Class of 2020 Academic Achievements

Academic Achievements CL ASS OF 2020

1

Academic Salute Graduations are always special, but this one was particularly important. If high school is meant to prepare students for college and the shift to adulthood, the Class of 2020 received the sort of education for which we could never prepare. The kind of education that cannot be learned in a classroom, no matter how hard educators might try. Some lessons have to be lived through, and this class has lived through an incredible one.

Our world has struggled to come to grips with what has happened this year, but our newest graduates have never faltered. This was not the final semester we had hoped for this special class, but this class will always be remembered for the dignity, maturity, and grace with which it handled circumstances we could never have expected.

Of course, anyone who has met any of the Class of 2020 already knows this. This class is an incredible bunch, excelling in the classroom, on the athletic fields, courts, rinks, and stages, and in serving the Nashville community. On behalf of the faculty and staff of Father Ryan, we salute your achievements, your dedication, and the people you’ve all become over your time as Irish.

To the Class of 2020: do not lose the things you learned this past year. You will always be known by this, but do not let it define you.

We know this class will go on to great things, things we can only begin to imagine.

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that we never thought big enough. So let our imaginations run, adapt to anything, and do not lose that determination.

The Class of 2020 has lived through extraordinary times; now go show the world how to be extraordinary.

Jim McIntyre President

2

Paul Davis ‘81 Principal

Jennifer Anton Academic Dean

3

The Class of 2020 showed continuous dedication to their studies and their community. We saw them excelling academically and want to highlight their accomplishments through the infographic below.

ACT SCORES

BY DECILE

1st decile: 32 2nd decile: 29 3rd-4th decile: 28 5th-6th decile: 26 7th-8th decile: 23 9th-10th decile: 20

1,002

18,460 SERVICE HOURS

212

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

6,177 CREDITS EARNED

STUDENTS

44,488

ACCEPTED INTO 164 UNIQUE SCHOOLS

CHICKEN BISCUITS EATEN

$21 MILLION

$99,350

IN SCHOLARSHIPS

AVG. PER SENIOR

PERFECT ACT SCORES Perfect Math

Perfect Reading

Perfect English

Perfect Science

Bryce Bomer

Bella Cartwright Tee Connor Collin Haugh Isabella Hutto Paul Killian Cal Liggett

Gabe DiGiovanni Taylor Erickson

Page Graham Louis Marfone Sam Sefers

Relay for Life Co-chairs Madison Ahern and Danny Farone proudly display the inaugural national Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay award presented

by American Cancer Society’s CEO Gary Reedy. To date the school’s student-led Relay has raised more than $1.2 million in its 11-year history.

4

5

“Oh, the places they’ll go”

From California to New York and even right here in Tennessee, members of the Class of 2020 submitted 1,002 applications and were accepted to 164 unique colleges and universities. The map below showcases where the Class of 2020 continued their commitment and dedication to their education.

For an interactive map, visit fatherryan.org/graduation.

6

7

Valedictorian Rachel Knapp University: University of Notre Dame majoring in Mathematics

Middle School: St. Matthew School Rachel’s leadership at Father Ryan went well beyond the classroom. She served as President of the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society, Captain of the Cross Country, Swim, and Track teams and was a SEARCH leader, retreat leader, member of the Relay for Life Committee, and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Rachel earned membership in Mu Alpha Theta, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Cardinal Newman Society, and St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. During her freshman year, she was recognized as the Father James A. Black Award of Excellence Finalist and Award Winner.

National Merit Scholars Three seniors were honored by the 2019-2020 National Merit Scholarship program.

Cooper Bond has been named a National Merit Semifinalist, and Lily Rummo and George Mangialardi have been recognized as Commended Scholars.

Cooper Bond has brought an academic and artistic curiosity to his experience at Father Ryan, exploring math and science as well as theatre and drawing. A Currey-Ingram graduate, who is a member of the Cardinal Newman Association and National Honor Society, Cooper wrote for the Gadfly literary magazine. He continues to explore his interests in the physical sciences, while developing his art, at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Giving back to others is also important to Rachel. She volunteered at Smithson-Craighead Academy and Vacation Bible School at St. Matthew Catholic Church. As a member of the St. Matthew Youth Group, she traveled on a Servio Deo Mission trip to Mississippi. Rachel traveled to Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina for the Alternative Spring Break trip.

Lily Rummo knows all about setting, achieving, and scoring goals in the classroom and on the soccer field. Captain of the 2019 Girls Soccer Team and United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-American, she transferred her on-field leadership to her studies with a heavy AP course load and membership in the French club Cercle Francophone. Lily continues her soccer career at Western Kentucky University and is studying criminal justice.

Salutatorian

George Mangialardi developed a passion for history, the subject he is pursuing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Academically, he’s been recognized with membership in the Cardinal Newman Association and the Father Black Honor Society, while serving as a Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, key member of Model UN, and Cross-Country runner.

Danny Farone University: Middle Tennessee State University majoring in Data Science Middle School: St. Rose of Lima School

Danny held several leadership roles including SEARCH leader, Science Olympiad Team Captain, Relay for Life Co-Chair, Leader for Freshman Night, Junior Retreat Leader, and Vice President of the National Honor Society.

A member of Boy Scout Troop 538, Danny earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, was awarded the Clifton Braunwalder Outstanding Scout Award, and served as Troup Guide. He was also a member of the Father James A. Black Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, St. Vincent de Paul Service Society, and Cardinal Newman Society. Danny supplemented his strenuous courseload by participating in the Rugby Team, Peer Mentor Program, Quizbusters, Student Ministry Team, and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

His love of science earned him some major hardware. As a member of the Science Olympiad team, Danny received nine medals in the Regional Science Olympiad including 1st in Disease Detectives and has won 2nd place in the State Competition in Herpetology for two years.

8

West Point Military Academy Father Ryan has a long history of military academy appointments. After a rigorous application process, Robert Allen accomplished his goal of receiving an appointment to West Point Military Academy. Since his arrival on campus, he impressed his teachers and fellow students with his drive, his focus, and his commitment to every aspect of his life. An accomplished gymnast, Robert earned the coveted role of Ryan Man his senior year and was likely the only one who could flip from one end of the gym to another at a pep rally. He even earned a spot on the Black Knight’s gymnastics team.

9

Senior Profiles

Caroline Minchey College: Sewanee: The University of the South

The Class of 2020 not only excelled in the classroom but also helped their communities, grew in their faith, led their teams and clubs, and developed their Godgiven talents. The graduates highlighted in these pages provide a glimpse into the depth of the Father Ryan experience.

ACADEMICS

These students finished in the top 10% of the class.

Middle School: St. Edward School

Caroline is a determined young lady whose self-motivation led her to take eight AP courses and earn the Class Award (highest grade) in AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and AP Psychology. Her creative talents shined in the Purple Masque Players and the Speech, Acting and Debate Team.

Gabriele DiGiovanni

Emma Pareigis

College: Miami University (Oxford, OH)

College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Middle School: St. Edward School

Gabe learned to find strength during challenging times, like when he was asked to play goalie for the Varsity Hockey Team as a freshman, despite never having played the position before. That perseverance paid off in his academics too. Gabe is a member of Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, and Junior Classical League (Latin Club).

Middle School: St. Bernard Academy

As a freshman, Emma quickly earned the respect of her teachers when she was named a finalist for the Father James A. Black Award of Excellence. By her junior year, she was inducted into both the Cum Laude Society and the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society and joined the Bowling Team. Emma capped off her senior year with an ambitious academic line up of four AP classes.

Taylor Erickson

Samuel Sefers

College: University of Notre Dame

College: University of Alabama in Huntsville

Middle School: Hillwood High School After transferring to Father Ryan as a sophomore, Taylor not only excelled academically, but she ran cross country, played softball, and was selected as a Peer Mentor. In her junior year, she became a member of the Cum Laude Society. Taylor received early admissions to continue her Catholic education at Notre Dame through the QuestBridge National College Match, offering a full four-year scholarship.

Nadia Hobeika College: Sewanee: The University of the South Middle School: Christ the King School

Nadia exhibits the definition of a team player in every aspect of her life. From the soccer field as a teammate and manager, to her faith life as a March for Life participant, and to serving on three mission trips to Honduras, Nadia learned how to make an impact working as a team. She did all this while earning membership as a junior in The Cum Laude Society.

10

Middle School: Holy Rosary Academy

Sam was selected to attend the highly-competitive Tennessee Governor’s School for Science and Engineering. There he was able to conduct his own research and take college-level biology and statistics courses. With a perfect score in the Science portion of the ACT, Sam was a strong contributor to the Science Olympiad Team.

ARTS

Grant Andrews College: Virginia Military Institute Middle School: St. Henry School

Grant’s involvement in the Marching Band, Winter Winds, and Drumline has prepared him for the rigors of life as a cadet at VMI. The band helped him learn the value of being part of something bigger where focus and precision is key to success.

11

Bryce Bomer

Adam Gild

College: The University of Alabama

College: Virginia Military Institute

Middle School: Holy Rosary Academy To say that Bryce had a demanding senior year, is putting it lightly. In addition to an APheavy course load, he spent much of his time in the Marching Band and Drumline. Bryce is pursuing engineering at the University of Alabama. His participation in the Nissan Summer Engineering Program and the Science Olympiad gave him a glimpse of what his future holds.

Adam is pursuing engineering as a cadet at VMI. A music lover, Adam plays multiple instruments and led the Marching Band as Drum Major this year. Understanding how music and performing not only entertains but enriches lives, Adam helped organize a student-led performance for more than 1,000 local residents.

McKenna Braeuner

Ivan Ochoa

College: Furman University

College: Rochester Institute of Technology

Middle School: St. Henry School Kenna is a natural performer whether on the stage acting in a play or musical or on the field as a member of the band’s Color Guard. Her faith life grew after attending a youth weekend retreat organized by the diocese, where she was inspired to apply for, and was selected to be, a leader for a future retreat.

Middle School: St. Henry School

Ivan’s artistic gifts were cultivated through a range of art courses, especially AP Studio Art Drawing. His ink and pen drawing of chemistry teacher Mr. Cyrus Pour was selected for the cover of the Gadfly, the school’s creative arts magazine. Ivan has overcome hurdles due to a hearing impairment, but through it all remained kind, determined, and humble.

Maria Caprio

Sophia Saavedra

College: The University of Alabama

College: Case Western Reserve University

Middle School: Brentwood Middle School Maria’s love of dance inspired her to work with others as a dance teacher, developing dancing techniques and instilling a love of the artform. With a dedication to academics, Maria earned a spot in the top 10 percent of her class while serving in leadership positions, such as Peer Mentor and retreat leader for the sophomore and junior classes.

Middle School: St. Henry School

Sophia is a musically gifted student and was selected for the Tennessee Governor’s School of the Arts and Mid-State Band. She is the winner of the Sousa Award, which recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication at Father Ryan. Sophia is also a leader, a team builder, and motivator, showcased by her ability to help organize the first student-led band event at school.

Isabel Derrick

Cassidy Tull

College: Belmont University

College: Belmont University

Middle School: St. Matthew School Isa lights up when she’s on stage, whether in a dramatic role or singing a solo for one of the Purple Masque Players’ musicals. She was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society, was a Peer Mentor and Student Ambassador, and served on the Student Liturgy Team. A recipient of the Will Miller Scholarship for Excellence, she was in five productions, including leading roles where her voice shined as brightly as her future.

12

Middle School: St. Henry School

Middle School: Heritage Middle School Cassie was an integral member of the Purple Masque Players’ behind the scenes Tech Crew, taking courses such as Tech Design and Scenic and Lighting. Her eye for capturing nature through photography led to several of her photos being selected for the school’s creative arts magazine, Gadfly. She headed Relay for Life’s Sponsorship Committee during a record-breaking year where the event raised more than $200,000 for the American Cancer Society.

13

Noah Lim

ATHLETICS

Rebecca Darke University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Middle School: Christ the King School As a two sport athlete, Rebecca used the same energy, focus, and leadership from the soccer and lacrosse fields to propel her GPA in the classroom. This National Honor Society member gave back to her community, as a member of the Irish Service Corps, the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society, and as a participant in March for Life.

Luke Gdowski College: Christian Brothers University Middle School: St. Henry School

Basketball is Luke’s first love. Multiple injuries robbed Luke of nearly two seasons of playing for Father Ryan, but he went to every practice and game regardless. Pushing through this difficult time and keeping his grades up, led to a stellar senior year on the courts and in the classroom, earning Luke a scholarship to play the sport he loves for the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers.

Carly Goetz College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Middle School: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Tennessee Carly was as dedicated to her studies as she was on the volleyball court. She balanced six AP courses with a competitive schedule on the Varsity Volleyball Team. Always ready for a challenge, Carly earned membership in the National Honor Society her junior year at Father Ryan.

Page Graham College: The University of Alabama

Middle School: Holy Rosary Academy Page was a model student-athlete during her time at Father Ryan. She reached the top 10 percent in the class academically and gave her all on the court and field, earning the respect of her volleyball and softball coaches and teammates. Page’s drive to be the best in every aspect of her life is truly an inspiration to everyone who meets her.

14

College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Middle School: St. Matthew School

As a member of the Lacrosse Team, Noah developed a drive and commitment that transferred to everything else he was involved it at Father Ryan. He put his faith into action by serving on the Relay for Life Committee, volunteering for Special Olympics, and being retreat leader for the sophomore and junior classes. In addition, Noah completed four AP courses and held a part-time job.

FAITH

Angela de Leon College: Saint Louis University

Middle School: Holy Rosary Academy With memberships in Cum Laude and National Honor Society (both earned as a junior), Angela is a self-motivated student. She always arrived early to school and was involved as a Student Ambassador, eager to welcome “Junior Irish” to campus. She cultivated her spiritual life as a retreat leader, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and in the Youth Leadership Training program at Holy Rosary, where she also taught religious education class.

Mary Hampton Hayden College: Saint Louis University

Middle School: St. Matthew School Mary Hampton has a deep connection to her faith in God and to serving her community that is both inspiring and humbling. She attended March for Life, volunteered at Mepkin Abbey during Alternative Spring Break, and led her peers as a member of the Relay for Life Committee. Mary Hampton was an alter server, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and a valued contributor on the Track and Cross Country Teams, student government, and the Student Ministry Team.

Helen McCall College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Middle School: St. Matthew School

Helen was a student-leader who truly led by her deep faith and conviction. She was a member of the Student Ministry Team, where she co-coordinated the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for monthly all-school Masses. Helen logged miles on the Cross Country Team and logged 120+ service hours as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society, all while managing the demands of a rigorous class schedule.

15

Kate McNeill

Mary Glaser

College: Northeastern University

College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Middle School: Florence Freshman Center, Alabama As Senior class president, Kate was an effective leader who shared her faith during her time at Father Ryan. She was a member of the Respect Life Club, FCA, Environmental Awareness Club, attended March for Life, and was a leader on the Relay for Life Committee. A member of the St. Vincent De Paul Service Society, she spent spring break working at Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina.

SERVICE

Madison Ahern College: Louisiana State University

Middle School: St. Matthew School Madison left Father Ryan with a legacy of service, recognized by membership in the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. Most notably, she was Co-Chair of the historic 2019 Relay for Life, which raised more than $200,000 and earned the American Cancer Society’s inaugural national Pat Flynn Spirit Of Relay Award.

Zoie Diaz College: Belmont University

Middle School: St. Henry School From saving lives as a lifeguard to running track to raising awareness and money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Zoie’s dedication and ability to handle pressure shined through. Her legacy at Father Ryan is there for all to see: her carved wooden cancer ribbon still hangs in the school today.

Abigail Fisch College: Auburn University

Middle School: St. Matthew School As the oldest of six, Abigail learned early on how to be a leader and a mentor. She capped off four years on Student Council as Student Body Vice President. With a desire to serve others, Abigail was involved in the Irish Service Corps, Best Buddies, the Social Justice Club, and March for Life.

16

Middle School: St. Matthew School

Mary has a servant’s heart. She accumulated more than 120 service hours in less than three years, earning membership into the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. Mary expanded her circle by joining the Bowling Team, Spanish Club, and Quizbusters during her time at Father Ryan.

Legan Haws College: Middle Tennessee State University

Middle School: Marion Catholic High School, Indiana Legan transferred to Father Ryan as a junior after his family moved from out of state.

Not one to lose focus, he excelled in the classroom and participated in March for Life in Washington, D.C. Legan spent his free time coaching at a basketball camp and tutored younger students in math.

Taylor Kimbro College: Tennessee Technological University Middle School: St. Edward School

Independent and service-minded, Taylor has always been willing to get her hands dirty, especially as part of the Gardening and Environmental Awareness Clubs. She has dedicated much of her time to Irish Service Corps, in which she created service projects for her peers by forming relationships with local non-profits and participated in many of the service opportunities herself.

Louis Marfone College: University of Colorado at Boulder Middle School: Franklin Road Academy

Witty and charismatic, personable and resilient, Louis’s setbacks never stopped him from keeping up his spirits and grades. Perhaps his biggest achievement was earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Only 4% of scouts earn the highest level of scouting, which is another testament to Louis and his desire to accomplish his goals and serve his community.

17

“You’re off to great places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!”

- Dr. Seuss

The Class of 2020 excelled in and out of the classroom. The arts are no exception as David Kim and Cara Orlich, members of the Show Choir, perform at the annual Christmas Concert.

18

19

700 Norwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37204 | 615-383-4200 Visit FatherRyan.org/Graduation to learn more.

20