90 Years of Graduates... the Legacy Continues
2015–2016
Enhancing Our Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service
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s we prepare for the Class of 2016 to don their caps and gowns, we celebrate their many achievements in and out of the classroom. We also commemorate 90 years of Father Ryan graduating classes this year, an amazing piece of history. As I reflect on this milestone, I am reminded of our motto “A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” For 90 years, we have produced students of the highest caliber and character, young men and women who have excelled at Father Ryan and gone on to success in all walks of life. With a history that spans nearly a century, we are fortunate to have students for whom the Father Ryan spirit has been passed along from parents and grandparents, many of whom you will meet on the next pages. Each year, we also welcome students with no prior connection to Father Ryan, young men and women building their own legacy. We are proud to call all of these students Father Ryan High School graduates, and we are immensely proud of the success of the Class of 2016. This year, the Class of 2016 carried on many traditions while setting a few records of their own. Since 1961, Father Ryan students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program, but this year the Class of 2016 set a record when the program recognized 13 students, the most in Irish history. Of those outstanding 13 students, six were named National Merit Finalists. Our Science Olympiad team finished 5th in the state. And the Class of 2016 set another record by leading the largest student-run charity walk event in the nation. This is a class of scholars, athletes and artists. They have earned recognition in the classroom and on the field, but I am most proud of what these students have accomplished in the world. They are already community leaders, mentors, mission trip volunteers, and they are truly living out the Gospel. I have no doubt these students will succeed in their next endeavors, and I look forward to watching them and cheering them on in the years to come.
Sara Hayes Vice Principal and Academic Dean
A Tradition of Academic Excellence and a New Record: 13 National Merit Honorees
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his year 13 was our lucky number! Father Ryan High School’s strong tradition of academic excellence was proven once again when 13 of our students were named National Merit Honorees, with six Finalists and seven Commended Scholars, the most recognized by the National Merit organization in Irish history. Father Ryan High School seniors Michael Bottei, Joseph W. Braeuner, Peter Connor, Cameron Kelley, Katie McGuire and Connor Sloan have the distinct honor of being named National Merit Finalists for 2015.
2016 Na tional M erit Scho Will Bra larship H euner, Pe onorees ter Conn Grant, C L-R: or, Samu onnor Slo el Wehby an, Dari Matthew , Christian a Foster, Ja Canonic o, Katie cob Wilso Cameron McGuire n, Kelley, L , Mic ou with Pre sident Jim ie Martin, and E hael Bottei, amonn D McIntyre on and Prin cipal Pau nelly l Davis
We are also proud of seniors Matthew Canonico, Eamonn Donnelly, Daria Foster, Christian Grant, Louie Martin, Samuel Wehby and Jacob Wilson, who were named National Merit Commended Scholars.
These 13 students join a long line of past Father Ryan High School students who have received this honor. Since 1996, the National Merit Program has recognized more than 140 Father Ryan students. “We are immensely proud of the Class of 2016, including these 13 students, for their exemplary performance on the qualifying tests,” said Vice Principal and Academic Dean Sara Hayes. “Each of these students embodies the long-standing tradition of academic excellence at Father Ryan High School. I would like to congratulate them on their performance at the highest levels of learning, and wish them the best as they pursue the same academic excellence at the next level of their education.”
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Congratulations to all!
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Valedictorian and Salutatorian Leave A Lasting Legacy
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o one can dispute all that Father Ryan Valedictorian Matthew Canonico has achieved in the classroom. It’s the stuff of legend. Matthew has taken nine AP courses and currently holds a 5.0023 weighted GPA. He has been inducted into the Cum Laude Society, Latin Honor Society, Chinese Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association, Mu Alpha Theta Society, Father Black Honor Society and National Honor Society.
But it’s all that he has experienced outside the classroom that Matthew says he’ll treasure most when he heads off to college at the University of Notre Dame next year. The relationships with friends and faculty. The chats with Father Gervan. The unforgettable memories with his teammates and coaches on the Cross Country team, including the Metro Championship.
Matthew Canonico
And just like he did in academics, he excelled at cross country and track at the highest levels. He was awarded the Coach’s Award in 2014, the Champions Award in 2015, and the Father Ryan Summer Challenge award three times. He’s also been named an All Metro Runner, Metro Champion, Regional Medalist and City and State Runner-Up. Outside of the classroom and athletic fields, he has shown real leadership skills as the National Honor Society President, Cum Laude Society President, Mu Alpha Theta Treasurer, Cross Country Co-Captain and Class Representative for Grades 10, 11 and 12. He has also served as a part of the Room in the Inn Service Crew, as a SEARCH participant for two years and as a Student Ambassador and Minister of Holy Communion for Father Ryan. A Christ the King graduate and parishioner, Matthew followed in the footsteps of family members when he enrolled as a third generation student at Father Ryan, and he’ll do the same in South Bend: his father, two uncles, two brothers, and a cousin have all attended Notre Dame. As long as he can remember, he says, he’s imagined himself on that same campus, joining another community of Irish. He says he sees Notre Dame as a very special place with great academics, legendary athletics, and a sense of community that’s second to none, allowing him to develop as a complete person. Matthew, who has enjoyed his BC Calculus class most of all at Father Ryan, says he plans to continue his focus on math in college. He loves the way the rules of math, which often seem indecipherable, ultimately make sense, emerging in beautiful patterns. Judging from his pedigree and list of accomplishments at Father Ryan, he will continue to achieve his goals. 3
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ather Ryan has many legacies, students who follow in the footsteps of their parents, but our 2016 Salutatorian, Connor Sloan, took it one step further. Not only did he follow his mom to Father Ryan, he became Field Commander of the Father Ryan Irish Guard Marching Band 31 years after she held the same title. His talents on and off the marching field and in and out of the classroom make him one of the Class of 2016’s most talented and active members. He will be attending the University of Notre Dame, where he was accepted as an early-decision applicant after being impressed with the Catholic university’s traditions, academics and sense of community on his two campus visits. Connor, who said his AP Physics class was one of his most memorable at Father Ryan, plans to earn a dual degree in South Bend with a bachelor’s in engineering and a master’s of business administration.
Connor Sloan
A parishioner at St. Matthew Church and a graduate of St. Matthew School, Connor has earned many accolades at Father Ryan. He has taken nine AP courses and holds a weighted GPA of 4.9709. He is a National Merit Finalist, placing him among the top high school students nationwide. He made the President’s List and the Academic Dean’s list every quarter of his high school career, winning the Academic Dean’s award four times. He is a member of Father Ryan’s National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, Father Black Society, Mu Alpha Theta Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Cardinal Newman Association. Connor is also active in the Multicultural Student Union, Spanish Club and the varsity Soccer team. He is also an avid volunteer at St. Matthew’s, where he serves as an assistant at its Summer Vacation Bible School and as a coach for the 5th/6th grade boys basketball team. But, it is with the Father Ryan band program where he felt the strongest sense of belonging. Connor joined the Marching Band his freshman year and had the privilege of marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He says it was leading the high brass section to the WGI Winds World Championship that was the highlight of his band experience, taking great pride in winning the championship for Father Ryan, building up the band program’s reputation and leaving “a legacy.” Connor has left quite a legacy these four years. Congratulations and good luck in South Bend!
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A Family Tradition
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t Father Ryan High School, we like to think of ourselves as a family, with teachers, staff and students all gathered together as one. The minute you put on the purple and white, you instantly become part of this extended family. However, for some members of the Class of 2016 Father Ryan was part of their family before they were even old enough to know their colors. Here is a look at just a few of seniors who can spot the Father Ryan family in their own family tree.
Maria Marchetti While Maria is certainly part of a long-time family legacy at Father Ryan, with her father and grandfather both graduating from the school, she has carved out a mark all her own during her four years on the campus. A St. Henry alumna, Maria is a member of the National Honor Society, Maria has also been active outside the classroom. She loves to see things grow, whether that is a project or a plant, and she manifested that interest as an active member of the Gardening Club. She tended to the plants, weeded and worked to nurture the seedlings, and is preparing for a nice harvest this summer. Maria was part of the Track team as well.
Peter Connor Peter Connor comes from a long and proud line of Father Ryan graduates. His dad went to Father Ryan, his dad’s dad went to Father Ryan, his mom graduated from Father Ryan and her dad went to Father Ryan. It was a foregone conclusion that Peter was going to Father Ryan, and we are so glad he did. In his time here, Peter has made a name for himself that is all his own. He is a National Merit Finalist and the Vice President of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the Cardinal Newman Association, Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta Society, Chess team, Bowling team, Track and Field team, and Science Olympiad team. A graduate and parishioner of St. Henry, Peter is active in his church as a member of its Youth Group and as the Youth Representative on its Parish Council. He has been a member of the Boy Scouts since the 6th grade and also works as a math tutor and volunteers as a tutor for Nation’s Ministry, working with refugees and immigrants. He will continue to make his family proud when Peter attends Auburn University next year.
Sam Wehby This Christ the King alumnus, National Merit Commended Scholar and Father Ryan varsity swimmer is no fish out of water when it comes to academics. He is also no stranger to Father Ryan traditions as the son and grandson of Irish alumni. He is a Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association and National Honor Society member and has completed nine AP courses. This Father Ryan legacy was also a Sophomore retreat leader and served as a Minister of Holy Communion during daily Mass. Throughout his tenure at Father Ryan, he has consistently shown he knows what it takes to succeed, and he will use that drive to jump into the deep end as he heads to the University of Tennessee to study in their nuclear engineering program.
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An active participant in Campus Ministry events, Maria served as a Freshmen Night Retreat leader and participated in SEARCH. Her faith is one of the reasons she decided on Spring Hill as her college. Continuing her Catholic education at an excellent educational institutional was her primary decision, and she is looking forward to a college experience filled with moments that will expand her faith and her education. And if she needs any family, she knows there are a few dozen in Nashville and across the country happy to help her out.
Kelsie Hubbuch Many Father Ryan students can trace their connections to Father Ryan back a generation, as Kelsie can with her parents, both Father Ryan alumni. But very few can trace themselves all the way back to the beginning of the school. Kelsie can. Her greatgrandfather, Connie Lynch, was part of the Class of 1928, enrolling as a sophomore when the school opened in 1925. Her grandmother graduated from St. Bernard Academy and her uncles were students at Father Ryan. So it is not surprising that she has a deep appreciation for the school’s traditions and has taken advantage of the opportunities for her since coming here from St. Henry. Academically, she has been a part of Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society; outside the classroom, she has been active in service, participating in the Red Cross Club, the Irish Service Corps and March for Life, all of which earned her a place in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She’s been a Retreat leader and a Minister of Holy Communion, and has found time to satisfy her green thumb in the Father Ryan Gardening Club. Kelsie has also been active organizing volunteers as a leader at St. Henry’s Room in the Inn program. She will also continue her Catholic education as she enrolls at Spring Hill College in the fall. The whole family must be proud, knowing that the legacy that began with Connie in 1925 continues today.
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Building a New Legacy
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ne of the most interesting things about our student body is the wide variety of reasons why these students have chosen Father Ryan. Some come from families that have been a part of the Father Ryan community for generations. Others seek a coeducational Catholic high school experience. Others are drawn to our academic reputation and our outstanding teachers. Still others are drawn to our extracurricular activities and athletics. Whatever their reason for coming, we welcome each and every student who walks through our doors. We look forward to helping them shape their high school experience into one that they will always remember…building a legacy they will cherish forever. Here is a look at some of the students in the Class of 2016 who have started a new Irish legacy.
Jessica Diaz Jessica had no previous connection to Father Ryan. She didn’t grow up humming the Father Ryan fight song, but she chose Father Ryan because she felt it was the only place she could get a top-notch education and be able to explore the many programs offered outside the classroom. And that’s just what she did. She was in the Purple Masque Players for four years, the Father Ryan Singers for three years, also serving as President, a vocalist in Music Ministry and a Wrestling cheerleader. Jessica was a Student Ambassador and a SEARCH participant. A St. Edward graduate and parishioner, her talents and abilities to cross many divides were not lost on the Class of 2016, as she was elected Secretary of the Student Body and Homecoming Queen her senior year. Her academic pursuits were just as varied, as she took multiple AP classes. She is deeply committed to service. She was a participant twice for Catholic HEART Workcamp, a committee member who helped plan the record-breaking Relay for Life walk, and she was a participant on the inaugural mission trip to Guatemala last summer. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association and the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. Jessica once said Father Ryan helps you become the person you were meant to be and the best version of it. That would be certainly true of her. Jessica will continue to become the best version of herself at the University of San Diego this fall.
Andrea deLeon Andrea may not have known too much about Father Ryan when she came here from Holy Rosary Academy but she is now one of the most well-known faces around campus because of her self-confidence, leadership and faith. Andrea is Vice-President of the Student Body this year, a Student Ambassador, a Freshmen Night Retreat Leader and a member of the Peer Mentor Program. She attended the Alternative Spring Break this year and is involved in Masses as a Lector and Minister of Holy Communion. She is also a member of the award-winning Father Ryan Marching Band and Winter Drumline programs, the National Honor Society and the International Cuisine Club. She will certainly become a well-known face around the Wake Forest University campus next fall. 7
Michael Bottei Michael’s love for the arts and performing shows through in almost everything he does. This St. Bernard alumnus is a member of the Father Ryan Singers, the Purple Masque Players, and the Show Choir. He is also a member of the Speech and Debate Team, where he recently won 1st place in Humorous Interpretation and helped lead the team to State. As a former member of the Father Ryan Marching Band, he traveled to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the school in 2012. Michael is also a National Merit Finalist, a Student Ambassador, a member of the Cum Laude Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association and has been on the Academic Dean’s List three times and the Principal’s List once. He has volunteered with the Martha O’Bryan Center, the Barton House, and the Keith Cearcy Thanksgiving Dinner program, delivering Thanksgiving meals to the underprivileged. To top it off he patrolled the sidelines as “Ryan Man.” Michael will continue his Catholic education and follow his love of arts to Fordham University in New York City.
Irish Continue a Legacy of Military Service, Academic Recognition
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s Americans, we can all take pride in our military’s traditions and customs. Another tradition in the making: identifying, recruiting and accepting Father Ryan graduates into the military academies! Over the last 16 years, Father Ryan has had 30 students receive military academy appointments, a remarkable academic feat and a tradition we are proud to call ours. Seniors Kevin Wolgast (top), Trey Chalifoux (right) and David Doran (bottom) will now join this distinguished group of Father Ryan alumni this fall, as Kevin and Trey attend the United States Military Academy and David attends the United States Air Force Academy. These three are exceptional students and well-rounded individuals as evidenced by their appointments—students have to be strong academically and leaders on campus to earn appointments to military academies. Kevin, Trey and David have all excelled in the classroom and on the athletic fields at Father Ryan. We are proud that three more students will be following what Mr. McIntyre fondly calls the “long purple line” of Father Ryan graduates serving our nation.
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Celebrating Talents Across Campus
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rom the science lab to the volleyball court, from the stage to the library to the Chapel, our academic achievers can be found everywhere you look. Their interests are many and varied, but one thread still connects them—a tradition of a Faith, Knowledge and Service.
Louie Hinlo
Louie can literally do it all. Take a look at his courseload and activities and you might wonder how he has the time. With four challenging AP courses this year, he spent his afternoons practicing and competing in Marching Band and Winter Drumline, something he participated in all four years at Father Ryan. A St. Matthew graduate, this standout leader on campus also serves as a Student Ambassador and a Peer Mentor at Father Ryan. He is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association, Chinese Club and Venture Club. Louie will surely shine at Saint Louis University in the fall.
Katie McGuire
Faith, Knowledge, Service. Katie McGuire embodies all three. Coming to us from Harding Academy, her strong faith was evident as a member of Be A Blessing, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Respect Life Club and a Minister of Holy Communion during the daily and monthly school masses. Knowledge— she’s got that in spades. She’s a National Merit Finalist, a member of the National Honor Society and Cardinal Newman Association and took six AP classes her senior year. Katie also found time to write an essay for the VFW’s annual Voice of Freedom contest and earned a scholarship. And Service? She’s served as sophomore retreat leader helping to mentor the rising juniors, attended the Alternative Spring Break and served as a Student Ambassador for Father Ryan. And in her freshman year, she started Camp Fun in the Sun, where she still works as camp manager and counselor. She did all of this while leading on the field as a Cross Country and Track and Field athlete. The University of Notre Dame is lucky to have a student like Katie next fall.
Daria Foster
Daria Foster never heard the old school of thought that girls aren’t as good as boys at science. As the co-captain of the Science Olympiad, she is a science rock star. Matter of fact, she is an all-around rock star. This year, this St. Henry graduate helped lead the Father Ryan Science Olympiad to a 5th place finish out of 20 teams from across the state. She is also a member of the Quizbusters team, the National Honor Society, the Cardinal Newman Association, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, and St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. She still had time for Model United Nations, Speech, Drama & Acting team, Lacrosse, and several service activities such as Freshmen and Sophomore Retreat Leader, Minister of Holy Communion and a Sacristan. She has also served at various places throughout the city and the nation with a special commitment to Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and Catholic HEART Workcamp. There is no doubt Daria will continue to be a rock star at Tennessee Technological University in the fall.
Jacob Wilson
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Parents often like to pass along their love of certain sports, teams or schools to their kids, and lucky for us Jake picked up all of the above from his family. Jake’s grandfather and father both attended Father Ryan, and we’re lucky he followed in their footsteps. Jake, who came to Father Ryan from St. Henry, stays busy as a varsity wrestler and varsity soccer player for Father Ryan—those two sports alone can fill your time—and yet he was recently named a National Merit Commended Scholar and inducted into the Cardinal Newman Association. He is active in church as well, serving as a Minister of Holy Communion and an altar server at school Masses. Jake will follow his love of sports to the University of Alabama.
Will Braeuner
Everything Will touches turns to gold, or at least it seems that way. As a National Merit Finalist who took numerous AP courses, he was a part of the Science Olympiad team that went to State, earning their best finish in Irish history, plus winning 1st place in the Dynamic Planet individual event. As the trumpet and mellophones section leader, he helped lead the Winds Ensemble to their 1st place performance at the Winter Guard International World Championship competition last year. When he is not winning World titles or competing at State competitions, he spends his time as Vice-President of the Multicultural Union, a member of the Spanish Club, a Minister of Holy Communion at Father Ryan Masses and an Altar Server. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association and the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society. As a St. Henry graduate, it is quite fitting that Will will wear the black and gold of Vanderbilt University in the fall.
Lauren Dorrell
After moving to Father Ryan from school in another state, Lauren Dorrell became a force on the volleyball court. In her final season for the Irish, she recorded 466 kills, 314 digs and 46 blocks, and capped it all off by earning MVP Honors in the State Tournament. She has won numerous awards, including Gatorade Player of the Year, and was named to the 2015–16 Under Armour AllAmerican Second Team. She was also recently featured in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd section. She will continue this illustrious athletic career at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Christian Suray
Christian is a very talented young man who came to Father Ryan ready to share his many talents. He is a member of the Music Ministry, leading the music at morning Mass each Friday for the entire school year; he helped encourage and invite younger members to join the Music Ministry team and participated in Catholic HEART Workcamp through Campus Ministry. He uses those same leadership skills as a Student Ambassador and Sophomore Retreat Leader. A Page Middle School alumnus, he is an AP Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, the Science Olympiad team that recently attended State, the Respect Life Club and the Fishing Club. Christian and his many talents will be busy next fall at the University of Alabama, Huntsville.
Eamonn Donnelly
Eamonn is used to scaling great heights as a member of the Rock Climbing Club, but it is his work as a scholar, musician and athlete that has really helped him soar. This triple threat is an excellent student who was recently honored as a National Merit Commended Scholar. He is a member of Father Ryan’s celebrated Marching Band and of the Winter Winds Ensemble that scored top honors at the Winter Guard World Competition last year. And Eamonn is consistently reaching new lengths as a varsity swimmer. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association, Venture Club, Quizbusters, Film Club, Fellowship of Student Athletes and is a Student Ambassador. Eamonn will continue to climb great heights at Belmont University this fall.
Angelica Flores
Angelica is a woman of passion: passionate about theatre, passionate about music, and passionate about her faith. She is committed to being the best that she can be, onstage and off. She uses those passions in many of her activities at Father Ryan, most recently as one of the stars of the Purple Masque Players’ spring production of Big Fish. She is also a Music Minister and Liturgical Minister at morning Mass. She has participated multiple years in Catholic HEART Workcamp mission trips and in the recent papal pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. She is a Student Ambassador and a member of the National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association, Cercle Francophone (French Club), Mock Trial and the Relay for Life Committee. Angelica will follow her passions to the University of Alabama this fall.
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Kara Rowan
Kara has been deeply committed to service and to people. Whether with young children in Honduras at a recent Mission Trip or with Special Olympics athletes, Kara puts her warm and welcoming personality to the service of others. A Christ the King alumna, she is personally invested in Relay for Life and the fight against cancer, giving her whole self to this cause. At the Special Olympics, Kara was a celebrity with literally hundreds of athletes with special needs. Her commitment to service and to other people is also evident in her work as a member of the Red Cross Club, S.O.U.L. for Safe Haven, March for Life and the Peer Mentor Program. She uses her gifts to help others as a Student Ambassador and a Freshmen Night Retreat Leader. She is a Father Ryan Softball player and a member of the National Honor Society, St. Vincent de Paul Service Society, the Chinese Club, the Skateboarding Club, the Film Club and the Fishing Club. Kara will continue to share her gifts at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga this fall.
Gina Schmid
Gina’s passion and commitment to service to others is evident in all she does. Her tireless efforts leading the Relay for Life walk this year, which raised $142,000, the highest total ever for Father Ryan, is just one example.
She is a member of the Red Cross Club, the Multicultural Student Union and the Peer Mentor Program. Active at her parish, Christ the King, she was a Sophomore Retreat Leader and is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. She is also a firm believer in practicing what you preach, so she participated in the Alternative Spring Break. Gina’s commitment to service will continue at the University of Tennessee.
Patrick Cole
Patrick is a role model among his peers for what it means to live out the Gospel in humility and joy. A St. Edward alumnus, he is deeply committed to local service through organizations like Nations Ministry and Dismas House, and he also chose to travel to Honduras to build a home for someone in need. Not only is Patrick adept at raising awareness and funds for organizations like the American Cancer Society, he is also a stellar scholar, completing five AP classes his senior year. He is also a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Society, the National Honor Society, Cardinal Newman Association and the St. Vincent de Paul Service Society. Patrick will continue his scholarly and service pursuits at Purdue University.
Our Graduates Continue Catholic Education at Nation’s Finest Universities
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he University of Notre Dame, the University of Dayton, Saint Louis University, Fordham University, the University of San Diego, Xavier University and the other Catholic institutions below are among the best colleges in the nation. That is a major reason why Father Ryan students are attracted to them, and Father Ryan’s emphasis on Faith, Knowledge and Service parallels the qualities that Catholic colleges and universities are looking for in their students.
“When I was trying to decide where to go to college, everyone told me I needed to find the place where I felt home. Father Ryan is my ‘home’ now, and I have loved every minute there. I wanted to find another place that felt the same way. Finding that seemed a little daunting to me, but I have a lot of family in California, and the University of San Diego offered the same private, Catholic atmosphere as Father Ryan, so I knew I had found my next home.” –Jessica Diaz, attending University of San Diego
That is one of the reasons why we were pleased this year when the University of Notre Dame sent out early decision acceptances to five of our seniors, four of whom accepted. In today’s competitive college marketplace, it is a rare feat to have so many students from one high school accepted for early admission by such a prestigious institution. The decisions by many of our students to continue their education at Catholic colleges show us that not only will they be expanding their knowledge at some of the best educational institutions found anywhere, but they will be expanding their faith lives as well. But don’t take it from us. Let’s hear from a few of our graduating Irish on how they chose their university:
From The Beginning: The First Graduating Class The young men and women on these pages are just a few of the many talented members of the Class of 2016—the 90th Class to walk through the doors at Father Ryan. But what did our first graduating class look like? Who were they? Here they are. The Father Ryan Class of 1927—the first Class to ever graduate from Father Ryan, then known as Nashville Catholic High School. Although this class may look very different from our current class of graduates—for one thing, there were no girls in the school—look more closely and you’ll see many things they have in common. They are all on the brink of adulthood with big plans for the future. Several became doctors, many served in World War II, others started businesses. And all started the Father Ryan alumni tradition. In fact, Charles Johnson of the class was the first of what is now five generations of Father Ryan alumni. Most importantly, they created and helped to continue the lasting legacy of what a Father Ryan student is—just like our graduates today. It’s a proud group, one that is linked in a special way to every Father Ryan graduate. 11
Thank you to our Class of 1927 and to the Class of 2016 for continuing this great tradition!
“It lives up to my goals for a college education…first, it’s a Catholic experience, and that’s been a part of my life for all of my life. I want to continue that. It enables me to continue to be “Irish.” And it’s a place that combines great academics, great athletics and a wonderful environment to grow and learn.” –Matthew Canonico, attending University of Notre Dame “I was really struck by how Notre Dame strives to develop students holistically. They provide a lot of service opportunities, even mission trips, and that reinforces my goal of making college an opportunity to become a better person—higher achieving and even more aware of the needs of the world around me.” –Connor Sloan, attending University of Notre Dame
“My mother received a Jesuit education at Boston College, and after I did research and learned about their mission, I knew I was interested in pursuing a Jesuit-focused education as well. Fordham has a great balance of academics and faith life, plus it is right in the heart of New York City so there will be plenty to do. I’m so excited to start this next adventure in my life this fall.” –Michael Bottei, attending Fordham University “I’m going to Xavier because it is important to continue my faith formation in college. I know it will keep me going along the right path. Plus, I love that it is run by Jesuits!” – Grace Rolman, attending Xavier University “I love the environment and community at Father Ryan and looked forward to finding something similar in college. Father Ryan gave me the inspiration, and Spring Hill fulfilled it.” – Kayla Ryan, attending Spring Hill College “There is such a peaceful presence at Father Ryan—I know that I can walk into school each day and there are people who have my back. I will be getting that same atmosphere and feeling at the Mount. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.” –Aaron Weisel, attending Mount Saint Mary’s “I’d never been to a Catholic school before high school, and at Father Ryan I started gaining momentum toward spiritual growth. I believe SLU is the best place for me to keep on growing—to keep getting better.” –Caleb Wiseman, attending Saint Louis University
Father Ryan students were accepted to these Catholic colleges and universities. Aquinas College Bellarmine University Belmont Abbey College Boston College Catholic University of America Christian Brothers University College at the Holy Cross DePaul University Fordham University
John Carroll University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Marquette University Mount St. Mary’s University Providence College Saint Louis University
Saint Thomas University Saint Xavier University Santa Clara University Spring Hill College University of Dallas University of Dayton University of Notre Dame University of San Diego Xavier University
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Our Father Ryan Laboratory is Brewing Up a Recipe for Success!
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s the old saying goes, we are really cooking with gas! The Father Ryan Bunsen burners are certainly fired up and ready to go, and our young scientists are making a name for themselves statewide.
Most impressively, our Father Ryan Science Olympiad team had its best performance ever at a regional competition, finishing second at the Vol State Regional with eight 1st Place and seven 2nd Place trophies. This exceptional performance qualified them for State, where they really blasted off. The Father Ryan team, captained by senior Daria Foster, competed against 20 other teams from across Tennessee, finishing 5th, and was the only private high school to compete at the State level. The Science Olympiad program is now in its 22nd year statewide, with Father Ryan’s team continuing to add more interested students each year, so the accolades are bound to keep coming. Speaking of science, we are also proud of the four students who scored a perfect science score on the ACT: Peter Connor, David Doran, Samuel Wehby and Jacob Wille. Peter also scored a perfect score on the Physics subject portion of the SAT and the Chemistry portion along with Clayton Chamness.
Individual medals at State in Science Olympiad included:
Will Braeuner
Peter Connor
1st Place in Dynamic Planet 2nd Place in Hydrogeology 3rd Place Bridge Building Four Years in Science Olympiad
3rd Place in Bridge Building 6th Place in Robot Arm Senior Chief Engineer Four Years in Science Olympiad
John Bottei
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And the Numbers Are Strong.
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n school we measure a lot of things, and we rely on numbers to help us measure achievement—by our students, by our faculty, by our school. This past year the numbers have been exceptional across all the academic disciplines. Perfect Scores on SAT and ACT? We count 24 this year alone. Cardinal Newman Members, who scored 30 or above on the ACT or 1320 or above on the SAT? We have 50 new members this year, for a total of 73. On top of that, the performance of our students across all levels on the ACT and on Advanced Placement (AP) courses continues to rise. It is important to note that we break out our ACT averages by class rank deciles. We do this because we have the widest span of learning abilities of all private and Catholic high schools in the area and provide the widest range of curriculum to serve this diverse group of students. By breaking out these ACT scores in this way, we can show how all of our students are succeeding, no matter where they are in the class.
Daniel Cooley
Candice Chen
Daria Foster
Ian Johnston
1st Place in Dynamic Planet 2nd Place in Hydrogeology Junior Team Captain
5th Place Astronomy Senior Team Captain Four Years in Science Olympiad
3rd Place in Game On
Kade Foster
3rd Place in Electric Vehicle 4th Place in Wright Stuff
3rd Place Electric Vehicle 3rd Place Game On 4th Place Wright Stuff
2016 Average ACT
1st Decile
32
2nd Decile
29
3rd-4th Decile
27
5th-6th Decile
25
7th-8th Decile
24
9th-10th Decile
21
Ranking our ACT scores by class decile gives an accurate picture of our students’ success and shows that all are ready for college work.
These numbers are a testament to the caliber of our faculty and to the intellectual curiosity and dedication of our students. It was a very good year, and we are proud of all our Academic Achievers.
5th Place in Astronomy 5th Place in Fossils
Frank Chytil
Class Rank Deciles
2nd Place Wind Power
Academic Year
Number of Exams
Earning Qualified Status or Better
Louie Martin
2010–2011
286
83%
5th Place Fossils 6th Place Robot Arm
2011–2012
356
83%
2012–2013
370
83%
Alex Saavedra
2013–2014
380
87.9%
2014–2015
401
86.4%
2nd Place Wind Power
14
A Remarkable Four Years. Now, Imagine Their Future.
Father Ryan High School graduates have performed on stages, made life-saving discoveries, become high-ranking business executives and defended our freedom in service to our country. They have attended the nation’s finest colleges and universities. They have built a lasting legacy and one we will remember. And it all started with Father Ryan…where they are known and loved. The Class of 2016 is no exception. This Class has earned acceptances to 182 colleges and universities, including 27 Catholic institutions, with more than $27 million in scholarships already awarded. We are truly proud of the wonderful achievements of the Class of 2016. Below are the schools Father Ryan students have been accepted: Eckerd College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Daytona Beach Flagler College Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Southern College Fordham University–Lincoln Center Campus/Rose Hill Campus Fort Lewis College Full Sail University Furman University Georgia Institute of Technology Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hunter College of the CUNY Illinois State University Indiana State University Indiana University at Bloomington Indiana Wesleyan University Iowa State University Iowa Wesleyan College John Carroll University Kalamazoo College Lake Forest College Lawrence University Lee University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Macalester College Marquette University Marshall University Martin Methodist College Marymount Manhattan College
Maryville College Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Midway College Millikin University Mississippi State University Morehouse College Motlow State Community College Mount St. Mary’s University Murray State University Nashville State Community College New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Otterbein University Pace University, New York City Pace University, Westchester Campus Palm Beach Atlantic University Pellissippi State Technical Community College Pennsylvania State University–All Campuses Providence College Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Rice University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Louis University Samford University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville Southern Methodist University Spelman College Spring Hill College
St. Thomas University Stetson University Tennessee Technological University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University The Catholic University of America The College of Wooster The George Washington University The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama in Huntsville The University of Memphis The University of Scranton Trevecca Nazarene University Tulane University Union University United States Air Force Academy United States Military Academy– Army University of Arkansas University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of Cincinnati University of Colorado at Boulder University of Dallas University of Dayton University of Denver University of Evansville University of Florida University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami University of Michigan
University of Mississippi University of New Hampshire at Durham University of North Alabama University of North Carolina at Asheville University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Southern Indiana University of Tennessee, Chattanooga University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Tennessee, Martin University of the Cumberlands University of Utah University of Vermont University of Wisconsin, Madison Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech Virginia Wesleyan College Volunteer State Community College Wake Forest University Watkins College of Art and Design West Virginia University Western Kentucky University Wilkes University William Jewell College Wofford College Xavier University
*Schools attending in bold.
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Adams State University Albion College Appalachian State University Aquinas College Arkansas State University Auburn University Auburn University Montgomery Austin Peay State University Baylor University Bellarmine University Belmont Abbey College Belmont University Berry College Birmingham-Southern College Boston College Bradley University Brandeis University Butler University Case Western Reserve University Centre College Chattanooga State Technical Community College Christian Brothers University Cincinnati Christian University City College of New York CUNY Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Colby College College of the Holy Cross Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Columbia State Community College Creighton University Cumberland University DePaul University Drake University Drexel University Earlham College East Tennessee State University