Irish Ayes - Spring 2024

FEATU RE STORIES

– Introducing Dual Enrollment

– Irish Wrestlers Claim Five State Titles –Welcome to the Grotto

www.fatherryan.org

The Big Picture

The 2023–2024 Girls Basketball Team had a sterling DII season on the court (see page 8), and every game begins with the girls ON the court. Their moment together on the hardwood gets them set to play, reminding them of the role they each play, as teammates, to bring about success. Go Irish!

There are numerous Father Ryan alumni who provide hands-on experience that enriches the Father Ryan experience for our students. This issue profiles some of those alumni and their good work.

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IN THE NEWS

House System’s Community Service; AP Honor; Dual Enrollment Program; Christmas Celebrations; Veterans Breakfast.

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FEATURE STORY: ALUMNI ADDING TO THE FATHER RYAN EXPERIENCE Theatre Training; Mock Trial Preparation; The Alumni Board’s Impact; Speaker Series Grows.

6 CAMPUS TOUR Enjoy the Grotto.

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CLASS IS IN SESSION

Mrs. Allen’s Women in Literature Class.

7 ATHLETICS Coach Dieterich Announces Coaching Retirement; State Champions; Next Level Irish.

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THE 100TH CELEBRATION

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

John Bumpus ’78, President and Chair

David Glascoe, Vice President

Brian Callahan, Treasurer / Finance and Budget Committee Chair

Brittney (Testerman) Griffith ’03, Secretary

William Stejskal III ’79, Governance and Nominating Committee Chair

Rev. Rhodes Bolster ’11, Priest

Committee Chairs

Philip Mattingly, Sr. ’69, Advancement Committee Chair

Brett Wesnofske ’88, Facilities Committee Chair

Board Members

Tom Bauer

Warner Hassell

William Krueger

Patrick Nolan III ’69

Judy (Komisky) Orr ’75

Tom Turner

Matthew Wright

Ex-Officio Members

Paul J. Davis ’81

Most Rev. J. Mark Spalding

Very Rev. Austin Gilstrap

Mrs. Shana Druffner

Life Trustees

Thomas G. Connor, Sr. ’60

Reunion Time, in More Ways than One School News

Happy Spring, Ryan Nation.

With the arrival of this festive and colorful season, the Alumni Engagement and Outreach Office has its eyes set on the major alumni event of the year — Reunion 2024. This year, that reunion has more meaning for me.

Following the joyous birth of my third child in November, I recently returned to the Advancement House and “reunited” with my friends and fellow Advancement Team members. It was such an experience to welcome my new child, and it was wonderful to be able to talk about him, in person, with everyone on the campus.

While it has been an exciting five months in the Atwood household, it is just as exciting to read about all that has happened on the campus and what we have to look forward to in the coming two months.

• The Alumni Speaker Series has continued to connect our alumni with our students, providing valuable professional insights across a range of career experiences.

• Our annual Irish Easter Egg Hunt is at capacity again, and the sight of the young egg seekers is always a special moment on the campus.

• The Lenten season provided opportunities for our students, faculty and staff, and families to visit the Grotto, featured in this issue, and enjoy moments of reflection and prayer.

• The photos from the Gala reminded me of the special community we have, and it was wonderful to see longtime supporters Linda and DAVID ’66 BOHAN and their family celebrate Father Ryan that night.

House System Connects to Community

From activities on campus to community-wide projects, the House System at Father Ryan continues to enhance the Irish experience among all our students.

This year, that has meant special programs to serve area organizations. On campus in November, Father Ryan worked with Room In The Inn to assemble more than 11,000 “snack packs” to help feed people experiencing homelessness over the winter months. Students gathered in the PAT SIMPSON ’74 Wrestling Room throughout the day to assemble these kits. In addition, students in the various Houses visited By Faith Farm, Thriftsmart, Graceworks, Room In The Inn, and Mother to Mother to assist these important community partners.

The annual canned food drive in February to benefit Ladies of Charity of Nashville, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and Catholic Charities resulted in the donation of 12,563 cans — surpassing our 2023 total of 9,847 cans — along with $3,000 in additional contributions.

YOUR 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT to the Father Ryan Annual Fund helps us carry out the Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service that continues to guide our students today. 22

William H. Farmer ’65

Edward B. Gore

J. Terry Hunter

William F. Smith

Edward A. Stack

Administration

Paul J. Davis ’81, President

Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr., Principal

Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial Officer

Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement

Jennifer L. Anton, Academic Dean

Joe Crumby ’95, Dean of Students

Amy Duke, Director of Houses

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

To make a gift, visit fatherryan.org/giving

John Michael Simpson, Director of Campus Ministry and Student Life

Erin (Baltz) Riggs ’00, Director of Enrollment

Ann Mullins ’03 Director of Athletics

• In addition, as you can read in this issue of Irish Ayes we are getting closer to the kickoff of the 100th Anniversary of Father Ryan on September 14. I am looking forward to talking with alumni across the generations as we honor our school during this two-year celebration.

However, the next thing on my mind is Reunion Weekend 2024, which will take place May 31–June 2. We open with the Lou Graham ’56 Alumni Golf Tournament and the Alumni Reception on Friday, followed by Class parties on Saturday, and ending with the induction of the accomplished Class of 1974 into the Golden Grad Society on Sunday of Reunion Weekend.

As always, Father Ryan is strengthened by the involvement of our alumni, as this Irish Ayes showcases. If you would like to be involved in alumni activities as an Alumni Speaker, a Reunion planner, or in myriad other ways, reach out to me at atwoods@fatherryan.org or call me at 615-269-RYAN.

See you at Reunion!

SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD ’04 Alumni Engagement and Outreach Manager

Students in Norwood House delivered the cans and the cash collected to those three charities, in addition to volunteering at Room In The Inn, Mercy Multiplied, The Store, and By Faith Farm. It is another example of 6 Houses. All Irish.

Father Ryan Receives AP Honor Roll Silver Distinction

In December, Father Ryan High School earned a Silver distinction on the Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, a program that began in October 2023. More than 15,000 public, private, and charter schools in the United States and Canada are eligible for the distinction, and only 4,570 (30 percent) of those schools earned such a recognition.

“We are proud of our students’ commitment to upholding Father Ryan’s tradition of academic excellence with the support of our dedicated and talented teachers,” Father Ryan Academic Dean JENNIFER ANTON said.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs deliver results for students while broadening access to the AP programs. Schools can earn this recognition on an annual basis, particularly by emphasizing to its students the importance of continuing their education from high school into college. The criteria include the extent to which students have opportunities to earn college credit and the readiness for college that students display through these courses.

Father Ryan earned this distinction based on the following performance metrics: 40 percent of the Class of 2023 took at least one AP exam during high school; 25 percent scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam during high school; two percent of the class took five or more AP exams during high school, with at least one of those exams taken in ninth or tenth grade.

“Our adaptive and rigorous learning model is designed to challenge and develop each student as they strive for success and growth,” Mrs. Anton continued. “We are blessed to see our students continue to reach their full academic potential.”

Father Ryan’s New Academic Opportunity — Dual Enrollment

Father Ryan High School will offer Dual Enrollment courses as part of its curriculum, starting in the 2024-25 school year. Through a partnership with Trevecca University, Father Ryan students will have the opportunity to take college courses and earn college credits while still in high school. These Dual Enrollment courses present a diverse array of courses in addition to those offered as part of the standard Father Ryan curriculum. By enrolling in these courses, students can enhance their preparation for the rigors of college while demonstrating their readiness for college to undergraduate admissions committees.

These Dual Enrollment courses at Father Ryan will be offered through the Mathematics, World Languages and Cultures, Science, and English departments. The Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship offers a

Dual Enrollment grant, which will provide funding for the tuition and fees for these courses.

“Father Ryan High School offers numerous distinct classes and learning opportunities for our students,” Father Ryan Director of Academic Counseling SARAH KIEFFNER said. “Thanks to this new partnership with Trevecca University, we look forward to this new chapter in which we expand those opportunities so that our students can continue to learn at the highest level.”

The Dual Enrollment courses will be available to Father Ryan upperclass students who fulfill the given prerequisites for each course. Students considering these courses will apply for each course through Father Ryan and through Trevecca University, and they will also apply for the Dual Enrollment grant offered by the state of Tennessee.

“Christmas is a together sort of holiday.”

FA Thanks-filled Morning Veterans Breakfast 2023

Performing Arts Shows Highlight Christmas T

ather Ryan’s Performing Arts Department embodied that reminder from Winnie the Pooh in their collaboration for the annual Christmas at Father Ryan performance in December and the Fall play. All facets of Performing Arts — Band, Choir, Dance, and Theatre — came together to deliver Christmas spirit to fellow students, parents, and the entire Father Ryan community.

Choral Director JULIE COX first came forward with the idea for “Christmas at Father Ryan” nearly a decade ago, an idea which Theatre Director KELLI MCCLENDON has labeled “one of the greatest additions to our programming.”

The Concert Band, an ensemble of woodwinds, brass, and percussion students, performed two songs — “Across the Northern Sky” and “Fantasia” — to open the program. Later, the Percussion Ensemble — comprising mallet instruments, drums, and auxiliary percussion — performed two more songs in addition to a collaboration with the Father Ryan Dance Company for a rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Little Drummer Boy.”

A total of 114 girls took the stage to represent the four levels of the Father Ryan Dance Company. Dance Director LAURI DISMUKE choreographed seven of the eight dances during the show, and senior captain KAYLA MATTSON ’24 choreographed the performance of “Mary, Did You Know.”

The choir has been involved from the beginning, with the Chamber Choir, Honors Choir, Women’s Choir, and Mosaic (previously “Show Choir”) all featured, in addition to the Musical Theatre class. This year, the Mosaic men performed “Please Come Home for Christmas” while the Chamber Choir sang “Almost There.”

Combine that Christmas performance with the “God bless us everyone” message of Tiny Tim in the Purple Masque Players’ production of “A Christmas Carol” in November and you have quite the Irish Christmas. That production featured the acting and technical talents of HARRY PENNE ’24 WILL KLEINER ’24 OLIVIA SMITH ’26 and GRACE SIZEMORE ’24, with St. Henry student ELIAS LARSON delivering the timeless Tiny Tim words in a production that was hailed as both touching and exceptionally well staged. It was another achievement for Father Ryan’s student actors.

he spirit of gratitude was on display throughout the morning of November 10 as more than 100 veterans from the Father Ryan community and dozens of students, faculty, and staff gathered on campus to celebrate Veterans Day — Irish style.

On the 248th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Major TOMMY RAGSDALE ’02 USAFR and a 2006 Naval Academy graduate (far right), shared his stories of service as a helicopter pilot and talked about his appreciation of his time at Father Ryan, which, he stated, prepared him for a life of service. A special video delivered thanks from across the campus with seniors HENRY BRAEUNER , MACY COHN JOJO CRUMP and SANJEETH GEORGE describing their plans to follow Major Ragsdale’s path to a military academy appointment for college, Henry at West Point, Macy at the Merchant Marine Academy, JoJo at VMI, and Sanjeeth at the Naval Academy. With those decisions, the four seniors bring the total of Father Ryan service academy appointees since 2000 to 38.

Continuing an Irish tradition, Mr. RANDY LANCASTER ’83 announced that more than 80 students submitted essays for the annual VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. He introduced junior MARYELLEN MCMILLAN ’25 (above) to share her essay in response to the question “What are the greatest aspects of democracy?” Father Ryan students have earned district and State recognition in the contest multiple times over the past 15 years.

The morning of fellowship closed with the playing of “Taps” by ANDREW BLANKENSHIP ’25 on the trumpet, EVAN GORSLINE ’25 on the mellophone, and BECCA MIMMS ’26 on trombone. The sight of right hands sharply raised to the brows of veterans throughout the Dining Hall and the sound of the haunting music calling to the audience provided an emotional conclusion to a memorable 18th Annual Veterans Breakfast.

Campus Tour: Monsignor George Rohling ’31 Grotto

Whether it’s a pre-game prayer before a Friday night football game, a group praying for the vulnerable in our community, or a spot for personal stillness and quiet reflection, the MONSIGNOR GEORGE W. ROHLING ’31 Grotto

of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Father Ryan’s campus offers a space for the Father Ryan community to step into a moment of peaceful community with God. “The Grotto is a beautiful place on campus, providing a sacred place to pray and experience the peace of God in nature,” Father Ryan President PAUL DAVIS ’81 said.

The Grotto features a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary — often with a wreath or purple and white flowers around her head — on a pedestal encircled by a pattern of stones. The statue rests underneath the shade of several trees, but a glistening light shines through on sunny days. It fulfills FR. JOE MCMAHON ’s vision for a sacred place on the campus.

The Grotto was dedicated to Monsignor Rohling on November 1, 1997, the Solemnity of All Saints. Monsignor Rohling was one of Father Ryan’s first students, and later served as a pastor of St. Joseph and St. Henry parishes in addition to his longtime tenure on the faculty of Father Ryan. A plaque bearing his face and commemorating the dedication delivers a message of hope that the Grotto “will inspire others to be devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and imitate Monsignor Rohling’s generosity to our Catholic community.”

Director of Campus Ministry and Student Life JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON points out the significant role of Mary in the Catholic faith, and the symbolism of her presence at Jesus’ side throughout His ministry and her strength in Jesus’ final moments. “Life is mysterious for us in our quest for meaning amidst the mundane and the tragic,” he continued. “Mary is a real symbol of serenity and faithful surrender to the good will of God.”

On the walkway to the Grotto, a crucifix atop a brick hexagonal stand memorializes all deceased students of Father Ryan. A nearby plaque also recognizes those who passed away while enrolled at Father Ryan, listing the name and class year of each student, with a passage from chapter 3 of the Book of Wisdom centered across the top: “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God. They are in peace.”

In addition to individual prayer, there are many more opportunities for the Grotto to impact the lives of Father Ryan students every day.

Just days after students first arrive on campus, they visit and learn about the Grotto during the events of Freshman Night. Mr. Davis remarks to the students the gratitude that he feels that his office is positioned to overlook the Grotto.

Teachers regularly bring their students to the Grotto and offer guidance on praying the Rosary, bringing to students an experience of meditative prayer that is part of the tradition in Catholic spirituality. The Rosary Ministry, one of Father Ryan’s many parent volunteer ministries, invites parents to make World Ministry Rosaries and visit the Grotto to pray for the students, faculty, and staff.

“The Grotto is a key feature on the Father Ryan campus because its simplicity, serenity, and beauty represent the heart of the Father Ryan community and its Catholic mission,” Mr. Davis said.

May this Grotto likewise lead us to grow more closely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspired by the life which Monsignor Rohling so faithfully lived in service to Father Ryan.

Robin Dieterich Announces Retirement from Coaching

One of the most illustrious coaching careers in Father Ryan’s athletic history is coming to an end.

Boys and Girls Soccer Head Coach ROBIN

DIETERICH ’73 has announced that he will retire from coaching at the conclusion of the Boys Soccer season in 2024. He will continue teaching in the English Department after his retirement from coaching, a testament to his continued desire to impact the lives of students in the classroom and on the field.

“Robin Dieterich’s contributions to Father Ryan stretch to every component of a Father Ryan education,” Father Ryan Director of Athletics ANN MULLINS ’03 said. “Academics, athletics, student life — he has become an integral part of the Father Ryan experience, and we are extremely grateful for all of his contributions to our community.”

Mr. Dieterich returned to Father Ryan in 1978 after graduating from Stetson University, and he immediately began both teaching English and coaching the Boys Soccer team, adding Girls Soccer when it began in 1981.

Mr. Dieterich’s name is all but synonymous with soccer at Father Ryan. He was a State Champion goalkeeper for the Boys Soccer Team in 1972 and 1973, and he has led the coaching staff for nine of Father Ryan’s next 10 State Championships in soccer. He led both the Boys and Girls Soccer Teams to State Titles in 1998 and 2008, with his most recent State Championship coming in 2020 with the Girls Soccer Team.

Father Ryan has begun a national search for the new soccer coaches. If you are interested in applying visit fatherryan.org/employment for details.

Dieterich is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association, and Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches Association. In 2018, Mr. Dieterich was inducted into the TSSAA Coaches Hall of Fame.

His presence is also felt well beyond the field. Students throughout the Father Ryan campus learn from Mr. Dieterich during his British Literature classes, in his Mentor Group, and even from crossing paths with him in the hallway. His smile and laugh can light up a room, just as they have lit up the minds and hearts of students who share a conversation with him.

Championships, Historic Track Record

Highlight Winter Sports Season

It was a winter season for fast times, quick pins, and State Championships as Irish student-athletes made their mark on the track, the mat, and in the pool this season. In the process, Irish fans watched as history was made in the flash of a race timer in two sports and cheered the sight of purple at the top of medal stands.

Wrestling

An outstanding season for the Wrestling Team wrapped up with the Irish finishing second in State Duals and third in the State Wrestling Championships, with five wrestlers claiming individual State Titles. CASEN ROARK ’25 (132-pound) won his third straight State

Championship, and was joined atop the medal stand by two-time champions JOE CALVIN ’24 (120), and CHANCERY DEANE ’25 (150), along with BRODY GOBBELL ’25 (126), and ETHAN LAMPERT ’25 (138). Father Ryan also finished third in the JOHNNY DRENNAN ’85 Memorial Invitational, as Joe and Chancery won their weight classes and Brody finished second.

Swimming and Diving

Oldest Irish Track Record Falls

Back in the spring of 1973, COVEAK MOODY ’74 toed the starting line in the 200-meter dash. A mere 21.69 seconds later, he broke the tape, establishing a school record in the event. Little did he know that his time would remain unmatched for 51 years.

In late February, RYAN JONES ’25 traveled those same 200 meters at the Indoor Track and Field State Championships, but did so in 21.49, earning the State Title and breaking Father Ryan’s oldest track record in the process. Father Ryan track fans are expecting to see Ryan, who also finished 2nd in the 400-meter, taking less time to lower his record mark as the spring Track and Field season begins.

Basketball

The Girls Basketball Team was nearly unstoppable all season, opening with 11 consecutive wins and posting a 12-2 record in District play. In the postseason, a buzzer-beating three-pointer by LILY FIELDING ’26 clinched a win over Chattanooga Christian in the first round of the State Tournament. A close loss to Webb School stopped the Irish just short of the Final Four. Three members of the Lady Irish — IZZY GAVIGAN ’24, ABBY LARKIN ’25 and OLIVIA MCWRIGHT ’24 — were named to the DII-AA Girls Basketball All-Region Team, and KATE FIELDING ’26 was named as an Honorable Mention.

Next Level Irish — Class of 2024 Signees

Six Father Ryan seniors will be continuing their athletic careers in college upon their graduation. Congratulations to all of these talented Irish student-athletes!

Here is a list of the student-athletes, along with their respective sports and the universities that they will be attending this fall.

Football

CHARLIE BECKER ’24 Indiana University

JOJO CRUMP ’24, Virginia Military Institute

Volleyball

KATIE GREEN ’24 Tennessee Tech University

Baseball

AIDAN CARR ’24 Centre College

ANDREW HERMANSON ’24

University of Indianapolis

MATTHEW SHOREY ’24, Vanderbilt University

We are proud of all of our Father Ryan studentathletes, and we can’t wait to watch them as they continue to showcase their talents!

Dance Team Excels at Nationals

“Game Day Live” Takes the Stage for Nationals

The Swimming and Diving Team placed sixth out of 102 teams in the State Championship, including a pair of school records, set by LIBBY HELMER ’27, SADYE PLATEK ’27, LUCY TRAILOV ’25 and EMILIA TRAILOV ’27 in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay and Lucy Trailov in the 100-yard Butterfly. In the Region Tournament, that quartet combined to win the Women’s 200-yard Medley Relay, in addition to Father Ryan winning the 100-yard Fly (Lucy Trailov), 500-yard freestyle (Helmer), and the Dive (GRACE KLEIN ’26). In addition, KIRA STELL ’24 and KATIE KNAPP ’24 earned NISCA Academic All-American, an honor earned by only 2% of swimmers in the U.S.

The Boys Basketball Team won 15 of its first 16 games to open the 2023–24 season, which included a 2nd-place finish in the Willie Brown ’65 Memorial Basketball Tournament after a double-overtime loss to Green Hill in the championship game. The Irish closed the season with a berth in the Regional Tournament against CPA. CHARLIE LYNCH ’24 was named to the DII-AA Boys Basketball All-Region Team.

Bowling

Hockey

The Hockey Team posted several big wins throughout the regular season, including a sweep of Ravenwood and three wins over Pope Prep. One of those three came in the first round of the playoffs, when the Irish scored in overtime for a 2-1 win over the Knights.

The Bowling Team opened with two wins in its first three games. That provided momentum for a fourmatch winning streak late in the season, as the Irish clinched a spot in the Team Regionals in December.

Congratulations to all of our teams on your continued success. Go Irish!

In January, the Father Ryan Dance Team earned their best-ever finish at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Championship in Orlando. Dancing in the Varsity Intermediate Hip Hop Division, they ranked third in the initial group stage and finished the competition placing sixth out of the 26 teams.

“I am so proud of their hard work,” Father Ryan Dance Team head coach LAURI DISMUKE said.

“Not only did they dance incredibly, but they represented the Father Ryan community so beautifully. They cheered on girls whom they were competing against and just made me so proud to be their coach.”

The students on the field and on the court provide the excitement at Father Ryan sporting events, and the music keeps the energy going all game long.

“Game Day Live” — a new group on campus made up of the Competition

Cheer team and members of the Band — headed to Orlando in February for Nationals, where they placed fifth out of all competing groups! Game Day Live creates a unique pairing, replicating a small sample size of a Friday night football game’s atmosphere in Giacosa Stadium.

Game Day Live’s cheer and musical performance in Orlando showcased a unique partnership that illustrates the cohesive nature across the Father Ryan student body. Each group has its talents, and when brought together, those talents bloom into a performance far greater than the sum of its parts. Congratulations to Game Day Live on your performance at Nationals! Go Irish!

Get Ready for a Celebration 100 Years in the Making

On September 14, 1925, 86 young men and 11 teachers walked into a gray stone building on West End Avenue and began our Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service.

This August, as we start our 100th school year, approximately 850 students and 120 faculty and staff will walk onto the Father Ryan High School campus and, in doing so, will pay homage to those first students of Nashville Catholic High School for Boys and the 13,000 men and women worldwide who call themselves proud Irish alumni.

So begins the 100th Anniversary celebration of Father Ryan High School.

Highlighted by our Anniversary Community Celebration on September 14, 2024, and continuing through the Commencement

Exercises of our 100th graduating class in May of 2026, we will celebrate 100 years of fulfilling our mission to be experiences of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. There will be 100 Masses said, salutes to every class, special events to honor student and alumni achievement, and daily celebrations of our school’s unique experience. Join us online or in person as we celebrate 100 Years of Father Ryan.

The Doors

The graphic design we employed for the 100th should be familiar to all in the Father Ryan community — the historic Elliston Place doors, which now serve as the entrance to the Neuhoff Library. The image captures both the historic element of Father Ryan and the spirit of welcome and lived experiences that followed every student who passed through those doors. You will see this image on a variety of commemorative items and clothing to celebrate the 100th.

Save the Date

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024

100th Anniversary Community Celebration on the campus of Father Ryan

100th Anniversary Website

We’ve created a 100th Anniversary website — www.fatherryan.org/100 — to provide details on all the events, special archival and historical information, and every composite of the 100 classes to graduate from Father Ryan. In addition, you can:

• View class profiles

• Nominate influential teachers

• Enjoy video reflections

• Watch classroom lectures

• Examine memorabilia

• Become a volunteer

• Submit alumni testimonials

• And more.

In addition, follow the 100th on social media at #FatherRyan100

Alumni’s Hands-on Experiences Add Important Pieces to the Father Ryan Experience.

Teachers, administrators, and staff certainly are the cornerstone of this school. Add in the mission, philosophy, curriculum, extracurriculars, and campus and student life, and you have a unique school experience. However, there is one important piece that truly enhances the Father Ryan experience — an engaged and visible alumni base. With more than 13,000 alumni located here and abroad, we are lucky to have many committed alumni who volunteer their time helping our students succeed. From classroom workshops to moderating clubs to hosting events on campus, Father Ryan alumni play an important role in our school community every day.

Alumni Bring Stage Experiences to Theatre Program

The impact and benefits of the arts program at Father Ryan do not end with graduation. Many of the students who discover their passion for the arts on the Father Ryan stage often return wanting to reciprocate, however they can. Many choose to serve as mentors, providing insights and guidance that help the next group of graduates succeed. Irish Ayes had the chance to talk to three theatre alumni about the ways they are continuing to strengthen the arts experience and why they choose to “give back” to Father Ryan.

ERIN DAVIE ’95 has performed in seven Broadway shows, has worked alongside heavyweight actors such as Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, Jake Gyllenhaal and David Hyde Pierce, and can be seen on the small screen in hit TV shows like “The Good Wife.” Even with all her success, she has never forgotten where she got her start or what it felt like as a young thespian at Father Ryan. That is why she tries to pay it forward whenever she can, especially in service to students at Father Ryan.

“I remember so vividly how it felt at that age,” Davie recalls. “Back then, we didn’t have a stage, we didn’t even have a drama teacher, so I didn’t have much direction at all. I see so much of myself in these kids, so I am hoping that I can offer any guidance or help that I didn’t have at that time. It feels like I am giving back to my younger self.”

As a student at Father Ryan, Davie was always interested in theatre, but says she was so shy that she was only cast in the ensemble her senior year, when she landed her first lead role as Sarah Brown in the musical, Guys & Dolls It was a monumental role that showcased her beautiful voice and talent for acting. That same year, she applied to University of Cincinnati’s renowned musical theatre program. Although she was accepted in the voice program, she was not accepted in musical theatre. So after a year, she transferred to the Boston Conservatory where she thrived in the musical theatre program. After her final showcase senior year, she found an agent immediately and began working on numerous traveling shows. But the elusive Broadway show was still out of reach.

“I came back to the city after many shows, and started thinking this has been a good run, but maybe I should start looking for something else,” Davie remembers. “Not long after that got the principal role in the Broadway show, Grey Gardens.”

Since then, Davie has performed in seven Broadway productions, worked with a slew of celebrities, traveled the world, and continues living her dream of performing in musical theatre. Even with her busy schedule, she regularly conducts masterclasses and works with young actors to help them refine their craft.

“The theatre program meant the world to me when I was there, and to be a part of that world again for the next generation of students coming through has been amazing.”

For the musical theatre class at Father Ryan, Davie participated in a Zoom during pandemic restrictions, offering students advice and coaching them on their performances in singing and acting. Of course, the students had lots of questions about what it is like to be a professional actor and to perform on Broadway, which she happily answered.

“I absolutely adore coaching young people,” says Davie. “It always reminds me how much I enjoy what I do. When you are constantly moving forward and looking for the next thing, you can forget to go back to square one and remember why you started doing what you love in the first place.”

Working with students reminds LIZ HAYNES ’13 (below) of her love of theatre as well. But, while Davie volunteers her time because she wasn’t given much direction as a young actor, Haynes works at Father Ryan because she feels it was the school’s drama teacher, KELLI MCCLENDON , who changed the trajectory of her life for the better.

Like Davie, Haynes was shy, so she wasn’t involved in the fall play at Father Ryan her freshman year. She worked up the courage to join in the spring and served on the technical crew for every other play throughout her high school career. In addition, she was involved in the Marching Band, Forensics, Multicultural Student Union, and Spanish Club. But it was her time working on the tech crew that encouraged her to audition

for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, where she had the opportunity to learn from a number of industry professionals on how to build and paint sets, set up lighting, and other tech-related tasks.

“There is something

deeply moving about seeing people develop a love for the arts.”

“During that summer, I found out I am naturally good at building and that I really liked it,” shares Haynes. “After that summer, I changed what I wanted to study in college and what wanted to do with the rest of my life.”

After graduating from Clemson University with undergraduate degrees in Production Studies in Performing Arts and a B.A. in Modern Languages with an emphasis in Spanish, Haynes later completed her thesis on “Sustainability in Theatrical Production” and earned her MFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has since built sets for 150 shows and worked for theatre productions around the world — from Nashville Children’s Theatre to an opera company in Italy. She is currently an assistant professor of the practice of theatre and technical director at Vanderbilt University. Her work in theatre has come full circle as Haynes also works with Father Ryan theatre students, helping them build sets just like she did as a freshman 14 years ago.

After Haynes began working with Irish theatre productions in 2020, she received a call from Mrs. McClendon. “Kelli really never left my life,” explains Haynes. “I think we both assumed that when I came back to town, I would begin working with the tech crew.”

Her first year back at Father Ryan, Haynes not only taught students how to use tools safely and helped them build sets, she taught Spanish and 3-D Art as well. When she later left Father Ryan to begin her work at Vanderbilt, she continued her work with the tech crew because, like Davie before her, she says it has been a joy to be able to help these students learn to do what she loves, something she first learned at Father Ryan. “Kelli and the Father Ryan theatre program quite literally changed the course of my life,” says Haynes. “The theatre program meant the world to me when was there, and to be a part of that world again for the next generation of students coming through has been amazing.”

While Haynes loves helping these students discover their love of theatre, she admits she also enjoys working with the students for another reason. “Professional theatre can be stressful,” says Haynes. “But being around these kids who are just so excited to learn the craft and be a part of a show, it is pure joy. Being with them always reminds me why I joined theatre in the first place.”

JACKSON DOUGHERTY ’16 also credits Mrs. McClendon and the joy of working with the students as reasons why he continues to volunteer his time with the Father Ryan theatre program. Dougherty is a Father Ryan theatre kid who participated in all fall and spring shows, as well as Show Choir and many other extracurricular activities. He names both Mrs. McClendon and Choral Director JULIE COX as the inspiration for his love of theatre and the ones who encouraged him to pursue his love of the arts in a professional career.

“The theatre program at Ryan gave me the skills and confidence to pursue acting as a career, and owe it all to Kelli McClendon and Julie Cox,” says Dougherty. “They taught me that the arts are viable and fulfilling and that you get out what you put in. This is a hard field to pursue. However, the approach they take to help students grow is one that fosters a beautiful sense of community and individuality. Giving back in any way I can is the least I can do.”

So when Mrs. McClendon called Dougherty in Chicago, where he is currently auditioning for various stage and screen productions, to ask him if he would help choreograph the combat moments for the Father Ryan stage productions of Beauty and the Beast (below) and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe during the 2022–2023 school year, his immediate answer was yes.

Dougherty and Mrs. McClendon had several meetings over Zoom where they developed the choreography and blocking for the fights. Then, when Dougherty came to Nashville, he participated in rehearsal non-stop with the student actors.

It was an experience that Dougherty (below, back row center) will not forget any time soon, and one that he is more than willing to help with again.

“There is something deeply moving about seeing people develop a love for the arts, and I think that it is a wonderful and refreshing reminder after working in the industry for a while,” reflects Dougherty. “In any career, I feel that you can fall into the rhythm of the work and sometimes forget where you started. To come back to the beginning and see that passion and joy is a breath of fresh air.”

Order in the Mock Trial Court

Father Ryan has more than 40 clubs and extracurricular activities for an eager, young Irish student to explore outside of class. Some are wellknown, like the Purple Masque Players, and some, like the Mock Trial team, are less visible but include just as many hard-working students. The common thread: both benefit from the support of alumni who volunteer their time and share their professional experiences to help these teams run smoothly.

For those who have never participated in a mock trial, the name says exactly what it is: a competition where students simulate a trial. High school teams are required to prepare both sides of a hypothetical case developed by the Tennessee Bar Association. At Father Ryan, students work more than 100 hours over three months developing their approach from both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s sides. Then, they serve as lawyers and witnesses at district competitions in February against other area high schools before a State competition in March. The winner of the State competition represents Tennessee in the national competition in April.

Father Ryan Mock Trial, which was formed in 1987 and won State Championships in 1990 and 1991, has always relied on the expertise of alumni in the field of law who are willing to help the next generation of Irish lawyers learn their way around a courtroom. Coached from 2014–2024 by MICHELE JOHNSON ’87 (opposite page) executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, the Father Ryan Mock Trial team is now under the direction of GREG ATWOOD ’96 EUGENIA

(GRAYER) MCGHEE ’96 , BRIGID (MAHONEY) CALDWELL ’05 , and KRISTEN TAYLOR ’09 and MIKE STEWART attorney and father of Mock Trial member EVIE STEWART ’24

These coaches are instrumental in helping students study the case, draft opening statements, prepare their cross examination, and help witnesses learn their parts. It is a detailed process that requires twice-weekly sessions from December to February, time these alumni volunteers are more than willing to give once they see the returns in their investment in the form of enthusiastic students.

“It was a very gratifying experience to see them learn and grow, and to know that you played a part in that.”

Atwood, a sole practitioner, has been involved with the team since 2019, but didn’t know what he was getting into when he first agreed to help.

“ DON THIELKE sent an email to every lawyer he knew in the area,” recalls Atwood. “I think I was the only one who responded.”

Although he was not on the Mock Trial team as a Father Ryan student, Atwood quickly jumped in and learned coaching techniques from stalwarts like Johnson. He was impressed with the level of dedication of

the students on the team, and enjoyed the feeling of sharing his knowledge with a younger generation. It was an easy decision for him to continue to volunteer his time.

“I never coached my son in sports when he was younger,” says Atwood. “So this was my first time to experience what it is to be a coach. It was a very gratifying experience to see them learn and grow, and to know that you played a part in that.”

“The reason I started is because Greg asked me to, and because I thought it was important to have a diverse group of attorneys coaching this diverse group of students,” McGhee says. “Then I met the kids and I fell in love with them and their brilliance. It was wonderful to see them grow in their abilities and their confidence. In fact, this year, we let them write their own openings and closings and cross examinations, and they did outstanding work. They have a passion for Mock Trial, they are empathetic, and they are smart.”

She went on to say, “They are grasping legal concepts so quickly, and are ahead of where many practicing attorneys are today. They are also getting experiences that are preparing them for a legal career. Every year after the competition, set up a judge shadowing day for the students to give them an opportunity to learn more about the judicial process, and those days have led to internships and relationships with the judges and court officials, all of which expand these students’ futures.”

Most important for McGhee, Mock Trial is about relationships. “They are driven, intelligent, and supportive of each other,” she says. “We have students who met through Mock Trial, and they’ve become best friends because of this program. That is so rewarding for them and for the coaches.”

Caldwell has a similar experience in that she was unaware of the Mock Trial team during her time at Father Ryan. She considered becoming a personal trainer before becoming interested in the criminal justice system. She is now a sole practitioner who handles juvenile and family law, probate, and estate planning.

Last year, Caldwell saw a Facebook post requesting help from lawyers to volunteer their time to coach, and she felt called to help.

“I’ve been back to Father Ryan occasionally for an alumni basketball game, but that was about it,” says Caldwell. “Then I saw this request from Eugenia [Grayer McGhee], a fellow female attorney and fellow alumna, and I thought could do this. What an easy way to plug in, right?”

Like Atwood, Caldwell did not know anything about the competition or how it worked, but she was impressed with what she saw. “These kids are amazing and so motivating,” says Caldwell. “My first trial was after I was a working attorney, but these kids have such an advantage learning how to try a real court case and to practice their skills at an early age. I am so pleased to play a small part in that.”

Opposite page, 2023–2024 Mock Trial members and their coaches celebrate an outstanding year, continuing the tradition of excellence established by the 1990 Mock Trial Team, above, when they won the State Title and earned a trip to Nationals.

How Can You Get Involved?

Looking for ways you can engage with your alma mater? Whatever your motivation, we would love to welcome you back to campus. Alumni Board Chair HANK FUERST ’05 shares four easy ways you can volunteer your time at Father Ryan.

1 Have time to give? Consider joining the Alumni Board. According to Fuerst, Father Ryan is always looking for alumni who are willing to give a monthly time commitment to the school. There is an evaluation process every summer. Contact SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD ’04 at atwoods@fatherryan.org if you are interested.

2 Are you someone who is still in contact with many members of your class? Would you enjoy talking on the phone or hosting a Zoom meeting with your former classmates? Consider becoming a Class Representative. These individuals (above) are involved in the school’s fundraising process by helping to raise money for specific projects. You can reach out to ANGIE (JACOBSON) COFFEY ’95, Annual Fund Manager, for more information on applying.

Atwood agrees that watching the students grow in their knowledge of the law has been fascinating. “We have such a fantastic group of seniors this year,” he says.

“I remember three years ago when they were sophomores and knew nothing, but now they are absolute stars. It has been so neat to see their evolution.”

3 Have kids? Looking for family events? Bring them and your family to the many alumni and family-centered events offered throughout the year. There’s Breakfast with Santa, the Irish Easter Egg Hunt, Junior Irish Night, Ryan Spirit Night, the Alumni Tent at each football game, and all the fun Homecoming activities. “This may be the easiest way to engage,” says Fuerst. “We invite all alumni to come back, enjoy the campus, connect with new and old friends, and share memories of your time here.”

4 Can’t make it to events or volunteer on campus but still want to engage with Father Ryan? That’s okay! We still need your help. Be a mouthpiece promoting Father Ryan to your friends and colleagues. Tell your stories of how much Father Ryan means to you. Share the school’s news on your social media channels. Wear your Father Ryan gear with pride.

Alumni Board Connects the Community

HANK FUERST ’05 is a busy father of two who works full-time and spends what little off-time he has at Little League baseball fields with his family. But when he was asked to volunteer for Father Ryan as part of the Alumni Board, his answer was a resounding yes.

“Father Ryan has been a part of my life as long as can remember,” shares Fuerst, (at right) “I am a third-generation alumnus. My mom and my grandfather both went to Father Ryan, and my grandfather did a wonderful job showing me that the relationships you make with your fellow students, with the teachers, and with the community will be with you till the end. So, when I was asked to be on the Alumni Board, it felt like this was something I needed to do. It felt like it was my time to give back.”

The Father Ryan Alumni Board is a group of 12 alumni volunteers serving three-year terms, plus SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD ’04 the school’s alumni engagement and outreach manager. The Board meets monthly to discuss, plan, and coordinate alumni events on campus and off. Members volunteer their time to help staff each event throughout the year.

In the three years since these events have been in existence, they have grown exponentially. Showcasing the campus and its students with the Father Ryan Singers as Christmas carolers, pictures with Santa for the young ones, and yummy pancakes with delectable toppings, the Breakfast with Santa event has scored big with alumni with young kids and grandkids, quickly becoming a sold-out event. The same can be said about the Irish Easter Egg Hunt, a now annual event, bringing young ones on campus to gleefully run around searching for the brightly colored eggs, to play on the bounce houses, and to have their faces painted.

TWho’s the Student Out of Uniform?

Father Ryan Alumni, Friends Energize Speaker Series

here have been a number of older students visiting the campus. They may stand out because of their “out of uniform” look, but they stand out primarily because of their commitment to connect with students about career possibilities.

Called the Speaker Series, this new program welcomes alumni and school friends to campus to speak to students about their careers for either 20 minutes or an hour during the lunch period, giving students a chance to learn more about a specific career field and the opportunities available.

“…we had a volunteer ask us where the library is located, as it had been 20 years since they had graduated and had not been on a campus since then. I thought, ‘This is it. We are doing what we accomplished. We brought you back on campus.’ It was a good feeling.”

“The main goal really boils down to ‘How can we get more alumni involved in Father Ryan activities and how do we bring them back to campus?’” says Fuerst.

While the Alumni Board may have been around for decades, helping to plan and execute popular, longstanding alumni events such as Reunion Weekend, the Lou Graham Golf Tournament, the annual Golden Grad Mass, Homecoming, and the wildly popular Pride in the Pit BBQ contest, new events such as Breakfast with Santa and the Irish Easter Egg Hunt have started bringing back another generation of graduates with young kids to the campus.

Fuerst remembers an encounter with one alum that illustrated the unexpected ways in which these events serve to connect alumni with their alma mater. “Prior to the Irish Easter Egg Hunt starting, we were going through the schedule of events for the volunteers, telling them where the hunt would start, that the bathrooms are located in the library, that sort of thing,” Fuerst recalls. “Then, we had a volunteer ask us where the library is located, as it had been 20 years since they had graduated and had not been on a campus since then. I thought, ‘This is it. We are doing what we accomplished. We brought you back on campus.’ It was a good feeling.”

While the Breakfast with Santa and Irish Easter Egg Hunt events cater to alumni with young families, Fuerst is most excited about a new opportunity created by the Alumni Board for anyone who wants to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow graduates.

“While I was at Father Ryan, remember reaching out to alumni who had a job I was interested in, and it was instrumental to me,” Alumni Board Chair HANK FUERST ’05 remembers. “Our hope is to build a network of alumni for the students so they have someone to turn to for questions and advice.”

STEPHANIE (PIANSAY)

NICHOLSON ’98 partner at ERM, a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, social consulting services and sustainability related services; MICHAEL JONES ’89, senior vice president of Pinnacle Bank; BRANDON CORBIN ’98 , IT executive; TYLER EMERSON ’04 a cardiologist at Vanderbilt Medical Center; attorneys CINDY (YOUNG) REISZ ’76 and SHARON HURLEY CONNOR ’96 TOM LORD ’94 music executive; STEVEN HENRY ’14 communications executive; and commercial builder and former Father Ryan Board Chair LEE CARTER .

Father Ryan has already welcomed a dozen alumni and friends of the school for the speaker series this year, with professions as diverse as engineering, medicine, law, music business, and IT. For example, Father Ryan students have had the pleasure of meeting and hearing talks from DAVID BOHAN ’66 founder of bohan, an advertising agency; ADOLPHO BIRCH ’84 senior vice president and chief external and league affairs officer for the Tennessee Titans;

Do you have an interesting job? Do you love what you do? You are the ideal candidate for our Speaker Series. Contact SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD ’04 at atwoods@fatherryan.org if you are interested and can spare an hour to talk about your career.

The Alumni Tent, a brainchild of Atwood’s, is the place where all alumni can now gather with their families before and during the first half of all home football games to reconnect with friends, teachers, and families. The tent offers free food and chances to win merchandise.

“I am pumped about the new Alumni Tent,” Fuerst says. “It really picked up steam toward the end of the season and word started to spread. It was very cool to just watch it all unfold. I saw MR. [JIM] LANGDON ’54 out there every week, and alumni whom he had taught were bringing their kids and introducing them to him. am excited to see where this goes in the future.”

Fuerst, who was recently named the Alumni Board chair, has more ideas for engaging Ryan Nation.

“If we — the Alumni Board and every graduate of Father Ryan — can help spread the word about Father Ryan by sharing our stories and experiences with others, bringing friends to football games or theatre programs, or even by wearing Father Ryan apparel, and one kid finds out about Father Ryan and ends up attending Father Ryan because of those actions, then it will be worth it,” he says. “If one kid can have the experience that I did, that my mom and my grandfather did, and eventually my kids will, then it will be all worth it.”

The campus has welcomed a distinguished group of speakers; including clockwise from top right, Nicholson, Emerson, Corbin, Henry, Bohan, Young, Birch, and Lord, with Christina Williams, Director of College Counseling.

Women’s Voices in Literature

Remember those classroom experiences from your days on campus? Whether it was the teachers who taught you or the lessons you carried with you, the classroom was the focal point of each school day. Irish Ayes is continuing its series to take you inside those classrooms, giving you a glimpse of what has changed and what has stayed the same about the Father Ryan educational experience.

At Father Ryan, and at most high schools, four years of English classes focusing on topics like grammar, analysis, Literature (both American and British), and writing are required to be eligible for graduation, along with additional core subjects including math, science, social sciences, and world languages. But just because English is a required subject doesn’t mean students do not have choices to pursue their interests within the discipline. Take, for example, MRS. JENNIFER ALLEN ’s Women’s Voices In Literature course.

bigger class discussion. I know how personal that moment was for my student to bring up, as I know what she has been through in her own life.”

Through each unit, Mrs. Allen challenges students to think not only about the text they are reading, but about how race, class, and gender influence literature, how women’s experiences affect their writing, and how female authors can use their voices to effect change. Perhaps most importantly of all, Mrs. Allen’s goal for her class is to teach the students how literature relates to their lives and how they can use their own voices — written and otherwise — to bring about positive change in the world today.

“Like the women we are studying, I want my students to recognize the power of their voices and the ability they have to call attention to issues and people who matter to them,” says Mrs. Allen.

Mrs. Allen joined Father Ryan’s English department in 2019, teaching American Literature. MRS. DEB NEBEL a former Father Ryan English teacher, had previously taught a Women in Literature class, but the class was not being offered when Mrs. Allen arrived. The following year, Mrs. Allen was asked to revive the class, which she happily agreed to do.

Although the class had existed before, she didn’t have a curriculum, so she set to work developing one that would build on the skills students learned in previous English classes while also giving students an opportunity to stretch their literary muscles while thinking creatively for themselves.

She structured the class into five units, each focusing on different types of literature by women from all walks of life that speaks to the lived experiences of women in that time period. For example, Unit One focuses on “letters of note” by Queen Elizabeth, Susan B. Anthony, and even teenagers who sent letters to President Eisenhower about keeping Elvis out of the war. Unit Two is a deep dive into essays about women’s experiences and identity, with topics as varied as motherhood, eating disorders, and social media. Unit Three delves into short stories that look at social issues affecting women. Unit Four is a study of the historical novel The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, and the class wraps up with poetry written by women at different stages of their lives.

“It was fascinating to see what resonated with the students in each unit,” Mrs. Allen reports. “We read one essay from an author about why women are seen as not smart or dismissed if they like to wear nice clothes; that essay and the ones on the effects of social media were widely discussed.”

With only 13 students in the class, currently all females (although the class is open to both boys and girls), the small size of the class and the weighty topics have brought the students together and allowed more personal connections to each other and to the material.

“The discussions we have had in class have been spectacular,” says Allen. “In discussing the characters from The Secret Life of Bees one student mentioned how the young main character did not find love with her own family, she found it with a “found family,” which led to an even

In addition to increasing their skills and enjoyment of creative writing, Mrs. Allen assigns special projects that are relevant to each unit to give students a deeper understanding of what women in a particular time period might have experienced. In that way, the students can analyze the text further and make comparisons to their lives.

One assignment that always opens the eyes of her students is in conjunction with the study

Soft: In the style of Maya Angelou

By Kathryn McCormick

There was a time when the world felt a lot harsher

People spoke a lot meaner

Life was much too hard for anyone

Not meant for those with the meek demeanor

Someone of soft body and softer heart

Would not have survived the bleak and dark

The world of old was not meant to be seen

The world long forgotten was not built for me

Me with a gentleness and tearful eyes

Me with a sorrow and mournful soul

I would have died in that place of history

But I live in the now of unity and the whole

I live where can love and find care in the strangers

Here where I am not afraid of the many, woeful dangers have found strength beyond the past of life

I have overcome history’s swinging knife

KATHRYN McCORMICK ’24 finds inspiration from Maya Angelou in sharing her creative writing piece.

of The Secret Life of Bees . In the beginning of the book, the main white character goes with her family’s housekeeper, who is African American, to register to vote, and what ensues sets the rest of the book in motion.

“To really appreciate the setting of this novel and its character’s motivations, I want the girls to have an understanding of how difficult it was for African Americans to register to vote, even though it was supposed to be allowed legally at that time,” shares Mrs. Allen. “Therefore, I have the entire class take the same voter test African Americans were required to take to be able to vote. The girls work in pairs to try to take the test, and then we talk about their experience and how it would have been scored. It is very eye-opening for many of the students and sets the stage for the rest of the book.”

Another one of Mrs. Allen’s favorite projects comes after the short story unit. After finishing all of the short stories from authors as varied as Edith Wharton, Jane Austen, and Eudora Welty, the students are asked to find the commonalities in the characters’ experiences as women. Then, the students are asked to script a talk show where the characters appear and tell their stories in an interview format. In addition, the students are encouraged to create commercials for products that showcase aspects of the story.

“The shows these students prepare are often hilarious and thoughtprovoking,” says Mrs. Allen. “They are a creative way for students to analyze common themes across literature written in different eras that tie into our world today.”

While this is only the second school year this class has been offered by Mrs. Allen, she already has plans to introduce another elective English course: Multicultural Voices in Literature. In the meantime, she will continue to highlight the importance of women’s voices in literature and the power of using one’s voice to create change.

“I have been so inspired by what I have seen from these girls,” shares Mrs. Allen. “It has been so uplifting to read their stories and how they choose to use their voices. I have seen some girls truly find their voices through their writing. For others, they may find that although they may

not use their voice in writing, they can find it somewhere else and still effect positive change in the world.”

As for the students in the class, they too have been inspired by the authors and letter writers they have studied this semester. Just as Mrs. Allen had hoped, many have gained an important gift.

According to VICTORIA

VILCHIZ-MORENO

’24 prior to taking Women’s Voices In Literature she did not enjoy writing, but after taking this class, that all changed. “I was not a very good writer, and writing always felt like a chore for me,” she shares. “This class made me appreciate my ability to express myself, and now I think of writing as a tool to share what I think and to one day make a change. This class made me believe that, even as a woman, my writing has the power to speak louder than any words ever could, and I have this class and my teacher to thank.” There’s no better recommendation than that.

Jennifer Allen’s English Course Broadens Students’ Perspectives.

Msgr. Connor’s family joined Father Ryan President Paul Davis ’81, back right, in adding the chalice and paten (below) of our former principal to the Chalice Display. From left, great-niece Kaitlin Sloan ’23, niece Debbie (Connor) Sloan ’85, Tom Sloan, Judy Connor, brothers Tom Connor ’60 and Rick Connor ’57, and Brenda Connor.

Throughout Father Ryan’s history, alumni have contributed their time and talents to the school, and their guidance has provided students with valuable resources as they begin to consider what their future might hold.

A distinguished group of alumni have served in a unique manner: the priesthood, both within the Diocese of Nashville and around the world. And the Chalice Display — housed inside the Main Office of Father Ryan — commemorates their contributions, offering memories of their love of God and their commitment to sharing the Catholic faith with others.

Another chalice was added during the fall semester, that of MSGR. PATRICK CONNOR ’53 who served the Diocese of Nashville as a priest for 62 years, including three years (1974–1977) as the principal of Father Ryan High School.

A native of Nashville, Msgr. Connor. graduated from Father Ryan as the salutatorian of the Class of 1953. It was during Msgr. Connor’s time as a student at Father Ryan — in the midst of numerous priests on the faculty and staff — that he began to consider pursuing a vocation to the priesthood. He approached FATHER JAMES NIEDERGESES ’37 (later Bishop Niedergeses) for his guidance.

Breakfast with Santa

The Christmas spirit was vibrant during our first Breakfast with Santa in 2022, so we were thrilled to bring it back in 2023! We welcomed a full crowd of our Junior Irish and alumni to campus for a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, crafts, and train rides around campus, with entertaining performances by Mosaic, our Father Ryan Show Choir.

After graduating from Father Ryan, he studied at St. Ambrose College (Davenport, Iowa), St. Mary’s Seminary (Baltimore), and Memphis State University (Memphis).

Msgr. Connor was ordained to the priesthood in 1961 and returned to Nashville three years later when he was appointed the assistant pastor of the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the master of ceremonies for the bishop. In 1987, Msgr. Connor was named the administrator for Father Ryan’s relocation from Elliston Place to the current campus on Norwood Drive. In honor of his instrumental role in that relocation, the campus’s Cloister Building was dedicated in his honor in 2006.

The chalice of Msgr. Connor joins those of several other clergy who have committed their lives to the priesthood after graduating from Father Ryan. The display includes chalices from alumni MSGR. GEORGE ROHLING ’31 MSGR. JAMES R. HITCHCOCK ’39 , MSGR. JOEL WIGGS ’42 REV. JAMES N. MILLER ’51 REV. BILL FLEMING ’49 REV. JOE PAT BREEN ’54 , REV. PHILIP BREEN ’57 and REV. JAMES BLACK ’64 , in addition to the house cassock and stole of BISHOP DAVID CHOBY ’65 . Because the chalice of Father Breen ’54 was used by Pope John XXIII in a Mass, his chalice has been officially registered as a second class relic.

Young Alumni Lunch

Just a few days before Christmas, numerous young alumni from many of our recent classes returned to campus to reconnect with current seniors and the faculty and staff. These alumni — from those in the final stages of their undergraduate education to those just months removed from their graduation from Father Ryan — showed off their ugly Christmas sweaters and shared some Christmas treats while recalling memories of their time on Norwood Drive.

45th Annual Legacy Gala at Music City Center

David ’66 and Linda Bohan honored for dedicated support of Catholic education.

Discovering the Benefits of Planned Giving for you and Father Ryan

MWore than 400 people joined Father Ryan High School to honor LINDA and DAVID ’66 BOHAN (above) at the school’s 45th annual Legacy Gala on Saturday, January 27, at the Music City Center. The Bohans were saluted for their work and their longstanding support of Catholic education.

David Bohan is the retired chairman of bohan, an independent, full-service advertising agency in Nashville — also one of the largest independent agencies in the state — which he founded in 1990. He served as a board chair for Father Ryan High School from 2004–2008.

David and Linda began donating to the school’s Annual Fund when it was established in 1978 and have a 44-year consecutive giving record, tied for the longest in school history. They have funded scholarships for Father Ryan High School as well as the University of Tennessee College of Communications and Information.

“It was wonderful to celebrate David and Linda at our Legacy Gala,” Father Ryan President PAUL DAVIS ’81 said. “We are extremely grateful to both of them for all that they have done and continue to do for the students, faculty, and staff of Father Ryan High School.”

The Gala brought together family and friends from throughout the Irish community: from top, Mrs. Jennifer Anton enjoys the Gala; Mr. Paul Davis ’81 welcomes the crowd; the Bohan family gathers; David Bohan with sponsor and Dean of UT College of Communications Joe Mazer and Diocesan Schools Superintendent Shana Druffner.

hen it comes to the use of acronyms and initials to describe products and departments, the world of non-profit planned giving rivals the U.S. military and the federal government.

From CLTs to AGLs to CRTs, it is easy to get confused about what instrument to use and which is most beneficial, both to you and to Father Ryan. Add in less familiar terms like annuities, unitrusts, donor advised funds, and more, and it is not surprising that many people get stymied about making a planned gift before they even get started.

However, while the process of planned giving may seem challenging, the benefits of a planned gift are easy to understand. It can provide an attractive way to ensure income for the donor for an extended period while supporting the programs of Father Ryan well into the future. And the process is truly manageable and logical. For proof of that, did you know that there are now more than 60 individuals who have made a planned gift to Father Ryan.

Planned Giving vs. Annual Fund

Both Planned Giving and its fundraising cousin — the Annual Fund — are designed to provide critical support to Father Ryan.

The Annual Fund generates immediately available dollars that are put to use the year they are donated, helping close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of operating the school. All it takes is the stroke of a check or an online credit card gift to add these funds to the Father Ryan account, and the annual total is inching close to $1 million.

Planned Giving is used by alumni, parents, and friends who, through estate planning, deferred giving, and other forms of planned giving, ensure that Father Ryan will have resources at its disposal far into the future.

Father Black’s Legacy

Father Ryan’s Director of Advancement BROOKE REUSCH has the pleasure of talking to alumni, friends, and other supporters of the school on an almost-daily basis. “The generosity of the Father Ryan community is so humbling,” Reusch says, “and the conversations with donors are always so touching, whether it’s about making an Annual Fund gift or a planned gift. This community takes great pride in the school, and as we have communicated the opportunities for and benefits of a planned gift, more alumni and friends have stepped forward to strengthen Father Ryan’s future.”

Connected to a Treasured Father Ryan Alumnus

While the mechanisms for making a Planned Gift may be varied, the purpose is clear, and that purpose is best expressed by the person for whom the Planned Giving Society is named — FATHER JAMES A. BLACK ’64 The school’s first Academic Dean and the priest whose courses, Scripture reflections, and praying of the Rosary are still remembered and treasured today by countless alumni, Father Black was an outstanding student, faculty member, and priest. After his untimely death from cancer in 1984, Father Black left a legacy to his alma mater through the publishing and sale of his written materials, including The Old Testament a widelyused text for scripture instruction.

Plan Your Legacy

The first step in exploring a Planned Gift for Father Ryan is to visit the website at fatherryanlegacy.org to familiarize yourself with some of the language and the options. Then reach out to Mrs. Reusch at reuschb@fatherryan.org or via phone at 615-269-RYAN (7926) to schedule a call or a meeting to discuss your goals.

A Spirit of Philanthropy

The Father James A. Black ’64 Planned Giving Society honors individuals and families who have made planned gifts to Father Ryan High School. Father Black was one of the first alumni to include the school in his estate planning. His reason was simple: he loved this school, as his words affirm.

“Since Ordination, I’ve had the assignment of serving at Father Ryan High School in Nashville. That assignment has truly been a gift from the Lord to me. And if the Lord, through whom all things are possible, would grant me but one wish as I stand before him, it would be this: I would ask the Lord to assign me the privileged task of watching over, cherishing, and protecting that great institution and all its members, now and forever.”

— Father James A. Black ’64

One of the key components of the Father Ryan Strategic Plan is creating a culture of philanthropy among our community. In each issue of Irish Ayes, we profile individuals who have demonstrated that philanthropic spirit in their own giving to Father Ryan. This issue features one of the first alumni to make a planned gift. To read more about the Annual Fund at Father Ryan, visit fatherryan.org/giving

Rachel Hunkler ’09: Mentoring Students to Address Violence

As a student and faculty member at Father Ryan, RACHEL HUNKLER ’09 embraced the message that she was known and loved. However, knowing that violence instead of love is the hallmark of many schools across the nation, Hunkler set out to effect a change.

After five years working on violence prevention programs at the McCain Institute in Washington, D.C., Hunkler has moved to the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, the most comprehensive anti-hate program in the world. There she works with young people in programs to reduce hate-based violence in our country’s schools. Her inspiration is Father Ryan. “Father Ryan was the foundation for all I do,” Hunkler said. “’Known and loved’ showed me how things should be and helped focus my efforts on improving communities. I see people hurt by other people and I know that isn’t right. want to fix it.”

Hunkler has embraced this type of educational role since high school. After graduating from Father Ryan, she earned her degrees in K–12 education and Spanish from the University of Alabama. Next, she spent two years in Madrid, Spain, as a Fulbright Fellow, teaching middle school and high school English. She returned to Norwood Drive to teach English I, Spanish 1.5, and AP Spanish Lit and was moderator of the Multicultural Student Union, the Spanish Club, and Cheerleading.

After earning her master’s in education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and International Education in 2018, she found her way to D.C, where in between her work on violence prevention at the Institute she volunteers at Washington Children’s Garden, whose produce is distributed to food deserts in the D.C. area, and continues planning for her October wedding.

1957 EDWARD LAMBERT and Mary Margaret Formosa (SBA ’57) recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of ED LAMBERT, JR. ’80 CHUCK LAMBERT ’82 and NICK LAMBERT ’85 They have five grandchildren, one of whom is SARAH LAMBERT ’09

2015 ANDREW TRIPLETT recently moved back to Nashville from Birmingham, Alabama, and is now working as an attorney with Cobb Law Group, LP, in their general law practice group.

Hunkler is the Director of Programs and Evaluation for the Summit, which includes Invent2Prevent, a nationwide program for high school and college students. Hunkler and her team become these students’ mentors, helping these students create solutions to prevent hate-based violence in their local communities.

“I’ve always loved project-based learning,” she says, “and this program gives me the opportunity to use my education and teaching experience to connect with these students in actionable ways.”

“I am an advocate for education and training that creates more inclusive, peaceful societies,” she says. “We can all build bridges of mutual understanding within and across borders.”

For more information about Hunkler’s program, visit eradicatehatesummit.org.

BASKETBALL ALUMNI HONORED IN DECEMBER

More than 80 Father Ryan girls and boys basketball alumni from the graduating classes of 1952 to 2023 and former coaches came together to cheer on the Irish during our Basketball Alumni Night! We loved seeing so many familiar faces, and we can’t wait to welcome more alumni back on campus soon.

1978 TOM KELLY while serving as the Fire Chief for Riceville, North Carolina, Volunteer Fire Department, completed the Paramedic class in one year.

1981 JOHN HOWINGTON MD, MBA, FCCP, is a practicing thoracic surgeon currently at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington. Dr. Howington will serve as the 87th CHEST President in 2025.

1981–2019 Chicago-based alumni from these graduating years reconnected with classmates and friends at Chicago Ryan Nation Night in December, hosted by TEDDY HARRIS ’88 at his The Leavitt Street Inn and Tavern. The group enjoyed connecting with Father Ryan President PAUL DAVIS ’81 and hearing about all that is happening with each other and with Father Ryan.

PETEY ’85 and LEIGH ’86 RICHARDS owners of Green Resources Interior Landscaping, received the Music City Center 2023 Vendor of Excellence award. This designation is awarded to a business partner who displays outstanding achievements in service and commitment to MCC.

1987 MICHELE JOHNSON executive director and cofounder of the nonprofit Tennessee Justice Center, received the Nashville Bar Association’s John C. Tune Public Service Award on December 6, 2023, at the bar association’s annual membership meeting and banquet. The John C. Tune Public Service Award is the bar association’s highest honor. It is awarded to a member who has shown the highest degree of dedication to the betterment of the community. Michele has devoted her thirty-year legal career to legal aid and civil rights. She has been nationally recognized for her advocacy on behalf of children with special health care needs. She co-founded the Tennessee Justice Center in 1996 to advocate with and for marginalized families across Tennessee.

2003 MRS. STEPHANIE (MACCA) HEMYARI and her family have opened a catering and event venue, Macca Villa. The grand opening was held in the fall of 2023. Learn more at www.maccavilla.com.

2005 JESSICA GIANNONE will be joining the Teaching Artist Ensemble of Disney Theatrical Group with Disney on Broadway.

2015 EDWARD CAMACHO graduated from Northern Kentucky University with an M.S. in Nursing and passed the exam to become a board certified PsychiatricMental Health Nurse Practitioner.

2016 JAMIE (JUDKINS) NEFF

earned a Masters of Science, summa cum laude, in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University.

2016 CHRISTIAN SURAY got the work opportunity of a lifetime after graduating from the University of Alabama in 2020 with his degree in Aerospace Engineering. He was selected to work as an engineer for Elon Musk’s SpaceX space crew. While with SpaceX, Christian helped build satellites for the Department of Defense. “Since high school, had been following SpaceX and had always wanted to work for them,” Christian said.

2017 KAHWIT TELA received an Edward R. Murrow journalism award for work on “The Grand Ole Guitar.”

2018 Fire Recruit ALEX FORD from Battalion 89 of the Nashville Fire Department Training Academy was given the Stork Award for helping deliver a newborn on his clinical ride during his EMT Training.

Tatiana Galvez and CAMERON

BURNETT ’11 were married on October 7, 2023, at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort in San Diego, California.

JENNIFER (HOLT) ’16 and Camdon Collier were married September 2, 2023, at Legacy Farms in Lebanon, TN.

DEDE (ROWAN) ’10 and DYLAN

GOLDEN ’10 were married on April 29, 2023, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville, TN.

MALLY (DOYLE) ’17 and Justin JordanLake were married on October 21, 2023, at Christ the King Church in Nashville, TN

JAMIE (JUDKINS) ’16 and Jared Neff were married on October 28, 2023, in McMinnville, TN.

ELISE MILLER ’91 and JASON

MCNEELY ’91 were married on November 15, 2022, at the Tropicana Las Vegas.

Journey Hargrove and WILL SHAW ’17 were married on December 30, 2023, in College Grove, TN.

CLARE (PURCELL) ’10 and CONOR

WELSH ’10 were married on August 19, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, in Nashville, TN.

Deacon Bill Hill ’67: Continuing a Saint’s Educational Mission

Growing up in North Nashville and attending St. Vincent de Paul Church, DEACON BILL HILL ’67 knew the name Katharine Drexel, founder of Immaculate Mother Academy and St. Vincent School in Nashville. But it was a conversation with classmate PAUL ROHLING ’67 that focused his attention on a way to honor this national educator.

Deacon Hill participated in the Class of 1967’s 50th Reunion initiative to establish a scholarship at Father Ryan. The more he talked with Rohling and saw the response to the ’67 Scholarship — now at more than $275,000 — the more he realized that he could do something to support future Father Ryan students from his community and honor the legacy of Drexel.

Three years later, the Saint Katharine Drexel Scholarship is a reality, with almost $270,000 raised from Father Ryan alumni and friends nationwide and a number of Black students attending school as Drexel Scholarship recipients.

This March 2, the feast day of Saint Katharine Drexel — who is also the patron saint of Immaculata House at Father Ryan, a salute to Immaculate Mother Academy — Deacon Hill welcomed donors and friends to campus for the now-annual Saint Katharine Drexel Mass and Reception. This year, the event included the unveiling of a new display (at right) in the Immaculata House hallway of the Academic Building, honoring the memory of the 15 students who integrated Father Ryan in 1954, the first school in the South to integrate.

“So much of my life is connected to and has benefited from the dedication of Saint Katharine Drexel and the opportunities I received at Father Ryan,” Deacon Hill said. “I am honored to play a role in keeping both legacies alive for these students today.”

To donate to the Saint Katharine Drexel Scholarship, visit fatherryan.org/academics/scholarships.

Joseph Leonard to KEITH ALBERSTADT ’91 and Leslie Alberstadt on September 9, 2023.

Everett William to ANDREW ARIOLA ’11 and Elisha Ariola on April 26, 2023.

Carter Williams to SARA (CARTER) ’04 and MIKE ATWOOD ’02 born on November 10, 2023. Carter joins big sister Mary Catherine and big brother Chip.

Francesca “Frankie” Rae to JENA (GALSTER) ’07 and Tim Costanzo, born on August 25, 2023.

Addison Rose to BECCA (JOHNSON) ’05 and Brad Daughdrill, born on January 2, 2024.

Lucia Isabel to SARAH WATHEN ’09 and Diego Diaz, born on December 31, 2023.

Tate William to ASHLEE (SCHENK) (FACULTY) and Adam Doyle, born on January 27, 2024.

Nancy Josephine to KATIE (DEAN) EGBERT ’99 and Tucker Egbert, born on October 7, 2023

James Michael Garrett was born on October 18, 2023, to CAITLIN (WHALEN) ’13 and Kenneth Garrett.

James Daniel to ANGELA (GRIFFITH) ’06 and DANIEL GHANEM ’05 born August 23, 2023.

Cecilia Albright to ELLIE (SCAGLIONE) ’09 and Eric Hollihan, born on January 21, 2024.

Thomas Augustine to AMANDA (BOWLDS) ’11 and Max Long, born on January 26, 2024.

Mila Grace to ASHLEY (MANNING) MANN ’07 and Felix Mann on November 21, 2023.

Louis Gino IV to LOU MARCHETTI III ’96 and Jessica Hargest, born on March 5, 2023.

Luca Jones to ABBY (GROVER) ’14 and MARCELO MORRICE ’15 born on December 5, 2023.

Samuel Ryan to Jenica and MATT ’99 PICKNEY, born on January 13, 2023.

Dawson to MEKENZIE (BROWN) ’11 and Alexander Pittard, born on August 22, 2023.

Poppy Irene to BEVAN (SPARTA) ’10 and Graham Spencer, born on November 2, 2023

Tate Grace to Stephanie and ERIC STAMPS ’09 born on November 17, 2023. Tate joins big sister Sailor Mae.

Elizabeth to Carly and WILL ’07 THOMPSON born on September 18, 2023.

Cecilia Albright Hollihan

Joseph Leonard Alberstadt

James Daniel Ghanem

Francesca “Frankie”

Rae Costanzo

Thomas Augustine Long

Addison Rose Daughdrill

Mila Grace Mann

Lucia Isabel Diaz Tate William Doyle

Samuel Ryan Pickney

Nancy Josephine Egbert

Poppy Irene Spencer Tate Grace Stamps Elizabeth Thompson

Carter Williams Atwood

Louis Gino Marchetti IV

Jennifer (Holt) ’16 and Camdon Collier Tatiana Galvez and Cameron Burnett ’11

Jamie (Judkins) ’16 and Jared Neff

Elise Miller ’91 and Jason McNeely ’91

Journey Hargrove and Will Shaw ’17

Clare (Purcell) ’10 and Conor Welsh ’10

Dede (Rowan) ’10 and Dylan Golden ’10

Mally (Doyle) ’17 and Justin Jordan-Lake

MARY ANN “TOMMIE” HIBBETT ANDREWS wife of alumnus John N. Andrews ’47 (deceased).

THOMAS BECHTOLD father of alumna Beverly (Bechtold) Biele ’99.

PAT BIRMINGHAM sister of alumnus John Birmingham ’61.

ESTELLE SAAD BOLES , mother of alumni Michelle (Boles) Delfs ’80, Amy Boles-Wood ’81, R. Jerry Boles, Jr. ’82, and Charles Boles ’84; sister of alumni Ellis Saad ’58, Richard Saad ’61, John Saad, Jr. ’63 (all deceased), and Theresa (Saad) Thurman ’73 (Eddie ’73).

RUFUS W. BRONAUGH, SR. father of alumnus Rufus Bronaugh, Jr. ’70.

PAUL CHRISTOPHER BROWN ’76 brother of alumnus Joe Brown ’72.

SIDNEY T. BUNCH III husband of alumna Karen (Williams) Bunch ’71 and father of alumni Sidney Bunch IV ’96 and Enoch Bunch ’00.

RITA POWELL BYRD wife of alumnus Martin Byrd ’73.

ANNE WALL CHRISTESON sister of alumni Patrick Wall ’69, John Wall ’71, and Michael Wall ’71.

WILLIAM WAYNE COVERDALE ’71 , son of Jack Coverdale ’39 and brother of John “Jock” Coverdale, Jr. ’67 (both deceased).

JAMES A. DEAN ’69

LAURENCE DEFRANCE former Father Ryan boys assistant lacrosse coach.

PHILLIP DERRICK son of alumnus Edward Derrick ’50 (deceased) and brother of alumni Debbie (Derrick) Reale ’72 (Pete ’62, deceased), Vicky (Derrick) Nolan ’75, Dorothy (Derrick) Barrett ’77 (Joe ’77), Joe Derrick ’79, David Derrick ’85, and Catherine Derrick ’86 (deceased).

LEON P. DODD, SR. ’53 father of alumni Ann Dodd ’73, Leon Dodd, Jr. ’75, Michael Dodd ’76, John Dodd ’81 (Kay Sappenfield ’84), Kathy (Dodd) Van Grinsven ’81 (Tony ’80), and Denise (Dodd) Lewis ’84.

ANGELA KOHL DRENNAN wife of alumnus William “Billy” Drennan ’60 (deceased); mother of alumni Michael

Drennan ’85 (deceased), Dena (Drennan) Rutledge ’86, and Matthew Drennan ’93; daughter of alumnus John B. Kohl, Jr. ’32 (deceased); sister of John B. Kohl III ’58 (deceased) and Jimmy Kohl 62.

THOMAS “DUKE” EDMONDSON ’62

father of alumni Thomas “Trey” Edmondson III ’85 and Angie (Edmondson) Jones ’89; brother of alumnus Gary Edmondson ’69.

MARY THERESE FAJARDO sister of alumni Bobby Fajardo ’62 (deceased) and Rose (Fajardo) Latino ’79.

PHILLIP “PHIL” FEDUN ’76 son of alumnus Paul Fedun ’47 (deceased) and brother of alumni Paulette (Fedun) James ’73 and Paul Fedun ’79.

MIKE FITTS , father of alumni Mickey Fitts ’78 and Tommy Fitts ’81.

VICTOR “VIC” FRANCESCON ’49 father of Ken ’74 and John ’79 Francescon and brother of Pete ’41 and Sam ’49 Francescon ’49 (both deceased).

THOMAS GMITTER father of alumna Kirsten (Gmitter) Rollins ’94.

Cynthia Anne “C.A.” Williams: The One and Only

CYNTHIA ANNE “C.A.” WILLIAMS who brought a dedication to teaching, a caring commitment to her students, and an enduring love for Father Ryan to her classroom during a more than four-decade educational career, passed away on Saturday, December 9.

C.A. joined Father Ryan’s faculty in 1972, the early days of coeducation, and her embrace of the Irish spirit was immediate and indelible. She drew every bit of energy from her 5-foot frame and commanded respect and love from the students in her classroom. Her smile, recognizable laugh, and enthusiasm for teaching made her a welcome sight for her fellow faculty members. She remembered how they greeted and guided her in her early years, and she extended that same love as a mentor to new teachers throughout her career, embodying the Father Ryan message that you will be known and you will be loved.

An unabashed sports fan, C.A. was a loud and passionate supporter of her Nashville Predators and the Alabama Crimson Tide, but she saved her loudest cheers for the Irish. She led those cheers for the athletes, the actors, the musicians, the band, the scientists, and everyone who wore the purple and represented the Irish, in and out of the classroom.

“As my teacher, as one of my educational mentors, and as a wise and smiling colleague, C.A. Williams was a model of the Father Ryan experience,” said PAUL DAVIS ’81 , Father Ryan president. “Her spirit and unwavering commitment to the welfare of this school were demonstrated every day, and they inspired all of us, faculty, staff, and students. The fact that C.A. was voted by her peers as the first recipient of the Bishop Alphonse Smith Teacher of the Year Award demonstrates the respect and the admiration we all felt for her.”

He went on to say, “She was present in the classroom, in the hallways, at events, and student activities, championing the students while here and

cheering each one as alumni, keeping in touch with them and providing support and counsel, even after she retired from teaching. We will miss her presence but will remember her impact always.”

Having earned her B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University, C.A. arrived at Father Ryan in 1972 after teaching at St. Edward School and in classrooms in Williamson County schools. C.A. went on to serve as the Social Science Department Chair, teach history and art, and worked closely with the Cooperative Support Program. She moderated Youth Government, comprised of Model United Nations and Youth Legislature, and was head coach of the first Girls Tennis Team at Father Ryan in 1974. She went on to earn her M.A. from MTSU. In 2007, she was awarded WalMart Teacher of the Year. In addition to being the first Bishop Smith Outstanding Teacher Award recipient in 2010, she was saluted as the Father Ryan Legacy Gala Honoree in 2016 and retired at the end of the 2015–2016 school year.

C.A. was born on July 19, 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, the daughter of the late Warner H. Williams, Jr. and Anne G. Williams and sister of the late Beverly Ann McLean Wilson. After her father completed his time in the U.S. Navy, her parents moved to Nashville to be closer to family. Cynthia was a high school graduate of St. Bernard Academy before attending MTSU. C.A. went on to teach at Father Ryan High School for 44 years. She loved her “kids”, her poker buddies, her friends, her fur babies, and her family. She will be remembered as kind, funny, loving, and passionate about many things, but especially her Preds and the Alabama Crimson Tide!

The entire Father Ryan community, across the generations, joins in prayers and thanks for C.A. for all she has meant and done for Father Ryan High School. May she rest in peace.

ROBBE GREENE , father of Father Ryan student Emma Greene ’27.

ALAN D. GREENE ’50, brother of Ronald Greene ’49 (deceased).

JOHN JUDE GRIFFITH ’73, brother of Bill Griffith ’62 (deceased).

JOEL VAN GRINSVEN ’74, brother of alumni Fred Van Grinsven ’74 (deceased), Ann (Van Grinsven) Choate ’76, Tina (Van Grinsven) Hill ’78, and Tony Van Grinsven ’80 (Kathy Dodd ’81).

ANN HAILEY mother of alumni Robert Hailey, Jr. ’73 (deceased), Mary Lee Hailey Payne ’74, Martina Hailey ’75, Steve Hailey ’78, and Amy Hailey ’80.

MICAH JEREMY HAMMOND ’93

EILEEN CAREY HEWITT wife of alumnus Harry Hewitt, Jr. ’68.

OSCAR B. HOFSTETTER III ’59, son of Oscar B. Hofstetter, Jr. ’32 (deceased) and brother of Bob Hofstetter ’63, Jim Hofstetter ’67, and Chris Hofstetter ’73.

KING HOLLANDS ’58

MARY CLAIRE HOLZAPFEL wife of alumnus Everett B. “Hosey” Holzapfel, Jr. ’59 and mother of alumni Holly (Holzapfel) Chase ’83 and Everett B. Holzapfel III ’88.

REV. PAUL A. HOSTETTLER ’42 , brother of alumni George “Fred” Hostettler ’41 and Phillip Hostettler ’43 (both deceased).

DR. JAMES HUGHES ’62 , brother of alumni Michael Leo Hughes ’46 (deceased), Joseph Hughes ’51 (deceased), and John “Jack” Hughes ’62.

LEROY “JERRY” JIRIKOVEC , father of alumna Jane (Jirikovec) Swenson ’75.

WENDI (CURTIS) JOHNSON ’85

JOHN KIMBRO brother of alumnus William H. Kimbro, Jr. ’49 (deceased).

GERALD “JERRY” KIRKPATRICK ’60 brother of alumni Michael Kirkpatrick ’68 and Geoffrey “Beau” Kirkpatrick ’70.

MARIELLEN (LEE) LADA ’76

MICHAEL F. “BUCKY” LANGRECK ’79 father of alumnus Michael Langreck ’17 and brother of Rick Langreck ’77.

ERIC LARKIN , husband of alumna Louise (Banker) Larkin ’86 and father of alumnae Gracie ’16 and Shelby ’18 Larkin.

ROBERT LAWRENCE , son of alumnus Louis J. Lawrence ’31 (deceased) and brother of Louis J. Lawrence, Jr. ’53 (deceased).

HELEN ANN LEAVER sister of alumnus John Leaver ’55 (deceased).

PATSY MCCULLOUGH, mother of alumni James Edward McCullough, Jr. ’78 (deceased), Michael R. “Mickey” McCullough ’79,  Shannon (McCullough) Mangrum ’80, Mary Kelly McCullough ’82 (deceased), and Erin Anne (McCullough) Williams ’85.

CHARLES “CHUCK” MCDOWELL ’69

PAMELA POWELL MCGRATH ,  mother of alumnus Parrish McGrath ’85 (Kelli Dowlen ’88).

JOHN J. MCREDMOND IV ’77, father of alumna Ashley (McRedmond) Parsley ’04 and son of alumnus John J. “Cap” McRedmond III ’54 (deceased).

JAMES “JAY” MARK MOREL III ’85 son of alumnus J. Mark Morel, Jr. ’61 (deceased) and brother of alumni Felix Mann Morel ’88, Byron Morel ’89, and Edie (Morel) Barksdale ’90.

SISTER JEANNE PARRISH , sister of alumni  Donald Parrish ’33 and Raymond Parrish ’36 (both deceased).

VINCENT T. PHILLIPS a Life Trustee of Father Ryan and father of alumni Vince Phillips, Jr. ’85 and Steve Phillips ’93.

JOAN HAGER CARR PIETRAMALE daughter of alumnus Auborn “Al” Hager ’42 (deceased).

LOUIS MICHAEL PINHAL brother of alumnae Ann (Pinhal) Price ’86 (deceased) and Marie (Pinhal) Lassiter ’86.

MICHELLE “CHELLE” (WATSON) POTTER ’75 sister of Michael Watson ’69 (deceased) and Pat Watson ’69.

DANIEL “DANNY” RAMSEY ’70 father of alumni Austin Ramsey ’02 and Denver Ramsey ’04; brother of alumni Steve Ramsey ’66 (deceased), Tim Ramsey ’73, and Billy Ramsey ’76.

ROBERT “BOB” REESE ’66 son of alumnus Robert “Bobby” Reese ’42 (deceased) and brother of alumni Tom Reese ’70 and Joe Reese ’72.

FRANK S. SASS father of alumnae Stephanie ’19 and Amy ’22 Sass.

ROBERTA O’HARA SCHMITT, sister of alumnus James A. O’Hara III ’68.

MICHELLE LINDA SCHRODT, mother of alumna Bree Schrodt ’23.

MARGARET RYAN SHARP wife of alumnus Tom Sharp ’45 (deceased) and mother of alumni Tom ’67, Robert ’68, Joe ’71, Andy ’75, and Mark ’81 Sharp.

RITA MCNAMEE SMITH , mother of alumni Roger Smith ’75 and Paul Smith ’82 and sister of alumnus Thomas W. McNamee ’44 (deceased).

WILLIAM L. “BILL” SOVINE ’62 father of alumni Kymberly (Sovine) Baruzzini ’82 (Brent ’79), Kelly Sovine ’84 (deceased), Keith Sovine ’86, Karyn (Sovine) Green ’87 (Jimmy ’87), and Kathleen (Sovine) Chatham ’90; brother of alumni Roger Sovine ’61 and Michael Sovine ’73 (deceased).

DONALD ST. CHARLES ’69

SCOTT STEGALL ’89.

ROBERT “BOB” SULLIVAN, JR. ’56 son of Robert Hart Sullivan ’29 (deceased) and brother of alumni William “Bill” Sullivan ’59 and Jerry Sullivan ’62 (both deceased).

ANDREW THOMPSON husband of alumna Courtney (Maher) Thompson ’95.

DR. ROBERT “BOBBY” TREHERNE, SR. ’73

JAMES VIENNEAU father of alumnus James “Jim” Vienneau ’80 (Adelaide Mallette ’80).

EMMETT “MITCH” WEBB III ’67, son of alumnus Emmett Henry Webb, Jr. ’43 (deceased).

CYNTHIA ANNE “C.A.” WILLIAMS , retired member of the Faculty.

FRANK WYCHECK father of alumnae Deanna (Wycheck) Szabo ’09 and Madison (Wycheck) Nowell ’15.

May 31–June 2, 2024

Lou Graham ’56 Alumni Golf Tournament

All Alumni Reception Reunion Parties for the Classes Ending in ’4 and ’9

Golden Grad Induction of the Class of 1974

If you’d like to help organize your Class’s Reunion, contact Sara (Carter) Atwood ’04 at atwoods@fatherryan.org.

Looking Back

The Class of 1974 Takes Center Stage Again

On a nice September day in 1970, a group of 13- and 14-year-olds walked into Father Ryan High School and immediately left its mark by its very arrival. Those students — the Class of 1974 — became the first class in the history of the school never to experience an all-male Father Ryan.

For the first time since the founding of Nashville Catholic High School for Boys in 1925, girls were now part of the student body. From those first steps till their Graduation four years later, the Class of 201 graduates established itself as one of the most accomplished in the school’s long history.

Nicknamed “The Intelligentsia” by History and Theology teacher PAT LANGDON ’58 for its inquisitiveness and its varied interests, the Class arrived on campus like all freshmen — and now freshwomen — figuring out their locker combinations, the cafeteria’s menu, and their daily schedules. They did so in a building and with a faculty that was also figuring out a few things: where to place women’s restrooms, how to accommodate female athletes, and where everyone would fit.

• The Class has the second most members of the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame, including five individuals: KAY BATEY, KAREN (HARRIS)

RUSSELL MICHAEL HOOKER

CHUCK MERIWETHER and JOHN SNEED; and two teams, the 1973-74 Girls Basketball and the 1974 Wrestling Teams.

Looking at the accomplishments of the Class since graduation, Mr. Langdon’s title for the Class is even more apt. In venues and through professions as varied as the class members themselves, these Irish alumni have continued to make their marks. ROBERT KENT, who retired last year, and PAT SIMPSON have enjoyed long and impactful careers, creating memorable classroom experiences while developing multiple Cross Country State Champions (Kent) and winning 22 State Titles while being named twice as the National Wrestling Coach of the Year (Simpson). The first female Valedictorian and editor of The Moina (Adams) went on to a long and honored journalism career. BOBBY MURPHY and KAY BATEY became engineers, JOHN DWYER has been a

As it turned out, the Class of 1974 figured out things pretty quickly. They helped launch girls sports at Father Ryan, added new perspectives to classroom discussions, established a new club focused on service, raised championship banners, and helped guide Irish institutions like The Moina. The list of their achievements is exceptional.

• Just four years after establishing the first girls sports team at Father Ryan, the Girls Basketball Team won the District title, led by four members of the Class of 1974.

• The first female Valedictorian in school history came from this Class: MARGARET (DECKBAR) ADAMS

• The Wrestling Team won two State Championships during the Class’s four years, in 1971 and 1974, and the Boys Basketball Team made the State Final Four.

• The Class participated in a foreign exchange program, the first in school history, which took students to Germany, France, and Italy to enhance their educational experiences.

nationally successful serial entrepreneur, JOHN SEIGENTHALER anchored NBC News among many stops in his TV career, KATHRYN (STROBEL) KNOELLER had a career of service as a dedicated social worker, BILL COAKLEY (deceased) built one of Nashville’s largest companies, JERRY ROBERTSON and Sneed played college sports, and Meriwether followed his love of baseball to the highest level — as a Major League Baseball umpire, with two World Series and two perfect games called during his career.

Whatever the title — the Intelligentsia, the first four-year co-ed class, State Champions — the Class of 1974 continues to be an example of Father Ryan’s Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service in communities across the country. They will continue that tradition in June, on the Father Ryan campus that they continue to honor. Welcome to the Golden Grad Society.

Ryan Nation has been showing its

Purple Pride

Our social media feeds are packed full with arts activities, athletic triumphs, and student service projects – each one showing why it is always a great day to be Irish! Follow us on social media to see our Irish community in action.