2017-18 Academic Achievements

Taking The Next Step Forward

A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service

2017–2018

Enhancing Our Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service

T

Prepared for the Next Step: 13 National Merit Honorees

he four years of high school are made up of thousands and thousands of steps, both literal and figurative ones. From the walk they took onto this campus as freshmen to the climb onto the stage in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas, the Class of 2018 has taken important, enjoyable, meaningful and lifechanging steps into an exceptional future.

Every senior class at Father Ryan is a special one. Each has its own set of scholars, athletic champions, artists, performers, and faith leaders, all committed to service. These students study, learn, serve, make friends and grow together during their four years with us, in a tradition of faith, knowledge and service.

I learned that Father Ryan was a special place and its students were exceptionally special people when I came here in 2014, and that is certainly true of the Class of 2018. This year, 13 of our seniors were recognized by the National Merit Corporation (the most of any Catholic school in Tennessee), our Science Olympiad team took 4th place in the state, we inducted 21 seniors into our Cum Laude Society bringing the class’s total membership to 40, and 32 students earned a perfect score on one or more sections of the ACT or SAT.

William Antony

College of the Holy Cross

Ryan Conger Auburn University

Will Brown

Sewanee: The University of the South

Emma Dooling

University of South Carolina

These seniors have also excelled outside the classroom this year as well, and I am excited to celebrate their many accomplishments.

Though I am immensely proud of the Class of 2018’s academic, athletic and artistic achievements, it is their service to the community that pleases me most. We inducted 21 seniors into the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society—the most ever for one class. And this year’s Relay for Life team once again broke its own record, becoming the top student-led Relay per capita in the world by raising nearly $200,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Through our rigorous academic program that meets students at their level, a faith-based curriculum that highlights service and social justice, and a wide array of arts, athletic and extracurricular offerings, I know our Father Ryan graduates are thoroughly prepared for their future.

“These students study, learn, serve, make friends

Will Drexler

Saint Louis University

Kade Foster

University of Alabama

and grow together during

knowledge and service.”

Seniors William Antony, Will Brown, Will Drexler, Thomas Hill, Ryan Hudson and Renee St. Jacques have the prestigious honor of being named National Merit Commended Scholars, while Michael Valencia has also been named a National Hispanic Scholar.

“We are exceedingly proud of all of these students who have earned this National Merit recognition,” said Academic Dean Jennifer Anton. “They have excelled in the classroom and out, and are undoubtedly prepared for the next steps in their academic careers. Congratulations to our scholars on all their success!”

To read more about the accomplishments of all our National Merit Honorees, got to www.fatherryan.org/academics.

their four years with us, in a tradition of faith,

C

ongratulations to the seven members of the Class of 2018 named National Merit Finalists and to the six additional seniors who earned Commended Scholar status from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation!

Once again, Father Ryan has the largest number of National Merit Finalists of any Catholic high school in Tennessee. We celebrate and congratulate our Finalists: Ryan Conger, Emma Dooling, Kade Foster, Caroline Kreh, Rachel Phan, Quentin Rummo and Michael Valencia.

Thomas Hill

The George Washington University

Ryan Hudson

University of Arizona

Congratulations, Class of 2018. You are ready for your next step!

Jennifer Anton Academic Dean

Caroline Kreh

University of Mississippi

1

Rachel Phan

Belmont University

Quentin Rummo

University of Alabama

Renee St. Jacques Saint Louis University

Michael Valencia

Vanderbilt University

2

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Michael Valencia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

E

ach year, we honor the student from the senior class with the highest GPA, and with a 100.1455 weighted GPA, Michael Valencia has earned the title of Valedictorian of the Class of 2018. But the sum of his parts is so much more than one number. Michael is a scholar, a leader, an artist, a scientist, a brilliant speaker and an all-around good guy.

Caroline Kreh • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

C

aroline’s love of learning may only be eclipsed by her love of her family and her pets (she has cats, dogs, turtles, fish, chickens and horses). As someone who loves to learn, she has used her passion for education to earn a 99.8070 weighted GPA and propel her to this year’s Salutatorian honor.

This hard-working senior has been inducted into the Father Black Honor Society, National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and Cum Laude Society. He has been recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar, National Merit Finalist, and has had the highest average in several classes, including AP Chemistry, British Literature and AP Spanish Literature.

During her time at Father Ryan, Caroline has been recognized as a National Merit Finalist, Honorable Merit on the National Latin Exam, received the Algebra I award, and received the Principal’s List Award, along with several recognitions as an outstanding student in Algebra II, American Literature, British Literature, AP Chemistry, Chemistry, Latin II and Theology III.

Michael, a St. Edward graduate, is tops in his class academically, and he is a proven leader who has been front and center since his freshman year. His many leadership roles include Peer Mentor, Cum Laude Chapter President, Captain of the Science Olympiad team, President of La Sociedad Honororia Hispanica, Chief Sound Engineer (sophomore and junior year), and Vice President of the Multi-Cultural Student Union.

Michael’s service leadership includes winning the Father Black Award his freshman year and volunteering at Safe Haven Family Shelter and St. Thomas Medical Mission.

This motivated and academically driven senior has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (where she served as President her senior year), International Thespian Society, Cardinal Newman Association, Cum Laude Society, and Father Black Honor Society.

As Captain of the Science Olympiad, Michael not only inspired his teammates to one of their best finishes to date, but he competed in many events, including Astronomy, Materials Science, Chemistry, and Fermi Questions, placing 1st and 2nd in the state in Astronomy.

Michael also earned another state title as a member of his favorite activity at Father Ryan, the Speech and Debate team. Michael won the State title in Congressional Debate, and his team won first in Interpretation Theatre for State Qualifications.

While Michael was also a member of the Chess and Wrestling teams, it is his time as a Purple Masque Player that he will remember most. “The unity and cohesion among the Purple Masque Players has amazed me more with every production, and seeing how many time-honored traditions survive through countless generations of students is astounding,” he says. “Seeing that I still remember many of the show tunes years later, I would say the theatre has had a large impact on my time at Father Ryan.”

Michael has certainly had an impact on the Class of 2018 and on Father Ryan.

He plans to study chemistry on a pre-med track at Vanderbilt University.

Congratulations, Michael!

Her other activities include Purple Masque Players, Speech and Debate team, Latin Club, March for Life, Relay for Life and Peer Mentor Program. But her favorite activity by far was the Speech and Debate team, where she served as Secretary and President and “gained confidence, speaking abilities, a more informed worldview, and most importantly, lifelong friends and an encouraging mentor, Mrs. (Sarah) Kieffner.” Caroline holds the National Speech and Debate Degree of Special Distinction and was elected Presiding Officer of State Congressional Debate in 2016 and 2017.

Outside of Father Ryan, Caroline remains very active serving others. She tutors, babysits, and volunteers at Dismas House, cooking dinner and eating with former offenders transitioning out of prison.

She plans to volunteer at Bethlehem Farm this summer.

Caroline, a Holy Rosary graduate, will attend the University of Mississippi next year in the pharmacy program, where she plans to earn her B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and then her Doctorate of Pharmacy.

But she says she will miss her teachers the most next year. “My teachers have challenged me with a constant attitude of encouragement,” she said, “while expanding my worldview and teaching me valuable skills. I am forever grateful for my teachers at Father Ryan and will sorely miss them!”

Congratulations, Caroline, and good luck!

3

4

Our Academic Achievers Go the Extra Mile T

here is never a shortage of opportunities to explore for Father Ryan students. As accomplished and busy as they are with their studies, they are also leaders in the class, active volunteers for service programs on and off campus, agile athletes and young people of deep faith. It is this embrace of the Father Ryan tradition of faith, knowledge and service that prepares them for the exciting next steps that await them.

Ayers Callahan • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ayers is used to being a leader wherever he goes, whether capturing first place in a swim meet or co-chairing the largest studentrun Relay for Life in the country. This Academic All-American swimmer served as Co-Captain of the Swim Team and was Co-Chair of the Relay for Life Committee. He also served as a Student Council Representative all four years and as a Sophomore Retreat Leader. Ayers, a graduate of St. Henry School, is also a member of National Honor Society and Student Ambassadors. He will surely be a leader at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Holland Turner • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Holland excels in everything she pursues. She has received the Outstanding Student Award in eight classes throughout her tenure at Father Ryan, and is a member of the Father Black Honor Society, Positive Action Club, Purple Masque Players and the Relay for Life Committee.

Holland, a graduate of St. Edward School, also shares her musical gifts with others as a member of the Women’s Choir and Music Ministry team. Holland is the recipient of the Elmore Lampe Bright Futures Scholarship and will continue her studies at Belmont University.

Rachel Phan • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rachel stands out on the basketball court and throughout the community. This Varsity Basketball player is also a National Merit Finalist who can be found volunteering at The Little Pantry That Could when she is not hard at work on the court or in the classroom.

She spends four hours a week volunteering at the Pantry and is the Father Ryan liaison for that organization. Rachel, a graduate of Christ the King, is also a member of the Chess Club, Creative Writing Club, Multi-Cultural Student Union, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society. Rachel will soar at Belmont University next year.

5

Quentin Rummo • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Quentin is lightning quick on the ice and razor sharp in his studies as well. Leading the hockey team to state semi-final finishes two years in a row as Varsity Team Captain, Quentin is also a member of the Rocket Club, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Honor Society and is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. This Grassland Middle School graduate and National Merit Finalist is interested in pre-med in college and has already passed the state test to earn his Nursing Assistant Certification. His hard work will pay off this fall when he attends the University of Alabama.

Emma Dooling • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Emma is a motivated, compassionate and dedicated student with an excellent academic record and an overflowing list of activities at Father Ryan. She is a National Merit Finalist, Varsity Volleyball Team Captain and a Head Student Ambassador. Emma also volunteered her time as a middle school volleyball coach, as a Peer Mentor and a Sophomore and Freshmen Retreat Leader at Father Ryan. A St. Matthew School graduate, she is a member of Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society and Father Black Honor Society. Emma will continue to stay busy at the University of South Carolina.

Jackson Byrd • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jackson is a force to be reckoned with on the football and lacrosse fields as well as in the classroom. Throughout his time at Father Ryan, Jackson has won multiple awards highlighting his athletic ability (he was named the Player of the Week 11 times during his Father Ryan career) and in his academic career (he won the Outstanding Student Award in nine classes). He is a member of the National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society and Father Black Honor Society. Jackson, a St. Edward School graduate, serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and has volunteered more than 60 hours to organizations such as Room in the Inn and The Little Pantry That Could. He will continue to excel at the University of Alabama next year.

6

Ryan Conger • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ryan is a determined student whose academic pursuits are complemented by his Scouting ones.

An Eagle Scout, his Eagle project involved creating a sensory garden for the King’s Daughters School in Columbia. He has also hiked Philmont and earned 28 merit badges. Ryan is a Varsity Rugby player who was selected to the Tennessee Tri-Star rugby team in his first season. He is also a National Merit Finalist and a member of the Quizbusters Team, Chinese Club and Purple Masque Players. Ryan, a graduate of St. Matthew School, will attend Auburn University this fall.

Kade Foster • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Kade’s list of extracurricular and volunteer activities is so long you may wonder how he has time to study. This energetic National Merit Finalist is the President of the National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish Club, Social Justice Club, Chinese Club, Multi-Cultural Student Union, Youth in Government, Model UN, and Varsity Golf and Bowling Teams.

Additionally, he is the Co-Captain of the Science Olympiad team and Vice President of the Rocket Club. He has also volunteered on three house builds through Habitat for Humanity and has been on two Catholic HEART Workcamp trips. His commitment to his faith is evidenced by his service as a Freshmen and Sophomore Retreat Leader and as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Father Ryan. Kade will continue to excel at the University of Alabama this fall.

A Life of Service —The Next Step After high school graduation, the next step in many young people’s lives is a career in the military. It is a great honor to be identified, recruited and accepted into a military academy, which is why we are proud of Jack Boutte on his appointment to the Air Force Academy.

Since 2000, Father Ryan has had 34 students receive military academy appointments, a remarkable academic tradition we are pleased to call our own.

Jack is looking forward to beginning his military career and continuing his football career at the Academy. He will now join our distinguished group of Father Ryan alumni who attend and represent Father Ryan well in military academies and units across our country and world. We wish him much success.

7

Leading by Example, Serving Others in Need Rosie Dunn • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rosie leads by example every day. This resilient and determined student has excelled at whatever life has thrown at her, and she has done it with compassion, grace and always a positive outlook on life. She is a model student, with memberships in the Cum Laude Society, French National Honor Society, Latin National Honor Society, National Honor Society and Father Black Honor Society. She has also consistently put her faith into action as a long-time volunteer at Susan Grey School and the Tennessee Justice Center. She was also a member of the Relay for Life Committee and traveled to Washington, D.C. twice for March for Life. Rosie, a St. Bernard Academy graduate, will continue to shine at the University of Notre Dame.

Caroline Long • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Caroline is a role model for serving others in need.

As Co-Chair of Father Ryan’s Relay for Life committee, she volunteered countless hours for this cancer research fundraiser, which is near and dear to her heart. She is a member of the Irish Service Corps, the Positive Action Club, Respect Life Club, Student Ambassadors and National Honor Society. Caroline puts her faith into action as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, as a SEARCH leader, and has traveled to Washington, D.C. for March for Life three years in a row. A graduate of St. Henry School, Caroline also was elected Vice-President of the senior class and is Co-Captain of the Lacrosse Team. She was a part of the State Championship Girls Soccer Team her Junior year. Caroline will certainly serve others at the University of South Carolina this fall.

Abbey Avila

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Abbey stands out among the crowd with her outstanding leadership skills, drive to succeed and passion for helping others. During her time at Father Ryan, Abbey has served in many leadership capacities, including Marketing Director for the Relay for Life Committee, Head Ambassador for the Father Ryan Student Ambassadors, Peer Mentor, and Co-Captain for the Swim Team.

A graduate of St. Edward School, this Academic All-American swimmer also served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a Freshmen and Sophomore Retreat Leader, and volunteered at Safe Haven Family Shelter, Special Olympics and at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Abbey is a member of the Father Black Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society and La Sociedad Honororia Hispanica. Abbey will take her academic and service skills to Boston College.

8

Father Ryan’s Passionate Artists Are Always in Step S

ometimes the classroom that produces a memorable academic achievement is not a traditional classroom at all. It is a dance room, a choral hall, the stage or an art studio. You will find many an Irish student who is finding their next steps in one of these rooms, developing a passion for the arts that leads them to a colorful or musical career, just like these outstanding Irish students.

Will Drexler • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Will has the leadership skills, musical talents and excellent academic record that make him a highly successful student. Will is Field Commander of the Father Ryan Marching Band, Student Body Secretary, Chinese Honor Society President, National Honor Society Treasurer, Head Student Ambassador and Gardening Club President.

Not only is he a proven leader, he spends much of his time giving back to others. He has attended the Bethlehem Farm Mission Trip and Alternative Spring Break as well as the March for Life in Washington D.C., and was a Freshmen and Sophomore Retreat Leader. Will, a St. Edward School graduate, is also a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Cum Laude Society and the Quizbusters Team. There is no doubt that Will will be a leader at Saint Louis University.

Kate Pruett • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • As a member of the Father Ryan Dance Team and the Captain of her dance studio, Kate has been a dedicated team member and hard-working student.

She is also a member of the Irish Service Corps, the Positive Action Club, Respect Life Club, Social Justice Club and Student Ambassadors. Kate, a Christ the King graduate, was on the Freshmen Night Leadership team and has served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion while at Father Ryan. She will stay ‘en pointe’ at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.

Spencer Pomeroy • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

9

Spencer’s passion clearly evidenced itself on the stage. As the Purple Masque Players President and Father Ryan Singers Vice President, Spencer has not only participated in the many arts offerings at Father Ryan, he has taken on leadership roles as well. Spencer, who took Show Choir and Musical Theatre as courses during his time at Father Ryan, captured the leading male roles in A Christmas Carol, Twelfth Night, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and brought the house to its feet as The Cat in the Hat in the Purple Masque Players’ recent production of Seussical: The Musical. Spencer, a Holy Rosary graduate, will surely shine at Belmont University, where he will double major in sociology and theatre.

Emily Kendall • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Emily is a highly creative student who loves to write and read whenever she has the chance. The President of the Creative Writing Club at Father Ryan her junior year and a member of the Yearbook staff her senior year, Emily recently interned at The Parthenon where she won an award for lesson plans she created for middle school children that focused on the Shakespeare exhibit on site. Emily, a graduate of St. Henry School, is also a member of the Student Ambassadors, Peer Mentor Program, Environmental Awareness Club and Spanish Club.

She was inducted into the National Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. Emily will add her talents to Lipscomb University this fall.

Everett Delaney • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Everett’s skill with a brush, drawing pencil or computer is remarkable.

This highly creative graduate of St. Bernard Academy is an accomplished visual artist who has received numerous accolades for his art, including being the Purchase Award winner this year. Everett attended Governor’s School for Art in 2017, has had his portfolio reviewed in Chicago, and has interned at Watkins School of Art. When he is not drawing, he spends his time as a member of the sound department for the Purple Masque Players and is a member of the Creative Writing and Environmental Awareness Clubs. Everett will continue to focus on his art at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Father Ryan’s mission is to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic and personal potential.

10

Father Ryan Teachers Are A Step Ahead It is not only Ms. Brewer who is helping Father Ryan students reach new heights in English. It is the entire English department. With 32 students receiving a perfect score on one or more sections of the ACT or SAT this year and 97 percent of the 73 students who took the AP Literature or AP English Language Exam qualifying for college credit, clearly our English department teachers are doing something special.

One former student of Mr. Lancaster’s British Literature class and now a student at Austin Peay was even asked to teach a Shakespeare class this past year because of his proficiency in the subject.

I

n a world that demands innovation at every turn, it is good to know that the traditional curriculum remains central to our students’ education. Knowing how to diagram a sentence and to understand integers and to calculate forces are important pieces of knowledge. And at Father Ryan, that knowledge is taught by faculty whose commitment, experience and approach make our students successful at many levels.

F

ather Ryan students of all grade levels love English teacher Carol Brewer. Just ask the freshmen English students who were so inspired by her teaching that they commissioned a Japanese artist to paint her a picture (below). Or read the numerous college reflection papers by the seniors in her class through the years, each naming her as one of their favorite teachers at Father Ryan.

After her students, teachers are next in line to sing Ms. Brewer’s praises. A part of the faculty for 27 years, Ms. Brewer is the 2018 recipient of the Bishop Alphonse Smith Outstanding Teacher Award (an award nominated by faculty and staff), and she is beloved by all who work with her.

“Working with Carol Brewer is its own education,” says Randy Lancaster ’83, English Department Chair and winner of the Bishop Alphonse Smith Outstanding Teacher Award in 2015. “She is plainly and simply a master teacher. Her joy of reading literature and discovery through writing are both contagious and palpable, and her students take notice and respond in kind.”

Through her mastery of English literature and her passion for teaching, Ms. Brewer inspires her students Carol Brewer to reach higher than they thought possible. For example, last year 100 percent of her AP Literature students qualified for college credit, with 40 percent earning a 5—the highest score possible.

Ms. Brewer’s approach to teaching is simple. For freshmen, it includes a “testing component for analysis of sentence structure.” And for the AP English Lit seniors, the main lessons she imparts are to be literate, be original and be critical thinkers. Ms. Brewer says her AP Lit course is not about taking or passing a test, but rather “awakening to works of literary merit and finding a voice in personal compositions that reflect that work.”

She is famous for telling her students: “No Hallmark cards here,” and when her students figure out what that means, they rise to the challenge of becoming original and expressive thinkers, excelling on the AP test and fully prepared to take on challenging material that lies ahead in their college classes.

So much so that there are any number stories of students who come back to Father Ryan with tales of how they are excelling in their English studies in college. There are several stories of the freshman college students who are asked to be teacher’s assistant for upper level English classes because of how well they can “tend” to the text, and there is even one alumna who was the only student in her college English class at Fordham who knew how to diagram a sentence (something all freshmen in Ms. Brewer’s class learn).

11

Randy Lancaster

But in our current climate where Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook rule, how does mastery of the English language remain relevant and an important part of a high school curriculum? According to Mr. Lancaster, English will always remain important because “responsible and effective communication is important; because thoughtfulness is important; because imagination is important; and because English is the medium of art, journalism, biography, history and law in American culture.”

Ms. Brewer echoes that sentiment and underscores why an English department that promotes critical thinking is needed in all walks of life today. “The art of writing and the force of good reading skills are vital not only for personal growth but for professional success. Literature has so much to offer and society depends on its citizens to be literate and capable of searching for inspiration and creative thought,” she affirms.

With the success rate of Ms. Brewer, Mr. Lancaster and all the other English teachers, it is obvious Father Ryan’s English department will continue to produce critical thinkers for years to come.

Teachers Who Coach; Coaches Who Teach When you talk with Coach Doug Bontrager ’81 and Coach Mike Mascari ’95, they may seem like any other coach you see interviewed—deflecting questions about themselves and always praising others. The difference is these coaches deserve every bit of praise that comes their way. Not only are they topnotch motivators and teachers on the field, they are winning teachers in the classroom as well.

These coaches are teaching the classic core subjects like Calculus and Physics, and students are lining up to learn from them. It is not because these classes are slam dunk A’s. Students are taking these challenging AP courses because these coaches are excellent teachers.

Doug Bontrager

Coach Bontrager has been at Father Ryan since 1987 and has taught numerous mathematics courses, including Algebra II, Calculus BC and Calculus AB. In 2014, he received the Bishop Alphonse Smith Outstanding Teacher Award. He is also the Head Basketball Coach with two state 12

Championships under his belt. And most of the AP students who take the AP test after completing his course qualified for college credit. He is just that good. But ask him his secret to teaching Calculus and he shares the credit with his ‘teammates.’ “The entire math department at Father Ryan does such a good job.” he says, “We are all enthusiastic and like teaching math. That enthusiasm is translated to the students. So by the time they get to me, they are really prepared.”

The same could be said for Coach Mascari.

He has been teaching Physics (college prep through AP) at Father Ryan for 15 years and is also the Head Baseball Coach. And yes, almost all of his AP Physics students qualify for college credit after completing his course. But when asked how his students do so well on these tests, he gives credit to everyone else. “There is no secret,” he says. “Physics requires a lot of critical thinking skills, and Mike Mascari these students have already been honing those skills in their other science classes through the years and also in their Math, English, and History courses. I give credit to everyone.”

One thing is clear. All four of these teachers, Ms. Brewer, Mr. Lancaster, Coach Bontrager and Coach Mascari, are passionate teachers who care about their students and will do whatever they can to help them prepare academically and emotionally for the next steps in their lives. As Coach Mascari puts it, “Kids feel comfortable at Father Ryan, in their classes and with their teachers. Once they feel valued, they are ready to learn. The sky is the limit from there.”

13

Academic Achievements at All Levels of Learning In addition to the AP students taught

by Ms. Brewer, Coach Bontrager and Coach Mascari who are earning qualified college credit or better on their AP tests, students in all levels are succeeding thanks to the caliber of all of our faculty and to the intellectual curiosity and dedication of all our students. With this high level of achievement across the board, we know Father Ryan students at every level of learning will be ready to take the next step.

Academic Year

Number of AP Exams

Earning Qualified Status or Better

2011–2012

356

83%

2012–2013

370

83%

2013–2014

380

87.9%

2014–2015

401

86.4%

2015-2016

433

82%

2016-2017

402

83%

Class Rank Deciles

2018 Average ACT

1st Decile

33

2nd Decile

30

3rd-4th Decile

28

5th-6th Decile

26

7th-8th Decile

23

9th-10th Decile

21

Ranking our ACT scores by class decile gives an accurate picture of our students’ success and shows that all are ready for college work.

Stepping Forward in Faith

F

ather Ryan’s identity as a Catholic school has been woven into the very fabric of the school since it was founded in 1925. Its motto of Faith, Knowledge and Service has shepherded more than 13,000 students through its hallowed halls, leading them through four years that help shape their lives.

Because of this tradition, after graduating from Father Ryan many students choose to continue to live by the principles of their Catholic faith in many ways. Some students choose to serve others through their volunteer work at their chosen university, other students choose to continue their study of the Catholic faith and serve others at the many prestigious Catholic universities across the Reed Robinson country, while some students choose to take it a step further by answering God’s call by becoming a priest or a nun.

We are proud to see so many of our graduates interested in and choosing to continue their Catholic education this fall. This year’s seniors have been accepted to and many are attending the following Catholic colleges.

Ave Maria University Bellarmine University Belmont Abbey College Benedictine College Boston College Brescia University Catholic University of America College of the Holy Cross Christian Brothers University Creighton University

For students who are interested in exploring a life of service to God and discern their vocations, Father Ryan has created two groups, one for boys—the Melchizedek Project—and one for girls— Magnificat—both national programs used by universities nationwide.

DePaul University

This year, we are proud that Reed Robinson, a member of the Melchizedek Project, will take the next step in exploring his vocation as he enters University of Dallas/Holy Trinity Seminary. He joins previous Father Ryan graduates and current Nashville diocesan seminarians Ryan Hinlo ’17, Christian Hamrick ’17, Quinn Robinson ’15, Rhodes Bolster ’11, and Luke Wilgenbusch ’11 in this vocation journey.

Loyola University Chicago

While at Father Ryan, Reed was active across a wide range of activities, showing his leadership skills in and out of the classroom.

He served as Treasurer of the Student Council, a leader for Freshmen Night as well as a leader at both the Sophomore and Junior Retreats.

He was also a participant in March for Life in Washington, D.C., the Catholic HEART Workcamp, and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Reed also served as the sacristan for the Chapel, responsible for setting up and cleaning before and after Mass every day his senior year. Reed, a graduate of Overbrook, was also a member of the Quizbusters team, Chinese Club and Cross Country and Rugby teams.

The call to serve God is a challenging path; we are proud of Reed for answering the call.

Fordham University Gonzaga University John Carroll University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University New Orleans Marquette University Providence College St. Edward’s University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College Santa Clara University Seattle University Seton Hall University Spring Hill College University of Dallas University of Dallas/Holy Trinity Seminary University of Dayton University of Notre Dame University of Portland University of San Diego University of San Francisco Villanova University Xavier University

14

Class of 2018 as freshmen

Class of 2018 as seniors

CLASS OF 2018

211 GRADUATES RECEIVED ACCEPTANCES FROM 194 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, INCLUDING 36 CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES, WITH SCHOLARSHIPS WORTH MORE THAN

$33,000,000 22,000 Service Hours

DePaul, Emory, Fisk, Florida, Fordham, Furman, UGA, George Washington, Harvard, Loyola, M.I.T., Michigan State, Naval Academy, Notre

Dame, UNC at Chapel Hill, Northwestern, Occidental, Purdue, Richmond, SCAD, Ohio State, Sewanee, Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, Texas A&M, TCU,

Tulane, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt, Villanova, UVA, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington University in St. Louis, Xavier

13

$200,000

National Merit Finalists

Raised for Relay for LIfe

To see a map of where the Class of 2018 is headed to college, visit fatherryan.org/graduation.

700 Norwood Drive • Nashville, TN 37204 • 615-383-4200 • www.fatherryan.org

©2018 FRHS 24239

Acceptances include: Air Force Academy, Auburn, Belmont, Berry College, Boston College, Case-Western Reserve, Clemson, Creighton, Dayton,