Marist Matters Vol 45 Iss 1

Strategic New Goizueta Plan 2025 Center 5 11 | Groundbreaking | Sports Broadcasting STEAM 2.0 1812 | | Commencement Commencement 2020 2019 3327

Dear Friends,

I am so grateful for the flexibility and adaptability of our faculty, staff, and students who showed courage and resilience during a trying time.

As I write, we are beginning the 2020-2021 academic year at Marist School. Each school year, we rely and focus upon a Marist theme to center our learning and spiritual growth. This year’s theme is ardent love of neighbor. I cannot imagine a more suitable Marist theme for this year that is set amid a global pandemic at a time when our school and nation are grappling with issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our good friend and former school principal, Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., was a welcome keynote speaker at our faculty/staff retreat in August. He reflected upon ardent love of neighbor in the context of COVID-19 and racial injustice saying, “We can say that an ardent love of neighbor is what should characterize a thoughtful Christian, someone aware that his or her baptism not only enrolled them in the family of followers of Christ but also pledged them in service and in love to God and to neighbor, and, yes, that’s all neighbors.”

As we contemplate ardent love of neighbor as it relates to racial injustice, I am pleased to say that Marist School is taking important steps down a path that will lead us to the creation of a school community that is decidedly anti-racist. Our summer reading program, which you can read about in this issue, focuses on topics of race and racism and encourages our school community to dialogue and reflect on these topics. Additionally, this year we have begun our two-year partnership with the cultural competency experts Fearless Dialogues. This engagement is a vital step in fostering a necessary culture of change in our school community, and the process that Fearless Dialogues will guide us through will feature trust, accountability, and mutual support.

For more information on the details of this process and other action steps we are taking, please visit marist.com/inclusion.

And that brings us to ardent love of neighbor and the pandemic. The feature of this issue of Marist Matters details the amazing transition of the Marist academic experience to virtual learning this past spring. I am so grateful for the flexibility and adaptability of our faculty, staff, and students who showed courage and resilience during a trying time. This fall, we are building upon what we have learned to ensure we deliver on our mission no matter whether school is in person, virtual, or a hybrid learning model.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Marist Matters!

In the name of Mary,

Rev. William F.Rowland, S.M. President

MARIST MATTERS Matters 1 1Marist

VOL. XLV • CONTENTS

COVER STORY

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VIRTUAL LEARNING Marist’s successful venture into online learning

20 SCENE AROUND MARIST Meet Marist’s new academic dean

15 RETIREMENTS Expressing gratitude for years of service to Marist

33 CLASS OF 2020 Graduation highlights

54 WEDDINGS & BIRTHS Blushing brides and future War Eagles take center stage

4 MARIST IN BRIEF Latest happenings on campus

58 LAST WORD Why do the work?

21 WAR EAGLE VIEWS Honors abound for Marist’s athletics program MARIST MATTERS 2

PRESIDENT Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M.

A PEACEFUL PROTEST

PRINCIPAL Kevin Mullally V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Angela H. Dorsey

Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally, Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. (l-r), and Alumni Chaplain Father Mark Kenney, S.M. joined hundreds of others, including many from the Marist School community, for the Atlanta Catholics March for Justice in downtown Atlanta. Fr. Rowland said he

EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Cristina Vásconez Herrera

participated “as a visible sign of Marist School’s commitment to

be in solidarity with the Black community and to reiterate our stand against all forms of racism and bigotry.”

CONTRIBUTORS Katie Fowler Brown ’06 Abby Cohen Katie Crowe ’06 Maureen Davidson Angela Dorsey Emma Fletcher ’21 Kathryn Hawkins Ally Hinojosa Kevin Mullally Gigi Meyers Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M. Anne Stanford Leticia Valencia LaRita Williams GRAPHIC DESIGN Helmet Studio Jayro Design & Illustration PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Collier Billy Howard Photosynthesis Studio Jeff Roffman Staff and Parents For questions or comments regarding Marist Matters’ editorial content, please contact Cristina Herrera at herrerac@marist.com.

To submit class notes, weddings, and birth announcements, please email classnotes@marist.com.

The mission of Marist School is to form the whole person in the image of Christ through instruction grounded in religious values, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and the spirit of the Society of Mary. This mission is advanced through communal pursuit of excellence in academic, religious, extracurricular, leadership, and service programs.

Last spring, the Marist School community’s

The junior varsity academic

Sarah Schmid ’24 won

prayers were with Marist school

team won the Georgia

the 2020 Archdiocesan

nurse Zoe Pappas who volunteered to

Academic Team

Spelling Bee in eight

temporarily relocate to New York to

Association JV State

rounds with the word

assist during the pandemic.

tournament in early March.

“canapés.”

Marist School Among Atlanta’s Top Workplaces Marist School was named a 2020 Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a recognition based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey. “We are thrilled to once again receive this recognition,” said Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. “This accolade reflects positively on our faculty and staff, who make Marist what it is by embracing our mission to form the young people in our charge in the image of Christ.

Receiving this honor attests to the fundamental goodness of the work we are doing together to fulfill our mission.”

CLASSICS PROGRAM PROMOTES APPRECIATION OF MYTHOLOGY AMONG YOUNGER STUDENTS In February, gods, goddesses, monsters, and heroes took over the Marist School campus for the 8th annual Mythopaloosa, hosted by Marist’s Junior Classical League (JCL). A key element of the JCL’s Myth Madness Program, Mythopaloosa provided an opportunity for over 50 5th-8th graders from six local schools and programs to come to Marist to explore themes in Greek and Roman mythology as part of their preparation for the National Mythology Exam. Earning community service hours, 28 Marist students in grades 9-12 served as helpers and mentors, sharing their enthusiasm for mythology with the younger participants.

In Brief MARIST

SCHOOL NEWSPAPER REVAMPS ITS WEBSITE Marist’s Blue & Gold is the oldest high school newspaper in Georgia and has been in existence for almost as long as the school. This past year, the student staff of Blue & Gold revived the online edition of the newspaper as a way to publish more timely stories (such as write-ups on campus events, sports outcomes, and breaking news) and to experiment with interactive elements and audio/video content. Read Blue & Gold at maristbluegold.com.

Marist Community Small Business Directory MARIST.COM/SMALLBUSINESSDIRECTORY Now, more than ever, we recognize the importance of supporting small businesses owned by those in our Marist School community. We hope you will join us in supporting these businesses listed in our Small Business Directory. Updates to the directory will be made periodically.

To submit a business or for questions, email alumni@marist.com

Marist School students Kennedy Walls ’20

After Marist School’s beloved canine pal Ion matriculated

and Amanda Houston ’25 were honored in

to advance training, Jetson joined the Marist Fam! Dean of

Reporter Newspapers’ “20 Under 20”

Students Ms. Laura McGregor ’01 volunteers to train

list for giving back to their communities

puppies for Canine Companions for Independence to

through volunteer service and leadership.

assist children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.

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On Wednesday, March 18, Marist School marked both the beginning of Term 3 and the transition to virtual learning. In response to the global pandemic COVID-19 and with just a 72-hour notice, Marist completely shifted academic learning online, calling on faculty, staff, and students to begin a learning journey they had never undertaken.

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W

hile the latter part of the 2019-2020 academic year unfolded much differently than expected as a result of the pandemic, it was remarkable how the Marist School community came together. When Marist closed campus operations and pivoted to virtual learning, students, faculty, and staff adjusted to new ways of learning, teaching, and supporting one another while being physically apart. Despite the challenges, our community displayed extraordinary resilience and faith in the face of uncertainty.

Marist’s virtual learning program consisted of a block schedule, with class periods meeting at set times each day.

As much as possible, the virtual learning

environment was set up to resemble the in-person classroom. Google Meet, where

the students and teachers interacted together, provided a real-time environment for students and teachers to connect online during the class. The block schedule offered longer class periods, providing time for teachers to lecture and students to complete coursework within the period and have time for questions. This allowed students to have a manageable amount of work, without sacrificing their academic goals, as they adjusted to this new format. Marist provided a structure for students, which included wearing the Marist summer uniform polo shirt to give a sense of normalcy and decorum to the day.

The relationship between a faculty member and students, much of which stems from the sustained, in-person contact that occurs on a daily basis in the school setting, is irreplaceable. Virtual learning cannot fully replicate that and requires different tools and a different mindset on the part of the instructor and the student. The goal of Marist’s virtual learning program was to allow as

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With virtual learning, it’s like all teachers are first-year teachers; they have to rethink every lesson. I appreciate our faculty approaching virtual learning with a problem-solving attitude.”

Kevin Mullally, Marist School Principal

little disruption to the student experience of the academic program as possible by creating a learning environment where the most essential, core material could continue to be taught and assessed with the tools available. This required

teachers to innovate and students to think differently about how they learn and how they would

complete the work required of them.

Student and parent feedback alike indicated that Marist’s transition to virtual learning was highly successful, which was due to the tireless preparation of our Technology Department and the open, energetic response of our faculty. Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally said, “With virtual learning, it’s like all teachers are first-year teachers; they have to rethink every lesson.

I appreciate our faculty approaching virtual learning with a problem-solving attitude.”

A few weeks into virtual learning, Marist altered the weekly schedule to make space for necessary student programming, such as course scheduling for the 2020-2021 school year, and to offer support to students through three signature programs: Tutorial, Advisory, and Foundations Homeroom. The latter two provided a weekly check-in for students with adults outside of the classroom setting and the former provided a set time each week for additional academic support.

Social Studies Department Chair Mr. Matt Romano ’95 reflected on how the entire situation made teachers once again realize how fortunate they are to be teaching at Marist. Mr. Romano said, “Our one-to-one laptop program coupled with a motivated student body allowed us to make as smooth a transition as possible to remote learning.”

In Dr. Christine Bhasin’s World Literature class, seniors worked in teams to create podcasts born out of their reading of novels and nonfiction books about Afghanistan and the modern Middle East. For the assignment, Dr. Bhasin led the synchronous

The Pivot to Virtual Learning

instruction, posted assignments and tools to their G-class, and gave feedback along the way. Dr. Bhasin was grateful for the support of her colleagues: Ms. Angela Williams, who created a library pathfinder and video tutorial to help students with research; and Dr. Justin Horton, who created a video for students on how to use Audacity on their laptops to record and edit their final products.

Students spent part of the class time breaking out into teams to brainstorm, research, and collaboratively compose their scripts.

Some classes were hard to imagine in a virtual format. For example, how did Band Teacher Mr. Mark Craddock lead a class of more than 60 students playing different instruments at the same time?

Mr. Craddock approached the task with enthusiasm and creativity. The class could not play live together because of delay and feedback. As a result, students would listen to Mr. Craddock play, and then he would click on them individually to play. He also met separately with the instrument groups and had students send clips of themselves playing individually so he could evaluate and help each one.

For Chair of the Modern and Classical Languages Department and French Teacher Mrs. Colleen Cogan Penn ’05, virtual learning provided a great opportunity for the language teachers to do projects and cultural investigations that they may not normally have had time for in their curriculum.

Many of the language classes used more projectbased learning to continue to build students’ skills in the language.

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Theater director and drama teacher Mr. Eric McNaughton ’90 invited a guest artist to speak to his students. Adrianna Hicks,

a Broadway star with whom Mr. McNaughton worked in 2011, joined his class to share her story, talk about life as a performer, and answer questions from the students. She has performed all over the world, most notably as Celie in the national tour of The Color Purple.

Mr. McNaughton reported that the group had a wonderful time speaking with Ms. Hicks and learning about her experiences.

Marist is blessed with a beautiful garden next to Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel that is, in a normal spring, started and tended by Marist students in the Environmental Studies: Sustainable Organic Agriculture class, an interdisciplinary one-term course focused on organic gardening and the environmental, political, and ethical issues related to food.

When Marist shifted to a virtual format, the class, led by English teacher Mr. Mike Burns and science teacher Mr. Kevin Lisle, had to improvise. Almost every year, the class receives a generous donation of Botanical Interest organic seeds, which the students use to start many of the plants they will grow in the garden.

Since the class could not meet in person, Mr. Burns and Mr. Lisle

delivered the seeds to their students’ mailboxes or driveways so they could start home gardens. The class featured a mix of readings, films,

and how-to videos with guest speakers including John Chester, filmmaker and farmer of Biggest Little Farm; Lauren Harshaw of SAGE Dining Services; and Jason Ebinger ’11 , of Martin’s Garden.

According to Mr. Burns, “Virtual gardening class went better than expected overall, though it would have been much better if we could have had our students get their hands in the dirt at school.” Mr. Burns produced how-to videos for Twitter and Instagram with the help of his son Davis ’21 , who also was a student in the class.

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The Pivot to Virtual Learning

From the parent perspective, current Marist parent and Marist Alumni Association President Megan Citarella Stewart ’95 said that the structure Marist provided was helpful for families, knowing that there would be a set schedule and accountability for students in place. She said, “This will clearly be remembered as a challenging time for all of us, but I think that Marist students will remember it as a time when their school and their community stepped up to help them have a sense of normalcy, routine, and connection.”

Marist also offered students and their families continued support through resources provided by Campus Ministry and the Counseling Department, as well as through virtual events such as a Parent Coffee Hour, Family Mass, and daily Mass. Campus Ministry shared daily video prayers in the Student-Day-at-a-Glance emails and on social media for parents, alumni, and friends to encourage and uplift one another through prayer.

As Marist School lives its mission to form the whole person in the image of Christ, community service is an integral component of each academic year and a graduation requirement. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, students had a variety of opportunities to directly serve people in need at shelters or other community organizations. When these types of experiences were put on hold, Marist offered students modified opportunities for service including letter writing, service at home, and praying for others. Campus Ministry created a list of opportunities for students to complete their service hours at home and theology classes continued their focus on service. As a result, in the midst of the challenges posed by the pandemic, Marist students were signs of

This will clearly be remembered as a challenging time for all of us, but I think that Marist students will remember it as a time when their school and their community stepped up to help them have a sense of normalcy, routine, and connection.

Megan Citarella Stewart ’95

Marist parent and Marist Alumni Association President

ever known, there is comfort in knowing that the educational experience will still reflect Marist’s vision to prepare students to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose. There is comfort in knowing that as Marist implements a multi-layered, comprehensive, and flexible approach to learning, we continue to responsibly serve our families in the safest, most engaging way possible. There is comfort in knowing we are all in this together.

#MaristTogether

hope for their families and communities through prayer and service to those

who were struggling. Some students helped their grandparents, bringing them groceries, completing yard work, or keeping them company from a safe distance. Others helped younger siblings with their schoolwork, prayed the rosary, or put their creative talents to work to help people in their immediate community and beyond.

While our world, nation, and Marist School community continue to face uncertainty in the midst of COVID-19, and the 2020-2021 school year will look and feel different from any we have

Marist Matters

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The Pivot to Virtual Learning

Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design Aims to Help Students Build Empathy “The new Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design provides our students with new tools with which to serve the world in the name of Christ,” says Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. Our Catholic faith and the gentle, humble, and merciful spirit of the patroness of our school will be reflected in the content students produce in the space.”

Father Rowland’s comment refers to the overarching goal for Marist School’s new Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design—to build student empathy. The new leading-edge makerspace, which was funded by a grant from

The new Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design provides our students with new tools with which to serve the world in the name of Christ” Father Bill Rowland, S.M., Marist School President

The Goizueta Foundation, was created during summer 2020 through a complete renovation of the bottom floor of Wooldridge Center.

Marist School Principal Kevin Mullally puts it this way.

“Cultivating empathy is at the heart of Marist School’s mission and is essential to the vision we have articulated in Strategic Plan 2025. As an integral part of our STEAM 2.0 initiative, the Goizueta Center will enable us to focus on increasing students’ capacity for empathy by exploring and unlocking the immersive, experiential, creative, and relational potential of our curriculum and corresponding educational technology.”

The Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design is a signature component of Marist’s STEAM 2.0 initiative and brings together individual components of the

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STEAM program— Robotics, Engineering, 3D Design and Printing, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Immersive Media and Media Studies, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Documentary Filmmaking, and Music Technology—and allows students to explore the intersection between STEAM departments (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Global and Humane Studies, those areas of learning that focus on the world in which we live and how students can serve their communities as compassionate leaders.

Dr. Justin Horton, who teaches broadcasting and journalism classes and moderates the Marist Broadcasting Club and Blue & Gold student newspaper, is excited about the opportunity the new Goizueta Center promises for collaboration with students and faculty across campus. “Let’s say social studies students are working on a research project on the civil rights movement. Rather than writing a term paper, students might turn their research into a podcast or an interactive online exhibit using the tools at the Goizueta Center. Students gain real-world experience in media production while at the same time expanding the reach of their work to new audiences in compelling ways.”

Music technology teacher Mr. Tim Johnson is thrilled to have a permanent home with dedicated recording spaces for his classes, which he has taught in three different locations at Marist over the years. “Sharing suite space with podcasting and digital media classes will enable more possibilities for students to create projects and collaborate. I anticipate great things from the use of this impressive new space.”

An important component of the Goizueta Center is the Intelligent Machine Lab, the domain of Marist robotics and engineering. In that space, Mr. Christopher Michaud, chair of the Business, Computer Science, & Engineering Department, inspires and empowers his students by providing them with the knowledge, wisdom, and skills to build authentic communities and work together to solve engineering challenges.

Next to the Intelligent Machine Lab is the Immersive Theater where students can engage in 360º real-world experiences by donning a virtual reality headset. As an example, theology classes could partake in the Stanford

University Virtual Human Interaction Lab’s seven-minute journey “Becoming Homeless: A Human Experience” as a way to increase empathy for those experiencing that adversity. Similarly, social studies and geography students could visit the streets of Spain using Google Earth VR perspectives.

A flexible, open area with two rows of bleacher seating, the immersive theater can accommodate a small audience to watch student-produced documentaries about Marist mission trips or other student experiences.

The possibilities are boundless. There is no doubt that student creativity, innovation, and collaboration will yield endless examples of learning and content creation, all with the purpose of viewing the world through a servant leader lens. To maximize the potential of the opportunity the new

The Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience and Design was created during summer 2020 through a complete renovation of the bottom floor of Wooldridge Center. At the same time, the building was expanded to add a new admissions office as well as classrooms and collaborative spaces, a student activities and leadership hub, and a student exhibit gallery. The Society of Mary-sponsored Reach for Excellence offices also occupy the bottom floor of Wooldridge Center.

space provides, The Goizueta Foundation grant also funded ample professional development and the creation of a Global & Humane Studies (GHS) Task Force to ideate and consider the possibilities for new courses and student experiences in the space.

It seems a God moment that the six-year rotation of Marist Way schoolyear themes landed upon ardent love of neighbor in the year the Goizueta Center for Immersive Experience & Design opens.

“Ardent love goes beyond safe boundaries and puts us in solidarity of the vulnerable and abandoned,” remarks Marist School Principal Kevin Mullally.

“This is the great potential of the Goizueta Center—to give students the tools and skills to make a positive impact on our world through service to others.”

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Scene AROUND MARIST

CULTURE CLUB CELEBRATES “ BELONGING” IN INAUGURAL EXHIBIT Last December, Marist School’s Latin American Studies Culture Club (LASCC) invited the school community to the opening of their art/photography exhibit, “Belonging: Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What We Bring to Marist,” in the Gunn Gallery.

The title of the exhibit, “Belonging,” was a word play highlighting the idea of not only “belonging,” but also of “being” and “longing, which symbolizes the duality of growing up as a Hispanic/Latino and an American.

LASCC addressed the ideas of “Who We Are,” “Where We Come From,” and “What We Bring to Marist” in a unique way in the exhibit. The artwork featured composite images of students posed in their everyday attire fused with images of them in traditional clothing reflective of their cultural heritage. The students wrote descriptions in their own words about their experiences. For instance, Isa Yelamo Cockcroft ’21 wrote, “I am fully of Venezuelan blood but was

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born in Atlanta; you could say I was assembled in the United States with Venezuelan parts…” The exhibit also included an interactive world map for people in the school community to identify their own family background.

Launched in fall 2019, LASCC was formed by a group of students as an extension of the Introduction to Latin American Studies class. This inaugural exhibit was a collaboration among the students and LASCC Moderator and Social Studies Teacher Mr. José Gregory, Fine Arts Department Chair Dr. Michael Bieze, and Marist parent Mrs. Vicky Gastaldi.

After the opening event, Marist teachers took their classes and advisories to view the exhibit, extending the reach of the project and interweaving the topics of inclusion and identity into their courses. LASCC is working with the Technology Department to digitize and preserve the exhibit for future use in order to share the participants’ stories and build more empathy across cultural lines.

…the purpose of this project [was] to show that people can be American and can be proud of their heritage. That is the duality of being American and Hispanic/Latino. For us, there is strength in diversity, power in inclusion, and pride in our roots.”

D I E G O PA L M I S A N O ’ 2 1 LASCC PRESIDENT

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SCENE AROUND MARIST

2019 – 2020 RETIRE MENTS

23 42

MR. MIKE TRAPANI ’70 Mr. Mike Trapani ’70 is a true legend in the Marist School community and has made a lasting impact on the school over the course of his 23-year tenure. After graduating from Marist, Mr. Trapani attended Auburn University and, ultimately, returned to Atlanta. He taught math in DeKalb and Fulton County schools before coming home to Marist to serve as dean of students. He also enriched the athletic program as a coach for the softball, girls golf, and baseball teams. Mr. Trapani has considered Marist “a great place to attend as a student and work as an adult” and affirmed that “you will get out of it so much more than you could possibly put into it.” His three children Jennifer Trapani ’99, Michael Trapani ’01 , and Mary Trapani ’09 attended Marist as well.

In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Trapani received the AAAA Softball Coach of the Year Award in 2008 and 2009, the Archbishop’s Outstanding Service Award in 2017,

MR. JOHN MARTIN Mr. John Martin first joined the Marist School community in 1978 after receiving his master’s degree in history. He quickly became an integral part of the Social Studies Department, which includes serving twice as department chair, initiating the Advanced Placement U.S. History course, and working as technical director for more than 100 theater productions. Over the course of his 42-year career at Marist, Mr. Martin was known for his helpful and generous spirit and for his contributions to a variety of programs and courses, including making prayer stations that lined the Marist trails to serve as the Stations of the Cross during Lent. His daughter Theresa Martin ’98 attended Marist.

Mr. Martin’s recognitions include the Malachi Award for Teaching in 2005 and the Archbishop’s Outstanding Service

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and, in 2005, the Frank P. Hagen Memorial Coach’s Award, which honors a coach for his or her contribution to the Marist community and for inspiring in student-athletes growth and personal excellence through competition, sportsmanship, and teamwork. He also was inducted into the Marist School Blue & Gold Athletics Circle with his father, Reid Trapani. When asked what he will remember most about his time at Marist, Mr. Trapani replied, “The people, colleagues, students, and especially all of the many Marist priests.” In his retirement, he is looking forward to not being on a daily, monthly, or annual calendar for the first time ever.

Award in 2018. He remarked that he will miss his fellow teachers the most as he enters retirement. Mr. Martin added, “They’re a fantastic group of dedicated professionals. There has been a great sense of collegiality despite a wide divergence of views on education, religion, and politics.

Dedication to Marist School is the glue that binds us together…Marist School endures because it is much greater than the sum of its parts. People and policies come and go, but Marist School remains strong.”

SCENE AROUND MARIST

Dedication to Marist School is the glue that binds us together...

MR. JOHN MARTIN R E T I R I N G S O C I A L ST U D I E S T E AC H E R

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MR. DAN WALLS Mr. Dan Walls began working at Marist in 2012 as the associate director of college counseling. In this role, he has helped many students prepare to graduate and achieve their college dreams. Mr. Walls also served as the senior class co-moderator, managing everything from prom to commencement with Dr. Shannon Crunk Hipp ’94. Prior to joining Marist, Mr. Walls held admissions positions at his alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University, as well as Northwestern University and Emory University.

Mr. Walls was introduced to the Marist family through his wife Claire, who had a wonderful and fruitful career of her own as the director of Campus Ministry and as the creator of the Peer Leader program. Both of their children,

MRS. LINDA HARWORTH For many Marist families, Mrs. Linda Harworth was the first person they encountered at Marist. In her role as admissions assistant, Mrs. Harworth was known for her welcoming nature and warm smile. She began working at Marist in the Office of Institutional Advancement in 2005 before moving to Admissions. Before joining Marist, Mrs. Harworth worked for the Elizabethtown School District in Pennsylvania for 14 years and the Atlanta Girls’ School for three years. Outside of Marist, she has regularly volunteered for the Multiple Myeloma Support Group.

Mrs. Harworth has been recognized numerous times for her outstanding work as a Marist employee and through volunteer service with Multiple Myeloma. These accolades include the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Recognition Award,

Bryan Walls ’05 and Angela Walls ’07,

are Marist alumni, making Mr. Walls the last of his family to come to the school. He will always remember the strong sense of community that he experienced during his time at Marist and is grateful to his colleagues in the Counseling Office who spend “every waking hour thinking about students.” While Mr. Walls is officially retiring, he is happy to remain in the Counseling Office as an associate director on a half-time basis and still looks forward to coming to future Marist athletic events.

the Multiple Myeloma Caregiver Award, and the Father Schmuhl Marist Service Award in 2018, which recognizes a staff member who promotes a strong sense of community and lives Marist values. She will always remember the “feeling of a community” present within Marist.

While Mrs. Harworth looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and attending ice hockey games, she will miss chatting with the students and coworkers that she has connected with along the way.

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SCENE AROUND MARIST

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MRS. SUSAN MISTRETTA After more than three decades working in high school and higher education settings, Mrs. Susan Mistretta came to Marist in 2007 to serve as a debate coach and math teacher. The following year, she moved into the role of registrar, a position she held for 11 years. Throughout her time at Marist, Mrs. Mistretta remained involved with debate and served as assistant debate coach. She also coordinated the mission trips to Catholic HEART Workcamp for a decade. In 2017, Mrs. Mistretta received the Archbishop’s Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her work in Catholic education.

Mrs. Mistretta fondly remembers her interactions with students. She had a cadre of students for whom she served as an

MRS. KAY MCEVOY-SMITH In 2012, Mrs. Kay McEvoy-Smith began working at Marist, where she has served as the assistant to the facilities director and in the Alumni Office. Her previous work experiences included roles as a salesperson and unit manager for Procter and Gamble; a rental property owner and manager; and an assistant buyer for junior clothes at Parisian. Mrs. McEvoy-Smith also served as the development director at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School for four years.

Her daughters, Kitsy Smith-Buchheim ’06 and Erin Smith ’09, also attended Marist. Mrs. McEvoy-Smith

MRS. GIGI MEYERS In 2007, Mrs. Gigi Meyers began working at Reach for Excellence, a tuition-free academic and leadership enrichment program for underserved middle school students founded by the Society of Mary. In her role as director of development, Mrs. Meyers was responsible for all fundraising and marketing for the program, which is housed on Marist School’s campus.

Her son Matt ’10 is a Marist graduate, and over the years, as a parent and an employee, Mrs. Meyers has been extensively involved at Marist. She volunteered with the Annual Fund, acted as hospitality coordinator for Marist Women Build, and served as an advisor to the Classes of 2015 and 2019.

Mrs. Meyers appreciated the level of care and concern Marist extends to not only its student but also its faculty and staff. She especially enjoyed serving as an advisor and loved connecting with Marist students. Mrs. Meyers valued the sense of community and family she felt at Marist and remarked, “When something happens, this community steps up.”

Mrs. Meyers is very proud of how far the Reach for Excellence program has come in 13 years, growing from a 17

Marist Matters

unofficial mentor in addition to her three groups of advisees over the years. She remarked, “I loved every minute of helping those students.

My favorite memories are all the graduations.”

While Mrs. Mistretta is looking forward to traveling and reading during retirement, she remains involved with Marist as well as with Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School.

remarked that when she thinks of Marist, she will remember the wonderful faculty and staff as well as the incredible parent volunteers. Her favorite school memories are of all the school plays and choral group performances. In retirement, she looks forward to being able to spend more time with her daughters and their families and having more time available for things that interest her.

struggling program to one with an endowment and strong support from foundations, corporations, and many generous individuals who believe in the mission. She is confident that even greater days lie ahead under the leadership of Executive Director Karen Dessables and the new Director of Development Matt McGee. She will miss her colleagues, the smiles of the students, and the energy of Marist’s campus. She enjoyed her proximity to Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel and would often go there to collect her thoughts, breathe, and ask for a little divine intervention in times of stress. Mrs. Meyers’ retirement plans include starting a small business and traveling, in addition to working in the yard, walking around Chastain Park, and having more time for lunch with friends.

SCENE AROUND MARIST

Sports Broadcasting Comes To Marist Fall 2019 marked the successful debut of a new Sports Broadcasting class at Marist School. This one-term elective, distinct from the Broadcast Journalism course, focuses on the particular skills necessary to report and produce sportsrelated media content effectively. Open

to 9th –12th grade students, the class covers broadcasting live sporting events, producing studio shows, and creating web content.

Students research games, write scripts, conduct interviews, anchor on-air, create graphics, produce podcasts, and promote work on various social media platforms.

Dr. Justin Horton teaches Sports Broadcasting and said one of the motivations for offering the class was to recruit more students to help cover Marist athletic events.

The response to the initial Sports Broadcasting offering was overwhelming, resulting in the addition of a second section. The elective is offered during Terms 1 and 2.

Describing the course, Dr. Horton said, “It’s a hands-on course in sports media. We have two outputs—live coverage of sports events such as football and basketball games and a sports show that we post on YouTube.”

During game coverage, sports broadcasting students encounter all the challenges that happen with a live production.

They rotate the roles of director, producer, social media producer, and camera operators,

so each student has the opportunity to learn the different skill sets. The sports show, War Eagle 360, features sports recaps and analysis, as well as interviews with athletes and coaches.

Andrew Feeney ’21 took the class in Term 1. He said, “Before I took the class, I was just thinking about pursuing a career in Sports Broadcasting, and now that I have taken the class, I think that it is the career for me. I didn’t really know what to expect considering it was the first time this class was offered at Marist, but I am so happy that I decided to take it because I loved it. It covers all aspects of sports broadcasting, whether it’s behind-the-scenes work like editing videos and filming videos/taking pictures, or being on-screen talent like being an anchor on War Eagle 360 or interviewing coaches. There is something for everyone.”

Connell Scruggs ’21 decided to take the class because he is interested in sports broadcasting and was already involved in MBC. He said, “The thing that I loved the most about the class is that it’s dedicated to producing sports content, which is pretty fun to make. All of the people who took the class love to talk about sports, and we always had good discussions whether it be about high school, college, or the pros.”

To watch War Eagle 360, visit

marist.com/wareagle360

Marist Matters

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SCENE AROUND MARIST

ANTI-RACISM FOCUS FOR MARIST’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM Marist School selected books focused on anti-racism for the 2020-2021 “On the Same Page” summer reading program.

Foundations students (7th and 8th graders) read Stamped: Racism, Anti-racism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Rising 9th through 12th graders read the Young Adult edition of Just Mercy, based on Bryan Stevenson’s award-winning book by the same name. Alumni and parents also participated in the summer reading program and read and discussed Just Mercy (Adult version) in virtual gatherings that will take place this fall.

In a letter to parents about the summer reading program, Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally and thenAcademic Dean Mrs. Janet Claussen talked about the process of selecting the books and how the choices became clear after the killing of George Floyd. They said, “…our nation now faces an historically critical moment, and our school is most certainly at that same crossroads. As a school, we have a clarity and conviction about the community we will be, and these choices of summer reading books represent that. Through these books, we at Marist

As a school, we have a clarity and conviction about the community we will be, and these choices of summer reading books represent that. have an opportunity to do what we do best: educate and form our students, and ourselves, in the image of Jesus Christ.”

As Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. said, “… what we are witnessing on a national scale is a reminder of the importance of our continued efforts to establish a school culture that is unambiguously opposed to any expressions of racism and bigotry on our campus. We are updating the school’s policies, practices, curriculum, the content of faculty and staff development, and student programming to ensure they promote the values consistent with Catholic social justice teachings, the traditions of the Society of Mary, and the school’s Diversity Statement.”

Introduced in 2019, the “On the Same Page” program brings together the entire Marist community to focus on a common reading experience in the summer, and then to participate in larger discussions when school resumes in the fall.

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Marist Matters

SCENE AROUND MARIST

Meet Marist’s New Academic Dean On July 1, Mrs. Kim Premoli began her tenure as Marist School’s newest academic dean. An active member of the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church community, Mrs. Premoli comes to Marist with a host of school leadership experience, including her most recent post as principal of Cambridge High School, a public charter school in Milton, Georgia. She joined Cambridge when it opened eight years ago and helped establish the school’s accomplished academic reputation and successful athletic program, which secured last year’s Director’s Cup. Mrs. Premoli looks forward to returning her focus to academics in her new role at Marist. Her specialist degree in educational leadership and her experience teaching Advanced Placement courses demonstrate her commitment to excellence in education. Mrs. Premoli is excited to work closely with department chairs, teachers, counselors, students, and parents in continuing to ensure academic excellence at Marist.

Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally said, “We have been searching for the right person to fill the role of academic dean for two-and-a-half years. Our patience has paid off; we could not have identified a better-suited candidate for the role than Kim.” In addition to taking on this important role, Mrs. Premoli is serving as head coach for the Lady War Eagles softball team. A sports enthusiast, she grew up on the ball field and carried on the family tradition—her father was on the baseball team at the University of Michigan. She was a member of fast pitch baseball travel teams from elementary school into adulthood and played slow pitch softball in high school. As an adult, she has enjoyed coaching softball at Cambridge and her children’s softball and baseball teams at Murphey Candler. When asked what she would like to share with Marist families, Mrs. Premoli said, “My leadership journey started on the field. My goal is to build leaders who are resilient, competitive, and good at working together. Whatever we can accomplish after meeting those goals is a blessing. We will work on getting to know each other, working together, and being a family. It will be a great experience for everybody.”

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Premoli to the War Eagle family!

Marist Matters

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War Eagle Views

Honoring the 1989 Football and Basketball State Championship Teams The Marist School community welcomed alumni back for another memorable Homecoming on October 4, 2019. As part of the festivities, Marist honored members of the 1989 football team, marking the 30th anniversary of that team going undefeated for the season and winning Marist’s first football state championship.

Three months later, on January 11, 2020, Marist welcomed members of the War Eagle family to campus in honor of the 30th anniversary of the 1989 basketball state championship. The event recognized and celebrated Coach Ron Bell and the 1989 basketball team prior to the boys’ varsity basketball game against St. Pius X.

Positive Athlete Recognizes Marist Cross Country Head Coach Matt McMurray ’12 Marist Cross Country Head Coach Matt McMurray ’12 was named Most Positive Boys Coach Regional Award winner by Positive Athlete, a national organization that promotes high school student-athletes and coaches who are high character, teamwork-oriented leaders who show heart for their school and community. Positive Athlete received nominations from over 420 Georgia high schools this year and only approximately 2% of coaches nominated are recognized as regional winners.

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Marist Matters

Girls Basketball Head Coach Kim Hixon Named All-Metro Coach-of-the-Year Lady War Eagle Head Basketball Coach Kim Hixon was named All-Metro Coach-of-the-Year for DeKalb County. Coach Hixon guided Marist to a 26-2 record last season, winning the Region 7-AAAA regular season and tournament titles and qualifying for the AAAA State Playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. The girls team lost to the eventual State Champion Americus-Sumter in the second round of the Playoffs.

Coach Mike Strickland Inducted into Georgia Baseball Dugout Club Hall of Fame Earlier this year, Head Varsity Baseball Coach and Assistant Dean of Students Mr. Mike Strickland was inducted into the Georgia Baseball Dugout Club Hall of Fame. Coach Strickland has been the head varsity baseball coach at Marist since 2007 and has won three AAAA State Championships (2010, 2011, and 2017) and finished as AAAA State Runner-Up twice (2006 and 2013).

He joins Baseball Coach Jerry Queen as Dugout Club Hall of Fame inductees from Marist.

Coach Strickland was accompanied by his family, fellow Marist coaches, and numerous former players at the ceremonies held at the Marietta Convention Center.

Marist Varsity Boys Head Soccer Coach Brendan Murphy and Nick Urbanek ’20 Honored by United Soccer Coaches Association Marist Varsity Boys Head Soccer Coach Brendan Murphy was named Georgia Soccer Coach-of-the-Year by the United Soccer Coaches Association for private/parochial schools. In addition, Nick Urbanek ’20 was selected for the Georgia All-State Team by the association. Founded in 1941, The United Soccer Coaches Association is the largest association of soccer coaches in the world, with more than 30,000 members.

A Decade of Excellence for Marist’s Cross Country Program Earlier this year, cross country coaches from across Georgia voted on the accomplishments of cross country programs, teams, and individual runners over the past decade. Marist School’s cross country program received several accolades for its continued excellence.

The Marist girls cross country program was voted the “Program of the Decade,” honoring the program for its accomplishments over the entire decade and including all classifications, not just AAAA. In addition, the 2014 Marist girls cross country team was named “Team of the Decade,” a remarkable recognition for the team and their outstanding season that year.

Morgan Ilse ’15 was named the #4 runner of the decade, recognizing her out of a field of more than 15,000 girls who ran cross country in the 10-year period.

The Marist boys cross country program also was recognized for their achievements. They were voted the #3 “Program of the Decade.” The 2017 Marist boys team received an honorable mention for “Team of the Decade.”

Marist Matters

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Society of Mary News

Centro Hispano Marista Perseveres

As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Society of Mary-sponsored

No matter what challenges may arise, the Centro team of teachers and volunteers is dedicated to doing whatever they can to help students achieve their goals.

Centro Hispano Marista temporarily suspended in-person teaching and transitioned to a virtual format in mid-March. Centro offers educational preparation for adults to obtain their GED diploma so they can pursue higher education, aspire to better jobs, and secure a promising future for themselves and their families. Despite the challenges that come with virtual learning, Centro students were able to finish the spring semester and work toward a better future.

After successfully piloting a virtual summer program, Centro welcomed more than 320 students learning remotely through their new online learning platform for this fall and a few students back on campus for in-person instruction. No matter what challenges may arise, the Centro team of teachers and volunteers is dedicated to doing whatever they can to help students achieve their goals.

To learn more or to volunteer for Centro Hispano Marista, visit centrohispanomarista.org.

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Marist Matters

Reach for Excellence News

REACH FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDED SIGNIFICANT GRANT Reach for Excellence, an independent program of the Society of Mary hosted at Marist School, has received a sizable grant to fund a new initiative to improve college matriculation rates among Latino scholars as well as specific aspects of other Reach programs.

The grant takes a three-pronged approach to supporting

Reach for Excellence for current and future needs. In addition to funding the Reach Hispanic Initiative for the next three years, the grant also provides funding for an additional passenger bus needed to transport students. In addition, the

Reach for Excellence is a three-year, tuition-free educational

grant will provide funds for the existing Reach for Excellence

enrichment program for Atlanta’s underserved middle school youth.

Endowment. An extra grant will establish a separate,

Reach focuses on preparing students for college-preparatory high

donor-designated endowment to serve as a permanently

schools that will keep them on the path to college and beyond.

restricted asset. In the midst of COVID-19, Reach for

Created in 2001, Reach for Excellence has 435 graduates who have

Excellence has adapted its program to online classes, and

gone on to attend a variety of high schools, to receive four-year

also has been providing food for students and families.

university as well as graduate school degrees, and to become

successful professionals both in the Atlanta area and elsewhere.

The awarding of this generous grant coincides with the

retirement of Gigi Meyers, who served as director of development of Reach for Excellence for the last 13 years.

For more information on Reach for Excellence,

Gigi, along with Executive Director Karen Dessables, the

visit

reachforexcellence.org.

Reach Board of Directors, and its students and families, are extremely grateful to The Goizueta Foundation for the generous grant that will ensure the program can fulfill its mission of offering opportunity through education to Atlanta’s underserved youth. Reach for Excellence’s new director of development is Matt McGee.

Marist Matters

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Advancement News Dear Friends,

Giving of our time, talent, and resources for the sake of others is part of who we are and what we do at Marist.

To begin, I would like to express my profound gratitude to those who have remained connected to Marist School over the years. Our community is extraordinary in so many ways, and the continued engagement of our alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends demonstrates our firm resolve to fulfill the distinctive mission of Marist School.

This year’s Marist theme, ardent love of neighbor, seems apropos to our current experience as we adjust our lives in the wake of the pandemic and direct new and reinvigorated focus to mend the racial injustices that exist within our school and across the nation. Loving our neighbors ardently means going beyond our boundaries of comfort to enthusiastically care for others in intentional ways. This theme resonates with the work we do in Marist’s Advancement Office to foster a culture of philanthropy. Ardent love of neighbor is manifested through the genuine interest we have in the well-being of our school community both now and into the future. Giving of our time, talent, and resources for the sake of others is part of who we are and what we do at Marist. This collective philanthropy is critical to advancing our school’s mission as well as broadening the impact that our students have in the world.

Certainly, what has transpired over the past several months has affected all of us in different ways and has caused us to take stock of our lives. As we affirm our paths forward, many of us may reflect upon our values and contemplate how we can make a powerful, enduring difference with the gifts we have been given. We may consider the legacies we want to leave both for our families and within the organizations that matter most to us.

On the following pages, we highlight Marist’s philanthropic opportunities and share reflections from members of our school community on why they are inspired to give. For some, fond memories of their Marist experience prompt them; others recognize the lasting impact Marist has had on their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. Many long for their children, grandchildren, and others to have the opportunity for a world-class Catholic education. From my perspective, there is a strong belief that Marist’s mission is essential to developing young people who will be the compassionate, purposeful leaders we need in the world today and for generations to come.

Marist’s mission and tradition of excellence are sustained through the foresight and dedication of many within our school community. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your continued involvement and support of Marist School.

Sincerely,

Angela H. Dorsey Vice President for Institutional Advancement

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Marist Matters

Honoring those who have chosen Marist School to be part of their philanthropic legacy Inspired by the example of Mary’s nurturing spirit and selfless actions, the Heritage Circle provides a strong financial foundation for continued excellence at Marist School.

Heritage Circle members document planned gifts through bequests, beneficiary designations, trusts, or other deferred giving vehicles in their estate plans.

From a philanthropic perspective, it just made sense to our family to try and give to the place that gives us so much.

BOB ’89 AND SUE KURTZ

Join the Heritage Circle and help Marist School fulfill our mission for years and generations to come.

(770) 936-6424

giving@marist.com

marist.com/heritagecircle

Marist Matters

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Advancement News

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES AT MARIST

Annual Fund

Marist School’s Annual Fund is our top fundraising priority.

This yearly initiative is vital to the school’s financial wellbeing and allows us to provide the world-class education that prepares our students to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose. In addition to bridging the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a Marist education, the Annual Fund supports the academic, extracurricular, and spiritual experiences that form our students into tomorrow’s servant leaders. Our ability to provide tuition assistance to deserving students and to promote an inclusive community is made possible by generous Annual Fund donors.

Donors who give at a leadership level pave the way for the success of the Annual Fund.

Leadership gifts of $5,000 or more have a significant impact on the advancement of Marist School’s mission.

Donors who contribute $2,500 or more are recognized in our St. Peter Chanel Society, named for the Society of Mary’s first saint who sacrificed his life for his selfless missionary work. Annual leadership giving dinners, including the St. Peter Chanel and President’s Circle dinners, provide opportunities for Marist School to celebrate the exceptional generosity of these special donors.

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Marist Matters

“

For it is in giving that we receive.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Achieving our Annual Fund goal is made possible by commitments from our entire Marist School community.

Every gift matters. Through support of the Annual Fund at any level, donors demonstrate their belief in our mission and their dedication to the continued success of the school. Marist is grateful for this breadth of support and recognizes all donors in the Philanthropy Report.

Advancement News

Capital Giving Capital giving enhances Marist students’ educational experiences through investment in special initiatives and campus improvements that fulfill the vision set forth in Strategic Plan 2025.

Endowment Giving A strong endowment ensures that the distinctive Marist educational experience is preserved for years to come.

Endowed funds provide a source of ongoing support for Marist School’s operations, including tuition assistance, faculty salaries and professional development, facility maintenance, and other general expenses.

Planned Giving By including Marist School in their estate plans, donors support a legacy of financial strength and continued excellence for the school. Marist established the Heritage Circle to recognize those who have made bequests, established trusts, given insurance policies to the school, or utilized other deferred giving vehicles. Heritage Circle members are recognized annually at an event celebrating their philanthropy.

Georgia GOAL Marist School partners with the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which was created through the State of Georgia’s education expense tax credit program. This program allows taxpayers, including C-corporations and trusts, to redirect a portion of their state tax liability to Marist School for financial aid purposes.

While there is virtually no cost to participate, GOAL has a tremendous impact on Marist’s ability to provide tuition assistance to qualified students.

MARIST MATTERS 28 28 Marist Matters

Advancement News

This year marks my 20-year reunion as a Marist graduate.

Though COVID-19 kept us all from celebrating together, it didn’t diminish my memories and the impact the school had on me as a person. All these years later, I know that I’m a different—and better—person because of my time spent in those hallways. It’s important for me to give back, not only as a donor, but also now as a VP of the Alumni Annual Fund, to ensure that other young minds get to share in that experience.”

We are grateful our children have an opportunity to attend Marist. It has been a wonderful experience for our family. We believe it is important for us to give back and support the school so Marist can continue to provide this experience to other families.”

DEVON MORGAN MCKENNA ’00

B R I A N A N D JA C K I E B E N S O N

ALUMNI CO-CHAIR

PARENT S OF ASHLEY ’22 AND JAKE ’25

Why Give Marist Sch We continue to take an active role in supporting Marist even though our children have graduated.

Our family views Marist as an outstanding example of a leading academic and athletic high school that also provides an ethical and moral foundation. In these tense times, that compass is needed more than ever, and we are committed to continuing to help Marist along that path.”

PA M A N D E R I C E N S O R 2019-2020 PARENT OF ALUMNI ANNUAL FUND CHAIRS PARENTS OF MIKE ’96, KIM ’99, AND KATE ’03

We are so grateful for each of the many opportunities afforded to our children while attending Marist. We are certain the solid academic and spiritual foundation they receive here will carry them into adulthood. We give back because we wish that same experience for others.”

P E T E R A N D J OY B A L J E T PARENT S OF OLIVIA ’19, MICHAEL ’21, AND CAROLINE ’23

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Marist Matters

Advancement News

Marist School is and has been an important part of our lives for decades. We, like so many other families, volunteer and give financially because we believe in the mission. Marist School is a community that is needed now and in the future.”

JON FLIGG ’89

We believe wholeheartedly in ‘the Marist way’ and are enthusiastic Marist donors, advocates, and cheerleaders as now, more than ever, every gift and every act of voluntarism makes a difference.

We are unabashedly, enthusiastically, and ‘unwaveringly Marist’ as we seek to celebrate the strong tradition of honor, academics, sports, and arts encompassed in our school community.”

?

2019-2021 ALUMNI CO-CHAIR PARENT OF CHARLIE ’20 AND WILL ’23

SLOANE AND BRAD ALFORD PARENT S OF HUSTON ’21, WYATT ’24 AND ADDIE ’26

to hool

A Marist education provided a strong foundation for our family.

We are grateful to give back to a school that encourages growth both intellectually and spiritually.”

Marist School is blessed in so many ways, and the legacy of philanthropy that exists at our school is one of the most important.

For generations, donors have made a difference by providing generous support that sustains the excellence of all of our programs and allows our students and faculty to thrive. People decide to give to Marist for many reasons. Whatever the reason, we are so grateful!

Marist has been a wonderful blessing to our family. The school’s balance of faith, academics, and extracurricular activities creates an environment where our sons can discern God’s calling and begin developing the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and creativity needed to carry out that calling. We are thankful for the faculty, the staff, and the Marist priests, and we support the school so that others may experience the blessing that flows from the work they do each day.”

TOM AND AMBER HAMBY 2020-2021 PARENT ANNUAL FUND CHAIRS PARENT S OF LUKE ’24 AND ANDREW ’22

JEFF AND CASEY LONG CLAIRE ’06, MART Y ’09, KEVIN ’11

Marist Matters

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Advancement News

KATHY AND MIKE COTE RECEIVE ST. PETER CHANEL AWARD Kathy and Mike Cote were the 2019 recipients of Marist School’s highest honor, the St. Peter Chanel Award. The award, named for the Marist saint who sacrificed his life to his missionary work, recognizes those whose exceptional selflessness, leadership, support, and enthusiasm have had an indelibly positive impact on the school. The Cotes received their award during last year’s St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Dinner.

Parents of Christopher ’03, Collen ’05, Kevin ’07, and

Connor ’13, both Kathy and Mike Cote were deeply engaged

with the school as Marist parents. Father Rowland shared, “Though their children have graduated, the couple has continued to provide significant volunteer leadership and service to Marist, for which we remain profoundly grateful.”

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Marist Matters

The Most Reverend Joel M. Konzen, S.M, former Marist School principal and current auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, introduced the Cotes at the event. He spoke of the couple’s far-reaching involvement with Marist over the years and how “their friendship to Marist School has been invaluable.”

In accepting the award, Kathy Cote shared that to her the most cherished Marist experience is “the power of a shared faith, the commitment to creating strong families, and the love of true friends.” Mike Cote added, “… everything we did and do, whether it was working the concession stand, helping setup for a Family Mass, or driving for Holiday Traditions, we do because we passionately believe in and love this Marist family.”

Kathy and Mike Cote’s involvement in the life of Marist School spans two decades. Initially volunteering through Marist’s athletic program and Parents Club, they went on to promote spirituality on campus—Mike as a founding member of the Men’s Bible Study and Kathy as a leader of the Marist Mothers Prayer Group and founding member of the Marist Mothers of Alumni Prayer Group. Both served on the Steering Committee for The Way. The Hope. The Promise. capital campaign and volunteered for the Second Century campaign.

Currently, Mike, who is president, CEO, and on the Board of Directors of the internet security software and solutions firm Secureworks, provides leadership on the Marist School Board of Trustees, serving as vice chair and previously chairing the Finance Committee and the Campus Master Plan Implementation Committee. Kathy serves on the Development Committee and formerly served as chair of the Parents of Alumni Committee.

2020

ANNUAL FUND

2021

Annual Fund contributions benefit every Marist student.

The generosity of the entire Marist community makes it possible for Marist School to deliver an extraordinary educational experience.

St. Peter Chanel Society

*

President’s Circle Pope Gregory XVI Guild ** $25,000 and up

Annual Fund leadership gifts of $5,000 or more have a significant impact on the school.

Fr. Jean-Claude Colin Guild ** $15,000–$24,999 Fr. John Gunn Guild ** $10,000–$14,999

ANNUAL FUND PRIORITIES

** Donors

at these levels are invited to the President’s Circle Dinner.

Marist School has identified three key funding priorities essential to the delivery of our

Fr. Philip Dagneau Guild $7,500–$9,999

mission. When you give to the Annual Fund, you can select the priority most meaningful to you.

Overall Marist experience supports academic, cultural, immersive, extracurricular, and spiritual programing for students as well as faculty salaries and professional development Need-based tuition assistance provides aid for students with demonstrated financial need Area of greatest need allows Marist the flexibility to use your gift for our most pressing needs

Every Gift Matters

Fr. Vincent Brennan Guild $5,000–$7,499 *

Fr. James Hartnett Guild $2,500–$4,999

Donors within the St. Peter Chanel Society are honored at an annual leadership dinner.

Friends of Marist The 1976 Club $1,500–$2,499

The 1962 Club $750–$1,499

The 1901 Club $250–$749

Your steadfast support ensures Marist School provides a world-class education that prepares students to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose.

Make a gift or pledge at marist.com/annualfundgiving Marist Matters

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G R A D U AT I O N

CLASS of 2020 CONGRATULATIONS

The smiles were hidden behind masks, but the joy and

remarked Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. in

gratitude were palpable. For months, amid the

his opening prayer. “Now it is time for them to go into the world

disconcerting upward trends of the COVID-19 pandemic, it

and, in the words of Father Colin, founder of the Society of

was uncertain if Marist School would be able to hold a live

Mary, do great things for God.”

graduation ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2020. In

the end, there were two.

called upon each of Marist’s newest alumni to live an

abundant life, which he said “isn’t about frivolity or excess—it’s

After schools closed in March to help flatten the curve of

In his remarks, Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally

the novel coronavirus spread, Marist shifted learning into the

about completeness and wholeness in ourselves and building

virtual space and moved the original May 23 graduation date

that in others and in our world.” Mullally urged the graduates

to July. Other local schools canceled their graduations entirely,

to “[bring] the flavor of God’s goodness to the world. Go, and

but Marist persevered and moved forward with two

live an abundant life in Christ. Build His kingdom here on

commencement exercises, dividing the class in half and

earth…so that you might secure for yourself and others the

holding a pair of almost identical ceremonies on Saturday,

promise of the most abundant life with Christ in His heavenly

July 11 and Sunday, July 12 at 8 a.m. (The only differences were that awards were presented on the day recipients were in attendance.)

back and tell us what you’re up to.”

The Class of 2020 endured likely the most unusual Term 3

in Marist’s history, leaving for their much-anticipated senior spring break on February 28 only to return to a changed world

July in Atlanta

where most of their cherished senior milestone events were

can be stifling, but

canceled and they only saw their classmates on a computer

Marist’s graduations

screen. Many even had to make their final college decisions

were blessed with a cool breeze on Saturday and overcast skies on Sunday,

kingdom.” He chortled as he closed, “Just be sure to come

based on virtual, rather than in-person, visits. Despite the circumstances, the Class of 2020 rallied as both the valedictorian and salutatorian attested in their speeches.

which made the outdoor

ceremonies in Hughes Spalding

challenges is an inevitability of life…we missed out on our third

Stadium comfortable.

term of senior year along with many of the traditions and

“These graduates have

spent as many as six years under the watchful gaze of Mary, the mother of Jesus, while at this school that bears her name,”

Salutatorian Charlie Callahan remarked, “Facing

festivities that come with it, but just like all of the other challenges we faced in high school, we improvised, adapted, and overcame.” Crediting Marist for helping them face an unpredictable future, he said, “…we have had many teachers, coaches, directors, and parents [who] have helped to shape and prepare us for the future. We have made many friends [who] will support us in the future, and we have proven

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Marist Matters

MARIST’S 120TH COMMENCEMENT

ourselves able to face any challenge that may come our way.

Although the future is uncertain, I am certain that the Class of 2020 is ready to take it on.”

Valedictorian Lucas Gonzalez avowed that the Class of 2020

has been shaped by the pandemic and protests for racial equality that have marked the past few months. He said, “We’ll be motivated to think differently, live differently, act differently, and…

Now it is time for them to go into the world and…do great things for God. FAT H E R B I L L R OW L A N D, S . M . , M A R I ST S C H O O L P R E S I D E N T

we’ll change the world…We’ve found creative solutions to change our way of life and stay connected during an unprecedented pandemic, and we’ve made our voices be heard through global protests seeking real change, all before we’ve hit ‘the real world.’”

Encouraging his classmates, he affirmed, “Everyone in that ‘real world’ is just a person like you, a person just as capable of change as you. Don’t underestimate yourself. We already are in the real world. Look no further than the past four months to prove it.”

Marist School, true to its mission, has prepared these

graduates for the next phase of their life journey, giving them the knowledge and spiritual foundation to lead and serve in a world that needs their extraordinary resilience and remarkable talent more than ever.

Marist Matters

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G R A D U AT I O N

Class of 2020

Alumni Generations

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

23

24

27

28

29

21

25

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MARIST’S 120TH COMMENCEMENT

Alumni Generations celebrates the legacy of alumni who currently have a child or grandchild enrolled at Marist School. Historically taken on the morning of graduation, Generations Legacy photos are an honored tradition appearing each year in Marist Matters.

Due to the special nature of this year’s event, we asked each family to take their photo in the comfort of their homes. Please join the Alumni Association in congratulating and welcoming our newest alumni, the Class of 2020, into the Alumni Association!

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1 Ben Brown with his mother Amy McCrory Brown ’86

26 Mitchell Owen with his mother Jill Haly Owen ’82

2 Molly Clifton with her mother Michelle Mixon Clifton ’84; included in the

27 Cate Priestley with her mother Jennifer Lewis Priestley ’85

framed photo is Molly’s paternal grandfather, Johnny Clifton ’48

28 Conor Rahiya with his father Mark Rahiya ’88

3 Anne Crawford with her father Bill Crawford ’80

29 Ansley Sikes with her father David Sikes ’76

4 Grace Delmonte with her father Marty Delmonte ’85

30 Eddie Snelling with his mother Bridget Roche Snelling ’85

5 Anna Edwards with her father Scott Edwards ’92

31 William Stephens with his mother Shannon Walshe Stephens ’86

6 Caroline Elledge with her mother Angela Gentile Elledge ’88

32 Lily Stewart and her parents Carey Stewart ’89 and Wendy Stewart

7 Charlie Fligg with his father Jon Fligg ’89

33 Jacob Tally with his father Jim Tally ’88

8 Caroline Furin with her father Brandt Furin ’84

34 Ben Tharp with his father Paul Tharp ’86

9 Elizabeth Geeslin with her mother Sandra Snow Geeslin ’85

35 Sophie Verska with her parents Steve Verska ’86 and

10 Katie Gerrick with her mother Kathryn Richardson Gerrick ’85 11 Hampton Greene with his father Charlie Greene ’85 12 Quinn Harron and his father Brian Harron ’91 13 Grace Gunning with her father Matt Gunning ’88 and

grandfather Tom Gunning ’53

Kim Yahr Verska ’86 36 Michael Wagner with his parents Steve Wagner ’82 and

Denise Dorsey Wagner ’82 37 Izzy Wagner with her parents Frank Wagner ’84 and

Betsy Hutchinson Wagner ’86

14 Bradley Kaminski with his mother DeAnn Hargis-Kaminski ’84

38 Anna White with her father Chad White ’90

15 Colby Kernan and his mother Michele Shade Timmons ’93

39 James Wise and his father Dan Wise ’89

16 Emily Hartigan with her father Bubba Hartigan ’89 17 Stuart Hilsman with parents Max Hilsman ’92 and

Not pictured:

18 Calle Hutchinson with her father Bryan Hutchinson ’83

Tatum Etheridge and her father Paul Etheridge ’88 and grandfather Phil Etheridge ’60

19 Ben Kingsfield with his mother Kim Tally Kingsfield ’86

Margaret Fish and her mother Kerry Haddon Fish ’91

20 Mimi Klump with her father Emmanuel Klump ’85

Ashley Haertel and her father Glenn Haertel ’84

21 Alexandra Mathieson and her mother Kristy Cena-Mathieson ’87

Sarah Todd Hammer with her mother Lisa Paracsi Hammer ’82

22 Thomas Mazziotti with parents Tom Mazziotti ’88 and

Bailey Lamb and her father Bill Lamb ’86

Ingrid Payne Hilsman ’92

Jennifer Woolley Mazziotti ’88 and grandfather Mike Woolley ’63 23 Emma McEvoy with her parents Sean McEvoy ’86 and

Emily Young McEvoy ’90 24 Ben Nordin with his father Don Nordin ’89

Sarah Monarchik and her father Ed Monarchik ’88 Cecilia Reed and her grandfather Jack Cota ’59 Kathleen Schellman and her father John Schellman ’73 Jack Young and his father Jeff Young ’87

25 Renny O’Haren with her father Terry O’Haren ’79

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G R A D U AT I O N

CLASS OF 2020 DESTINATIONS THE CLASS OF 2020 ATTEND THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MAIN CAMPUS)

AUBURN UNIVERSITY BARNARD COLLEGE

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

BELMONT UNIVERSITY

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

BERRY COLLEGE

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

BOSTON COLLEGE

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS

CORNELL UNIVERSITY DAVIDSON COLLEGE

SPELMAN COLLEGE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY OF OREGON UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DENISON UNIVERSITY

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE (KNOXVILLE)

DUKE UNIVERSITY

MERCER UNIVERSITY

ELON UNIVERSITY

MIAMI UNIVERSITY (OXFORD)

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (MAIN CAMPUS)

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

TROY UNIVERSITY

EMORY UNIVERSITY

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (SAN DIEGO)

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

FURMAN UNIVERSITY

OXFORD COLLEGE OF EMORY UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

PRATT INSTITUTE (MAIN CAMPUS)

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

GEORGIA COLLEGE

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PURDUE UNIVERSITY (MAIN CAMPUS)

Students attending schools out-of-state

Students attending schools in Georgia

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SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

INDIANA UNIVERSITY (BLOOMINGTON)

CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY

RHODES COLLEGE

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (SACRAMENTO)

QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

Students attending public 4-year colleges

Students attending private 4-year colleges

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CATHOLIC COLLEGES

MARIST’S 120TH COMMENCEMENT

5.4%

Matriculations

by Census Region

Northeast

7.4% 3%

Midwest

West

84.4% South

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Awards

G R A D U AT I O N

2019-2020

Sedes Sapientiae Award

AJC Cup Cecilia Cota Reed

William Christopher Lamm

The Atlanta JournalConstitution has sponsored the AJC Cup award since 1927 to honor a promising senior who excels in all areas of campus life.

Students are nominated and selected by faculty members, and the winner is awarded a trophy and a scholarship to be applied to college expenses.

The Sedes Sapientiae Award, Marist School’s highest honor, is conferred by the faculty upon the senior who excels in scholarship, loyalty, and service and who best represents the values for which Marist School stands.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020’s

Archbishop’s Awards

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Presented to a senior boy and girl who have achieved excellence in the study of the Catholic faith and have given service to their school, parish, or community.

Lucas Gabriel Gonzalez

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Charles Matthew Callahan

Fallon Elizabeth Smith

David Andre’ Coleman II

MARIST’S 118TH COMMENCEMENT

FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS Star Student & Star Teacher

Archbishop’s Outstanding Service Award Mr. Mike Coveny ’81 Marist Way Director, Theology

Father Schmuhl Marist Service Award Ms. Bonita Carter Early Learning Center

Charles Matthew Callahan

Mr. José Gregory

Frank P. Hagan Memorial Coach’s Award Mr. Jim Naum-Bedigian Science Teacher

The 2019-2020 Guidon yearbook was dedicated to

Goizueta Chair of Excellence Dr. Kathryn Hamrlik Theology

Mr. John Martin

National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars

The Stefanie and Sergio Stadler Arts and Student Development Grant, part of the Faber-McKinley-Stadler Award Mr. Robert Von Hagen College Counseling

Cale Lennon, Lucas Gonzalez Loridans Academic Fellowship (2019-2022) Mr. Reinald Yoder Business, Computer Science, & Engineering

MacGinnitie Award for Innovation Dr. Shannon Crunk Hipp ’94 English

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Alumni News Dear Fellow Alumni, It is hard to believe how much the global pandemic has changed everything in our professional and personal lives.

One thing that has not changed, however, is our desire to connect with and engage the 10,000+ Marist alumni around the world. While we had to postpone or cancel many of our in-person events this spring, it has been wonderful to interact with so many of you virtually. Some of the exciting online opportunities that the Marist Alumni Association offered included a guided meditation featuring retired theology teacher Mr. Bob Fecas and a financial panel led by Alumni Board members Taylor Rhett ’06 and James Roberts ’99.

We also have invited alumni to join the school’s “On the Same Page” summer reading program focused on anti-racism.

Over the past months, we have heard about so many alumni who have served on the front lines of the pandemic and many others whose livelihood has been affected. Be sure to check out our Small Business Directory (marist.com/smallbusinessdirectory) that supports businesses owned by those in our Marist community. You can read about some of the dedicated alumni on the front lines on page 51.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, our country is experiencing anguish and grief over the tragic deaths of members of the Black community and other examples of racism, intolerance, and injustice in our society. These national events brought up important discussions about our school community. At Marist School, we know that we can do better and are working together to take concrete actions to create the inclusive school community that our mission calls us to be. The Alumni Association is part of that effort and will offer programming and other opportunities that will help build a school community where everyone feels they belong, now and into the future.

As always, we continue to keep you and your families in our thoughts and prayers. We hope to see you virtually soon and look forward to the day when we can see you in person.

Please contact us at alumni@marist.com if you have any questions, would like to share a class note, and/or have an address update.

Warmest regards,

Katie Fowler Brown ’06 Director of Alumni Engagement

P.S. We were all disappointed to postpone Reunion Weekend 2020, which reminded us of the importance of being able to get together to connect with one another in person. We look forward to celebrating Reunion Weekend 2021 from April 30 to May 3, 2021, which will include celebrations for classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6.

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ALUMNI NEWS

2020 ALUMNI AWARDS Distinguished Alumni Award

Sean P. McVay ’04 When Sean P. McVay ’04 was named head coach of the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, he became the youngest National Football League head coach in history. In his second season coaching the Rams, Sean guided the team through one of its best seasons in franchise history, culminating with Super Bowl LIII in his hometown of Atlanta. Since his time as a distinguished student-athlete at Marist School and Miami University (Ohio) and throughout his professional career, Sean has continued to inspire current and future generations through his remarkable achievements on and off the field.

Father Hartnett Service Award

James B. Roberts ’99 A leader in the financial services industry, James B. Roberts ’99 is the managing director at Nettuno Wealth Management. James has provided exemplary service to Marist School, embodying Marist values and inspiring current and future generations of Marist students. For more than 15 years, he has been actively involved with the Alumni Executive Board, where he has held numerous roles and served as president of the Marist Alumni Association.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Kenneth C. Brinson, Jr. ’15 A second lieutenant in the United States Army, Kenneth C. Brinson, Jr. ’15 exemplifies excellence in all aspects of his life, incorporating the values and principles upon which Marist School was founded into all of his pursuits. An accomplished scholar and athlete who excelled at Marist School and the United States Military Academy, Kenneth provides volunteer leadership and service to his community. He is currently pursuing his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine and his doctorate in materials science and engineering at Stanford University School of Engineering.

The Marist Alumni Association recognizes three outstanding alumni for their exceptional service to Marist and their communities. The 2020 Alumni Award Recipients will be honored at an upcoming luncheon (date to be announced).

Visit marist.com/alumni/awardrecipients for more information.

C A L L F O R N O M I N AT I O N S We are always seeking nominations for alumni to consider for the three awards given by the Marist Alumni Association. Nominations can be made year-round and are retained for five years.

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who incorporate Marist values into all aspects of their lives including their chosen profession and community involvement. Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are invited to speak at Marist’s commencement ceremony each year.

The Father Hartnett Service Award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating exemplary service to Marist School and embodying the Marist values.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes young alumni who have demonstrated excellence through career achievements, service to the community, and/or service and support of Marist School.

To nominate alumni who exemplify Marist’s mission in their lives and who strengthen the school and the community, visit marist.com/alumniawardnominations.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Events 2019 - 2020

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Young Alumni Christmas Luncheon

Alumni Trivia Night

December 20, 2019

February 13, 2020

Half Century Club Reception

Alumni Homecoming BBQ

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

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ALUMNI NEWS

Senior Send-off May 22, 2020

Virtual Events

Financial Panel with James Roberts ’99 and Taylor Rhett ’06

Guided Meditation with Mr. Bob Fecas

May 27, 2020

April 23, 2020

While we were disappointed to cancel our spring events, the Alumni Office has continued to engage alumni and parents of alumni via online gatherings. This unique moment in time has given us the chance to virtually meet with alumni and parents of alumni from across the country—an opportunity that we would have missed with only in-person events. We are actively developing new virtual events even as we plan ahead for when we can safely meet in person again.”

K AT I E F OW L E R B R OW N ’ 0 6 , D I R E C TO R O F A LU M N I E N G AG E M E N T

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni in the Spotlight

by Emma Fletcher ’21

CLASS of 2020 “I plan to take my Marist study skills and preparation to the next level,” said Tyler Brazle ’20. Taking what they have learned to the next level embodies the mindset of the Class of 2020, who we honor here. Although they have not been alumni for long, they still have accomplished much and demonstrate what a Marist education seeks to instill.

As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Class of 2020 missed prom, senior pranks, Senior Breakfast, and St. Peter Chanel Day. All the traditional milestones that take place in the last term of the school year were canceled or altered, even graduation. Many of these experiences are among alumni’s fondest memories. Imagine being in your living room instead of at prom. Imagine being in your bedroom during your last term of school. Throughout the unknowns and adjustments, the Class of 2020 displayed remarkable resilience.

Navigating these challenging times has brought them together and helped them prepare for life after Marist in ways that no other graduating classes have encountered.

As the Class of 2020 steps into their college years and beyond, they plan to explore many areas of study and to succeed, building upon the foundation they received at Marist.

For Tyler Brazle, her Marist education has prepared her to work well with her future peers and co-workers and helped her determine that she wants to study biology at Texas Christian University.

Mitchell Owens ’20 said, “From my Marist education as well as sports, I have learned to become a leader, communicator, team player, and much more. All these qualities will help me

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succeed playing football at Samford University and later in my future career.”

Ari Stephens ’20 plans to pursue a pre-med track at Xavier University of Louisiana. She feels prepared for college and expects to use the information and skills she has learned while taking challenging classes M I T C H E L L OW E N S ’ 2 0 at Marist.

During their time at Marist, these three members of the Class of 2020 were involved in a wide range of activities across campus, including the Peer Leader program, band, sports, chorus, fine arts, the National Honor Society, and student organizations, to name a few. They enjoyed the many opportunities at Marist to explore different interests. Along with their classmates, Tyler, Ari, and Mitchell have made remarkable contributions throughout their time at Marist, embodying the mission of Marist to form the whole person in the image of Christ.

Whether alumni for two months, two years, or 20 years, Marist graduates are connected by their educational experiences and the values they have learned here, for which we are grateful.

From my Marist education...I have learned to become a leader, communicator, team player, and much more.

IVY STREET NEWS

M A RIS T THEN A ND NOW

A HISTORY OF PERSEVERING THROUGH PANDEMICS In more than 150 years of ministry in the United States, the Society of Mary has experienced multiple outbreaks of disease—from yellow fever epidemics in their early years in Louisiana, to the 1918 influenza pandemic, to the COVID-19 pandemic that has altered our lives this year. The Society of Mary’s dual emphases on community life and education bring an increased level of vulnerability, but the order has remained committed to their charism through every challenge.

In 1918, when a major epidemic of influenza struck, the Marists were spread throughout the United States, with posts in Canada and Mexico. Nearly all their churches and schools experienced illness. Marist College (as Marist School was called then) was affected, and the school closed for four weeks in response.

The school year had begun on Monday, September 9, 1918, against the backdrop of the Great War. Despite the war and the uncertainties of the draft law related to high school students of draft age, one of the largest number of boys since the school’s founding was present.

Merely a month later, the city of Atlanta and the school faced the influenza pandemic, which was sweeping the

country. Atlanta city officials banned nearly all large public gatherings indoors for most of October 1918. On October 13, 1918, there were only two Masses at Sacred Heart because of this, and the following Sunday, in compliance with the regulations of the authorities, only one Mass was said. The altar for this Mass was placed inside the doorway of the rectory, while the congregation assisted at Mass from the driveway. In his History of the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Reverend Vincent P. Brennan, S.M., recounted, “Although the weather was inclement, a number of hardy people braved the elements.”

Our then “cadets” were out of school for a much shorter time frame than we have faced, but they were not able to transition to virtual learning or remain connected as we have been fortunate enough to do. There is comfort in knowing that Marist has endured a pandemic before. Marist is facing this current ever-changing situation by continuing to live our mission, doing our best, and working together under the name of Mary.

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ClassNotes 66 76

Jim Murphy ’66 owns a Formula 600 race car, driven by Clint McMahan, which won the F600 National Championship in October 2019 at the SCCA Runoffs held at Virginia International Raceway. 1

David Sikes ’76 had his youngest of five graduate with Marist’s Class of 2020. His other children who graduated from Marist include Mary Catherine Sikes Kirchgraber ’08, Margaret Sikes White ’10, Bo Sikes, Jr. ’17, Molly Sikes ’18, and Ansley Sikes ’20. They are pictured in Steamboat, Colorado. 2

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Best-selling author Bret Baier ’88, anchor of Fox News Channel’s Special Report with Bret Baier, published a new book in 2019 titled Three Days at the Brink: FDR’s Daring Gamble to Win World War II.

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Chieko Noguchi ’94 was appointed

director of public affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and began her work there on September 9, 2019. Previously, Noguchi worked for the Archdiocese of Washington, where she served as director of media and public relations since 2011. In 2016, she received the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis in recognition of her dedication to the Catholic Church. Prior to joining the archdiocese, Noguchi worked for global public relations agencies Porter Novelli and Ketchum. She began her career on Capitol Hill, working

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for then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in both his congressional and political offices. Noguchi is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. and is raising her family in Virginia.

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Joe Campbell ’98 is the new commanding officer of the Gold crew on the USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington.

Throughout his career as a nuclear submarine officer, Campbell has served on attack submarines and ballistic missile submarines around the world, including USS SCRANTON (SSN 756), USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731)(BLUE), and USS VIRGINIA (SSN 774). Ashore, he has served as an instructor at the United States Naval Academy, assistant officerin-charge of US Fleet Forces Command Nuclear Weapons Inspection Detachment Kings Bay, and, most recently, as the director of nuclear field and submarine accessions at Navy Recruiting Command.

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Aaron Thompson ’09 was admitted into

the Doctor of Education program at the University of Georgia. Thompson attended Howard University for her undergraduate studies, graduating in 2013 with a bachelor of science degree in human development with a concentration in early childhood education. In 2016, Thompson graduated from Georgia State University, earning a master’s degree in teaching and middle level education with a concentration in mathematics and science. Her dream is to become dean of students at the collegiate level. 3

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Chaz Duffy ’10 appeared in the Alliance Theatre’s production of “Ride the Cyclone,” which ran May 1-26, 2019.

Duffy was the only Atlanta-based 7 actor to appear in the show. 4

Mellie Corrigan Napolitano ’10 published a book, Hola Miss, which is about her experience as a conservative American looking to put a human face on the topic of immigration to show her fellow Republicans that Latino immigrants are not the criminals that politicians and the media portray them to be. 5

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Alexandra Thompson ’11 graduated in

December 2019 from The University of Georgia with master’s degrees in public health and social work. Thompson completed her undergraduate degree at Georgia State University with a bachelor of science degree in psychology.

Thompson graduated from the dual master’s degree program with a job offer from Hillside Hospital as an admissions coordinator, where she now works with children who have severe mental health issues. In the future, Thompson plans to continue to serve the community working in global health outreach. 6

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Shelby Curren ’12 graduated from Lake

Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2020 with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine. Curren will complete a radiology residency in New Jersey. 7

CLASS NOTES

Send us your updates and photos!

E-MAIL

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classnotes@marist.com

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MAIL Marist School Alumni Office 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30319

CONTACT US alumni@marist.com (770) 936-6491

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Photos must be at least

6˝ 4˝

300 dpi resolution and 4˝ x 6˝

CONNECT WITH MARIST ALUMNI ON LINKEDIN Stay in touch with Marist School and fellow alumni through LinkedIn in two ways: 1. Add Marist School to your

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LinkedIn profile to enjoy search and networking benefits.

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2. Follow the Marist School page on LinkedIn to get the latest alumni and school news.

FOLLOW MARIST SCHOOL ALUMNI ON SOCIAL MEDIA @maristalumni Marist Alumni Association

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CLASS NOTES

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Bridget Graf ’12 was selected as

Student of the Year in Georgia Tech’s Evening MBA program. Graf graduated from Georgia Tech on May 1, 2020 and will live in Atlanta working at a technology startup. 8

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Alex Hale ’15 traveled the country

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in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, kicking off his post-college career as a brand spokesperson, or hotdogger.

More than 7,000 people apply for the job and only 12 are selected each year. Alex had the opportunity to drive the Wienermobile through Atlanta, visiting some of his favorite spots and giving fans a chance to get up close and personal with the 27-foot-long hotdog on wheels. 9

Mary Elizabeth Mazziotti ’15

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graduated from Clemson University in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in finance. While at Clemson, she was selected as a member of the Tom Chapman Leadership Program and was voted onto the Homecoming Court. Mary Elizabeth now lives in Nashville, Tennessee where she works for JP Morgan in their Wealth Management Division.

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Brendan Burke ’16 graduated summa

cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor of science degree in finance and a bachelor of arts degree in film, television, and theater.

Burke was awarded the Raymond P. Kent Award for outstanding achievement in finance coursework by the Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Post-graduation, Brendan accepted an analyst position with Lincoln International, which is based in Chicago, Illinois. 10

Emma Burns ’16 was awarded the

Misty Dailey Award from Georgetown University for her senior thesis “Annexing the Odalisque: How Second-Wave Feminism Affected Depictions of Female Bodies by Female Artists in 1970s America.”

A chapter of her thesis will be published by Erudition Magazine.

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Emma Federer ’17 was named a 2018 winner of the New South Young Playwrights Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, where her one-act play, The Homeless and the Hopefull, was produced and preformed. She is proud to have had her first full-length show, Bermuda Triangle, premiere in the 2019 NY Summerfest theater festival.

While studying abroad with Georgia Tech’s Oxford program, Anna Bonatz ’17, Jeremy Benson ’18, Jack Maley ’18, David Reteneller ’18, and William O’Reilly ’18 visited Father John Harharger, S.M. and joined him in celebrating the Feast of the Visitation of Mary. 11

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CLASS NOTES

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Drew Dollar ’19 kicked off his 2020 ARCA

Menards racing season on February 8, 2020 at the Daytona International Speedway and finished third. Drew is racing a full schedule this season for Venturini Motorsports, which is one of the top teams at this level. Many of their past drivers have gone on to compete at the cup level. 12

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Ananya Malhotra ’16 was selected as one of 32 American

Rhodes Scholars for 2020. She was chosen from among 14 Rhodes finalists from District 6, which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Malhotra took part in a day-long interview, conducted by a seven-person committee, led by attorney Jason Carter. Over 2,900 people applied for the scholarship, and only 32 were selected. In 2020, Malhotra graduated from Princeton University, where she majored in international relations and human rights at the Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs.

She plans to complete a master of philosophy degree in international relations at the University of Oxford before pursuing her aspiration of becoming a human rights lawyer.

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CLASS NOTES

Honoring Marist Alumni on the Front Line

The Marist Alumni Association recently honored alumni serving on the front line, sharing on social media how grateful we are for their service and inviting the school community to pray for them. From across the United States, alumni in the medical profession have been helping others throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic.

All alumni featured as part of the faces of the front line can be found on Instagram:

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maristalumni

CLASS NOTES

Virtual Prayer Service Brings Marist Community Together

After weeks of virtual learning, Marist School students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni were able to come together virtually for Marist’s very first livestreamed prayer service on April 27. This service was one-of-a-kind, led by musician, speaker, and podcast host Jimmy Mitchell ’04 from his recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The goal of the prayer service was to find and become signs of hope while acknowledging the challenges of the times. The service followed a Lectio Divina which included a reading from the Gospel of St. Luke and time for meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The virtual event concluded with a video montage highlighting signs of hope shared by members of the Marist School community and an opportunity for attendees to reflect on how they can be tangible signs of hope themselves.

Dr. Kelleen Fitzgerald ’85 Cares for Atlanta’s Homeless During Pandemic For the past few years, Dr. Kelleen Fitzgerald ’85 has volunteered with Mercy Care, providing compassionate medical care to the homeless and unsheltered population of Atlanta with Mercy Care’s Street Medicine team. Fitzgerald is an internal medicine physician and mother to three, including Mary Kate Cicchillo ’15 and Bobby Cicchillo ’22. When she transitioned to a direct primary care membership practice, Fitzgerald knew she wanted to volunteer and help others who cannot afford health insurance. In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Fitzgerald has joined with other Mercy Care volunteers—doctors, nurses, medical residents, and medical students—to provide COVID-19 testing for thousands of homeless individuals at outdoor “pop-up” stations, shelters, and churches around metro Atlanta. The team helps educate the homeless population about wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing as much as possible, and helps isolate and care for individuals who test positive. For Fitzgerald, providing this type of service is what doctors are called to do. She said, “To be on the front line taking care of people is what you sign up for when you choose this profession.”

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CLASS NOTES

A T R A D I T I O N O F P R AY E R :

Marist Mothers of Alumni Pray for Marist School Community

Front row, left to right:

Ave Bransford Michael Bransford ’88

Back row, left to right:

For the past 30 years, a group of mothers of Marist alumni have met the first Friday of each month for prayer. The group first gathered together in September 1990 at Starr Millen’s home. With their children no longer attending Marist, they missed the monthly meetings of the Marist Mothers Prayer Group and decided to form the Marist Mothers of Alumni Prayer Group. While the focus of their prayers has changed over the years, they always pray for Marist School and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

The prayer group gathered at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year once again at Starr Millen’s home.

Milam Propst

Judy Russell

William Propst ’91

Matt Russell ’92

Steve Bransford ’91

Emmett Propst ’23

Sue Davis

Pam Weeks

Susan Davis Harper ’89

David Weeks ’91

Kim Davis Sellers ’92

Kelly Weeks Fitzpatrick ’93

Linda Lacy

Starr Millen

Chris Gilbert ’86

Don Millen, Jr. ’86

Allison Gilbert Tocci ’88i ’88

Alec Millen ’88

Marilyn Bailey

Chris Millen ’90

John Bailey ’87

Anne Sumpter Rhea Sumpter ’93*

Judi Schubert

Walt Sumpter ’95

Stefanie Schubert Fromayan ’84

Barbara Schwendler Rebecca Schwendler ’89 Tad Schwendler ’922

Kay Broadrick Brad Broadrick ’92

David Bailey ’89 Michael Bailey ’92

David Schubert ’86 Barrett Schubert ’90 Courtney Schubert Joines ’91

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*

deceased

Weddings MARIST

“Grant that … they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind …”

NUPTIAL BLESSING

Lauren Joan Rearick ’99 married Hunter

Grace Helmer ’08 married Jack Izard on September 28, 2019 at

Simmons Pierpont on February 15, 2020 at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Georgia. The reception was held following the ceremony at Longleaf Restaurant at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Marist alumni in attendance included Natalie Pruner McLennan ’96, Andrea Pruner Barr ’99, Hans Rearick ’00, and Chris Kowal ’02.

the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Georgia.

Betsy Helmer ’09 served as maid of honor and Kelsey Curran Dussault ’08 and Louise Corrigan Loudermilk ’08 served as bridesmaids. Other Marist alumni in attendance included Victor Corrigan II ’75, Kristin Curran ’06, Andrew King ’07, Kelly Hartigan Bains ’08, Elizabeth Harris King ’08, Rich Kirchgraber ’08, Mary Catherine Sikes Kirchgraber ’08, Matt Lewis ’08, Lauren Litwack ’08, Caitlin McDevitt ’08, Kevin McDevitt ’08, Becht Neel ’08, Laura Patillo Van Winkle ’08, and Jennifer Carlson ’12. 2

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Births MARIST

3

5

2

4

6

Kate welcomed their son Joshua Gibbs Riccardi on March 26, 2019.

2 Brett Grayson ’95 and his wife Morgan

welcomed their fourth child on April 9, 2019. Anna Blaire Grayson joins big brothers Will (8) and Beau (7) and big sister Parker (5).

Marist Matters

L U K E 1 8 :16

1

1 Rick Riccardi ’93 and his wife Mary

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But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

3 K atelyn Hunt Fredericks ’04 and her

husband John welcomed Charles “Hunt” Fredericks on October 4, 2019. Big brother Pierce (3.5) is very proud of his new baby brother.

4 Joey Bleekrode ’05 and his wife Keri

welcomed their first child Nathan Garrett Bleekrode on October 16, 2019.

5 Katie Fowler Brown ’06 and her husband

Steve welcomed their son Declan William Brown on October 18, 2019.

6 Claire Long Connaro ’06 and Kyle Connaro ’06 welcomed their second daughter Sloane Elizabeth Connaro on October 9, 2019. Sloane joins big sister Emma (2).

BIRTHS

7 Ansley Jones Kuppens ’06 and her

husband Thomas welcomed their daughter Avery Sims Kuppens on September 28, 2019.

8 Kristen Midgette Martinez ’06 and her

7

8

husband Michael welcomed their son Jude Michael Midgette on August 29, 2019.

9 Taylor Rhett ’06 and his wife Katie

Drew welcomed their first son John “Jack” Taylor Rhett V on July 9, 2019.

10 M elissa Withorn ’06 and her husband

Benn welcomed their first son Truman Darby Wineka on February 18, 2020.

9

10

11 Cassie Nelson Ebinger ’07 and David Ebinger ’07 welcomed their

daughter Margaret Elizabeth “Maisie” Ebinger on January 14, 2020.

12 A ndrew King ’07 and Elizabeth Harris King ’08 welcomed

11

12 12

their first daughter, Hadley Anne King, on February 13, 2019 and their second daughter, Mary James King, on August 27, 2020.

13 Caelyn Brady Pyles ’07 and her

husband Stephen welcomed their twin girls Palmer Robinson Pyles and Brady Leigh Pyles on November 15, 2019.

13

14 E lizabeth Plumer Dete ’02 and

14

Brendan Dete ’01 welcomed Leo Joseph Dete, IV on March 4, 2020.

He joins big sisters Stella (8), Rose (6), and Eleanor (3).

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IN MEMORIAM Through June 30, 2020

Lawrence Akin, father of John Akin ’74 and Charles Akin ’83 Dr. Manuel Antón, father of Manny Antón ’78 H.C. Bowden ’04 Jim Boyd ’63,

father of

Julia Boyd Frost ’94

Anthony Gonter, father of

Rick Gonter ’70, Tony Gonter ’72 ,

and Serena McCauley Highum ’92

Paul Gonter ’78

Michael McNamara, father of Donna-Marie

Bob Gonter ’75,

and

Mary Hancock, mother of Jim Carroll ’61 and Billy Carroll ’68 Gary Harvey III ’83,

father of

Chris Harvey ’85,

Todd Murphy ’80,

brother of Henry Murphy ’81 and Laura Murphy Trenerry Lawrence Nicholls III ’71

daughter of Herbert Azar ’53 * and sister of Barbara Azar Wheeler ’80, Steven Azar ’90, Allison Azar Wright ’91 , and Catherine Azar Grimsley ’93 Carl Stimmel ’56,

father of

Carl Stimmel, Jr. ’83 and Kristen Stimmel ’86

Mona Richette Oliver ’94

Jim Hobbs, father of

Jack Orr ’49

Dr. Rhea Sumpter, Jr. ’93, son of Anne Sumpter, former Board of Trustees member, and brother of Walter Sumpter ’95

Steve Carley ’59

Christine Hobbs Giacopelli ’97

Brett Parker ’90

Michael Torpy ’17,

Lois Catherman, mother of Brad Catherman ’74 and

Dr. Walter Hood ’51

Bill Payne, father of

Gary Catherman ’82

Dr. Larry Howard, father of Randy Howard ’73 and

Sonja Payne Szubski ’95

Karen Catlin, wife of

Rick Howard ’75

Robert Peter Catlin III ’68

Dr. Bruce Jagor, father of Mark Jagor, Sr. ’72 and

David Carley, Jr. ’46, Tommy Carley ’47 *, Burke Carley

brother of

, and

’55 *

and mother of

Robert Peter Catlin IV ’96, Heather Catlin ’01 ,

and

Julie Harvey Adams ’86,

McNamara Clemons ’83

Martha Azar Stevens ’81 ,

and Patrick Harvey ’89

Chris Bradley ’16

Beth Hobbs Williams ’94 and

Tom Jagor ’76

Hillary Catlin ’08

Larry Jolluck ’57

Joe Cepak, former Marist faculty/staff

Sandy Jones, wife of Willis Jones ’70 and mother of Alex Jones Hayne ’01 , Bryant Jones ’03, and

Dr. Chuck Connors ’51

Paul Courtney, father of Jane Courtney ’01 and Anna Courtney Rudolph ’04

Jerree and Bob Creech, mother and father of Jason Creech ’86 David Dawson ’47 Ben Duma ’17,

brother of

Will Duma ’15 and Kate Duma ’22 Caroline Dwyer ’93,

daughter of Todd Dwyer ’58 and sister of Margaret Dwyer ’98 Nolan Eley ’08,

brother

of Caitlin Eley ’06

Ben Fugitt, Jr. ’54 Cameron Galway ’69 Matt Gansereit ’83,

brother of David Gansereit ’85 and Jonathon Gansereit ’87

Liz Jones ’07

Anthony Joyce, Jr., father of Michael Joyce ’83 and Marist Early Learning Center teacher Marycarol Stout Mary Ann Ketter, mother of Fr. Dan Ketter ’88 Maj. Joseph L. Langston ’52 ,

brother of Bill Langston ’53

Marist Matters

Ingrid Payne Hilsman ’92 and

Susan Pillans, former Marist faculty/staff and mother of Rebecca Via Simonsen ’95

Buddy Pullen, husband of longtime Marist employee Peggy Pullen and father of Scott Pullen ’94 Joan Revell, mother of John Revell ’78 and Ann Revell Railey ’80

Spurgeon Richardson, Jr., father of Kathryn Richardson Gerrick ’85 and Carter Richardson ’89 Dr. Elsie Rodriguez, mother of Richard Naula ’87 and Maria Naula ’88 Mel Rummel, Jr. ’71 ,

brother of

Ray Rummel ’72 , Jeff Rummel ’77,

and Mike Rummel ’78

Carolyn Holliday Manley, daughter of Edward Holliday 1920 * and wife of Francis Manley ’48 *

Chris Seibert ’04

Philip Marzetti, father of Anthony Marzetti ’98 and

Joseph Smith, father of

Alissa Marzetti ’00 Frank Maynard ’45

David C. McAuley, father of David H. McAuley ’85 Miles McCahey, brother of Jennie McCahey ’90

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father of

Marion McCauley Earnhardt ’90

Tommy Gonter ’74,

Gary Harvey, Jr. ’60,

Dr. James Bradley, father of Taylor Bradley ’14 and

George McCauley Jr, ’49,

David Seibert, father of and

Ben Seibert ’07 * Richard Smiley ’99

Michaela Smith Young ’81

and Natalie Smith Childs ’86 For detailed In Memoriam listings, please visit marist.com/alumni and go to Prayer Requests on the Alumni Chaplain page. *

deceased

brother of Emma Torpy Stamper ’09, Frederick Torpy ’15, and Liam Torpy ’15 Pam Thomas, mother of Ashley Thomas Conner ’07

and Brent Thomas ’98 Larry Wagner, father of Meredith Wagner Wright ’93

Richard Whitehead, father of K.C. Whitehead ’83 and Jeff Whitehead ’87

Rebecca Chase Williams, mother of Clare Williams Stevens ’11 Missy Bird Wilson ’90

Barry Yahr, father of Becky Yahr ’89 and Kim Yahr Verska ’86

Todd Yates, father of Mitchell Yates ’13 and Robert Yates ’14

Word Last

Ms. LaRita Williams, Marist School’s director of inclusion and diversity, shares her thoughts on how the priorities of Strategic Plan 2025 interweave with Marist’s goals for inclusiveness and diversity.

Why Do the Work?

With the introduction of Strategic Plan 2025, a question came to my mind: How does inclusion and diversity fit into the future of Marist School? In grappling with this thought, I was reminded of why we do this work and what makes it so important. A commitment to inclusion and diversity is not just a trend or nice thing to say about a school; it is an academic, sociological, global, economic, and moral imperative.

Illustration by Jay Rogers

Academic Excellence

Fiscally Sound Future

Diversity work is vital to us as a school, because it encourages academic excellence. When students see and feel themselves represented in the curriculum, they are affirmed and more likely to invest in learning. Moreover, diversity of experiences and thought in the classroom helps deepen the level of discourse and perspective that students achieve.

Being a global leader is a goal for us as an institution as much as it is a goal for our students. As the broader population and economy continue to change, Marist must make itself accessible to families of wide-ranging backgrounds, means, and locations across the city in order to remain successful in a competitive market. For this reason, strategies to attract diverse applicants are essential to keeping up with an evolving landscape, its implications, and its opportunities.

Educating the Whole Child

Because Marist is committed to molding the spirit and character of each student along with their minds, we can also look at the role diversity plays in educating the whole child beyond just academics. Taking a whole-person approach to education means offering programming that benefits varying student needs, from counseling and extracurricular activities to spiritual guidance and exploration of identity. The equity and inclusion efforts we make on campus provide space for students to grow in their understanding of who they are and how that influences the way they move through the world.

Global Servant Leadership

In addition to helping students foster an understanding of their own experiences in the world, appropriate training and dialogue teaches students to better empathize with the experiences of others as well. Such cultural competency and civil discourse skills prepare students to be global-ready leaders.

Remaining Marist

Finally, operating under the Society of Mary, we aim to nurture in students a sense of hospitality and demonstrated concern for all people, especially those who are often marginalized by society. These values are reflected in the school’s philosophy and diversity statement. When we implement equitable practices and advocate for social justice, we live out those words as we are called to do by our faith.

So, why do the work of inclusion and diversity? We do so because it equips our students to thrive in an ever-changing, multicultural society. We do so because it represents a challenge that we must meet for our very survival.

And we do so because it aligns with Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church. What’s more, we’ll continue to strengthen the way we approach this work moving forward because inclusion and diversity are at the core of every pillar in our Strategic Plan: academic excellence, educating the whole child, global servant leadership, a fiscally sound future, and, most importantly, maintaining what it means to be Marist.

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