APRIL 2025
It is Spring and Eastertide on the Father Ryan campus, a season of renewal and rebirth —and a celebration of continued achievements for our students. Enjoy this video of our Ash Wednesday All-School Mass and this issue of Junior Irish News.
Ash Wednesday All-School Mass
Finn Saivar '25 Named National Merit Finalist
Congratulations to Finn on being named a National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Previously a Semi-Finalist, he was selected from a nationwide group of 16,000 Semi-Finalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
"Father Ryan and my teachers prepared me for the future by always expecting the best of me. They challenged me to put maximum effort into everything I did, even in the smallest details. I know the work ethic they developed in me will help me continue to succeed after high school." – Finn, attending Notre Dame in the fall, transferred to Father Ryan for his sophomore year when his family moved from Los Angeles to Nashville.
Your summer needs more Irish!
Visit fatherryan.org/camps to register for a variety of great camps from academic enrichment and athletics to the arts and everything (and we mean everything) in between.
Academics/Activities:
4 AP courses as a Senior and has completed three additional AP courses since sophomore year Member of Trinity House
Played on the Football Team
Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, Minister of Holy Communion Member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and Model UN
Varsity Hockey Wins Program's First Henry Hine Cup
The Varsity Hockey Team won the 2025 Henry Hine Cup Championship! With a big 7-5 victory over Station Camp-Liberty Creek, the Irish claimed the program’s first Hine Cup. Hudson Laux '27 was named the MVP of the game.
We continue our monthly Junior Irish book reviews with two titles worth checking out.
For our youngest Junior Irish, Jessica Bain '92, one of our four full-time Learning Specialists and former first grade teacher, shares several books from one of her favorite illustrators, David Catrow. Check out his art in these books, perfect for grades PreK through Third Grade.
I Like Myself and I Ain't Gonna Paint No
More by Karen Beaumont
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner
Angie Coffey ’95, Father Ryan’s Annual Fund Manager, recommends The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, son of best-selling author Steven Covey. “My youngest son just read this and would, unprompted, share quotes and information about what he learned,” she says. “One quote he shared was, ‘Be a firstrate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else.’”
Upcoming Events
Irish Visit Europe
Each year, Father Ryan sponsors several trips abroad and a French exchange program as part of our robust academic opportunities beyond the classroom. Over spring break, students traveled throughout Europe on two different travel programs. One group embarked on a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi to celebrate the Jubilee Year by passing through the Holy Doors and celebrating 100 Years of Father Ryan with a Mass said in the school’s honor in Rome. Another group of students traveled to Madrid, Paris, and London to experience new cultures and languages through tours, museums, food, and more.
Annual Father Ryan Parochial School Math Day Competition
Easter Egg Hunt April 5, 2025
10:00am-12:00pm | Father Ryan Academic Lawn This popular event, hosted by our Alumni Association, is a family favorite. Registration is now open.
Learn More
Get your tickets for Fiddler on Roof, Father Ryan’s spring musical!
April 10-13, 2025
Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
Cheer the Irish on this Spring!
Spring season is underway! Check out our teams and schedules, get your tickets, don your purple, and cheer for the Irish!
We hosted our annual Father Ryan Parochial School Math Day Competition on March 5. The day added up to great fun with several schools joining in. The Father Ryan Cooking Club provided treats, which made the day even more special.
Overall Team Winners:
1st - St. Matthew & St. Bernard
3rd - St. Henry
4th - Christ the King
What are Father Ryan's Four Levels of Learning?
This month’s Irish Insights blog dives into Father Ryan’s unique, personalized academic program with its four levels of learning. We talk to the academic team about how they create a customized learning path for every student, from our highest achievers to students who need more support.
As part of our celebration of our Centennial, we are celebrating 100 Masses from fall 2024 through spring 2026. This month there are several Masses at Father Ryan. All are welcome and must check-in with the Main Office before proceeding to Mass.
Monday, April 7, 7:10am, celebrating the Feast Day of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassatti in the Chapel of St. James
Tuesday, April 15, 7:10am, celebrating the Feast Day of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in in the Chapel of St. James
Wednesday, April 16, 10:30am, celebrating our monthly AllSchool Mass in the CatignaniDrennan Fieldhouse
Visit 100.fatherryan.org/events/100masses for the full 100 Masses schedule.
In early March, we welcomed the talented Class of 2029 with fun swag to show their Irish Pride. Our first activity for members of the Class of 2029 is Irish Game Night on Friday, May 9 from 5:30-7:00pm. Need more information? Contact Erin Riggs '00, Director of Enrollment, riggse@fatherryan.org.
Want to learn more about Junior Irish opportunities?
Visit our Junior Irish webpage to learn more about how you can get your child involved with Father Ryan today!
Junior Irish Webpage
Erin (Baltz) Riggs '00 Director of Enrollment
Peyton (Carell) Fuller '13 Assoc. Director of Enrollment
Ben Spence Assoc. Director of Enrollment
Erin (Corrigan) Vallett '95 Enrollment Registrar
