Marist Matters Vol. 47 Iss. 1

One thing that has struck me about Marist is the immense generosity and commitment of so many members of this community. The outstanding dedication I witness daily tells me that Marist’s formative education makes a profound impact. Marist graduates (read about the Class of 2023 commencement starting on page 25) go into the world prepared to offer their knowledge and talents in service to society, and they stay engaged with the school that laid much of the foundation for their success (see alumni awards on page 34, alumni events on pages 35-36, and Reunion Weekend coverage on pages 37-38).

This past October, I was gratified to bestow the St. Peter Chanel Award, Marist’s highest honor, on Jay Mannelly for his

Dear Friends, I am so pleased to be here at Marist School and honored to write to you in this first Marist Matters magazine published since my arrival. My first few months on campus have been invigorating and have reaffirmed that my decision to come to Marist was an exceedingly positive one. I am thrilled to be part of this community! You can read some of my thoughts on my new role and how I plan to approach Marist’s future in the feature story of this issue beginning on page 5.

I recognize that my leadership of Marist School is an inflection point for an institution that has been led by Marist priests since its inception. I gratefully acknowledge the incredible spiritual and institutional legacy the Marists have imparted at this school and very much value the opportunity to work closely with Father Bill Rowland, S.M. in his new role as rector and with Father John Ulrich, S.M., who returned this year to Marist as school chaplain. I understand he is a familiar face to many alumni since this is his third stint at Marist School!

One other Marist, Father Thomas Ellerman, S.M. ’58, welcomed me so warmly, and, though I only knew him a short while before he passed away in September, I will often recall and build upon the Marist wisdom he shared with me. Visit marist.com/ ellerman to read about Fr. Ellerman’s interesting life and his strong impact on the Society of Mary.

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Marist Matters

I gratefully acknowledge the incredible spiritual and institutional legacy the Marists have imparted at this school.” noteworthy and long-standing support of the school. On the same evening, at the St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Celebration, we recognized leadership donors to the Annual Fund. You can read about that felicitous event on page 22.

From my perspective, Marist School’s future is bright and that corresponds with a positive outlook for our world as well because Marist students are formed and educated to offer their learning as a gift to everyone they encounter.

I look forward to meeting more of you and learning about your Marist experience as we move forward. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out at childsj@marist.com.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.

J. D. Childs President

VOL. 47 • ISS. 1 • CONTENTS

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COVER STORY

J. D. CHILDS Get to know Marist’s first lay president

4 MARIST IN BRIEF Fr. John Ulrich, S.M. returns

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13

SCENE AROUND MARIST “Mamma Mia!” thrills audiences

WAR EAGLE VIEWS New Blue & Gold Athletics Circle inductees

18 ADVANCEMENT NEWS J. B. Mannelly, Jr. receives the St. Peter Chanel Award

39 BIRTHS New War Eagles have landed

Last Word 42 LAST WORD Principal Mullally reflects on artificial intelligence

32 ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND Creating new Marist memories

Marist Matters 2

PRESIDENT J. D. Childs PRINCIPAL Kevin Mullally V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Angela H. Dorsey EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Cristina Vásconez Herrera CONTRIBUTORS Jenna Barber Katie Fowler Brown ’06 Stephanie Burke J. D. Childs Maureen Davidson Angela H. Dorsey Ally Hinojosa Catherine Markwalter Kevin Mullally Maggie Strickland ’24 Leticia Valencia Derek Waugh ’89 GRAPHIC DESIGN Seth Kelly, Helmet Studio PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Collier Maddie Djuric ’21 Billy Howard Photosynthesis Studio 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 visit marist.com/classnotes.

WELCOME BACK! A warm Marist welcome back to new school chaplain Fr. John Ulrich, S.M., who returns for a third stint at Marist School. Fr. Ulrich founded the Emmaus Retreat program, and we look forward to seeing the new special ways he will impact Marist in the coming years.

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.

John Trautwein from The Will

Nathan Mungai ’23 was named

Marist’s new Asian American

to Live Foundation spoke to

a Posse Scholar at Texas A&M.

Pacific Islander affinity

students and parents about faith,

The Posse Foundation identifies,

group provides a space where

family, and the love and hope they

recruits, and trains individuals with

students can cultivate a sense

possess to buoy one another.

extraordinary leadership potential.

of belonging and community.

In Brief MARIST

FOUR DECADES OF ST. PETER CHANEL DAY The first St. Peter Chanel Day, a daylong celebration held in honor of the martyred Marist priest Peter Chanel, took place April 28, 1983. The tradition continues year after year. St. Peter Chanel Day 2023 was planned by the junior class with their moderator Mrs. Amelia Gleaton Luke ’01. A highlight was the morning Mass presided by Archbishop Gregory John Hartmayer, OFM, Conv., who commissioned 27 juniors as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.

20 YEARS OF MARIST WOMEN BUILD

“GO OUT AND RECEIVE YOUR CALL!” In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Marist School hosted the Mizel Museum’s “At the Table with Dr. King”, a multimedia presentation featuring live music, recitations of Dr. King’s speeches and letters, and historical footage and photographs. Through the power of music and spoken word, the presentation challenged students to build community, utilize their unique gifts to make a difference, and accept God’s call for each of us.

Marist Women Build (MWB) dedicated the “Wall of Hammers” to Mrs. Karen Shanahan (center in yellow), a founding member and dedicated leader of MWB and the Marist Student Build.

AN INVITATION TO THE CAMINO Marist priest Father Daniel Fernández, S.M. visited Marist School from Sahagun, Spain, where he runs Albergue de la Santa Cruz on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Fr. Fernández invited the Marist community to visit and share the mission of Marist hospitality for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Henry Djuric ’23, Christopher Kammerer ’23, Dylan Rose Elledge ’19, and Director of Admissions Angela Gentile Elledge ’88 accepted the invitation and volunteered at the albergue in summer 2023.

Musse Woldu ’24 received the 2023 Princeton Club of

Irene Kim ’27 was awarded the 2023

Georgia Community Service Award for his outstanding

Julia K. Petrino Award in recognition

service and leadership in coordinating initiatives for

of her demonstrated excellence in the

his classmates and teammates.

study of classics.

Marist Matters 4

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Marist Matters

Get to know new Marist School President

J. D. Childs J. D. CHILDS ENTHUSIASTICALLY BEGAN HIS TENURE AS MARIST SCHOOL PRESIDENT ON JULY 1, 2023. In doing so, he took up the mantle as well as the spiritual inheritance of the Marist priests, one of whom has been president of Marist School since its founding in 1901. He brings a wealth of knowledge in Catholic education and a background of mission-charged leadership experience with him to Marist. Just months into his new position, J. D. Childs shares some thoughts on being the first lay president in Marist School’s 122-year history.

I’m most looking forward to being really present to the community with a desire to engage in incremental strategic change for the benefit of Marist.”

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Why Marist School?

What about the role of Marist School President attracted you?

The reputation of the school first got my attention, and then the quality of relationships and engagement with those in the community involved with the search really drew me in. When my wife and I visited, we were hooked.

I am excited about being able to honor the Society of Mary’s legacy at Marist as the first lay president and to apply my institutional leadership experience to all that is great about Marist for our continued benefit. I was excited to discover that the Marist position required a leader who exhibits a strong pastoral presence with business acumen (and lots of school administrative experience).

What do you see as the positives and/or challenges to serving as Marist’s first lay president?

First, I feel a ton of gratitude and indebtedness to the Society of Mary and for all the Marist priests I’ve met. I have felt very welcomed and set up for success by them. Father Rowland, Bishop Konzen, the late Father Ellerman ’58, really all the priests have been very generous with their time and thoughtful advice as I come into this role.

While the pastoral responsibilities may be different for a lay president than for a priest, I believe that a lay leader with a family and children at the school provides a new perspective and way to relate to the community that will be positive. And we’re all grateful that the Marist priests aren’t going anywhere!

I’m most looking forward to being really present to the community with a desire to engage in incremental strategic change for the benefit of Marist.

What will be your priorities and goals during your first year at Marist School?

This first year will be about establishing foundations. Lots of listening, learning, prayer, and creating the conditions in which it will be easiest for Marist to accomplish its formational mission with students in partnership with parents and guardians. We will build muscle for the school to highlight its priorities and achieve strategic outcomes going forward.

I think it’s important to say that Marist has a powerful tradition and culture that needs to be protected and nourished while also allowing room for the school to grow and innovate. So, understanding how we maintain what is essential and beautiful while also being creative, in a way that honors who we are… that’s the challenge we’ll embark on together!

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I find power in diverse approaches and perspectives seeking alignment within a common mission.”

Who or what has helped prepare you to guide Marist School into the future?

I’ve always tried to be a good learner and to adopt bestpractice strategies, techniques, and sensibilities of those with whom I’ve worked. I’ve always tried to belong to various professional learning communities so that I can grow.

There are many spiritual and educational heroes to whom I’m deeply indebted. Every place I’ve worked has shaped and formed who I’ve become. Successes and failures have influenced my outlook and approach. I’m far less reactionary than when I was a younger school administrator!

Here at Marist, I’ll be indebted to the Marists and the Board of Trustees who’ve hired me, as well as to the alumni community and the current families, and importantly, to all the teachers and staff people – all of whom comprise the living stones of our school.

How do you plan to foster an inclusive school community at Marist?

Listening. Honoring the community. Not presuming to know the answers or just coming in to change things. Listen to teachers, to students, to alumni, especially to parents. What do they want for their children, our students? How can we partner to accomplish meaningful student formation and maybe get swept up ourselves in the process? I see examples everywhere at Marist where parents and alumni get involved and get changed for the good.

I think there’s great power in creating processes where key constituencies have ownership of the initiatives we undertake.

The Marist theme for the 2023–2024 academic year is Discipleship. How do you see yourself personally living out this theme in your role?

Generally, I see myself as a minister to the community, a servant leader. We all do this work from a profound faith commitment, as Catholics, but also in this beautiful Marist way. That perspective, one of witnessing to the cross, calls us to give of ourselves. And we discover that without love in the dream, it will never come true. This is how we imitate Christ, ultimately, through a selfgiving love that is nurturing and creative.

Quick Answers on a Personal Note HOMETOWN I grew up in South Bend, Indiana and attended Saint Joseph High School there. My first teaching job was at a nearby Catholic school called Marian High School. When my wife and I got married, we moved to North Carolina, and both worked as teachers at Cardinal Gibbons High School. Then, when I became a principal, we moved to California where we lived several different places over a 16-year span. Each of these places and eras has been profoundly transformative for us and our family. We’ve been very fortunate.

EDUCATION I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, Philosophy, and Theology and a Master of Theological Studies from the University of Notre Dame. I also hold a Master of Education in Catholic School Leadership from Marymount University.

FAMILY My wife Kate and I have been married for 26 years. We have four children—22, 18, 16, 11. Our oldest two—Sophia and Cecilia—graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California and are in college. Our third child, Luke, is enrolled at Marist as a sophomore. Our fourth, Jessica, is a 6th grader at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic School.

BOOKS AND MOVIES I enjoy stories that reflect on the human condition and show various perspectives on finding meaning and discovering hope. In a very Catholic way, I see grace everywhere and tend to have that aesthetic approach in my film and writing choices.

FREE TIME I read poetry, play chess, and attend live drama. I also am a concertgoer, hiker, and art lover. I love watching movies and hanging out at home. When I’m not at work, I spend time with my family.

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How does a Catholic education prepare students to be servant leaders?

I can speak directly about the impact Marist education has because it is distinctive in the way that it forms our students. Marist has very specific aspects of its curriculum and co-curriculum that are designed to shape students’ sensibilities, promote their interests and passions, and develop good habits.

Whether we’re talking about growing in empathy through volunteer service or international travel, learning to work hard for a collaborative goal on an academic or athletic team, promoting spirituality and belief through religious instruction or on retreats, or learning in class to make one’s education a gift to benefit the world – all these ways and many others prepare Marist students to become servant leaders.

Our curriculum at Marist is top-notch and foundational for leadership in college and for life.

What was the path that brought you to serving in administrative leadership at Catholic schools?

I always thought that I was going to teach college, but I fell into high school as a religion teacher and discovered that I loved it (even though I wasn’t very good at it for a long while)!

Along the way, I sought opportunities to serve and to make an impact in Catholic education that more fully honored my gifts and that were beneficial to as many people as possible. I taught and worked on book projects to share resources with teachers and students. I grew intrigued about how to create culture in Catholic schools and how to build a community that flourished around a common mission and set of goals, and so I took on responsibilities as a teacher to benefit my colleagues. I went back to school for a leadership degree and then pursued administrative licensure. At every stage, I was preparing myself for servant leadership and to undertake greater responsibilities on behalf of the community.

Another way of saying all this is to borrow a phrase from Malcolm Muggeridge: I discovered a deep desire to create something beautiful for God in a secondary school setting. In a curious way, I think I’ve always tried to be the teacher and administrator that I most needed to have when I was in high school. And I’ve been fortunate to be entrusted with opportunities to lead and serve.

J. D. Childs partners with Principal Kevin Mullally to run the daily operations of Marist School. Their partnership with Rector Father Bill Rowland, S.M. enlivens and advances the Marist spirit and Catholic identity of the school.

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Marist Matters

How would you describe your management style?

How will you get to know the Marist community?

I like to remind folks about what we’re indebted to, to whom we belong, and then encourage them to discover passion and joy in their work, recognizing that there’s a lot of effort required. Hopefully, I don’t need to have the right answer when working with people. I find power in diverse approaches and perspectives seeking alignment within a common mission.

And to the extent that others can generate and own the

I see myself as a minister to the community, a servant leader.” solution, I find there’s more strength in that approach, so long as we’re all vigilant and committed about mission alignment. Having said that, I’m not a shrinking violet, so I feel comfortable offering my opinion and making decisions when necessary!

Where I think that I’ll be helpful for Marist most immediately is in being able to recognize and identify the priorities that exist at the school and in the community already. When someone is new to a place, they get the opportunity to hear with fresh ears and see with new eyes for awhile…until they become acclimated to the culture. So, in these first months, really listening and engaging with folks is essential. I want to identify and reflect back to the community its values and aspirations…and set those commitments within a process for growth and advancement.

The way to do this is to show up to things and to spend time with folks so they can share with me and take time to help me understand what they most care about for the Marist community.

Is there anything else you would like the Marist School community to know about you?

I hope that people will introduce themselves to me, give me a few chances to learn their names, and share with me their experiences and hopes for this beautiful place we call Marist.

I’m so excited to be here!

Thank you, Fr. Rowland!

Father Bill Rowland, S.M. served Marist School as president from 2017 to 2023. He ascended to the role of president abruptly after then-president Father John Harhager S.M. became vicar general of the Society of Mary in Rome, Italy and his designated replacement, Father Joel Konzen, S.M. was called to become auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Though he landed in the position unexpectedly, he took on the role energetically and his accomplishments were many during his five years at the school’s helm. In partnership with Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally, he effectively guided the school through the challenges of the pandemic and played a crucial role in guiding Marist through the critical examination of inclusion and diversity that reached an inflection point in 2020 nationwide. This commitment has continued to be a central focus for Marist ever since.

A key concern of Fr. Rowland’s throughout his tenure was a concentration on what he described as “keeping Marist Marist”. Point in case, the number one priority of Visit marist.com/rector to the school’s Strategic Plan access Fr. Rowland’s writings.

2025, which was released in 2019 under his leadership, is Be Unwaveringly Marist. Fr. Rowland has championed the distinctive Marist charism that makes the school so unique and has written extensively to share the Marist perspective on topics such as worship, spirituality, social justice, discipline, interreligious dialogue, lay leadership, vocations, secularism, Marist Way themes, and more.

In his parting message to Marist School faculty and staff as he stepped down from the presidency into the role of rector of Marist School, Fr. Rowland called the commitment to advance the education of young people a vocation that is “profound, life-giving, life-changing, and worthy of devoting your best to.” He continues to inspire those who work dayto-day to fulfill the Marist mission to form young people in the image of Christ by remarking, “If there is one word that would capture what a Marist Catholic education offers to our students and, through them, to the world, it is this: hope.”

Marist Matters 10

Scene AROUND MARIST

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Marist Matters

MARIST SCHOOL’S THEATER STUDENTS WOWED AUDIENCES WITH THEIR SPRING MUSICAL, “MAMMA MIA!”, earning

a week of sold-out performances in Woodruff Auditorium.

Under the direction of Fine Arts Department Chair Mr. Eric McNaughton ’90, with musical direction by Mrs. Sharon Coheley, choreography by Mrs. Jillian Bauersfeld, and technical direction and set design by Mrs. Anna Lee, the cast and crew charmed audiences with their take on the beloved Broadway musical and world-famous ABBA music.

A standout performance came from Adriana Acevedo ’24, who flawlessly portrayed Sophie, the endearing character around whose wedding the story revolves. Piper Bjerke ’23, as Donna, Sophie’s mother, thrilled audiences with her vocal prowess, particularly in “The Winner Takes It All.” The trio of fathers, played by Brennan Ujda ’24, Marshall Cain ’24, and John Sansone ’23, added depth and humor to the production.

The captivating set design brought the Grecian hotel to life, and the ensemble’s memorable execution of the group choreography in “Voulez Vous” was a crowd favorite. “Does

Your Mother Know” led by Mary Clifton Carr ’23 as Tanya and Drew Avitabile ’23 as Pepper brought high energy to the stage.

Emma Schwind ’23 added comedic brilliance as Rosie.

Elena Ricardo ’09, who played the leading role on Broadway, made a special visit to offer invaluable insights and choreograph routines for the post-show “megamix” ahead of opening night. This medley allowed the audience to join in The entire experience the fun, singing and dancing was a testament to beloved ABBA songs.

The entire experience to the school’s was a testament to the dedication to school’s dedication to the arts the arts...” and the exceptional talent of its students. Mr. McNaughton expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic support and unprecedented demand for additional showtimes, demonstrating the Marist community’s excitement and support. This positive feedback resonates deeply with Marist’s fine arts faculty, staff, and students.

Marist Matters 12

Travel Ex

SCENE AROUND MARIST

TRANSFORM MARIST STUDENTS UNDER A MOSTLY CLEAR SKY, PARISHIONERS OF CHARTRES CATHEDRAL IN THE MARKET TOWN OF CHARTRES, FRANCE FILED INTO PEWS FOR EASTER MASS. AMONG THEM, DOZENS OF MARIST SCHOOL STUDENTS

and their chaperones entered the famous unesco world heritage site to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The students arrived in France near the end of Holy Week to enhance their studies in Advanced Placement (AP) French and AP Art History. They sat under the soaring windows of the historic structure while Mass was given in French. While 50 singers raised their voices in harmony with the great organ, Campbell Lee ’23, Kate Postell ’23, and Annabelle Spruill ’24 walked purposefully to the altar to present the gifts for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Witnessing language, culture, architecture, and art in this majestic way is the type of resonant moment that only travel outside the classroom can achieve.

Art history teacher Dr. Michael Bieze has chaperoned Marist students on domestic and international trips for more than three decades. “There is a world of difference between the reproduction and the real thing,” 13

Marist Matters

Travel provides meaningful learning opportunities for Marist students while preparing them to be global-ready servant leaders.”

Dr. Bieze explained. “Unless you’re standing in Sainte Chapelle in Paris, you cannot achieve what Nabokov calls the tingle in the spine, that aesthetic experience that connects the mind and the emotions in a flash.”

Travel is an important component of a Marist education intended to provide meaningful learning opportunities for students while preparing them to be global-ready servant leaders. With the international network of the Society of Mary available to leverage, Marist School offers three types of travel opportunities for students through exchange, service, and co-curricular experiences. In addition to gaining exposure to the shared mission of Marists worldwide, students are armed with the tools to find connection and dialogue across differences, thus strengthening their ability to understand

and express the inherent dignity and perspectives of people from a variety of cultures close to home and abroad.

Importantly, in recognition that not all students can afford to travel, Marist makes financial aid available for students through an application process.

Language and cultural exchange programs are offered in partnership with four Marist sister schools located in Passau-Fürstenzell, Germany; Lyons, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Ascot, England. A Barcelona trip during spring break this year allowed Marist students to reconnect with students from Barcelona’s Maristes La Immaculada who they hosted in Atlanta at the beginning of the 2022–2023 school year. Modern & Classical Languages teacher and Barcelona trip chaperone Ms. Jessica Askins remarked, “After traveling abroad,

periences SCENE AROUND MARIST

students make cultural and linguistical connections that just can’t be made in the classroom.”

Marist’s Campus Ministry Department offers both domestic and international service trips, which provide unparalleled opportunities to build community and have a remarkable impact on those serving and being served. In June 2023, Mrs. Erin Paul ’92 coordinated a service trip in partnership with Catholic HEART Workcamp, where she, along with Marist campus ministers Mrs. Mary Ujda and Mr. Brian Freel, and students volunteered for the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton, North Carolina.

Co-curricular trips are designed to engage students’ interest and expand their knowledge in diverse ways. Social studies teacher Mr. Brendan Murphy has led 15 Bearing Witness trips that allow students who take his “History and the Holocaust” course

to witness firsthand the places they have learned about in class. Additionally, early in 2023, the AP Literature and American Experiment classes traveled together to Montgomery, Alabama to reflect on America’s history of racial inequity at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum. Students were provided with a guiding document from social studies teacher Dr. Nic Hoffmann ’03 and English teacher Mr. Mike Burns that prompted them to “note how the experience shifts as your physical relationship to the monuments, the memorial grounds, and exhibits changes...

Use your senses and your critical thinking skills to process your experience…As always, look for where shift happens.”

For Marist students, the “shift” in surfacelevel knowledge to instinctual clarity about an idea, a piece of art, or a moment in time often occurs in the experience of living in an

immersive space with room for asking questions and time devoted to understanding.

Some students may encounter this moment in a Catholic Mass in fluid French celebrating a shared holiday. Or perhaps over a meal with new friends in their home country with halting, but improving, conversation in Spanish. Or maybe in a moment of journaling from the fresh green grass surrounding the memorial site of Dachau, Germany. Wherever the moment of transformation occurs, the experience undoubtedly lasts a lifetime and empowers the travelers to return home with new insights and valuable ideas to share.

Learn more about

STUDENT TRAVEL at Marist.

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SCENE AROUND MARIST

2022 –2023

RETIRE MENTS

18 26 8 10 MRS. KAREN DESSABLES

MS. BETH EDWARDS

Mrs. Karen Dessables began her long

Ms. Beth Edwards worked in education

history of outreach and service as a

for 40 years. She began her career

teacher and flight attendant by using her

teaching in public schools throughout

God-given skills in Spanish, French, and

Thomasville, Georgia and was an

science. In November 2005, after her

adjunct professor at Dekalb College,

children Hadi Seyfi ’99 and

now known as Georgia Perimeter

Yasmine Seyfi ’01 graduated from

College. She started her Marist

Marist, she became the executive

School career in 1998 as a long-term

director for the Society of Mary-sponsored Reach for Excellence

substitute teacher before being hired as a full-time teacher in the

program, a position she held for 18 years. She was an advisor for

math department. She also served as a junior and senior class

the Classes of 2015 and 2021 and served as an member of the

moderator. Ms. Edwards will fondly remember the support she

Marist School Board of Trustees. “I love the commitment to the

received from students, faculty, and staff and promises to “forever

school, the students, the willingness to help colleagues, and that

miss the Marist community.” Her favorite memory is graduation

sense of community at Marist School,” she says. Ex officio her

and the excitement of celebrating with the graduates. She is most

favorite Marist memory is the students singing the Salve Regina at

looking forward to relaxing and enjoying time with her children

the end of Mass. In retirement, she looks forward to not having to

and four grandchildren. She will miss the people, students, and

fight Atlanta traffic and not setting alarms for the “crack of dawn!”

colleagues, as well as the time she spent with them and the

When reflecting on what she will miss the most, she recalls the

laughter and growth they shared together. She wants the Marist

serenity of the chapel bells and saying “good morning” to Reach

community to know that “my 26 years at Marist were a positive

students on Saturday mornings. She said, “It has been a true

and wonderful experience.”

blessing for me to be a member of the Marist community.”

MRS. LINDA MACLEAN

Mr. Dan Walls enjoyed a 47-year career

After a career in corporate finance, Mrs.

in college counseling and served in that

Linda MacLean joined the Marist School

role at Marist School since 2013. He

community in 2015 as Vice President for

also served as a senior class moderator

Finance. She has deep roots at Marist

and a junior class advisor. His family has

as a parent and volunteer, having served

a long history at Marist School with Walls

as the Marist Arts Guild board vice

family members on campus since 1985.

chair and chair. She and her husband

Neil have three children who graduated

His wife, Claire Walls, was the director of

campus ministry and helped establish the peer leader program. Their

from Marist: Ally MacLean ’06, Jenna MacLean Bezold ’09,

two children, Bryan Walls ’05 and Angela Walls Lee ’07, are both

and Neil MacLean ’13. Mrs. MacLean was ingrained in the Marist

Marist graduates. Mr. Walls is grateful for many happy memories

community beyond her role in the business office. She served

from football games to theater productions. His favorite Marist

as an Emmaus retreat moderator, a role that resulted in some of

memory was witnessing the faculty uphold educational excellence

her favorite Marist memories, and as treasurer for the nonprofit

throughout the pandemic. He said, “I marveled that the faculty

Amigos for Christ, which partners with Marist. In retirement, Mrs.

remained passionate and resilient.” Another cherished memory was

MacLean looks forward to serving others and enjoying time with

joining the Catholic Church five years ago. He asked former school

family, especially her grandchildren. She will miss the people

chaplain Fr. David Musso, S.M. to hear his confession. When Fr.

and relationships formed over the years. “I feel very grateful for

Musso advised the process would take only 30 minutes, Mr. Walls

my experience at Marist,” she said. “Having had three children

quipped, “Fr. David, you better block out the afternoon!” He will

graduate from Marist, my husband and I have seen firsthand what

miss the people, their uniqueness, and their kind natures. He is

a special gift a Marist education has been to them. It was truly a

looking forward to spending time with his two grandchildren, playing

privilege to have spent almost nine years at Marist, and I know that

pickleball, and continuing to support the Society of Mary.

my life was enriched far beyond what I contributed.”

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MR. DAN WALLS

Marist Matters

I N M EMOR I A M:

Mr. David Donahue A N D Mr. Mark Craddock Marist School honors and remembers two beloved faculty members who passed away in 2023, each leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, educational excellence, and a lasting sense of belonging within their classrooms and community.

Their impact on the countless graduates whose lives they helped shape, as the mission of Marist School called them to do, and the precious memories made with colleagues will sustain us and endure into the future.

MR. DAVID DONAHUE

MR. MARK CRADDOCK

(February 15, 1942 – March 3, 2023)

(January 6, 1959 – June 1, 2023)

Mr. Donahue began his “true calling” as a teacher at Marist School in 2009 following a long career in sales.

As a faculty member in the theology department, he instructed the Synthesis of Catholic Belief class, a required course for Marist seniors who are Catholic.

Mr. Donahue had a unique ability to connect with his students as he helped guide their spiritual development beyond the classroom from Wednesday morning Masses to maintaining relationships with students following their graduation from Marist. He also shared his strong faith with fellow faculty members through an early morning weekly Bible study. He is fondly remembered for his clever sense of humor and special relationship with those he instructed as students and worked alongside as colleagues and friends.

Mr. Craddock arrived at Marist School in 1992, marking the beginning of more than 30 years as the school’s legendary band director. With his guidance, the Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and more than 100 musical productions helped form and nourish the talents of generations of students. He developed and led Marist’s student exchange program, helping the school form global-ready servant leaders. He also volunteered for Marist’s Advancement Office by encouraging fellow faculty and staff to contribute to the Annual Fund to help advance the Marist mission. For his abiding impact on the school, he was awarded the MacGinnitie Award for Innovation in 2008 and the Goizueta Chair of Excellence in 2018. Mr. Craddock was posthumously awarded the Blue & Gold Athletics Circle Service Award at a ceremony before the Homecoming game on November 3, 2023.

E T E R NA L R E S T GR A N T U N TO T H E M, O LOR D, A N D LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHI NE UPON THEM.

Marist Matters 16

War Eagle Views

Marist Athletes Rise to the Challenge Invoking the Bible story of David defeating Goliath, Marist School Athletic Director Derek Waugh ’89 shares thoughts on the school’s move to the GHSA Class AAAAAA. In fall 2022, Marist athletics made a transition into the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AAAAAA, which is the second largest in the state of Georgia. Most AAAAAA high schools have over 1,900 students, and Marist has 800. “Playing up” based on student enrollment is a Marist tradition. In the 1970s, when Marist was an AA school, we opted to play in AAA, which was the second largest classification in Georgia at the time. Even before the GHSA was formed, the Cadets (as Marist’s athletes were then known) were rivals with the much larger downtown schools. The grit and determination of the student-athletes in that era were often cited as the reasons Marist could compete with larger schools.

When the GHSA created six divisions in 2013, Marist was designated a AAAA school even though our enrollment was that of a AA school. In 2022, Marist was again selected to play up to compete in the second largest division in Georgia based not on student enrollment but on the assumption that we could still compete at that level.

Chalk another one up for David!

In 2023, Marist received the Director’s Cup for AAAAAA. The GHSA Director’s Cup recognizes the top athletic program in each classification. For 2022-2023, Marist athletics program won two state titles and were state runners-up in four additional sports. Three teams made the Final Four of the state playoffs, while six others made the Elite 8. Marist’s 800 high school students (the fewest in AAAAAA) bested schools with over 2,400 students, as well as our private school rivals who also have more students than Marist. How is Marist so consistent, and how do we compete against larger schools?

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Marist Matters

First off, credit goes to Marist’s talented studentathletes. A whopping 85% of the student body participates in athletics, and many students play multiple sports.

Marist students are engaged, and they care a lot! Next off, the Marist alumni base also cares a lot! When other schools struggle to find coaches, Marist has an amazing 44 alumni who give back to the Marist community by coaching a sport or multiple sports. I would put this alumni-coach statistic up against any high school in the United States.

In addition, all you need to do is look down a roster of one of Marist’s 69 teams and you will find children of alumni who are second and even third-generation Marist athletes. My two sons play Marist sports with the sons and daughters of so many of the folks I was in school with here.

It is truly incredible how loyal people are to Marist and that dedication speaks volumes about the life-changing experience of being a Marist student-athlete.

Once finished with their careers, Marist athletes cannot wait to give back to the next generation, and they work very hard to make sure their children have the same chance they did to be a War Eagle. Tradition is hard to establish, but through the hard work of so many, Marist seems to have bottled it, and all our athletes strive to live up to this tradition of excellence. To steal a line from the Southeastern Conference, “it just means more” at Marist.

That kind of commitment, sacrifice, and loyalty translates into the sustained success that Marist has had for so many years. I know I am not alone in considering this a great source of pride for the entire Marist community.

BLUE & GOLD ATHLETICS CIRCLE HONOREES Congratulations to the 10 Marist alumni inducted into the Blue & Gold Athletics Circle at the Homecoming football game on November 3, 2023, along with two deserving Service Award recipients. Established in 2003, this honor celebrates exceptional contributions to Marist School, encompassing excellence in athletics, academics, and service to Marist and the community.

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet him.

Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.”

1 Samuel 17:48-49

Amanda Glover Bradley ’11 Cheerleading

David Connolly ’09 Cross Country, Track & Field

Stacy Kerr Dunn ’80 Swimming

Whitney Russell Dunn ’07 Volleyball

Doug MacGinnitie ’85 Soccer

Wyatt Middleton ’06 Football, Track & Field

Jeff Miller ’89 Baseball

Brad Simpson ’00 Basketball

Quinton Stephens ’13 Basketball

Greg Taboada ’13 Football, Basketball

Mark Craddock Service Award recipient (See our tribute to Mr. Craddock on page 16.)

Heather Nichols Service Award recipient (Read more about Heather on page 23)

Marist Matters 18

Society of Mary News

REACH FOR EXCELLENCE WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In August, Dr. Linda Lehmil became executive director of Reach

she received a scholarship to attend graduate school at Tulane

for Excellence, taking the reins from Karen Dessables, who retired

University where she received both master’s and doctorate

after 18 years of service (see page 11). She joins Reach from

degrees in French studies.

Marist School, where she was an AP French teacher and moderator

Linda and her husband moved to Hong Kong where she

of Share the Journey, a student club that focuses on supporting and

earned her third master’s degree in international education and

building solidarity with refugees and immigrants. Linda established

development. She pursued a UNESCO fellowship in Paris and was

the first global fair for Marist students and organized an annual pilgrimage from Decatur to Clarkston, Georgia with Share the Journey.

Linda grew up in Lyon, France as one of seven children of Algerian immigrants. Her parents had no formal education, and her father was not able to read or write. He worked as a shepherd and welder. After many years, he was able to save

Reach for Excellence embodies my passion to serve students who, like me, would not otherwise have a chance for a better education.”

enough money to start a kebab

a lecturer at Hong Kong University. Linda continued to provide educational opportunities for children in developing countries by working as a research, evaluation, and monitoring officer in Nepal for Child Welfare Scheme. These experiences eventually led her to start her own consulting firm focused on education and poverty, children’s rights, and

education for girls in the developing world.

restaurant. Linda credits him for

Linda attributes her success to the outstanding teachers who

passing on his work ethic and

saw her potential and believed in her when she was a child. “I am

determination to her.

blessed to have met amazing educators during my long learning

Linda and her family knew

journey,” said Linda. “Not only did they believe in me, but they also

that education was her best

inspired me to become a teacher to impact the lives of children in

chance for a brighter future. Her

the same way. Reach for Excellence embodies my passion to serve

family enrolled her in a free

students who, like me, would not otherwise have a chance for a

church-offered tutoring program

better education. It allows students to push doors open into a

and an after-school enrichment

brighter future.”

program. Linda excelled

Linda’s priority as executive director is to continue the

academically and won

outstanding work of Reach for Excellence in preparing

scholarships to complete her

high-potential middle school students with limited resources for

undergraduate degree and

college-preparatory high schools and beyond. She envisions a

study abroad in Ireland and

future that not only changes a student’s path in middle school, but

Scotland. Through a program

also provides resources through high school and college, creating

in conjunction with CODOFIL

a community of support that breaks the intergenerational cycle of

and the Ministry of French

poverty. She wants to give these students the same

Education and Foreign

opportunities she received so many years ago.

Service, Linda accepted a French language teaching position in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there, 19

Marist Matters

Reach for Excellence is a Society of Mary-sponsored program housed at Marist School. For more information, visit reachforexcellence.org.

Society of Mary News

Centro Hispano Marista Creates a Brighter Future In its second decade offering GED preparation in Spanish and English for adults, Centro Hispano Marista remains dedicated to empowering individuals while fostering Marist values.

The key initiative of this Society of Mary ministry is helping adults obtain a high school diploma equivalency, recognizing its critical role in opening doors to opportunities and positively impacting the community. Through this important work, Centro Hispano Marista stays true to the core values of the Marists. By emphasizing the significance of education, service, and inclusivity, while embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds, Centro Hispano Marista actively promotes education as a transformative force that enables individuals to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Research conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau consistently highlights the advantages of educational attainment for adults, including improved job

Learn more or get involved as a teacher or donor at centrohispanomarista.org.

prospects, higher earnings, and overall enhanced well-being. By providing opportunities for adult learners, Centro Hispano Marista addresses the pressing issue of educational inequality and promotes social justice within the community. This investment not only benefits individuals in their personal and professional lives but also strengthens communities by establishing a foundation for lifelong learning.

As a testament to its success, Centro holds its milestone 10th graduation ceremony in December with over 450 proud graduates. More than 25 volunteer instructors and countless other volunteers work tirelessly to make this achievement possible for these hard-working students.

Centro Hispano Marista is a Society of Mary-sponsored program housed at Marist School. For more information, visit centrohispanomarista.org Marist Matters 20

Advancement News Dear Friends,

The culture of philanthropy at Marist School is extraordinary.”

The culture of philanthropy at Marist School is extraordinary. Year after year, I am amazed by and profoundly grateful for the generosity and commitment of the people in the Marist community. Whether from longtime supporters or those new to our school community, the desire to give back is strong.

This year’s St. Peter Chanel Award recipient, Jay Mannelly, is a perfect example, as you can read on the facing page. Jay’s many contributions to Marist School have made a lasting mark that is benefiting our students now and into the future. Similarly, I encourage you to read about retired Marist math teacher Heather Nichols and her husband Jimmy on page 23. Marist so impacted the lives of their family that they decided to express their appreciation by including the school in their estate plans.

Many families new to Marist jump right in, getting involved as volunteers or participating in the Annual Fund, which supports every aspect of the Marist experience their children are receiving. Others take advantage of Georgia’s education expense credit law to direct a portion of their state taxes to Marist for tuition assistance through the Georgia GOAL program. Alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and others recognize the long-lasting impact of a Marist education and continue to support Marist long after they or their families have left campus.

No matter how you choose to give, we are thankful. Your collective contributions buttress the tradition of excellence in Catholic education that Marist School has upheld since 1901.

Gratefully yours,

Angela H. Dorsey Vice President for Institutional Advancement

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Marist Matters

J. B. MANNELLY, JR. 2023 ST. PETER CHANEL AWARD RECIPIENT Marist School awarded the St. Peter Chanel Award to J. B. “Jay” Mannelly, Jr. during the annual St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Celebration held in October 2023 at the Atlanta History Center. Named in honor of the Marist saint martyred

for his faith, the award represents the highest distinction bestowed by Marist. It recognizes individuals whose unwavering selflessness, exceptional support, and dedicated leadership have profoundly advanced the Marist mission in education. Jay Mannelly's outstanding contributions exemplify these values, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed honor.

Marist School President J. D. Childs praised Mannelly’s devotion to Marist, remarking, “Jay Mannelly—along with those who have previously received the St. Peter Chanel Award— exemplifies an extraordinary and commendable dedication to Marist School that deserves special recognition. He embodies a distinctive humility and gift for hospitality and welcome.”

Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., Marist School Board of Trustees member and 2021 With a deep sense of recipient of the St. Peter gratitude, Marist School Chanel Award, introduced recognizes that the Mannelly at the celebration dinner, saying, “God gives in fulfillment of our mission every way, and he uses is made possible by the ambassadors like Jay Mannelly Booster Club president during the generosity and to show the rest of us how to be 1989–1990 academic year and his dedication of many. kind and useful as his induction into the Blue & Gold Athletics representatives on earth.”

Circle in 2017 underscore his enduring As a parent of alumni commitment to Marist athletics. * (Bernard ’88 and Patrick ’93) and grandparent of alumni Upon receiving the St. Peter Chanel Award, Mannelly (Andrew ’22 , Ryan ’19, and Joseph ’17), as well as a member of reflected on his long-standing connection to Marist, saying, the Board of Trustees since 2009, Jay Mannelly acknowledges “Marist School has become a large part of my family...One Marist’s significant place in his family’s life. His commitment to important concept of a Marist family is that family is broader fostering the school’s educational initiatives is inspired by the than a last name or blood relative. Marist family is the entire proverb: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a community.” He urged those in attendance to “make a special man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” effort to introduce newer members of the Marist family to Recognizing that education is the foundation of life, ways to participate and lead so they, too, can live and grow in Mannelly has played an instrumental role in sustaining and the joyful life that Marist offers.” advancing Marist’s mission of forming the whole person in the Jay Mannelly’s dedication and generous contributions of image of Christ. He has generously contributed to the Annual time, talent, and resources have left a lasting mark on Fund, capital campaigns, the endowment, and various other Marist, enhancing the educational experience for generations initiatives aimed at enriching the full spectrum of programs and of students. His legacy is a testament to the spirit of the enduring financial well-being of the school. His service as the community that defines Marist School. * deceased

Marist Matters 22

Investing in Marist’s Future Marist was an investment that was very important to us because Marist educates the whole child in academics, athletics, spirituality, and the arts. Marist did it all for our family.”

Heather and Jimmy Nichols

Heather and Jimmy Nichols generously decided to include Marist School in their estate plans to preserve the school’s unique traditions for future generations.

In 1988, Heather joined the Marist community as a mathematics teacher, and she served as the head varsity football cheerleading coach for 17 years.

Having spent a lot of time on Marist’s campus, the War Eagle spirit was passed on to Heather and Jimmy’s three children— Jim Nichols ’95, Paul Nichols ’99, and Allyson Nichols Miller ’02. The strong Marist connections also extend to their children’s spouses, who either graduated from Marist themselves or worked at Marist. Jim married fellow alumna Kristin Marzano Nichols ’02, and Allyson married her high school sweetheart Bartley Miller ’02. Additionally, Paul married Lauran Lightmas Nichols, who served as Marist’s director of alumni engagement for two years. The Nicholses are excited to be Marist grandparents now that Allyson and Bartley’s son John is in Marist’s Class of 2029.

Marist School is grateful for Heritage Circle Members like Heather and Jimmy Nichols who partner with the school to advance the Marist mission to educate the whole person in the image of Christ. Their support helps ensure that the exceptional Marist education will continue for future generations.

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Marist Matters

The Heritage Circle honors those who have thoughtfully included Marist School in their estate plans through bequests, trusts, insurance policies, or other forms of deferred giving. Gifts from Heritage Circle members help provide a strong financial foundation for continued excellence at Marist School.

Want to leave a legacy at Marist School? Learn more at Maristlegacy.org

A contribution to the

ANNUAL FUND benefits every Marist student.

Your support of the Marist School Annual Fund actively enriches Marist’s educational programs and helps prepare students to navigate the world with purpose and compassion.

Make a gift or pledge today at

marist.com/annualfundgiving Marist Matters 24

Class of 2023,

You Did It! The legacy of this class is not defined only by what they have accomplished while they were with us. It will be determined primarily by what they do with what they have learned. Their real legacy will be written by what they will accomplish in life.”

Fr. Bill Rowland, S.M.

Marist School President (2017–2023)

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Marist Matters

2023 COMMENCEMENT

Commencement weekend for Marist School’s Class of 2023

In his valedictory address before diplomas were conferred,

was a time of lively celebration, hearty congratulations, and

Will Doster ’23 asked his fellow classmates to share in his joy of living in

grateful goodbyes.

the moment. Referencing the movie “Kung Fu Panda”, likely a childhood favorite for many of his friends, he quoted, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” In closing, he said, “Approach every day of life with a smile because today is a new day and the possibilities are endless.”

A poignant moment of the commencement ceremony was the conferral of an honorary degree on Devon Corbett, a member of the Class of 2023 who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a skiing accident in March 2020. The class and entire school community has embraced Devon as he tenaciously tackles his recovery. Doster remarked, “[Devon’s] unbreakable spirit is a testament to fighting through adversity. Devon has fought and continues to fight every single day surrounded by the love of his family, his friends, and the Marist community. I ask you to model the characteristics he shows every day: courage, determination, and love as you step into the next piece of your journey.”

The commencement ceremony concluded with Academic Dean Mrs. Kim Premoli announcing the Class of 2023 was ready for the conferral of diplomas. In a solemn and meaningful fashion as is de rigueur for a diploma presentation that signifies both academic achievement and a spiritual commission to embody the Marist mission in the world, each graduate walked across the stage as their family members stood in pride to witness the grand achievement that represents years of hard work, learning, and spiritual growth at Marist School.

The festivities began on Friday evening, May 19 with a Baccalaureate Mass celebrated by Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., former Marist School principal and current auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Building upon the commission Marist gives its students to live their vocations and do great things for God, Bishop Konzen paraphrased the words of St. Paul saying, “Keep on doing what you have learned and received and learned and seen in this place called Marist, and the God of peace will be with you.” He encouraged the graduates to commit “to what was learned here and not to put it away but instead to build on it, to expand it, to mold it into something that ennobles others, serves others...”

The Saturday morning of commencement dawned misty and drizzling, but miraculously cleared as the procession of graduates and faculty entered Hughes Spalding Stadium. For the last time as Marist School president before he became the school’s rector on July 1, Father Bill Rowland, S.M. opened the ceremony with a prayer, calling upon God to “bring to completion the good work that was begun to form the seniors into faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders” and to “bless them with the grace of empathy so they can be instruments of divine mercy to those who suffer.” Also voicing the words of St. Paul, he asked that God “bless [the seniors] with the grace to be fools for Christ, to be foolish enough to believe that, with your help, they can advance the values of your kingdom here on earth.”

Similarly, in his remarks, Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally called the students to “keep heaven always before you...keep serving...keep praying...keep practicing your faith” to bring the life God has planned for each of them to fruition.

Bishop Konzen remarked at the Baccalaureate Mass that “one of the hallmarks of Marist School that so many have seen and all of Atlanta will attest to is the staying power of Marist friendships.” Salutatorian Lauren Guhl ’23 echoed this sentiment when she told her classmates, “... the most important part of Marist is the people...we’ve made it through hard classes and harder times together and though we are about to walk across this stage, I know the bonds that we’ve built will not be broken.”

The commencement speaker was Christa-Marie Singleton MD, PH, FACPM, ’83, who was recognized this spring by the Marist Alumni Association with the Distinguished Alumni Award. In her address, she called upon each student to be a leader who chooses change when change is needed. She said fervently, “My hope and prayer for all of you is that you walk out of here today with the story in your head and in your voice that you are enough right now to be a courageous leader.”

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Go and do great things for God and, as Mr. Mullally said, “live so that you might earn that eternal reward for aligning your life with God’s purposes for you.” As Marist graduates, you are blessed to be sub Mariae nomine, under the name of Mary, with the protection and guidance this special place bestows.

Marist Matters 26

Generations Alumni Generations G R A D UAT I O N

Tony Alvarez ’92, William Alvarez ’23, and Beverly Alvarez Darke ’88

Amie Sommers Darke ’86, Maria Darke ’23, Patrick Darke ’23, Lauren Darke ’23, and Pat Darke ’86

Emily Delmonte ’23 and Marty Delmonte ’85

Leah Dorrien ’23 and Brian Dorrien ’88

Kerry Haddon Fish ’91 and Mary Claire Fish ’23

Jon Fligg ’89 and Will Fligg ’23

Dick Friedwald ’61 and David Kleinrock ’23

Joan Kelleher Guhl ’93 and Lauren Guhl ’23

Tara Mannino Henley ’89 and Faith Henley ’23

Roscoe Hutchinson ’23 and Bryan Hutchinson ’83

Ed Kennedy ’86, Maria Kennedy ’23, and Jennie Wagner Kennedy ’89

As alumni families carry on the Marist legacy, they advance the school’s distinctive mission to form the whole person in the image of Christ.

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Marist Matters

2023 COMMENCEMENT

Alumni Generations celebrates the legacy of alumni who have a child or grandchild currently enrolled at Marist School. At graduation in May 2023, 44 members of the Class of 2023 gathered with their Marist alumni family members to mark the special occasion.

Class of 2023

Bill Lamb ’86 and Peyton Lamb ’23

Will Langman ’23 and David Langman ’75

Austin Matlock ’23 and Dana Ringle Matlock ’93

Alexandra McDevitt ’23 and Marianne Ravry McDevitt ’89

Emily McInerney ’23 and Sean McInerney ’94

Ripp Perez ’23 and Rob Perez ’88

Chap Priestley ’23 and Jennifer Lewis Priestley ’85

Emmett Propst ’23 and William Propst ’91

NOT PICTURED: Jack Aisthorpe ’23, J. Timothy Aisthorpe ’86, and Laura Branford Aisthorpe ’89 Wyatt Banks ’23 and Sean Banks ’92 Jack Blum ’23 and Dr. William Blum ’89 Andrew Buschmann ’23 and Kelly Haddon Buschmann ’94 Miller Byce ’23 and Christopher Byce ’93 Mary Clifton Carr ’23 and Christopher Carr ’90 Jackson Riddle ’23 and Casey Harris Riddle ’94

Todd Rohan ’93, Madeline Rohan ’23, and Amy Edwards Rohan ’93

Nate Farber ’23 and Rebecca Cradick Farber ’85 Colby Greco ’23, Matthew S. Greco ’90, and Juliet Carneiro Greco ’90 Catherine Harron ’23 and Brian Harron ’91 Howie Heller ’23, Robert Heller ’90, and Kristen Rich Heller ’89 Lexi Kurtz ’23 and Bob Kurtz ’89 Kevin McDonald ’23 and Bruce McDonald ’85 Patrick Russell ’23, William Russell ’92, and Gabrielle Dye Russell ’92 Will Tharp ’23 and Paul Tharp ’86 Merritt Walsh ’23 and Christopher Walsh ’87 Emery Watson ’23 and Alyson Belatti Watson ’92 Cooper York ’23 and Liane Rodriguez York ’99

Maeve Scruggs ’23 and Megan Guy Scruggs ’92

Shannon Walshe Stephens ’86 and Cole Stephens ’23

Marist Matters 28

G R A D UAT I O N

CLASS OF 2023

DESTINATIONS TOP 5

TOP 5

University of Georgia 32

Texas Christian University 4

Auburn University 25

University of Notre Dame 3

Georgia Institute of Technology 9

Boston College 3

Georgia College & State University 8

Elon University 3

Florida State University 6

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3

University of Tennessee-Knoxville 6

Southern Methodist 3

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Wake Forest University 3 STUDENTS ATTENDING IN-STATE SCHOOLS:

59

MATRICULATIONS

BY CENSUS REGION

STUDENTS ATTENDING SCHOOLS OUT-OF-STATE:

Class of 2023 submitted

130 29

Marist Matters

Xavier University 3

The 189 students in the 1,460 applications to 207 colleges and universities.

2023 COMMENCEMENT

THE CLASS OF 2023 ATTEND THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: Amherst College

Santa Clara University

Auburn University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Barnard College

Southern Methodist University

Bates College

Spelman College

Berry College

Texas A&M University

Boston College

Texas Christian University

Boston University

The University of Alabama

Catholic University of America

The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)

Centre College

United States Air Force Academy

Clemson University

United States Military Academy at West Point

Cornell University

University of California (Los Angeles)

Elon University

University of Cincinnati (Main Campus)

Emory University

University of Florida

Flagler College

University of Georgia

Florida State University

University of Kentucky

Furman University

University of Miami

Georgia College

University of Mississippi

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of Missouri (Columbia)

Georgia State University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Howard University

University of North Georgia

IE University

University of Notre Dame

Indiana University (Bloomington)

University of South Carolina

Kennesaw State University

University of South Carolina (Beaufort)

Lafayette College

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

Lee University

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Louisiana State University

Villanova University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Wake Forest University

Miami University

Washington and Lee University

Mississippi State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Northeastern University

Xavier University

Oberlin College Oxford College of Emory University Penn State University (University Park) Purdue University (Main Campus)

= Catholic Colleges and Universities

75% South

(31% Georgia)

11% Midwest

11% Northeast

2% West

1%

International

Rice University Rollins College Saint Mary’s College

Marist Matters 30

Awards

Sedes Sapientiae Award

AJC Cup

2022-2023

Katherine Frances Erdman ’23

Patrick Daniel Sheesley ’23

The Sedes Sapientae 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.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 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.

Star Students & Star Teachers

Archbishop’s Awards Presented to a senior boy and girl who have achieved excellence in the study of the

Elly Kang ’23

Catholic faith and have given service to their school, parish, or community.

Liam Seamus O’Toole ’23

Mr. Christopher Michaud

Maeve McDonnell Miller ’23

Business, Computer Science, & Engineering

Valedictorian William Duffy Doster ’23

Salutatorian Lauren Alexandra Guhl ’23

Patrick Daniel Sheesley ’23

Mr. Thomas Marier Modern & Classical Languages

Yearbook Dedication The 2022–2023 Guidon yearbook was dedicated to theology teacher Dr. Jerry Aull.

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Marist Matters

National Merit Finalists

2023-2024

FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS Archbishop’s Outstanding Service Award

Left to right: Lauren Guhl, Elly Kang, Claire Garvin, Will Doster, Wyatt Banks (all members of the Class of 2023)

Mr. Matthew J. Romano ’95 Social Studies Department Chair

National African American Recognition Program Scholars Father Schmuhl Marist Service Award

Mrs. Julie McCrary Rogers ’92 Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students

Frank P. Hagan Memorial Coach’s Award Left to right: Olivia Tolliver, Nathan Mungai, O’Keefe McKinney, Austin Kittrell, Aman Haileyesus, Nia Givens, Tigist Gebru, Josh Escayg (all members of the Class of 2023)

Mr. Christopher P. Marshall Physical Education Department Chair and Swimming & Diving Coach

National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars Goizueta Chair of Excellence

Ms. Sarah Conn Science Teacher

Loridans Academic Fellowship (2022–2025) Left to right: Alejandro Monsanto, Alexandra McDevitt, Lucas Farach, Natalie Bondulich, William Alvarez, Emily Delmonte, Alex Ibelings, Camilo López-Morton, Cooper York (all members of the Class of 2023)

Helen Bawak Wamey ’22 Memorial Award

Mrs. Erin Shern Paul ’92 Theology Teacher

MacGinnitie Award for Innovation

Mr. David J. Negus ’84 Social Studies Teacher

O’Keefe McKinney ’23 inaugural recipient

The Helen Bawak Wamey ’22 Memorial Award recognizes a senior for exceptional kindness, empathy, and hospitality, and for promoting diversity and inclusivity through extending outreach and welcome to all members of the Marist School community. The award honors the memory of Helen Bawak Wamey ’22 and bestows the recipient with a scholarship award to be used for college expenses.

Rebecca Cox McKinley Humanities and Global Education Grant, part of the Faber-McKinley-Stadler Award

Mr. Scott B. Tufts Media and Broadcast Journalism Teacher

Marist Matters 32

Alumni News Dear Fellow Alumni,

Be sure to connect with the Alumni Office and Marist School on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest updates!

We are honored to be the first co-presidents of the Marist Alumni Association.

As we take over the reins of the Alumni Board, we express our immense gratitude to Megan Citarella Stewart ’95, who served a four-year term and remains on the board as the immediate past president. We are so appreciative of her leadership and guidance in preparing us for this new, shared role. We are thrilled to serve alongside our new and continuing Alumni Board members who work year-round to engage Marist alumni, near and far, through events, spiritual enrichment, service opportunities, and involvement in the Marist School community.

As always, we invite alumni and parents of alumni to get involved by attending events like Alumni Light Up the Night, the Alumni Service & Spirituality Retreat, or Reunion Weekend, or a school event on campus like the spring musical, a football game, or a dance performance. Look for upcoming opportunities in our monthly e-newsletters or visit marist.com/alumnievents.

We’re excited to share that the Alumni Board has achieved 100% participation in our “All In” Annual Fund challenge, and now we

challenge you to join us in making a positive impact on Marist School. Give back by contributing to the Annual Fund, volunteering to speak to students about your career path, or participating in event planning. Marist’s legacy of giving and serving is strong, and we thank our alumni for their ongoing support in fostering a culture of philanthropy and engagement.

Together, let’s continue to strengthen the bonds that connect us to Marist and ensure a bright future for the generations to come.

We look forward to connecting with you over the next two years. If you have questions about alumni events, need to update your contact information, or would like to get involved, please contact the Alumni Office at (770) 936-6491 or alumni@marist.com.

Sending our warmest regards,

Devon Morgan McKenna ’00 and Matt Simmons ’03

Co-Presidents, Marist Alumni Board

Meet the Alumni Office

The members of the Alumni Office support the Marist Alumni Association and the school community in countless ways, including providing guidance to the Alumni Board and volunteers, planning events, and providing pastoral care for alumni and parents of alumni in our community.

Left to Right: Daniel Morrison ’13, Katie Fowler Brown ’06, Fr. Mark Kenney, S.M. 33

Marist Matters

2023 ALUMNI AWARDS CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

The Marist Alumni Association honored these deserving individuals for their remarkable careers and lived Marist values.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Christa-Marie Singleton, MD, MPH, FACPM, ’83 Honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for achievements that demonstrate the qualities of the Marist mission present in her life, Christa-Marie Singleton, MD, MPH, FACPM, ’83 is the Chief Medical Officer in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. In this role, Christa-Marie is the resident medical expert with program responsibilities encompassing the health insurance industry, health policy, population health, and more. She previously served as the Chief Medical Officer in the Office of Health Equity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acting as principal medical advisor and spokesperson on clinical-to-community topics. She was the first female Marist School graduate to receive a degree from the University of Notre Dame, where she received her Bachelor of Science in microbiology. She earned her medical degree from University of Louisville, her Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and completed her pediatric residency at Thomas Jefferson University. She was recognized for her post-graduate accomplishments by Thomas Jefferson University and University of Louisville, has been a White House Fellowship Program national finalist, and received the 2011 Outstanding Scientific Award from the Atlanta Federal Executive Board. She is a volunteer physician with Dekalb County’s Georgia Board of Health, the founder of Seats at the Table Collaborative, and an active member of Marist Women Build. Christa-Marie’s son, Matthew Horne ’24, is a current Marist student.

FATHER HARTNETT SERVICE AWARD

Kelleen C. Fitzgerald, MD ’85 Kelleen C. Fitzgerald ’85, MD is the recipient of the Father Hartnett Service Award for demonstrating exemplary service to Marist School. Kelleen earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgetown University and her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. She completed her internal medicine internship and residency at Emory University. Kelleen cofounded The Atlanta Internists in Sandy Springs in 2015, where she practices internal medicine and is a member of the National Lipid Association. She volunteers in service to the homeless in Atlanta through Mercy Care Street Medicine. For the Marist Alumni Association, Kelleen served as the 2021-2023 Co-Vice President of the Service & Spirituality Committee, where she worked to provide alumni with opportunities to learn and live the Marist Way. She currently serves as a director on the 2023-2025 Alumni Board Executive Committee. She has three children, including JT Cicchillo and Marist graduates Mary Kate Cicchillo ’15 and Bobby Cicchillo ’22. Her service to volunteer projects, planning retreats, and supporting many other spiritual offerings has made a lasting impact on the Marist community.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Colin S. Muething, PhD, BCBA-D, ’03 The recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award is Colin S. Muething, PhD, BCBA-D, ’03, in recognition of demonstrated

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Do you know exceptional Marist School alumni? Let us know! marist.com/alumniawardnominations

excellence in his career and service to the community. Colin is the director of the severe behavior program at Marcus Autism Center, which recognized his exceptional commitment to giving back with the 2022 Community Service Award. Colin is also the director and associate professor of the department of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. He received his bachelor and master of education degrees from The University of Georgia and his doctorate in school psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a past president of the Georgia Association of Behavior Analysis, current chair of the Licensure Committee for Behavior Analysts in Georgia, and serves on four editorial boards, including the “Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis”, the flagship journal in his field. In 2023, Colin was named an honoree of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 Awards. The noble pursuit of his calling to care for children in need and his dedication to that service in his community exemplifies the mission of Marist School.

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Alumni Events Alumni Light Up the Night This first-time event was a spectacular success, and it’s back for 2023! Alumni and their families celebrated the joy of the season at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” in December 2022. Co-hosted by the Alumni Office and Alumni Association’s Special Events Committee, the evening was filled with the warm and cozy spirit of the holidays.

Parents of Alumni Reception On April 19, 2023, parents of Marist School alumni gathered for a prayer service in Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel and a reception in the Marist Rectory. This event allowed school leadership to express gratitude to parents of alumni for their continued connection to Marist, even after their children have graduated. Parents also had the opportunity to meet then incoming school president, J. D. Childs.

Alumni Women’s Luncheon The Alumni Women’s Luncheon took place on March 22, 2023 at Bella Cucina, founded by Alisa Barry ’82 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event recognized the value of community, mentorship, and the lifelong impact of a Marist education.

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Marist Matters

Read more here!

Ivy Street Reunion Luncheon Alumni from the Classes of 1948–1966 gathered on June 7, 2023 for the Ivy Street Reunion Luncheon.

This special event recognizes alumni who attended classes on the school’s original campus in downtown Atlanta.

Alumni Generations Tailgate The Alumni Generations Tailgate on August 25, 2023 welcomed current Marist parents and grandparents who are also alumni, back to Marist School for the first home football game of the 2023-2024 school year. This gathering, and the friendships it fosters, provides legacy families with children enrolled at Marist the opportunity to share their perspectives about the mission of Marist from their lived experiences while enjoying wonderful company, good food, and legendary football.

Senior Sunset BBQ and Send-off

At a luncheon at Cherokee Town Club on May 19, 2023, the Marist Alumni Association honored the 2023 Alumni Awards recipients— Christa-Marie Singleton, MD, MPH, FACPM, ’83, Kelleen Fitzgerald, MD, ’85, and Colin Muething, PhD, BCBA-D, ’03 — for their remarkable careers and lived Marist values. Christa-Marie gave the 2023 commencement address on May 20, 2023.

Service & Spirituality Events On January 22, 2023, following Family Mass, the Marist Alumni Association’s Service & Spirituality Committee hosted a community discussion led by Bishop Joel M. Konzen, S.M. on the Marist Way theme of the year “Doing the Work of Mary.” The committee also organized a virtual Lenten retreat on March 14, 2023 featuring guest speaker Fr. John Ulrich, S.M., who led discussions on topics including the name “Marist”, lessons from the life of Mary, ideas around openness and non-exclusion, and learning to revere the sacred moments of life. For the 2023-2024 school year, Fr. Ulrich returns to Marist School to serve as school chaplain.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alumni Awards Luncheon

The Marist Alumni Office collaborated with the Class of 2023 Senior Class Council on the first annual Senior Sunset BBQ, which bookended the school year that had begun with a Senior Sunrise event. Alumni Office staff and Alumni Board volunteers joined seniors to enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset on May 11. The following day, the seniors gathered in Hughes Spalding Stadium for the first Senior Send-off of its kind: a “Senior Games” field day. With these activities, the Class of 2023 was officially welcomed into the Alumni Association.

Family Mass followed by Service & Spirituality Retreat January 21, 2024 Alumni Women’s Luncheon Spring 2024 Parents of Alumni Reception Spring 2024 Reunion Weekend April 27-29, 2024 Alumni Golf Tournament April 29, 2024

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2023 REUNION

WEEKEND Marist’s 2023 Reunion Weekend April 28-May 1 was a vibrant celebration for our cherished alumni. The events held during this memorable weekend offered an invaluable opportunity for friends and former classmates from near and far to reunite in person. Reunion Weekend is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Marist School community and allows alumni to forge new memories while treasuring the traditions of their shared past.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Welcome Back BBQ

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Alumni Golf Tournament

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Family Mass & Service Project

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SAVE THE DATE Reunion Weekend 2024 April 27–29, 2024 Class years ending in 4s and 9s. marist.com/reunionweekend

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Marist Matters 38

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni in the Spotlight

by Maggie Strickland ’24

Krissy Downey ’13 is a graduate of Marist School and Boston

College, Class of 2017. She started her career after graduation like most do—with a typical 9-to-5 job—but all she wanted was to cook.

Krissy was longing for passion in her career. Her creativity was stuck inside, and she wanted to share and use it. She took a leap of faith and joined the Institute of Culinary Education. With her culinary degree in hand, she started working with a restaurant in New York City until the pandemic struck. Her restaurant was shut down and her plans were skewed, but she credits the resilience she learned at Marist School as the source of inspiration in fighting for what she wanted. Notably, Krissy remarked that her high school friends offered nothing but great advice and encouragement when she decided to take the leap of making a career change.

In 2021, Krissy earned an internship with Food Network and began the career that she currently enjoys. Krissy believes that the gardening class taught by English teacher Mr. Mike

April, Krissy returned to campus to celebrate her ten-year reunion and to visit the Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Science classes, where she paid forward the lessons she learned at Marist and in her unique career by sharing advice with current students.

The emphasis that Marist put on community service was instilled in Krissy throughout her education. In her Marist career, she was always doing food-related service projects, so it was a natural segue into the service she does now. With all the leftover food the television productions produce, Krissy spearheads the effort to donate to food banks and help those less fortunate. She says her time working with Marist School’s campus ministers and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity taught her the importance of community and how it can be built through food.

She learned resourcefulness from Marist, and that skill has helped her to achieve her goals and better serve communities in need. She credits Marist with teaching her the importance of being a leader and having mentors who encouraged her. Krissy shared, “I will forever be in debt to the drive, commitment to succeed, and lessons on community that Marist instilled in me.”

I will forever be in debt to the drive, commitment to succeed, and lessons on community that Marist instilled in me.”

- Krissy Downey ’13

Burns at Marist helped her understand the importance of food and community, which is something she feels Food Network promotes. She feels that Marist gave her a “fearlessness to share” that enabled her to gain confidence in fighting for her ideas. The community of Marist still lives on in Krissy, who keeps in contact with all her mentors, coaches, and friends who believed in her and her passions.

After the Food Network internship, Krissy had the opportunity to work on several television shows, including “Worst Cooks in America”, “Beat Bobby Flay”, and Martha Stewart’s show “Martha Cooks”. Krissy says that she is always kept on her toes but has a true passion for the work and comes home loving her job. During the Marist Reunion Weekend in

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni in the Classroom Marist School is grateful when alumni connect with students to provide real-world insights.

Erin Shern Paul ’92 and Renee Ducre ’89 spoke at the Office of Inclusion & Diversity’s Real Talk Girls Conference celebrating Women’s History Month. Paul teaches in the Marist theology department, and Ducre is a corporate expert in global strategy, marketing, and data insights. Ducre also took time during her visit to speak with the Marist Black Student Alliance.

Titania Gibson Jordan ’99 led a conversation for Marist School parents titled “Parenting in a Tech World: Social Media and Safety”. As the chief marketing officer and chief parent officer of Bark Technologies, an online safety company that helps keep kids safe online and in real life, Jordan shared her wisdom and recommendations on these important topics.

Neal Papevies ’01 visited the Marist School Early Learning Center during story time to read his new book “The Little Newt Under the Tree Root.” Papevies is using his children’s book to introduce readers to new and unique animals in the hopes that these characters and their adventures will teach important, fundamental life lessons. 1 Ernie Johnson Jr. ’74 surprised Marist Broadcasting students during their field trip to TNT Sports, sharing industry advice and listening to their dreams of following in his footsteps. Johnson currently hosts TNT’s “Inside the NBA”. 2

1

Dylan Rose Elledge ’19 spoke to Spanish-language students about real-world applications for foreign language studies.

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Grace Starling ’12 visited Dr. Kathryn Hamrlik’s Faith & Gender class to discuss her role as an attorney specializing in sexual assault cases and related advocacy. Starling is the co-vice president of the Marist Alumni Association Service & Spirituality Committee.

Jason Ebinger ’11 spoke to the Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Science classes about his career in agriculture working on farms and community gardens in Missouri, Maine, and Georgia. He currently works as the garden director at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. 3

2

Kyle Hamilton ’19 paid a visit to Marist School Summer Camps to encourage and inspire our youngest athletes on campus. Hamilton currently plays football professionally as a safety for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. 4 Elena Ricardo ’09 shared Broadway insights with Marist theater students during rehearsals for the spring musical “Mamma Mia!”.

Ricardo choreographed two numbers for the post-show “megamix”, pulling from her experience performing the starring role of Sophie on Broadway. 5

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5 Marist Matters 40

ClassNotes 54

Crawford Murphy ’54 is celebrating 60 years as an architect,

with a 53-year-old, full-service firm, MDS10 Architects.

His work can be found across the United States and includes ecclesiastical, church planning, and worship spaces; liturgical renewal and liturgical and furnishings; performing arts and arts educational facilities; and advanced building technology development. He designed the first liturgical renewal and liturgical furnishings for Marist’s Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel. He has been awarded design honors for churches and secular structures, including the Randolph Dumont Award from the Duke Endowment, IFRAA, Woodworks, and the North Carolina Home Builders Association.

Crawford resides in Asheville, North Carolina, and recently celebrated not only his 87th birthday, but also being cancerfree for 10 years. Murphy is pictured fourth from right with Marist’s 1953-1954 varsity men’s basketball team.

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Athletes for a Better World Executive Director Brad Catherman ’74, Master of Ceremonies and Chick-fil-A Senior Lead Advisor, New Restaurant PR Heather Catlin ’01 , and Dooley Awards Chairman Matt Miller ’97 spoke at the May 13, 2023 Coach Vincent J. Dooley Awards & Scholarships ceremony at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Jennie Wagner Kennedy ’89, Pam Storm Wurst ’89, Jen Walsh Foil ’89, and Tara Mannino Henley ’89 from

Marist’s 1989 varsity women’s basketball team cheered on the school’s 2023 varsity women’s team to victory at Westminster in Atlanta, Georgia in February 2023.

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CLASS NOTES

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3

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The past presidents of the Marist Parents Club gathered for a luncheon in May 2023 to honor the 2022-2023 Marist Parents Club Co-Presidents Sallie Arciero and Catherine Markwalter for their leadership and service to the Marist community and to welcome incoming co-presidents Jen Harris Gotch ’94 and Jen Nolte. This was the 35th annual Past Presidents Luncheon, a tradition that continues to be a wonderful opportunity for guests to learn from their predecessors and renew their commitment to foster the intellectual and cultural life of students, promote an understanding and cooperative spirit between parents and faculty, and cultivate a spirit of fellowship among parents. 1

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Maggie Marano ’97 has published her first children’s book, Santa’s

Surfside Christmas: The Replacement Reindeer Interviews. You can find her book on Amazon starting in October. Santa’s Surfside Christmas: The Replacement Reindeer Interviews follows Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves as a post-Christmas vacation turns into an unexpected Covid-19 lockdown stay. Santa is only allowed to fly out with special permission for one night, Christmas Eve, but the reindeer aren’t cleared to travel. Santa along with the help of Mrs. Claus and the elves decide to hold replacement reindeer interviews but will any of the applicants be able to pull the sleigh? Will there be a Christmas this year? 2

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Natalie Kelly Challen ’03 hosted Marist’s varsity cheerleaders at her home

in Gainesville, Georgia on Friday, August 18. 3 Nicholas Le ’09 was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of

Atlanta on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church in Norcross, Georgia. After attending Marist, he graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology before beginning a career in corporate IT in Atlanta. While praying before the Eucharist, he decided to answer God’s calling for him to enter the seminary. His studies brought him to Chicago and Rome before returning to Atlanta for his ordination ceremony, performed by Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., and his first assignment as parochial vicar at the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church.

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Lindsey Green ’15 is currently touring the UK and Ireland with the West

4

End Musical “The Drifter’s Girl.” She covers the roles of Faye (the Drifter’s girl herself) and Tina Treadwell. By day, she helps produce binaural audio experiences in shipping containers for DARKFIELD, a London-based XR company. She also is continuing her rare disease work in South Africa and across Europe. 4 Marist Matters 42

CLASS NOTES

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Smith Childs Minard ’15 published her first book, Embrace

Your Story: A Young Woman’s Guide to Discover Who You Are, Where to Go, and Why You Matter, on October 24.

With personal experiences and thousands of hours spent with young women, Smith compassionately offers real solutions and fresh perspective to young women in the world today.

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On November 25, 2022, the Class of 2017 gathered to celebrate their five-year reunion at 5 Paces Inn. 5

Several Marist alumni, including Reese Damm ’19, Maggie Dowlen ’19, John Flor ’19, Franklin Holmes ’19, Matthew Larkin ’19, Ryan Mannelly ’19, Patrick Miles ’19, Annie Oates ’19, Jimmy O’Keefe ’19, and Chase Otten ’19 gathered in Baltimore, Maryland to cheer on Kyle Hamilton ’19 as he played for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Kyle is entering his second year as a safety for the Ravens. 6

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Francesca Herrera ’19 graduated in May 2023 from

Duke University where she majored in music (vocal performance) and minored in computer science and psychology. She was awarded the Duke Music Department’s Julia Wilkinson Mueller Prize for Excellence in Music and was named Outstanding Collegiate Treble by the North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In summer 2023, she was selected as an emerging artist to perform at the Seagle Festival, the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States.

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CLASS NOTES

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Send us your updates and photos!

George Fish ’19 was honored as

one of the top 100 distinguished graduates at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland upon his graduation on May 26, 2023. He earned a degree in quantitative economics and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

He started Basic Officer Course 4-23 in Quantico, Virginia a few weeks after graduation and commissioning and will graduate in December 2023. He is pictured with United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin who spoke at the 2023 United States Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony. 7

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SUBMIT ONLINE

E-MAIL

classnotes@marist.com

MAIL

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

CONTACT US

alumni@marist.com (770) 936-6491

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Justin Morgan ’19 graduated in

spring 2023 from IE University in Segovia, Spain with a bachelor’s degree in international relations.

Justin was on the Dean’s List, won the university’s top prize for best final project, and was voted as one of three “Top Students.” 8

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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 LinkedIn profile to enjoy search and

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networking benefits.

Elisa Herrera ’21 is a junior at the

Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in industrial and systems engineering. She spent summer 2023 at Georgia Tech’s campus in Metz, France and had the opportunity to meet up with Molly Farrell ’21 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Molly, a junior at Fordham University majoring in accounting and finance, traveled to Lisbon from Dublin, Ireland where she was studying abroad for the summer. 9

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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Marist Matters 44

Weddings M A R IST

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

NUPTIAL BLESSING

Mitch White ’07 married Crissy White on

May 13, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Marist alumni in attendance included David Ebinger ’07 and Cassie Nelson Ebinger ’07, Kristina Lambis Sullivan ’07 and Ryan Sullivan ’03, Jimmy Tapp ’07 and Adria Thorington Tapp ’07, Andrew Kimball ’07, Kevin Cote ’07, Sean Stargell ’07, and Gary Marshall ’07.

Guests not pictured included Chris Gutschenritter ’07, Charlie White ’04, and Bridget Donley ’06.

William Curran ’12 married Lauren

Holmes on June 3, 2023 in Harbour Island, Bahamas. The photo, from left to right, features attendees David Phelts ’12, Ashlyn Stevens, groom William Curran ’12, bride Lauren Holmes, Anna Roche Lange ’13, Conor Lange ’12, Cecilia Orozco, and Griffin Davis ’12.

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WEDDINGS

Katie Kingsfield ’14, daughter of Kim Tally Kingsfield ’86, married

Davis Hanson on October 15, 2023 at Lake Oconee in Georgia. They were married by Father Dan Ketter ’88 at Christ our King and Savior Catholic Church in Greensboro, Georgia. The wedding party included Wellie Delmer ’14, Sadie Fitzgerald ’14, Brooke Schwartz ’14, Molly Snelling ’14, Will Kingsfield ’16, and Ben Kingsfield ’20.

Allison McKinley ’03 married Fred

Schmitz on November 19, 2022 in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Mary Elizabeth Heekin ’12 married

Michael Addicks ’17 and Maggie Fitzgerald Addicks ’17

married on April 29, 2023 in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The couple lives in Atlanta with their dog, Moose.

James Werner Wilby at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Georgia on October 15, 2022. Mary and James currently live in Washington D.C., where she attends George Washington University Medical School.

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Births MARIST

1 Will Roche ’06 and his wife Stephanie welcomed their son

William George Roche on February 15, 2023.

2 Andy Jagor ’11 and his wife Shelby welcomed their daughter

Crosby Reagan Jagor on April 23, 2023.

3 Matt Morrison ’06 and his wife Norris welcomed their son Hugh

4

Clay Morrison on February 8, 2023. He joins big brother Tom (4).

4 Madison Pemberton Dreher ’12 and her husband Patrick

welcomed twins, Campbell and Kash, on January 20, 2021.

5 Lauren Schilt Kennedy ’01 and her husband David welcomed

Joseph Andrew Castle Kennedy on April 6, 2022. He joins big sister Grace Rose.

6 Megan McMahon Weaver ’00 and her husband John welcomed

their daughter Eloise Maclynn on March 2, 2022. She joins big brother Liam (3.5).

7 Meghan Irrgang Egan ’04 and her husband Tommy

welcomed their daughter Catherine Edwards “Teddi” Egan on February 9, 2023 in Darien, Connecticut. She joins her older siblings Addie (7), Tie (6), and Hayes (4).

8 Alix Rhett Jayne ’07 and her husband Brogan welcomed their

daughter Rhett Vivian Jayne on March 2, 2023. She joins big brother Wyatt (2).

9 Marcie Opraseuth Kanavage ’06 and her husband Kane welcomed

their twin sons Becket Kane (left) and Remy James (right) on December 2, 2022. They join big sister Kennedy (3).

10 Hall McKinley ’06 and his wife Sarah welcomed their son Hall

Forbes McKinley V on October 3, 2022.

11 Egen Thorington Arnold ’09 and Sean Arnold ’09 welcomed their

son John “Wilson” Arnold on February 9, 2023. He joins big brother Walker (4).

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BIRTHS

“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.”

L U K E 1 8 :16

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IN MEMORIAM Through September 20, 2023

Jimmy Andrew ’55

John Barrett, Jr., father of John Barret ’06 and Andrew Barrett ’11 Jane Batten, mother of Jeff Batten ’85, David Batten ’88, and Beth Batten Crocker ’95 Eric Benjamin ’69 Al Birdsall ’95, brother of Ticia Birdsall Young ’97 Dr. John Blalock, Jr. ’45 Stephen Boothe ’64

Dr. Lawson K. Broadrick, father of Brad Broadrick ’92 and Kathy Broadrick Gillett Mike Brown ’59, father of Amanda Brown ’91 and Suzanne Brown Daly ’93 and brother of Bob Brown ’57

Liz Bucko, mother of Lila Bucko ’22 and Mary Evans Bucko ’24 Whitney Paul Carlisle ’81 , sister of Bradley Paul ’80 and Lindsey Paul ’88 Theron F. Carman ’58 Bill Cassard III ’69

Dr. Christopher E. Clare, father of Brennan Clare ’21 and Griffin Clare ’23 Tim Connolly, father of J.R. Connolly ’81 , Lyn Connolly Schaffer ’83, and Maryann Connolly O’Connor ’87

Mark Craddock, Marist School band director and fine arts teacher Wink Davis, Jr., father of Matt Davis ’93 Norberto de Guzman, father of Carmen de Guzman Sessoms ’83 and Kirstin de Guzman ’86

David Donahue, Marist School theology teacher Jan Eades, mother of Tim Eades ’75 and Dee Lane Eades ’79 Rev. Thomas E. Ellerman, S.M. ’58

For detailed In Memoriam listings, visit marist.com/alumniprayerrequests.

Mark Fressell ’74, brother of Luke Fressell ’76 and Matthew Fressell ’79

Dianna Gammill, mother of Patrick McShane ’00 and Chris McShane ’02 Howard Guenther, father of Gretchen Guenther Mullen ’79, Richard Prosser Guenther ’80, and Carrie Elizabeth Guenther ’83 Tom Gunning ’53, father of Patrick Gunning ’77, John Gunning ’80, Michael Gunning ’83, and Matthew Gunning ’88

Emmie Harden, mother of

Tim Lynch ’89, brother of Kelly Lynch Owens ’86

Eileen Maron, mother of Meagan Maron ’01 and Patty Maron ’05 Bob McCleskey ’73, brother of John McCleskey ’76 and Chuck McCleskey ’77 John McCord ’61

Richard McCoy, father of Lauren McCoy Borowsky ’96 and Caroline McCoy Couch ’99

Marilee McGarvey, sister of Chuck Fenn ’71 , Patrick Fenn ’73, and Mike Fenn ’75

Barrington Shirley, father of Renee Shirley ’92 and Monique Shirley ’95

Fifi Slade, mother of Mary Trippe Slade Everett ’78, Westby Slade ’81 , and Collier Slade ’82 William Rawson Smith ’82 , son of Alex Smith ’41*, father of Georgia Smith ’15 and Ellery Smith ’21 , and brother of Clarence Smith ’68, Jimmy Smith ’72 , Ken Smith ’74, and Tony Smith ’76 Clay Spears ’77, brother of Leonard Spears ’73 John Stults ’83, brother of Billy Stults ’81

Kelly Harden Swanson ’88 and Amy Harden ’92

Kevin McHale ’68, brother of John McHale, Jr. ’67

Winnie-Mae Hargis, mother of Jay Hargis ’81 , Wade Hargis ’83, and DeAnn Hargis-Kaminksi ’84

Fran McMahon, mother of Paul McMahon ’76, Mike McMahon ’79, and

Bob Jameson, father of

Sean McMahon ’84

Kevin Thomas ’63

Kevin Jameson ’85

McAuley Millen, daughter of Don Millen ’86

Millie Threeton, wife of Clay Threeton ’59 and mother of

Kellie Johnson, mother of Nicholas Johnson ’17 and Seth Johnson ’14 Beth Jones, mother of Leslie Jones Wierman ’82 Jeff Jones ’83 Rev. George C. Kaulbach ’50 Paul Kelley, Jr. ’56, brother of Donald Kelley ’52* Bill Kelly ’80, brother of Michael Kelly ’75 and Ellen Kelly Smith ’78

D.G. Klingensmith, wife of Bob Klingensmith ’60 and mother of Dani Klingensmith ’14 Eleanor “Leni” Knight, daughter of Megan Keller Knight ’05 Jason Kunberger ’97, brother of Jeff Kunberger ’95

Don Law, Marist School former dean of discipline, history teacher, and basketball and football coach Ray Lewis, Jr., father of Dr. Jennifer Lewis Priestley ’85

Jerome Lienhard, father of Colin Lienhard ’09 and

Martha Murphy, mother of Brian Murphy ’84 and Matthew Murphy ’89 Frank Neely ’87 Joe Niolon ’63

Bridie O’Connor, mother of Brendan O’Connor ’84, Eileen O’Connor Doran ’87, and Deirdre O’Connor Maisano ’89 Steve Pfeffer ’78, father of Joseph Pfeffer ’09 and Katie Pfeffer Holland ’12 and brother of Roman Pfeffer ’72 and Ray Pfeffer ’74 Lewis Reeves, Jr. ’62 John Regensburg ’58

Julie Rummel, mother of Mel Rummel ’71*, Ray Rummel ’72 , Jeff Rummel ’77, and Mike Rummel ’78

Collie Sugg, mother of John Sugg ’00 Bob Tabaka ’64

Matthew Schwartz ’95 John Trott ’58 Mark Wathen ’88, brother of Patrick Wathen, Jr. ’81 and David Wathen ’86 Bill Williams ’39

Tracy Winchester, wife of Board of Trustees member Jim Winchester and mother of Samantha Winchester Minutelli ’93, James “Buzz” Winchester III ’96, and Blair Winchester ’99

Marist dedicates a library book to all alumni who have died and honors their memory at the annual Mass of Remembrance held on campus each spring.

Monica Scarborough, mother of Katie Scarborough ’19 Katie Schmitz, mother of Debbie Schmitz Garner ’80 and Kristin Schmitz Baker ’84

Meggi Lienhard ’12

Terry Flynn ’66

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*deceased

LastWord

By Kevin Mullally Marist School Principal

A Service Mindset is Never Artificial You have no doubt been inundated with articles, ideas, and opinions about the seemingly sudden arrival of artificial intelligence on the scene. In addition to its immediate impact on and disruption of a variety of industries, it has shown up big in schools as well, and Marist School is no exception. We have worked closely with faculty and staff to discuss the implications that artificial intelligence has in the classroom and beyond. Early conversations focused, not surprisingly, on academic honesty, making sure our students knew and followed our expectations related to authorship and original ideas. But from there, we advanced the dialogue by challenging ourselves to leverage this new technology in ways that serve our mission.

Our collective approach has been to explore artificial intelligence with curiosity, caution, and responsibility. Given the access our students will have to it, we are asking how we can teach them to use it effectively and meaningfully, to deepen their learning. At Marist, we see artificial intelligence not as a replacement to that profound give-and-take between teacher and student, grounded in relationship, but an addition to it. Creativity, judgment and critical thinking, morals and ethics are fundamentally ours, fundamentally human, and it is those we will continue to elevate in our students so they are equipped to apply those in the communities they will lead and serve in the future, including in their interaction with what will surely be an increased number of machines.

I want to praise our teachers, many of whom who were early adopters of this technology and leaned into the uncertainty of a rapidly progressing tool. They have partnered with students to develop new approaches to lessons and assessments and have

sought out thought leaders to help us imagine what an education that has artificial intelligence as a tool can look like.

Even with an active interest in this technology, our focus remains on developing the whole person of our students, to activate their personal growth through cultivating a sense of purpose—no machine that I’ve yet encountered can do that.

Though this section of the magazine is titled “Last Word”, I doubt this is the last you will hear from inside and outside Marist School about artificial intelligence.

We’re challenging ourselves to leverage artificial intelligence in ways that serve our mission.

Marist Matters 50

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