Bishop Lynch has always been more than just a school; it’s a family bound by shared values and a collective spirit of service. Even well after graduation, this sense of belonging endures and flourishes as alumni bring what they’ve learned into the wider world, striving for excellence, seeking truth, and working for justice.

In this installment of “Through the Decades,” we celebrate the extraordinary journeys of six distinguished alumni who embody the essence of the Friar family, joined together through their active leadership in the community.

Through their eyes, we witness the Bishop Lynch success story—a journey marked by personal growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to giving back. They remind us that the true measure of education lies not just in academic achievements but in the strength of the community it fosters. These six alumni continue to ensure that the spirit of Bishop Lynch remains vibrant and alive for both their former classmates and current and future students.

Dr. Arthur "Pat" Paddock '74

Retired from a career in dentistry Dallas, TX

When Dr. Arthur "Pat" Paddock ’74 reminisces about his time at Bishop Lynch, he remembers classes separated by gender, the echo of students singing up and down the hallways before class, and engaging in various on-campus activities.

Despite having almost no musical background, he was recruited by a friend to join the school band, which they enthusiastically started together that year. Among other activities, his participation in speech competitions further enriched his high school experience.

Reflecting on the impact of these diverse clubs and activities, Pat says, “I think it made all of us better people.” For Pat, they contributed to helping him grow into a more well-rounded person, deepening his friendships, and considering his eventual career in a new light.

The connections he formed during these years have endured, with many of his classmates and peers from those activities remaining “exceptional” friends to this day, profoundly shaping him as a person.

During his senior year, Pat also met his future wife, Terri ’75. They’ve been married for almost 50 years and have two daughters who attended Bishop Lynch, Madison ‘03 and Markie ‘06.

That same year, as graduation approached and the time came to consider his career path, Pat recalls taking a professional aptitude test administered by a teacher. The result suggested a future as a mechanic—a notion he found amusing at the time, given how few mechanical skills he possessed. Little did he know, his dentistry career would involve meticulous mechanical skills, and he laughs when he calls himself a “molar mechanic.”

Pat’s long and successful career in dentistry is something he attributes to the strong foundation he received at Bishop Lynch.

“I think Bishop Lynch taught us to persevere through whatever comes along, which is essential as any career will have a lot of challenges, especially when you're first starting out. I learned not only from my coaches and our teachers but also the other students around me.”

Pat recently planned and attended his class’s 50-year reunion, a testament to his enduring bond with his alma mater.

“Well, it was fantastic. It was great to see everybody again, and it's important to see Bishop Lynch keep going. I think it's incredible what they've done to the school and where it's going. It’s changed so much since I went, but all for the better. It's a beautiful school.”

Christopher Plumlee '84

Founder & President, ELEVATE Strategy Group Dallas, TX

Christopher Plumlee '84 did not originally want to attend Bishop Lynch. Growing up in North Garland and attending public school, he had built a strong network of friends and a community he was reluctant to leave. However, his parents, recognizing the need for a more challenging academic environment, enrolled him at Bishop Lynch. It was basketball that changed his mind.

In middle school, he had a passion for basketball. A pivotal moment came when the Bishop Lynch basketball coach invited him to attend a final district game.

Christopher recalls the event vividly: “I go to this game, which is teeming with people. There's no seat to be had anywhere; it’s standing room only. I'm watching this game, and they're going up and down the floor, and the environment is electric. BL wins and earns the right to go to state. People are screaming, falling out of the stands.”

For Christopher, this electrifying atmosphere was a "God moment"—a sign that Bishop Lynch was where he was meant to be. His only hesitation was he felt that everyone had known each other since elementary school, while he didn’t know a single person there.

“But I will tell you, the biggest thing from day one that made Bishop Lynch so special was the people. The administrators, the teachers, and the students were just so warm and inviting. I felt welcomed and comfortable from day one.”

Christopher's leadership qualities shone throughout his time at Bishop Lynch. He won multiple elections as class president, ultimately serving as student body president in his senior year.

His journey continued at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he studied business. His professional path led him to work at a bank and in sales before founding and becoming president of his own company, where he focuses on helping leadership teams connect and engage to improve performance. He still feels that his time at Bishop Lynch impacts him today.

He believes that the culture at Bishop Lynch inspired students to become the best versions of themselves and strive for more. His experiences at Bishop Lynch taught him the joys of leadership and the importance of genuine care for others.

Christopher's commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him is unwavering, and he often returns to Bishop Lynch to volunteer.

“My dad instilled in us that you have to find meaningful, impactful ways to give back to the community. BL meant so much to me and my progression and maturation. God has blessed us prodigiously, and to whom much is given, much is required.”

Chelsea Dillard May '94

Partner, Holland & Hart LLP

Denver, CO

For Chelsea Dillard May ’94, transitioning from a small Episcopalian middle school with a graduating class of just 10 to the bustling halls of Bishop Lynch High School was a significant adjustment. But she quickly found friends and community through soccer, track, cross country, student council, and other clubs.

One of her most vivid memories is running and earning second place in a 4x4 state relay, then immediately leaving the meet to drive home to get ready for prom with her friends that evening. Throughout her four years, Chelsea built a great community with lifelong friends and deepened ties with her family, many of whom attended alongside her.

The diverse environment taught her invaluable life skills, emphasizing each person's unique talents and perspectives.

“I appreciated that Bishop Lynch was a learning environment for everyone, allowing us to learn from each other and realize that everybody has different gifts and talents. Some people are really strong academically. Others may have a strong interest in the arts or athletics. We all have different gifts to share, and that shaped my view of the world.”

She went on to college in Oklahoma, already almost a whole year ahead through dual enrollment at Bishop Lynch. Despite triple majoring in international business, finance, and accounting, she was well-prepared with study skills, which made her undergraduate years feel very manageable.

Seeking another academically challenging environment like Bishop Lynch, Chelsea attended law school at the University of Colorado Boulder.

“I know that's not for everybody, but I missed that intellectual curiosity and sharing of ideas at Bishop Lynch. I craved that intellectual conversation.”

Today, Chelsea works to help families create generational wealth and give philanthropically.

The diverse community at Bishop Lynch has profoundly influenced her approach to her career and her interactions with clients and coworkers: “The experiences I had at BL, where I was with so many different kinds of people from different walks of life, allowed me to have a different perspective talking to clients and coworkers. I manage a team of 38 people now, and the seeds were planted early to accept people different from you.”

Beyond her professional development, Bishop Lynch deeply impacted Chelsea’s spiritual life. The open environment at Bishop Lynch allowed her to discuss faith openly and listen to diverse perspectives. This experience was so profound that it inspired her to send her children to Catholic school.

“It just blew my mind. It also made me extremely intellectually curious about the world and how faith traditions are formed. It just profoundly impacted my life to talk about faith so openly and form my faith in what felt like a very open faith environment.”

Kristen O'Bryant Van't Westeinde '04

Associate Director, Wealth & Asset Management and Insurance, EY

Dallas, TX

Bishop Lynch was a part of life for Kristen O'Bryant Van't Westeinde '04 long before she started as a student. Growing up, she attended football games and cheer practices, immersed in the vibrant school spirit and community.

“Bishop Lynch was all I knew, and I was very excited when I got to go there myself. It's a true community. I'm still friends with people I went to Bishop Lynch with, and even just last week, we got together. It's such a great community that's created lifelong friendships.”

Kristen's high school years are filled with cherished memories, especially those centered around homecoming. She fondly recalls making mums with friends and creating extravagant lunches for their dates—a beloved Bishop Lynch tradition since the 1970s. Living just down the street, her grandmother would bring lunches for her, her sister’s, and her cousins’ dates, adding a special familial touch to the festivities.

Introduced some years after graduation, Kristen and her husband Anthony Van't Westeinde '05 share many fond memories of their experiences which laid a foundation for their future together.

While her teachers were incredibly fun to learn from, they also imparted valuable life skills she carried into her college years and beyond. She pursued accounting at the University of Oklahoma, feeling well-prepared thanks to the solid educational foundation laid at Bishop Lynch.

“Bishop Lynch gives you that great education and foundation to succeed in college and beyond. All the teachers are amazing and just set you up to be successful. Anthony and I will likely send our kids to BL because we felt like we got such an amazing education there.”

Bishop Lynch also allowed Kristen to grow closer to her family, as she had many relatives who attended as well. While Kristen orchestrated her 20-year reunion, her mother Lisa Hebert O'Bryant '84 had her 40th, and her uncle Donny Hebert '94 celebrated his 30th.

“I think many families are close, but I feel like we're even closer just because we grew up together, going to grade school and high school together, and even all my friends became family. Everyone knows each other's siblings and cousins, just like a big family.”

Kristen is dedicated to giving back to the Bishop Lynch family she built over the years.

“It’s a great community to be part of, and I want to stay connected as a proud alumna.”

Lacey Blankenship Kinder '14

Sales Representative, Moffitt Services Dallas, TX

Lacey Blankenship Kinder '14 has always considered herself a social butterfly with a natural talent for connecting with people. This inherent love for social interaction led her to immerse herself in various organizations at Bishop Lynch High School, including tennis, Student Council, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

Reflecting on her time at Bishop Lynch, Lacey fondly recalls the incredible experiences she had. Still, she emphasizes that the most significant takeaway was the personal growth she achieved through her involvement in a diverse array of clubs and activities.

“Bishop Lynch has a wide variety of opportunities to explore your interests, whether it's robotics, chemistry, soccer, or something in between. No matter what it is, they impress upon us the importance of pursuing your passions and provide the stepping stones to do so.”

This exposure to different interests and opportunities played a crucial role in shaping Lacey’s future. Inspired by her varied experiences at Bishop Lynch, which helped her discover her deep love for connecting with others, she studied public relations at Texas Tech University and continues to build upon the skills she developed at BL in her sales role in the oil and gas industry.

“I wouldn't be where I am now without that exposure. It's funny because when you're young, you just see joining an organization or club as a social outing. But then, as you get older, you realize how much those decisions have shaped us and led us to those next decisions in our lives. I’m so grateful for the numerous opportunities Bishop Lynch gives to students in that regard.”

Lacey believes Bishop Lynch provided her the perfect environment to explore and discover her true self.

“I think Bishop Lynch gives students a strong foundation so they can explore their interests, grow in their strengths, and ultimately gain the confidence needed to head into college with fortitude. High school years are critical in shaping us into the successful adults that we all hope to be, and BL lays the groundwork for that.”

Maintaining the friendships she made at Bishop Lynch has always been important to Lacey, and organizing their 10-year reunion was a natural step for her.

“We had one of the largest classes, but at the same time, it still felt small. I went through some really challenging hardships during my time at Bishop Lynch, and the community offered endless love and support to my family. That level of dedication to each student’s well-being is what makes BL so special. It really is one big family.”

The familial love and support she experienced at Bishop Lynch inspired Lacey to give back by organizing their reunion.

“It was important for me to make sure everyone felt loved and united again because we had such a special connection in high school. I wanted this experience of everyone getting back together to be intentional and to have the time to really reconnect.”

Dani López-Balderas '24

Student, Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX

When Dani López-Balderas ’24 began attending Bishop Lynch her freshman year, she was concerned that making friends could be a struggle given that she lived an hour away from campus.

To overcome this, Dani immersed herself in clubs, service opportunities, and the vibrant Bishop Lynch community.

Dani began attending events and meeting new people over the summer before her freshman year. She soon felt like she belonged. She attended summer camps, founded an ASL club, joined the BL Ambassadors club, French club, service Saturdays, and more.

“I was a shy kid when I first came to high school. But especially after speech class, it helped me open up to people. And once I met a lot of people during those classes and clubs, I was able to open up even more.”

Coming from a family deeply involved in their church, Dani’s upbringing instilled in her the value of giving back.

“Because I've been so involved, I have been learning new things and values. I love seeing everyone coming together to help each other, and even things such as being there for one another in sports or trusting each other. The clubs, associations, and groups I've been in have given me a whole new perspective on the world. Each group you're involved in sees things a little differently, giving you a more diverse viewpoint and view of the world, allowing you to learn new things every day and adding that to what kind of person you become.”

This fall, Dani started a new chapter at Southern Methodist University, double majoring in French and chemistry, plus minoring in finance. Inspired by her experiences at Bishop Lynch, she aims to apply the skills and values she’s acquired to make a positive impact at SMU. She’s already eager to join clubs and organizations on campus.

Memories are fresh, and life will continue changing as she dives into a new community, but the transformative power of Bishop Lynch taught Dani to lean into the change without losing her past. She intends to maintain her deep connection to her alma mater as she eagerly anticipates the future.

“Just because there's a new bridge built doesn't mean you have to knock the past one down. Maintaining a connection with Bishop Lynch is not about hanging on to the past but rather about helping form new ways for the future, upcoming students. Once you're part of the Bishop Lynch community, you're always part of it. It's not going to go away; even though you are going to form a new community, it's always going to be there. It always helps you out. It's just nice to pay it forward to the new students and show that they're always there if you need it.”

Final Words:

These personal stories from Bishop Lynch alumni— Dani López-Balderas ’24, Lacey Blankenship Kinder ’14, Kristen O'Bryant Van't Westeinde '04, Chelsea Dillard May ’94, Christopher Plumlee ’84, and Dr. Pat Paddock ’74—highlight a common thread woven through the school’s rich tapestry: a deep sense of community and belonging. Despite spanning different decades and experiences, each Friar's journey reflects the enduring values instilled at Bishop Lynch High School.

Through their stories, we witness the timeless beauty of Bishop Lynch—a place where personal growth, academic excellence, and spiritual nourishment intersect. More than just a school, Bishop Lynch is a community where bonds forged endure through adulthood, where alumni continue to give back, and where every individual’s journey contributes to the collective legacy.

It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of family and community, where every member, past and present, finds a place to grow, connect, and contribute—a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift the Friar family.

Coming Home: Alumni Reunite to Strengthen the Bishop Lynch Legacy