The purple line extends through the Father Ryan Class of 2025. The 99th graduating class at Baccalaureate helps wrap the 100th school year in a memorable way.
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Mr. Brian Callahan, President/Chair
Mr. John Bumpus ’78, Vice President/ Vice Chair
Mr. Tom Sloan, Treasurer/Finance and Budget Chair
Mrs. Brittney Testerman Griffith ’03, Secretary
Mrs. Caroline Young, Governance and Nominating Committee Chair
Rev. Rhodes Bolster ’11, Priest
Committee Chairs
Mrs. Chris Donnelly, Advancement Committee Chair
Mr. Thomas Bauer, Facilities Committee Chair
Board Members
Mr. Chris Baltz ’88
Mr. David Bohan ’66
Mrs. Jinx Cockerham
Mr. Brandon Corbin ’98
Mr. David Glascoe
Mr. William (Bill) Hill ’67
Mr. Donald Jackson ’78
Mr. Tom Turner
Dr. Joe Wehby ’78
8 ATHLETICS
3 IN THE NEWS New Deans Named; Graduation and Baccalaureate; Teacher News; New Board Members. 18 CLASS IS IN SESSION Four Courses Catch Students’ Interest: World Music and Drumming; Society and the Human Person; AP African American Studies; Dual Enrollment - Speech Communication.
State Champions; Coach Bontrager’s Retirement; Next Level Irish; Teams’ Performances; New Football, Basketball Coaches; Hall of Fame InducteesTSSAA and Father Ryan; Remembering Ryan v. Pearl.
FEATURE STORY: 100 Years of Serving our Nation; Military Literature Class.
FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE Strategic Plan Progress; State of the School Update.
HOUSE SYSTEM TURNS FIVE Anniversary of the House System; Father Ryan Hosts National House System Symposium.
CAMPUS TOUR Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse
ALUMNI NEWS Alumni Weekend Highlights: Golf, Elliston Luncheon, Reunion Gatherings; Golden Grad Induction
SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY Scholarships Grow; Record Legacy Gala; Annual Fund Tops $1 Million.
CLASS NOTES Alumni News, Weddings, Births, In Memoriam. 100 Years of Father Ryan Update.
Irish Pride Grows
A Message From the Alumni Office
Throughout the school year, I have the opportunity to work with our alumni—here and across the country—and am reminded of the deep affection we all have for Father Ryan High School.
But when we put Elliston Place, Rotiers, and Ryan Nation together over Alumni Weekend, I saw a new level of Irish Pride.
In creating this new event, held on the Saturday afternoon of our newly-named Alumni Weekend, we wanted to bring together several key touchpoints in our school’s life as part of the 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration. The result was beyond our highest expectations.
The turnout was exceptional, with more than 300 people gathering for food and friendship (fortunately, Rotiers brought plenty of cheeseburgers). The setting, including the special archival display of Elliston Place mementoes, was touching. The sound was delightful, a combination of laughter, teasing, crying, shouting, and hellos that altogether were Father Ryan. And the energy in the room created photo opportunities, reintroductions, hugs, and greetings that were sustained far beyond the two-hour event.
Father Ryan Announces Deans of Students and Dean of Faculty
Father Ryan High School announced that STUART MAGNESS ’95 and JOSHUA LESTER are the school’s new Deans of Students and JENNIFER ALLEN is the new Dean of Faculty.
The 2025-2026 school year will be Mr. Magness’s 19th year at Father Ryan after previously serving as Interim Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Students. A native of Nashville, Mr. Magness earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration in 2000 from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Mr. Magness worked for Metro as a Gang Probation Officer for eight years before coming back to Father Ryan in 2007.
Mr. Matthew Wright
Ex-Officio Members
Mr. Paul J. Davis ’81
Most Rev. J. Mark Spalding
Very Rev. Austin Gilstrap
Dr. Shana Druffner
Life Trustees
Mr. Lee Carter
Mr. Thomas Connor ’60
Mr. William Farmer ’65
Mr. J. Terry Hunter
Mr. Phil Mattingly ’69
Mr. Pat Nolan ’69
Mrs. Julie (Shaninger) Norfleet ’88
Mrs. Judy (Komisky) Orr ’75
Mr. William Smith
Mr. Edward Stack
Mr. Bill Stejskal ’79
Administration
Paul J. Davis ’81, President
Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr., Principal
Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial Officer
Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement
Erin (Baltz) Riggs ’00, Director of Enrollment
Jennifer Allen, Dean of Faculty
Jennifer Anton, Academic Dean
Amy Duke, Director of Houses
Joshua Lester, Dean of Students
Stuart Magness ’95, Dean of Students
Ann Mullins ’03, Director of Athletics
That was one of many events this past year that enriched our alumni experience as our alumni re-engaged with Father Ryan on campus and in other settings. We celebrated our faith at Masses across the diocese, cheered the long-awaited football victory over MBA at their place, gathered with our Atlanta alumni, expanded our Alumni Speaker Series with more participants and more sessions, and honored our traditions of service and social justice with special school-wide events. Many of these moments provided opportunities for our students to engage with our alumni, and that benefited us all.
Whether you are one of our newest alumni or a graduate from the ’50s, I hope you will continue to connect with your classmates this summer. In formal settings and casual events, your presence shows the unique spirit of our school. I invite you to wear your purple always, and then join us again this fall at a game, a performance, or a Mass on campus to continue our 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration. It will be another year filled with special moments, each presenting us the chance to see each other and to further our Irish Pride.
Go Irish!
SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD ’04
Alumni Engagement and Outreach Manager
Mr. Lester brings extensive experience cultivated through leadership positions within independent schools in the greater Nashville area. He comes to Father Ryan from the Ensworth School, where he served as the Associate Director of Sports Leagues & Auxiliary Programs. Prior to the Ensworth School, Mr. Lester served as Assistant Director of Athletics and Assistant Director of Admissions at Franklin Road Academy and Brentwood Academy, respectively. Mr. Lester earned both his Master of Sports Administration and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a Marketing minor from Belmont University.
Mrs. Allen joined the Father Ryan community in 2019 as an English teacher. She has co-led Father Ryan’s Instructional Leadership Team, served on the inaugural Hayes Scholars Programming Committee, and redesigned and relaunched the Women’s Voices in Literature course, along with other initiatives. In this new position, Mrs. Allen will focus on faculty formation and instructional supervision by collaborating directly with teachers to strengthen teaching practices, foster professional growth, and support curriculum development.
Mrs Allen earned both her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education from Trevecca Nazarene University.
As the nation remembered this summer those who served during World War II, Father Ryan reflected on and saluted those in Ryan Nation whose spirit of serving our nation has been on display throughout the last 100 years.
Jennifer Allen
Stuart Magness ’95
Joshua Lester
In the News summer 2025
Commencement and Baccalaureate 2025
Saluting a Memorable Class
Father Ryan High School celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 during the Baccalaureate Mass at the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse on May 16, followed by the 99th Commencement Exercises on May 17 at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University.
The Class of 2025 showcased its knowledge and a commitment to service throughout Father Ryan’s 100th school year. The class completed more than 15,000 service hours during its four years on campus and 46% of the class took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) course as a Senior during the 2024–25 academic year. This year’s graduates were accepted to 204 different colleges and universities—66 of which have welcomed at least one member of Father Ryan’s Class of 2025—while being offered $38 million in scholarships.
The Father Ryan community salutes the entire Class of 2025 and looks forward to celebrating its continued accomplishments, during college and beyond.
Valedictorian: Finn Saivar
FINN TRUEHEART SAIVAR ’25 is the Valedictorian for the Class of 2025. While enrolled at Father Ryan, Finn took eight AP courses and held a 100.8980 weighted GPA.
Finn was inducted into the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. He has been honored as a National Merit Finalist and received the Maxima Cum Laude medal in the National Latin Exam. He had the highest grade in several of his courses and was on the Academic Dean’s List throughout his years at Father Ryan.
Finn’s leadership roles included Cum Laude Society President, National Honor Society Co-President, Latin Honor Society President, Mock Trial Team Captain, Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and Eucharistic Minister.
At Father Ryan, Finn played football and tennis, and was involved in Mock Trial, Model UN, and Youth in Government.
Outside of Father Ryan, Finn coaches flag football, golfs, plays the piano, and loves spending time with his family and friends.
Finn applied to and was accepted at the University of Notre Dame, Boston College, Wake Forest, the University of Georgia, where he received the Presidential Scholarship, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he received the Volunteer Scholarship.
Finn is attending the University of Notre Dame, where he will study History.
Salutatorian: Ellie Maxwell
ELLIE KATHERINE MAXWELL ’25 is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. While enrolled at Father Ryan, Ellie took six AP classes and posted a 100.1639 weighted GPA.
Ellie was inducted into the Cum Laude Honor Society, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Father Black Honor Society. She was honored as a National Merit Commended Scholar and received the Colonna Club Award and Scholarship. Ellie was on the Principal’s List five times and received the award for the highest grade in many of her courses.
Ellie’s leadership roles included Club Volleyball Team Captain, Yearbook Co-Head Editor, National Honor Society CoPresident, Head Peer Mentor, and Student Ministry Team Co-Head.
At Father Ryan, Ellie was involved in Volleyball, March for Life, was a Peer Mentor, and served on the Student Ministry Team.
Outside of Father Ryan, Ellie is involved in Club Volleyball at Tennessee Performance Volleyball and One Generation Away. In addition, she is a parishioner at St. Henry Church, and is the head volleyball coach of a preparatory club team.
Ellie was accepted at the University of Chicago and Franciscan University, where she received the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
She is attending the University of Chicago, where she will major in Statistics and play volleyball.
To view photos and read more about the awards presented at Convocation, Baccalaurette, and Graduation, visit fatherryan.org/academics
Robin Dieterich ’73 Earns Teacher of the Year Award
The Bishop Alphonse Smith Outstanding Teacher Award was established in 2011 as a way to recognize the teacher, nominated by the faculty and staff, who best embodies the school’s mission “to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.”
ROBIN DIETERICH ’73 the 2025 recipient, embodied that spirit. He retired this year, after proudly representing Father Ryan throughout his 42-year teaching and coaching career. In addition to his previous classes of American Literature, Speech, and English I, Mr. Dieterich primarily—and most recently—taught British Literature. Students throughout the Father Ryan campus learned from him every day: during his classes, in his Mentor Group, and even from crossing paths with him in the hallway. His smile and laugh light up a room, just as they have lit up the minds and hearts of students who share a conversation with him.
The entire Dieterich family came to honor their teacher of the year, every year.
recent State Championship coming in 2020 with the Girls Soccer Team.
Mr. 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.
“Robin Dieterich’s contributions stretch to every component of a Father Ryan education,” Director of Athletics ANN MULLINS ’03 said. “Academics, athletics,
Father Ryan Announces New Board Members
Father Ryan High School announced the five new members and the leadership for the school’s Board of Trustees for the 2025–2026 school year.
The new members are
MR. CHRIS BALTZ ’88 Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development Communications at Vanderbilt University, and parent of a Father Ryan alumna and a student.
MRS. JINX COCKERHAM , distinguished educator and coach who has dedicated over 46 years to Father Ryan and parent and grandparent of Father Ryan alumni
MR. BRANDON CORBIN ’98 the Regional Technology Officer for Ascension Saint Thomas
MR. DONALD JACKSON ’78 former Father Ryan teacher and Director of Property Management—Operations with the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency
DR. JOE WEHBY ’78 professor in the Special Education Department at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College and parent of Father Ryan alumni.
campaign communications for the university. He graduated from Vanderbilt with a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology and has held various roles in communications, including positions at M. Lee Smith Publishers and DecisionQuest (New York). Mr. Baltz currently serves on the Advancement Committee at Father Ryan High School.
Cockerham began her tenure as a teacher at Father Ryan in 1970, coinciding with the school’s transition to a co-educational institution. As the Head Volleyball Coach for 40 years, Cockerham led her teams to five state championships, establishing Father Ryan as a powerhouse. In addition to volleyball, she served as the Head Basketball Coach for the Lady Irish for over 30 years, guiding her teams to multiple Final Fours and one State runner-up finish. Her exceptional contributions to athletics were recognized with her induction into the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. Cockerham currently serves on the Hall of Fame Committee and the 100th Anniversary Advisory Committee for Father Ryan.
Mr. Dieterich returned to Father Ryan in 1978 after graduating from Stetson University, and he immediately began teaching English and coaching—for both the Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer teams—upon his arrival. His name is synonymous with Father Ryan’s success on the pitch: he was a State Champion goalkeeper for the Boys Soccer Team in 1972 and 1973, and he has been on the coaching staff for all 10 of Father Ryan’s subsequent State Championships in soccer. He led both the Boys and Girls Soccer Teams to State Titles in both 1998 and 2008, with his most
student life… he has been an integral part of the Father Ryan experience, and we are extremely grateful for all of his contributions to our community.”
Father Ryan Celebrates Influential Faculty Members
Father Ryan High School is grateful for the extraordinary contributions of MR. BILL BRUNNER ’77 and DR. CARRIE THORNTHWAITE , as they retired from teaching at the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year.
Honored in 2021 as the Bishop Alphonse Smith Teacher of the Year, Mr. Brunner has taught at Father Ryan for 38 years, first from 1982 to 1987 and continuing since his return in 1992. Most recently, he taught Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, in addition to Algebra I, Algebra II, and High Honors Geometry. Outside of the classroom, he was the Head Coach for the Baseball Team for 18 seasons — including the 2002 State Championship Team — as well as the sports fields manager. His Irish Pride in caring for our fields led to his membership in the Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association.
Dr. Thornthwaite, who joined the faculty in 2019 from Lipscomb University where she was the Director of Educational Technology and an Adjunct Professor, has taught Algebra I, Algebra II, and College Algebra & Trigonometry at Father Ryan. Outside of the classroom, she leads a student Card Ministry group that meets monthly to send cards of birthday celebration, prayer, and healing wishes to residents of the Mary, Queen of Angels Assisted Living Community.
Congratulations, Mr. Brunner and Dr. Thornthwaite, on your retirements, and thank you for the many ways that you have impacted our students throughout your time at Father Ryan.
“I am pleased to welcome these outstanding individuals to the Board of Trustees,” President PAUL DAVIS ’81 said.
“Each of them has demonstrated a strong commitment to the school and a deep belief in our mission. In addition, they bring broad professional experience and community involvement that make Father Ryan even stronger. That combination provides enhanced perspective and valuable leadership for the school. look forward to working with these new members and all of the board as we continue to advance our mission to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.”
These new members will work with the 2025–2026 Board leadership, which makes up the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.
MR. BRIAN CALLAHAN will serve as President/Chair. He is the CEO of Deflecto, LLC, an office products supplier specializing in office, safety, storage, and air distribution products. Mr. Callahan graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Accounting in 1983 and earned his M.B.A from the Wharton School of Business in 1989. Previously, he served as the Treasurer/Finance and Budget Chair on Father Ryan’s Board.
The other members of the Executive Committee are: MR. JOHN BUMPUS ’78 —Vice President/Vice Chair; MR. TOM SLOAN —Treasurer/Finance and Budget Chair; MRS. BRITTNEY (TESTERMAN) GRIFFITH ’03 Secretary; MRS. CAROLINE YOUNG —Governance and Nominating Chair; REV. RHODES BOLSTER ’11 —Priest
Committee Chairs are:
MR. THOMAS BAUER—Facilities Committee Chair; MRS. CHRIS DONNELLY—Advancement Committee Chair
At Vanderbilt, Mr. Baltz oversees communications related to Vanderbilt’s fundraising and development efforts. Before becoming Assistant Vice Chancellor, Mr. Baltz served as Executive Director of Development Communications and led
Mr. Corbin leads technology initiatives at Ascension that enhance patient care, clinician support, and operational efficiency across Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He has over 17 years of IT leadership experience, including at HCA Healthcare and as CIO for the Tennessee Department of Health. Mr. Corbin earned a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on technology management from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in information technology management from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. He serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, the Raphah Institute, and Family & Children Services, and he is a 2022 Leadership Nashville graduate.
Mr. Jackson is a native Nashvillian and a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul School. After graduating from Tennessee State University, he was recruited to teach in Father Ryan’s emerging Technology Program. In addition to teaching, he took on extracurricular roles, coaching both Football and Track. After several years in education, Mr. Jackson transitioned into the business world in Mobile. In 2023, Mr. Jackson was recruited back to Nashville to serve with the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency. He is one of five siblings to have graduated from Father Ryan, making three generations of Jacksons to graduate from the school.
Dr. Wehby is a professor in the Special Education Department at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, where he focuses on helping children with behavioral challenges thrive in school. His work centers on understanding why some children struggle socially and creating interventions that make a real difference. Over the years, Wehby has brought in more than $30 million in federal grants to support research and training. He is a Vanderbilt alumnus, earning his Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Special Education after his undergrad degree from Memphis State University. Dr. Wehby has been recognized for his impactful work, including the Outstanding Research Award from the Council for Exceptional Children.
Mr. Brunner
Dr. Thornthwaite
Jinx Cockerham
Brandon Corbin ’98
Dr. Joe Wehby ’78
Donald Jackson ’78
Brian Callahan
Chris Baltz ’88 ®
Father Ryan’s Newest State Champions
From the mat to the pool to the track to the field, one team and six more Father Ryan student-athletes claimed State Titles this school year.
The Wrestling Team claimed three individual State Championships, as CASEN ROARK ’25 (138-lb. above, center) became just the second wrestler in Father Ryan’s history to win four individual State Championships (2022–25), joining ELI KING ’17 (2014–17). BRODY GOBBELL ’25 (132-lb. above, right) and TANNER TRAN ’26 (106) joined Casen by winning their second and first State Titles, respectively. Fresh off her Region Title in the 500-Yard Freestyle, LIBBY HELMER ’27 added a State Championship in the 200-Yard Freestyle during the State Meet in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee. The State Title caps off a dominant season in which Libby earned four All-American honors, with the 400-Yard Freestyle Relay and 200-Yard Medley Relay added to her two championship events.
In addition, RYAN JONES ’25 and CAROLINE PERRI ’26 claimed State Championships of their own at the Tennessee State High School Indoor Track & Field Championships at Vanderbilt University. Ryan won gold medals in the Boys 200-Meter and 400-Meter races, and Caroline placed first in the Girls Long Jump.
As the school year came to a close, Father Ryan added one more State Championship, in Girls Rugby 15’s, the school’s third State Championship in Girls Rugby (2022, 2024) in the last four years. The Lady Irish won all four regular-season games this spring, scoring at least 52 points in each and holding three of their four regular-season opponents to 10 or
fewer points. Father Ryan secured the State Championship with a 40-33 victory over Riverdale—whom they had already defeated 52-26 during the regular season—and BAILEY WOLFE ’27 was named the MVP of the championship match.
Congratulations to all of our State Champions on your outstanding accomplishments. Go Irish!
Coach Bontrager’s 600th Win, Region Crown Cap 37-Year Coaching Career
In announcing his retirement as Boys Basketball Head Coach, DOUG BONTRAGER ’81 added perfect capstones to his 37-year coaching career. On February 12, he earned his 600th victory, the most for any Irish Basketball Head Coach, and he went on to lead the team to the 2025 Region Championship. For his career accomplishments, Coach Bontrager was honored by The Tennessean with the 2025 Middle Tennessee Lifetime Achievement Award in June.
Coach Bontrager’s leadership has produced two State Championships (1999 and 2002), three additional runner-up finishes, and eight Final Four appearances across his outstanding career. While the 2024–25 Basketball season was his last as a coach, he will continue teaching A.P. Calculus at Father Ryan and serving as Head of Immaculata House.
Congratulations, Coach Bontrager, on a remarkable career, and thank you for your leadership in the classroom and on the court.
Next Level Irish — Class of 2025 Signees
22 Father Ryan Seniors Sign to Continue Their Athletic Careers in College
For many Father Ryan athletes in the Class of 2025, the athletic careers that they have built at Father Ryan will not be their final sports chapter. Throughout the school year, 22 seniors signed to compete at the collegiate level in numerous sports.
• CAIDEN ANKU ’25 – United States Naval Academy, Football
• JACOB ANTON ’25 – University of Tennessee, Men’s Rugby
• WYATT BAKKER ’25 – Butler University, Football
• GRACYN BECKER ’25 – Miami University of Ohio, Women’s Soccer
• KATE CUNNINGHAM ’25 – Georgia State University, Beach Volleyball
• CHANCERY DEANE ’25 – Iowa Central Community College, Wrestling
• JOSEPH DERRICK ’25 – Rend Lake College, Baseball
• BRODY GOBBELL ’25 – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Wrestling
• BEN GROVE ’25 – Trevecca Nazarene University, Baseball
• OLIVIA JONES ’25 – Davis & Elkins College, Women’s Soccer
• RYAN JONES ’25 – University of Cincinnati, Men’s Track & Field
• SAM KIGER ’25 – University of North Alabama, Bass Fishing
• ZANE KORBEY ’25 – York College of Pennsylvania, Men’s Lacrosse
• ELLIE MAXWELL ’25 – University of Chicago, Volleyball
• CASEN ROARK ’25 – West Virginia University, Wrestling
• SAWYER RUTHERFORD ’25 – University of Tennessee, Men’s Rugby
• SARAH BETH SIZEMORE ’25 – Butler University, Women’s Soccer
• HARRISON SKINNER ’25 – University of Alabama in Huntsville, Men’s Lacrosse
• WYATT STANY ’25 – York College of Pennsylvania, Men’s Lacrosse
• LUCY TRAILOV ’25 – University of Arkansas, Swimming & Diving Congratulations to all of these student-athletes. We look forward to watching you continue to succeed in college.
Spring signing: from left, Trailov, Jones, Cunningham, Anton, Rutherford, Bakker, Bryant, Derrick, Anku, Stany, Korby, and Skinner. Inset: Deane, Grove, and Kiger.
Next Level Irish, Fall signing: from left, Roark, Gobbell, Jones, Bennerman, Becker, Sizemore, and Maxwell.
Irish Athletes’ Success Continues Throughout Winter and Spring
As the 2024-25 athletic season kept moving forward, so did Father Ryan’s momentum.
The Boys Basketball Team turned up the energy going into the end of February and won all three games to claim the 2025 Region Championship! After sweeping Lipscomb Academy during their two matchups in the regular season, Father Ryan controlled the first-round game with a 49-30 win before avenging their regular-season losses to both MBA and JPII with 52-48 and 53-49 victories, respectively, to finish on top of the bracket. The season came to an end in the State Tournament quarterfinals as the Irish fell to Ensworth and finished the season with a 21-9 record.
The Girls Basketball Team secured its spot in the State Tournament with a third-place finish in the Region. After defeating JPII by 12 points on Senior Night, Father Ryan won the rematch in the first round of the Region Tournament and rebounded from a loss to CPA in the semifinals for a 40-35 win over Harpeth Hall in the thirdplace game. KATE FIELDING ’26 also made some Irish magic inside the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse with a SportsCenter-worthy shot to beat the buzzer just before halftime! They fell to CPA—also in the quarterfinals of the State Tournament—but still posted an outstanding 23-6 record for the 2024-25 season.
The Swim and Dive Team flew past the competition in several events this winter, and the Girls Team capped the season with a 5th-place finish in the State Tournament. The TRAILOV sisters— LUCY ’25 and EMILIA ’27 earned All-American honors in the 100-Yard Butterfly, as well as in their 400-Yard Freestyle Relay with LIBBY HELMER ’27 and SADYE PLATEK ’27. GRACE KLEIN ’26 was selected the MTHSSA Female Diver of the Year.
The Wrestling Team’s dominant season on the mat extended beyond its individual State Champions. In addition to finishing 2nd in both the Wrestling and Duals Championships, they finished first among more than 50 teams in the 58th annual JOHNNY DRENNAN ’85 Memorial Wrestling Invitational in January. Three Father Ryan wrestlers—TANNER TRAN ’26 (106), CASEN ROARK ’25 (138), and CHANCERY DEANE ’25 (165)—won their individual weight classes, while BRODY GOBBELL ’25 (132) and ETHAN LAMPERT ’25 (150) made the podium with second-place finishes. IZZIE HILL ’28 , Father Ryan’s first female wrestler, was named an
NHSCA Wrestling All-American after her top-five finish and All-State selection in 2025.
The Hockey Team won the 2025 Henry Hine Cup Championship for the first time with a 7-5 victory over Station Camp-Liberty Creek. HUDSON LAUX ’27 was named the Sandi Chadwick MVP of the tournament, and he joined COLIN SULLIVAN ’25 , GAGE HART ’28 , and CURTIS NEWMAN
’27 to represent Father Ryan in the All-Star Game in March.
Father Ryan kept finding the back of the net in the spring, as the Girls Lacrosse Team finished as the State Runner-Up in the first official year of TSSAA-sanctioned lacrosse championships. The Lady Irish closed the regular season with six consecutive wins and clinched a spot in the State Final with a 7-6 win over Ensworth. ABBY ELLIS ’27 earned USA Lacrosse All-American honors, and she joined classmate ADDIE BOTTIAUX ’27 on Team Tennessee at the 2025 USA Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament.
The Boys Lacrosse Team started the season on fire with four straight wins by an average margin of eight goals per game. WYATT STANY ’25 and WILL SEITZMEIR ’26 were selected among the TSSAA Midseason Top Players, and Will was voted the TSSAA Midseason Nashville Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year.
The Baseball Team took down the MBA Big Red 10-0 in late March. That win fueled a three-game winning streak that included victories over Centennial and Lipscomb Academy, and two weeks later, the Irish swept JPII with wins of 13-1, 3-2, and 12-1 over the Knights.
In new Head Coach CHRISTAKIS AGISILAOU’S first season, the Boys Soccer Team built mid-season momentum and opened district play with consecutive wins over JPII, Lipscomb Academy, Brentwood Academy, and CPA. The Irish won the opening-round match in the Division II-AA State Tournament against Briarcrest before falling to MBA in the quarterfinals.
Congratulations to all of our teams on your fantastic seasons. Go Irish!
Jinx Cockerham and Pat Simpson ’74 Named to TSSAA Hall of Fame
JINX COCKERHAM and PAT SIMPSON ’74, two of the most decorated coaches in the history of Father Ryan Athletics, were inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame on April 7.
“The TSSAA has always been a national leader in athletics, pioneering opportunities by integrating sports with Father Ryan in 1963 and advancing women’s athletics to make these opportunities available to all high schoolers throughout Tennessee,” Coach Cockerham said. “Being recognized by an organization with those values and that leadership—and to be part of a class with such outstanding examples of that leadership, especially my colleague and former student Pat Simpson—makes this induction all the more meaningful to me.”
Coach Cockerham led Father Ryan’s Volleyball Team for 40 years and the Girls Basketball Team for 33 years in a coaching career that stretched across five different decades before her retirement in 2015. She began as an assistant coach for the Girls Basketball Team in 1971, when she joined the staff of JOHN GORHAM ’54 taking over as the Head Coach in 1980 on the way to 15 Region Championships, 20 district titles, three State Tournament semifinal appearances and a State Runner-Up finish, in 1998. She reached even greater heights during her tenure with the Volleyball Team, winning five TSSAA State Championships and finishing 10 more seasons as the State Runner-Up.
The beauty of being a high school coach is creating relationships with players, coaches, administrators, and families,” Coach Cockerham
added. “My experiences at Father Ryan have given me lifetime associations at the school and across the entire TSSAA family for which I am eternally grateful.”
Coach Simpson just completed his 46th season as Father Ryan’s Head Wrestling Coach, using his own experience as a member of two State Championship Teams at Father Ryan (1971, 1974) to lead dozens more students to greater heights.
“It is so special to be inducted with Coach Jinx Cockerham, with whom I have talked coaching and teaching and life for more than 45 years, and who is an outstanding example of a Hall of Famer,” Coach Simpson said. “She and all my colleagues at Father Ryan have been inspirations for me throughout my career.”
After graduating from MTSU, where he became the first Blue Raider to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament, Coach Simpson returned to Father Ryan in 1979. He has led Father Ryan’s Wrestling Team to 22 State Championships—12 in traditional Wrestling and 10 in Duals—and guided 63 individual wrestlers to a total of 93 State Titles.
Coach Simpson added: “I am grateful to the TSSAA and the committees for selecting me, and I join Jinx, the other six inductees in this class, and my parents in celebrating the excellence of the TSSAA and all of its Hall of Fame members.”
Congratulations, Coach Cockerham and Coach Simpson, on your wonderful careers, and thank you for all the joy and Irish Pride that you’ve brought to our students, our families, and our school.
Checking in with Father Ryan’s New Head
Coaches for Football and Boys Basketball
Earlier this year, Father Ryan announced ZACH METTENBERGER as the new Head Coach of the Football Team, and MALIK MIMS as the new Head Coach of the Boys Basketball Team.
Coach Mettenberger and Coach Mims become the 14th and ninth head coaches for their respective teams in Father Ryan’s 100year history. Coach Mettenberger joined Father Ryan in 2021 to serve as an Assistant Football Coach and Interim Strength and Conditioning Coach. Most recently he was the Offensive Coordinator in 2024.
With his experience as a QB at LSU and in the NFL, Coach Mettenberger’s approach is simple: “Just trying to tap into my own personal failures and successes, and trying to give that knowledge back to the students,” he said in an interview with WKRN. “That’s all I can hope for. My main goal is to be the coach that I always wanted. That’s the mindset that I have every day.”
As he arrives at Father Ryan, Coach Mims aims to instill three core principles in his team: Unity, Faith, and Toughness, all of which come directly from his upbringing. “I wouldn’t be here without my faith,” Coach
Mims said, while measuring toughness as “doing hard things when you don’t want to do them”—both on and off the court.
What set Father Ryan apart for Coach Mims as he chose to come here? Tradition. “Coach [Doug] Bontrager leaves an excellent legacy in Basketball, and when you think about Willie Brown, and everything that those two guys did for this program, it was extremely enticing for me,” he told BENJAMIN REA ’26 in an interview with Behind the Crest. “The more I prayed about it, and the more talked with Coach TONY MCLEOD being able to come into a place with such strong tradition, I just can’t say enough.”
“We’re going to aim high,” Coach Mims added. “The banners that you see in the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse, that’s my motivation every time I leave the office.”
We look forward to watching both Coach Mettenberger and Coach Mims lead our Football and Boys Basketball Teams in 2025.
Zach Mettenberger
Malik Mims
Announcing the 2025 Class of Athletics Hall of Fame
Father Ryan High School announced the 2025 Class of its Athletics Hall of Fame over Alumni Weekend: six athletes, two contributors, and two teams whose accomplishments showcase the legacy of our historic school’s successful athletic programs in Nashville and the State of Tennessee.
These athletes and leaders represent classes from 1954 to 2004 and were selected from more than 100 nominations submitted by the community. They will be inducted formally into the Hall of Fame in a special ceremony on August 21, 2025, at Father Ryan and will be the honorary captains at the school’s August 22 home football game, which marks the 100th Anniversary of the sport at Father Ryan.
The 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame members are:
ATHLETES
FRANK BALTZ, JR. ’69 , football, wrestling. Mr. Baltz was a fouryear starter in Wrestling, winning an individual State Championship (167-pound class) as a Junior in 1968 and fueling the team’s State Title in 1969.
JOE MCEWEN ’54 golf Mr. McEwen was nearly unstoppable on the course, posting a 39-3 record—including 27 consecutive wins—in individual matches. He posted the team’s lowest score in the Irish’s 1953 State Golf Team Championship and qualified twice for the National Junior Golf Tournament (1953 and 1954).
CONTRIBUTORS
JOE COODE ’79 coach and teacher. Mr. Coode’s love for Father Ryan was visible in his around-the-clock presence on campus; when he wasn’t an assistant coach for Football, Basketball, Softball, or Baseball, he was painting the lines on the fields, cleaning the gym floor, loading uniforms into the laundry, or running the All-Sports Camp each summer.
JIM MCINTYRE president, 2007–2022. Mr. McIntyre left a lasting impact on Father Ryan over his 17-year tenure as Father Ryan’s head of school and first-ever President. He led the capital campaign and design team for the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex, creating the first on-campus stadium in the school’s history, one that hosted Relay For Life, Special Olympics, and Parochial League games. In addition, he led the development of the Jim Carell Fitness Center, which brought new locker rooms, an expanded weight and fitness room, a wrestling room, and trophy displays.
RICK REILLY ’92 , basketball, football A starter on the Football and Basketball Teams at Father Ryan, Mr. Reilly made his mark on the hardwood, scoring more than 1,100 points during his career and earning the Leo Long Award as a Senior as the Boys Basketball Team’s Most Valuable Player. In his final season, he was named to the 1992 All-Metro Team.
JENN SIMS ’00 track and field Ms. Sims won four individual State Championships in Girls Track & Field, the only female athlete—in any sport—in Father Ryan history to do so. In 1999, she won State Titles in the 400-Meter Dash (57.35) and 100-Meter High Hurdles (15.25), which she followed with two more State Championships in the 100-Meter High Hurdles (15.04) and 300-Meter Low Hurdles in 2000.
JOHN SNEED ’81 , basketball. The first Father Ryan basketball player to be named Nashville’s Basketball MVP (1980-81), Mr. Sneed’s leadership on the court and in the locker room was key in leading the Irish to the District 11 title, two wins over eventual State Champion Pearl High School, and a #3 ranking in the State his Senior year. His play earned him All-District and All-State honors.
PHILIP STACK ’98 football, soccer. One of the area’s top athletes ever on the soccer pitch, Mr. Stack was a two-time All-American (1996 and 1998), the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year as a Junior in 1997, and led the Irish to the 1998 Boys Soccer State Title. It wasn’t his only championship. His leg strength made him a key member of the 1997 State Champion Football Team.
TEAMS
1986 State Champion Girls Golf Team
The trio of STEPHANIE GENTRY ’87 CHRIS DACRI ’88 and ANGIE DAVIDSON ’87 not only won the 1986 State Championship—the first State Title for any girls’ sport at Father Ryan—they ruled the sport that season. After a threeyear stretch (1984, 1985, and 1986 seasons) of undefeated play in District and Regional competition, this golf threesome claimed the 1986 State Tournament by a remarkable 27-stroke margin
2002 State Champion Boys Basketball Team. One of the most successful teams in Father Ryan’s athletics history, the 2002 Boys Basketball team compiled a 30-2 record—undefeated in Division II play—with 14 wins coming by 20 or more points. The 2002 team marched through the regular season and then took down BGA and MBA to claim the Region Championship. The State Title followed, with the Irish defeating Notre Dame by 16 points and Baylor by 18 en route to Father Ryan’s fourth State Championship in Boys Basketball.
ANN MULLINS ’03 Director of Athletics, said that she was pleased with the response from the Father Ryan community. “Each year, I am inspired by reading the accomplishments of the nominees to the Hall of Fame, and I am always touched by their stories,” she said. “The achievements of these six athletes, the impact of these outstanding contributors, and the memories engendered by these two historic State Championship Teams provide a fitting Hall of Fame Class for our 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration year. thank the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their outstanding work and look forward to celebrating these men and women in August.”
Full bios of the inductees and information about nominating candidates for future classes are available at www.fatherryan.org/hof
Father Ryan established its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019 and inducted its first class in August of that year. It is now home to 75 athletes, nine coaches, 10 contributors, and 15 teams from the Irish’s athletics history.
Inspiring Future Generations by Remembering the Past
Father Ryan’s legacy of social justice is long, dating back to 1954 when Father Ryan High School made history by becoming one of the first two schools in the South to integrate classrooms, just four months after the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education ended school segregation. Nine years later, in 1963, Father Ryan made history again by becoming the first school in TSSAA history to integrate athletics.
To honor that legacy and celebrate the 60th anniversary of “The Game That Changed the South”—the 1965 basketball game between Pearl High and Father Ryan at Municipal Auditorium, the first integrated athletic contest in the city’s history—Father Ryan hosted DR. RUSSELL WIGGINTON, JR. ’84 and a panel of guests on January 8 to help us remember and continue our school’s legacy of doing what is right and just.
Dr. Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, toured campus with members of our Multi-Cultural Student Union before joining other guest panelists to discuss social justice, the Civil Rights Museum, and the ongoing significance of the Pearl vs. Ryan game.
Remembering the game and its legacy, Dr. Wigginton—who played point guard for the Irish from 1982 to 1984—reflected on Dr. King and his message of hope.
“Dr. King’s last book was titled Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?
So he’s asking society a question, and he lays out the issues at that time to help answer the question,” Wigginton said. “And as you might imagine, his answer is that we should opt for community over chaos.”
Special guests included ANDREW MARANISS author of Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South; MARK REEVES , Executive Director of the TSSAA; ADOLPHO BIRCH III ’84, Chief External and League Affairs Officer for the Tennessee Titans; ANN MULLINS ’03 , Father Ryan High School Head Volleyball Coach and Director of Athletics; JOE HERBERT, member of the 1965 Pearl High School Basketball Team and 1966 graduate of Pearl High School; DEACON BILL HILL ’67, member of the 1965 Irish Basketball Team who played in the historic game and founder of the St. Katharine Drexel Scholarship Endowment at Father Ryan; ENOCH BUNCH ’00, Account Executive with Getty Images; and DYLAN LYNCH ’03 , HR ManagerPension Services/Disability at Metro Nashville Government.
FRAMING OUR LEGACY:
HONORING THE PAST AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
This summer marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Communities across our nation and the world commemorated the milestone with parades, memorials, and reminiscences to pay tribute to the Greatest Generation that sacrificed so much so that we may achieve peace in our world.
That Greatest Generation included many Father Ryan students, alumni, and faculty members who joined the fight on the battlefield, in the air, or on the sea, others who supported the war effort at home buying war bonds to build a B-17 Flying Fortress plane, or by speaking out against fascism in the student newspaper, the Moina and in many Yearbook tributes.
Since then through the Hero Project, our Veteran’s Day celebrations and essay contest, Mr. Randy Lancaster’s Military Literature of the World Wars class, and the scores of Father Ryan graduates who have committed to military academies, it is clear that a commitment to service still inspires us.
As we honor the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, we hear the words of Father Ryan students and teachers— then and now—on what a commitment to democracy and service means to them.
Serving across the generations:
JOHN BURNS ’44 graduated in May of 1944 and was in the Ardennes Forest in November, launching bazookas at the Battle of the Bulge. PATRICK MARCHETTI ’09 graduated from West Point in 2013 and served overseas for the U.S. Army. They met at Veterans Breakfast 2021.
Doug Jones Science Teacher and Coach
Sgt. U.S. Marine Corps, First Light Battalion
“I chose to serve because my parents and grandparents served in the military, and I felt like it was one of those civic duties that gave me the opportunity to serve my country.”
Henry Braeuner ’24
U.S. Military Academy
“I want to be an officer in the Army because I want to serve my country and because I have so much gratitude for the brave men and women who came before me.”
Caiden Anku ’25
U.S. Naval Academy
“Wanting to be there for your brother, wanting to be around good people who serve others is why I chose the Naval Academy. It is just like Father Ryan… serving others.”
Thank You For Your Service
Stephanie Obermeier ’26
2024 VFW Essay Finalist
“Although the founders were justifiably weary of tyranny of the majority, they so designed a Constitution that eventually permitted universal enfranchisement. While there is still room for improvement in our country, we uphold our forefathers’ vision for a just government and society by continually adapting their work to incorporate the values into our modern world. Thank you for all you do to uphold their vision.”
Father Ryan students, alumni, and faculty have served our nation throughout our history. Our first Principal, DANIEL LEARY, served in World War I. More than 500 alumni and a number of students and faculty members fought in World War II, more than 80% of the school community, with at least 19 who gave their lives.
That tradition of service and sacrifice continued, whatever the conflict. Father Ryan has veterans of Korea, Vietnam (DAVID DEGRELLA ’62 above), the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, with others serving in posts around the world today. We salute them all.
A Special Class: Military Literature of the World Wars
A Father Ryan teacher who has never served in the military has made a tremendous impact teaching students about the sacrifices made by those who served our country, RANDY LANCASTER ’83 Through his Military Literature of the World Wars class, his Veterans Day essay contest, and his recreation in miniature of the B-17 bomber that the Father Ryan community purchased through war bonds in the 1940s, Mr. Lancaster has made it his mission to honor the heroes of yesterday and those amongst us today.
“I feel that it is so very important not only for the sake of our veterans’ past service, but for the sake of our present and future generations, that we seek and strive to remember, never to forget, and never to take for granted, the high cost of such downpayments on freedom,” says Mr. Lancaster.
Soon after Mr. Lancaster began teaching at Father Ryan in 1995, he noticed that many of his students were not aware of the significance of Veterans Day, so in 1999 he received a grant to travel to England to study how to create a class based on military literature of World and II. He spent three years creating the class, and in 2002, he taught his first Military Literature class. In the 22 years since, this class has remained a staple of the Father Ryan curriculum, so popular that there are often multiple sections of the class offered
The objective of this class is to share a perspective of the causes, effects, and ultimate sacrifice of the individuals in the Allied effort during World War I and II from a literary standpoint. The students are required to either interview or research any veteran of their choosing—preferably a family member or friend—to understand the true depths of sacrifice and their family heritage. Students and family members are often amazed with the discoveries.
Additionally, the students in his military literature class and those in his British Literature classes are required to submit an essay for an annual Voice of Democracy competition offered through the VFW. The contest was created to encourage a better understanding and appreciation for America and to foster patriotism among the nation’s youth, which fits in line perfectly with the goal of Mr. Lancaster’s class. Last year, more than 80 essays were submitted, and over the years, multiple Father Ryan students have won the contest. While he may have begun this class 22 years ago to remind students about the sacrifice of veterans and to honor the many men and women who fought for our freedoms, the students of today seem to understand the assignment and are eager to
“This is one class where do not have to make my students interested in the subject matter,” relays Mr. Lancaster. “This class is self-propelled by the students’ own interest and curiosity, as they all want to know more about the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Lt. David Johnson
Class Is in Session: Four New Courses Our Students Love
The courses we all take in high school—English, Math, Science, Theology, and dozens more—are familiar in their titles and their subject matter. However, the changes brought to Father Ryan over 100 years have produced new courses of study, responding to the needs of each era and the interests of the students. In this issue of Irish Ayes, we highlight four courses that are new to the Father Ryan curriculum and are already receiving rave reviews from students.
World Music and Drumming
Have you ever wanted to play an instrument but were nervous to get started? Or wanted to “jam” with others, but didn’t know how to read music? Not to worry, Father Ryan has a class just for these students. World Music and Drumming, a new music course taught by ANDREW BANNAN is a hands-on percussion class for students who have “zero experience” with music, but have a genuine interest in learning. In this semester-long class open to any grade level, students learn playing techniques on percussion instruments from bongo drums to hand drums and from maracas to hand bells while exploring diverse rhythmic patterns and developing ensemble skills by participating in drum circles. “This class is so accessible to anyone who is interested in music but isn’t ready to tackle a more serious music class like band or strings yet,” says Mr. Bannan. “There is no sheet music to read here; we only rely on our hands and ears to create our sounds and rhythms.”
World Music and Drumming begins with learning the basics of hand drums. Mr. Bannan, who has been playing drums since he was a kid, teaches the students
proper hand technique to create two different tones - an open tone or a bass tone. Once the proper technique is achieved, Mr. Bannan and the class practice a call and response type of lesson where he plays a rhythm on the drum and the students echo that rhythm on their drums, with the goal of increasing the students’ ability to mimic back those rhythms. After everyone is comfortable playing it back and forth with Mr. Bannan, they begin to switch the leaders around, echoing each other’s rhythms and beats.
Students are introduced to different types of African drumming, and why music and drumming are important in African culture, through four units of study. Students learn specific songs that include not only hand drums, but other instruments like the gankogui, which is a double bell with high and low tones together, and the shekere, a gourd with beads draped over it with netting that makes a rhythmic sound when shaken or slapped. Students practice individually before coming together to form a drum ensemble. As students become more comfortable playing together, they switch parts, so everyone has a chance to learn each instrument.
In addition to learning new music, developing their ear, and feeling the music, students also learn more about African and Latin American music and culture, including Nigerian words and lyrics and how important spirituality and music are to both cultures.
Mr. Bannan tests students on their level of participation, their posture, and if they are using good technique. But mainly, he wants to keep the students engaged and excited about learning music.
“I think teens today often put barriers on themselves and think they can’t do something, whether it is music or something else,” Mr. Bannan says. “I want those students to know there is room for everyone here.”
Mr. Bannan knows the benefits of drumming firsthand. “I may be having a tough day, but 20 minutes into the class, I just feel more energized.”
He believes his students are starting to recognize those benefits as well. Recently, he overheard two students talking as they were leaving his class. What he heard was music to his ears: “Man, always leave this class so happy.”
Society and the Human Person
As a graduate student at Boston College, Father Ryan teacher JACK CONNORS had personal experiences in his family and his life that encouraged him to create a class at the university called Society and the Human Person. The course posed essential questions to students such as “what is the meaning of life?” and “how do we learn to live, act, and relate to others in a way that will give us purpose and meaning?”
Try This At Home!
Wish you could take one of these courses when you were in high school? Do you want to test yourself to see how you would do in these new classes in Father Ryan’s curriculum? Try this at home!
In Jack Connors’ Society and Human Person course, his students must read several pieces of literature and then reflect on what they read and how it applies to their outlook on life. Read the quote below, and then see how you would answer the reflection question.
Now as a second-year teacher at Father Ryan, when the Theology Department Chair was looking for new elective offerings, Mr. Connors knew the perfect course to suggest: Society and the Human Person.
Refined for Father Ryan Juniors and Seniors as a Theology elective, the course is purposely separated into two sections. In the first section, students study what it is that makes human beings unique, who humans are as people, and what a flourishing life looks like. Mr. Connors asks his students to look at different examples and resources from theology, philosophy, literature, film, and the world around us to determine what constitutes a meaningful life and to identify role models for the type of person they want to be. For the Society portion of the class, students are asked how the context of the world shapes them, and how friends, peers, and society affect people in positive and negative ways.
To delve into these fundamental questions about life and meaning, the format of the class is largely discussion and reflection based. Mr. Connors assigns several books, such as Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankel, other readings, films, and documentaries that lead to larger discussions where Mr. Connors pushes the students to think critically about themselves and what they want out of life.
“The rigor of this class is asking these students who they are and what they want to be,” says Mr. Connors. “I ask each of my students to fully commit to the class and what we are asking. Critical thinking not only about texts they read but about themselves will surely help them later in life, maybe more so than remembering something for a test.”
In addition to the reflection questions and discussions, Mr. Connors assigns individual and group projects throughout the semester aimed at helping students learn more about themselves and the world around them. For example, one class project is a formal trial of social media. Everyone in class is assigned a role, either the prosecution, defense, jury, court roles, or witnesses that include TikTok, Facebook, and others. The students have to prepare for their roles and have a fully formed argument in determining if social media is good for humans’ happiness.
Another interesting class project involves a discussion of free will. The students are given “truth or dare” questions that they are to ask other students outside of class in varying situations. The experiment is to see how the context of a situation and different primers may or may not get someone to conform. For example, if you are asked to do something individually versus in front of a big group, how do you respond. The results of these experiments lead into a debate of free will and whether humans actually have it.
“To draw an analogy: a man’s suffering is similar to the behavior of a gas. If a certain quantity of gas is pumped into an empty chamber, it will fill the chamber completely and evenly, no matter how big the chamber. Thus, suffering completely fills the human soul and conscious mind, no matter whether the suffering is great or little. Therefore the “size” of human suffering is absolutely relative.”
― Viktor E. Frankel, Man’s Search for Meaning
Reflection Question– If the “size” of suffering is in fact relative, how can you be more compassionate to those around you who are suffering?
World Music and Drumming is all about getting the right tone and rhythm. Can you create open and bass tones using the correct technique and rhythm?
Open Tone: Place your fingers near the edge of the desk. Strike the surface with a relaxed, bouncing motion—like you are dribbling a basketball.
Bass Tone: Cup your hand gently (as if holding a bit of water) and strike closer to the center of the desk for a deeper sound.
In the Dual Enrollment Speech Communication 101 course, students must create and deliver an impromptu speech. Do you have what it takes to create and deliver a speech with little time to practice?
Set a timer for 3 minutes to prepare your remarks to one of these prompts:
The greatest gifts we can give others are… If knew could not fail, I would...
Incorporate an introduction with a preview, three main points, and a conclusion that reviews your main points. Perform your speech with friends or family or make it a game where multiple people take turns drawing a topic and presenting to the group. With practice, impromptu speaking skills always improve!
Students in the AP African American Studies course recently enjoyed a visit from faculty mentor MRS. KATE MCGEE who came to the class and spoke about the quilting community at Gee’s Bend—a historically Black community that is descended from enslaved people. They have preserved the folk art of quilting and are known for the masterpieces they create.
After Mrs. McGee’s presentation, Mrs. Armstrong’s mom came to the class and taught all the students how to quilt, and then everyone worked on their own square for the quilt.
Now, you take part in this lesson too. Use the QR code to watch this video about Gee’s Bend, the art of quilting, and its connection to the Underground Railroad. Once you are ready, try your own hand at quilting.
In the end, Mr. Connors hopes this course and the thought-provoking material will lay the groundwork for critical thinking at every stage of life. But, for Father Ryan’s Seniors, he believes this class couldn’t come at a better time.
“Seniors are making really big choices about where they want to go to college, where to live, what to study, and who they want to be after college,” Mr. Connors shares. “I thought it was really important for them to have a space where they can step back and think about who they are and what they want out of life. I hope this class offers that for them.”
AP African American Studies
Currently, Father Ryan’s curriculum offers 28 AP courses, allowing students to engage in college-level material and earn college credit or advanced placement for those courses if they pass a standardized test given by the College Board at the end of the year. One of the newest AP courses has students filling the seats— EMILIE ARMSTRONG’S AP African American Studies class.
The year-long interdisciplinary course examines the diversity of African American experiences through primary sources. This was only the second year the course has been offered, and only the third year that it has been available nationally, but Mrs. Armstrong already has a deep waitlist of students who would like to take the class.
The class is open to Sophomores through Seniors, and all interested students must complete an application before joining.
“We were thrilled to have 64 applicants for the upcoming year,” shares Mrs. Armstrong. “I believe the increasing number of applicants is a good sign that students are enjoying this class and the material they are learning.”
Throughout the year, students explore multiple fields, including literature, the arts and humanities, political science, psychology, geography, and science. Through reading assignments, lectures, source analysis, and creative assignments, students explore key topics in the African American experience. These extend from early African kingdoms, to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement through modern times and achievements in science, medicine, and technology. In addition, students are required to complete a research project on a topic of their choice.
Mrs. Armstrong said she hopes this course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to become deeper thinkers and examiners of the world around them, especially as they leave Father Ryan.
“I hope this course gives students an understanding of our nation’s history that allows for complex thinking, honest evaluation of the present in the context of the past, builds empathy through a connection to the experiences of fellow Americans (past and present), and reinforces our desire to “know and love” all of our students,” she says.
Dual Enrollment Speech Communication 101
To continue Father Ryan’s commitment to providing the best possible experience for students as they reach their academic, spiritual, and personal potential, Father Ryan offers a new way for its students to earn college credit through nine new Dual Enrollment classes, including Intermediate French I and II, College Algebra/Pre-Calculus, Basic College Physics and II, Intermediate Spanish I and II, English Composition I and II, and Speech Communication.
With this new Dual Enrollment program in collaboration with Trevecca Nazarene University, Father Ryan students are able to take college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school.
For example, as a former adjunct professor in the Department of Communication and School of Education at Trevecca, Father Ryan teacher LINDSAY WENTWORTH was a perfect person to create a college-level speech class, as she had previously taught the same class at the university level.
Dr. Wentworth’s Speech Communication course has received many accolades from students for teaching highly practical skills that benefit any number of careers later in life.
“I think students are seeing how necessary and applicable strong public speaking skills are to our adult lives,” says Dr. Wentworth. “With this class, students have the opportunity to grow very practical skills, maximize their elective choices, and earn college credit. It is a win-win.”
In this course, Dr. Wentworth aims to improve each student’s communication skills, including public speaking, nonverbal communication, reasoning, listening, and critical thinking skills. It is offered to Seniors who meet the academic requirements.
During this semester-long class, students study a public speaking textbook and are required to review, evaluate, create, and deliver four different types of speeches in class. Those speeches include an introductory speech where students learn how to craft an engaging speech about themselves; a persuasive speech, where they have to take a stance on an issue, include a call to action, and learn how to research and organize their thoughts effectively; an informative speech, where they must educate others about a particular topic; and, lastly, a ceremonial speech, such as an acceptance speech or eulogy.
The students spend time researching, crafting, and delivering these speeches, and then practice critiquing themselves and others in the class so they can become accustomed to evaluating and applying feedback in a constructive way. As a final piece of the course, students are asked to choose a speech that they have already given and take the feedback they received and polish the speech to show the evidence of their growth.
Since this is a Dual Enrollment course, Dr. Wentworth also tries to make this experience as similar as possible to a college level course. Therefore, in addition to the four core speeches, there are quizzes, tests, and a final exam similar to how students sit for a college final.
Students have gained practical skills and confidence, as evidenced by comments in an end of course survey.
“The more I speak, the more I see improvement. This class gave me the confidence to get my points across more clearly.”
“I realized the value of knowing my audience and will definitely use the skills I have learned in my future career.”
“This class was hard, but really learned many skills.”
Enough said!
Foundation for the Future
STRATEGIC PLAN: YEAR ONE UPDATE
A s the 2024–2025 school year concludes, Father Ryan High School is pleased to provide our community with an update on our Strategic Plan initiatives. In July 2024, we launched our five-year Strategic Plan, Foundation for the Future , and with intentional and measured progress, we have made great strides toward advancing our vision. Throughout the Strategic Plan, Father Ryan’s Mission Statement—to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential—serves as our North Star.
To read the full year one update, visit fatherryan.org/year-one
STATE OF THE SCHOOL
From achieving a record-breaking fundraising year of $4.7 million to hosting over 1,200 alumni during Alumni Weekend, recognizing 15 students as Seal of Biliteracy recipients, and celebrating the class of 2025 as the 99th graduating class, 2024–2025 truly inspired us all!
To read the June 2025 State of the School from President PAUL DAVIS ’81 visit fatherryan.org/spring25
6 Houses. All Irish. House System Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary
It is hard to believe that this now familiar tagline and the House System it describes at Father Ryan High School are only five years old. For those who may be unaware or need a refresher, Father Ryan’s House System, which launched in 2020 during the pandemic, works like this: the entire Father Ryan community, including students, faculty, and staff, are divided into six Houses, and within each House, there are seven Mentor Groups. Students are randomly assigned to one of the six Houses when they are Freshmen (unless a sibling is already at Father Ryan) and remain in their Houses and Mentor Groups for their entire high school experience, creating bonds and building relationships with students in other grade levels and with teachers or staff they may not see in class.
AMY DUKE the Director of Houses from its inception, says that by breaking up the entire community into smaller groups, a large school feels smaller, increases the level of mentoring and pastoral care provided to students, and expands the number of leadership opportunities.
House travels off campus to volunteer with a local organization, such as Room In The Inn or By Faith Farms, while the other five Houses complete service projects on campus.
Ms. Duke says these Service Days have helped to create lasting bonds and memories. “When a House serves together, they create new experiences and help to build relationships between students and with faculty members who may not have students in classes or even in their Mentor Groups,” she shares.
“With a traditional student council, only a select number of students have an opportunity to take a leadership role,” says Duke. “But, with Father Ryan’s House System, there are 210 available positions, opening up leadership opportunities for students at all grade levels and helping our students develop leadership skills.”
As Father Ryan is a school built on the history of tradition, it is only fitting that the six Houses be named after a significant part of Father Ryan history with Elliston, Emerald, Immaculata, Norwood, Oak, Trinity.
Throughout the year, students participate in various activities to bring the community together while competing for House points. The House with the most points at the end of the year wins the coveted Irish Cup. Some of the events and competitions include a video game tournament, a fishing tournament, the Showtime Talent Show, a dodgeball tournament, and the House Games, featuring athletic, artistic, and trivia contests, to accommodate all students’ interests and talents.
Another way the Houses spend time cultivating relationships with one another is by giving back to the community through an annual canned food drive and two service days per semester. For the service days, one
“The House System has provided not only me, but hundreds of students with leadership opportunities. Whether it is a position within a Mentor Group or the entire House, the House System is a great way for people to get involved at Father Ryan. The House System was designed to help make a large school feel smaller. Over the past four years, I have grown closer to my classmates, teachers, and faculty in my House and Mentor Group. Without the House System, I would not have been able to meet one of my best friends.”
— JESSIE HENRY Class of 2025
Leadership positions: Norwood House Freshman Delegate, Operations Coordinator, Vice-Captain, and Captain.
Mentor Groups are a key part of daily life at Father Ryan. These small groups meet each morning for 20 minutes to build community, reflect, and spend time together outside of academics. Groups share stories, play games, pray, and learn about their House Saint. Students develop important skills, such as teamwork and communication, in a setting that feels more personal and relaxed. The students in these groups form tight connections.
Ms. Duke recalls one Mentor Group that started a group chat where students stay connected outside of school. “They were texting each other on weekends, sharing Spring Break pictures, and checking in with one another,” she says. “It is meaningful to see students from all four grade levels supporting each other that way, and how the Mentor Groups and House System solidified these relationships,” says Ms. Duke.
Now in its sixth year, the House System continues to grow and adapt. Ms. Duke and the six Heads of House regularly gather student feedback and look for new ways to keep students engaged. Some recent additions, such as reviving the 3-on-3 basketball tournament and bringing back Powderpuff, came directly from student suggestions. Inspiration also comes from other schools through the House System Institute, a national gathering that Father Ryan hosted on campus this June.
Even as the House System evolves, she says the program’s goal will remain the same: to uphold the Father Ryan promise by ensuring that every person is known and loved.
“The House System has been an amazing opportunity for me to get to know people, build relationships with people I otherwise wouldn’t have met, and have fun in various things like House Games and the dodgeball tournament. On top of that, the House System allowed me to work behind the scenes planning events, co-leading pep rallies, and planning things for prom and the senior banquet.”
— LUCAS WILSON Class of 2025
Leadership positions: Mentor Group Freshman Delegate, Trinity House Operations Coordinator, and two years as Trinity House Student Engagement Coordinator
Father Ryan Hosts National House System Symposium
Three-day Conference Welcomes More Than 125 High School Educators
With the House System celebrating its fifth anniversary, Father Ryan High School welcomed more than 125 educators from 39 schools and 14 states around the country for a three-day “House System Institute: A National Symposium” (HSI) event on campus from June 16–18.
The annual Symposium brings together leaders of House Systems across the United States to share best practices and provide insights into the benefits of these systems. Father Ryan’s Director of Houses, AMY DUKE , formally introduced the event, joined by opening remarks from President PAUL DAVIS ’81 and Principal FRANCISCO M. ESPINOSA, JR.
As the largest private high school in Nashville, Mr. Davis said the faculty at Father Ryan began to look for ways to help make a large school seem small. In other words, “how can we make sure that our students are known and loved,” Mr. Davis said.
“We focused everything on our Mission,” Mr. Davis added. “We want to be that experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. That means incorporating leadership opportunities, fellowship opportunities, service opportunities, and mentorship opportunities.”
“The mission is about students.” Mr. Espinosa said. “It is about making a place where kids know that they belong, they believe, and they become something. Then, they go out and share their gifts
and talents with this world. That’s what we’re called to do in these programs.”
The conference featured several breakout sessions, during which educators from other schools and Father Ryan faculty and staff members presented several aspects of the House System at Father Ryan. The sessions covered the House Mentor Groups—encompassing the perspectives of the leaders of those Mentor Groups, how they foster character development among students, and activities to do in Mentor Groups—in addition to exploring the intersection of the House System with academics, enrollment, and campus ministry, as well as presenting the House System on web and social media channels.
Ms. Duke noted that Father Ryan’s administration has a genuine commitment to the Mission, which has contributed to the success of the House System at Father Ryan. “They have helped the House System grow and flourish and have just shown incredible trust and faith in my six House leaders and me,” she said.
The House System Institute brings together school personnel from around the country to discuss and learn about aspects of implementing, developing, and improving House Systems. The institute is designed for administrators, faculty, and staff who are interested in establishing a House System or have an existing House System and wish to share successes and ideas.
Campus Tour: Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse
State Championships. Record-setting performances. Individual student-athletes and collective teams. From one sport to the next, their banners welcome you inside the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse. As you look around taking in the 360-degree view, 100 years of Father Ryan’s profound athletic history hangs on these walls.
And when the building is packed with Irish fans encouraging Father Ryan’s Volleyball, Basketball, and Wrestling teams, the cheers echo and reverberate off those same walls.
“When we moved to Norwood Drive, we arrived with one of the richest athletic traditions of success in the city and arguably in the state as well,” longtime coach and administrator
EDDIE KRENSON ’72 said. “With the new Fieldhouse, we now had the opportunity to put that history on display for everyone to experience the moment they step foot inside.”
“That is what strikes me every time I walk through those doors,” Mr. Krenson continued. “It reminds opponents that they are going to be tested, and it is a source of pride to all the athletes and coaches that made those banners possible.”
like home,” MCKENZIE CRUMBY ’26 said. HAYDEN CAMPBELL ’25 noted the thrill of playing in the Fieldhouse amid the numerous banners and trophies lining the walls, especially as Father Ryan hosted a State Tournament quarterfinal game inside the Fieldhouse.
In 1998, the gymnasium renamed the Fieldhouse for two of Father Ryan’s most influential figures: LOUIS CATIGNANI ’44 and JOE DRENNAN ’57. The Fieldhouse’s namesakes are etched onto stone panels over the entrance, reminding all who enter of their impact while at Father Ryan and the legacy they have both left.
“I don’t remember a time when I was in the Fieldhouse where it didn’t feel like home...”
When Father Ryan relocated to its new Norwood Drive campus for the 1991-92 school year, one of its primary anchor points became the Leo Long Gymnasium, on the northeast corner of the campus. Mr. Krenson oversaw the move to the Norwood campus as the Principal at Father Ryan, and he remains active in various volunteer efforts for the school.
“My vision for the role of the new gym was simply to provide our students, coaching staff, and the entire community with a space that they would use and treat with pride,” Mr. Krenson added. “The opportunity to plan and build a new gym gave us the ability to create an expansive, intimidating environment that could once again deliver the type of homecourt advantage we enjoyed in the original Elliston Place gym.”
“I don’t remember a time when I was in the Fieldhouse where it didn’t feel
Coach Catignani coached three different teams across a tenure spanning a quarter-century. In addition to coaching Football from 1955 to 1973, Coach Catignani led the Boys Track & Field Team from 1955 to 1963 and the Boys Basketball Team from 1956 to 1959. The wrestling facility—the newest addition to the athletics facilities— is emblematic of the Fieldhouse’s second namesake, Coach Drennan, who took over the Father Ryan Wrestling program at only 25 years of age. His youth did not prevent him from leading his teams to dominate the competition: In his first six years (1966–1971) at the helm, he guided eight different wrestlers to individual State Championships, and added a pair of team Championships (1969, 1971) and a Runner-up finish (1970) in that span.
That history is well-known among several Father Ryan students—including KENNEDY COCKERHAM ’25 —whose family has helped to shape several pieces of Father Ryan’s athletic success.
Before even beginning her Freshman year, Kennedy couldn’t wait to create her own Irish legacy. “I had been to various athletic events at Father Ryan before I started high school,” she recalled. “Whether it was Volleyball or Basketball games, I loved the environment surrounding the
Fieldhouse. This made me extremely excited for high school, especially having the opportunity to play Volleyball in the gym that many, including my dad, (JOSH COCKERHAM ’96) played in.”
The Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse features three full-size basketball courts, the PAT SIMPSON ’74 Wrestling Center, locker rooms, and coaching offices. In addition to the main courts and facilities used for competition, the JIM CARELL ’54 Fitness Center offers spaces for weight training and recovery, leading to Victory Hall where students, alumni, and guests can view the trophies earned throughout our history.
The main gymnasium itself has been significantly enhanced in recent years: the gym floor has been renovated and redesigned, and the bleachers have been renovated to include ADA-compliant seating and a broadcast platform for Behind the Crest students to share the in-game experience with fans watching online.
These enhancements have transformed the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse throughout the school year, for athletic, academic, and faith-related events. Several students noted the presence of the Fieldhouse for more than just athletics. “I would say that the Fieldhouse is very impactful to all students—not only do athletes use it, but we also have All-School Mass there once a month,” Hayden said. “It is a place where the whole school unites for events about our faith, like Mass and penance.”
“The Fieldhouse holds much more than sports,” Kennedy added. “Our Masses are in the gym, our pep rallies, celebrations, academic achievements, and so much more. Overall, the Fieldhouse brings people together for the better. Whether it’s faith-related, academics, or athletics, the Fieldhouse encompasses all Father Ryan has to offer.”
Exercising their creativity, the students imagined what the walls of the Fieldhouse—holding 100 years of Father Ryan history crafted by thousands of students—might say to those walking through its doors.
“I think they would talk about how the Fieldhouse is the place where people have found themselves—how, regardless of academic or athletic abilities, everyone still has a place on this campus,” McKenzie said. Kennedy agreed: “The walls would say how the Fieldhouse loves bringing people together, and how important it is to celebrate accomplishments of not only athletics but academics and everything Father Ryan has to offer.”
Regardless of where you are as you walk through our campus, it’s always a great day to be Irish.
ALUMNI WEEKEND RECAP
Whether it was the new name or the new events, the first Father Ryan Alumni Weekend brought together Ryan Nation from dozens of classes to celebrate the final events of the 100th year of the school.
It was the year for classes ending in 0s and 5s to hold Reunions, which meant the return of several classes from special periods of Father Ryan’s history, perhaps none more memorable than the Class of 2020. That was the class that endured the beginning of the pandemic, celebrated an outdoor Graduation that respected 6’ of separation, and have remained close because of that experience.
Here’s a look at the parties, the events, and the memories that made Alumni Weekend a success.
17th Annual Lou Graham ’56 Alumni Tournament Salutes 1975 U.S. Open Champ
Father Ryan honored LOU GRAHAM ’56 and celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his 1975 U.S. Open Championship at the 17th annual Lou Graham ’56 Alumni Golf Tournament on Friday, May 30.
A full house of golf foursomes toured Harpeth Hills Golf Course, prepped well by pro KEVIN FORTE ’87 for a beautiful morning of golf. Although Lou was unable to attend because of an injury, many of Graham’s family members were at the course for the celebration, and his 1975 U.S. Open Trophy, his scorecard from that title, as well as his Ryder Cup bag and medals were on display. Appropriately, Lou’s nephews and great-nephews teamed to win the tournament—RON GRAHAM ’83 Irish Head Golf Coach STEVE GRAHAM ’87 BRAD GRAHAM ’91, and TREVOR GRAHAM ’13.
The annual tournament raises funds for the school’s tuition assistance program.
Elliston Place Luncheon Brings Out Ryan Nation
Elliston Place. Those two words not only prompt memories of a building filled with classrooms and experiences. For students and faculty who studied and taught there from 1929–1991, it was the foundational building for the Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service that guides the school today.
To celebrate those memories, to honor those alumni, and to continue the 100 Years of Father Ryan Celebration, Father Ryan instituted the Elliston Place Luncheon as part of Alumni Weekend, complete with lunch provided by a favorite Elliston Place dining spot, Rotiers. The Dining Hall was augmented by archival items from the Elliston Place years for viewing by the attendees, while students, staff, and PRESIDENT PAUL DAVIS ’81 led tours of the campus.
A member of an accomplished golfing family, Graham won the 1956 TSSAA Golf Championship and was part of Father Ryan’s 1953 State Championship Golf Team, teaming with his brother, MARTY GRAHAM ’54 Graham won the U.S. Open at Medinah Country Club on June 22, 1975, in a playoff against John Mahaffey. He is the only Nashvillian and one of only two Tennesseans to capture one of golf’s four major championships—Cary Middlecoff of Memphis won the U.S. Open twice and the Masters once.
Graham won six times on the PGA Tour and was a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team in 1973, 1975, and 1977. He paired with Johnny Miller to win the 1975 World Cup. He is a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame, and the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame.
The combination brought out the expected crowd, and then some.
More than 300 people filled the Dining Hall, filled their plates with the classic Rotiers cheeseburgers and milkshakes, and filled their hearts with stories, memorabilia, and connections, strengthened across the school’s 100 years.
The Unforgettable Class of 1975
Become Golden Grads
The annual Alumni Weekend capstone event, the induction of the newest Golden Grad class, has been a highlight of Alumni Weekend for decades, providing an opportunity for the newest Golden Grads and every Golden Grad who came before them, to remember their time at Father Ryan and to celebrate the impact that experience had—and continues to have— on them and the world.
As we are in the midst of the 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration, it is appropriate that we brought back the Class whose Senior year marked the halfway point in that 100-year history. And in recognizing them, it’s more than a point in time…it is an important TOUCH point for Father Ryan High School.
The Class arrived on campus as the largest class in history and graduated the largest number of students up to that date—232. In those four years, the country adapted to changing times and the school continued to adapt to a new era, the early
years of coeducation, with students coming from more schools than ever before. It was an era of change for Father Ryan…and this Class was critical to that change. As Seniors and under new principal then-Father Pat Connor of the Class of 1953, the Class was challenged to elevate and celebrate Irish spirit. They delivered, with a State Title in Football, a State Champion in Wrestling, a growing arts program with a reinvigorated Purple Masque Players, and a further elevation of the academic program.
Spirit of Philanthropy: Scholarships Grow
One of the key priorities of the current Strategic Plan: Foundation for the Future is to enhance financial resources, allowing Father Ryan to improve access to high-quality Catholic education and flourish for generations to come.
Because of the generosity of alumni, faculty, parents, friends of alumni, and friends of Father Ryan this past year, that access has expanded.
In the past twelve months, the generosity of our community has created new scholarships or added to existing scholarships in the amount of more than $1.3 million. That support has increased the total funds available for tuition assistance, dramatically benefiting many families in the area. The scholarships honor the lives and memories of Father Ryan faculty and alumni whose impact continues today. Here are a few of those new scholarships.
Lee and Diane Wehby Carter Family Scholarship Fund
Created by alumni parents Lee and Diane Carter, this scholarship fund supports graduates of Christ the King School with demonstrated financial need who would not be able to attend Father Ryan High School without tuition assistance. The Carter family’s connection to Father Ryan runs deep—Lee and Diane’s sons, MATTHEW ’03 LUKE ’04 and BENJAMIN ’06 are all alumni, and Diane’s father, BILL WEHBY was a member of the Class of 1947. The Carters have chaired the Legacy Gala, and Lee is a past chair of the Board of Trustees and a current Life Trustee.
Class of 1975 Scholarship
Led by GREG WATHEN ’75 and MARTINA HAILEY ’75 the Class of 1975 established a memorial scholarship in celebration of their 50th Reunion and in remembrance of classmates who have passed away. This tradition began with the Class of 1967, and several other Golden Grad classes have campaigns underway. With strong support from the Reunion Committee, who made gifts and personally reached out to classmates, the effort became a true class-wide initiative.
The scholarship supports students with demonstrated financial need, helping make a Father Ryan education accessible to more families.
President PAUL DAVIS ’81 shared his gratitude:
The result was a new phrase— IRISH PRIDE—and this Class owned it and lived it.
Today, as community leaders, business people, public servants, attorneys, physicians, people of faith…and proud alumni of Father Ryan…they are living champions of this school and the embodiment of the Pride they helped engender in an era that needed a renewed spirit.
As they gathered in the Center for the Arts for the induction, and stood for the photo in front of the Neuhoff Library doors, the Irish Pride was clear to see, in their faces and in the faces of the family members and fellow graduates gathered to celebrate what they mean to Father Ryan.
“As we continue to implement our Strategic Plan, one of the areas of special attention is making Father Ryan accessible to those who seek a Catholic education. This scholarship, along with others like it, provides important resources to address that aspect of our Strategic Plan. I am grateful to the selfless and generous spirit of this Class and so many others that are strengthening our foundation for the future.”
To date, the Class of 1975 Memorial Scholarship Fund has surpassed $338,000, a new record for a class scholarship and a powerful testament to the enduring generosity of our Golden Grad alumni.
Msgr. Owen Campion ’58 Scholarship
The look on MONSIGNOR OWEN CAMPION ’58 ’s face (above) said it all: surprise, gratitude, and deep affection for Father Ryan, his family, and his classmates, when it was announced at a campus reception in December that a scholarship had been established in his name.
The Monsignor Owen Campion ’58 Scholarship has surpassed $150,000 in donations, and Msgr. Campion is eager to see it continue to grow in support of future Father Ryan students. The scholarship will be awarded to an ethnic minority student with an interest in journalism.
Mary F. Leedham Scholarship
Endowed by GARY LEEDHAM ’68 in honor of his mother, MARY F. LEEDHAM , this scholarship reflects a son’s deep gratitude and admiration for the values she instilled. The Mary F. Leedham Scholarship Fund will provide tuition assistance to Father Ryan students, helping to make a Catholic education more accessible for future generations. Through this generous endowment, Gary Leedham honors his family’s legacy and furthers the mission of the school he proudly calls his own.
Luckett Family Scholarship Fund
Established by the Luckett family members who graduated from Father Ryan between 1969 and 1986, the Luckett Family Scholarship Fund was created to recognize the financial challenges that large families may face in providing a Catholic education for all their children. This scholarship fund will support Catholic students whose families are raising multiple children, helping to ease the burden of tuition and ensure access to a Father Ryan education. Through this fund, the Luckett Family honors their own family’s values and seeks to extend the gift of Catholic education to others who share that commitment.
Mike Pigott Memorial Scholarship
MIKE PIGOTT was a gifted journalist and communications professional, known for his sharp wit and ability to find humor in everyday life. His wife, SHARON (MCREDMOND) PIGOTT, established this scholarship to honor Mike’s legacy and reflect the spirit he brought to his work and relationships.
The scholarship will be awarded to a rising senior who demonstrates strong writing ability and a sense of humor, someone who can laugh at themselves and with others, just as Mike so often did. Sharon and Mike Pigott are the parents of alumnae MARY BYRNE (PIGOTT) DAILY ’01 CONNOLLY (PIGOTT) BEHR ’03 and ELLEN (PIGOTT) SOUFLERIS ’08
In addition, Scholarships such as the Saint Katharine Drexel Scholarship, the Class of 1967 Scholarship, the Henry Manning Scholarship, and others have seen increases in support, all of which expands the school’s ability to attract, retain, and educate more students who seek a Catholic education. You can view all of the Father Ryan Scholarships on our website at fatherryan.org/ academics/scholarships.
Father Ryan is grateful to these and all our donors for their generous support.
If you are interested in creating a Scholarship (minimum amount is $50,000) or contributing to an existing Scholarship, contact Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement, at reuschb@ fatherryan.org. A Spirit of
Enhancing financial resources to allow Father Ryan to improve access to high-quality Catholic Education is one of the key areas of focus in the Foundation for the Future Strategic Plan. In this issue of Irish Ayes, we focus attention on the scholarships that alumni and family have established to meet this strategic goal.
To read more about the Annual Fund at Father Ryan, visit fatherryan.org/giving
Father Ryan’s Legacy Gala Celebrates 100 Years of Father Ryan
46th Annual Event Sets a New Gala Record for Contributions
Father Ryan High School welcomed more than 575 alumni, faculty, and guests to the Music City Center on Saturday, February 8, for the 46th Annual Legacy Gala, celebrating 100 Years of Father Ryan and setting a record for dollars raised from a single Gala.
Father Ryan President and CEO PAUL DAVIS ’81 thanked all attendees for their generosity in supporting the past, the present, and the future of Father Ryan, citing the numerous ways in which Father Ryan has impacted the lives of students and alumni.
“Tonight is a night of celebration and reflection, of how far we have come and how far we have evolved as a community,” Mr. Davis said. “We know, with each coming day, it is an opportunity to continue to grow and evolve.”
Annual Fund Flies
Past $1 Million,
Sets New Record Again
With the incentive of an anonymous $25,000 challenge gift and the outreach of Class Reps and the Advancement staff in the month of June, Father Ryan’s alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends responded to the 2024–2025 Annual Fund by contributing more than $1,021,000 in unrestricted funds for the school’s programs. The new total represents the second straight year the Annual Fund has topped the million-dollar mark and the 19th time in the last 20 years it has set a new record, missing out only in the pandemic year.
ANGIE (JACOBSON) COFFEY
’95 Father Ryan’s Annual Fund Manager, credited the spirit of Ryan Nation and the calls and emails from classmates across the community to the success of the campaign.
1962 ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL, O.P. permanently promised as a Lay Dominican in 2018. He has been a Catechist since 1981 and now teaches youth classes, adult classes, OCIA, and Catechist Certification classes. Also, he leads a King’s Men group and serves in several parish ministries at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City, GA.
1969 PAT NOLAN retired from a 50 plus year career in the Nashville media at the end of March. That includes 42 years as a reporter and political analyst at WTVF NewsChannel5, beginning 50 years ago, as well as with WPLN Nashville Public Radio and WSMV-TV Channel 4.
1984 JIMMY HILLER was named to the 2024 Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs list. Jimmy is the CEO of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric.
1985 CHRISTIE WILSON was named to the 2024 Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs list. Christie is the CEO at The Wilson Group Real Estate Services.
1987 KEVIN FORTE is the head golf professional at Harpeth Hills Golf Course, home to our Lou Graham ’56 Alumni Golf Tournament. Kevin had the course in great shape and was an outstanding host for the tournament. He invites all golfers to set up a tee time, come see him, and play this outstanding public course.
2001 MICHAEL LOMBARDO was part of Jacksonville State University’s Football Conference USA championshipwinning coaching staff as the Director of Football Video, Technology, and Analytics Coordinator for the 2024 season. This is his 2nd conference championship (MTSU in ’06). He enters his 17th year working in football coaching and sports technologies.
Mr. Davis continued: “Those who came before us laid the foundation of Father Ryan High School. It is our responsibility to build upon this foundation for the future; for the next 100 years.”
The Gala certainly built on that foundation. Results show that the school raised $334,000+ in net cash revenue, more than from any previous year in the event’s history.
“Irish Pride is real, and that spirit infuses all of our work and all in our community,” Coffey said, “The generosity of our challenge donor, the energy of our volunteers, and the response from across our Irish family combined to bring the first year of our 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration to a meaningful and beneficial end. am grateful to all the staff and volunteers for their hard work on behalf of Father Ryan.”
1975 PAULA (HOLLORAN) KENNEDY recently competed in the Tennessee Senior Olympics and earned gold medals in all three of her events: free throws, three pointers, and hot shots in her age division.
1976 In December, members of the CLASS OF 1976 —one of the largest and most closely connected classes, with over 270 entering freshmen—gathered to celebrate their lasting bond. Several attended a special Mass at St. Patrick Church, offered in honor of the living and deceased members of the class. They were later joined by even more classmates for lunch, hugs, and stories at Party Fowl in Donelson.
JASON ARBOGAST ’95 PEYTON MASSEY ’12 and WILLIAM “MERRITT” TURNER ’12 are all serving with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). Jason, who has been with TEMA for 18 years, now leads Operations. Peyton works as a disaster responder, having assisted with emergencies in Tennessee, Florida, Vermont, and beyond. Merritt serves as a day-shift supervisor in the State Watch Point—Tennessee’s equivalent of a 911 command center. All three have played vital roles in responding to recent and ongoing disasters across the region.
1995 Friends from the CLASS OF 1995 celebrated lifelong friendships on their annual girls trip: HEATHER (CARPENTER) BARNETT, LINDSEY (GARMON) MCGRADY, MAGGIE (THOMPSON) DARST, KIM (TIMMONS) DERRICK, MANDY (NEWSOM) VOLKERT, COURTNEY (MAHER) THOMPSON, AND BROOKE (DAVIDSON) DILL.
2005 RACHEL (HAYDEN) LOVE was featured in the Wall Street Journal “Cracker Barrel Updates Menu, Décor. Some Miss Its Country Charm” 5/1/2025 edition, for her viral TikTok videos about Cracker Barrel’s recent updates to décor and the menu. Her content, which reflects on the chain’s nostalgic charm, gained national attention and was highlighted in a story about how customers are responding to the changes. You can find more content @rachelallthelove.
2005 JOSHUA MEDEIROS has a new private mental health practice. He is pleased to offer Clinical Mental Health Services in person in Clarksville, TN, and surrounding areas, as well as via telehealth to all Tennessee residents. He serves a variety of populations (individuals of all ages, couples, and religious) from a faithful Catholic anthropology. In addition, he provides community education to groups and workplaces on topics such as stress and burnout, as well as incident response.
2008 NICHOLAS MATAYA was ordained to the subdiaconate for the Ukrainian GrecoCatholic Church at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Chicago on June 8.
1974 MIKE HOOKER talked about his faith and shared stories of his Father Ryan experience as the guest speaker this spring at MRS. LOUISA BATEMAN ’s Theology III class. Mike is a member of the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.
2016 MAXI (EDWARDS) MALMSTROM graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She was awarded the Feline Medicine Award for her graduating class and began working at Animal Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, starting June 2025.
2017 RYAN HINLO earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in October 2024 following his graduation from the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at Lipscomb University.
2018 EMILY CARLETELLO after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, has officially joined her dad, TONY CARLETELLO ’89 in the real estate world. She
SHELBY (DAIGLE) ’16 and Lewis Watt were married on April 26, 2025, at Union Station Hotel in Nashville, TN.
SOPHIA (LIBERATORE) ’19 and JOHN DIRUGERIS ’17 were married on August 31, 2024, at St. Henry Church in Nashville, TN.
CAROLINE (MINCHEY) ’20 and IAN JOHNSTON ’19 were married on May 18, 2024, in Spring Hill, TN.
MAXI (EDWARDS) ’16 and ZACH MALMSTROM ’16 were married on August 17, 2024, in Nashville, TN.
is now a licensed REALTOR® and a proud member of The Carletello Team at Compass in Nashville. Growing up around real estate, she saw firsthand the positive impact this work can have on people’s lives and now is grateful to be part of that journey herself. She is especially proud to carry on the family tradition, helping clients find home with integrity, care, and a genuine commitment to making the process as smooth and meaningful as possible.
2021 DAVID RYAN JOHNSON graduated on May 29 with the Class of 2025 from the United States Air Force Academy and is now a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. He finished with a class rank of 69 earning him
Weddings
ELISE (MILLER) ’91 and JASON MCNEELY ’91 were married on November 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV.
SOFIA (LOMBARDINI) ’20 and William Myers were married September 7, 2024, in Crossville, TN.
EMMA (HEIM) ’14 and John Rodgers were married on April 5, 2025, in Nashville, TN.
GRACE (SPRADER) ’18 and MATTHEW SHARP ’18 were married on September 28, 2024, in Huntsville, AL.
Distinguished Graduate status. He majored in aeronautical engineering and received the department’s award for Excellence in Applied Research. Also, David was a fouryear member of the Academy’s Precision Flying Team and received the Outstanding Flying Team Cadet Airmanship Award for top Flying Team performance. He reports to Sheppard Air Force Base to continue his flight training with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program.
2021 BEN STROBEL attended the North American Saxophone Alliance conference, where he competed and won first place in the Collegiate Solo Competition.
2023 SOPHIA COX is majoring in Animation at Lipscomb University. In the fall of 2024, she was hired to create the animation for a music video for Little Big Town’s Christmas single, “Glow.”
Patrick Wayne to MAX BRYANT ’07 and Taylor (Clements), born on March 7, 2024.
Hampton James to MEREDITH (HASSELL) ’06 and Jourdan Causseaux, born on January 31, 2025.
Elena Rose to JENNIFER (HOLT) ’16 and Camdon Collier, born on December 5, 2024.
Rory Patrick to CAITLIN (MULLOY) ’09 and STEPHEN CURRAN ’10 on March 18, 2025.
Nancy Josephine to KATIE (DEAN) ’99 and Tucker Egbert, born on October 7, 2023.
Cooper James to Katelyn Goins and AARON GOINS ’09 born on March 6, 2025.
LANIE (SAVAGE) ’18 and CJ VAUGHN ’18 were married on March 8, 2025, at The Mill at Lebanon.
LAUREN “FERN” (WATT) ’07 and Max Horwitz were married on May 19, 2025, at Katz’s Deli in New York City.
MALACHY (DOYLE) ’17 and Justin JordanLake were married on October, 21, 2023, at Christ the King Church in Nashville, TN.
Ryder Daniel to KRISTI (CATIGNANI) ’14 and Parker Gupton, born on June 10, 2025.
Benjamin “Benji” Wilson to KATIE (WILSON) ’13 and STEVEN HENRY ’14 born on June 9, 2025.
Griffin Thomas to CALLIE (HERRMAN) ’13 and Tanner Hess, born on July 17, 2024
Charles Matthias to Meredith Hinlo and RYAN HINLO ’17 born on May 30, 2025.
Mary Harper to RACHEL (BOYD) ’06 and PATRICK JOHNSON ’06 born on November 2, 2024.
James Lyle to MALACHY (DOYLE) ’17 and Justin Jordan-Lake, born on November 11, 2024.
Davis Redmond to ERIN (BLAIR) ’09 and OLLIE-JOHN KELLER ’03 born on February 19, 2025.
Ryan Patrick to KELLIE (MORGAN) NEAL ’11 and MATTHEW NEAL ’11 born on September 9, 2024.
Eleanor Elizabeth to LINDSEY (MARTIE) ’09 and Frank Scheetz, born on April 29, 2025.
Rylee to MARCI (DAVISON) ’12 and Bradley Waterman, born on April 26, 2025.
Lucas Hartley to KERRY (LINDSTROM) ’10 and Eric Wilcox on July 11, 2024.
Lynlee Grace to Tia Yunker and CAMERON YUNKER ’11 born on May 8, 2025.
Notes, Births, Weddings, and In Memoriam news in this issue reflect information received by June 30,
2025.
Births summer 2025
Ryan Patrick Neal
Mulloy, Lee, and Rory Curran
Lynlee Grace Yunker
James Lyle Jordan-Lake Davis Redmond Keller
Nancy Josephine Egbert Cooper James Goins
Lucas Hartley Wilcox Ryder Daniel Gupton
Eleanor Elizabeth Sheetz
Mary Harper Johnson Charles Matthias Hinlo
Benjamin Wilson Henry
Rylee Waterman
Hampton James Causseaux
Lauren “Fern” (Watt) and Max Horwitz
Maxi (Edwards) and Zach Malstrom
Elise (Miller) and Jason McNeely
Emma (Heim) and John Rodgers
Grace (Sprader) and Matthew Sharp
Caroline (Minchey) and Ian Johnston Lanie (Savage) and CJ Vaughn
Sofia (Lombardini) and William Myers
Mally (Doyle) and Justin Jordan-Lake Shelby (Daigle) and Lewis Watt Sophia (Liberatore) and John Dirugeris
MONICA (WERRBACH)
AEBERSOLD daughter of alumnus
Otto Werrbach, Jr. ’43 (deceased) and sister of Otto “Toby” Werrbach III ’71.
SAMUEL ARMSTRONG ’71 , brother of alumni Kenny Armstrong ’68, Bonita Armstrong ’74 (deceased), Tanja Armstrong ’76 (deceased), and Stephen Armstrong ’78.
HENRY A. ATWATER II ’62 father of alumni Ingrid Atwater ’91 and Henry A. Atwater III ’96.
JAMES BANKER, SR. father of alumni
Louise (Banker) Larkin ’86, Anthony Banker ’88, Becky (Banker) Lewis ’90 (deceased), and James Banker, Jr. ’96.
JOHN THOMAS BATSON ’62 brother of alumni Norman Batson ’56 and Joe Batson ’57 (both deceased).
GEORGE D. BERRY ’51 , brother of John Berry ’40, Robert Berry ’42, Edward Berry 42, W. Irvin Berry ’46, and Joseph Berry ’47 (all deceased).
RICHARD “DICK” BOLAND father of alumna Susan (Boland) Davenport ’85.
ANNE LOWTHER BRODBINE mother of alumni Andy Brodbine ’88 and Chris Brodbine ’88.
KEVIN BROWNING ’85 brother of alumnus David Browning ’85.
NELL BROWN daughter of alumnus
Robert Hart Sullivan ’29 (deceased) and sister of alumni Bob Sullivan ’56, Bill Sullivan ’59, and Jerry Sullivan ’62 (all deceased).
MARY JANE BRUNNER mother of alumni Tom ’76, Bill ’77 (faculty), Jim ’80, John ’82, and Bob Brunner ’90.
JOHN E. BUCHANAN ’67, brother of alumni Charlie ’52 and Eddie ’56 Buchanan (both deceased).
MARY BURKE-KIMBALL , mother of alumni Michael Burke ’83, Patti (Burke) Pearson ’83, Katy (Burke) Nair ’85, Nancy Jean Burke ’86, and Tim Burke ’93.
MARJORIE VAUGHN CALLIS , daughter of alumnus William Vaughn ’36 (deceased) and sister of alumni Eddie Vaughn ’78 (Melissa Freeman ’78) and Marty Vaughn ’80.
HAYDEN TIMOTHY CAMPBELL ’10 son of Tim Campbell ’76, brother of Seth Campbell ’13 (Chloe Moix ’13), and grandson of Thomas “Hawk” Campbell ’42 (deceased).
LOUIS J. CATIGNANI III ’73 , son of Louis J. Catignani, Jr. ’44 (deceased) and brother of alumni Emile Catignani ’69 and Milly Catignani ’76.
JULIA FRANCES CLARK mother of alumnus Fate Thomas, Jr. ’79.
MARK CLARKE ’83 brother of alumni Matthew Clarke ’80, Helena Clarke ’84, and Angie Clarke ’86.
MARY ANN CLAXTON mother of alumni Rob Claxton ’94 and Dan Claxton ’99, and former staff member at Father Ryan.
BERNADINE E. COODE wife of alumnus Charles “Skip” Coode ’51 (deceased).
PAULA LYNN CROWELL , wife of alumnus Joe Crowell ’88.
KATHLEEN CUNNINGHAM wife of alumnus Carl Cunningham ’45 (deceased) and mother of Carl Cunningham ’81 (deceased) and Pat Cunningham ’83.
JOHN T. DOWD ’50
ROBERT L. DUCKLO, JR. ’59 brother of alumni Tommy Ducklo ’67 and Jimmy Ducklo ’79
WILFRED MICHAEL “MIKE” DUMONT ’56
FRANCES FARO mother of alumnus Billy Faro ’95.
JOSEPH DOUGLAS FERTITTA ’64 father of alumna Lisa Fertitta ’86 and brother of alumnus Tony Fertitta ’74 (deceased).
TONY FERTITTA ’74 brother of alumnus Joe Fertitta ’64 (deceased).
PATRICK FINCH ’77 brother of alumnus Michael Finch ’75.
DORIS SLOAN FRANCIS wife of alumnus George Francis ’45 (deceased) and mother of alumni Richard Francis ’72 (deceased) and Diane (Francis) Denney ’86.
ANN FREDERICKS mother of alumnae Nina (Fredericks) Dressel ’10, Caroline Fredericks ’17, Anna Fredericks ’17, and Dolores “Dodi” Fredericks ’17.
WILLIAM “DUSTY” GARMON ’76 brother of alumni Bobby Garmon ’65 and Thomas Garmon ’69 (deceased).
ROBERT “BOB” GARNER ’51
EDWARD GORE Life Trustee and father of alumni Eddie Gore, Jr. ’82 and Greg Gore ’86.
JOHN GOULDENER ’64, brother of alumnus Eddie Gouldener ’58 (deceased).
CHARLES “DUDE” GRIFFITH ’62 , father of alumni Randy Griffith ’85, Mark Griffith ’87, Lori (Griffith) Rose ’89 (Mike ’89), and Lee Ann (Griffith) Johnson ’96; son of alumnus Edward Thomas Griffith ’32 (deceased); and brother of alumni Tommy Griffith ’52, Joe Griffith ’53, Bill Griffith ’71, and Jim Griffith ’72.
KAY HAGAR, mother of alumni Nicky (Hager) Steenkamp ’97 and Leland “Lee” Hager II ’99
LELAND “DALE” HAGER, SR. father of alumni Nicky (Hager) Steenkamp ’97 and Leland Dale “Lee” Hager II ’99.
STEVEN HAILEY ’78 , brother of alumni Robert Hailey, Jr. ’73 (deceased), Mary Lee (Hailey) Payne ’74, Martina Hailey ’75, and Amy Hailey ’80.
CHRISTOPHER SHAWN HAILEY ’87 , son of James Hailey, Jr. ’67 and brother of James Hailey III ’85 (deceased) and Eric Hailey ’92 (deceased).
JOHN LOUIS HAYES father of alumni Randy ’75, Rick ’76 (deceased), Rusty ’81, Robbie ’82, and Phillip ’84 Hayes.
PATRICIA DUCKLO GORHAM
HECKMAN mother of alumni Matt Gorham III ’78, Robert “Bob” Gorham ’82, and Thomas “Tee” Gorham ’85, and sister of alumni Robert Ducklo ’59 (deceased), Tommy Ducklo ’67, and Jimmy Ducklo ’79.
GEORGE LAWRENCE HEIMBACH ’57
TERESA MCSHANE HEINEN mother of alumnus William “Bill” Heinen ’67.
PATRICIA THOMPSON HENDRICK daughter of alumnus Walton C. Thompson ’43 (deceased) and sister of William “Bill” Thompson ’81.
ANDREW HILL son of alumna Lisa (Wilson) Hill ’77.
MARGARET “MARIE” HIRST wife of alumnus Phillip Hirst ’68 and sister of alumnus Martin J. Connolly, Jr. ’68.
CARL F. HIRST ’66, brother of alumni Jim Hirst ’67 (deceased) and Phillip Hirst ’68.
PATRICK HOFFMAN ’81 brother of Bill Hoffman ’73 (deceased).
BRIAN HOFFMAN brother of alumna Luellen (Hoffman) Maskeny ’72.
LOIS MARTHA JIRIKOVEC mother of alumna Jane (Jirikovec) Swenson ’75.
RICHARD F. JOHNSON, JR. ’74 father of alumni Shannon Johnson ’97 and Tim Johnson ’03, son of Richard F. Johnson, Sr. ’47 (deceased), and brother of alumni Michael Johnson ’75, David Johnson ’76, Gina (Johnson) Canonico ’77, and Michele Johnson ’87.
MICHAEL KILBANE ’80 brother of alumna Chrissy (Kilbane) Donlon ’86 (Mark ’80).
ED KING ’57
HILDA COTTER KOHL wife of alumnus Ed Kohl ’50 (deceased) and mother of alumni Kim (Kohl) Reff ’78, Vicky (Kohl) Meek ’80, Michael Kohl ’82, Jeff Kohl ’84, and Shawn Kohl ’93.
MARY JEAN KRUSE , mother of alumni
Amy (Kruse) Hubbuch ’83 (Jim ’82), Lisa (Kruse) Link ’84 (Eric ’84), and Eric Kruse ’92.
JOHN WILLIAM “BILL” KUHLMAN ’57, former faculty, brother of alumnus David Kuhlman ’57.
EDWARD LAMBERT ’57, father of alumni
Edward Lambert, Jr. ’80, Charles “Chuck” Lambert ’82, and Nick Lambert ’85, and brother of Robert Lambert ’60 (deceased)
JUDE THADDEUS LENAHAN ’62 father of alumnus Tad Lenahan, Jr. ’85 and brother of alumni Kevin Lenahan ’70 and Marta Lenahan ’74.
KEVIN LENAHAN ’70 brother of alumni Jude Lenahan ’62 (deceased) and Marta Lenahan ’74.
JAMES L. LISLE ’56 brother of alumni
Ben Lisle ’52 (deceased), Richard Lisle ’59 (deceased), John Lisle ’61 (deceased), Frank Lisle ’63, Bill Lisle ’64 (deceased), Bob Lisle ’65 (deceased), Charles Lisle ’66, Lawrence Lisle ’69, Joan Lisle ’72, Michael Lisle ’73, and Mary Jane (Lisle) Scruggs ’75.
RICHARD G. MAHER father of alumnae Cammi (Maher) Brywczynski ’93 and Courtney (Maher) Thompson ’95.
ROSE IRENE MCCARTHY, mother of alumni Larry ’78, Brian ’79 (deceased), Barry ’80, and Paul ’88 McCarthy.
JOSEPH FRANCIS “JEFF” MCMAHON III ’65 father of alumni Nicki (McMahon) Monroe ’90, Jay McMahon IV ’92, and Julianna (McMahon) Vander Mey ’96.
DORIS AYERS MCMINNIS wife of alumnus James McMinnis ’41 (deceased) and sister of John P. Ayers ’56 (deceased).
DIANA GAYLE MEADOWS mother of alumni Mike Meadows ’85, Shane Meadows ’88, and Melissa (Meadows) Jolley ’90.
BRENDA MILEK mother of alumni Mark Milek ’84 (Gayle ’84), Myles Milek ’85, Jason Milek ’89, and Melanee Milek ’92.
EDWARD JOSEPH “JOE” MORGAN ’48 , father of Edward J. Morgan, Jr. ’75 and brother of alumnus Rev. William Morgan ’38 (deceased).
DAVID “BUD” MUCKLE father of alumni Mary (Muckle) Bennett ’75, David Muckle ’75, Terry (Muckle) Campbell ’77, Betty (Muckle) Cassell ’78 (deceased), and Diane (Muckle) Middleton ’81.
LYNWOOD FRANK NEELEY, JR. ’85 son of alumnus Frank Neeley ’51 and brother of alumni Vince Neeley ’73, Pam (Neeley) Gregory ’74, and Tim Neeley ’81.
LUCILE LEWIS NEUHOFF wife of alumnus John Neuhoff ’43 (deceased).
CHARLOTTE PARRISH NORRIS , sister of alumni Donald Parrish ’33 and Ray Parrish ’36 (both deceased).
EDWARD OSSI III father of alumni Edward Ossi IV ’99 and Elena (Ossi) Wilson ’09.
JONATHAN PARKER , father of alumna Madilyn Parker ’22.
TIM PARRISH ’71 son of alumnus Raymond O. Parrish ’36 (deceased) and brother of alumnus Vincent Parrish ’64 (deceased).
JAMES “JIM” L. PHILLIPS ’63, brother of alumnus William “Bill” Phillips ’64.
DELORES “DEE” PICKNEY, wife of alumnus Bill Pickney ’75.
SHERRLYN PRATT mother of alumna Lisa (Pratt) Neeley ’00.
MIKE PURCELL, SR. ’68 brother of alumni Joe ’67 (deceased), Tommy ’69 (deceased), Steve ’71, Louie ’73, Billy ’76 Jimmy ’78, and Phillip Purcell ’81
CODY RALEY son of alumna Cindy (Lynch) Langford ’77 and brother of Chris Lynch ’97
GARY LEE RATLIFF, SR. ’61
JOHN REIMER former staff member, father of alumna Teresa Reimer ’91.
HARRIET “TEENA” RODGERS mother of alumni Richard Rodgers ’87, Lisa (Rodgers) Fisch ’91, David Rodgers ’95 (deceased), and Khantiko Bhikkhu ’97.
Remembering Pope Francis
The Father Ryan community joined the faithful around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis this spring. The campus community gathered for prayer, Mass, and reflections in the days after the Pope’s death was announced. Pope Francis’s life was an inspiration for many in our community, and his words and presence touched people everywhere, including many Father Ryan students, who travelled to D.C. in 2015 to see the Pope when he visited the United States, and two Father Ryan faculty members, in particular.
For JONATHAN ’99 and KATE MCGEE Pope Francis will always hold a special place in their faith memories. In 2013, while in Rome for their wedding, the McGees participated in a special audience for newlyweds
with Pope Francis. When they got to the Pope, Kate presented an illustration for him, and he was visibly touched and impressed, sharing a hug with Kate and asking them to pray for him.
It was another example of his natural warmth and embrace with all he met. As we welcome Pope Leo XIV and offer prayers for his papacy, we remember and pray for Pope Francis, with thanks for the example he continues to provide the world.
STEPHEN CULLEN SANDERS
’68 , father of alumni Eric Sanders ’14 and Sam Sanders ’17, son of Joseph Sanders ’35 (deceased), and brother of Joseph Sanders ’66.
PAUL JAMES SCHERER father of alumnae Kristin (Scherer) Davis ’05, Colleen (Scherer) Harris ’06, and Kelly (Scherer) Taylor ’08.
MARCELLE SCHLOSSER daughter of Max Schlosser, Jr. ’32 (deceased) and sister of Joseph Schlosser ’80.
JOHN SORACE , father of alumnus Paul Sorace ’83.
MARY FRANCES “SISSY” SPELTA wife of alumnus Anthony “Tony” Spelta ’57 and mother of alumni Anthony “Tony” Spelta, Jr., ’85 (April Parton ’85) and Peter “Trey” Spelta III ’87
DANIEL FRANK SPOND ’65 brother of alumnus Br. Bill Spond, OFM ’64, Art Spond ’71, and Evelyn (Spond) Hart ’73.
MARY CATHERINE “CATHY” SMITH STEVENS ’77, mother of alumnus Dale Atnip ’97 and sister of Grafton Smith ’75, Patrick Smith ’80, and Richard Smith ’86.
MARTIN J. “JERRY” STROBEL, SR. ’58 father of alumni Martin ’85, Daniel ’90, and Morgan ’95 Strobel and brother of alumnus Rev. Charles F. Strobel ’61 (deceased).
JOAN MARY STROBEL sister of alumni Robert Strobel ’39 and Eugene Strobel ’45 (both deceased).
MARIE ROSE SULLIVAN , wife of alumnus Paul Sullivan ’47 (deceased) and sister of Nick Rose ’28 (deceased)
PEGGY BLANTON SULLIVAN , wife of William Patrick Sullivan ’50 (deceased) and mother of alumni Ricky Sullivan ’72, Angie (Sullivan) Cundiff ’77, and Kari (Sullivan) Gray ’91.
MARGARET “PEG” SALSMAN THOMPSON mother of alumni
Leigh Ann (Thompson) McInnis ’83 and Donnie Thompson ’85.
GREGORY TRIPLETT father of alumnus Andrew Triplett ’15.
BEVERLY DAWN WARD, mother of alumna Jennifer (Ward) Moody ’99.
JOSEPH WEBSTER ’70
REV. MR. TED WELSH , father of alumni Gregory Welsh ’88 and Paul Welsh ’97.
JOSEPH “TREY” WHITEHEAD III son of alumnus Joe Whitehead, Jr. ’71 (deceased).
EVERETT LUKE WINSTON III ’79 brother of alumnus Timothy Winston ’80 (deceased) and Maria (Winston) Summers ’83.
MARGARET MEIERS WOLF, wife of alumnus Edward Meiers ’50 (deceased), mother of alumni Joe Meiers ’81, Mark Meiers ’84, and Amy Meiers ’85, and sister of alumni
John Patrick Fahey ’59 and Michael Fahey ’61.
GREGORY YUSKO father of alumni
Christopher Yusko ’01, Sean Yusko ’03, Justin Yusko ’05 and Matthew Yusko ’07 (Caitlin Muller ’10).
100 Years of Father Ryan Celebration Continues
Last September, we welcomed the Father Ryan community to campus for the 100 Years of Father Ryan Community Celebration. The Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Spalding in the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse launched our 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration, and Father Ryan hasn’t stopped celebrating.
The school’s 100 Masses initiative has seen 48 Masses celebrated in Father Ryan’s honor already, many of them across the diocese but also at the University of Notre Dame and Washington, D.C., as well as in Rome. A new Hatch Show print honoring the 100th was released in May and presented to all members of the Class of 2025 and the faculty and staff. The Alumni Weekend brought new events and many alumni out to the campus. There are plans for more events and activities in the coming year as we continue to honor our 100 years and prepare to graduate the 100th class – the Class of 2026 – next May. Also, we welcome more submissions for the Influential Educators section of the 100th website. For a full schedule for upcoming 100 Masses and other 100 events, visit fatherryan.org/100
100th Book Coming this Fall
Honoring our 100 years means telling the story of those 100 years, and this fall we will release the book that captures the unique images and spirit of Father Ryan.
Father Ryan High School: Celebrating a Century tells the story of our first 100 years through archival photos, new images from Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Robin Hood, and the writing of the team at Grandin-Hood Publishers in Franklin, Tennessee. The book is more than 200 pages long and rich in storytelling.
The book will be available for purchase this fall. Look for more information in the coming months on how you can order your book and add it to your library.
Check out the Touchscreens – from Home
The new touchscreens on campus are fully updated, through the 2024–2025 school year, and now you can view them remotely. Check out your teams, classmates, and other history by visiting fatherryan.touchpros.com
Ryan Nation has been showing its Purple Pride #Irish4Life
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.
