Academic Achievements 2008

770 Norwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204

You Will Be Known.

You Will Be Loved.

Education Beyond The Intellect

Salutatorian & Valedictorian Class of 2008 Mary Glover & Sarah Lankford

Š2008 Father Ryan 14814

For more information contact us at (615) 383-4200 or visit www.fatherryan.org

2007-08 School Year

A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service

Their Paths To College Paved With Faith, Knowledge, Service

W

ACT Scores Proof of College Preparedness

hen the bell rings to signal a change of class, students scatter north, south, east and west.

Ryan is built campus style with separate buildings surrounding a common courtyard. But the campus layout is only part of the reason that students take so many different paths.

At the core of their education, the values of faith, knowledge and service also direct students to follow their hearts.

Like Melissa Molteni, who has successfully balanced a challenging academic course load including four AP classes with extracurricular activities—she’s on the basketball team and is vice president of the student body—and still makes time to participate in service activities. On Ash Wednesday, Melissa provided a day of service at Name of Nursing Home or Day Care while wearing her ashes. Melissa is following her heart into a business career in the fall.

Thomas Ritter serves as a Eucharistic Minister, attends daily mass, serves as a leader in both the Search and Youth Leadership programs and is vice-president of the senior class. Thomas plans to attend college and wants to pursue his interest in journalism. He also wants to continue to volunteer his time in the community. Thomas has hopes of spending a year doing missionary work so that he “can truly make a difference in people’s lives and the world.”

As a premier catholic, college preparatory school, Father Ryan knows that curriculum matters to college administrators. Our students have the opportunity

A

to take everything from Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese to Web Design and Environmental Science.

We offer an extensive list of upper level and honors courses along with 19 AP classes in history, English, psychology, fine arts, math, science, language and music. This variety of studies has inspired 100 percent of the senior class to attend college in 2008 and to garner some exceptional awards.

David Anderson has received appointments to not one, but three service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.

Elizabeth Lanier has received an opportunity to study theater and literature at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, including the 4-year Georgia Shakespeare Scholarship, an internship with the Georgia Shakespeare Society and a year’s study abroad at Oxford.

In addition to academic scholarships, Father Ryan students distinguish themselves on the playing field, earning scholarships in football, baseball, cross country, soccer, volleyball and swimming. Five seniors were recently named National Interscholastic Swim Coaches’ Association Academic All Americans. Molly Arthur, Jessica Copeland, Ellen Pigott, Ben Wathen and Leah Wise all had a 3.75 overall GPA for seven semesters in addition to being accomplished swimmers and divers.

This senior class has six National Merit Commended Students, and five perfect scores on sections of the ACT and the SAT. Twelve students qualified for All-State or Mid-State Bands and Choirs. Seven students qualified for Governor’s Schools and Girls and Boys State.

49% of this class has Advanced Placement exams in their senior year alone, following rigorous academic courses at the college-level.

Whether spending time on the diving board or diving into the study of aeronautical engineering such as Matthew Green, who will attend Embry Riddle on scholarship in the fall, wherever this class leads in the next four to eight years, success is most likely to follow.

cceptance into the Father Ryan community is not based on academic ability. In fact, Father Ryan prides itself on welcoming students of a wide range of academic abilities.

But while Father Ryan students come to school with different talents, our administration and faculty work to develop academic achievement in all our students. Students are encouraged at every level to discipline themselves and respond to challenges in their fields of interest. Consequently, our students consistently attain high scores in the standardized testings such as the ACT.

Class Rank Deciles

1st Decile

2nd Decile 3rd-4th Decile 5th-6th Decile 7th-8th Decile 9th-10th Decile

2007 Average ACT 28 27 26 24 22 21

Their Paths To College Paved With Faith, Knowledge, Service

W

ACT Scores Proof of College Preparedness

hen the bell rings to signal a change of class, students scatter north, south, east and west.

Ryan is built campus style with separate buildings surrounding a common courtyard. But the campus layout is only part of the reason that students take so many different paths.

At the core of their education, the values of faith, knowledge and service also direct students to follow their hearts.

Like Melissa Molteni, who has successfully balanced a challenging academic course load including four AP classes with extracurricular activities—she’s on the basketball team and is vice president of the student body—and still makes time to participate in service activities. On Ash Wednesday, Melissa provided a day of service at Name of Nursing Home or Day Care while wearing her ashes. Melissa is following her heart into a business career in the fall.

Thomas Ritter serves as a Eucharistic Minister, attends daily mass, serves as a leader in both the Search and Youth Leadership programs and is vice-president of the senior class. Thomas plans to attend college and wants to pursue his interest in journalism. He also wants to continue to volunteer his time in the community. Thomas has hopes of spending a year doing missionary work so that he “can truly make a difference in people’s lives and the world.”

As a premier catholic, college preparatory school, Father Ryan knows that curriculum matters to college administrators. Our students have the opportunity

A

to take everything from Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese to Web Design and Environmental Science.

We offer an extensive list of upper level and honors courses along with 19 AP classes in history, English, psychology, fine arts, math, science, language and music. This variety of studies has inspired 100 percent of the senior class to attend college in 2008 and to garner some exceptional awards.

David Anderson has received appointments to not one, but three service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.

Elizabeth Lanier has received an opportunity to study theater and literature at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, including the 4-year Georgia Shakespeare Scholarship, an internship with the Georgia Shakespeare Society and a year’s study abroad at Oxford.

In addition to academic scholarships, Father Ryan students distinguish themselves on the playing field, earning scholarships in football, baseball, cross country, soccer, volleyball and swimming. Five seniors were recently named National Interscholastic Swim Coaches’ Association Academic All Americans. Molly Arthur, Jessica Copeland, Ellen Pigott, Ben Wathen and Leah Wise all had a 3.75 overall GPA for seven semesters in addition to being accomplished swimmers and divers.

This senior class has six National Merit Commended Students, and five perfect scores on sections of the ACT and the SAT. Twelve students qualified for All-State or Mid-State Bands and Choirs. Seven students qualified for Governor’s Schools and Girls and Boys State.

49% of this class has Advanced Placement exams in their senior year alone, following rigorous academic courses at the college-level.

Whether spending time on the diving board or diving into the study of aeronautical engineering such as Matthew Green, who will attend Embry Riddle on scholarship in the fall, wherever this class leads in the next four to eight years, success is most likely to follow.

cceptance into the Father Ryan community is not based on academic ability. In fact, Father Ryan prides itself on welcoming students of a wide range of academic abilities.

But while Father Ryan students come to school with different talents, our administration and faculty work to develop academic achievement in all our students. Students are encouraged at every level to discipline themselves and respond to challenges in their fields of interest. Consequently, our students consistently attain high scores in the standardized testings such as the ACT.

Class Rank Deciles

1st Decile

2nd Decile 3rd-4th Decile 5th-6th Decile 7th-8th Decile 9th-10th Decile

2007 Average ACT 28 27 26 24 22 21

Hard Work Pays Off For Ryan’s Top Students Reprinted with Permission

by Andy Telli, Tennessee Register

W

hen Sarah Lankford and Mary Glover started as freshmen at Father Ryan High School four years ago, they had no grand plans to finish at the top of the Class of 2008. But after a lot of hard work, that’s just where they’ve ended up.

At the graduation for the Class of 2008 at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center, Lankford and Glover will lead their classmates as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Lankford approached her studies at Ryan the same way she takes on any task, she said, determined to do her best. “It’s awesome it’s paid off,” she said.

“We have a very smart class, just incredibly smart people. It feels awesome” to finish her high school career as the top student. Lankford draws inspiration and encouragement from her parents, Diana Allen and Jim Lankford, she said, and owes it to them to do her best. “Mom didn’t have the opportunities (that) she’s worked to give my brothers and me,” Lankford said. “She’s helped me every way she knows how. It feels good to make her proud.”

Glover took a similar approach, following the admonition of her parents, Ruth and Scott Glover, to always do her best. “There’s a self satisfaction to know you’ve done as well as you can.”

Both will be enrolling at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville next fall.

“When we had a college fair my junior year, I was grabbing brochures like a madwoman,” Lankford said. She considered all types of schools, but fairly early in the process gravitated toward UT. After a campus visit, Lankford said, “I felt it was a fit.”

“I looked at a lot of places,” Glover said. “In the

Along the way, the Class of 2008 has grown closer, Lankford and Glover said. “Our class is a lot closer than a lot of others,” Glover said.

Mary Glover, (left) and Sarah Lankford

end I narrowed it down to St. Louis University and UT. UT seemed the more practical choice and the right fit.” Lankford plans on studying nursing, choosing that field of study because, “I have an affinity for working with people… especially children.”

Glover will major in biology and hopes to be either a surgeon or scientist. Lankford and Glover will be joined at UT by a large contingent of Ryan classmates.

“It will be a sort of comfort area having people there you know,” Lankford said. She and Glover have seen a lot of changes in themselves and their classmates over the last four years. “I was very shy my freshman year. That’s changed a lot,” Glover said.

“Everyone is always so nice and friendly. It kind of comes naturally.”

“As a class we’ve all grown up,” Lankford said. She credits some of the maturity of the Class of 2008 to the changes brought to Father Ryan by Jim McIntyre who arrived as Ryan’s new principal their sophomore year. “We grew with him,” she said. First as principal and now as school president, McIntyre helped to focus the atmosphere at the school, raising the expectations for students, Lankford said.

Both Lankford and Glover came to Father Ryan from Catholic elementary schools; Lankford attended St. Henry School in Nashville and Glover St. Rose of Lima School in Murfreesboro. “It’s nice to be open about your religion” in school, Glover said. Her teachers, even if they aren’t Catholic, share “the same Christian attitude.”

Inspired By Varied Interests M

ath comes hard for some. Others can’t draw a stick figure. Not everyone wants to play a musical instrument. Speaking in public is for a select few. Yet everyone has the opportunity to excel beyond the basics.

“You always feel safe and you always feel like you matter, that you’re cared for,” Lankford said of her years in Catholic school “We’re really lucky.”

Both have been active in extracurricular activities while at Father Ryan. Glover has been a member of the marching and concert bands and plays the flute and piccolo. Lankford plays on Ryan’s lacrosse team and is a cheerleader for the wrestling team. She’s also active with the St. Henry CYO, SEARCH and Girl Scout Troop 1932 at St. Henry. She has earned the rank of Senior Scout, which is similar to an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, Lankford said. To earn that honor, she worked on a project to organize a drive to collect medical supplies for the Visitation Clinic in Haiti.

Both Lankford and Glover carried a heavy academic load through their senior year. Glover’s class schedule includes AP English, AP Calculus, AP Biology, band, U.S. History, and Comparative World Religions.

Lankford has been studying Honors Latin I, Honors Pre-Calculus, Shakespeare, advanced biology, AP Government, AP English and Senior Service class.

“I’ve loved this year. I love every class I’m taking,” Lankford said. “This is the best year by far.”

Today, Father Ryan offers a course of study that appeals to a diverse group of students. “It’s our belief that we can educate beyond the intellect by engaging students in subjects that are interesting and have impact in students’ lives,” said Jim McIntyre. One such new course offering is Environmental Science, where students learn how to be “green” and why that’s important. Another is the Chinese language. As China is becoming a dominant world market, Ryan has become one of the few schools to offer the language. Other alternative and interesting courses at Father Ryan include Web Site Design. Asian Studies. Shakespeare. Personal Fitness. Comparative Religions.

Introduction to Film Studies. All of these classes, plus 19 AP classes inspire our students to take interest in their studies and succeed.

Hard Work Pays Off For Ryan’s Top Students Reprinted with Permission

by Andy Telli, Tennessee Register

W

hen Sarah Lankford and Mary Glover started as freshmen at Father Ryan High School four years ago, they had no grand plans to finish at the top of the Class of 2008. But after a lot of hard work, that’s just where they’ve ended up.

At the graduation for the Class of 2008 at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center, Lankford and Glover will lead their classmates as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Lankford approached her studies at Ryan the same way she takes on any task, she said, determined to do her best. “It’s awesome it’s paid off,” she said.

“We have a very smart class, just incredibly smart people. It feels awesome” to finish her high school career as the top student. Lankford draws inspiration and encouragement from her parents, Diana Allen and Jim Lankford, she said, and owes it to them to do her best. “Mom didn’t have the opportunities (that) she’s worked to give my brothers and me,” Lankford said. “She’s helped me every way she knows how. It feels good to make her proud.”

Glover took a similar approach, following the admonition of her parents, Ruth and Scott Glover, to always do her best. “There’s a self satisfaction to know you’ve done as well as you can.”

Both will be enrolling at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville next fall.

“When we had a college fair my junior year, I was grabbing brochures like a madwoman,” Lankford said. She considered all types of schools, but fairly early in the process gravitated toward UT. After a campus visit, Lankford said, “I felt it was a fit.”

“I looked at a lot of places,” Glover said. “In the

Along the way, the Class of 2008 has grown closer, Lankford and Glover said. “Our class is a lot closer than a lot of others,” Glover said.

Mary Glover, (left) and Sarah Lankford

end I narrowed it down to St. Louis University and UT. UT seemed the more practical choice and the right fit.” Lankford plans on studying nursing, choosing that field of study because, “I have an affinity for working with people… especially children.”

Glover will major in biology and hopes to be either a surgeon or scientist. Lankford and Glover will be joined at UT by a large contingent of Ryan classmates.

“It will be a sort of comfort area having people there you know,” Lankford said. She and Glover have seen a lot of changes in themselves and their classmates over the last four years. “I was very shy my freshman year. That’s changed a lot,” Glover said.

“Everyone is always so nice and friendly. It kind of comes naturally.”

“As a class we’ve all grown up,” Lankford said. She credits some of the maturity of the Class of 2008 to the changes brought to Father Ryan by Jim McIntyre who arrived as Ryan’s new principal their sophomore year. “We grew with him,” she said. First as principal and now as school president, McIntyre helped to focus the atmosphere at the school, raising the expectations for students, Lankford said.

Both Lankford and Glover came to Father Ryan from Catholic elementary schools; Lankford attended St. Henry School in Nashville and Glover St. Rose of Lima School in Murfreesboro. “It’s nice to be open about your religion” in school, Glover said. Her teachers, even if they aren’t Catholic, share “the same Christian attitude.”

Inspired By Varied Interests M

ath comes hard for some. Others can’t draw a stick figure. Not everyone wants to play a musical instrument. Speaking in public is for a select few. Yet everyone has the opportunity to excel beyond the basics.

“You always feel safe and you always feel like you matter, that you’re cared for,” Lankford said of her years in Catholic school “We’re really lucky.”

Both have been active in extracurricular activities while at Father Ryan. Glover has been a member of the marching and concert bands and plays the flute and piccolo. Lankford plays on Ryan’s lacrosse team and is a cheerleader for the wrestling team. She’s also active with the St. Henry CYO, SEARCH and Girl Scout Troop 1932 at St. Henry. She has earned the rank of Senior Scout, which is similar to an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, Lankford said. To earn that honor, she worked on a project to organize a drive to collect medical supplies for the Visitation Clinic in Haiti.

Both Lankford and Glover carried a heavy academic load through their senior year. Glover’s class schedule includes AP English, AP Calculus, AP Biology, band, U.S. History, and Comparative World Religions.

Lankford has been studying Honors Latin I, Honors Pre-Calculus, Shakespeare, advanced biology, AP Government, AP English and Senior Service class.

“I’ve loved this year. I love every class I’m taking,” Lankford said. “This is the best year by far.”

Today, Father Ryan offers a course of study that appeals to a diverse group of students. “It’s our belief that we can educate beyond the intellect by engaging students in subjects that are interesting and have impact in students’ lives,” said Jim McIntyre. One such new course offering is Environmental Science, where students learn how to be “green” and why that’s important. Another is the Chinese language. As China is becoming a dominant world market, Ryan has become one of the few schools to offer the language. Other alternative and interesting courses at Father Ryan include Web Site Design. Asian Studies. Shakespeare. Personal Fitness. Comparative Religions.

Introduction to Film Studies. All of these classes, plus 19 AP classes inspire our students to take interest in their studies and succeed.

Changing Courses A

s the 82nd class of Father Ryan High School changes course from high school to beyond, there is an expectation that students will be accepted to college. After all, Father Ryan is a college preparatory school. What’s more, Father Ryan is a Catholic college preparatory school. And this year’s class is pursuing Catholic higher education like never before.

Sarah Wilkinson, Director of College Counseling at Father Ryan, has been working with seniors and their families all year, making college recommendations and helping students make decisions as those acceptances have come in.

Students have been accepted to more than 60 colleges and universities across the country. More than 20 of those are Catholic institutions, a far higher number than in years past.

One hundred percent of the students pursuing colleges have been accepted. One student is taking a pre-planned year off to travel (something everyone in his family has done). Another student will continue high school course work in Germany.

What Are Colleges & Universities Seeking?

Schools look to the strength of the curriculum and how hard the students have pushed themselves as well as grade point averages, test scores, recommendations from the administration and teachers and the student’s involvement in extracurricular activities. A higher number of students are seeking acceptance at state schools this year at a time when, according to Wilkinson, “state colleges and universities are selective and getting much more so because The Hope Lottery Scholarship and the General Assembly Merit for high achievers are attracting high caliber students to Tennessee schools.”

With Father Ryan’s excellent curriculum and focus on work ethic, it’s not hard to believe that this graduating class has been accepted to prestigious colleges and universities close to home such as Vanderbilt, University of the South and Rhodes, to schools further afield; Boston College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Emory, Fordham, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, Miami of Ohio, Oglethorpe, Tulane, Wake Forest and Washington University in St. Louis among others. In addition students gained acceptance to 21 different Catholic institutions.

Whether for a Catholic secondary education, a private college or a state school, Father Ryan’s mission is to prepare students for the college of their choice.

Sarah Wilkinson knows that “not every student is right for an east coast ivy league school just as every student is not right for a large university.” Father Ryan prepares students for their next course of study by focusing on an outstanding curriculum and challenging students to work to their fullest potential. “I consider it a privilege to work with these kids and their families,” Sarah said.

“They are so much fun. They’re good kids.”

Graduates Inspired To Seek Catholic College Education F

ather Ryan’s emphasis on faith, knowledge and service parallels the qualities that Catholic colleges and universities are looking for in their students. This year’s Seniors have applied to and been accepted to the following: Aquinas College Barry College Bellarmine Belmont Abbey Catholic University Christian Brothers University Creighton University DePaul University Fordham Georgetown Holy Cross John Carroll University Loyola University – Chicago Marquette University Sacred Heart University Saint Louis University Spring Hill College St. Mary’s University University of Dayton Villanova Xavier

Father Ryan Students Inducted Into Cum Laude Society.

Destined To Serve D avid Anderson joins

our students, McIntyre said. “We also provide a vigorous

a prestigious rank of

curriculum in math and science.”

Father Ryan military academy

appointments since the year 2000, but David is the only student in received appointments from three

orty-three Father Ryan students were honored for their academic achievement with induction into the Cum Laude Honor Society, the most prestigious academic society for secondary schools in the world.

Junior members inducted included Stephen Bailey, Erin Blair, Shannon Cain, Elizabeth Conn, Brendan Connolly, Elizabeth Davis, Shelby Davis, Kerry Durso, Scott Englert, Rachel Hunkler, Nick Lybarger, Ryan Robe, Camille Roberts, Alex Roushdi, Eileen Schaeffer, Adam Stratz, Sarah Wathen, Kathryn Webb and Andrew Zipperer.

Father Ryan Military Academy Appointments since 2000

academies.

David received appointments from the U.S. Military Academy at West

Holly Siebel (U.S. Naval Academy – 2000)

Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United

Joe Lawless (U.S. Naval Academy – 2000)

States Air Force Academy. David has decided to enter the

David Forbes (Citadel – 2000)

Air Force Academy in the fall.

Father Ryan is one of only four area Nashville schools with a Cum Laude Society chapter and the only Catholic high school. Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools and is modeled after Phi Beta Kappa.

Twenty-four seniors and nineteen juniors received the honor. Senior members (including the 14 students who were inducted as juniors) are: David Anderson, Robert Benkert, Emily Bihun, Patrick Bontrager, Anna Carr, Eric Collins, Jessica Copeland, Andrea Erikson, Bonnie Fulks, Mary Glover, Jason Hartman, Chris Hoeflien, Cole James, Jonathan Joyce, Alijandra Keith, Betty Kidane, Grant Kreegel, Sarah Lankford, Rachel Lytle, Nicholas Mataya, Evan McAleer, Maggie McCluney, Charles Menke, Melissa Molteni, Cullen Nicholl, Jessica Nolan, Erin Olbon, Ellen Pigottt, Rachael Reynolds, Robert Rogers, Kelly Scherer, Eric Schoen, Daniel Showers, Brian Tonnies, Ben Wathen, Elizabeth Wilson, and Megan Zeek.

and Physics. He will most likely focus on an engineering degree.

that elite group of 15 that has

F

David Anderson is strong in mathematics and science, having completed AP courses in Calculus, Statistics, Chemistry

Andre Dieu (Air Force Prep School and Academy – 2001)

David said his decision wasn’t an easy one. “I really didn’t know which one I wanted to attend,” David said,

Tommy Ragsdale (U.S. Naval Academy – 2002)

so he spent a year filling out applications, writing essays,

Patrick Bacue (Citadel – 2003)

working to pass the physical fitness test and interviewing for

Harrison Dooley (Citadel – 2004)

the individual academies. David and the entire school were

Raymond Dunning (West Point Prep School – fall, 2004)

extremely excited about his options.

Stephanie Bacue (Air Force Academy – 2005)

According to Jim McIntyre, president, the allure of The 2007–08 Cum Laude Honor Society members

Father Ryan alumnus Dr. Russell Wigginton, class of 1984, and vice president for College Relations at Rhodes College, was the speaker. In his role, Dr. Wigginton oversees college grants, foundations and government relations, communications, alumni relations, and continuing education.

Dr. Wigginton earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Rhodes College, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2006, Dr. Wigginton published a book entitled, The Strange Career of the Black Athlete: African-Americans and Sports with Greenwood Press.

Since its founding, Cum Laude has grown to 350 chapters, approximately two dozen of which are located in public schools and the rest in independent schools.

Membership is predominantly in the United States, but chapters also are located in Canada, England, France, Spain, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Russell Cleeton (Air Force Academy – 2002)

Ryan Mudry (Air Force Academy – 2005)

Father Ryan students to the different academies may be due

Alex Cheij (U.S. Naval Academy – 2006)

to the similar values that the military finds as a basis for their

Rusty Denson (Coast Guard – 2006)

service men and women. “There’s a leadership quality,” to

Charlie Baldinger (West Point – 2007)

Advanced Placement Courses Increase; Students Excel

A

dvanced Placement courses provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves with year-long, collegelevel study on a specific subject. The preparation these courses provide enables students to pursue upper level courses in college at an earlier stage, furthering their interests and expanding their educational opportunities.

At Father Ryan the number of AP courses we offer has grown significantly, with subjects such as Statistics, Music Theory, Art and Spanish Literature among those added. The success our students have experienced has dramatically increased as well. In the past year over 20% of the students took AP courses, with over 330 exams taken in all, an increase of more than 100 exams in one year. 49% of this senior class has Advanced Placement exams in their senior year alone. For the past five years, the pass rate— a grade of 3 or higher— has remained a constant 80% or above.

It’s a story of academic success that reflects the academic challenges our students embrace.

Enrollment

Students Taking AP Exams

% Of Enrollment

# Of Exams

Pass Rate

2003-2004

975

97

9.9

173

80%

2004-2005

945

109

11.5

199

80%

2005-2006

925

126

13.6

220

80%

2006-2007

910

131

14.3

231

82%

2007-2008

875

182

20.8

331

pending

The Tragedy & Comedy of Elizabeth Lanier

E

lizabeth Lanier was poised for a career in ballet.

She was studying with the Nashville Ballet and performed for years in The Nutcracker Suite. In the seventh grade, tragedy struck.

Elizabeth dislocated her knee.

Little did she know at that time that her career in dance was over.

It became apparent when she kept reinjuring her knee and even dislocated it the second time.

Fast forward four years and Elizabeth is completing her senior year at Father Ryan High School, taking classes in history, English, psychology and theater when she receives an introduction to Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.

She fills out the short application and is promptly invited to scholarship weekend. There she is invited to compete for the Georgia Shakespeare Scholarship.

The comedic twist is that until the moment Elizabeth received the application, she had never heard of Oglethorpe University.

This fall, however, Elizabeth will begin the first of four years at Oglethorpe on a full scholarship with a guaranteed internship with the Georgia Shakespeare society, a year of study abroad at Oxford, plus a stipend for her Senior honors’ thesis.

Elizabeth is elated and she credits Father Ryan and three teachers specifically for her success.

“I was taking British Literature from Mr. Lancaster in my junior year and in the third quarter, he introduced us to Shakespeare. Mr. Lancaster told us that as we began reading Shakespeare the language was going to seem awkward and strange, but he encouraged us to read every footnote and to really try to understand what was going on. He said that if we did, the reading would start to flow. He was

right. I absolutely fell in love with Shakespeare. I was hooked,” Elizabeth said.

“Mr. Lancaster helped me prepare my monologue for the audition. I did ‘Viola’ from Twelfth Night and ‘Tamara’ from Titus Andronicus, which is a really scary role. I wasn’t sure how the part was going to affect me, but Mr. Lancaster had some great advice. He said that any time you’re having to pull from the dark side in order to play a villain to keep in mind that you’re sending out a message that good is better than evil.”

“What I like so much about Father Ryan is that it has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually and as a person. I’ve gotten to know a variety of people. I believe that has made me more well-rounded. Father Ryan is a really strong community,” Elizabeth continued.

“All my teachers at Father Ryan have been very encouraging. My first AP class was with Mr. Chambers. He’s so supportive and one of the reasons I took additional AP classes (including U.S. History, European History, psychology and English).

“Also, Mrs. Kelli McClendon has been a huge influence and mentor. She’s my second Mom. She’s encouraged me to experience all sides of theater from construction to stage management to working the light board and sound board. I even choreographed and directed the recent performance of Seussical the Musical.”

This is the first year for the Georgia Shakespeare Scholarship. Elizabeth also applied to Butler in Indianapolis and was not only accepted, but was also offered a theater scholarship there. “Butler has a larger theater department, but Oglethorpe is a better fit for my plans to also study literature.” Elizabeth is considering a double major. “Theater and literature are so intertwined, I think it’s an important course of study for me to follow.”

National Merit Honors Ryan Students… Again S

ix Father Ryan seniors have been named as 2007 National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, bringing to 80 the number of Ryan students to be honored by National Merit in the last 10 years.

The six students are Rob Bankert, Nicholas Mataya, Evan McAleer, Cullen Nicholl, Daniel Showers and Elizabeth Wilson.

Bankert is a member of Saint Edward parish and transferred to Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is currently enrolled in five Advanced Placement classes, having already completed three. Bankert is a member of the Cum Laude Society, the National Honor Society, the Model U.N., the Soul of Safe Haven Club, and the Cross Country team. He is also an A.P. Scholar and the Treasurer of the Senior Class.

Mataya goes to Saint Edward’s and is a graduate of Saint Bernard Academy. He is currently enrolled in three Advanced Placement classes, having already completed three. Mataya is a member of the Youth Legislature, the Model U.N., the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and the Respect Life Club. He also volunteers with P.A.W.S. in Murfreesboro.

McAleer is part of Christ the King parish and is a graduate of Christ the King School. Currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, having already completed two, he is heavily involved in music and the arts, belonging to the Marching Band, the Jazz Band, and the Theatre program, as well as the Curb Youth Symphony and the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.

Nicholl is a member of Saint Henry parish and is a graduate of Saint Henry School. He is currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, having already completed two. Nicholl is a member of the Lacrosse team, the Cross Country team, and the Flag Football team.

He is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, and is a Father Ryan Student Ambassador.

Showers, a Saint Henry parishioner, is a graduate of Saint Henry School. He is currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, having already completed two. Showers is a Eucharistic Minister, the captain of the Cross Country team, a member of the Spanish Club and the Student Ambassadors, and plays baseball for Father Ryan.

Wilson goes to Saint Henry parish and is a graduate of Saint Henry School. Currently enrolled in three Advanced Placement classes, she is a Student Ambassador, the captain of the Track and Field varsity team, and is a member of the Spanish Club and the Irish Service Corps. She also supports her parish as a member of the Saint Henry CYO and is an active participant in the diocesan SEARCH program.

The Tragedy & Comedy of Elizabeth Lanier

E

lizabeth Lanier was poised for a career in ballet.

She was studying with the Nashville Ballet and performed for years in The Nutcracker Suite. In the seventh grade, tragedy struck.

Elizabeth dislocated her knee.

Little did she know at that time that her career in dance was over.

It became apparent when she kept reinjuring her knee and even dislocated it the second time.

Fast forward four years and Elizabeth is completing her senior year at Father Ryan High School, taking classes in history, English, psychology and theater when she receives an introduction to Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.

She fills out the short application and is promptly invited to scholarship weekend. There she is invited to compete for the Georgia Shakespeare Scholarship.

The comedic twist is that until the moment Elizabeth received the application, she had never heard of Oglethorpe University.

This fall, however, Elizabeth will begin the first of four years at Oglethorpe on a full scholarship with a guaranteed internship with the Georgia Shakespeare society, a year of study abroad at Oxford, plus a stipend for her Senior honors’ thesis.

Elizabeth is elated and she credits Father Ryan and three teachers specifically for her success.

“I was taking British Literature from Mr. Lancaster in my junior year and in the third quarter, he introduced us to Shakespeare. Mr. Lancaster told us that as we began reading Shakespeare the language was going to seem awkward and strange, but he encouraged us to read every footnote and to really try to understand what was going on. He said that if we did, the reading would start to flow. He was

right. I absolutely fell in love with Shakespeare. I was hooked,” Elizabeth said.

“Mr. Lancaster helped me prepare my monologue for the audition. I did ‘Viola’ from Twelfth Night and ‘Tamara’ from Titus Andronicus, which is a really scary role. I wasn’t sure how the part was going to affect me, but Mr. Lancaster had some great advice. He said that any time you’re having to pull from the dark side in order to play a villain to keep in mind that you’re sending out a message that good is better than evil.”

“What I like so much about Father Ryan is that it has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually and as a person. I’ve gotten to know a variety of people. I believe that has made me more well-rounded. Father Ryan is a really strong community,” Elizabeth continued.

“All my teachers at Father Ryan have been very encouraging. My first AP class was with Mr. Chambers. He’s so supportive and one of the reasons I took additional AP classes (including U.S. History, European History, psychology and English).

“Also, Mrs. Kelli McClendon has been a huge influence and mentor. She’s my second Mom. She’s encouraged me to experience all sides of theater from construction to stage management to working the light board and sound board. I even choreographed and directed the recent performance of Seussical the Musical.”

This is the first year for the Georgia Shakespeare Scholarship. Elizabeth also applied to Butler in Indianapolis and was not only accepted, but was also offered a theater scholarship there. “Butler has a larger theater department, but Oglethorpe is a better fit for my plans to also study literature.” Elizabeth is considering a double major. “Theater and literature are so intertwined, I think it’s an important course of study for me to follow.”

National Merit Honors Ryan Students… Again S

ix Father Ryan seniors have been named as 2007 National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, bringing to 80 the number of Ryan students to be honored by National Merit in the last 10 years.

The six students are Rob Bankert, Nicholas Mataya, Evan McAleer, Cullen Nicholl, Daniel Showers and Elizabeth Wilson.

Bankert is a member of Saint Edward parish and transferred to Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is currently enrolled in five Advanced Placement classes, having already completed three. Bankert is a member of the Cum Laude Society, the National Honor Society, the Model U.N., the Soul of Safe Haven Club, and the Cross Country team. He is also an A.P. Scholar and the Treasurer of the Senior Class.

Mataya goes to Saint Edward’s and is a graduate of Saint Bernard Academy. He is currently enrolled in three Advanced Placement classes, having already completed three. Mataya is a member of the Youth Legislature, the Model U.N., the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and the Respect Life Club. He also volunteers with P.A.W.S. in Murfreesboro.

McAleer is part of Christ the King parish and is a graduate of Christ the King School. Currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, having already completed two, he is heavily involved in music and the arts, belonging to the Marching Band, the Jazz Band, and the Theatre program, as well as the Curb Youth Symphony and the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.

Nicholl is a member of Saint Henry parish and is a graduate of Saint Henry School. He is currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, having already completed two. Nicholl is a member of the Lacrosse team, the Cross Country team, and the Flag Football team.

He is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, and is a Father Ryan Student Ambassador.

Showers, a Saint Henry parishioner, is a graduate of Saint Henry School. He is currently enrolled in four Advanced Placement classes, having already completed two. Showers is a Eucharistic Minister, the captain of the Cross Country team, a member of the Spanish Club and the Student Ambassadors, and plays baseball for Father Ryan.

Wilson goes to Saint Henry parish and is a graduate of Saint Henry School. Currently enrolled in three Advanced Placement classes, she is a Student Ambassador, the captain of the Track and Field varsity team, and is a member of the Spanish Club and the Irish Service Corps. She also supports her parish as a member of the Saint Henry CYO and is an active participant in the diocesan SEARCH program.

Changing Courses A

s the 82nd class of Father Ryan High School changes course from high school to beyond, there is an expectation that students will be accepted to college. After all, Father Ryan is a college preparatory school. What’s more, Father Ryan is a Catholic college preparatory school. And this year’s class is pursuing Catholic higher education like never before.

Sarah Wilkinson, Director of College Counseling at Father Ryan, has been working with seniors and their families all year, making college recommendations and helping students make decisions as those acceptances have come in.

Students have been accepted to more than 60 colleges and universities across the country. More than 20 of those are Catholic institutions, a far higher number than in years past.

One hundred percent of the students pursuing colleges have been accepted. One student is taking a pre-planned year off to travel (something everyone in his family has done). Another student will continue high school course work in Germany.

What Are Colleges & Universities Seeking?

Schools look to the strength of the curriculum and how hard the students have pushed themselves as well as grade point averages, test scores, recommendations from the administration and teachers and the student’s involvement in extracurricular activities. A higher number of students are seeking acceptance at state schools this year at a time when, according to Wilkinson, “state colleges and universities are selective and getting much more so because The Hope Lottery Scholarship and the General Assembly Merit for high achievers are attracting high caliber students to Tennessee schools.”

With Father Ryan’s excellent curriculum and focus on work ethic, it’s not hard to believe that this graduating class has been accepted to prestigious colleges and universities close to home such as Vanderbilt, University of the South and Rhodes, to schools further afield; Boston College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Emory, Fordham, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, Miami of Ohio, Oglethorpe, Tulane, Wake Forest and Washington University in St. Louis among others. In addition students gained acceptance to 21 different Catholic institutions.

Whether for a Catholic secondary education, a private college or a state school, Father Ryan’s mission is to prepare students for the college of their choice.

Sarah Wilkinson knows that “not every student is right for an east coast ivy league school just as every student is not right for a large university.” Father Ryan prepares students for their next course of study by focusing on an outstanding curriculum and challenging students to work to their fullest potential. “I consider it a privilege to work with these kids and their families,” Sarah said.

“They are so much fun. They’re good kids.”

Graduates Inspired To Seek Catholic College Education F

ather Ryan’s emphasis on faith, knowledge and service parallels the qualities that Catholic colleges and universities are looking for in their students. This year’s Seniors have applied to and been accepted to the following: Aquinas College Barry College Bellarmine Belmont Abbey Catholic University Christian Brothers University Creighton University DePaul University Fordham Georgetown Holy Cross John Carroll University Loyola University – Chicago Marquette University Sacred Heart University Saint Louis University Spring Hill College St. Mary’s University University of Dayton Villanova Xavier

Father Ryan Students Inducted Into Cum Laude Society.

Destined To Serve D avid Anderson joins

our students, McIntyre said. “We also provide a vigorous

a prestigious rank of

curriculum in math and science.”

Father Ryan military academy

appointments since the year 2000, but David is the only student in received appointments from three

orty-three Father Ryan students were honored for their academic achievement with induction into the Cum Laude Honor Society, the most prestigious academic society for secondary schools in the world.

Junior members inducted included Stephen Bailey, Erin Blair, Shannon Cain, Elizabeth Conn, Brendan Connolly, Elizabeth Davis, Shelby Davis, Kerry Durso, Scott Englert, Rachel Hunkler, Nick Lybarger, Ryan Robe, Camille Roberts, Alex Roushdi, Eileen Schaeffer, Adam Stratz, Sarah Wathen, Kathryn Webb and Andrew Zipperer.

Father Ryan Military Academy Appointments since 2000

academies.

David received appointments from the U.S. Military Academy at West

Holly Siebel (U.S. Naval Academy – 2000)

Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United

Joe Lawless (U.S. Naval Academy – 2000)

States Air Force Academy. David has decided to enter the

David Forbes (Citadel – 2000)

Air Force Academy in the fall.

Father Ryan is one of only four area Nashville schools with a Cum Laude Society chapter and the only Catholic high school. Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools and is modeled after Phi Beta Kappa.

Twenty-four seniors and nineteen juniors received the honor. Senior members (including the 14 students who were inducted as juniors) are: David Anderson, Robert Benkert, Emily Bihun, Patrick Bontrager, Anna Carr, Eric Collins, Jessica Copeland, Andrea Erikson, Bonnie Fulks, Mary Glover, Jason Hartman, Chris Hoeflien, Cole James, Jonathan Joyce, Alijandra Keith, Betty Kidane, Grant Kreegel, Sarah Lankford, Rachel Lytle, Nicholas Mataya, Evan McAleer, Maggie McCluney, Charles Menke, Melissa Molteni, Cullen Nicholl, Jessica Nolan, Erin Olbon, Ellen Pigottt, Rachael Reynolds, Robert Rogers, Kelly Scherer, Eric Schoen, Daniel Showers, Brian Tonnies, Ben Wathen, Elizabeth Wilson, and Megan Zeek.

and Physics. He will most likely focus on an engineering degree.

that elite group of 15 that has

F

David Anderson is strong in mathematics and science, having completed AP courses in Calculus, Statistics, Chemistry

Andre Dieu (Air Force Prep School and Academy – 2001)

David said his decision wasn’t an easy one. “I really didn’t know which one I wanted to attend,” David said,

Tommy Ragsdale (U.S. Naval Academy – 2002)

so he spent a year filling out applications, writing essays,

Patrick Bacue (Citadel – 2003)

working to pass the physical fitness test and interviewing for

Harrison Dooley (Citadel – 2004)

the individual academies. David and the entire school were

Raymond Dunning (West Point Prep School – fall, 2004)

extremely excited about his options.

Stephanie Bacue (Air Force Academy – 2005)

According to Jim McIntyre, president, the allure of The 2007–08 Cum Laude Honor Society members

Father Ryan alumnus Dr. Russell Wigginton, class of 1984, and vice president for College Relations at Rhodes College, was the speaker. In his role, Dr. Wigginton oversees college grants, foundations and government relations, communications, alumni relations, and continuing education.

Dr. Wigginton earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Rhodes College, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2006, Dr. Wigginton published a book entitled, The Strange Career of the Black Athlete: African-Americans and Sports with Greenwood Press.

Since its founding, Cum Laude has grown to 350 chapters, approximately two dozen of which are located in public schools and the rest in independent schools.

Membership is predominantly in the United States, but chapters also are located in Canada, England, France, Spain, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Russell Cleeton (Air Force Academy – 2002)

Ryan Mudry (Air Force Academy – 2005)

Father Ryan students to the different academies may be due

Alex Cheij (U.S. Naval Academy – 2006)

to the similar values that the military finds as a basis for their

Rusty Denson (Coast Guard – 2006)

service men and women. “There’s a leadership quality,” to

Charlie Baldinger (West Point – 2007)

Advanced Placement Courses Increase; Students Excel

A

dvanced Placement courses provide an opportunity for students to challenge themselves with year-long, collegelevel study on a specific subject. The preparation these courses provide enables students to pursue upper level courses in college at an earlier stage, furthering their interests and expanding their educational opportunities.

At Father Ryan the number of AP courses we offer has grown significantly, with subjects such as Statistics, Music Theory, Art and Spanish Literature among those added. The success our students have experienced has dramatically increased as well. In the past year over 20% of the students took AP courses, with over 330 exams taken in all, an increase of more than 100 exams in one year. 49% of this senior class has Advanced Placement exams in their senior year alone. For the past five years, the pass rate— a grade of 3 or higher— has remained a constant 80% or above.

It’s a story of academic success that reflects the academic challenges our students embrace.

Enrollment

Students Taking AP Exams

% Of Enrollment

# Of Exams

Pass Rate

2003-2004

975

97

9.9

173

80%

2004-2005

945

109

11.5

199

80%

2005-2006

925

126

13.6

220

80%

2006-2007

910

131

14.3

231

82%

2007-2008

875

182

20.8

331

pending

770 Norwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204

You Will Be Known.

You Will Be Loved.

Education Beyond The Intellect

Salutatorian & Valedictorian Class of 2008 Mary Glover & Sarah Lankford

Š2008 Father Ryan 14814

For more information contact us at (615) 383-4200 or visit www.fatherryan.org

2007-08 School Year

A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service