for Friar Athletics!
2 TAPPS State Championships | Women's Soccer, Women's Swim
1 Prep State Championship | Women's Wrestling
3 State Runners-Up | Men’s Lacrosse, Volleyball, Women’s Track and Field
6 Regional Champions | Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Women's Track and Field, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Swim
6 Area Champions | Baseball, Football, Men’s Basketball, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer
3 District Champions | Men's Lacrosse, Men’s Soccer, Women's Track and Field
State Champions
Track & Field
Pole Vault | Trinity Thurman
Women’s 4x100 Relay | Alaina Oommen, Ava Sanders, Zoe
Turner and Ra’Nyah Lockhart-Sadler
Swim
200 Medley Relay | Grier Beeson, Carolina Girard, Ella Whitney and Caroline Hays
Wrestling
Marc Davila
Kane Preskitt
Asher Wheatley
The inaugural Signing Day Showcase honored Class of 2026 student-athletes headed to compete and study at the next level. A total of 15 student-athletes signed to play collegiate athletics, joining more than 80 Bishop Lynch alumni who are currently competing in college programs.
Julian Alcala | Baseball, Navarro College
Iyana Axson | Soccer, Prairie View A&M University
William Bell | Football, Carnegie Mellon University
Moises Bernabe | Soccer, Texas A&M University – Texarkana
Abigail Galvan | Basketball, LeTourneau University
Matias Leon | Football, Wheaton College
Ishmael Muhammad | Football, University of Wyoming
Andrew Noack | Wrestling, Wheaton College
Alijah Prasavath | Lacrosse, Hendrix College
Dash Raya | Track, Mount Mercy University
Ava Sanders | Track & Field, Saint Louis University
Trinity Thurman | Track & Field, Harding University
Cooper Timmons | Football, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Frehiwot Vowels | Basketball, Illinois Institute of Technology
Jeremiah Williams | Basketball, Adams State University
As of June 1, 2026
Brown, right, pictured at the NCEA conference with Principal Chad Riley and Director of Teaching and Learning Lauren Shercliff Caton ’82, who also presented on behalf of Bishop Lynch.
Director of Coaching and Learning Stewart Brown was selected to present at the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) annual conference this April in Minneapolis. His workshop, “Forming Champions for Life,” focused on BL Athletics’ transformational model of student-athlete formation.
Turn the page to read an article published in the spring 2026 edition of NCEA’s Momentum Magazine, written jointly by Brown and Director of Athletics Alex Cantillo.
At the heart of the storied tradition of excellence within Bishop Lynch Athletics is a focus on student-athlete development, building young people to be virtuous competitors and confident individuals. As coaches and studentathletes train for success on the field of play, the program — which boasts 109 state championships, 18 sports teams, and generations of collegiate athletes — emphasizes the deeper purpose of athletics in the lives of young people.
By Stewart Brown and Alex Cantillo
Originally published in the spring 2026 edition of NCEA's Momentum Magazine
In today’s performance-driven youth sports culture, the value of competition is often eclipsed by the pursuit of scholarships, rankings, and recognition. From pay-to-play club models to media obsession with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and professional contracts, student-athletes and their families are frequently pulled into a system that prioritizes extrinsic success over intrinsic growth. In Catholic education, we must ask: “Are we the last best opportunity for young athletes to experience sports as a formation of the whole person — mind, body, and spirit?”
At Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, TX, we believe that athletics is an essential element of a student’s faith formation. Rooted in Catholic tradition and animated by the teachings
of Saint John Paul II, our athletic department has adopted a comprehensive Virtue Education Program to reclaim the spiritual and moral purpose of sport.
“Sport…can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between peoples and to the establishment of the new civilization of love.”- Pope Saint John Paul II
His words underscore our mission: to form student-athletes who are not only competitive, but compassionate; not only resilient, but reverent.
At Bishop Lynch, each month is centered around a particular virtue that serves as the focus for our athletic programs. These
virtues — humility, perseverance, gratitude, magnanimity, responsibility, and others — are intentionally integrated into the life of our teams and the culture of the community. Our model engages four primary stakeholders — coaches, studentathletes, teams, and parents — with targeted activities that promote reflection, character building, and leadership. [...]
Each month’s focus is supported by curated articles, short video clips, and spiritual reflections, ensuring that all participants understand the “why” behind each initiative.
Our virtue programming goes beyond theoretical discussion and becomes a lived experience for all active participants. [...]
These practices not only shape our student-athletes’ athletic identities but also nurture their spiritual lives and moral convictions.
Our virtue series is fully aligned with the FRIARS virtues —
Fulfillment, Resilience, Attitude of Gratitude, Respect, and Service — which form the foundation of our athletic culture at Bishop Lynch High School. Virtues are also embedded in our coaching evaluations and professional development, ensuring consistency and accountability across all sports. [...]
The mission of Catholic education calls us to form students not only for college and career, but for sainthood. Athletics, when rooted in faith and virtue, become a training ground for discipleship.
At Bishop Lynch, we live our school tagline — Believing and Belonging — on every field, court, and track. By reclaiming sports as a means of holistic formation, we ensure that our student athletes grow not just in skill but in spirit.
There is no better venue for this mission than the arena of Catholic educational athletics, where competition meets compassion, and victory is defined by virtue.
View the full article in the Spring 2026 edition of Momentum Magazine
Nearly 50 Friars gathered at the University of Texas on January 18, 2026, for Mass at the University Catholic Center and brunch at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center. Friar pride connected alumni from all seven decades of Bishop Lynch history, including current UT students and BL alumni living in the Austin area, who were joined by President Chris Rebuck, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Monica Austin, Social Studies Teacher John Parnell, Ph.D., and Coach Andy ’72 and Tina Muessig ’72 Zihlman.
Save the date for Houston on August 26, 2026, and Fayetteville on January 17, 2027. To RSVP, text BLHTX for Houston or BLFAY for Arkansas to 414-44.
Forever Friars from the five most recent graduating classes filled the Monsignor Weinzapfel Atrium with familiar laughter and the joy of community during this year's Taco Tuesday on January 6,2026, reconnecting with fellow young alumni and beloved teachers and friends.
Save the date for your next Taco Tuesday on January 5, 2027! Text BLTACO to 414-44 to RSVP.
Gratitude took center stage as the Bishop Lynch High School community celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Bridges Scholarship on April 22, 2026. Over the past two decades, the Schwitter family’s incredible generosity through the Communities Foundation of Texas has paved the way for young people to experience a BL education.
The evening brought together members of the Schwitter family and graduates like Jodie Orogun ’24 and Jaida Thomas ’19, who each shared the scholarship’s impact on their formation.
$5 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS 470 TOTAL AWARDS Immeasurable impact.
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www.bishoplynch.org/golf
By Michelle McDaniel Cuneo
Reunions draw Bishop Lynch High School alumni back to campus year after year, each return marking a different kind of milestone, shaped by where life has taken them.
The seven alumni featured in the following paragraphs represent each of this year’s upcoming reunion classes, from recent graduates to those looking back across decades. Alongside them is a recent graduate, standing on the edge of what's next. Together, their perspectives span generations, all tied to the same place that continues to anchor them, no matter how far they’ve gone.
President, Stock and Company, Inc.
Financial and Tax Services
Bishop Lynch High School isn’t just a place Wally Stock ’66 attended for a few years — it’s a community he helped shape, remained deeply connected to for decades, and has watched grow into a multigenerational family.
Even before the doors opened in 1963 with Bishop Lynch’s first freshman and sophomore classes, the new school had already become part of Wally's story. During construction, Father O’Connell, a Dominican priest and Bishop Lynch’s first co-principal, arrived from Fenwick High School in Illinois with seven teachers. O’Connell had taught Wally’s father in high school and served as a spiritual adviser at his mother’s school. When he visited the Stock family, Wally even carried his bags at the airport. The family toured the still-unfinished Bishop Lynch campus together, walking the grounds as it was being built.
A standout student-athlete at Jesuit High School in Dallas, where he was a varsity basketball player as a freshman and helped his team reach the state tournament as a sophomore, Wally's path changed suddenly in December of his junior year when his father decided to transfer him to Bishop Lynch.
“I had no idea he was going to do that,” Wally recalled. “I was still a starter on the basketball team. I was going to be on the football team.” He had been a letterman in basketball and track and was a class officer.
“At seven in the morning, I’m in front of Father O’Connell, and by eight o’clock, he has all my books, my class schedule, and a uniform — except for the blazer they were still ordering. That’s how I got to Bishop Lynch. It wasn’t something I planned or even knew about.” But it’s a move that Wally remembers with gratitude.
At the time, Bishop Lynch was still taking shape. There was no football stadium, and much of the campus was under construction. “Everything was being built as we went,” Wally says. “The parents were very involved. Without them, it wouldn’t have worked.”
Despite his unanticipated transition to Bishop Lynch, Wally quickly found his footing. He continued playing basketball, and in January 1966, he took the court in his first varsity game against Jesuit. The gym was packed with friends and familiar faces from both schools, and Bishop Lynch came away with a win. A victory against Jesuit’s baseball team followed soon after.
“That’s when, in my mind — and in some newspapers — Bishop Lynch became a real school,” he says. “It just set the tone for everything.”
Beyond athletics, Wally embraced the close-knit community of a small school. He served as a student council officer and built strong friendships across classes.
The connection to Bishop Lynch only
deepened over time. Seven of his siblings would later attend the school, and both of his parents remained actively involved.
One BL father created a highlight reel of Wally’s high school games and sent it to the University of Houston, helping him earn a scholarship offer. Wally went on to play football alongside the future NBA player Elvin Hayes, but still made time to return home on weekends to watch his brothers play in BL games. His brother, Eddie Stock ’69, would later become the school’s head football coach.
By then, Wally was already helping build the Bishop Lynch community beyond the field. He played a role in organizing the school’s first reunion, inviting former teachers back for the ten-year milestone. Sister Dorice, teacher and student council sponsor, was so impressed by the effort that she later asked him to help establish an official alumni association.
Today, Wally remains closely connected to Bishop Lynch. His daughter, Shea Stock, is a current faculty member, and his three sons and six of his grandchildren are all Friars, including current sophomore Sheridan Sanchez. Wally and his wife, Kathy Klapp Stock ’72, continue to return for reunions that draw classmates from across the country.
Now, he is looking ahead to his 60th reunion — the very first 60th reunion in the history of Bishop Lynch. It’s another chance to see familiar faces from that first graduating class and reflect on how far both they and the school have come. For Wally, those early years were never just about being a student. They were about building something lasting together, something that still brings people back, six decades later.
Senior Benefit Analyst at Holmes Murphy
Elsa Vidal-Dunson ’76 describes her teenage self, without hesitation, as an “ordinary” student at Bishop Lynch. But five decades later, her story reflects something far from ordinary: enduring friendships, deep family ties to the school, and practical skills that shaped her life.
When she arrived at Bishop Lynch in the early 1970s, athletic opportunities were still developing, particularly for female students. “I graduated in 1976, so there was hardly anything for girls in sports,” she says. Still, she found ways to stay involved. She played softball through a city league coached by a parent of a classmate, mostly alongside other Bishop Lynch students. “Those are some of my best memories,” she says. “Just being out there together.”
But for Elsa, the most lasting part of her Bishop Lynch experience wasn’t athletics anyway, it was relationships.
“I am still, 50 years later, in touch with my high school friends,” she says. Her closest friend from freshman year lives in Houston, while Elsa remains in the Dallas area. “We don’t talk every week or every month, but when we do, it’s like we pick up right where we left off.”
“We’ve been in each other’s weddings, our children’s weddings, and now we’re watching our grandchildren grow up,” she says.
Her connections to Bishop Lynch
extend beyond her own class. Elsa’s brother, Victor Vidal ’80, and sister, Martha Martinez ’78, both attended Bishop Lynch. She met her husband, Tim Dunson ’72, through an alumni function, and their family’s ties only deepened from there: her daughter, Elisa Dunson ’11, attended Bishop Lynch, along with other relatives on both sides of the family.
Like Elsa, her daughter played softball at Bishop Lynch. “It was neat to watch her be able to play through the school."
Bishop Lynch traditions have remained a thread through the generations, as Elsa has seen through her daughter. “It’s cool to see that some things still continue,” she says, pointing to homecoming traditions and student organizations. “Things have changed, but they still remain the same.”
Elsa also credits Bishop Lynch with preparing her for college and her career in human resources, particularly in writing, communication, and confidence in professional settings.
again and hearing what they have done with their lives,” she says. “Bishop Lynch has always been an important part of my life. It brought me friendships, my husband, and so many of the skills I still use today.”
For Elsa, Bishop Lynch meant being part of something shared, something that has lasted far beyond graduation day.
Bishop Lynch has always been an important part of my life. It brought me friendships, my husband, and so many of the skills I still use today.
~ Elsa Vidal-Dunson ’76
“Going into college, I was so much more prepared in English and writing skills than a lot of other students,” she says. “Even speech class didn’t intimidate me. Those are basic skills I use every day now. Being able to write clearly, explain things, and work with people — that all started at Bishop Lynch.”
Today, Elsa remains actively connected to her class having recently planned their 50-year reunion. She has helped organize multiple reunions over the years and continues to serve as a class agent for her graduating class of roughly 140 students.
“I always look forward to seeing everyone
Rodenroth ’86
Owner of Dyscoveread Dyslexia Services, LLC
Aimee Mooney-Rodenroth ’86 carries Bishop Lynch with her in ways she didn’t fully recognize until years after graduation.
As a student, Aimee was drawn to the academics and energy of the school, but
it wasn’t until college that she realized just how strong her education had been. In her freshman English “weed-out” courses at the University of North Texas, she repeatedly realized she had already read the material in BL classrooms. At the time, it felt like basic coursework. Looking back, she now sees that it was the foundation that allowed her not just to keep up, but to excel.
That same foundation led to an unexpected career path. After beginning as an elementary educator, Aimee was suddenly assigned to teach students with dyslexia, even though she hardly knew anything about the learning difference. But what started as a random job transition became a lifelong calling. She loved it so much that she went on to become a certified academic language therapist, earn a master’s degree from UT Arlington, and eventually launch her own business training educators and supporting students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Today, she trains teachers and actively advocates for instruction better suited to her dyslexic students. She traces much of her confidence back to Bishop Lynch’s rigorous academics and the belief it instilled that she could handle challenging things.
But for Aimee, Bishop Lynch was never only about academics. It was also about participation — showing up even when you weren’t the best in the room. She laughs about her time in BL’s band, where she played trumpet for three years despite, in her words, “being horrible at it.” Still, she stayed for the relationships and the experience of belonging that came with simply being involved.
Those friendships, formed in classrooms, rehearsals, and summer band camps,
have lasted for decades. And besides, as she said, “Come on, man, it was the 80s! We had all the good music, we had all the new wave music. We had the crazy hairstyles. It was really fun.”
Seeing her son, Tyson Rodenroth ’17, form those same close-knit relationships through his involvement in the performing arts was equally rewarding.
Now, as she helps organize reunions for the Class of 1986, Aimee sees Bishop Lynch as a lasting community that continues to shape her life and the lives of those around her. As reunion approaches, she looks forward to seeing familiar faces, reconnecting with classmates she hasn’t seen since graduation, and remembering just how much those shared years still matter.
Kaila Richards Alcantar ’96 has always returned to Bishop Lynch, again and again. What began as a formative high school experience has unfolded into something far more enduring: a living connection that now spans decades, roles, and generations.
“I feel like this is my third run through BL,” she says with a laugh, reflecting on how deeply the school has remained woven into her life.
“ It’s the family atmosphere here. Everybody really wants what’s best for you.
~ Kaila Richards Alcantar ’96
First, she was a student immersed in classes, athletics, and the tight-knit rhythm of campus life. Later, she returned as a familiar face on the sidelines when her younger brother, Patrick Richards ’09, attended Bishop Lynch. Today, she is back once more, this time watching her daughter, Harper, Class of 2029, step into the same halls, the same traditions, and the same basketball program that shaped her own teenage years.
That continuity is what stands out most. “It’s just been really great,” she says. “I’ve always loved everything about BL and the family here.” Even now, she notes, many of the same familiar faces remain — faculty, staff, and families who remember her parents and continue to know her by name.
Basketball is the thread that ties it all together. As a student, Kaila played through state championships and long seasons alongside teammates who would become lifelong friends. Many of those relationships, she says, remain just as strong today. Now, she watches her daughter step into that same world, guided by the same coach who once led her own team, Andy Zihlman ’72. It’s an experience that makes the past and present feel inseparable.
Her memories are vivid: the excitement of championship runs, the close friendships formed through years of shared practices and road trips, and even the long-retired tradition of “freshmansenior week,” when students were paired across grade levels for a week of campus surprises and mentorship. “It was just such a fun time,” she recalls.
After Bishop Lynch, Kaila continued her journey at the University of Texas, where she worked with the women’s basketball program as a student manager, an opportunity made possible in part through connections formed during her time at BL. That early exposure to sports eventually led her into a career in sports marketing with major Texas health systems, a path she followed until turning her focus to raising her family.
Through it all, she credits Bishop Lynch with giving her both academic preparation and direction. “When I got to college, I was fully prepared,” she says simply. But beyond academics, what stayed with her most was the school’s defining character: its sense of belonging. “It’s the family atmosphere here,” she explains. “Everybody really wants what’s best for you.”
That same feeling is what drew her back, not just as an alumna, but as a parent
determined to pass it on. For Kaila, choosing Bishop Lynch for her daughter, was never a question.
Now, as she helps plan her 30 year class reunion, she finds herself once again in the role of connector, working to bring classmates back together and rekindle those memories.
And as reunion plans take shape, Kaila is looking forward not just to seeing old friends but to honoring what has always made Bishop Lynch feel like home. For her, the story is not one of looking back, but of carrying forward through family, through tradition, and through the next generation now walking the same familiar halls.
English & French teacher in France
Ask James Batchelor ’06 about his time at Bishop Lynch, and he’ll tell you about mock trial, basketball, and especially the people who made both meaningful.
“I was in mock trial all four years, and I played basketball for a couple of years,” he says. James served as a leader on the Mock Trial Team, an experience that kept him closely connected to classmates and teachers alike.
“But the most meaningful part wasn’t any one moment,” he says. “It was the people.”
That perspective shows up again and again as he looks back. James recalls time spent with his mock trial coach and government teacher, Mr. David Post, who passed away in 2014. “He was just a fantastic teacher,” James says. “I remember those moments quite vividly.” It’s not a single standout day that defines his memory of Bishop Lynch, but a collection of steady influences — the teachers and coaches who showed up consistently.
James is candid about the fact that he wasn’t a perfect student. “I was a brat,” he says, with a laugh. But that honesty underscores what he values most about the school: that even students still figuring things out were supported.
“When I needed help, it was there,” he says. “From teachers, from counselors, from administrators, you could confide in them. That’s really important when you’re that age.”
That guidance proved pivotal. James credits Bishop Lynch with helping him
find a clear path to college, something he believes would have been far more difficult without that support system in place. After graduating, he attended Southern Methodist University and later earned a graduate degree from the University of Connecticut.
Today, James lives in France, where he has built a career in education over nearly two decades.
In a twist he still finds ironic, his international life traces back to the BL French classes he once struggled to take seriously. “I was a terrible French student,” he admits. But James' teacher gave him the base he needed to excel in college French and beyond.
Now, as his 20th reunion approaches, James is hoping to make the trip back to Dallas. For him, the return isn’t just about revisiting a place, but about reconnecting with the people who helped shape his path, often in ways he didn’t fully recognize at the time.
Because for James, Bishop Lynch wasn’t defined by a single moment. It was defined by the people, and he’s looking forward to seeing them again.
Author and stock market specialist
For Ephesian Brown ’16, one Bishop Lynch memory rises above the rest.
Early in the 2014 football season, Bishop Lynch traveled to Chicago for a game against fellow Dominican school Fenwick High School — the original home of many of BL's founding faculty — that would set the tone for everything that followed. It came down to the final play. A win, sealed in the last seconds. But for Ephesian, the moment wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was about what happened in the spaces between — the long summer of preparation, the shared discipline.
“That just made us closer as a team,” he recalls. “Seeing all the work we put in come to life.”
become a defining passion, opening the door to investing, wealth building, and eventually entrepreneurship.
He didn’t just follow that interest; he built on it. After graduating, Ephesian attended the University of North Texas, earning a degree in construction engineering technology before stepping into project management. Along the way, he expanded into managing a portfolio of luxury Airbnbs across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, grew a substantial stock portfolio, and even developed his own platform, SDS Academy, to teach others how to take control of their financial futures.
But if you ask him what made all of that possible, he doesn’t start with numbers or business strategies. He starts with people, and with the skills Bishop Lynch helped him sharpen.
“ When I needed help, it was there. From teachers, from counselors, from administrators, you could confide in them.
~ James Batchelor ’06
That sense of connection, of building something alongside others, would become a through line in his life even after graduation.
As the first in his family to attend Bishop Lynch, Ephesian stepped into something new but quickly found that the experience stretched far beyond academics. A personal finance course in his senior year sparked what would
One teacher, in particular, left a lasting impact, helping him develop the abilities that would later allow him to author a book.
“Mrs. Dumas taught me how to think critically. She taught me how to write well and how to structure my writing.”
More broadly, the school’s diverse community reshaped how he saw the world.
“You’re exposed to so many different
backgrounds,” he says. “It teaches you not to limit yourself and to see what’s possible.”
That perspective continues to guide him, especially in his role on the Bishop Lynch Alumni Board. For Ephesian, staying connected isn’t about nostalgia, it’s about responsibility. He wants current students to see what’s within reach.
“Being smart is cool,” he says. “You don’t have to pick one. Just be so good at your craft that nobody can deny you.”
Incoming freshman, Texas Christian University
Lynch experience. As a senior, he served as Angelico House captain, a role he had been working toward since his freshman year. Rising steadily through House System leadership from mentor group representative to chaplain, then vice captain, and finally captain, Gaby saw his role as helping others find their voices. Whether encouraging participation during house events or supporting mentor groups, he was focused on pushing his peers to step beyond comfort and engage fully in school life.
“ It teaches you not to limit yourself and to see what’s possible.
~ Ephesian Brown ’16
It’s a mindset rooted in both confidence and generosity; a desire not just to succeed, but to bring others along.
As he looks ahead to his 10 year reunion, Ephesian is less focused on revisiting the past and more interested in what’s still unfolding. He’s eager to reconnect with classmates, to see where life has taken them, and to explore how they might support one another now — not just as friends, but as peers building something meaningful in their own ways.
For Ephesian, the Bishop Lynch experience was never just about where you start; it’s about what you build together.
For Gaby Bonet ’26, Bishop Lynch is a place where leadership is learned in real time on the field, in the classroom, and through service to others.
One of his most defining memories comes under stadium lights and highpressure moments, competing with his soccer team in the state semifinal. For Gaby, the milestone was about more than the result. It was the culmination of years of early-morning trainings and a tight-knit group of teammates who grew together through every season.
“We went through a lot together,” he reflected, describing the experience as one he will carry long after graduation.
That sense of commitment to something larger than himself shows up everywhere in Gaby’s Bishop
His leadership extended well beyond spirit and participation. Nominated by faculty for the Catholic Foundation’s Hal Teehan Award, Gaby was recognized for demonstrating leadership across academics, extracurriculars, and community life. The honor, he shared, was both humbling and meaningful — a reflection of trust placed in him by the faculty who know him best.
Gaby also served on the Veritas Board, a student-run conduct board that upholds Bishop Lynch’s standards with fairness and care. The responsibility, he explained, is rooted in integrity: applying the student handbook thoughtfully and ensuring that peers are guided, not judged.
Off-campus initiatives were also a major part of his Friar legacy. Alongside his sister, Alessandra Bonet ’24, Gaby co-founded the Texas Advocacy Project Club, inspired by a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness around teen dating violence. What began as participation in the organization grew into a student-led movement at Bishop Lynch, quickly expanding to dozens of members. Through
letter-writing campaigns, awareness activities, and small but intentional acts of encouragement placed around campus, the club aims to make students feel seen and supported while opening conversations around an often-hidden issue.
He also spent two years on the Mock Trial Team, an experience that helped solidify his interest in law and public speaking. That early spark, first noticed during childhood debates in a family game night, has developed into a clear academic direction. Gaby plans to study finance on a pre-law track when he begins at Texas Christian University this fall.
Through it all, he describes Bishop Lynch as both demanding and deeply supportive. Rigorous academics
challenged him to grow, while teachers and peers encouraged him to keep going. It is, he says, a community where students are pushed to succeed but never left to do it alone.
Looking ahead, Gaby leaves Bishop Lynch with a record defined not by a single achievement but by steady leadership built over time in athletics, student life, and service to others. And
as he prepares for the next chapter, he carries with him the same mindset that shaped his years on campus: show up, support your team, and lead with purpose.
Together, these stories make clear that while time and circumstances may pull Bishop Lynch alumni in different directions, the foundation they share continues to draw them back.
Whether returning after 60 years or preparing for college, each alumnus reflects a different chapter of the same ongoing story, one built on relationships, resilience, and a sense of belonging that endures well beyond the classroom. This is Bishop Lynch.
The best weekend of the year is right around the corner! Relive cherished memories and reconnect with fellow Friars during Homecoming festivities on October 16-17, 2026.
CLASS OF 2016 10TH REUNION
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Campisi's Downtown 1520 Elm St, Suite 111, Dallas, TX 75201
Text BL16 to 414-44
CLASS OF 2006 20TH REUNION
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:00 p.m.
The Rustic
3656 Howell St, Dallas, TX 75204
Text BL06 to 414-44
7:00 p.m. Roffino Stadium | Homecoming Football Game Kickoff 7:30 p.m. Bishop Lynch Atrium | All-Alumni Party Text BLHOCO to 414-44
ALL ALUMNI AND GUESTS ARE INVITED!
CLASS OF 1996 30TH REUNION
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 6:30 p.m.
Ozona Bar & Grill
4615 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Text BL96 to 414-44
CLASS OF 1986 40TH REUNION
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 6:00 p.m.
White Rock Alehouse & Brewery
7331 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75214
Text BL86 to 414-44
CLASS OF 1966 60TH REUNION
Thursday, Aug. 13 | 10:30 a.m.
All-School Mass and Luncheon
Bishop Lynch High School
Text BL66 to 414-44
QUESTIONS?
alumni@bishoplynch.org 214-324-3607 x4160
As the school's cornerstone of philanthropy, The Fund for Bishop Lynch elevates and sustains the BL experience for all Friars, ensuring that every student has a place to believe and belong.
TOTAL GIVING 2025-26: $1,236,743 41% INCREASE IN GIVING OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR
SEPTEMBER 4–18, 2025
Through this year's Believe In BL parent giving campaign, Friar parents provided transformational opportunities in academics, faith formation, athletics, arts, and student life for every student.
46%
133
increase in participation over the previous year
first-time donors
MARCH 23-25, 2026
Forever Friars went above and beyond during this year's Alumni Giving challenge, raising support for the Friar Alumni Fund to provide essential tuition assistance to Bishop Lynch students.
70%
87
increase in participation over the previous year
first-time donors
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 1973, WHO WON THE CHALLENGE WITH THE HIGHEST PARTICIPATION LEVEL!
Spring donor celebrations honored the generosity of members at the Founders and Veritas Visionary levels.
The Presidential Leadership Society plays a critical role in the success of the school's mission, ensuring that Bishop Lynch is prepared to rise to challenges and embrace new opportunities each year.
Founders Reception | May 6, 2026
Veritas Visionary Dinner | May 12, 2026
Hosted by Audra and Chris Sambar
Presidential Leadership Society
ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS
VERITAS VISIONARY: $20,000+
PRESIDENT & PRINCIPAL:
$15,000 - $19,999
FOUNDER: $10,000 - $14,999
BL BOOSTER: $5,000 - $9,999
1963 CLUB: $1,963 - $4,999
Young Alumni Presidential Leadership Society
ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS
CLASSES OF 2007–2011: $1,000+
CLASSES OF 2012–2016: $500+
CLASSES OF 2017–2021: $250+
CLASSES OF 2022–2026: $100+
For more information on becoming part of the Presidential Leadership Society, contact: Jordan Haverly, Director of Development | jordan.haverly@bishoplynch.org or 214.324.3607 ext. 4139.
Suzanne O'Malley ’69 , a screenwriter for Law & Order NYC and author of New York Times bestselling book “Are You There Alone?”, was recently named a 2026 The Daily Texan Hall of Fame honoree. The Daily Texan is the official newspaper of the University of Texas. Visit www. friendsofthedailytexan.org to read the article about O’Malley.
Bishop Lynch Theater Director John Athas ’81 was named a 2026 Distinguished Educator of the Year by the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office on April 24, 2026. This annual honor is awarded to three educators within the Diocese of Dallas’ elementary and secondary schools who exemplify the mission and ministry of Catholic schools, forming students as saints and scholars through academic instruction and involvement beyond the classroom.
Submissions received before May 31, 2026
Hassie Wortham Wagner ’14 from St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School in Plano, Texas, and Tommy Barton ’06 from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Dallas, received the evening’s two honorable mention awards, and Marcie Kenyon ’92 was the Educator of the Year nominee from St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School in Dallas.
Angie Gilbert Ensminger ’86 , middle school math teacher and assistant principal at St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic School in Bellevue, Washington, was selected as a 2025 Washington State finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the highest national honor for K–12 STEM educators.
A recent article published by the University of North Carolina (UNC) College of Arts and Sciences highlighted the work of JJ Bauer ’88 , visual resources curator and teaching assistant professor at the college. JJ earned her doctoral degree in art history from the university, beginning her degree program in 1995, and joined the department of art and history staff in 2002. Visit https://college.unc.edu to read the full article about Bauer.
Amie Smith Bradley ’93 was inducted into the Texas Private School Sports Hall of Fame on April 16, 2026. Smith Bradley joins her former coach, BL's head women's basketball coach Andy Zihlman ’72, as the only Friars inducted into the hall of fame, which was established in 2020. Smith Bradley was inducted into the Bishop Lynch Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. She was also a member of the 1992-93
women's basketball team that was inducted in 2025.
Scan to read the press release from Bishop Lynch Athletics!
Olivia Preddy ’93 is currently working as a blood bank lead tech and second shift lead tech at Parish Regional Hospital in Paris, Texas. She has worked as a medical laboratory scientist since 2009 in various Dallas hospitals including Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, and Medical City of Dallas. She moved to Paris in 2018 to accept a position at Paris Regional Health Hospital.
Melissa Kalka ’01 was featured by the Dallas Morning News in a recent article highlighting her impressive career journey from aspiring dentist to one of the nation’s leading digital infrastructure lawyers. Melissa, an
M&A/private equity partner in the Dallas office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, advises on a range of industries from oil and gas to financial services and entertainment, but she is making her mark on the legal landscape of artificial intelligence through her work on data center development. You can read the full article, "From dentist dreams to data center dealmaker," on www.dallasnews. com.
Adam Jordan Hauser, DDS, ’05 was nominated for the 2025 Texas Dentist of the Year Award by the Greater Austin Academy of General Dentistry (Greater Austin AGD). Dr. Hauser is one of only 13 dentists nominated for the award, which is considered the most prestigious honor awarded to dentists in the state. Dr. Hauser earned his Doctor of Dental Science degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2016. He currently serves as president of the Greater Austin AGD and is a member of the Texas AGD Advocacy Council. Nationally, Dr. Hauser serves on the Executive Council of the Academy of Operative Dentistry and is a member of the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Marissa Co Sonneborn, Ph.D. ’09 , a postdoctoral scholar at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, was one of nine recipients of the Simons Foundation fellowship in the 2025 Fellows-to-Faculty class. The fellowship is supported by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, which will highlight her project focused on resolving autism heterogeneity from transcription factor activity to behavioral outcomes. Fellows receive funding toward the end of their postdoctoral careers and a $600,000 faculty research grant commitment over three years.
Erin Scott ’15 is currently an assistant coach of the Villanova Women’s Soccer program team. She joined the coaching staff in the spring of 2024 and previously served four seasons as an assistant coach at Marquette University. As a collegiate athlete, Erin was a
Division I goalkeeper at Creighton University for two seasons before transferring to Campbell University.
Amanda Humrichouse ’18 was recently elected president of the Student Advisory Board for the Professional MBA (PMBA) program at SMU. Nearly 150 students participated in the election, representing a majority of the PMBA program and marking one of the strongest voter turnouts in its history.
Amanda earned a communication and leadership degree from The University of Texas at Austin and continued pursuing leadership roles throughout college and her professional career.
Farlow ’20 has been assigned to command the USCGC
Protector Class Patrol Ship based in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Her change of command ceremony will take place in the summer of 2026. Lilia is a 2024 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy where she played softball.
Zane Davis ’21 graduated from Arizona State University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, along with minors in religious studies and military leadership. That same month, he commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and entered the Security Forces career field. Zane is now stationed in Wichita, Kansas.
Katelyn Edgar ’22 is currently an osteopathic medical student year 1 at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill in Pennsylvania studying for an osteopathic medical degree.
Sierra Ross ’23 just completed her junior year at Boston College and received the Golden Eagle Award for Scholar Athlete of the Year, a recognition presented to the top male and female athletes in each class who demonstrate excellence in academics, community involvement, and athletic performance.
Thanks to the Forever Friar alumni network, Sierra secured a position as a client and product functions sales summer analyst with BlackRock in its New Jersey home office for summer 2026. She was one of only eighteen interns selected for this office.
Through a rigorous application process open to all of the more than 450 interns globally, Sierra was awarded the prestigious BlackRock Founders Scholarship which includes a merit award. In her application essay, she reflected on her experience volunteering with STEM to Stern during high school and how it shaped her belief that financial wellbeing is for all people.
Zac Zapletal ’18 was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on April 25, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano, Texas. The ordination Mass was presided over by the Most Rev. Edward J. Burns, bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, and Zac was one of six men ordained from the diocese.
Deacon Zapletal is the son of Ted and Monica Zapletal. His sisters are Ashtyn Zapletal Vogt, MD, ’15, and Lillie Zapletal ’25.
As a Friar, Deacon Zapletal played football as a freshman and sophomore and baseball all four years, serving as varsity team captain his senior year. He was an ambassador and a member of BLLive, and he participated in the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National History Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. He served as a eucharistic minister his senior year and received the Dominic Norman Award, which reflects the
character, leadership, and spirit he demonstrated among his peers.
Bishop Lynch has welcomed Deacon Zapletal back to campus on several occasions since his graduation, including as a server for All School Mass and as the keynote speaker for the 2024 World Language Honor Societies induction ceremony.
The Bishop Lynch community continues to offer its prayers as Deacon Zapletal advances in his formation in anticipation of priestly ordination in May 2027.
After all school mass during Catholic Schools Week, Dr. Chad Riley gifts Deacon Zac Zapletal ’18 with a spiritual bouquet of students' prayers for him.
SHARE YOUR EXCITING MILESTONES AND PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH YOUR FELLOW FRIARS.
To be included in the next edition of Reflections, scan here or visit www.bishoplynch.org/alumniupdate to submit class notes and birth, engagement, and wedding announcements.
WELCOME TO THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE FRIAR FAMILY!
Chris Phillips ’03 and his wife, Tanasha, welcomed daughter Ava Nicole on January 1, 2025.
Tierney Hughes Gibbons ’04 and her husband, Olin, welcomed their second daughter, Declan, in January 2026.
Laura Eberius Histed ’07 and her husband, Jarvis, welcomed son Wyatt Rule in February 2024. Wyatt joined older siblings Charlotte and JP.
Elizabeth Ortiz Haggerty ’11 and her husband, Trevor, welcomed son Happy Allen on December 2, 2025.
Chandler Gilbert King ’13 and Jacob King ’13 welcomed Evangeline “Evie” Rose on December 24, 2025. She joins big sister Lorelai.
Lacey Blankenship Kinder ’14 and her husband, Lucas, welcomed son Colt David on January 6, 2026.
Jack Urbanus ’15 and his wife, Aubrey, welcomed daughter Sutton Blake on April 7, 2026.
Kate Schindel Hartmann ’17 and Jimmy Hartmann ’17 welcomed their second daughter, Margaret Grace, on October 7, 2025. She joins big sister Charlotte.
Valerie Blythe ’85 married Todd Grossheim at BellaVida Bed and Breakfast in Wimberly, Texas, on August 3, 2025.
Sarah Castro ’03 married Eduardo Martinez on March 6, 2025. The wedding party included Mari Rodriguez Carter ’04, Megan Rowley Centeno ’04, and Katie Wimmer Osborne ’04.
Annie Urbanus ’10 married Logan Brewer on November 8, 2025, in Downtown Dallas.
Avery Gore ’13 married Dr. Carson Edwards on December 31, 2025, at the Adolphus Hotel in Downtown Dallas. The wedding party included Lauren Patton Burns ’07 , Brennan Patton Lomenick ’07, Meggy Ralston ’13, and Whitney Gore Bailey ’06, who served as the wedding planner.
Alexa Calvin ’14 married Shane Quenan in Houston on March 28, 2026. The wedding party included Austin Calvin ’12, Sophie Doxey ’24, Stephanie Polo Roberts ’14, and Elizabeth Saporito ’12.
Hassie Wortham ’14 married Barclay Wagner on March 7, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas. The reception was held at Sons of Hermann Hall downtown.
Roxy Martinez ’16 married Cristian Villalobos on February 28, 2026, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Dallas.
Lauren Beltran ’17 married Gerardo Raygoza on January 31, 2026, in Carrollton, Texas.
Katie Ann Wiseman ’18 and John Carter ’18 were married on November 22, 2025, at The White Sparrow in Quinlan, Texas. The wedding party included Joshua Frausto ’18 , Alyssa Flores Frausto ’18 , Alex Hernandez ’18, and Victoria Diaz Hernandez ’18.
Alyssa Flores ’18 and Joshua Frausto ’18 were married on March 14, 2026, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Garland, Texas.
Sophie Robertson ’21 married Christopher Dalton on March 14, 2026, at Little Wren Weddings and Events in Rockwall, Texas.
Gracie Whitehead ’21 and Liam Brace ’21 were married on April 25, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas. The reception was held at Lakewood Country Club. The wedding party included Anna McCutchen Brace ’16, Gabby Lara Brace ’14, Gabe Brace ’16, Jude Brace ’14, Jillian Hill ’21, Buzz Jerde ’21, Emme Kobdish ’21, Libby Land ’21, Zach Russell ’16, and Sophia Sonnier ’21.
Kate Hettrick ’17 was engaged to Sam Brumitt on October 22, 2025.
Bonnie Nolan ’17 was engaged to Noah Elia ’17 on August 17, 2024.
Jessica Caliendo ’18 was engaged to Price Killham on December 6, 2025.
Remembering those dear to our hearts.
Michael Penton ’67 passed away on March 18, 2026
Ray Keller ’68 passed away on February 8, 2026
Edward Nemec ’69 passed away on February 13, 2026
James Holy ’71 passed away on January 12, 2026
John Romeo ’72 passed away on October 24, 2025
Donald K. Martin ’74 passed away on November 23, 2025
Trey Bean ’77 passed away on December 15, 2025
Mark Dolinar ’78 passed away on November 24, 2025
Mary Weis ’78 passed away on February 25, 2026
Terri Singleton Hawkins ’80 passed away on March 11, 2026
Jay Patak ’84 passed away on February 2, 2026
Tina Muessig Montgomery ’93 passed away on November 30, 2025
We remember all Bishop Lynch alumni whose passing was shared with us since the last publication of Reflections up to May 1, 2026.
Please visit www.bishoplynch.org/in-remembrance to share the names of any members of our Friar family who have passed away, and save the date for the Mass of Remembrance at Bishop Lynch on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
AS A MEMBER OF THE 1963 SOCIETY, YOUR SPECIAL LEGACY TO BISHOP LYNCH ENABLES US TO FURTHER OUR GOALS TOGETHER INTO THE FUTURE.
There are many ways to make a planned gift to Bishop Lynch including:
• Beneficiary Designations
• Bequests
• Charitable Gift Annuities
• Charitable Trusts
• Gift of Appreciated Securities
• IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
If you’re interested in opportunities for planned giving at BL, please contact Chelsea Hafertepe Duncan ’11, Chief Advancement Officer at: chelsea.duncan@bishoplynch.org or 214.324.3607 x 4128
Class of 1966 60th Reunion
THURSDAY • AUGUST 13, 2026
Houston Reunion
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 26, 2026
Homecoming 2026
Alumni Party for All Graduating Classes
FRIDAY • OCTOBER 16, 2026
Reunions for Classes of 1986, 1996, 2006, and 2016
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 17, 2026
BL Golf Classic
MONDAY • OCTOBER 26, 2026
Alumni Mass of Remembrance
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 1, 2026
BL Bingo
THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Young Alumni Taco Tuesday
Classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026
TUESDAY • JANUARY 5, 2027
Arkansas Reunion in Fayetteville
SUNDAY • JANUARY 17, 2027
Distinguished Alumni of the Year Celebration
THURSDAY • JANUARY 28, 2027
Legacy Gala
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 13, 2027
Career Night
WEDNESDAY • APRIL 7, 2027
Alumni Giving Challenge
APRIL 20-22, 2027
Sports Hall of Fame
SUNDAY • APRIL 25, 2027
Class of 1977 50th Reunion
MAY 14-15, 2027
Visit www.bishoplynch.org/alumni to learn more about these events and to RSVP.
If your information has changed, please scan here to update.