Through These Doors - The Class of 2021 by Burgundy Group Advertising

CLASS OF 2021

THROUGH THESE DOORS FATHER RYAN HIGH SCHOOL

“Not all storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.” – Unknown

Congratulations to the Class of 2021! From this moment forward, you join more than 13,000 other men and women as part of our expansive alumni network. Your curious and imaginative intellects, your commitment to serve others, your deep and abiding faith in Christ, and, we hope, your association with your alma mater will serve as an example to the community and the world of what it means to be part of such an illustrious group and to call yourself a Father Ryan alum. There is an old saying, “Not all storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.” There is no doubt that the last year has been tumultuous, filled with challenges, and many times the path was not visible. Your response to the storm and your leadership through the last year of your high school experience have been remarkable. The Class of 2021 has cleared a new path for those who follow for what it means to know and love each other, your teachers, your families, your community, and your school. As you come to the end of your high school path, what lies ahead of you is an opportunity to forge roads that will lead to new adventures and challenges. Recognizing that your time here walking our halls, competing on the field, performing on stage, and joining together in prayer has been unique, yours is a class that has been made more resilient and skilled for whatever paths unfold in front of you in the days, months, and years to come. No matter what lies ahead, be assured that God will never abandon you to face your trials alone, that you are capable of even more than you think you are, and that you will always have a place to call home in your alma mater. Our prayer for you is that you will lean on your experience here at Father Ryan as you walk into the future with unbridled passion to live a life of excellence. We send you into the future with this Irish Blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Jim McIntyre President

Paul Davis ’81 Principal

Jennifer Anton Academic Dean

Student Ministry Team with Chaplain Father Mark Simpson

A TRADITION OF

Faith

Faith informs everything that we do. It is our goal that our students deepen their faith and come to understand how it can impact every aspect of their lives. We challenge students to grow spiritually, academically, and personally while providing a solid, continuous foundation

in the Catholic tradition. The Father Ryan family continues to grow as an inclusive and uplifting community where all are welcome. By allowing students to encounter Christ in myriad ways, students embody our mission as a school to be an experience of the living Gospel in our world.

Girls Soccer Team

“Father Ryan’s Tradition of Faith is a community that brings each other toward Christ and emphasizes encountering others with the compassion and love that Jesus has for everyone. I am incredibly thankful for the friends and mentors that have shown me the love of God day in and day out at Father Ryan.” Carrie Moscardelli, Trinity House

Mary, Digital Photography Liam Farris

Grace Forbes Emerald House | Student Ministry Team One of the aspects I have most enjoyed about Father Ryan is the numerous opportunities students are given to serve throughout the community. Not only is there morning Mass in the chapel, but there are resources that help students put their faith in action, something that helped me grow tremendously in my relationship with God. My teachers challenged me to ask difficult questions which encouraged me to truly understand and grow in my faith.

Eva Graham Immaculata House | Student Ministry Team Father Ryan has influenced my faith through the supportive community here. Through involvement in Relay for Life, March for Life, and service projects, I have been able to see God acting in so many different peoples’ lives, both peers and teachers. There are always others to inspire me to live a faith-filled life on and off campus. Through the opportunities to be involved and an encouraging environment, my faith has grown each year at Father Ryan.

Jakob Merkelz Elliston House | Student Ministry Team All my life, my faith has been extremely important to me. In fact, when I was first interviewing for Father Ryan, they asked me what I wanted to be in the future. I wanted to be a saint. At Father Ryan, my faith didn’t change much, but I was able to maintain my faith which is still important. Because in the end, the only thing that will matter is how much I loved God, and I know that Father Ryan has prepared me for that moment.

Christian Ratterman Trinity House | Student Ministry Team I can say with confidence that I would not have the strong faith I do today without Father Ryan. I have met most of my closest friends at daily Mass in the chapel. Daily Mass, service-learning, and retreats allow me to encounter God in a new way every day. Father Ryan has given me a community to share my faith with, and the means to put that faith into action. It’s a blessing!

Will Stacey Oak House | Student Ministry Team At Father Ryan, I have been able to deepen my faith by going to daily Mass and developing Christ-centered friendships. Daily Mass has allowed me to start the day by glorifying the Lord through one of the most powerful prayers in the world. The Christ-centered friendships that I have developed have inspired and encouraged me in my faith journey. Because of my faith, I strive to serve others with passion and with a peaceful and joyful heart.

Isaac Vaillancourt Norwood House | Student Ministry Team Father Ryan has played an active role in deepening my faith. Father Ryan has acted as the catalyst that opened the doors to many faith-based opportunities. Whether it be through morning Mass or leading retreats, there were always ways to keep growing in my faith with the Father Ryan community as a whole. I feel pushed to grow in my faith every day at Ryan, and that has helped me become who I am today.

A TRADITION OF

Knowledge Every day at Father Ryan, our students are challenged to live up to the highest standards of academic excellence and are served on all levels to help them reach their full potential. Our students are taught to be inquisitive, creative, and collaborative as they solve complex issues.

By inspiring our students to engage in a variety of challenging courses, Father Ryan graduates are ready to take the next step as well-informed global citizens. Rooted in a Catholic worldview, our graduates develop keen intellects that will help them as they pursue their future goals.

“Tradition of Knowledge means encompassing the values of knowledge from previous generations and acting on those values to make sure future generations continue to learn from them. ” Jay McKethan, Oak House

Astronaut, Digital Art | Amelia Javillonar Amari Chapman & Justin Bornot

Campbell Coleman Immaculata House | Jefferson Scholar, University of Virginia

ather Ryan enriched my academic life by linking different disciplines with subtle spiritual connections. Questions about the human condition spanned across the curriculum. Together, Theology and Physics presented thoughtprovoking insight into the role of Christ in an increasingly complicated universe. Likewise, Literature and History continued dialogue about human dignity and strife. Because of discussions such as these, Father Ryan taught me the perspectives necessary in pursuing a life of strong spirituality and compassion.

Ian Galloway

Jessica Donnelly

Stephanie Meyer

Trinity House National Merit Finalist

Trinity House

Oak House

Belmont University

Saint Louis University

Father Ryan has challenged me in several ways. The Chinese language program has given me the opportunity to engage with a new culture and manner of speaking. I have grown in my appreciation of both the Chinese and English languages and have been challenged to improve my vocabulary and writing skills. The support given at Father Ryan has allowed me to balance academics with extracurricular opportunities such as Cooking Club, Purple Masque Players, and Hockey.

Arriving at Father Ryan, I was prepared for the level of work I was about to face, ready to take on a more challenging curriculum. However, I was not prepared for the strenuous, everchanging schedule I would acquire. Throughout my time at Father Ryan, I learned how to manage my time well, creating a perfect balance between my academic, extracurricular, and social life.

Father Ryan challenged me by allowing me to take higherlevel courses with teachers who wanted me to succeed. While challenging courses are available at most high schools, the teachers are what made my Father Ryan experience special. The teachers I have had in my four years have pushed me to become motivated and interested in the subject matter and have prepared me not only for college, but for what I will do next.

Knowledge by the Numbers Even throughout this tumultuous year, this class achieved unprecedented results.

485 Advanced Placement Courses Taken

29 Perfect Subject-Specific ACT/SAT Scores

5 National Merit Finalists

A TRADITION OF

Service

In Romans 10:15, it states, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!” At Father Ryan, we develop and form our young men and women into heralds of the good news. One of the most distinctive and influential ways to connect with God is to serve others. It is in this way that our young men and women become

gifts to the world because they are focused on others. As our graduates venture into new places, by developing a heart for service they will be more fully in communion with God, the needs of others, and the call to uplift and support those in our community who need it most.

Julia Eidt Emerald House | Relay for Life Co-Chair

eing a cancer survivor myself and having cancer on both sides of my family, I obtained quite the emotional and genetic tie to the disease. When I moved to Nashville my eighth-grade year, I learned about Relay for Life and became obsessed with it. This led me to fully immerse myself into it once I got to Father Ryan. My determination to help was the guiding force to me to becoming a co-chair for this past Relay. Not only did this opportunity place me with challenges in leadership and delegation, but it also gave me a deeper knowledge into how cancer changes one’s life. Relay has made me become so much more intimately involved with my own fight. I have learned more about the logistics of my journey and how each survivor is truly a living miracle. This magnificent opportunity has permanently increased my and the Father Ryan community’s desire to help end cancer, and I am so thankful for it.

Matthew DiLucchio Norwood House | Relay for Life Co-Chair

ather Ryan is a high school that is based around service. Every year, each student is required to record a certain number of service hours to move on to the next year. This requirement teaches the basics of what serving is, but true service comes from the kindness of the heart. One example of how Father Ryan has helped me realize the importance of serving others comes from Relay for Life. I believe that every single person has been affected by cancer in some way, and because of the effect it has had on my life, I was drawn to service toward Relay. Each member of the Relay for Life committee puts countless hours into preparing and organizing the event to try to raise as much money as we can for cancer research. This effort from the students shows exactly how Father Ryan has taught us to put the needs of others ahead of our own. 13

David Johnson Immaculata House | United States Air Force Academy

y drive to attend the Air Force Academy and serve in the United States armed forces originated when I was very young. It began as a path to achieve my goal of flying but has grown over time to a wider sense of purpose throughout high school. Overall, Father Ryan has given me more than a competitive education to reach the Air Force Academy. One of the greatest lessons that high school has taught me is how to challenge myself through academic rigor. The allure of easy classes was always present, yet Father Ryan enabled me to drive myself to success through a combination of difficult classes and highly competent teachers. However, the greatest credit for my appointment to USAFA goes to Coach Jones and the Father Ryan Cross-Country and Track program. Under his leadership, I have learned the lessons of determination, teamwork, and self-sacrifice embodied in the high-performing teams which I have had the privilege of being a part. Thanks to his selfless dedication, I am now prepared physically and mentally to strive for greatness in an environment where the ideals that Coach Jones instilled in me will be used daily.

Zach Turner Trinity House | United States Military Academy

erving in the Army and engaging in the most dominant fighting force has been a lifelong dream of mine. The best route to achieve this goal, for me, is to attend the United States Military Academy. Only the top candidates across the country are accepted, and I am more than honored and grateful for the life-altering and prestigious opportunity to attend West Point. However, I would not be in the position I am in today if I had not grown throughout my time at Father Ryan High School. Each teacher has made an impact on my life. Not only have they provided academic knowledge, but they also established a personal connection with me guiding my development. Furthermore, my extracurricular involvement in Football, Lacrosse, Student Ambassador, and Peer Mentor has taught me valuable lessons such as leadership, maturity, communication skills, and unparalleled toughness. The culmination of my time at Father Ryan High School instilled in me gratitude for my life experiences. It is my utmost passion to provide other people with the ability to live their life to the fullest and eliminate the evils of the world.

“A Tradition of Service means that throughout the year, community involvement and service hours are pivotal to the Father Ryan experience. It immerses us in new experiences and situations.” Madison Schletzer, Emerald House

Service by the Numbers Year in and year out, the Father Ryan student body remains committed to serving those in need in their community.

21,484 Service Hours

$162,087 Raised for Relay for Life

14,142 Cans Collected for the Canned Food Drive

Christian Ratterman & Emily Cain

IRISH

Pride Our students walk into the world anchored in our traditions of Faith, Knowledge, and Service confident in knowing they are part of a community, nearly a century old, founded in the tradition of excellence in Catholic education. Our mission is to be the experience of the living Gospel while challenging

students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential, and through this mission, we form lasting bonds with generations of grads. Their alma mater will be ever present in their lives as a touchstone of their own identity and their call to live up to our high ideals and excellence.

“Irish Pride means taking a deeper understanding of school spirit which is something very special at Father Ryan. [...] the Father Ryan community is truly something you cannot get at any other school. The community is the most supportive I have ever been a part of and I enjoy seeing the support of classes from years back too.”

Madison Schletzer

Amanda Cunningham, Emerald House

Marilee Hulse

Will Conger

Lucy Barnett Emerald House | Student-Artist

ver since I was little, I have been drawn to the more creative side of my personality, coloring books and messy art projects always holding my attention. Unfortunately, I did not have many opportunities to feed my creativity nor grow my knowledge of visual art in a classroom environment. When I arrived at Father Ryan High School, I was almost amazed with the many opportunities presented to me. Not only were there different types of general arts classes, but I had the option to pursue the arts to a college level. In taking these classes, I have been able to develop as an artist, not only in skill but also in character, growing more confident in my artwork as well as myself. I find it amazing that I am able to look back at my artwork from a year ago and have a physical representation of my overwhelming development as an artist, a development that I can fully attribute to my teachers here at Father Ryan and the many opportunities given to me so that I could succeed in a field that I love.

Flowering, Mixed Media | Lucy Barnett

Ben Strobel Elliston House Captain | Student-Musician

Celeste Legaspi Emerald House and Irish Council | Student Engagement Coordinator

ome of the organizations I am a member of are Emerald House Leadership, Irish Council, Girls Lacrosse, Student Ambassador, National Honor Society, and Cum Laude Society. As a senior, I have spent most of my time with the new House System. I am the Student Engagement coordinator of Emerald House and Irish Council. Given my previous experience with Student Council, I had a rough idea of what the House System would be like; but to my surprise, the House System exceeded my expectations. In my role, I have connected with many students, been involved with multiple projects, and utilized my academic and leadership skills. Another organization I am heavily involved with is the Girls Lacrosse team. I started as a sophomore, and I have loved playing since. As a senior, I am one of the captains, and it has allowed for new friendships, memories, and skills to last a lifetime. All my extracurriculars encourage me to express my strengths in academics, leadership, and communication. My involvement in these groups has connected me with Father Ryan’s community and makes me proud of how far I have come.

am so appreciative of the Visual and Performing Arts Program at Father Ryan. One of the reasons I chose Father Ryan initially was for the arts. At many other schools I visited, I did not see the same love and appreciation. At Father Ryan, the arts are an established and welcoming community rooted in years of tradition. As you progress through your years at Father Ryan, the community only gets bigger, and you build lasting relationships. This community is strengthened through the many performances and competitions. You can find many of the performing arts students at other groups’ performances or competitions to cheer them on and provide encouragement. During my sophomore year, the theatre company watched the band’s Grand National performance. This opened my eyes to the overwhelming support that you can find in the arts. Also, I quickly discovered that the performing arts provide incredible leadership opportunities. A student can be a section leader, cast leader, choir president, drum major, and so much more. Being a leader in the band has taught me many lessons, given me much more confidence, and helped prepare me for college and beyond.

Lily Scott

Christian Smith

Bradie West

Richard Bryant Immaculata House | Student-Athlete

Maddie Dooling Norwood House | 2020 Soccer State Champion

eing a Father Ryan student-athlete has been a dream and an honor. As a young girl on campus with my dad during the summer, I watched the hard work and dedication of the athletes who came before me.

oing to Father Ryan was one of the greatest decisions I could have made. Participating in Father Ryan athletics was a way for me to make friends and compete with some of the best athletes in Tennessee. Being an Irish athlete on the football field and track allowed me to experience firsthand what it means to be a part of a team. I was able to contribute to my team, and it gave me a feeling of belonging that I will remember for the rest of my life. Also, I was able to challenge myself academically in the classroom with courses that were demanding and challenged me to work harder. The difficulty of balancing athletics and academics at Father Ryan has given me an enormous sense of pride and appreciation in myself. Going through these challenges, I was able to increase my confidence, and I know I can be successful in whatever I do. Father Ryan was not only a great experience but a place where I could leave my footprint for others to follow.

I’ve been lucky to play soccer for Coach Dieterich and basketball for Coaches McLeod, Sneed, and Larkin and have learned the importance of supporting each other and working as a team, the perseverance to work through injuries and tough losses, and the success that continued hard work can bring. Father Ryan has a long tradition of success on the field and the court, and I am proud to have helped lead our soccer team to a State Championship and our basketball team to a Final Four appearance. I have been proud to wear the jerseys of past players I have admired and hope to pass them on to younger players to continue the rich tradition of hard work and success. Father Ryan students are multitalented and multifaceted. Being an athlete and a student at Father Ryan has given me the opportunity to be but one example of that by representing our school well in both the sports arena and the classroom.

Beyond

THESE DOORS

The Class of 2021 will attend

colleges and universities across

24 states

• Appalachian State University

• Loyola Marymount University

• The University of Tennessee at Martin

• Auburn University

• Loyola University Chicago

• Tiffin University

• Belhaven University

• Loyola University New Orleans

• Transylvania University

• Bellarmine University

• Miami University, Oxford

• Tulane University

• Belmont University

• Middle Tennessee State University

• United States Air Force Academy

• Berry College

• Mississippi State University

• United States Military Academy

• Bethel University

• Nashville State Community College

• University of Alabama in Huntsville

• Brandeis University

• Northwestern University

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Catholic University of America

• Purdue University

• University of California, Berkeley

• Christian Brothers University

• Roanoke College

• University of Cincinnati

• College of the Holy Cross

• Saint Edward’s University

• University of Colorado Boulder

• Colorado Mountain College

• Saint Louis University

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs

• Columbia State Community College

• Sewanee - The University of the South

• University of Dayton

• Cornell University

• South College

• University of Denver

• DePaul University

• Southern Connecticut State University

• University of Kentucky

• Eastern Michigan University

• Spring Hill College

• University of Michigan

• Eckerd College

• St. Bonaventure University

• University of Mississippi

• Elon University

• Tennessee College of Applied

• University of Rochester

• Franciscan University of Steubenville

Technology Nashville

• University of South Carolina

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• Tennessee Technological University

• University of South Florida

• High Point University

• The University of Alabama

• University of Southern California

• Indiana University

• The University of North Carolina

• University of Virginia

• Jacksonville University

at Charlotte

• University of Washington

• Kennesaw State University

• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

• West Virginia University

• Lipscomb University

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

• Western Kentucky University

*As reported by May 12, 2021

Academic Achievements

6,715 credits earned

997 college acceptances

$34M+ in earned scholarships

STUDENT

Spotlights RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Matt Calarco Emerald House | National Merit Finalist Cornell University

hen I entered Father Ryan freshman year, I underestimated the magnitude of opportunities offered here. I found vast opportunities not only to learn, but also to truly engage with the teachers and depth of course material offered at Father Ryan. I will always remember the teachers and coaches who stayed with me after school or practice to help me truly understand complex subjects and my classmates who propelled me to open my mind to different schools of thought. I feel strongly that attending Father Ryan has taught me to seek and run with opportunities to grow intellectually, athletically, and personally.

From earning membership in several honor societies including the National Honor Society to leading the Irish Rugby Team as captain, to welcoming prospective families as a Student Ambassador, Matt certainly made the most of his time at Father Ryan. He plans to major in mechanical engineering and minor in finance at Cornell University, and he will pursue a career in renewable energy development. He has already begun studying the science and economics behind energy with a research project under the mentorship of a former CEO of an energy company.

Darrel Chen Emerald House | National Merit Finalist Northwestern University

y time at Father Ryan has above all else been characterized by personal growth unlike any other time in my life. This growth extended to each facet of my identity over the past four years. As an athlete, I learned brotherhood and discipline. As a student, I learned persistence and efficiency. As a Catholic, I learned respect and servitude. Prospectively, I hope to develop even further upon what I started at Father Ryan in striving toward physical achievement, academic excellence, and an intimate relationship with God.

Darrel’s dedication and strong work ethic in and out of the classroom are just two characteristics that make him stand out. In addition to taking 11 Advanced Placement courses, he plays varsity Lacrosse for the Irish, volunteers for the Nashville Dolphins, a nonprofit aquatics program for people with special needs, and is captain of his Mentor Group as a member of Emerald House. Darrel plans to attend Northwestern University and will study materials science and engineering, a program ranked No. 2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (March 2021).

Sam Deckbar Elliston House | National Merit Commended Scholar Georgia Institute of Technology

hrough my experiences at Father Ryan, I learned to embrace its communities and the leaders they have provided for my classmates and me. By embracing commitment, and patience through these four years, I have built the foundation for the kind of person I am and the kind of person I am working to become. As this work pays off and the future approaches, I know I will always cherish my learning experiences at Father Ryan and the teachers, coaches, classmates, and friends who have made them possible both in and out of the classroom.

Sam has learned what it takes to make a real impact in his community. An avid member of the Boy Scouts, he attained Eagle Scout in the spring of his freshman year, served as Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 11, and earned membership into the scouts’ national honor society, Order of the Arrow. As a member of Father Ryan’s CrossCountry Team, Sam was part of two TSSAA State runner-up teams in 2019 and 2020 and won 2019 All-State honors for his 13th-place finish. His next chapter will take him to Atlanta, where he will study engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Emily Phan Trinity House | National Merit Finalist University of South Florida

ather Ryan has been an important developmental stage in my life. Beyond the obvious fact that high school is a major part of life, Father Ryan has exceeded this to both form me into the person I am today and prepare me for the future. Every teacher I have had cares and has passion for their subject, instilling in me a love for learning that transcends topic. The opportunities I have been given opened my eyes to the possibilities that are available to me, and I am fully prepared to seize the benefits that come my way.

Emily will attend the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida, where she will study interdisciplinary natural sciences. Her commitment and dedication that earned Emily a full scholarship to USF extends outside the classroom. Emily has volunteered for six years at The Little Pantry That Could, spending well over 200 hours of service during her time at Father Ryan. In recognition of her service, she received the 2020 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award for Direct Service (ages 5–20). Emily explains, “It’s just a place of love … They’re like family members to me.”

Grey Wilder Norwood House | National Merit Finalist Loyola University Chicago

uring my time at Father Ryan, I have grown academically and as a person. My teachers have challenged me and encouraged me to always give my best work no matter the circumstances. They have been understanding and compassionate role models as well as teachers. From my time at Father Ryan, I have learned the values of passion and persistence from both my teachers’ dedication to education and my classmates’ dedication to their hobbies and talents. Going forward, I will always remember Father Ryan as a supportive, welcoming community that inspires each of its members to be their best.

With a servant’s heart, a love of learning, and a positive attitude, Grey makes everyone around him want to do better. He and his twin sister, Lilly, are recipients of the Kevin Paul Davis Memorial Scholarship awarded to rising seniors. Grey’s leadership roles include president of Mu Alpha Theta, co-president of Cum Laude Society, and production coordinator for the 2020 Relay for Life. As a junior, he joined the Purple Masque Players, quickly earning the reputation of a great character actor with incredible comedic timing. Grey plans to explore a career in social work where he will help advocate for those in need.

For our 96-year history, Father Ryan has held three traditions in the highest regard: Faith, Knowledge, and Service. The exemplary students profiled in this book personify what it means to be a Father Ryan student, and excel in the classroom, in their faith, and in the community.

Tradition Never Graduates. 28