Irish Ayes Summer 2013

IRISH AYES Summer 2013 Volume XL Number 2

A SHOT

AT CHA NGE Proud C ommu

Three Co urageou s Men an dA

nity.

FEATURE STORIES

Remembering Willie Brown A Bagpiper Salute 85 Years on Stage World Financial Voice Comes Home w w w. f a t h e r r y a n . o r g

速

SAVE THE DATES

It’s going to be an exciting and busy fall at Father Ryan and you will want to make every event. Circle these dates on your calendar, and then check the website or look for email announcements for more information on a memorable Irish fall.

Board of trustees Executive Committee

Judy Komisky Orr ’75, Chair David Glascoe, Vice-Chair Robert J. Mendes, Finance Committee Chair Betty Lou Burnett, Membership Chair

Committee Chairs

Brett Wesnofske ’88, Facilities Committee Chair John Siedlecki, Advancement Committee Chair

ex-officio members

Most Rev. David R. Choby ’65 James A. McIntyre Dr. Therese Williams

Board members

sePtember 6 Opening School Mass

october 20 Open House

Football Home Opener vs. BA, saluting Coach Bill Derrick ’48 and the family of Willie Brown ‘65

november 1 All School Mass Senior Night vs. Baylor

sePtember 11 9/11 Memorial Service

november 8 Veterans Day Breakfast

sePtember 13 Home Game vs. Hillwood

november 9 Veterans Pride 5K

sePtember 27 Homecoming vs. Stratford. BBQ Contest, Parochial Night and a kickoff to Reunion celebrations

november 21-23 Purple Masque Players—Fall Play

october 5 Relay for Life october 11 Home Game vs. MBA october 17 Ryan Connections october 19 Parochial League Championships at Father Ryan

december 17 Young Alumni & Senior Lunch december 26-28 Christmas Basketball Classic

Rev. Mark Beckman David Bohan ’66 Tommy Bradley ’81 Mary Brennan Warner C. Hassell Judith E. Hoover Steven Janicak Rev. Patrick J. Kibby ’73 Dr. Robert Labadie Philip M. Mattingly, Sr. ’69 Robert J. Mendes Patrick J. Nolan, III ’69 Rick Olszewski Ralph J. Schulz, Jr. William R. Stejskal III ’79 David Tehle

Life Trustees

Thomas G. Connor, Sr. ’60 William H. Farmer ’65 Edward B. Gore J. Terry Hunter Vincent T. Phillips John C. Shea ’51 William F. Smith Edward A. Stack

Administration

James A. McIntyre, President Paul Davis ’81, Principal Sara Hayes, Vice Principal and Academic Dean Michael La Haie, Dean of Students Tim Forbes ’93, Dean of Campus Ministry and Student Life Pat Lawson ’93, Athletic Director Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial Officer

January 16 Ryan Connections February 1 35 Annual Legacy Gala Omni Hotel-Downtown th

©2013 FRHS 19946

A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service

CONTENTS

Summer 2013 Volume XL Number 2

Feature

A SHOT

AT CHANGE Three Courageous Men and A Proud Community. page 20

Table of Contents

2} In the News

World Travelers. Student Honors. New Board Chair. Drumline WOW! Annual Fund Records. SAIS Praise and Strategic Plan Progress

8} Graduation Mr. Kent Honored. First 5 Generation Grad. th

10} Athletics

Soccer Takes State. ESPN News. Sports Round-up. National Wrestling Champ. Gala Salute to Wrestling.

14} A Special Piece of Cloth 16} Social Justice Jim Keady Visits.

17} Legacy

85 Years of Theatre. Alumni Performers Salute Godspell Anniversary.

Story 20} Cover 50 Years of Sports Equality Begins at Father Ryan.

24} 25} 28} 31} 32}

David Darst Visits Reunions Class Notes Weddings Births/In Memoriam

Irish Flashback

The MOINA was reinvigorated in 1963 and had a banner year. Can you identify the staff, many of whom became Golden Grads this year?

(Answer on page 28)

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Summer 2013

¡Hola! from Salamanca A First-hand report on Spain from Dr. Rob Nasatir

Dr. Rob Nasatir traveled this summer with a group of Father Ryan students to Spain for a cultural and historical experience.

Everything is fine here in Salamanca. The students are having a great time. In addition to classes–oh yeah, classes!–the students have toured the city of Salamanca and learned the legends associated with various places, enjoyed the amazing local cuisine, had a Flamenco dancing class, and participated in a scavenger hunt through historic parts of the city. Earlier, we went to Alba de Tormes, a little pueblo that is famous for sites associated with Santa Teresa de Jesús, a fortress that belonged to the Duke of Alba, and an Alfarería, that is, a potter’s workshop where students got to watch a demonstration of the traditional art.

We attended mass in the New Cathedral of Salamanca—a beautiful structure built in the 16th century. In other words, we’ve been busy!

We also visited Avila, another beautiful city with a long, long history. In addition to the Roman ruins and the massive Muralla—the protective wall (above) that dates back to the 12th century—the town is famous for Saint Teresa of Avila (also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus), the Spanish mystic who founded an order of Carmelite nuns, wrote several books, and composed some wonderful poetry. The town also has the highest altitude of any city in Spain, which makes for some incredible views!

Additionally, the students have been keeping busy with Salsa classes, visits to the cathedrals, a trip to the Tormes River to hear the story of Lazarillo de Tormes—the Spanish picaresque novel that begins in Salamanca—and, of course, their daily Spanish classes.

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Liz Haynes Earns Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Two Father Ryan faculty to pursue service work Abroad

Senior Liz Haynes was the recipient in April of this year’s Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Nashville. Liz was the president of the MultiCultural Student Union and has been instrumental over the last three years in leading discussions on race relations, immigration and religious tolerance. She was cited for these accomplishments in the Prize Committee’s presentation.

Father Ryan High School’s motto is “A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” and two faculty members will embody that statement when they leave Father Ryan this summer to participate in long-term service overseas.

Liz was honored with the $500.00 award and certificate at a luncheon and presentation hosted by the Princeton Club of Nashville on April 17 at the Downtown Library. The award was presented in the Civil Rights Room at the Library. Father Ryan alumnus George Barrett ’45 (above with Liz), a leading Nashville attorney and active voice for civil and human rights in Nashville and across the country throughout his career, was the event speaker.

The Princeton Prize was created by an alumnus of Princeton University and is presented by the University to honor high school students nationwide whose work is having a positive impact on race relations in their community. Currently, 23 cities across the U.S. present awards each year. Liz is the second Father Ryan alumnus to win the award in the last three years, following Herasanna Richards ’11, who was honored her senior year. Liz will be attending Clemson University in the fall.

Jennifer Sneed, who has taught at Father Ryan for two years, will spend two years in the Peace Corps teaching English in Nicaragua and Paige Stillwell, who has taught at Father Ryan for three years, will spend three years teaching math in South Africa, in an area just south of one of the country’s three capital cities, Cape Town.

“I decided to join the Peace Corps because, for the past year or so, I have felt like it was my calling to be a servant to those outside of the United States,” said Sneed, who is a member of the foreign language department. “We often talk about being a living example of the gospel, helping others and being eternally grateful for everything God has given us.

I decided that I would do what I could to be an example of our mission statement for my students.”

Sneed will spend three months training in Nicaragua where she will co-teach English with a native Nicaraguan teacher. Once her training is complete, she will spend two years teaching English in local schools. She will also start interest programs, such as a reading club, for students and will teach English to community members in her free time.

Stillwell, who is a member of the math department, will volunteer with Living Hope, a Christian non-profit organization that works in South Africa to help communities overcome despair and the causes of poverty and HIV/AIDS through early child education, health care centers and life skills training.

Alternative Spring Break Makes Difference for Students and Trappists In the first week of April, ten students from Father Ryan participated in an alternative spring break. This is the sixth year students have given up their vacation to serve. In partnership with Homeworks for America, students served at Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, SC., an abbey run by the Trappist brothers.

The average age of the monks is approximately 80 years old.

With their age and dwindling numbers, they have difficulty maintaining their property.

While at the monestary, the students had the arduous task of restoring one of the old houses on the property. Their work included leveling the foundation, putting on a new roof, restoring the interior, and painting the exterior.

“I decided to move to Cape Town because my heart was broken for the children there,” she said. “I felt like moving down there and working with Living Hope was my next step in obedience to God, and I was certain my skills as a math teacher could be used there.”

President McIntyre is proud of the example these teachers are setting for their students.

“Nothing is more powerful than showing students to live by Father Ryan’s mission,” he said. “I am very proud of Jennifer and Paige for making this commitment and serving as an example of the living Gospel for us all.”

As Jen and Paige leave, Father Ryan teacher Abby Irvine is returning this year from service abroad.

Look for her story in the next Irish Ayes.

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Irish Shine at Youth in Government Thirteen Father Ryan students participated at the 60 th Annual Tennessee YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) Conference with 750+ students from 22 high schools at the Capitol in Nashville.

At YIG, students took on the role of senator or representative and presented bills to other delegates with hopes of signing the bills into law–just like a real congressional session. Father Ryan was represented well with several students receiving awards. Several Irish pairs made the docket, but seniors Ryan Quarles and Victor Pollack succeeded as their bill was signed into “law” by closing session. Doug Arney and Laura Durr each received the Outstanding Delegate Award for impressive leadership in the Senate. Vince Mancuso was elected as the Red House Clerk for the 2014 YIG Officer Committee.

Rachel Grussing and Emily Kerinuk just after closing session.

Students who participated were Arney, Kelsey Barrett, Brent Crist, Durr, Claire Goodrum, Rachael Grussing, Emily Kerinuk, Vince Mancuso, Pollack, Quarles, Grace Quigley, Riley Randolph, and Ray Rouiller.

Victor Pollack, Doug Arney, and Ryan Quarles outside the Capitol.

Orr Becomes Chairman of Board of Trust Judy Komisky Orr ’75, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Creative Services for Vanderbilt University, became Chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees on July 1.

Orr has served the school on the board for the last seven years and headed up the strategic planning process in 2009-10. She is the first woman chairman of the Board of Trustees.

In addition, David Glascoe became vice chairman of the board, Robert Mendes is the new finance chairman and Betty Lou Burnett continues as membership chairman.

Orr succeeds Patrick J. Nolan, III ’69, who led the 25-person board for the last four years. That period has seen dramatic increases in the school’s overall advancement efforts and its enrollment.

President Jim McIntyre announced Orr as chairman, saying, “We are fortunate to have Judy leading the board at this important time in our history. She has been instrumental in virtually every initiative over the last five years, beginning with her strong and wise leadership of our strategic planning process and continuing through our ongoing curricula expansion and advancement initiatives. She brings the perspective of a alumna who as a student helped Father Ryan at a time of great institutional change and who as a parent and a volunteer has provided her voice to our ongoing enhancement and growth. I am delighted to have 4

the opportunity to work with her as our Board Chairman and know that her tenure will be marked by exceptional achievement.”

He went on to say, “Judy’s leadership will continue the strong legacy of Pat Nolan and David Bohan ’66. I particularly thank Pat for his role these past four years. His love for the school and his knowledge of its people, its traditions and its heritage have been invaluable to me as we continue to advance the mission of Father Ryan and Catholic education.”

Judy has been at Vanderbilt since 1997. She is responsible for graphic design, editorial services, photography, and for managing Vanderbilt's branding and trademark licensing activities. Previously she was director of advertising and publications for Ingram Book Company. Prior to that Judy was head of publications for the Country Music Foundation, parent organization of the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has over 35 years experience in the communications field.

A Nashville native, Judy graduated from St. Henry in 1971.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in English from Vanderbilt in 1982.

Judy's husband, Jay Orr, is Vice President for Museum Programs at the Country Music Foundation. They are members of Christ the King. All three of their sons graduated from CKS and from Father Ryan: Daniel Green ’98, Patrick Orr ’05 and Will Orr ’10.

In beginning her tenure Orr said, “This is a remarkable institution that has given so much to our community and the world, both in terms of its alumni and its spirit. It’s a privilege to have this opportunity to participate in the continued advancement of this school.”

Drumline Brings Crowd to Feet in Electrifying 3rd Place Finish at Worlds

Academic Night Salutes Scholars throughout the School

Remember Macy’s? Remember Far Rockaway? Remember the applause and the cheers and the goodwill our band musicians engendered last November? Well, it’s time to add this year’s Winter Drumline’s performance to that remarkable list.

In a performance of musical talent, showmanship, inventiveness and heart-pumping, uplifting bravado, the Winter Drumline took their “Don’t Try This at Home” show to the World Championships in Dayton and came home 3rd in the world. With only two perennial Los Angeles powerhouses ahead of them (and first place was just one point away) this ranks as one of the most remarkable and accomplished drumlines in Father Ryan’s long history at WGI. Director Jeff Schletzer said the group performed just OK in the preliminaries, and he was a bit worried if the finals would be a letdown. The Drumline made sure that didn’t happen. Rocking the arena from their very arrival on the stage, the enthusiasm built throughout the six-minute show, reaching a crescendo in the last 30 seconds as drummers, lying on their backs and strapped to eightfoot diameter platforms, were lifted to vertical and spun head over heels from one side of the floor to the other, playing their drums throughout. The house was on its feet the entire time and the online announcers were predicting high honors and “Fan Favorite” award…they were right. The latter award and third place trophy provided tangible evidence of a show that only Father Ryan would try…in anyone’s home.

New Inductees to St. Vincent de Paul Society The commitment to service runs throughout the Father Ryan community and is evidenced by the 21 students inducted into the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Requirements for the society include going above and beyond in service to the poor or the marginalized. This year students volunteered at an array of locations including Catholic Refugee Resettlement, Room in the Inn and Olancho Aid in Honduras. There is one member of the society who was inducted last year: Kara Anton. She is joined this year by the following: John Bakewell

James Hausman

MacKenzie Morales

Shea Bradley

Elizabeth Haynes

Erin Mulloy

Joseph Butler

Caroline Herrman

Thomas Novelly

Grace Farone

Sarah Grace Jones

Mary Margaret Payne

Elena Ferguson

Claire Lumm

Marc Quitalig

Erin Ferguson

Francesca Mancuso

A. Parker Staley

Genevieve Hargrove

Nora Melton

Madeline Walters

Clockwise from top left: Sharber and McCluney share Spirit of Mike Award; Kim receives Miller Scholarship; Tela is congratulated on Abbey Scholarship; Guidry receives Strobel Award.

Students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in the Center for the Arts to celebrate the end of a school year and the hard work of all Father Ryan students.

Students were recognized for their academic success and leadership on campus.

The Alfred E. Abbey Jr. ’72 Memorial Scholarship was presented to Wabi Tela ’14 because of his friendly personality and entrepreneurial success with his charity, Kemi’s Friends.

Madie Bellante ’15 received the Father Pat Connor ’53 Scholarship Award for her strong character and appreciation of Father Ryan.

The 2013 Purchase Award winners were Genevieve Hargrove ’13 in photography and Cecilia Kim ’14 in art. Cecilia Kim also received the Will Miller ’61 Award for Excellence for her passion for the arts.

Kate Guidry ’13 received the Bertie Strobel Award for her beautiful voice and engaging personality.

The Michael Mayer ’96 Award was presented to Joseph McCluney ’13 and Caleb Sharber ’13 for their leadership and commitment to the Father Ryan band program.

Abby Grover ’14 was awarded the Jack Long ’69 Scholarship for her balanced approach to her educational experience.

Jessica Diaz ’16 received the Father James Black ’64 Award as she is a person of faith, displays academic excellence and is actively involved in many facets of school life.

Congratulations, students!

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Father Ryan Excels—Past, Present and Future -Both the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board hit the 100% participation number again.

-And the number of donors increased by 8% as alumni continued their strong record of giving with over 11% participation.

New Record! Parents Chair Sandy Guidry pulls off the final sticker.

Annual Fund Sets New Record for Dollars, Participation With a strong push in the final month and with broadened participation across all giving groups, Father Ryan’s Annual Fund established a new record this year, raising $556,489. The total topped last year’s record of $522,847, a 6.4% increase in total dollars.

The participation totals reflected strong support from throughout the community.

-Every member of the faculty and staff—100%—made a gift this year, the fourth straight year of this level of leadership.

The national average for alumni giving among diocesan high schools is 17%, and the Class Rep program continues to produce marked improvement toward that goal. We have 30 classes with class reps and in many of those classes, participation is far out-pacing the overall alumni average. The Class of 1967, headed by Paul Rohling and Tommy Ducklo, topped this list for the second consecutive year, hitting a remarkable 49.48% participation level, a new record by a wide margin. The Class of 1985 hit 30.7%, a new record for them and the Classes of 1975 and 1970 followed with 23% and 22% participation, respectively.

Jim McIntyre announced the results and expressed his gratitude for this generosity, “I am humbled each year by the results of our Annual Fund. I have called this our ‘living endowment,’ as it produces for us the equivalent return on a $10 million endowment total; that support funds tuition assistance, classroom enhancement and overall campus activities that enrich our entire community. I am grateful to Anna Beth Godfrey, our Annual Fund director, all of the volunteers and every donor whose commitment to this school and its mission is reflected in every Annual Fund dollar raised. Thank you to everyone.”

-Parents obliterated last year’s record of 50% participation, exceeding 60% overall. The freshman class led the way with 66% participation, followed by the senior class at 58%.

Senior parents Gary and Sandy Guidry served as Parent AF Chairs.

SAIS Affirms Father Ryan’s Strengths In 2005, Father Ryan received accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), and in doing so made some history. That accreditation made Father Ryan the first school in the state of Tennessee to hold accreditation from both SAIS and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). These two respected accrediting organizations are focused on helping their schools improve their programs, enhance overall education and effect leadership and innovation in the classroom.

This past spring Father Ryan received its report from SAIS, which was high in its praise of the school for its environment, message and mission. As President McIntyre, said, “it is an affirmation of our goals, to be the national standard in Catholic education.”

Here are some excerpts: The goals and metrics of the [strategic] plan serve to align the school’s path with accepted best practices and 21st century learning goals, while still maintaining the unique character and vision of the school community…

The vision statement of Father Ryan High School lays the foundation for a culture of excellence that permeates the environment of the school, evidenced most clearly in the students themselves…Students and their parents are upbeat and positive about their school, particularly appreciative of two values of the school: the cultivation of faith development and the commitment of the school to ‘You will be known. You will be loved…’

Father Ryan students continue to carry the torch for the School’s stated mission that has served them well for almost ninety years: these students experience the Gospel on a daily basis and are challenged to reach their full potential intellectually, socially, and spiritually…A sense of community is pervasive at Father Ryan, and the level of collaboration among stakeholders is not only impressive, but also surely responsible for the School’s overwhelmingly positive reputation in the Nashville community.

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Strategic Plan On Schedule at Half-Way Point Back in 2009-2010 an assemblage of Father Ryan administrators, faculty, parents, board and friends began a strategic planning process that produced specific goals and initiatives, all designed to strengthen Father Ryan’s position as it approached its 90th Anniversary in 2015. At the halfway point the plan’s goals are all well within reach.

Incoming Board Chairman Judy Orr ’75 led the process and reports that the plan—Creating a New Standard in Catholic Education—is already having an impact on the school’s programs and performance. Orr, who became Father Ryan’s first female board chairman on July 1, said the purpose of the planning process was to ensure the vitality of this school for the next generations of students and faculty.

“Not very many institutions can claim an 85-year history,

particularly one as vital and influential as Father Ryan’s,” Orr stated. “However, just being 85 years old doesn’t guarantee continued growth and success. In fact, in our own history there have been periods when our future was questioned. That’s why the Board and the administration felt it critical to embark on this strategic planning process. Through it we have identified opportunities, engaged our community and planned for our future, with the goal of presenting another group of leaders, a generation from now, with a stronger Father Ryan High School for them to enhance. Some of the goals may prove challenging in the short term, but all are worthwhile, and I am confident they will be attained in the coming years.”

Here are the goals, all of which are on target and many of which are already met.

• Every student will have required and defined international cultural experiences.

High School will be known as a model of inclusiveness among Catholic schools.

• Father Ryan will serve as a model resource for the community and the Diocese of Nashville.

• Father Ryan will provide a minimum of 10 full need-based scholarships for socioeconomic disadvantaged students.

• Father Ryan High School will utilize the best technology to enable our students to succeed and expect our faculty and staff to be skilled in the use of this technology.

• The administration, in consultation with faculty, will have developed a system of annual recognition of individual faculty and staff as they carry out the Father Ryan High School mission.

• Father Ryan High School will coordinate and consolidate financial support for all athletic teams and performance grooups to provide an exceptional experience for the student athlete, to limit parent and donor fatigue, engender more volunteerism and place coaches in the best position to mentor and coach.

• In outreach, business and community relations, Father Ryan

• Board of Trust members, faculty, staff, administration, coaches and moderators will be living examples of the Gospels through faith, knowledge and service.

• Father Ryan will be known for the spiritual life of its alumni and their uniquely continuous relationship with the Father Ryan community.

• Father Ryan will serve the community and the Diocese of Nashville as the model for community service among schools—in terms of the quality of the experience and the impact on the student within the Catholic tradition.

• Father Ryan will raise awareness of the entire donor community of the critical importance of philanthropy.

• All Father Ryan faculty will be compensated with a total salary and clearly defined benefits package that is competitive with a designated set of peer institutions.

• Father Ryan will be known for having the most ethnically and racially diverse student and faculty bodies among Middle Tennessee Catholic schools.

• Eighty percent of the Father Ryan High School faculty will have a master’s degree or above from an accredited institution or will be in pursuit of a master’s degree.

• Father Ryan will be recognized for annual growth in innovation and distinction in academics, athletics and the arts.

• Will create an environment, structure and programs to elevate Father Ryan to the top ranks of diocesan Catholic schools nationwide, recognized for excellence in giving, volunteerism and alumni, parent and faculty participation.

• Father Ryan will have full participation of students in understanding and living the Catholic faith in a Christ-like manner.

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Graduation Summer 2013

Class of 2013’s Big Day The 226 members of the Class of 2013 took those 250 steps from their seats in the Curb Center across the stage on Mother’s Day this year, returning with diploma in hand and the proud gaze of families, friends, faculty and alumni upon them. This is an historic class whose accomplishments demonstrate their character and commitment and reflect the work and support of teachers throughout their lives.

-Eight members of the class were named Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a record for the school and one of the highest totals in the state. Two other members of the class received Commended Scholar honors.

-The class led another record total for Relay for Life, raising the highest dollar amount in the nation for any

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student-run Relay for Life. This class has now been involved in setting that record three straight years.

-One member of the Class will be attending West Point, extending to 23 the total number of military academy appointments since 2000.

-The class was part of nine state championships—and finished second an additional nine times—during their Father Ryan careers.

-Among the colleges they are attending—including Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, University of Virginia, College of Wooster, Grambling, Clemson University—are more than 20 Catholic colleges and universities. The class earned over $19 million in scholarships.

It was an exceptional year by an exceptional class.

Pickney, PatterSon anD mr. kent HonoreD cole Pickney Valedictorian At a time when so many students are looking for a welcome respite from the classroom, such as Fall Break, Cole decided that there was something more to do. He continued work on a special project he was conducting at Vanderbilt to study obesity, particularly the effects of our brain neurons on obese individuals. It is this type of curiosity and the eagerness to pursue these questions outside of the classroom that have characterized Cole’s studies at Father Ryan. He has taken ten Advanced Placement courses, is a National Merit Finalist, and a member of the Cardinal Newman Society and Cum Laude. He is also an athlete, playing on the Varsity Lacrosse team as a midfielder, and is the President of the Student Body.

Where will his interests take him? Very close. He’s headed to Vanderbilt to begin his college career. ransoM Patterson Salutatorian It seems that whatever opportunity presented itself at Father Ryan, Ransom Patterson was eager to try it. Band? Of course, playing his bass saxophone all four years and marching in New York for the Macy’s Parade. Service? He’s one of the leaders of the MultiCultural Student Union, adding his voice to the discussion of immigration, both in the classroom and in the editorial

pages of The Tennessean. Acting? You could spot him in the cast of Godspell, dancing and singing to every tune. It’s not surprising that this curiosity has energized his studies.

He’s taken six A.P. courses and is a member of Cum Laude, the Cardinal Newman Society and was one of Father Ryan’s record number of National Merit Finalists this year.

Ransom’s intellect, spirit and smile will be fi lling the halls next at The College of Wooster and reminding his classmates there of the impact he had at Father Ryan. roBert kent cHoSen aS teacHer of tHe year How important is teaching at Father Ryan to Mr. Robert Kent ‘74. Listen to his words.

“I tell my students, I would not be the person I am if I did not teach at Father Ryan. It is a part of who I am.”

This year, who Robert Kent is became even more entwined with Father Ryan. In an announcement that was greeted with loud applause and universal approval, Father Ryan’s Principal Paul Davis ’81 introduced Robert at Baccalaureate as the 2013 Teacher of the Year. Robert is a faculty member in the English department and has been at Father Ryan since 1980. He is also the head coach for the girls cross country and track teams. Honors include the 2009 “A Teacher Who Made a Difference” award from the University of Kentucky, the 2006 WSMV & U.S. Bank “High School Star” award, two Gatorade “Coaches Care” awards as well as 16 Cross Country Coach of the Year awards. He earned his associates degree from Aquinas College, his bachelors degree from Vanderbilt University, and his masters degree from Belmont University.

BranDon Jarrett ’13—connecteD to fatHer ryan’S BeginningS

This year’s graduation produced some history for the school. Brandon Jarrett not only had the eyes of his proud parents and grandparents on him but also the eyes of two more generations as he accepted his diploma as the fi rst 5th generation graduate of Father Ryan.

Here’s the lineage, left to right: His mother is Michele Mullins Jarrett, Class of 1991.

His grandfather is Charles V. Mullins, Jr., Class of 1971.

His great-grandfather is Charles V. Mullins, Sr., Class of 1949.

And his great-great-grandfather comes from Father Ryan’s fi rst graduating class, Charles Joseph "Pug" Johnson, Class of 1927. He was all-city football in 1926.

Brandon will be attending UT-Chattanooga in the fall.

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Athletics Summer 2013

Soccer Sets State Standard in 2012-2013 The kick seemed innocent enough, with none of the expectation of its finality and certainly no concept of a shot that would end up viewed by of millions nationwide.

The kick, the one that earned ESPN SportsCenter’s Plays of the Week, was taken from just inside midfield with 54.9 seconds left in the second five-minute overtime of the 2013 Division II-AA state championship match. The boys had already played a full game, 10-minute OT, and now were almost done with the second sudden-death overtime. Junior Luke Strebel had a free kick and just about everyone at Siegel Soccer Complex for the TSSAA Division II-AA state title game was certain that it was going to take penalty kicks to settle the match between the Irish and their long-time rival, MBA. But as players from both sides began to cluster near the net like so many fireflies chasing a summer porch light, each looking for the break or the bounce or the carom that would present the scoring chance, something strange happened. No one touched the ball! It floated and floated, directly on line, until at the moment the Big Red goalkeeper was setting himself up to make the save, a Father Ryan player flew by in a missed opportunity for a header. In that instant of flight, he took away the goalie’s eyes, and Luke’s magical kick found its way

to the back of the net, giving Father Ryan a 2-1 win and its fifth boys state championship.

But the image and impact of The Kick didn’t end there. After stunning the Big Red and sending the Irish players and fans into a swirl of celebration at midfield, the kick kept traveling, landing on ESPN’s Sportscenter on Monday, May 27, as #9 on the channel’s “Plays of the Week” Countdown.

The championship and the attention the game garnered were appropriate capstones to the season, one that was reflective of Coach Robin Dieterich’s approach…a tough off-season program to develop endurance…a line-up of strong opponents throughout the season to harden the team for the state run… and a focused, committed push in the playoffs, built on defense and pressure. The Irish topped BGA in the semis to set up the match with MBA, unbeaten on the season and victors over the Irish by a 2-0 score just two weeks earlier.

With the girls championship in the fall, Father Ryan claimed a rare double—girls and boys titles in the same school year, another salute to the soccer program at Father Ryan.

To see the winning kick scan the QR code:

Wrestling Correction In the last Irish Ayes we inadvertently left out one Irish wrestler in our list of three-time state champions. Aaron Bateman ’07 claimed the state individual championship in 2005, 2006, and 2007, joining Raymond Dunning ’03, Whitt Dunning ’05 and Wes Wesley ’10 as three-time champs.

Irish Ayes apologizes for the error and salutes Aaron for this special accomplishment.

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Wrestling made the finals of the state Duals and battled hard at the state championships, but finished second this year in both competitions to a senior-laden Christian Brothers team. In addition to Mark Marchetti’s state title, Trey Chalifoux, Patrick Cosgrove, Hal Fisher, John Hagey and James Simpson finished 2nd, and Mike Akers, Michael Eckhart, Kirby Simpson and Ben Stacey finished 3rd. Houston Hooker earned a 4th.

Basketball featured a deep run in the state for the boys, who came up just short against Briarcrest in the semifinals of the Final Four. The girls’ season was marked by injuries that threw the team a bit off stride mid-season, but they rallied down the stretch to deliver some big wins for the Irish.

Hockey saw its season end with a tough, 3-2 loss to Ravenwood, keeping them out of the Final Four. But it’s a young team with strong prospects for 2013-14.

Track saw five runners and field athletes qualify for the state.

Swimming produced state competitors in several strokes, producing three wins, a second and a fifth in a strong showing at regionals.

Baseball’s and Softball’s results were about putting both parts of the game together…strong outings at the plate

were combined with struggles on the mound….but when the pitching was strong, as it often was, the bats turned quiet. But a good season for both teams.

Lacrosse continues to get stronger as both the boys and girls teams registered big wins during the season. The expectation of a state tournament run next year is a real possibility for both squads.

Rugby was strong again, going through an 11-2-1 record but fell to South Doyle 26-22 in the Semis to miss out on the state title.

Looking Toward The Coming Season Volleyball is just a few weeks away and anticipation is high.

Here’s a report on one of the Irish leaders who was named to Prepvolleyball’s Soph 79 listing.

Maggie Mullins, 5-9 RS, Father Ryan (Nashville, Tennessee) • A beast at the net, Mullins sent opposing hitters packing 67 times in the 2012 season. Mullins also added 451 kills, 274 digs, 166 assists, and 30 aces. Contributing all season long, Mullins was named to the Class A Division II All-State Team.

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Six Honored as Swim Coach Academic All-Americans Congratulations to our newest NISCA (National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association) Academic All Americans: Conor O’Bryan, Carmyn Cook, Sydney Stein, Shea Holmes and Conlon Griesmer. Over 300,000 students are involved in aquatics at the high school level in over 14,946 programs for boys and girls. Approximately 2% of these students are recognized as high school All Americans. To achieve this honor, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or better for seven semesters.

In addition to academic prowess, the Irish swimmers were strong in the water. The Irish traveled to Knoxville this winter for the State Championships where 118 teams and over 900 athletes participated, and where the entire state team had lifetime best swims and dives!

Honorable Mention goes to Cooper Hodge for his 4th place finish in the 200 IM and becoming a swimming All-American.

He also placed 4th in 100 breast. Honorable mention also to Logan Johnstone for the 5th place finish in the 50 freestyle and to the men’s 400 Freestyle Relay (Hodge, O’Bryan, Neuser, Johnstone) for finishing 12th.

(left to right) Conor O’Bryan, Carmyn Cook, Sydney Stein, Shea Holmes and Conlon Griesmer

MVP goes to the Men’s 200 Freestyle relay team (Hodge, O’Bryan, Donnelly, Johnstone) for BREAKING the Irish record! They bettered the old record by .18.

The Combined team finished 11th and the men’s team finished 13th. The Irish Nation wants to say a special thank you to the parents, alumni and Mr. Lawson for attending the meet.

National Title for Irish Wrestler Senior Mark Marchetti put a bow on the year-long celebration of 50 Years of Wrestling at Father Ryan by claiming the national wrestling title at the annual NHSCA (National High School Coaches Association) Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach, VA, in April. NHSCA hosts a tournament for Seniors only with the top eight being named High School All-Americans. By winning this tournament, Mark became just the third Tennessean to ever win the Senior Nationals tournament and only the fifth to ever make it to the finals. Mark dominated the 138 lb field during the tournament before capturing a very competitive Semi-Final win and then an exciting 1 point win in overtime in the Finals.

In winning the championship, Mark became the first Irish wrestler to win a national title. The achievement came on the heels of his state championship in February, his 167th win as an Irish grappler, breaking the record for career Irish wins set last year by Cole Moseley ’12. Mark is headed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, where he will continue not only his wrestling career but that of his family’s—brother Patrick Marchetti ’09 graduated this past May from West Point after a four-year career on their wrestling team.

At Home…on the Diamond, the Court and at the Keyboard Sophomore Taryn Richter has passed many a test on the diamond. From tricky grounders to laser line drives to sliding runners, she’s demonstrated her talent for fielding the shortshop position and anchoring the Irish’s infield defense. She’s shown the same cool under pressure as point guard for the Lady Irish basketball team. But this spring, all of those talents came together in a perfect day with her instrument…the piano.

Taryn, who was also inducted into the Father Black Honor Society, competed at a Piano Guild Competition this spring, performing five memorized songs along with scales and chords.

The judges approved, awarding her a perfect score. It was like a 4 for 4 day at the plate or a 5 for 5 night from the line.

Perfection in a performance. Congratulations to Taryn for making music in every endeavor.

Four Irish Athletes Sign to Play College Sports A number of Father Ryan’s top athletes will be continuing their athletic careers in college as four seniors signed letters this year.

Mark Marchetti will build on his record-breaking high school performance by wrestling at the United States Military Academy.

JamontÉ Graham signed to continue his basketball career in front of his hometown fans at Tennessee State University.

Andrew Towns will be pitching at Walters State Community College.

Will Rutledge will do the same for Christian Brothers University.

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A night of celebration: 50 years of wrestling and Coach Simpson ’74, above with wife, Stephanie ’90.

Gala Celebration Generates Record Results for Father Ryan It only seemed fitting that in the year that the Legacy Gala honored the school’s most decorated program the event would produce a record result for the school.

The 34th Legacy Gala, saluting Pat Simpson ’74 and the 50th Year of the Wrestling program, delivered that record and enhanced the tuition assistance program for Father Ryan students. More than 615 people attended the evening, the second straight sell-out and the earliest sell-out in the event’s history; a record number of sponsors provided a record level of sponsorship money; and everyone bid and enjoyed an evening in celebration of Father Ryan.

Pat Simpson, a man who readily admitted to being a “man of few words,” decided to use a career’s worth of words and delivered an address that was eloquent, touching and perfect in its tone and its timbre. The audience stood in honoring Coaches Simpson, Bobby Garmon ’65 and Joe Drennan ’57—whose wife, Rose, stood on the stage to accept the plaudits and tearful salute in his memory. And they continued to stand until the Gala attendees had committed in excess of $46,000 for tuition assistance.

It was a night of achievements that the wrestling coaches would have embraced, and it made for a Legacy Gala to be remembered.

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When you look out on the field at about 6:58 on Friday nights this fall, you’ll notice something new about our traditional bagpiper’s attire. But what’s new is only part of the story… and that part is only part of another story…all threads in a tale that ties and binds and heals across the entire Father Ryan community.

The story begins here in Nashville, but its telling takes us to the British Isles, to Mexico, to a restaurant in Cool Springs and back home to Norwood, each part of the story producing tears of sadness and hurt, tears of celebration and joy.

It begins with Julian Gomez ’86, that bagpiper. He took over the responsibility last year for leading the team onto the field, carrying a beautiful bagpipe and wearing none of the bagpiper’s clothes. He wanted to add the traditional bagpiper’s uniform to the job, adding that special touch to elevate the game experience and honor our heritage. What a nice idea…and what a significant expense, one that seemed out of the realm of possibility. But something was in the works, something no one knew, just yet. And that is only part of the story.

expressed a longing for the bagpiper’s mournful melody to carry Kevin home, Julian answered the call on a moment’s notice, literally. That spring morning, standing in the pouring rain at Kevin’s graveside, he witnessed firsthand the community coming together in an extraordinary way to say goodbye to this remarkable young man. So the kilt, for Julian, became more than a bagpiper’s dress; it became a salute to someone special and, by extension, to the entire Father Ryan community. Now that’s a lovely and touching story…but even that isn’t the whole story.

Half a million threads, each Kevin-Sent

Paul, Teresa and Philip will tell you that the outpouring of support, the prayers, the letters, the hugs, the tears have buoyed them throughout the past year. They’ve been moved by the many gifts to the Kevin Paul Davis ’09 Scholarship, which is now endowed and was presented this year for the first time (see sidebar). How it touched them to see Kevin’s name remembered and a Father Ryan student benefiting from this tragedy. They also talk about the many moments that happened—continue to happen—that are hard to explain. Moments of grace and beauty; moments that have changed lives in little ways; moments some would call coincidences, but family and friends recognize as “Kevin-sents”, events that they believe are divinely sent. Now we are getting to the heart of that story and the threads of that kilt.

Julian will tell you that wearing the clothes became an opportunity to honor Kevin Davis ’09, a young man he’d never met but to whom he was now intimately linked.

Kevin, the son of our principal Paul Davis ’81 and Teresa Sharp Davis ’81, and brother of Philip Davis ’08. Kevin, Julian talked to the kilt maker, so full of life and questions Mr. Alan Trivett at the House and smiles and energy, who of Tartan in Scotland, and had a knack for bringing put in his order, asking for the people together, was killed Davis clan tartan. Mr. Trivett in an accident in Mexico The bagpiper, Julian Gomez ‘85 and Kevin Davis ‘09. The Double knew the Davis clan was from while there on spring break the House of Davidson and Davidson kilt connects them both. in March 2012. A loss that the tartan’s colors were green, broke the hearts of his family blue, red and white. Perfect, and pulled together a whole community in a hug of support and except for that blue—“could it be purple?”, Julian asked, love. It was on the morning of Kevin’s celebration of life Mass wishing to tie it even more closely to Kevin and to Father Ryan. that Julian learned of this unique young man. When the family “No” was the first response, but the rest of the story was still 14

being written. The Davis family, touched It was something Julian and the kiltby Julian’s playing for Kevin, had sent maker didn’t know. Then, up walked a the Mass program to Mr. Trivett. Now Father Ryan alumnus and good friend this kilt-maker knew that the threads of of the Davises to stop and say hello. Paul every tartan carry a family’s story, and sat down and said, “that man gave me being a good kilt-maker meant he was the rosary in my pocket as a memory fascinated with stories. The program of Kevin.” And then he looked up and touched him. Julian told him more of standing at the hostess table was a young Kevin’s story and how it touched the woman—Kevin’s SEARCH leader. Chills Father Ryan community. He told him on every arm, each Kevin-sent. how the kilt was going to dress him for How many threads are there in a kilt, an important part of the Father Ryan a jacket, knee socks? Half a million? A experience. The purple Double Davidson million? Each holds the next one together, was born, one of a kind, just like Kevin. connecting them until they form a whole.

The outfit needed to be complete, offered Those threads can stitch together hearts, the kilt-maker, but Julian knew that the budget wouldn’t allow for more than the “The Deuce.” Kevin sporting his favorite number. helping them to heal, and it seems this kilt has that power in it. Kevin is smiling, still kilt and some socks. But the story had bringing people together. wrapped itself around the kilt-maker and those close to Kevin, caught them all So this fall, when you see Julian take the field and you hear the in its threads and warmed their souls. “Don’t worry about the tones of his lone bagpipe, you’ll know the whole story. You’ll rest,” the kilt-maker told Julian. The funds had been provided. feel the pride that Julian feels. You’ll feel the gratitude that the Davis family feels. And you just might feel the power of those Which brings us to a restaurant in Cool Springs. Julian met threads, touching us all in a moment, unique to Father Ryan, with the Davis family to show the uniform, which he had just received, to tell them about the kilt-maker, and to let them know unique to this community, reminding us all that we are known and we are loved. what this meant to him. It was a night tailor-made for Kevinsent moments.

Was it ever! As Julian told the story about the “Double” Davidson, Paul interrupted to tell everyone that Kevin’s favorite number was two, the deuce. He wore it on every uniform.

Kevin Paul Davis ’09 Scholarship Presented On May 2, 2013, the first Kevin Paul Davis ’09 Scholarship was awarded as a way to remember Kevin and extend his giving spirit to others at Father Ryan. The scholarship, which is now endowed, comes from the generous gifts made in his name.

In a touching and tearful moment at Academic Night this spring, and with the assembly on its feet in support, Paul and Teresa Davis ’81 presented the Scholarship to Chandler Carney ’14 (right), who accepted the award by giving Paul and Teresa a hug. Chandler was cited for his strong faith, his openess to new experiences and his sense of loyalty to those around him, all characteristics of Kevin Davis.

The Davis family is grateful for the generosity of many and desires to see the scholarship continue to grow in order to assist more students in need of financial assistance, to provide the opportunity for others to walk the same halls as both of their sons and to feel the love their family has been so blessed to experience.

Contact Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement, at reuschb@fatherryan.org for information on this endowment or other ways to help students in need of tuition assistance.

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Social Justice Summer 2013

Just doinG it THE RIGHT WAY International workers’ rights advocate Jim Keady is striving to have an impact wherever he goes. He certainly had one at Father Ryan.

As a result of his presentation on workers conditions at Nike plants in many parts of Asia, Father Ryan High School has decided to revamp its uniform and branded apparel purchasing standards and will no longer display manufacturer’s logos on its athletic uniforms from companies whose labor practices don’t conform with Catholic social teaching.

Keady is a nationally renowned educator and speaker on social justice issues who discussed Nike’s use of Indonesian sweatshops as part of Father Ryan High School’s Theology Speaker Series on Feb. 20 in the school’s Center for the Arts.

The decision was an easy one, according to Tim Forbes ’93, Dean of Campus Ministry and Student Life.

“We are an institution that believes in the fundamental principles of social justice and the preferential role of the poor. Once we learned how manufacturers such as Nike take advantage of workers in their plants— paying them less per day than it costs for a family to eat, depriving them of any rights to organize and protest, and damaging the environment with their manufacturing practices—we felt that we could not support these activities with our advertising.”

Taking this stand was the right and natural thing to do, Forbes said, but fi nding a practical uniform solution that gave our athletes the equipment they need to compete was not so easy.

The school is purchasing its uniforms from another manufacturer and is placing Jerusalem cross patches over any manufacturer’s logo.

President Jim McIntyre said that all of the major manufacturers are guilty of 16

operating plants that are unacceptable sources. “While we support the value of economic growth and development, we do not wish to support companies that achieve their success through abusive labor practices, and who continue to employ those practices after they have been condemned by rights groups around the world. We don’t expect our single action to change the minds of athletic manufacturers, but we do believe we must act. It is in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic church and the traditions of social justice on this campus, and we hope we can inspire other schools to follow our action. If so, perhaps we can, as a group, have the kind of impact that Jim Keady works for so tirelessly. We appreciate his efforts for this cause and are working with him on ways our community can help effect change.”

The memorable presentation, “Behind the Swoosh: Sweatshops and Social Justice,” is the culmination of work Keady undertook after he was forced to resign his job as soccer coach at St. John’s University in New York in 1997 for refusing to support Nike products at the college, a decision based on his research into the living conditions of Nike’s workers. In the summer of 2000, Keady lived with factory workers in the Indonesian slums on 23 cents/hour, the wage of a sweatshop worker. He documented the experience in an independent documentary “SWEAT” and subsequently founded Team Sweat, a coalition of consumers, investors and workers committed to improving the conditions in these Nike sweatshops.

Keady has shared his experience with audiences across the world and with members of the U.S. Congress.

The story has also

been featured on CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, MSNBC, CNN, HBO Sports, ESPN, ABC, the BBC, NPR, WBAI, as well as in the NY Times, Newsday, Sports Illustrated, the Daily News, and countless other local radio programs and print outlets.

Keady, a theologian, activist, educator, and elected official, is the founding director of Educating for Justice, Inc. In 2001, the Mario Savio Foundation (CA) recognized and honored his work for justice, naming him the “Young Activist of the Year.” He has also been involved in electoral politics and from 2005-2008 served as a Councilman in the City of Asbury Park, NJ. He will return to Father Ryan in September as part of our Theology Speaker Series.

Legacy Summer 2013

TODAY

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tHeatre sHines liGHt on stUdents’ manY talents

As the oldest fine arts program at Father Ryan, theatre comes with a naturally storied yet mysterious history that traces its roots to the first graduating class in 1927. Seeing a need for an arts program, a small group of students formed the Purple Masque Players, a performance troupe led by Father Leppert.

Over the years, the Purple Masque Players has performed dozens of plays and perfected the art of improvisation— improvising venues, costumes, props and whatever else they needed. The Players was a popular program in the 1950s and early 1960s under the leadership of Father Angelo Nobile.

Long before coeducation in 1970, some of the students would play the female roles. Later on girls from St. Bernard Academy or St. Cecilia Academy would take the stage, and in turn, the boys would perform in their productions.

At the Elliston Campus, performances were held on the stage in the old gym, sharing space with athletic teams and other student organizations. When the school moved to Oak Hill, the Purple Masque Players used the Dining Hall as its acting stage. Finally in 2003, after 12 years at Norwood Drive, Father Ryan began construction for the Center for the Arts. The new building would house the theatre program including a stateof-the-art auditorium, fully equipped lighting system, sound booth, dance studio, choir room and dressing rooms.

The opening of the new facility was Kelli McClendon’s first year as Father Ryan’s full-time theatre director. Under her direction, the program grew from one theatre class to four classes, including Acting, Musical Theatre and Technical Design. Two major productions are held each year, a play in the fall and a musical in the spring. Special performances are also held for parochial schools.

“The arts provide a voice and an outlet for students who might not have one in another avenue,” says McClendon. “They’re able to express their creativity in a supportive atmosphere— that’s the goal.”

More than 100 students participate in Purple Masque Players each year, which can prove difficult to manage during the final weeks of performance preparation. Despite this, McClendon 17

has delegated responsibilities like make-up, costumes, set construction and even directing to her students, some of whom are more interested in behind-the-curtain action and might not otherwise have joined the theatre program.

“The program has become a true cross-section in participation,” says McClendon. Football players, Student Council members, swimmers, cheerleaders and band members have all participated in theatre. That’s how she chooses the shows, with inclusivity in mind.

It’s not tough to see why theatre is such a retreat for hundreds of Father Ryan students. And while she aims to have a polished and profitable show, as a teacher, she wants to prepare her students for life after high school. “When they go out into the real world, having these experiences under their belts makes the transition a little easier,” she says.

Father Ryan’s theatre program has allowed many to find their own niche in high school. Some go so far as to call it a family.

That experience has inspired a number of students to pursue careers in the arts, like Shaun Hart ’05, Jessica Giannone ’05, Allison Calhoun ’05, Katie Conway ’04, Patrick Benneyworth ‘04 and Lisa Duke ’07.

From Cinderella to Midsummer Night’s Dream to Godspell, the Purple Masque Players has performed a wide range of shows from the popular to the more obscure. One consistent theme has been each show’s positive message. “The kind of stories I like are ones of unconditional and supportive love, and that’s the environment we’re trying to foster—a supportive, artistic environment. That’s what the ‘known and loved’ aspect of Father Ryan is all about,” says McClendon.

With the popularity of the theatre program, it seems there is no stopping the growing talent pool that Father Ryan produces each year.

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Father Ryan’s theatre program has allowed many to find their own niche in high school.

Godspell Earns Standing Ovation In April the Purple Masque Players combined show-stopping singing and enthusiastic performances that honored the best of the Irish theatre in a three-day run of the musical Godspell that wrapped up the celebration of 85 years of the Purple Masque Players.

theater, part of the Theatre Reunion Celebration. More than 50 alumni attended and reconnected with their fellow actors.

Randy Lancaster ’83, Michael Oystern ’04, Ryan Duke ’04, Paula Bagley ’11, Tyler Brown ’09 and Kate Daugherty ’11 were among the alumni to participate.

Performing before the members of the cast of the 2003 Godspell production, which opened the new Center for the Arts on the Father Ryan campus, this year’s ensemble was a hit. Philip Burns, Drew Davis and Colin Carswell headlined the cast in a series of productions that filled the Center for the Arts to capacity. The performances included a special matinee for area parochial schools that brought over 200 students and teachers to the campus.

The celebration moved to the Neuhoff Library for a reception that was marked by shrieks of recognition, stories of productions and reenactments of past scenes. Theatre director Kelli McClendon was on hand for every hug and every recollection, and she was joined by her musical director, Chrissie Walsh, who made Godspell her going-away party; she is retiring after 10 years of musical theatre work with the Players. Both she and Kelli received keepsake quilts (above, center) from the theatre parents, with t-shirts from each of the school musicals serving as the fabric.

The 2003 cast and other theatre alumni made it a full day on campus with an alumni review of music and readings in the

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In the midst of it all one determined and vocal basketball coach and one talented 16-year-old basketball player found a way to change minds in Nashville and the South by just playing ball.

“Willie could play, and I didn’t understand why we shouldn’t give him the opportunity to play.”

Bill Derrick ‘48’s voice, always ready to climb to a higher pitch and intensity, says these words with a combination of enthusiasm and disbelief. For this 33-year-old dervish, there was a player who could help his team…goodness, could help his school…compete. Where everyone saw an African-American, Bill Derrick saw a basketball player.

But wait a minute. Wallace, King, Cronkite, Derrick. But who’s Willie? What was he like?

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Willie Earl Brown ’65, the first African-American in the South—hear those words again—the first African-American in the South to play a sport for a predominantly white team at a predominantly white school. Do you remember him? Do you remember that night? Were you there when history was made?

It begins before that night. It begins back at St. Vincent in 1961. Willie had graduated from that school and had some choices. His basketball skills were well known throughout the African-American community. He could go to Pearl and showcase those skills to a proud and appreciative community. Or he could go to Father Ryan, where he would be a student, a part of the community and forever unable to play his sport. The Tennessee State Scholastic Athletic Association (TSSAA)’s bylaws and the “rules” of Nashville sports said he couldn’t play for Father Ryan. Not a black man. So what did his family decide?

You see, Father Ryan’s faculty was made up of many a son of the South, but southern sons who had spent time in the East, educated at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, where the idea of integration was real and for whom the concept of social justice was...well, just. Fr. James Hitchcock ’39, the principal, Fr. Allen Cunningham, Fr. Robert Hofstetter ’46, Fr. Alex Maxwell, Fr. Ed Johnston and many more. A number of them had been part of the transformation at Father Ryan from all-white to integrated, the first school in the state, along with Cathedral High School, to integrate after the landmark Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education. With leadership like that, it’s no wonder that Bill Derrick’s recognition of Willie’s talent would reach receptive ears. By his junior year, with the words of Gov. Wallace and Dr. King and others dominating the Civil Rights discussion, Willie Brown became part of the team at Father Ryan and changed the discussion in Nashville.

The connections and insights of Mr. Brown pointed to other connections, realized much later. He was an experienced tile man and stone craftsman, who worked on some projects at Father Ryan. You know the mosaic crest that sits in the touchstone, the one that graced the floor at Elliston Place? He made it. So there were foundations laid long before Willie came to Father Ryan that made that night possible.

Willie’s father, Elton Brown, in a conversation at Father Ryan this summer, just six weeks before his death, remembered it well. He had heard about Father Ryan from a man at work. While Mr. Brown was a non-Catholic himself, his children were all Catholic, and he had liked what St. Vincent had provided them. Father Ryan made sense. “Willie came to me and said he wanted to go to Pearl where he could play ball. I looked at him and said ‘Over my dead body. You’re going to Father Ryan.’”

Willie’s sister, Ann Brown Beatty, a graduate of Cathedral High School in 1968, remembered her brother protesting to their mother, explaining that he wanted to play ball. “My mother told him ‘then you’d better convince those priests and coaches to find a way to let you play, because you’re going to Father Ryan.’ Our mother knew the importance of a Catholic education, and she wasn’t going to let a sport get in the way.”

So Willie came to Elliston Place, putting his basketball future into a locked cabinet, stored away, never to be opened, at least for his school.

Except, he went to Father Ryan, and that made all the difference.

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The 1963-64 team (bottom) was the result of Bill Derrick ’48’s coaching and the leadership of principal Fr. James Hitchcock ’39 and Faculty.

That was a special night in a difficult and dramatic year.

President Kennedy had been shot and killed just weeks before. Father Ryan’s ’63 football team had won the Clinic Bowl only a few days earlier. Willie Brown and Jesse Porter ’64—another African-American to make the team–joined a proven group of Irish basketballers. They won that night—of course they did, topping Peabody 5143—and in doing so, they did something more important... they made history, history for themselves, history for so many others. They changed a sport and in many ways changed a city.

Willie as a Father Ryan senior; (top) Willie’s sister, Ann Brown Beatty, and father, Elton Brown, visit the campus and Willie’s plaque this summer. Mr. Brown passed away only six weeks after this photo was taken.

Remember that night? December 1963. It was before the historic victory over Pearl at Municipal Auditorium in front of a record crowd of 8,300. Before a deep run in the state tournament, back when there was only one state champion, and that team had to beat all comers, no matter the size. Before Willie integrated the Ohio Valley Conference and Middle Tennessee State College as the school’s first African-American signee. Before his career record there was established and his degree earned. Before he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks but decided a a life dedicated to law enforcement was his calling. Before his career as a policeman and a family with a wife and a son and a horrible motorcycle accident that ended that life too early, in 1975 at the age of 28.

Before all of that, 50 years ago, Willie Brown stepped on the court.

Mr. Brown and Ann Brown Beatty remembered that time as so welcoming. “Father Ryan embraced us and made us feel so welcome in the school and in the community,” Ann said. Mr. Brown spoke with pride of the way the school acted during these times. “I remember that first season Father Ryan was scheduled to play one of the Nashville high schools and Coach Derrick got a call from their coach saying, ‘we’ll play you, but only your white players.’ Coach Derrick—and it says a lot about him and Father Ryan—told him ‘you’ll play the entire Father Ryan team or you won’t play us at all.’”

It’s a story of triumph and sadness and inspiration and courage and change. It’s also one about family and the trust that one family had in their son’s school. As Mr. Brown said, between tears, “The last words Willie told me, just a week before he was killed, was “Dad, I’m glad you gave me hell when I was young. It made me the man I am today. I love you.”

A father, a family, a school–making a man and changing the world. to be continued…

a continuinG series…a continuinG celebration This article is the fi rst in a series of articles and events over the next two years that will showcase the roles our Father Ryan faculty and students played in the struggle for equality in sports and life.

Father Ryan will honor Coach Derrick and the Brown family at its home football opener on September 6. In addition, we are renaming the Christmas Basketball Tournament in Willie Brown’s name and are working with the TSSAA and the Nashville Sports Council on some other salutes and features during 2014 and 2015, the latter marking the Golden Grad year of the Class of 1965. Check our website and announcements for more details on these events.

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We’ll also be looking at other aspects of this historic period. In future issues of Irish Ayes, you’ll see stories on the period of integration, on Father Ryan’s Jesse Porter ’64, who joined Willie on that fi rst team, and the impact of this period on Father Ryan’s African-American students and athletes and on the Nashville community.

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It was a momentous period, one to celebrate and remember.

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International Investment Strategist Visits Alma Mater When David M. Darst, a member of the Class of 1965, came to Father Ryan as a freshman in the fall of 1961, he brought with him a noble goal. Drawing inspiration from Robert E. Lee’s record of never receiving a demerit during his entire West Point years, David—known as Marty then—decided to do the same.

He almost made it…then school began.

At the first assembly, he found himself making a smart-aleck remark back to the principal Msgr. (then-Fr.) James Hitchcock ’39 and a few paddles— and a demerit—resulted.

He told this story as he introduced himself to the alumni—and the ones from the Class of 1965 could attest to the story—and friends gathered for Ryan Connections. But he also talked about winning a math medal as a freshmen— the first to do so—and presenting it to Msgr. Hitchcock that same day. And the pride grew as he told about visiting Msgr.

Hitchcock about ten years ago and seeing the medal, framed and kept in a place of honor in Msgr. Hitchcock’s house. As he told the audience, “you never know the impact you might have on someone else with a simple gesture.” He had made a mark on Father Ryan, and Father Ryan, it is clear, left a powerful mark on him.

David is now the Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney worldwide, and his message of work, honor and remembering others framed 24

his talk as he returned to Father Ryan on April 19 to dedicate a study room in his parents honor and to speak to the community about investment strategies and long-range market trends. He also emphasized the important role Father Ryan, its faculty, his classmates and the school’s teachings played in his success.

David, who attended Father Ryan as a freshman and sophomore before graduating from Exeter in 1965, Yale University in 1969, and Harvard Business School in 1972, was joined by his brother Dan, Class of 1970, for the dedication of the study room in the Neuhoff Library in honor of their parents Susan and Guy Darst. Mrs. Darst was a teacher throughout her life. The room was funded by generous gifts from David and Dan and the other Darst brothers— Guy and Chuck (Class of 1967)—and from “adoring fans everywhere”, as the plaque stated.

While on campus, David signed several of his books for donation to the library and spent time talking about his experiences with Mr. Bontrager’s AP Calculus B/C class. David’s wit and insights proved both charming and educational for the entire community.

He struck a chord with the students and many visitors who heard his talk about a late night dinner with clients from out of the country. He took them back to his office around midnight and introduced them to the security guard, then to the

cleaning lady, doing so with detailed information about the guard and the lady’s lives and families. His message was instructional…”everyone is important, everyone is worth knowing, so make a point to do just that.”

At Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, David is responsible for asset allocation and investment strategy, and he was the founding president of the Morgan Stanley Investment Group. He joined Morgan Stanley in 1996 from Goldman Sachs, where he held senior management posts within the equities division and earlier, for six years as resident manager of the company’s private bank in Zurich.

He is the author of seven books, including The Complete Bond Book (McGrawHill, 1975), The Handbook of the Bond and Money Markets (McGraw-Hill, 1975), The Little Book That Saves Your Assets (John Wiley & Sons, McGrawHill, 2008),Voyager 3: Fifty-Four Phases of Feeling, which contains his creative writing.His financial works have been translated into Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, Korean, Italian, Indonesian, Norwegian and Vietnamese.

(Clockwise, above): Darst speaks at Ryan Connections; the Darst boys-Dan ‘70 and David-dedicate the study room; speaking to students; connecting with ‘65 classmates Jimmy Lawson, Pat Sanders, Herb Sharbel, Darst, Bobby Garmon, Johnny Molteni and Ted Hampel.

Reunion Weekend…It was the best of times…it was the BEST of times.

Reunions Weekend 2013 was a study in contrasts, and also a study in consistency. It was a weekend to celebrate the old and the new…the Golden Grads and the recent grads…the golfers and the hackers…the long-distance travelers and the neighborhood alumni…all united in their memories of and love for Father Ryan.

The Class parties took place throughout the city, with four using the campus as their venue. The Lou Graham Alumni Golf Tournament brought out a full contingent of golfers to swap memories with Lou Graham ’56 himself, who greeted every player and offered tips and stories to each one.

But the highlight each year is the Golden Grad Mass and Brunch. This year meant the induction of the Class of 1963 as Golden Grads, with names like Leaver and Thompson and Johnston and Saad and Benedict joining the illustrious group of men who have graduated from Father Ryan 50 or more years ago. The touching Mass and induction ceremony and the joyous gathering at brunch afterwards reminded everyone of the unbreakable Irish connections.

(Clockwise from top:) Fr. Mike Johnston ’63 delivers sermon at Golden Grad Mass; Bishop Choby presents Golden Grad certificate to Joe Cook ’63; The Golden Grad Class of 1963; Golden Grads catch up; 1963 grads receive Lifetime Passes.

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Reunions W Reunions weekend included a reception for all alumni with Jeff Schletzer’s Jazz Band performing; reunion parties fincluding celebrations by 1988 (left), 2003 (below) and 1973 (bottom) a triumphant alumni golf team–Blake Emerson ’99, Graham

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Weekend 2013 Austin, Ryan Nicolson ’99 and Tyler Emerson ’04 hoisting the trophy for the Lou Graham Alumni Tournament with the host. The Lou Graham Alumni Golf Tournament was another sellout and raised more than $17,000 for Tuition Assistance.

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Class Notes Summer2013

Two Father Ryan Grads Receive College Honors Kate Loftis Riley ’91 and Rachel Hunkler ’09, were recently honored

by Xavier University and the University of Alabama, respectively.

Riley, who is the Head of School at Holy Trinity Montessori School in Nashville, the only Christian Montessori school in Nashville, was awarded the Xavier University Magis Award during the school’s commencement ceremony in Cincinnati, OH. The award honors alumni who have achieved a high degree of excellence within 15 years of graduation and embody Jesuit morals and ethical values in his or her life.

Hunkler graduated from the University of Alabama in April and was named Valedictorian of the College of Education. She also received a Fulbright Program Grant to teach English in Spain.

“I have continued to feel the support of the Father Ryan family and the Nashville Catholic community since my graduation in 2009, and still keep in touch with many of my teachers and classmates,” she said. “I am so thankful to Father Ryan High School for giving me the spiritual and academic foundations I needed to be successful and to achieve my dreams.”

Hunkler will work as a teaching assistant for 10 months, from September 2013 to June 2014.

Answer to our Irish Flashback: Standing, from left–Jerry Bush, Jim Cunningham, Jim Burke, Jim Dooley, Father John Henrick, Tom White, Jarvis Carden and Jim Black. Seated, from left–Jerry Dooley, Marty Darst, Joe Benedict, Martin McLean, Mike Johnston, Charlie Formosa, John Andrews, George Frazier. Staffers John Kidwell and John Nichols missed the photo.

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1945 George E. Barrett gave the commencement address at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL on May 4, 2013. George, a prominent civil rights attorney and a 1952 graduate of Spring Hill, also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the school. He is a founding partner in Barrett Johnston, LLC in Nashville.

1945 Not to be outdone by his friend and classmate, George Barrett, John Seigenthaler received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree and spoke at the College of Law commencement from the University of Tennessee Law School on May 10, 2013.

This was only the fifth honorary degree given by UT-K. John worked at The Tennessean for 43 years, moving up the ranks from reporter to editor, publisher, and CEO. He founded the First Amendment Center in 1991 to create national discussion, dialogue and debate about First Amendment rights and values.

1966 David Bohan's company, BOHAN Advertising l Marketing was named to the Nashville Business Journal's 2013 Best Places to Work. BOHAN, established in 1990, is a fullservice advertising and marketing agency. It has major clients in tourism, healthcare, retail and consumer goods. David serves on Father Ryan's Board of Trustees and is a former Board Chair.

1968 Phillip Hirst is retired from the Department of Homeland Security, TSA at the Nashville Airport where he worked for nearly 11 years. He tells us that, “The Class of 1968 had a great reunion as did Vandy baseball.”

1978 Tom Kelly and his wife, Meg, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in July. The Kellys live in Asheville, NC where Tom is a captain with the West Buncombe Fire Department.

1977 Bill Brunner and his wife, Lynn, visited former student Randy Wagner '86 and his wife, Tanya, while on a trip to Northern California.

Randy is a supervisor of federal DEA agents, and his wife is a police officer. The four are pictured on their visit to the Coppola Vineyards.

1979 Bill Breen won the 2013 Senior State Open at Stonehenge Golf Course in Crossville, TN. During round two, the pro from Nashville carded four birdies and fired a three-under-par 33 (-3) on the back nine to shoot the only under par round of the tournament, a twounder 70. His clutch sand save on the final hole captured the championship, although he had to sweat out a 10 foot birdie putt for the tie by amateur Paul Korth from Cookeville. Bill finished with a two day total of 76-70-146 to beat out Korth (74-73-147).

1981 Joe Lofaro, a reporter at the Weakley County Press in Martin, TN, won two first-place accolades in the 2012-13 CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest. Joe won first-place honors in District 4, which includes Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. His story titled, “Former AD Leads Movement to Eliminate Pacifier: First Signee Understands How Monumental Title IX Was,” won first place in coach/ administrator profile and historical feature, while his story titled: “UT Martin Women’s Basketball Team Not After Perfection, But Being the Best They Can Be,” won first place in Season Preview/Recap. Joe was the sports information director at UT Martin from February 2002 until March 5, 2013.

1986 Megan Griffin is the Director of Development for Idaho Public Television, a statewide PBS affiliate. She manages the membership, major gifts and corporate sponsorship teams. Megan recently finished the station’s annual on-air fundraiser, which raised more than $1 million in 16 days to support quality TV programming and services.

1986 Chip Saltsman has joined Tennessee State Rep. Joe Carr's congressional bid as its campaign director. He is the former Tennessee Republican Party chairman and manager of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s presidential campaign.

1995 Cruz Contreras and his band The Black Lillies

continue to receive accolades for the new album RUNAWAY FREEWAY BLUES. The band’s video for the single “The Fall” is featured in Entertainment Weekly.

1996 Alex Brandau was named one of Nashville Business Journal's 2013 40 Under 40 honorees. The honorees were selected by past 40 Under 40 winners as someone making a difference in their companies and communities. Alex is a realtor and principal with Alexander Brandau Real Estate Partners.

1996 Claudia Lombardo had a photograph published in the February 25, 2013 edition of Sports Illustrated. The picture is of the Heritage High School (Maryville, TN) wrestler who saved a fan’s life at the state wrestling tournament. Claudia is the owner of Smilestone Photographers.

1996 Alex Rose, UT-K ’02, graduated from George Washington University Nursing School, December 8, 2012. Alex’s nursing career began in February at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He is shown with parents Nick Rose ’61 and Becky Hellerson after the pinning ceremony.

1996 Kacey Hicks Wilcoxson and her family have been transferred to South Florida. She tells us that her daughter completed her first year of high school but misses her friends at Ryan. Luckily, the family is blessed to have great jobs that allow them to come back to Nashville as often as possible.

1999 Glenn Adkins was named 2013 Special Olympics Nashville Coach of the Year. The award was given to Glen and Ed McClarty, swimming coach of the Nashville Dolphins. Glen does a great deal to help individuals with special needs and was truly worthy of the honor.

1999 Megan Stack was named one of Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honorees. The honorees were selected

First Young Alumni Gathering Attracts a Crowd It began as a simple idea.

With so many young alumni in the area, why only wait for Father Ryan events and Reunions to get together? So with that question asked, the answer came together quickly in the form of the first Young Alumni Gathering.

Spearheaded by Alumni Board Vice-Chair Billy Haley ’01, the event was staged at the Yazoo Brewery in Nashville and opened to all alumni ages 21-40 and younger. Special Father Ryan glasses were provided to each attendee and the nominal entry price of $20 earned each alum a couple of Yazoo’s offerings and a meal from a local food truck.

To say it was a hit is an understatement. Over 100 guests turned out for the evening and the majority stayed well past the stated 8:30 end time, visiting with classmates, catching up with friends and talking with several teachers, like Jason Erwin ’87 and Randy Lancaster ’83. Mr. Lancaster added his musical talent to the evening’s event as the featured entertainer.

Billy was thrilled. “It did all we had hoped for, attracting alumni in a relaxed setting and celebrating Father Ryan. We see this as the first of a regular series of gatherings in the coming year.”

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two have been classmates since kindergarten at St. Henry School. Sean will continue his education at WKU in the fall where he will play his final year of football as center for the Hilltoppers. Courtney is an event planner at Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

by past 40 Under 40 winners as someone who is making a difference in their companies and communities. Megan is director of family assistance and community employment for Catholic Charities of Tennessee.

Allison Proctor was awarded the Paul Beavin Award at St. Matthew School’s Athletic Awards Night. The award honors the legacy of Coach Paul Beavin ’01 and was presented this year by his brother, John, a classmate of Allison’s. John and Allison will be freshman at Father Ryan this year where Allison will play basketball.

She is the daughter of Kim (Vaughn) ’91 and Mark ’91 Proctor. Pictured in the photo are Paul, Sr. ’77, John, Mary Ann (Miller) ’77, Allison Proctor, Susan and Will ’03 Beavin.

2010 ellen Mullins was chosen to participate in the Senior A2 Team Program and as a result made the A-2 National team.

Ellen, a rising senior for the Lady Vols, has been a leading figure for the University of Tennessee Women’s Volleyball Team, earning All-SEC honors this past year.

2011 Mary Pat conway President of Delta Zeta Sorority University of Tennessee-Knoxville with past President caitlin Mulloy ’09 are photographed (left) at the DZ house dedication.

2004 tyler eMerson was named Nurse of the Year by Baptist Hospital. He is a Charge Nurse in the Expedited Care Unit and was awarded the inaugural Rookie of the Year award.

Tyler says, “In nursing, the problems are not always medical dilemmas but also psychosocial and spiritual. I enjoy helping to improve the lives of others through medicine and through helping meet their needs.”

2011 eMily younG has been elected Student Body Vice President at Belmont University for the 2013-2014 school year.

2012 zach enGel has been accepted in The National Society of Collegiate 2004 PaMela Galvin is on a missionary trip through Scholars (NSCS). NSCS is the nation’s The World Race, an 11-month Christian Mission Trip to 11 only interdisciplinary honors organization for first-year and countries. Her trip began in January, and she will be traveling to second-year college students.

Zach attends the University of China, Philippines, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Albania, Tennessee-Knoxville.

Romania, India, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to minister to the poor, sick, orphans and even counsel women/girls who have 2013 Paul thoMas Mitchell’s singing, songwriting and been trapped within the sex slave industry. You can follow her guitar-playing earned him a shot for the big prize on America’s adventures at pamelagalvin.theworldrace.org.

Got Talent, and he parlayed that chance into successful auditions that took him all the way to Las Vegas. While that 2006 taBor duGGer graduated from The Sam M. Walton proved the last stop, it was a journey filled with excitement for College of Business at the University of Arkansas with his this talented young man. He earned the praise and approval MBA, focusing in Supply Chain Management, in May, 2013. of four judges and the admiration of a large national audience.

Tabor is employed with Reckitt Benckiser in Rogers, AR where Congratulations, Paul. his work centers on collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment for Reckitt’s largest customer, Wal-Mart.

While attending the university, he was a committee member for the UofA chapter of Ducks Unlimited, was a member of the UofA Trap and Skeet team, and coached the NW Arkansas High School Lacrosse Club to an undefeated JV Championship season.

2007 annie Pace spent the last year as a production assistant for the CBS show Person of Interest. Her next project is directing and filming a documentary, Bike America, about a veteran biking across the country to find the beauty in America she had lost since the Iraq War and to raise awareness for Student Veterans of America. Visit indiegogo.com/projects/bikeamerica for more details on Annie’s film project.

2009 sean conway and courtney ryMer graduated from Western Kentucky University in May. Sean received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. The 30

wilSon grouP The Wilson Group Real Estate Services founded by Hal Wilson ’62, and now owned and managed by his daughter, Christie Wilson ’85, is one of Nashville’s most respected and successful real estate firms (left to right): Colleen McCorand employs numerous Father mick Metzger; Cindy Crocker Ryan alums, including Julie (mother of Cole Crocker, a (Shaninger) Norfleet ’88, Angela Father Ryan sophomore); Josie (Pickney) O’Neil ’88, Pat Kelley Cox (mother of Andrew Cox, ’64, Theresa (Luckett) Burdge who will be a senior this year; ’84, Kimberly Cunliffe ’94, in Christie Wilson ‘85; Pat Kelly addition to 19 other realtors. class of ‘63; Julie Norfl eet ‘88.

The Wilson Group Real Estate Services is also proud to have Julie (Shaninger) Norfleet ’88, serving on the Father Ryan Alumni Board.

Career of Service Leads to Leadership Post Michele Johnson ’87 has been actively involved with service to the poor and underserved since her days at Father Ryan, and that commitment has resulted in a major position for this Irish alumna.

Weddings Summer2013 Aria Cavaliere ’99 and Danny Negri ’00 were married at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on August 18, 2012.

The couple lives in Brentwood, TN.

Stephanie Stamps ’05 and Frank Mondelli, Jr. ’04

Stephanie Stamps ’05 and Frank Mondelli, Jr. ’04 were married on November 10, 2012 at the St. Philip’s Chapel in Franklin, TN.

The Tennessee Justice Center announced this spring that Johnson, the Center’s managing attorney, will succeed Gordon Bonnyman as executive director at the end of this year.

Michele co-founded the public interest law and advocacy nonprofit with Mr. Bonnyman 17 years ago to advocate for Tennessee’s vulnerable populations, particularly those struggling to find access to health care.

Katie Warren ’00 and Jay Franklin

“I am excited that Michele will assume full leadership of the organization that she has already helped make an effective voice for Tennesseans in need,” Mr. Bonnyman said in a release. “For the past 17 years, Michele has demonstrated time and again a relentless passion for justice and unyielding support for those in need. Her creative leadership will ensure that TJC continues to have an outsized influence in making this state we both love more just, humane and inclusive for all Tennesseans.”

Everyone in the Irish Nation heartily agrees.

Ashley Cravens and Jordan Stamps ’03 were married on December 29, 2012 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation with the Rev. Edward Steiner officiating.

Katie Warren ’00 and Jay Franklin were married on April 6, 2013.

Michele is nationally known for her legal work with children who have special health care needs. As managing attorney, she represents uninsured children in working families and TennCare patients who are denied care by their HMO. But her work doesn’t stop there. She is president of the board of Tennessee Voices for Children (TVC) and serves on the Board of Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services and the Nashville Bar Association Board of Directors.

She was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for advocacy by Tennessee Voices for Children.

Katie Lewis ’04 and Brian Laczko ’04 were married on October 7, 2012.

Katie is a freelance writer and works at Emma, Inc. Brian works at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Sarah Gordon and Pat McKenzie ’96 were married at Camp Marymount in Fairview, TN in April 2013.

Aria Cavaliere ’99 and Danny Negri ’00

Rebecca Leigh Hassell ‘01 and Patrick Brian Newsom

Clare Simpson and C. Patrick Marchetti, Jr. ’09 were married at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on June 15, 2013.

Rebecca Leigh Hassell ‘01 and Patrick Brian Newsom were married May 11, 2013 at Christ the King by Reverend Joseph V. McMahon.

Rebecca is Customer Relations Support Manager at Caterpillar Financial. Patrick is in private law practice. They live in Nashville.

Elizabeth Spitznagel and Kirk Rose ’06 were married on November 17, 2012 at St. Henry Catholic Church. The couple lives in Nashville.

Elizabeth Spitznagel and Kirk Rose ’06

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Births

In Memoriam Summer2013

Summer2013 FR. EDWARD ALBERTS–Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Mia Helen Barranco

Walden Kenneth McCullough

Adrian Dieu

Patrick Joseph Moss

Grady Elizabeth Johnson

Peyton Passmore Mulloy

JOHN W. “JACK” ALLARDICE ’41– Father of John W. Allardice, Jr. ’73, Whannel Flanary (deceased), Monica Davis (deceased) and Amedee Allardice (deceased).

JOHN P. BALTZ, JR. ’75–Son of the late John “Jack” P. Baltz, Sr. ’50 and brother of Jerry Baltz ’77, Janice Meacham ’82, Joe Baltz and the late Jo Anne Herndon ’80.

WILLIAM H. “BILL” BARDILL ‘71– Brother of Kathy Vaughan ‘73, Pat, Dan, Mary ‘74 and Karen ‘75 Bardill, Theresa Adkins ‘76, Angela Bardill ‘78 (deceased), Anne McIntire ‘79, Joe ‘80 and Maureen ‘82 Bardill, Renesa Davis and John Gupton IV. JAMES R. BARNES–Father of Lydia Reed, Anne Smith, James ’73, Edward and Martin Barnes.

THOMAS JOSEPH BATEY, JR. ’54.

Jack Benjamin Seele

Mia Helen to Mary Katherine (Martin) ’02 and Joey Barranco born on February 17, 2013.

Elizabeth Mary-Jean to Laura (Wilson) Cordell ’02 and Brian Cordell born on February 15, 2013.

Adrian to Lonie and Andre’ Dieu ’01, born on March 9, 2013. The family lives in Las Vegas, NV. Grady Elizabeth to Sarah (Smith) Johnson ’00 and Dr. Paul Johnson on December 27, 2012. The Johnson family, including big brother Henry, lives in Durham, NC where Paul is a first-year cardiology fellow at UNC Health Care.

Walden Kenneth to Jennifer (Sledge) ’03 and Adam McCullough born on January 30, 2013.

Patrick Joseph to LYNNE (MULLINS) ’01 and CHAD MOSS ’01 on July 20, 2012. He has a big sister, Ellie Marie. The family lives in Johnson City while Chad finishes his surgery residency at ETSU. Peyton Passmore to Minje and Michael Mulloy ’01, born on March 28, 2013. Peyton joins big brother, Patrick.

Jack Benjamin to Jenny and Louis Seele ’96 born on December 12, 2012.

He joins big brother David who is two years old. The family lives in Carmel, IN where Louis practices medicine.

John Victor to Brent Elliott ’09 and Tarryn Matthews, born on June 17, 2013.

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ROBERT J. “BUZZ” BAYUZICK–Father of Carrie Hargis and Kellie Kidd ’89.

EVERETT A. BILLS, SR.–Father of Yasmin ‘01 and Everett Bills, Jr. ‘03.

SELENIA C. “IRISH” BIRMINGHAM– Mother of Nancy Reed (deceased), Kim Ingle, Tisha Stanley, Shane Birmingham, Terri Davis ’86, Carol Jasien, Erin Wolf and Tim Birmingham.

FRANCIS X. “FRANK” BISCEGLIA– Father of Jeremy Bisceglia ’93 and Megan Broadway ’94.

DENNIS J. BLACK ’58–Brother of Father James A. Black ’64 (deceased), Don Black ’67 and Margaret Smith.

DENISE BOWDEN ’73–Sister of Diane Lawrence ’75, Rusty Bowden ’77, Danita Selikoff ’79 and Tom Bowden.

JAMES M. BRADLEY ’70–Brother of Gena Rose Gaffney (deceased), Patrick ’72 and Tim Bradley.

ROBERT J. “BOB” BURNS, JR. ’44– Brother of James T. Burns ’42 (deceased) and John G. Burns ’44.

JOHN A. CALVO, JR.–Father of John A. Calvo III ’84.

MARY SUE CHEEK–Wife of the late Joel O. Cheek III ’36.

LAWRENCE L. CHILTON, JR. ’37.

JAMES H. “JIM” COSMAN ’60.

JANET MANNERS NOLL–Mother of Robert Manners, Pam Curran ’79 and Sheri Tidwell ’80.

ROBERT “BOB” DAVID ’49.

Neil J. Devine–Father of Katie Dunigan ’77, Juliana Devine, Kara Devening and Brian Devine ’80.

PAUL JOSEPH DICKMAN ’58–Brother of Ray ’56, Ron ’62 and Jim ’64 Dickman.

ROSEMARY WILLIAMS DUCKLO– Mother of Pat Gorham Heckman, Dr. Bob Ducklo, Jr. ’59, Kathy Nourse, Rosemary Sexton, Dr. Tommy Ducklo ’67 and Dr. Jim Ducklo ’79.

ROBERT “BOB” PATERSON–Father of Cheryl Edelen (Faculty), Terri Woods ’78, Robin Figlio ’79 and Denise Thomas ’82.

JEAN COFFMAN ELCAN–Mother of Rhea Forte, Dan Elcan, Claire Gillespie, Joe Elcan, Mary May, Chuck Elcan ’82, Tricia Healy, Susan Farrell, Cal Elcan and Lisa Bruner (deceased).

STEPHEN R. FAHEY, JR.–Brother of Pat Fahey ’59, Michael Fahey ’61, Frances Pickney and Margaret Wolf.

CYNTHIA “CINDY” FLUM–Mother of Mark ’91 and Bryan ’94 Flum.

JAMES S. “BOOTY” FREY ’50.

GERALD “JERRY” FRIDRICH—Father of Howard, Steve ’75 and Chip Fridrich and Lisa Grayson.

DIANE D. GANNON–Mother of Polly, John, Lanie ’77 and Jamie Gannon.

BARBARA ADAMS GOODRICH– Wife of Dr. Robert Goodrich ’49 and mother of Paula Goodrich, Lori Reddick, Rob Goodrich, Jr. ’80 and Adam Goodrich ’83.

BARBARA HIGDON “BOBBIE” GELDRICH–Wife of James H. Geldrich ’43.

Charlie ’69 and Bobby Hostettler and Barbara Creel ’71.

BARBARA ANN KELLY HUNT– Mother of Austin ’76, Scott ’78, Kelly ’83 and Britt ’87 Hunt.

TERESA H. ITIN–Mother of Jerry ’57, James ’66 and Robert ’72 Itin.

SYLVIA A. HOSTETTLER–Mother of Terri Jaquette ’73, Jimmy Hostettler ’74, Tommy Hostettler ’76, Kathy Adams ’78, Katie Manley ’78, Jerry Hostettler and Pat Hostettler ’82.

CHARLENE JOHNSON–Daughter of the late Charles Johnson ’27.

ANNA M. ROTIER JOHNSON–Mother of Roy F. Johnson, Jr. ’59 (deceased) and Bob C. Johnson ’68. Mother-in-law of Regina Johnson (Staff).

JIM JOHNSTON–Father of Ashley Johnston (Staff).

BETTY ANN JONES–Sister of Pat Curran ‘68, Karen Timmons ‘72, Hailey ‘73, Rosie, Michael, Tina, Gina and Cathy Curran.

MICHAEL P. JOYCE ’65.

CAROL ANN KELSO–Mother of Andrew ’96 and Lori ’00 Kelso.

RACHAEL FRISBIE MAIDENS ’96– Sister of Brent Frisbie ’95.

COLONEL JAMES W. “JIM” MCKINEY ’60.

JOHN P. MULLOY, SR. ’46–Father of Kathleen (deceased), Pat ’76, Mike ’76, Tim ’79 and Paul ’84 Mulloy, Geraldine King, Mary Golden and Nora Boyte.

BETTY J. NACARATO– Mother of Mary Daily, Valerie Daley, Mike Nacarato, Jr., Lisa Curtis, Joe Nacarato ‘78, Ruthie Green ‘80 and Tom Nacarato ‘82.

BETTY ANN NEELY–Wife of Paul E. Neely, Sr. ’49.

FLORENCE “SNOOKEY” HAYES– Mother of Rod, Randy ’75, Ricky ’76, Rusty ’81, Robbie ’82 and Roland ’84 Hayes.

ANN MARY PACKARD–Mother of Peter, John, Richard, Robert, Louis and Bill ’78 Packard.

RONALD K. HEBERT–Father of Kevin ’99 and Keith ’99 Hebert and Erin Booker.

MAHLON PEDEN–Father of Steve Peden (Faculty).

GRACE “PAT” HIMMELBERG– Mother of Michael, Steve ’78 and Don ’80 Himmelberg, Janet Shaffer, Linda Jordan, Mary Price, Patty Himmelberg and Peggy McAleer ’75.

JOSEPH P. SBUTTONI, SR. ’39–Father of the late Joseph Sbuttoni, Jr. ’62.

DOROTHY P. LUTER–Mother of Andy ’66 (deceased), Godfrey (deceased),

THOMAS G. PARKER ’41.

LOIS ANN POOLE–Mother of Mary, John, Jr. and Brian ’89 Poole.

JAMES D. SCHENK, SR. ’61–Brother of the late Robert Schenk ’56.

ANGELINA ST. CHARLES SCOTT–

Mother of Vicki Coleman, Larry Scott, Paulette Nolan ’74, John Scott ’76 and Charlie Scott ’84.

THOMAS SHARP, SR. ’45–Father of Julia Ribar, Evelyn Redwine, Cathy Zoladz, Tom, Jr. ’67, Bob ’68, Joe ’71, Charles, Andy ’75 and Mark ’81 Sharp.

TYRONE C. SHELTON, SR ’80–Brother of Leo, Kenneth and Aaron ’89 Shelton.

C. MEL SMITH ’48–Father of Roger Smith ’75, Lisa Frith, Melanie Smith and Paul Smith ’82; brother of Milton ’50, James ’51 and Thomas ’55 Smith and Barbara Labriola.

William K. “Kelly” Sovine ’84– Son of Bill Sovine ’62 and brother of Kym Baruzzini ’82, Keith Sovine ’86, Karyn Green ’87 and Kathy Sovine ’90.

KENNETH W. STEINBRECHER (Former Faculty)–Father of Chris Melton ’75, Suzie Barry ’78 (Staff) and Jim Steinbrecher ’86.

CROMWELL B. STEWART, SR.–Father of LaShaunda Lee, Andrew, Cromwell ’00 and Corry ’06 (Auxiliary Staff) Stewart.

BENJAMIN D. TODD–Son of Andy Todd ’77 and brother of Katherine ’95 Piskora, Matt ’04, Andrew and Samuel Todd.

RICHARD F. TURNER, SR.–Father of Richard ’74 and Greg ’75 Turner (deceased).

MARY R. “EVA” VARALLO–Mother of Frank ’56, Geny Marie, Jim ’71 and Veronica Varallo.

MAVIS BROWN WATSON (Former Bowling Coach)–Mother of Michael Watson ’69 (deceased), Patrick Watson ’69 and Michelle Potter ’75.

WILLIAM G. “BILL” WOMACK–Father of Bill ’88 and John ’87 Womack and Anne Kolton ’94.

ELLEN M. SOPER–Mother of Laura Sharber, Paul Soper and Catherine Womack (Faculty).

ALEX T. “TOMMY” WARNER, JR. ’68–Brother of Paul Warner ’73, Kathy Smith, Linda Batts, Alice Warner and Beth Shearron.

JOHN KENNETH “KEN” WOOD, JR.–Father of Sandi Elder ’76, Wendy Turner ’78, Kenneth ’79, Brian ’80, Bill ’82, Charlie ’89 and Al ’90 Wood.

CHARLES T. “CHUCK” YORK ’55– Bother of Dennis Leon, Rudy ’48 and James ’50 York.

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Save the Dates for A Memorable Homecoming September 26-27

Homecoming 2013 will be a major event, both for the classes celebrating their Reunions this year—headed by the Golden Grad Class of 1964—and for everyone who comes out for our match-up against Stratford. Look online for details on the weekend events, including a BBQ contest, a kids zone, salutes to alumni and class tailgate parties.

It’s Homecoming—Irish style.