An Amazing Senior Class
As we quickly approach graduation, we are so thankful for the past four years with the Class of 2023. Below are a few student reflections on how Father Ryan's Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service has impacted their life.
Brody Moran '23
"Father Ryan’s Tradition of Knowledge means a tradition of challenging yourself academically. Father Ryan’s teachers and my classmates push me to challenge myself in the classroom, whether that be taking a harder class or reaching out to a teacher to better understand a concept so that I become the best student that I can be. My teachers’ enthusiasm for their classes as well as their devotion to helping their students allowed me to flourish in their classrooms and to better understand the subject material." Brody will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the fall.
Grace Holland '23
"Father Ryan’s Tradition of Service goes beyond the requirement we are given as students and gives us a plethora of opportunities to live out our faith. It has allowed me to meet people who are outside of my normal circle of friends and get to know them on a deeper level. From the moment I came on campus, the faculty, staff, and students were very welcoming and made me feel that this was the place where I was meant to be." Grace will attending Mississippi State University in the fall.
Addie O'Brien '23
"Our Tradition of Faith incorporates prayer into everyday life at Father Ryan High School. I have been shown that faith-based environment firsthand with all of my teachers telling me they are praying for my mom as she battles cancer. Their care for my family and me goes beyond just that of a student. Music Ministry has enabled me to feel engaged in Mass, and I love being able to lead others in worship. Using my gifts for God’s glory is very important to me." Addie will attend Samford University in the fall.
Kemi Tela '23
"To me, Father Ryan’s Tradition of Knowledge signifies the school’s desire to best support, accommodate, and challenge each of its students academically while preparing them for a successful future. I believe this commitment to students’ academic success is best displayed in Father Ryan’s academic learning levels, which provide each individual student with a learning plan catered to their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately helping them grow and excel. Father Ryan instills in its students a desire to pursue academic excellence, and the supportive learning environment has developed my linguistic, mathematical, and analytical skills and expanded my academic interests." Kemi will attend Yale University in the fall.
Elia Rodriguez '23
"When I think of Father Ryan’s Tradition of Irish Pride, I am proud of where I come from. I am proud to be a student here. I didn’t simply learn how to be a successful artist. Yes, I’ve excelled in the band and dance program, but I met so many amazing people along the way and had many impactful experiences through the arts program. These experiences led me to being not only a talented artist but a confident one as well." Elia attend Northwestern University in the fall.
Raymond Hmuifoo '23
"Father Ryan’s Tradition of Knowledge prioritizes the pursuit of comprehension and mastery over attaining positions, titles, and awards. I seek the important things in life. Put simply, I want to learn. Not only did I discover what I want to devote my life, I acquired the necessary skills to succeed. Not only did I grow as a scholar, I developed as a humanitarian. I’ve learned you can have everything in the world from possessions, money, and fame; but at the end of your life, you are not going to be able to keep it. Living your life is about the connections you make and the people you impact." Raymond will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.
Service Society Inducts 16 New Members
The St. Vincent de Paul Service Society at Father Ryan High School awards students who have served at least 120 hours in their community through the Corporal Works of Mercy. At least 40 of those hours must be with one organization to show a commitment and understanding of that organization over time. Students had to serve, apply by writing about their service, its meaning, and its challenges, and receive a recommendation from that organization to be accepted into the society.
This year, 16 new members were inducted in a Mass and ceremony with a combined service hour total 0f 2,995. These students served at a number of organizations such as Room at the Inn, Loaves and Fishes, the Branch of Nashville, and By Faith Farm.
We are so proud of our students and their commitment to continuing the tradition of service at Father Ryan!
Special Olympics Returns
For the first time in four years, the Special Olympics Spring Games returned to Father Ryan's campus last month! More than 220 athletes participated in the day's events, and over 150 Father Ryan students were there to volunteer and cheer on the athletes. The athletes in attendance are students from across Tennesse, as well as members from the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program.
Due to the event's COVID driven hiatus, no current Father Ryan student has had the chance to participate in Special Olympics. As soon as the event was announced, our students rushed to sign up, and within 10 minutes, the registration was full.
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Summer Camp at Father Ryan
Summer is just around the corner, and it's not too late to sign up for Summer Camps at Father Ryan! Whether your child is interested in soccer, lacrosse, performing, dancing, or creating crafts with cardboard, there's something for everyone at Father Ryan this summer!
Learn more about the Summer Camps we offer and register today!
Register Joaquin Panelo '26
Receives Father Black Award for Excellence
The Father Black Award for Excellence is given to the Freshman student who best exemplifies Catholic Scholarship and Christian Leadership. This prestigious award is voted on by faculty and staff.
This year's finalists include:
Mei Mei Baker '26 - St. Henry
School
Sophie Mullins '26 - Holy Rosary Academy
Joaquin Panelo '26 - St. Bernard Academy*
Sully Smith '26 - St. Ann
School
Nate Watson '26 - Holy Rosary Academy Award winner Joaquin Panelo is one of our inaugural Hayes Scholars, currently enrolled in four High Honors courses and one AP Course, is a the Freshman Delegate of Elliston House, and is involved in four clubs including Model UN.
Congratulations to all of these outstanding students, and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the upcoming years at Father Ryan!
*In the previous version Joaquin Panelo's school was incorrectly stated as Holy Rosary Academy. Joaquin is an alumnus of St. Bernard Academy.
Students Pursuing Visual and Performing Arts in College
Over the last four years, these students have made their impact on the Arts Department at Father Ryan. From performing on stage to creating artwork of all kinds, these Seniors will continue to pursue the arts in college.
Daniel Jipster: Music Education at University of North Texas
Maddie Ott: Classical Track of Vocal Performance at Samford
Addie O’Brien: Musical Theatre Major and Dance Minor at Samford
Sam Strobel: Theater at Middle Tennessee State University
Sophia Cox: Animation at Lipscomb University
Bree Schrodt: Studio Art and Political Science Double Major at University of Vermont; Member of Art Scholars Program
Lily Philbin: 2D Animation at Savannah College of Art and Design
Emily Kieffner: General Arts at University of Vermont
Ashley Dy: Interior Architecture Design at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Carmen Wood: Architecture at University of Kentucky
Hannah Sullenbarger: Architecture at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Sophia Emmanuel: Art Major and Film Studies Minor at Middle Tennessee State University
Paise St. Charles: Social Work Major and Art Minor at Belmont University to become an Art Therapist
Julianne Hopkirk: Studio Art Minor at Belmont University
Ashley Nealon: Illustration Minor at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Bella Preston: Art Minor at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Lillian Besinger: Music Performance Minor at Xavier University
Molly Oxborough: Music Minor and Concert Band Performer at Drexel University
Julianna Malucci: Dance Minor at Belmont University
Elia Rodriguez: Dance Minor at Northwestern University
*List of students as of May 1, 2023*
Katie Cummings '23
Wins National Title with Travel Team
Last month, Varsity Hockey player Katie Cummings '23 became a National Champion.
At the USA Hockey 2023
National Tournament, Katie and her 19U Girls Junior Preds team made program history, securing their first-ever National Title.
Katie will continue her Hockey career at the University of Michigan with their Women's Club ACHA D1 team.
Congratulations to Katie and the 19U Girls Junior Preds!
