F E AT U R E S T O R I E S Out of A frica : Meeting our New Chaplain L egac y Gala honors the Blairs Relay for L ife hits $ 1 M illion Athletics Hall of Fame A nnou nced w w w. f a t h e r r y a n . o r g I
Board of trustees
CONTENTS
Executive Committee
Winter 2019
David Glascoe, Chair Bill Stejskal ’79, Vice Chair Jack Polson, Finance Committee Chair J udy Komisky Orr ’75, Membership Committee Chair
Cover: Compassion is a simple act, delivered with love. The cover shows Father Ryan’s Chandler Hallmark ’13 providing her lunch to a homeless man in Washington, D.C., during the March for Life. Beginning on page 14.
Volume XLV Number 1
Committee Chairs Julie Norfleet ’88, Advancement Brett Wesnofske ’88, Facilities
Ex-Officio Members
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Your 100% tax-deductible gift to the Father Ryan Annual Fund helps us carry out the tradition of
Faith, Knowledge and Service that guides our students today.
To make a gift visit fatherryan.org/giving.
Rebecca Hammel James A. McIntyre Bishop J. Mark Spalding
Feature
Table of Contents
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In the News
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Special events
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Visual and Performing Arts in Action
Board Members Tom Bauer Rev. Mark Beckman Tommy Bradley ’81 Mary Brennan John Bumpus ’78 Lee Clark Dave Gallagher ’88 Brittney Testerman Griffith ’03 Warner Hassell Judy Hoover William Krueger Dr. Robert Labadie Carmen Mondelli Lux ’91 Philip M. Mattingly, Sr. ’69 Bob Mendes Pat Nolan ’69 Matt Pietsch ’97 Ralph Schulz Thomas Turner
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Life Trustees Thomas G. Connor, Sr. ’60 William H. Farmer ’65 Edward B. Gore J. Terry Hunter Vincent T. Phillips William F. Smith Edward A. Stack
National Merit Honorees. New AP course. Teacher achievements. New Board member.
Homecoming 2018. Relay for Life reaches two milestones.
Purple Masque Players perform C.S. Lewis. Singers honored. Winter Guard and Marching Band honors. Artists achieve at Dia de los Muertos.
Athletics News
Fall sports round-up. Hall of Fame launched. Remembering the 1969 Wrestling Team.
Cover Story: Compassion
Service Learning program. Junior Retreat. Theology Speakers Series. Discovering the Little Pantry that Could.
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A Trip through the Civil Rights movement
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Veterans Breakfast and Strategic Plan
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40th Annual Legacy Gala
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Class Notes, Births, Weddings & In Memoriam
A Civil Rights tour changes one teacher’s life. Meeting the new Chaplain.
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Administration James A. McIntyre, President Paul J. Davis ’81, Principal Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Anton, Academic Dean Michael La Haie, Dean of Students E lizabeth Coyle Elfers ’02, Dean of Campus Ministry and Student Life Dr. Devin DeLaughter, Director of Athletics Rev. Delphinus Mutajuka, Chaplain Marisol Preston, Director of Admissions Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement
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©2019 FRHS 24925
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In The News winter 2019
OWEN CHAMNESS is a Christ the King alumnus and parishioner who is taking six AP courses this semester and has previously completed three other AP courses. His academic achievements have earned him a position on the Academic Dean’s List for 14 quarters.
NATIONAL MERIT HONOREES LEAD STATE AGAIN Father Ryan has a strong history of seniors being honored by the National Merit Scholarship Foundation, and this year is no exception. Nine seniors received recognition, including four who have been named Semifinalists, which gives Father Ryan the most Semifinalists of any Catholic high school in Tennessee. The Semifinalist honorees are JOHN BOTTEI, twin sisters KATE and MEG CONNOR, and WARD JAEGER. They will find out in the spring if they will be named National Merit Finalists. The five seniors who were named National Merit Commended Scholars are OWEN CHAMNESS, JOSEPH GALLIVAN, TRUMAN MCDANIEL, T.J. NICHOLSON and ALEX SAAVEDRA. In addition, Alex was named a National Hispanic Scholar by College Board. JOHN BOTTEI is a St. Bernard alumnus and parishioner at St. Stephen who is taking six AP courses this year and has already completed five other AP courses. John is also an accomplished singer and actor, performing with both the Show Choir and the Purple Masque Players. John is the Senior Class Vice President, was on the Relay for Life Committee, serving as Director of Production, and is on the inaugural Student Ministry Team, a group of 12 upperclassmen who help 2
plan liturgies for the school. A Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, he is also on the Science Olympiad team, and a member of the Environmental Awareness Club. He attended the Bethlehem Farm mission trip this past summer, regularly volunteers at Nations Ministry, and attends daily Mass. He’s been on the Academic Dean’s List all 14 quarters at Father Ryan. KATE CONNOR is a St. Henry alumna and parishioner who is currently taking five AP courses and has already completed three other AP courses. A member of the Purple Masque Players on both the stage crew and as an actress since her freshman year, she has been involved in several plays and musicals during her time at Father Ryan. She is also an accomplished dancer who has performed in the Father Ryan Christmas concert. A regular volunteer at the Susan Gray School, Kate is also a mem-
ber of Model UN, the National Honor Society and the Cum Laude Society. She’s been on the Academic Dean’s List or Honor Roll all 14 quarters at Father Ryan. MEG CONNOR is a member of the Purple Masque Players, having worked on the stage crew as well as having acted in multiple Father Ryan productions. In addition, her dancing talent was showcased in the school’s annual Christmas concert. An active participant in Model UN, Meg is a member of the National Honor Society and the Cum Laude Society. This St. Henry graduate and parishioner is currently taking six AP courses and has already completed two other AP courses. Meg also regularly volunteers at the Susan Gray School. She’s been on the Academic Dean’s List all 14 quarters at Father Ryan. WARD JAEGER came to Father Ryan from Arkansas’s Christ the King School and is an active musician and student. He has completed two AP courses, is currently taking four AP courses and is also a member of the Father Ryan Marching Band. In addition, Ward is a member of the Junior Classical League and is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He is on the inaugural Student Ministry Team, a group of 12 upperclassmen who help plan liturgies for the school. He’s been on the Academic Dean’s List all six quarters that he has been at Father Ryan. Ward attends Mass daily and often ministers as an Altar Server. He is a parishioner of St. Philip.
Owen is active in Campus Ministry as an Altar Server, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and especially as the inaugural co-chair of the Student Ministry Team. He also shares his musical gifts as part of the Wind Ensemble, is at home in the water as a member of the Swim and Dive Team, and has earned membership in the Cum Laude Society and National Honor Society. Owen also finds time to give back, having completed a Catholic HEART Work Camp Mission Trip and participated in Alternative Spring Break. JOSEPH GALLIVAN is a St. Bernard Academy alumnus and a parishioner at St. Ann. He is currently taking three AP courses, has completed one additional AP course, and has been on the Honor Roll a total of eight quarters. Active in a number of different arenas on campus, Joseph is a member of the Purple Masque Players and worked the tech crew in this fall’s production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. He is also in the Investment Club and the Respect Life Club in addition to playing on the Varsity Boys Soccer Team. TRUMAN MCDANIEL is an alumnus of Sunset Middle School and is a parishioner at Holy Family in Brentwood. The Senior Class President, Truman is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, active in the Junior Classical League, and is a member of the National Honor
Society, the Cum Laude Society, and the Mu Alpha Theta Society. An Eagle Scout, he also serves as a Peer Mentor and has twice been part of Alternative Spring Break. Truman is an accomplished musician. He is a member of the Winter Drumline, the Marching Band, where he plays the baritone saxophone, and plays the cello at Mass. His artistic talents extend to photography; a photo of Truman’s was used as the cover shot on the previous issue of Irish Ayes. He has made the Academic Dean’s List all 14 quarters at Father Ryan and is currently taking six AP courses, with three other AP courses already completed. In addition, he teaches Sunday School at Holy Family and was one of two students who served on the Father Ryan Strategic Plan Steering Committee. T.J. NICHOLSON, a Christ the King alumnus and parishioner, is active in a number of programs and clubs on campus, from the Cooking Club, the American Sign Language Club, and the Junior Classical League to the Science Olympiad and Student Ministry Team. He’s also a leader for the Marching Band, both for his trumpet playing and his presence and example to his fellow band members.
A member of the National Honor Society and the Cum Laude Society, he is also an Altar Server and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. T.J. has been on the Academic Dean’s List or Honor Roll all 14 quarters at Father Ryan. He is currently taking four AP courses and has already completed three other AP courses. He regularly ministers as an Altar Server. ALEX SAAVEDRA is a Montgomery Bell Academy alumnus and a St. Henry parishioner. Currently taking five AP courses and having completed four additional AP courses, Alex is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the Academic Dean’s List all 14 quarters at Father Ryan. He is an active participant in the Marching Band and the Wind Ensemble, and is a member of the new American Sign Language Club. In addition, he is one of the leaders of the Science Olympiad, which finished 2nd among all high schools in Middle Tennessee at last spring’s State Science Olympiad Tournament.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTS 47 The Academic achievements continue to grow. This past October, Father Ryan proudly inducted 47 exemplary students into the National Honor Society (NHS). The five seniors and 42 juniors comprising this year’s class all met the requirements mandated by the NHS, which weigh academics, leadership, service and character. Congratulations to these amazing students and their families. 3
MRS. SARAH KIEFFNER INDUCTED INTO SPEECH & DRAMA HALL OF FAME Congratulations to Mrs. Sarah Kieffner (with her family at left) on her recent induction to the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League Hall of Fame! Inductees into this Hall of Fame must meet multiple requirements, including, but not limited to, 10 or more years of service in Tennessee, a demonstration of outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty, a willingness to help colleagues, and a dedication to individual students and their futures. In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Kieffner was gracious and loving, just as she always is. Here are a couple of excerpts:
AP COURSE 27: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Father Ryan students now have 27 Advanced Placement (AP) courses available to them, thanks to the addition of a new course this year: AP Human Geography. Taught by history teacher (and Football Assistant Coach) Mr. John Dooling, the course is meant to be eye-opening, helping students to shed a light on different cultures around the world. Mr. Dooling, who currently has one daughter at Father Ryan and a 2018 graduate now studying at Clemson, recently sat down to discuss the new course offering and what he hopes it will provide students. WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON YOU AND THE FATHER RYAN HISTORY DEPARTMENT DECIDED TO ADD THIS COURSE TO THE CURRICULUM? JOHN DOOLING: The main reason is that our students are being constantly bombarded with current events (culture, immigration, religion) that they really do not understand. These events are happening in real time, and my feeling is that the students are seeing the events for themselves, have to deal with the consequences, but really do not understand the underlying cause or what other events led to the event happening. DID ANYTHING IN YOUR BACKGROUND INSPIRE YOU TO BEGIN THIS COURSE? JD: Being a history teacher, with a political science background, I am constantly analyzing history. I look at the causes, the effect of the event as it happens, and the effect that the event has on people, communities, governments, and countries. I feel with this class the students will better understand what is going on when things happen around the world. They do see 4
the impact that everyday humans have on each other and how that relates to them as part of this world population. IS THIS COURSE MORE NECESSARY IN TODAY’S AGE THAN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN, SAY, 20 YEARS AGO, BEFORE THE INTERNET HAD TRULY TAKEN OFF?
While I have not met all of my professional goals, I do feel that, in many ways, my life has come full circle. (My speech coach) Mrs. Sandra Davis became a second parent to me. I wanted to be Mrs. Davis because of the way she made me feel like I belonged. On speech trips I learned to be self-sufficient, deal with disappointment and boredom and carry myself with confidence... I often feel like a surrogate mom to my students, whom I refer to as my non-biological children. I have sewn buttons on their blazers, soothed them when they cried, shared in their triumphs. It is such a joy to watch them grow in confidence and character... When I look at the list of hall of fame members, I can’t believe that I get to join this club. I do not feel at all worthy, but I want you to know how much it means to have my name printed here. And Mrs. Davis, if you are watching, I miss you, and I hope I am making you proud. I still want to be just like you.
CHRISTMAS WITH MRS. COX
JD: In today’s world of 24/7 news and smartphones, students are exposed to more news and analysis of current events than ever before. Oftentimes, it is the worst of news—or the most cynical of judgment—that we see featured, and this can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. So it is certainly more important now that students know the full story before forming an opinion.
NEW BOARD MEMBER
Father Ryan has named attorney Matthew Pietsch ’97 as the newest member of the school’s Board of Trust. In making the announcement, President Jim McIntyre said, “As we implement the new strategic plan in preparation for our Centennial celebration in just six more years, it is good to have the experienced counsel of our talented Board, and Matt adds a valuable perspective and unique experience to our discussions. I am pleased to welcome him to the Board.” Matt Pietsch is the owner and managing attorney of Reforma Law PLLC, a fully bilingual law firm that concentrates in the areas of immigration, business and real estate law. He represents businesses, families and individuals in Middle Tennessee and around the world, providing legal counsel regarding various aspects of immigration law, compliance and representation before government agencies. Previously, he has served as an Assistant State Attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida, and as an Assistant District Attorney General in Nashville. Mr. Pietsch received his bachelor’s degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER GOALS OF THIS CLASS? JD: Definitely one is to highlight the theme of compassion. The students are seeing through the course curriculum what many people go through just to make it until the end of the day. They have opinions on the right and wrong of human interaction and will volunteer personal thoughts on how treating others with compassion and resolving issues now instead of later go hand-in-hand. These students have a good grasp on their world, and they are just waiting for their turn to make an impact.
You never know where our esteemed and talented faculty members might show up when they aren’t at Father Ryan. If you happened to download Katy Perry’s “Cozy Little Christmas” album, you should listen closely. You’ll hear our own choral director and Grammy nominee Mrs. Julie Cox singing along with Katy. Mrs. Cox was part of the vocal group that sang backup vocals on the new Christmas classic. Congratulations on another big achievement, Mrs. Cox!
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THE IRISH COME HOME One of the most anticipated weekends during the school year at Father Ryan is Homecoming. Held annually in September, it’s always an amazing time welcoming back hundreds of our 11,000+ living alumni for a Friday night of great food, football and friendship. This year’s Homecoming was held on Friday, September 28. After a week of rain, God parted the clouds and gave us a gorgeous 70+ degree day for the festivities. The action started bright and early, when competing Pitmasters began setting up their barbecue and smoking stations for the 6th Annual Pride in the Pit BBQ Contest. The proceeds of Pride in the Pit support Campus Ministry’s Mission Trips, and this year’s event grossed nearly $6,800. While the teams filled the campus with the delicious smells of smoked meat, all of the students and faculty gathered in the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse for a huge Pep Rally. The Cheerleading Team and Dance Team pumped up the crowd, and some of our faculty and staff even surprised all in attendance with a choreographed flash mob, set to a medley of current hits! By 5:00pm, activities were taking place all over campus. Junior Irish Night was held in the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse, where our young Irish fans en6
joyed games and inflatables. Alumni stopped by the Alumni Tent for a chance to win a Spirit Store gift card, and the Class of 1969, this year’s Golden Grads, were treated to an on the field tent. Over at the Pride in the Pit Contest, more than 500 people enjoyed the samplings of different takes on barbecue, while the celebrity judges, including Rebecca Hammel, the Superindent of Schools for the Diocese of Nashville, judged the culinary entries. In the end, the winner of the Grand Pitmaster prize was the team “No Butts, No Glory,” while “Holy Smokers of Elliston Place” took home the prize in the “Anything Butt” pork category. As the pre-game festivities came to a close, thousands piled into the stands of Giacosa Stadium to watch the Irish Football Team take on the Ensworth Tigers. Before kickoff, the Class of 1969 was honored at midfield, and Gino Marchetti ’69 provided a beautiful and powerful rendition of the National Anthem.
Of course, Homecoming would not be complete without the Homecoming Court. At the game’s halftime, our 2018 Homecoming Court, made up of young ladies and their escorts, was presented. CAMILLE KNOLL ’19 was crowned the 2018 Homecoming Queen by last year’s Queen EMILY HOSTETTLER ’18 and was welcomed to the Homecoming Queen family by returning Irish Homecoming Queen ANN MARIE (RODGERS) STRICKMAKER ’94, who was crowned Queen in 1993. Despite the Football Team falling to Ensworth in a hard-fought game, this year’s Homecoming was one for the record books. It was a beautiful evening of nostalgia and charity, and in the end, everyone left feeling an overwhelming sense of Irish Pride! A celebration at every turn (clockwise from top left): No Butts, No Glory wins the prize; Junior Irish enjoy the fun; the Irish challenge Ensworth; Homecoming Queens Hostettler ’18, Knoll ’19 and Strickmaker ’94; our esteemed BBQ judges.
SETTING RECORDS; LEAVING A MARK It was a day for records, a day for compassion and a day for celebrating what the Father Ryan crest means...wherever it is worn. No one better captured this spirit during Father Ryan’s 10th Annual Relay for Life than our much-loved former Vice Principal and Academic Dean Sara Hayes. A cancer survivor herself, Ms. Hayes energized the crowd of more than 4,000 participants when she took the mic, thanked them for their support, and then revealed how much that love and support meant to her. She took off her baseball cap, revealing her recently-shorn head and the tattoo of the Father Ryan crest that she had added to her head. That moment was just one of the highlights of a day filled with touching tributes, courageous acts of charity, fun, strength, and laughter. Dozens of young women donated their hair to make wigs for cancer patients, and hundreds reveled in games, food, music and prayer. By day’s end, Father Ryan broke the $1,000,000 mark for lifetime dollars raised via our Relay for Life events since 2009. This year’s Relay alone raised over $203,000, another record. This year’s student co-chairs were seniors MAGGIE EIDT and DREW SLOAN. Both did an amazing job setting up
and coordinating this massive student-led fundraiser, and they both did so with many other commitments already on their plates. For Maggie, the honor of being Relay for Life Co-Chair was particularly emotional and personal, as her younger sister, Julia ’21, is a cancer survivor. Maggie saw her sister courageously battle and overcome the disease. This experience, while difficult, spawned a call in her to give back and raise money to help families dealing with cancer. The students who volunteered, not only this year but in years past, deserve the utmost of praise, as do their families, our faculty/staff, the participating schools and our thousands of Irish supporters. The Father Ryan community is robust and strong because of its strength in numbers. Relay for Life is just one of many events each year that remind those in Ryan Nation just how large their family truly is.
A record-setting and touching day expressed in dollars, miles walked and celebration: top right, Sara Hayes shows off her crest tattoo; bottom right, girls share their hair for others; families and supporters beat the drums to support cancer fighters. 7
Visual and Preforming Arts winter 2019
TEN FATHER RYAN SINGERS HONORED Congratulations to the Father Ryan Singers who were selected for the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association’s AllState and MidState Choruses. More than 700 students from the Middle Tennessee area competed, and Father Ryan had 10 singers place. SARAH BARRY ’19, COLLEEN WARNER ’19, STEPHANIE SASS ’19, ABBY FOLEY ’19, CAROLINE PATIENT ’21, KEATON DURAND ’19, JOHN BOTTEI ’19, RYAN DAVIS ’19 and JOSEPH KENT ’19 made MidState Chorus. Freshman AMANDA OHMER competed and was placed in the Freshman Honors Chorus. In addition, Abby Foley made All-State Chorus and John Bottei and Ryan Davis were chosen as All-State alternates.
WINTER GUARD PROMOTED Congratulations to the Father Ryan Winter Guard (top), who have been promoted from A Class to Open Class! Father Ryan is one of only three squads who have made the World Championship Finals three years in a row, and it was because of this accomplishment that the Guard advanced to this new level.
MARCHING BAND STRIKES A CHORD IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP The Marching Band (center) struck all the right notes this fall. After a season full of practices and football games, the Band stared at the State Championship in Smyrna.
THE PURPLE MASQUE PLAYERS EXPLORE NARNIA Audience members in the Center for the Arts were transported to a world of fantasy and delight when the Purple Masque Players performed their rendition of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe this past November. The 107-student troupe put on five performances, including a Saturday matinee, plus a special performance for 3rd-8th graders who were visiting the Father Ryan campus. The play, which is based on the 1950 novel of the same name by British author C.S. Lewis, tells the story of four children who are transported to the magical and fantastical land of Narnia via a magic wardrobe. Given that Narnia is a wondrous place of mythical creatures, witches and talking animals, precise and elaborate set and costume design were in high demand. “All of the actors did an amazing, job,” said Kelli McClendon, Director of the Visual and Performing Arts Department and the play’s Director. “But as is often the case in theatre, the set designers, costume designers and stage crew were the unsung 8
heroes. They truly captured the essence and mystique of Narnia and all of Lewis’s amazing characters.” One of these characters is the infamous White Witch, who is the play’s main antagonist. Senior DELANEY HERRMANN ’19 took on the challenge of this lead role, and she was joined by fellow leads ABBY FOLEY ’19 as Aslan, JOHN BOTTEI ’19 as Peter, ERIN MAHONEY ’19 as Susan, WILL CONGER ’21 as Edmund, and CLARA JOHNSON ’22 as Lucy. “This play was truly a team effort,” said Ms. McClendon. “Every individual involved stole the show in their own way, and without any one of them, the show would not have gone on. I’m so proud of this cast and crew.”
They went into the finals in 5th place...and then they really shined. They finished 3rd place in Drumline, 2nd place for field commander, 1st place for the Guard, and 3rd place overall in State! What a performance...what a Marching Band!
A TRIBUTE TO DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Father Ryan art students took home 1st prize at Cheekwood’s Tapete Competition on Saturday, October 27 (bottom). The competition was held as part of Cheekwood’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Day of the Dead is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico and Latin America. It is a day for family and gathering to honor and celebrate loved ones and friends who have passed. Eleven area high schools competed by using chalk to create large-scale designs to honor the deceased. In the 13-year competition, this was Father Ryan’s first appearance.
The Purple Masque Players will be back this spring with their annual musical.
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Athletics winter 2019
Facing crosstown rival Ensworth on the Tigers turf, the Irish established an early 7-0 with an interception returned for a touchdown by All-State two-way player SEAMUS O’CONNELL ’19. The Tigers then knotted it up at seven, but the Irish answered with an ANTONIO WRIGHT ’20 touchdown to make it 13-7. Unfortunately, Ensworth was able to find the endzone and take a one-point lead, and that’s how the game ended. Throughout the season, the Irish were supported by a passionate fanbase, including alumni, parents, and of course, The Jungle. The playoff game at Ensworth was no exception, as the visiting bleachers were packed with purple. The ceiling is high for this Irish squad.
Freshman JACOB GARLAND, who has been leading the Irish Golf Team all season, qualified as an individual and competed in a field that featured mostly junior and senior golfers. With Garland striking the iron well at only 14 years old, we can’t wait to witness his progression over the next three seasons! Sisters ELLA ’19 and EVA ’21 GRAHAM, who are the greatnieces of Lou Graham ’56, winner of the 1975 U.S. Open, also qualified as individuals. They both performed strongly, with Ella surging in the final round to finish in the Top 10! Congrats to these three and to the entire Irish Golf Team on a strong fall campaign!
BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF It was another strong season for the Irish Golf Teams, culminating in three golfers qualifying as individuals to compete in the State Tournament at Willow Brook Golf Course in Manchester, TN.
There are 10 decades of Irish Hall of Famers. Now they have a home. Introducing the
FALL SPORTS ROUND-UP Seven varsity sports squads competed for Father Ryan during the fall season, giving Irish fans many reasons to celebrate. GIRLS SOCCER FINISHES SECOND IN STATE The Girls Soccer Team, led by TSSAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Robin Dieterich ’73, fell to GPS in the final on a late goal, finishing second overall in State, a huge accomplishment given their young roster. The Lady Irish will look to build on this momentum next season when much of their starting lineup returns, including BRADIE WEST ’21, who was named The Tennessean’s Girls Soccer Athlete of the Week for her performance in the playoffs.
5TH STRAIGHT FINAL FOUR FOR VOLLEYBALL
State Championship next fall!
CROSS COUNTRY RUNS WILD The Cross Country Teams ended their stellar seasons on a high note, with the Girls finishing 4th in the State Meet at Steeplechase, their best team finish since 1999! The four leaders of the Girls squad will all return for next season. MARY HAMPTON HAYDEN ’20, STELLA HARRISON ’21, HELEN MCCALL ’20 and RACHEL KNAPP ’20 all finished in the top-25, and Stella captured 9th place.
For the 5th straight season, the Father Ryan Volleyball squad made the Final Four in the State Finals, an unprecedented accomplishment in their division, given the large schools and intense competition.
The Boys finished 5th overall as a team, with three runners in the top-25. The young team was led throughout much of the season by CIRO ALBAMONT ’22, IAN BOER ’19 and BEN EMERSON ’22, and with only five seniors graduating, the future is bright for the cross country team!
The Lady Irish were led by senior libero JACQUELYN KRUMNAUER, who recorded her 1,000th career dig earlier this season.
FOOTBALL
The legacy of Volleyball at Father Ryan continues to grow, as Head Coach Ann Mullins ’03 leads squads that are rife with talent and I.Q. The Lady Irish will have their sights set on a
For more than 94 years, Father Ryan athletes, coaches, teams and supporters have represented the Irish at the highest levels…locally, regionally, nationally. In August of 2019, many of those outstanding competitors will find themselves in a new place in Father Ryan history: the inaugural class of the Father Ryan Athletic Hall of Fame.
Nominate someone by March 1, 2019 We invite everyone in Ryan Nation to submit nominees. Selection criteria are online at www.fatherryan.org/halloffame. Learn more and submit your nomination online; or you can print the form and mail it to Father Ryan. Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2019.
A Hall of Fame Induction…Irish Style! The first class will be inducted before our home football opener in August 2019 in a special ceremony.
Despite a young roster and tough schedule, the Father Ryan Football Team showed grit and toughness throughout the season, ultimately ending their season in a playoff match that proved to be a nailbiter.
Nominate Today at
fatherryan.org/halloffame A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service
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Deadline: March 1, 2019 11
THE HOLY WARS UNFOLD To the wrestling sages across the state, the Holy Wars of 1968-1971 form an oft-told and long-remembered tale; its patina buffed to a fine sheen by its telling and retelling. A veritable touchstone for two schools and the bragging rights to wrestling supremacy. It was retold again, this January, as the state’s Irish teams—Knoxville Catholic, Chattanooga Notre Dame and Father Ryan—gathered for a wrestling showcase and a celebration of history. It all began in January 1968 with the Sunday afternoon match-up between Father Ryan and Notre Dame, held at Notre Dame. Paced by Martin Francis and Pezevant Whatley, the green Irish were undefeated and facing the purple Irish for the first time. The two schools had gathered the night before for dinner and late that Sunday morning for Mass together before taking the mat for the battle in front of a packed-to-the-rafters crowd. In a riveting match that came down to the final combatants, Notre Dame’s Whatley, who became the first African-American wrestling State Champion in TSSAA history in the ’67 tournament, pinned Father Ryan’s PHIL MATTINGLY ’69 to close out a 24-19 win. The Chattanoogans would go on to win their first State title three weeks later, with Father Ryan finishing 3rd, its best finish ever.
A MATCH TO REMEMBER LEADS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP WE’LL NEVER FORGET For a whole generation of Irish alumni—and the entire Father Ryan wrestling community—the magical winter of 1969 seems like yesterday. Coach JOE DRENNAN ’57 had guided the program from an idea to a force, producing over the prior two years the school’s first two State Champions—YOGI WALSH ’67 and FRANK BALTZ ’69. But there was something special about the 1969 squad. Senior-laden—only DOUG HENARD ’71 and JOE MORALES ’70 were underclassmen among the 12 wrestlers—and experienced by tournament after tournament after tournament of competition, the team arrived in Chattanooga on a mission. Led by State titles for seniors Scott Brunette and Bubba Donnelly, the Irish earned the championship before the finals began. On a cold and triumphant February night in Chattanooga, they hoisted the trophy, the first team Wrestling State Championship ever 12
claimed by a Nashville school. Fifty years later, we celebrated that team and its achievement at this year’s Johnny Drennan ’85 Memorial Wrestling Tournament, remembering the effort, the spirit and the atmosphere they created that season. But while the State title may have been sewn up before the Finals in Chattanooga, its key threads were knitted into place a month earlier, when the Irish from Nashville and the Irish from Chattanooga met on a Sunday afternoon in round two of what became known as the “Holy Wars” of Tennessee wrestling. Close your eyes and picture the old gym on that glorious Sunday afternoon. Can you hear the sound? Can you feel the spirit?
The memories of 1969 still echo: (opposite, clockwise from top) The wrestling alumni gather to honor the champions; The 1969 team, then and now, with Rose Drennan and her sons cheering them on. (Above), Mattingly rises from the mat after his deciding match; Brunette deals with an opponent.
The next year brought the two teams to Nashville for the season-ending match, and again Saturday dinner preceded, Sunday Mass. The old Father Ryan gym was packed beyond capacity, with fans ringing the floor as the tense match took place. Father Ryan’s team was an experienced, unbeaten squad. Notre Dame brought a powerhouse to Nashville as well. The match see-sawed throughout the first 10 matches, with Father Ryan leading 17-16 as JIMMY WILSON ’69 took the mat in hopes of a pin that would end the match. But the green Irish wrestler forestalled Wilson’s efforts, and once again, just as in ’68, the match came down to Whatley vs. Mattingly, with the Nashville Irish up 20-16. A repeat of the ’68 pin by Whatley would give Notre Dame the match.
But Mattingly was up for the contest, and while outsized by Whatley, he was able to avoid the big man’s efforts. The Notre Dame team and its faithful were screaming for a disqualification of Mattingly for stalling; the Father Ryan fans just smiled and cheered. Whether it was avoidance or amazing tactical execution, Mattingly held off Pez, and when the horn sounded, Father Ryan had a 20-19 win. Just like Notre Dame the year before, the Nashville team went on to claim its first State title, topping Notre Dame with individual crowns for Donnelly and Brunette. The trading continued…in 1970 it was a Notre Dame win in the headto-head match in January that set them up for their second title as Father Ryan finished second, with Morales and KEVIN LENAHAN ’70 claiming championships and the Nashville Irish left asking “what if…” For ROY GARR ’71, the regional champ and a threat to win State, contracted the flu after the regional tournament and was forced to miss the State. In 1971, it was time for the trophy to go back to Nashville as Father Ryan topped Notre Dame in the head-to-head and brought home its second team State Championship. Those four years are still talked about among the wrestling veterans…both the combatants and those who witnessed them. Father Ryan has gone on to win a total of 25 state wrestling titles and established itself as one of the best programs in the region, but COACH PAT SIMPSON ’74 still says the greatest team match he ever saw was the 1969 Notre Dame vs. Father Ryan match at Father Ryan. Whether it was fifty years ago or last month the Holy Wars of wrestling still inspire, reminding us all of the legacy and the spirit of the sport and our faith.
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What is compassion? According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, compassion is the “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” In the fractured times we are living, having a sense of compassion is paramount not only for the leaders of our country but for every person who interacts with another human being who may be suffering. Which begs the question: how do you grow a sense of compassion in others? How do you teach compassion? Compassion is not a mathematical equation one can study or practice; compassion isn’t something you can memorize or learn by reading a book. One might even argue that either you have it or you don’t – that compassion is impossible to teach. But that isn’t the case at Father Ryan, which has helped its students grow a sense of compassion for more than 90 years.
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‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:35-40 At Father Ryan, teaching compassion comes in two parts. That means taking what the students learn in their four years of Theology (including courses on the Scriptures, Sacraments, Social Justice and Senior Service) and combining that with a service-learning curriculum developed by Father Ryan’s Campus Ministry Department. While any school or organization can encourage volunteering, what makes Father Ryan’s service learning program unique is that every student must complete 90 percent of their service hours serving the poor or marginalized by practicing the Works of Mercy outlined in Matthew 25: 35-40: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him and say, ’Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ’Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Therefore, the service learning program combines Catholic social teachings and relational work with the poor and marginalized—giving students a window into the lives of the disenfranchised—something not all students or even some adults have in their lifetime. When choosing their service hours, students must work with an established non-profit, all hours must be verified by a representative of the non-profit and all hours must be spent serving the poor or marginalized. More specifically, students should have face-to-face, direct, relational service with the homeless, the economically poor, refugees or immigrants, the elderly, the terminally ill, or those with disabilities. The last requirement is important to note. That stipulation means volunteering to teach Vacation Bible School, helping a neighbor with a home improvement project, volunteering at an animal shelter or packing sack lunches for the homeless at your house does not count towards this curriculum. According to the Campus Ministry Department at Father Ryan, these are all wonderful things to do, but “it does not create relationships of solidarity across people of significant difference.” 16
“Building relationships with people who are different than you and still being able to treat them with love and respect, I believe, is at the heart of cultivating compassion,” says Elizabeth (Coyle) Elfers ’02, Dean of Campus Ministry and Student Life at Father Ryan. The curriculum seems to be working. While the service learning program is Elizabeth Elfers ’02 a requirement for freshmen through juniors, there is no set requirement for seniors; however, 90% of the seniors take Senior Service as their senior Theology class, where they complete at least 40 hours of service during one semester. “It is our hope that what begins as a compulsory requirement freshmen year, turns into a real desire to serve others by senior year,” continues Mrs. Elfers. “You are serving others not because you have to, but because you want to.”
Compelled to Help But even with 90 percent of the seniors taking Senior Service, how do you know if this message of compassion is really connecting? For Mrs. Elfers, it is when she sees students take what they have learned through their service learning activities and then go above and beyond that requirement. She spoke of two students who decided to spend every day of their fall break volunteering at Smithson-Craighead Academy Charter School tutoring low-income students. This wasn’t a service project set up by the school, and these students had already completed their service hour requirements for the year. It was just something these students wanted to do. She also spoke of the number of students who want to apply to hold leadership positions in the Relay for Life committee or the high number of students who attend mission trips during their spring and summer breaks. Father Ryan students VERONICA FLORES ’19 and OWEN CHAMNESS ’19 both spent a week last summer volunteering at the Catholic Heart Work Camp in Champaign, Illinois. Catholic Heart Work Camp is a week-long summer mission trip that is directed by Michelle Mast in the Campus Ministry
THE COMPASSIONATE JUNIOR Although the entire Theology curriculum and Campus Ministry Department focus on compassion, according to Mrs. Elfers and many students too, it is the junior year Theology class and the Junior Retreat that focus on Catholic social teaching and social justice where students tend to gain true compassion. Department. Students from across the country come to a specific city that has several service sites where students can help. One year it was St. Louis, last year it was Champaign, and this year it is in Philadelphia. Although most of the students on the mission trip worked at low-income residents’ homes doing manual labor, Owen spent his time in Champaign working on a nature reserve, cleaning up the park, pulling weeds, fixing fences and making the area usable for other residents of Champaign. It wasn’t hard work for Owen, but it was work sorely needed by the city, and that is what ultimately had an impact on Owen.
Owen Chamness ’19
“At the end of the week, all of the families we served came together for celebration, and they were just so appreciative of the work we did for them and for their city,” recalls Owen. “It wasn’t hard for us to weed a garden or paint a fence, but it might have been hard for them to do. That made a lasting impression on me—how easy it is to show compassion and how the little things really do make a difference.” During her week in Champaign, Veronica worked at an organization called Empty Tomb, a store similar to Goodwill, except everything is free. Veronica spent her day each week welcoming the customers to the store, helping them shop and then restocking the shelves. It was an experience she will never forget.
“I met people there who had absolutely nothing, but they were still happy,” she Veronica Flores ’19 said. “That experience helped me to see how fortunate I am, and that the little things in life shouldn’t ruin my day. Other people are going through worse, and I should try to help them.” In addition to the summer mission trip, students also have an opportunity during their spring breaks to participate in a mission trip to Bethlehem Farm, a Catholic community in Appalachia that helps transform lives through service to the local low-income community while also learning about sustainable practices.
“Our junior year Theology classes coupled with the service learning requirement are designed for our students to find their voice, be engaged in the world and understand the plight of the disenfranchised,” says Mrs. Elfers. In addition to the 20 hours of direct, face-to-face, relational work with the poor or marginalized that is required junior year, Father Ryan also requires at least five hours of advocacy work focused on raising awareness and educating others about an issue. This advocacy work could include visiting with state representatives to discuss ending the death penalty or attending an advocacy march. The Junior Retreat is also a unique one in which students engage in several interactive activities focused on experiencing what it might be like to be poor or marginalized. This reinforces what they are already learning in their classes—showing compassion for others. The main activities during the retreat include a Refugee Simulation Drill designed by Catholic Charities, a Solidarity Drill that helps participants understand what it feels like to be an outsider, and speakers from Thistle Farms, women who have survived trafficking, prostitution and addiction and are working to transform their lives. According to Catholic Charities, the Refugee Simulation Drill is a “participatory simulation in which learners gain insight into the challenges associated with seeking refuge in a refugee camp. Participants engage in an experiential process that also fosters a sense of humility, grace-filled charity and solidarity.” For Owen Chamness the Refugee Simulation was illuminating. “The refugee crisis is an issue that a lot of private school kids in Tennessee might be blind to,” he said, “but taking part in the refugee simulation is an eye-opening experience that highlights the plight of a refugee and all that they go through to come here looking for a better life. And, in the end, we learn all we need to do is give them a helping hand to show them they are loved.”
Compassion in action; (opposite) students serving Bethlehem Farm; (above) preparing to help at Catholic Heart Work Camp. 17
and hospitality to their neighbors, delivering community and compassion to those in need.
“You are serving others not because you have to, but because you want to.” Mission trips can be especially important elements of service that can lead to a deeper level of compassion. That’s because students spend eight hours working together with the poor or marginalized, and then come back with the community that night and share their reflections with their classmates, fellow workers and teachers.
another organization also shaped her life and continues to impact her life and faith journey. Room In The Inn is a nonprofit organization that provides help and recovery to Nashville’s homeless population and is an organization where Katie and countless other Father Ryan students have volunteered for more than 33 years.
“Each year, these students come back from the trip and are usually more committed to service than they were before,” says Mr. Brent Fernandez ’99, the faculty member who leads the trip. “They look at their lives, the community, and ask themselves what else can I do here? What is my next step in my faith journey? And how can I continue to help others?”
Room In The Inn was founded by CHARLES STROBEL ’61 in the winter of 1985, when Strobel, pastor of Holy Name Church at the time, gave shelter and food to individuals seeking sanctuary in the parking lot of his church. With this simple act of compassion, Strobel began a citywide effort that now includes 7,000 volunteers and nearly 200 congregations from a variety of traditions who shelter and feed homeless men and women from November 1 through March 31 each winter season. However, even with all of these volunteers, it can still be difficult to find enough volunteers to help shelter these individuals on Christmas Eve. That’s where Father Ryan comes in.
KATIE CARTIGLIA ’17, a sophomore at Tulane University, who spent two spring breaks at Bethlehem Farm, was so impacted by the sustainability lessons and food security issues she learned there that she is still involved in those issues while in college in New Orleans. “After all I experienced at Bethlehem Farm, the issue of urban and rural food access is still so deeply ingrained in me,” she said. “Now living in New Orleans, which has many food deserts, I feel compelled to help.”
Opening Doors, Changing Lives Katie’s experiences at Bethlehem Farm certainly had an impact on her life, but 18
About nine years ago, Father Ryan received a call from the directors at Room In The Inn. They did not have enough shelter locations for all of the homeless individuals that Christmas Eve. Could Father Ryan help? The answer was a resounding yes. On that same night so many years ago, when Joseph, Mary and Jesus needed a place to stay, Father Ryan students, faculty, administrators and parents stepped up to provide a warm bed, good food
Since that time, Father Ryan has opened its school doors to 20 homeless men each Christmas Eve. It is a team effort led by Campus Ministry along with Father Ryan’s administrators. The students and their families provide the Christmas Eve meal, the Wrestling Team provides duffel bags with warm clothes and the administrators serve as the overnight innkeepers, among many other volunteers. “Each Christmas Eve, our students and families are invited to serve and join in the meal with our guests, and I am always impressed with the number of families who come to break bread with their neighbors,” said Mrs. Elfers. “Seeing students, parents, administrators and our guests circled up in prayer, sharing a meal together, is a beautiful sight.” In addition to the winter shelter services, Room In The Inn also provides emergency services, transitional programs, and long-term solutions to help people rebuild their lives. Father Ryan students can be seen frequently at the downtown campus to complete their service hours, but more often than not, it is Father Ryan students volunteering there simply because they care. “What is beautiful is that students come to us because of the service requirement,” said Rachel Hester, executive director at Room In the Inn. “But Father Ryan students still come to us long after their requirement is done, then I see these students bringing in their families. And even after the student graduates and is off at college, these families are still coming to volunteer.” Ms. Hester remembers fondly two Father Ryan graduates who did just that. While JAMESON LABADIE ’17 and ETHAN WILSON ’17 were students at Father Ryan, both were regular volunteers at Room In The Inn. Then after they graduated, during the summer, they asked if they could do
more. All on their own time, Jameson and Ethan created and taught a math class, teaching important mathematical concepts for two hours each week during the summer. Ms. Hester recalls that their math class was one of the most highly-attended classes ever at the Room In The Inn campus. “I love that Father Ryan gives their students the tools to think creatively about how they serve. Jameson and Ethan used what they were successful at and found a way to make it entertaining and educational for our participants,” says Ms. Hester. “They even came up with prizes for the class—one time it was pizza—and everyone was thrilled.”
Compassion Defined Room In The Inn administrators have a few sayings they live by. Charles Strobel is known for saying “every moment is a teachable moment” and Rachel Hester and her team like to say “when you are doing service right, you can’t tell who are the receivers and who are the givers.” At Father Ryan, our teachers and administrators are using every moment to share Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 25 with the hopes of building more compassionate people. While not every student at Father Ryan may put these lessons into practice after their service hours requirement is completed, many Father Ryan students do. They become both the givers and receivers. For Owen Chamness compassion can come in big and small packages. It may mean volunteering on a mission trip or it may be as simple as “seeing a person at school sitting by themselves and recognizing they need a friend.” For Katie Cartiglia, compassion is “seeing every person as my brother or sister, and showing love to that person despite the situation they are in,” a situation Katie recently faced. During a recent break from college, Katie was walking downtown in Nashville with a friend when she heard her name called out. When she turned, she saw it was a man she had met and served at Room In The Inn two years ago at Father Ryan. They both immediately recognized each other and had a conversation as two friends or neighbors would. “It was in that moment when I realized what an impact my service had made on me and how I can affect, welcome and support others through compassion,” Katie said. “If you can recognize everyone as a person worthy of your love, that is the true meaning of compassion.”
Katie Cartiglia ’17’s (opposite) service at Bethlehem Farm continues to guide her life today.
THEOLOGY SPEAKER SERIES OPENS MINDS An important step in becoming a compassionate person is having empathy for one another. It's easy in the hustle and bustle of our days not to be receptive to the struggles of others. Now in its 12th year as a regular part of the Campus Ministry program, the Theology Speakers Series hosts lectures that are thought-provoking and powerful, diving into issues that explore a deeper layer of our faith and morals than we may regularly seek to address. This year’s series began with attorney Jerome Del Pino, who works with death penalty cases around the country. He spoke about the history of the death penalty, its origins and its unique and varied use, state by state across America. He approached it from a both a legal and moral stand point, helping the students see the horror of this punishment and the debate that still swirls about it. Other speakers have included Father Mark Beckman, the pastor of St. Henry Catholic Church, who spoke along with Father Ryan parent and Board member Dr. Rob Labadie on a spiritual journey that they both shared. They ventured to Spain on a pilgrimage to Camino de Santiago, and spoke about the merits of both religious excursion and international travel. Both can lead, they said, to a greater understanding of others. Dr. Emily Trancik also spoke last year, discussing the state of healthcare in our country. A hotlycontested issue and one that often divides people politically, Dr. Trancik spoke of the empathy that healthcare providers and others in the industry must have. At the end of the day, it must be about people—not dollars and cents. Fr. Mark Beckman (top) and Dr. Robert Labadie describe their Camino experiences. Jerome Del Pino (above) explains death penalty issues. 19
“Our students are truly committed to seeing this non-profit succeed,” says Mrs. Elfers. “It may be one of the smaller non-profits in our community, but it fills a need, and our students realized that.” Stacy Downey, the founder and lone full-time staff member at the Pantry, speaks glowingly about Father Ryan’s involvement. “Father Ryan students have a different attitude than other school groups and other students who come here to volunteer,” Ms. Downey reflects. “Almost always when Father Ryan students come, they already have an idea of what service means. They seem to understand that serving others is not about ‘you’ or about patting yourself on the back. It’s just about not putting the food out for people to pick up; it is about the interactions and time spent with the people we serve, and they see that.”
FULFILLING A NEED: THE LITTLE PANTRY THAT COULD Compassionate, face-to-face, relational work with the poor and marginalized is at the heart of the Father Ryan service learning program and at the local non-profit, the Little Pantry That Could. Thanks to the partnership between Father Ryan and the Little Pantry, Father Ryan students have been privileged to meet, connect and serve the patrons of this Pantry from the very start. The Little Pantry That Could works likes a grocery store— where everything is free. The Pantry provides produce and shelf items on a weekly basis to its shoppers free of charge with no questions asked. The shoppers come every Saturday morning to peruse the shelfs and pick out what they like. But the really impressive part about this ministry is that the volunteers are not stationed behind a counter. The volunteers serve as personal shoppers and walk together “one-on-one” with each shopper, building relationships together, making the shoppers, feel supported, encouraged and always treated with dignity. While the shopping continues through the morning, it’s not uncommon to find a volunteer helping with resumés, a local banker offering financial education or a barber offering haircuts and beard trims. The Little Pantry believes in addressing the needs of its neighbors, whatever that need may be. “There is a real sense of equality at the Little Pantry,” says Mr. Johnathon McGee ’99, who directs this program at Campus Ministry. “You often don’t know who is the volunteer and who is the shopper. Everyone is working together towards a common goal. It is all communal-based and very much in line with the Father Ryan relationship-based approach to teaching compassion.” Father Ryan students have been involved with the Little Pantry since it opened in 2010 in a church basement. Since then, it has moved three different times and each time Father Ryan students have remained committed to the organization, even helping them move to each new location. 20
It’s those one-on-one interactions that make the Pantry more than just a food bank, and fit directly with the servicelearning curriculum taught at Father Ryan. “The interpersonal interactions can be intense so I don’t let just anyone meet with them,” Ms. Downey continues. “Father Ryan students are the youngest that I allow to come and serve in that capacity, and quite frankly, are often times better than even some adult groups.” In addition to the students who volunteer on Saturdays as personal shoppers, Father Ryan students also support the Pantry by unloading trucks, shopping local stores for discounted items and stocking the shelves in preparation for Saturday morning. And as a school, Father Ryan holds a canned food drive in November that benefits three non-profits including the Pantry. With food drives drying up after the holidays, any and all donations are a godsend. Just like Rachel Hester from Room In The Inn, Ms. Downey loves seeing Father Ryan students return even after they have graduated. One student even encouraged her college adviser to get involved in the non-profit, and now the college brings groups to volunteer—something Ms. Downey is grateful for— as she needs all the help she can get. “I have been so impressed with the students I’ve met, and it is amazing to see that the relationship doesn’t end after they graduate. They still want to help. That is very rare.”
You can learn more about these Father Ryan partners and how you can help, by visiting their websites Room In The Inn: www.roomintheinn.org Little Pantry That Could: thelittlepantrythatcould.org
TRANSFORMING LIVES AND TEACHING OTHERS One Father Ryan Teacher’s Trip Through the Civil Rights Movement While Father Ryan’s Campus Ministry Department created programs such as the Junior Retreat and the service learning curriculum with the intention of developing compassionate students, Father Ryan teachers are also seeking out opportunities to create compassion, both in themselves and in their students. This past summer, Mrs. Cheryl Edelen, a long-time teacher in the history department, attended a weeklong workshop program as a part of the James Madison Legacy Project, thanks to an invitation by LINDSEY DRAPER ’69 and Janis Kyser. Ms. Kyser is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement, an organization dedicated to preparing an active and informed citizenry through civic and law-related education. The Tennessee Center runs multiple programs, including two social studies
curriculums called “We The People” and “Project Citizen” as well as a three-year professional development program for government and civics teachers in either low-income or high-needs schools, called the James Madison Legacy Project. Although Father Ryan is not a high-needs school and was not able to participate in the three-year program, Mr. Draper, wanted to find a way for his beloved former school—Father Ryan —to have a teacher involved in this excellent program. Mr. Draper is a former Assistant District Attorney in the Public Defender’s Office and a former judge on the Children’s Court in Milwaukee. He now works with the Tennessee Center in his retirement as a judge for the “We The People” national high school constitution competition and as a mentor for the high-needs schools’ teachers in the James Madison Legacy Project. As luck would have it, the final part of
the three-year program was a six-day trip last summer through Alabama, seeing the locations and meeting people who played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights movement, and there was space for a Father Ryan teacher to attend. Mr. Draper even volunteered to forgo his stipend for the trip so a Father Ryan teacher could be there. “Father Ryan played a big part in shaping me into the person I am today, and I felt it was important for Father Ryan to have a presence in this remarkable program. I wanted to make it happen however I could,” says Mr. Draper. continued on p. 22
Mrs. Cheryl Edelin visited central sites of the Civil Rights Movement this summer, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, thanks to the generous support of Lindsey Draper ’69 (far left). 21
While Father Delly was enjoying the new friends he was making, as well as becoming acclimated to the American culture, it was also a challenging time in his life. He was thousands of miles from home, experiencing winter for the first time, and his only relative in the U.S. was his uncle and a few cousins. With his three siblings starting lives and careers in Tanzania, Father Delly considered moving back. Ultimately, however, he felt a calling to stay.
Luckily for Mrs. Edelen she was available and decided to go. It was a decision she now says she is grateful she made. “This trip was transformative for me. I will never be the same again. It is one thing to read about civil rights in a history book and then try to teach it. But this was a whole other experience,” says Mrs. Edelen. The itinerary for the trip was quite remarkable. From Thursday, June 7 until Tuesday June 12, teachers from across the state and some from New Mexico, visited Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma. Their site visits included a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, a visit to the 16th Street Baptist Church which was bombed in September 1963 by white racists, the Rosa Parks Museum and Freedom Riders Museum and many other historical sites. They also met and had discussions with a woman whose four young friends were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, people who had walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Selma March across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and many people who are working today for racial justice in the United States.
His hard work earned him a scholarship at The Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, where he entered the seminary and continued his path towards priesthood. It was here that he met the late BISHOP DAVID CHOBY ’65, and the two shared an instant connection. Bishop Choby convinced Father Delly to move to Nashville, and in 2014 he did just that, first being assigned to St. Rose of Lima and then serving as the Chaplain at St. Thomas Medical Center, before being assigned last July to Father Ryan.
After the visits each day, the groups reflected on what they saw and heard, and then discussed ways in which the teachers could use their experiences and the stories they heard to teach history, government and civics to their students.
“I am learning every day,” he says. “I have as much to learn as I have to teach, and the students help me with that.”
“With this program and trip, our goal has always been to help these teachers and thus help Tennessee kids understand our nation’s history and why things happened. Not just what happened but why did it happen?” says Mr. Draper. “And after it is all over, if these teachers gain a deeper understanding of civil rights or a different perspective of why things happened the way they did, then hopefully, our next generation of students will too.” For Mrs. Edelen, it has certainly shaped her worldview and how she approaches teaching her history classes. In her World History class, she plans to teach the Trans-Atlantic Trade portion differently and in her Contemporary Issues class where they discuss the Stop and Frisk issue—a more modern way of infringing on someone’s civil rights—she knows she has richer source material to pull from and people like Mr. Draper to call on for background questions if the need arises. “I am forever grateful for this trip and the opportunity I had,” she affirms, “Now, when I turn on the news, I look at things a little differently. I just want to bring the kids on a trip like this so they can learn and feel the history too.” 22
Still a “baby priest,” as he puts it, Father Delly relishes his youth and sees it as a strength at Father Ryan. Sporting a Nashville Predators jacket over his shirt and collar on a Friday, Father Delly certainly looks as much like a student as he does a teacher walking through the halls, smiling and saying hello to the many students who have taken a quick liking to him.
FAITH, LOSS AND UNDERSTANDING: FATHER DELLY’S PATH FROM TANZANIA TO NASHVILLE Growing up in Arusha, Tanzania, the third of four children born to Catholic parents, Delphinus Mutajuka was a regular kid. He was an avid soccer player and fan, he tried to keep up with his two older brothers, and thanks to his parents’ hard work and dedication to their faith, he attended Catholic schools. His upbringing in Catholic schools would ultimately provide Delphinus—or Father Delly, as he is known around campus— his life’s calling. He was meant to be a priest, and he now finds himself teaching—and learning from—the young minds at Father Ryan. Residing thousands of miles away from his native Tanzania, which is situated in East-Central Africa and known for its sprawling savannas and wildlife, Father Delly’s journey has been rewarding, trying and multinational. After finishing high
school, he was accepted to seminary in Nairobi, Kenya, a huge city—and Kenya’s capital—situated about a five-hour drive north of Arusha. For three years, Father Delly studied with the Apostles of Jesus, graduating in 2007 with a degree in philosophy. While studying in Nairobi was a pleasant and enriching experience for Father Delly, tragedy struck at home. Within two years, his father and mother were both sickened with typhoid fever, a disease caused by bacteria in water and that can be spread from person to person. Sadly, both of his parents succumbed to the illness, and after losing his father in 2004, Father Delly had to lay his mother to rest only two years later. Dealing with the loss of his parents was not easy. Not only were they a close-knit family, but Father Delly found himself orphaned at an impressionable age. He was only 23 years old when his mother passed, a time in life that is filled with more questions than answers. Seeking guidance, faith and a breath of fresh air, he relocated in July of 2007 to Peoria, Illinois, where an uncle of his works as a priest in the Diocese of Peoria. He began working and studying at Illinois State’s Saint John Paul II Newman Center, which was his first taste of campus ministry in America.
Father Delly has big plans for his tenure at Father Ryan. In addition to already establishing himself as one of the biggest fans of Irish athletics, the soccer enthusiast plans to assist Head Coach Robin Dieterich ’73 with the Boys Soccer Team in the spring. He would also love to eventually lead a mission trip to his native country, which would allow students not only to assist in works of service in Arusha and learn a new culture, but also to experience the immense beauty of the vast savannas right outside of the city. Father Delly never forgoes a tour when he is home for the holidays, as the natural beauty never loses its luster to him, even after seeing it dozens of times. While he still grieves every day for his parents and wishes he could still talk with them and tell them of his life, he knows that God has given him the gift of strength. It allows him not only to deal with his loss internally, but also to relate better and empathize with individuals who may be going through a hard time, especially the death of a loved one. God’s work is often mysterious and frustrating, leading people to anger and questions of “why me?” Father Delly understands this feeling, and he hopes that he can help others find solace and happiness through this enigmatic trek called life.
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FORMING LIVES OF EXCELLENCE IN THE CATHOLIC TRADITION Announcing The Father Ryan Strategic Plan Nearly a century ago, Father Ryan’s founders had a vision to create a school with a mission focused on the Gospel while forming lives of excellence in the Catholic tradition. In 2019, our mission as a school is more vital than ever to our city, region, country, and world.
century-long experience while responding anew to the needs of the people of Nashville and the world.
The resulting strategic plan and vision recognize the importance and richness of our traditions while also challenging us to remain focused on our mission as a school to serve people in During the 2017-2018 school year our community embarked the light of the Gospel. on a journey of self-reflection, self-discovery, and planning to The vision for the Strategic Plan is rooted in five major initiadevelop a strategic vision that recognizes Father Ryan’s almost tives, highlighted below. FURTHER MISSION BASED AND FAITH-CENTER EDUCATION
DEEPEN THE FATHER RYAN EXPERIENCE
ARTICULATE OUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY
EXPAND DEMAND, INCLUSIVITY, AND ACCESS
THE FACES OF SERVICE AND SACRIFICE: TELLING THEIR STORIES “Tell your story. Make sure others know what you know.” With these words, MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) JAMES MYLES ’70 encouraged the veterans at Father Ryan’s 14th Annual Veterans Breakfast to make sure their stories are known, by their families and by their neighbors. “That is how you can continue your service to your community,” he said. General Myles’s remarkable story begins at Holy Rosary Academy, where he attended grade school, and then at Father Ryan where, in addition to his schoolwork, he helped lead the Irish to the NIL Cross Country Championship. And he is the first to tell you that becoming an Army General was the most unlikely forecast for him. “If someone had looked around our classroom at Father Ryan and asked ‘who in here is least likely to be a general,’ everyone would have pointed my way,” he said. “But you never know where your life will lead you and the opportunities to serve that may present themselves.” His career is proof of that. Gen. Myles served more than 36 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Major General. His final assignment was the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, AL. In his career, he served in key command and staff positions throughout the Army, to include Commanding General, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command; Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division; Commander, 17th Aviation Brigade; service on the Joint Staff; and key leadership positions in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
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From 2011-2015, Gen. Myles held senior leadership positions at DynCorp International, culminating as Senior Vice President with profit and loss responsibility for its annual $1.3B aviation portfolio. As President of Myles Associates, LLC, he now provides strategic insights, guidance, and assistance to key clients supporting U.S. national security interests. The day’s celebration of service included the presentation of a special memorial plaque honoring the nation’s Medal of Honor winners who served as Chaplains. Two veterans, Mr. Patrick McDuffey and Mr. Ralph Bacue, a parent of alumni veterans, made the presentation to English department chair RANDY LANCASTER ’83 for his classroom. Mr. Lancaster also introduced JACK GALLAGHER ’19, who presented his Voice of Democracy essay on our responsibilities as citizens and voters. Add in the presence of WWII Veteran JOHN BURNS ’44, the beautiful voice of Julie Cox, choral director and granddaughter of a WWII veteran, closing the morning with the emotional “American Anthem,” and the playing of “Taps,” and this was a memorable moment for honoring our veterans and their commitment to service.
CREATE A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY AND SUSTAINABILITY
To hear General Myles’s address and to see photos of the event, visit www.fatherryan.org/veterans. The faces of service: Major Gen. Jim Myles ’70 speaks to the guests (top right) and visits with classmates and other veterans; Randy Lancaster ’83 receives special plaques from veterans Patrick McGuffey and Ralph Bacue (above); Jack Gallagher ’19 presents his essay.
We invite you to explore our strategic plan. “Forming Lives of Excellence in the Catholic Tradition” calls us to refocus our energies around our strong sense of purpose, grounded in the Gospel, and connect more powerfully with our extended community. Please join us as we embark on this next chapter of our school’s history. Visit WWW.FATHERRYAN.ORG/STRATEGICPLAN to learn more. 25
The source of that is Catholic education, which they say was always the easiest check to write. The reasons have been on display for years. “I was in a fraternity at Tennessee Tech with Paul Davis ’81, John Howington ’81, Mark Sharp ’81 and Tim Hoots ’81,” Marty says. “Outstanding men, each one. But the thing that impressed me, was the connection they all exhibited to each other because of where they went to school, and the commitment each had to lives of service because of what they had been taught at Christ the King, St. Henry and Father Ryan. That has always impressed me. I saw how the Catholic community builds like-minded and open-minded individuals who become lifelong friends and valuable parts of the community. And whenever we have been in need, that spirit, that outreach has been immediate, without us even asking.”
SERVANT LEADERS
“LEAVING BENCHMARKS ON OUR HEARTS” Lucy (Davis) ’78 and Marty Blair: 2019 Legacy Gala Honorees Think about the last invitation you received to a Catholic-sponsored event in the Diocese of Nashville. Whose names were on that event’s committee, and on the one before that, and on the one before that? And when you attend any of those events, who’s always there, enthusiastic in their support, generous with their gifts, and beaming with proud smiles? From the reception to support the endowment for the Advancement of Catholic Education (ACE) to the installation of our bishop to our diocesan classrooms and athletic fields, Lucy (Davis) ’78 and Marty Blair have lived their names, loudly “Blair–ing” a call for our support of Catholic education and celebrating their faith with the entire community. They have done so because they have seen first-hand the benefits of that faith-filled life. For these and many other reasons, Father Ryan is proud to announce that the Blairs are the 2019 Legacy Gala Honorees.
A LIFETIME OF SUPPORT While Lucy and Marty are quick to ask “why honor us?”, the rest of our community is just as quick to say how deserving they are. Just look at the list. Both of them products of Catholic education—Marty in Cincinnati as a youngster and Lucy at Christ the King and Father Ryan—the Blairs have put themselves squarely in the middle of our Catholic community. After each graduated from Tennessee Tech and after time spent in 26
Clearwater, FL, they found their way home, and the Catholic community drew them in. Lucy taught for 17 years at St. Henry, imparting both the lessons of the textbooks and the example of her and her family’s lives to the young boys and girls there. Marty, who has been involved in so many things Irish that people are stunned to learn that he didn’t GO to Father Ryan, started Star Physical Therapy, and when he wasn’t building that business, he was building relationships throughout the community as a coach, a parishioner, as a vocal supporter (“can I get a BAM!?), as a volunteer. Both Lucy and Marty will tell you that they do all these things because they can’t say no; but they also tell you that saying “no” isn’t an option when the ask is so compelling. “We are honored to be a part of the 2019 Legacy Gala and to lend our names and our presence to this important event and this outstanding school,” Lucy said. “The Catholic community overall, and Father Ryan in particular, has been such a gift to us that anything we can do to help, we want to do.” In talking about Father Ryan, where their children graduated—Ryan in 2007 and Erin in 2009—they talk about the impact the school continues to have on these two. “Father Ryan has always led when change needed to happen,” Marty said, “and as a result, the kids learn to give. I know Ryan and Erin are living the mission, sometimes without even knowing they are, and it is rooted in that tradition of faith, knowledge and service.”
The value that Lucy and Marty bring to our community includes countless volunteer activities. We mentioned coaching? Marty has been doing it for 26 years. Serving the diocese? After co-chairing the logistics of Bishop Mark Spalding’s ordination in February of 2018, Lucy was asked to stay on and assist the bishop as he set up his office. Three years prior she was working next to Father McMahon at Holy Family. Involvement in the ACE reception? Marty secured sponsorships while Lucy helped plan the event. The list of committees, of engagements, of events—and of differences made—continues to grow. And the Catholic community…Catholic education…grows stronger because of their work. “Father Ryan leaves benchmarks on your heart, and has done so for almost a century,” Lucy said. “We have to be involved in this wonderful enterprise to ensure that those benchmarks are planted on future generations of students, servants and leaders.”
Be a part of the 40th Annual Legacy Gala FEBRUARY 23, 2019 Join us to celebrate this four-decade-old legacy and honor the work of Lucy and Marty Blair. Tickets are available online at www.fatherryan.org, and all proceeds benefit Father Ryan High School. The event will be at the Omni Nashville Hotel on February 23, 2019 beginning at 6:00pm.
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Classnotes winter 2019
1986 STEFANIE (CUNNINGHAM) PORTER , CAROLINE FLYNN , MEGAN GRIFFIN , ELIZABETH (IMORDE) PURYEAR and JANET (RESHA) FEDOROWICH celebrated
their 50th birthday with a girls’ trip, complete with “throwback” t-shirts that showed off their 80s big hair style. Happy Birthday, Lady Irish! 1989 MIKE MONDELLI was inducted into the Sewanee Hall of Fame in October. He was a member of the 1992 SCAC Championship team that finished 8-1 on the season. Playing primarily as a defensive back, he helped his team allow just 15 points a game. Mike also led his team to a co-Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship (CAC) in 1990 thanks to a 7-1-1 record. He was a All-SCAC First Team selection in 1991 and 1992 and was listed as an Honorable Mention with the CAC in 1990.
FLASHBACK Seventy-five seasons ago it was seniors Anthony Hostettler, Michael Petrone, Jack Butler, Louis Catignani, and junior Robert Hansom leading on and off the court for the Irish of 1944. The newest edition of the Irish cagers are extending the legacy of Father Ryan basketball success this season. 1956 BILL SCHRICHTE and his bride Judi recently celebrated
1972 BOBBY WILSON has been appoint-
their 55th wedding anniversary.
ed to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Board of Directors. As the Deputy Director over Field Operations at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), he brings nearly 40 years of state agency expertise to the RBFF Board. 1981 KURT PAGE will become the new Headmaster at Fort
Dale Academy in Greenville, AL on June 1, 2019. For the past THE CLASS OF 1962 celebrated their annual mini-reunion in four years, he was Head Football Coach at Hillwood High
October in Gulf Shores, AL. In the photo are (left to right) JIM HUGHES , MIKE GALLAGHER , PHIL KINCAID, JOHN BATSON , JOE SEMMES , TOM BOND, BILL SOVINE , CLARK LUSTER and PAT MCREDMOND. Absent: JACK HUGHES and BOB MUSGROVE . 1969 GINO MARCHETTI, JR., managing
partner at Nashville-based Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti and Blair PLLC, has been installed as the 2018-19 president of the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence. He has been a partner at tpmbLaw since 1977, with primary areas of practice in commercial and business litigation, employment law, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, and tax-exempt entities. The NFJE provides appellate judges with educational programs and tools to enhance the rule of law and the administration of justice. 28
School in Nashville and has amassed a 137-103 career record, including stints at BGA, Father Ryan and Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, where he also served as Athletic Director. 1982 GREG PILLON , Director of Communications at Belmont
University is a Gabhart Award Recipient, the highest honor for a staff person who demonstrates significant achievements, commitment and service to the University. For the last 18 years, Greg has worked in the Office of Communications. He is responsible for all internal and external communications, media relations, crisis communications and publications, while managing the strategy and direction for his department.
2001 LAUREN (FRISKEL) REED was named to Nashville Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 2018 Class. She is president and founder of Reed Public Relations in Nashville. Her company was also named one of the Business Journal’s Top Workplaces in 2018. Learn more about Lauren and her firm at reedpublicrelations.com. 2002 AMIR ABTAHI, M.D. has returned to Nashville to accept a position as Assistant Professor in the Vanderbilt University Department of Orthopaedics. Dr. Abtahi is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. He specializes in the treatment of complex spinal disorders and in minimally invasive spinal surgery. He will be seeing patients at Vanderbilt 100 Oaks and at Vanderbilt Bone and Joint in Franklin. 2009 RACHEL HUNKLER is the program manager for leadership programs at the McCain Institute of International Leadership in Washington, D.C. She works with the leadership programs team to plan, design, execute and scale leadership programs such as Next Generation Leaders, Next Generation Professionals and the Policy Design Studio. Prior to joining the McCain Institute, she earned her master’s degree in International Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Rachel also taught at Father Ryan after returning from Madrid, Spain where she taught English at a bilingual high school on a Fulbright grant and served as the Fulbright Mentor for the Spanish Fulbright Commission.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN NASHVILLE
“If you think one person can’t make a difference, then you don’t know Charles Strobel.” The line from this past fall’s Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award luncheon honoring CHARLES STROBEL ’61 encapsulates the impact this Irish alumnus continues to have on this city, this region and this nation. The face of compassion for so many in our city, Strobel was honored with the Kraft Award for his work as the founder of the Room In The Inn and the Campus for Human Development. This award followed the dedication and renaming in September of Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes building to Strobel Hall. The program traces its existence to its location in the shadow of Holy Name Catholic Church where Charles, in 1986, looked out to the men and women huddled in East Park outside his rectory window and decided to open the doors of his church to welcome these homeless citizens of Nashville. Strobel will tell you that one of the major factors for both this act and his life of service was the example and work he saw at Father Ryan. As a student there he frequently traveled to the old “Sugar Shack” in north Nashville to assist Fr. Jim Zralek in his work with the poor and marginalized. It helped form his life’s work. Every day 400 or more people visit Room in the Inn’s downtown campus, and Charles is always there to greet each one. His passion and purpose remain...not simply to give shelter but to bring everyone in from the cold.
Charles Strobel ’61 visits with Father Ryan President Jim McIntyre at Kraft Award presentation; embraced by a volunteer at dedication of Strobel Hall. 29
Births winter 2019
2011 LUKE WILGENBUSCH was ordained as a transitional deacon on September 27, 2018 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This is one of his last milestones on his journey to becoming a diocesan priest. Deacon Wilgenbusch is scheduled to be ordained a priest this summer along with his Father Ryan classmate DEACON RHODES BOLSTER ’11. 2016 NICK RENFROE is the youngest
associate minister at Lake Providence Baptist Church, a church in Nashville with 3,500 members. He can be seen frequently preaching on a Sunday morning at the church, where his sermons impact the lives of the congregation both young and old. Nick is a junior at Belmont University where he is pursing a degree in biblical studies and economics. 2017 ETHAN WILSON ,
an anchor for the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s soccer team defense, was named to the All-Gulf South Conference (GSC) Men’s Soccer Team. He also earned GSC Defender of the Week earlier in the season and has been dangerous in front of the goal, with two goals and one assist. Ethan is a sophomore studying mechanical engineering.
Weddings winter 2019
Hayden Mae Beasley
Finn Grant Bridenstine
Penny Francis Davis
Iris Margaret Clepper Edwards
Margie Joanne Elfers
Ward Fogarty
Elizabeth McClellan
Cruz Barron Reising
Caroline Byrns Simpson
Evie Virgo
Hayden Mae to JENA (SHOEMAKER) and BENJAMIN ’06 BEASLEY, born on
March 15, 2018. Finley “Finn” Grant to SYDNEY and WILL ’05 BRIDENSTINE, born on July 5, 2018. He joins his brother Oliver (Ollie) Woods, born July 15, 2015. Penny Francis to BRITT and PHILIP ’08 DAVIS , born on December 3, 2018.
Maeve and Adam Danielson
Bevan and Graham Spencer
Muriel and Justin Brantley
Kim and Bob Szemethy
Raza and Carrie Hussain
Emily and Jimmy Wilson
Austin and Briana Vogt
CASEY CESERETTI ’14 and DAVID GREGORY ’13 were married on July 7, 2018
STROLL ALONG THE PACIFIC
at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. After a honeymoon in Jamaica, David and Casey live in Nashville.
RYAN DAHLHAUSER ’11 recently com-
MAEVE MCNAMEE ’12 and ADAM DANIELSON were married on June 1, 2018
in Provo, Utah. BEVAN SPARTA ’10 and GRAHAM SPENCER were married on September 9, 2017. The wedding party included her brother Brennan Sparta ’07 as a groomsmen, her sister Reed Sparta ’17 as maid of honor and Brittanie Albright ’10 as a bridesmaid. The couple lives in Atlanta, GA.
Teresa (Sharp) ’81 and Paul Davis ’81 (Principal) are enjoying their new role as grandparents.
MURIEL KELLEY ’06 and JUSTIN BRANTLEY were married on June 9, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. The Brantleys live in Alexandria, Virginia.
Iris Margaret Clepper to CATHERINE (CLEPPER) ’01 and FRANK EDWARDS ,
KIM CONNOR ’91 and BOB SZEMETHY were married on October 6, 2018 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Nashville, celebrated by Fr. Pat Connor ’53, Fr. Joe Pat Breen ’54, and Fr. Maxi Olfori. Kim is the daughter of alumnus Hank Connor ’65, and two of the attendants were Pat Connor ’94 and Dan Connor ’95.
born on September 24, 2018. The Edwards live in Ithaca, NY. Marguerite Joanne “Margie” to ELIZABETH (COYLE) ’02 and JIM ELFERS ,
born on October 24, 2018. Robert Edward Fogarty IV “Ward” born to KATIE and BOBBY ’01 FOGARTY
on June 20, 2018. Ward joins big sister, Riley.
Elizabeth McClellan to ANGELA (GRIFFITH) ’06 and DANIEL GHANEM ’05, born on February 16, 2018. Cruz Barron to MALEA (BARRON) ’01 and ERIC REISING , born on June 21,
2018. Caroline Byrns to QUINN (WILSON) ’97 and JEFFREY SIMPSON , born on
July 2, 2018. Caroline shares a middle name with her great-grandfather, Joe B. Sullivan, Jr., Class of 1950. Evelyn “Evie” to CARDEN and JULIUS ’05 VIRGO, born on February 15,
2018. She joins big sister Camille, born September 2, 2015.
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Casey and David Gregory
CARRIE (ROHLING) ’96 and RAZA HUSSAIN were married in December
of 2017 in a private ceremony in Big Sur, CA. Carrie is the daughter of John Rohling ’64 and Linda (Rohling) Langdon and stepdaughter of Patrick Langdon ’58 (retired faculty). The couple lives in Nashville, where she is a neonatal nurse practitioner working with a practice covering several neonatal ICUs in Nashville and the surrounding area. Raza is a family medicine physician with fellowship training in addiction medicine. EMILY (GRIMES) and JIMMY WILSON ’01 were married on August 10, 2018 at
pleted the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,652 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, running through California, Oregon and Washington. Ryan set out on April 23 from the southern point and reached the Canadian border on September 18. During the five-month journey, Ryan says the trail “helped me to stay open and be receptive of others and see what the world has to offer. It aided me in appreciating God’s gift of nature and wanting to explore it to the fullest, while sharing the experience with other like-minded and loving humans along the trail.” This life-changing journey now complete, Ryan, who was working as a Clinical Research Associate prior to the excursion, now plans to attend graduate school. Congrats to Ryan on the fantastic achievement and experience!
Grace Valley Farms in Shelbyville, TN. BRIANA (ENGELBERT) and AUSTIN J. VOGT ’09 were married on June 23, 2018 at Christ the King Church, officiated by Deacon Andy McKenzie. Austin is in his second year of teaching band at Whitthorne Middle School in Columbia, TN, after graduating with his master’s from Indiana University (undergraduate from Tennessee Tech). Briana is the co-director of band at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro. 31
DOROTHY “DOT” ANDERSON: Former faculty. DOUGLAS M. “DOUG” BALTZ, JR. ’64: Husband of Rebecca Baltz; father of Douglas Martin Baltz III, Heidi Baltz, Brandy (Baltz) Hall ’99, and Charlotte Baltz ’09; and brother of Theresa (Baltz) Petty (deceased), Rick Baltz ’70, Wayne Baltz ’76, Colleen (Baltz) Hanley, Sheila (Baltz) Quirk, and Phyllis (Baltz) McGee. LORI A. BEATY ’80: Daughter of Curtis Ann and H. Wayne ’59 Beaty, and sister of Lisa (Beaty) Miller ’81 (Jim ’82), Linda (Beaty) Craven ’83 (Mark ’81), Laura (Beaty) Craven ’90 (Jim ’83), and Donna (Beaty) Moore. CHARLES E. BINKLEY: Father of Charles E. Binkley II ’85 and Tiffany (Binkley) Knight. WILLIAM B. “BILL” BRUCE ’61. NELL BUCHANAN: Mother of Buster Buchanan ’69 (deceased), Bubba Buchanan ’71, and Mary Helen (Buchanan) Bailey ’73. KATHY P. BURKHALTER: Daughter of Ann and Harry ’43 Peffen, Jr., and mother of Tab Burkhalter and Kristin (Burkhalter) Vance ’95. JOHN M. BURNS ’50. DAVID J. CALVO: father of David, Joseph, Tim (all deceased), Michael ’96, Matthew, Samuel, Lena and Christina Calvo; and brother of Christopher, George, Mike ’73, Patrick, Susan (Calvo) Whitley ’76, Melinda (Calvo) Boyce ’79, Bill ’82 (Mandy Twichell ’84), Timothy, and Robin Calvo. ANDREW B. CATIGNANI ’68: Son of John O. “Jay” Catignani, Sr. ’37 (deceased), and brother of Jay ’69, Bob ’71, Dan ’74 (deceased), and Chris ’77 Catignani. MAHENDRA “MO” CHOWBAY ’84: Brother of Raj Chowbay ’82, Cassandra (Chowbay) Davis ’86, and Vid Peters ’87. MICHAEL MCDONALD “DON” CLUNAN, JR. ’53. JOSEPH D. CONRAD: Brother of Sally (Conrad) Clinard, Christine Conrad, Judith Conrad, Lee (Conrad) Kemsley, Katy (Conrad) Mills, Steve ’63 (deceased), Michael ’65 (deceased), Bill ’75, and Pete Conrad. FREDERIC A. CONTRERAS: Father of Cruz Contreras ’95, Ciprian Contreras ’97, Billy Contreras, Chris Foley, Jason Foley, Nathan Fielder, Candy (Contreras) Pearson ’99, and Elisabeth Hix. NANCY S. CONWAY: Mother of Matthew Conway ’01 and Katie (Conway) Daly ’04. BRIAN J. DAUGHERTY ’78: Son of 32
In Memoriam winter 2019*
Joseph Daugherty ’48 (deceased), and brother of Shaun Daugherty, Kevin Daugherty ’73, Colleen (Daugherty) Giansante ’75, Sharon (Daugherty) Purtle ’75, Tracey (Daugherty) Caldwell, and Terrence Daugherty ’77 (deceased). MARY CATHERINE DEAN: Mother of Brigid (Mahoney) Caldwell ’02, Mary Patricia, Anna Rose, and Timothy Mahoney. IVO “BUTCH” L. DILLON, JR. ’68: Son of the late Ivo L. Dillon, Sr. ’40, and brother of Joe Dillon ’70, Mary (Dillon) Hutchison, Cathy (Dillon) Hudson, and Patricia (Dillon) Blackburn. GREG DIROFF: Father of Laura (Diroff) Yankee, Emily (Diroff) Stefanick, Theresa (Diroff) Benedikter, and Ruthie (Diroff) Wehby ’06 (Kevin ’06). JOHN A. “TONY” DIRUGERIS: Father of John W. Dirugeris ’17. HUGH F. DIVER: Father of John ’85, Hugh ’86, Kevin ’88 Diver, and Colleen (Diver) Thomas ’89. ANN PERKERSON DOBBS: Mother of Stacey “Chip” Dobbs III ’74 (deceased), Rita (Dobbs) Johnson, Denise (Dobbs) Richards, and Bill Dobbs ’90, and sister of Frances (Perkerson) Schlattner, Richard ’56, and Preston ’61 Perkerson. RANDOLPH S. “RANDY” EADE: Father of Justin Eade ’01, (Sabrina Ghanem ’02). EARL E. ETTER: Father of Christopher, Angela ’74, and Rita ’79 Etter. SUE EVANS: Wife of the late Don Evans ’52. JOHN M. “JACK” FERGUSON ’51: Brother of the late Sam Chambers ’41.
MARJORIE H. GREGORY: Mother of Diana (Gregory) Goldstein, Laura (Gregory) Warren, and Michael Gregory ’90.
HUGH O. NASH, JR.: Father of Catherine (Nash) Elder, Hugh ’89, Will ’96, and Sarah ’97 Nash.
JAMES E. “JIM” HAILEY: Brother of John ’33, Robert, Rose (Hailey) Reale, Sr. Roseanne Hailey, Joe, Mormie, Lehman ’43, Francis (Hailey) Lawrence, Sr. Betty Hailey, and Ann (Hailey) Curran (all deceased).
SEAN M. NEELEY: Husband of Lisa (Pratt) Neeley ’00, and son of Lynne (Einstman) ’74, and Mike Neeley ’74.
BEN D. HARDESTY ’05: Brother of Brittany Hardesty ’09. DAVID E. HARDIN ’58. PATRICK W. HARRISON: Father of Mike Harrison ’67 (deceased), Suzanne Harrison, and Elaine Harrison. THOMAS A. HIGGINS ’50: Father of Katherine B. (Higgins) DeLay, Thomas A. Higgins, Jr., and John F. Higgins II ’86. DELORES “LOLO” (DONNELLY) HOBBS: Wife of Jerry Hobbs ’73 (deceased), and sister of Kay (Donnelly) Swinehart (deceased), Bubba Donnelly ’69, Steve Donnelly ’72, Mike Donnelly ’74, Mary Lynn Donnelly, Rita Ann (Donnelly) Holiman, Denise (Donnelly) Beaty, and Paul Donnelly ’83. SIR CHIEF DR. OSCAR CHUKWUEMEKA IWORAH: Father of Prince Iworah ’14. WILLIAM A. “BILL” KELLY: Father of Mike ’71, William “Tinker” ’73, Chris, and Bryan ’84 Kelly. MARY F. KENDALL: Mother of Richard ’67, Joe ’77, John ’78, and Mary Beth ’82 Kendall. THERESA LIEBHART LANCASTER: Sister of John Liebhart ’63, Melanie (Liebhart) Sadler, Jean (Liebhart) Ramsey, Mary Anne Liebhart, and Michael Liebhart ’70 (deceased). RAMSEY B. “BART” LEATHERS, JR.: Father of Amy (Leathers) Tidwell, David Leathers ’00, and Lindsey Leathers.
DANIEL P. “DAN” FOGARTY ’44: Father of Patti, Toni, Mark ’73 Fogarty and Alice (Fogarty) Mitchell; stepfather of John Watkins; and brother of John ’45 and Rob ’50 Fogarty (both deceased). Dan received his honorary diploma in 2012 as part of the Alumni Association’s Hero Project, which recognizes alumni who left Father Ryan before graduation to serve in WWII.
REBECCA “BECKY” BANKER LEWIS ’90: Sister of Anthony Banker ’88, Louise (Banker) Larkin ’86, and James Banker, Jr. ’96.
CARL THOMAS “TOM” FORTE: Son of Tony Forte, Sr. ’30 (deceased), and brother of Tony Forte, Jr. ’57 (deceased), Mary (Forte) Campbell, Rita (Forte) Griffith (Charlie ’62), Emily (Forte) Drake, Mike Forte ’67, Bernie (Forte) Taylor, and Charlie Forte ’74.
JOSEPH K. “JOE” MEEKER ’81: Brother of Sara (Meeker) Layne ’76, Ralph, Charles (both deceased), George, and Rita ’86 Meeker.
JAMES H. GELDRICH ’43.
MANSFIELD D. NEELY, JR.: Father of Toni (Neely) Dunn ’75 and Tenise (Neely) Jackson ’79. MARLENE R. NIZNIK: Mother of Mike ’75, Mark ’77, and Daniel ’80 Niznik (deceased). MICHAEL A. NOLAN ’70: Son of the late Francis V. Nolan ’45, and brother of Gene Nolan ’67, Frank Nolan ’73, David Nolan ’74, Rebecca (Nolan) Kahn, Joan (Nolan) Lewis, Janie (Nolan) DeLuca ’76, Angela (Nolan) Woodard ’77, Alice (Nolan) Greene ’79, Amy (Nolan) Herbers, and the late Beth Nolan. SUZANNE (BRUCE) PARKER: Sister of Vicki (Bruce) Spann, Linda (Bruce) Stout, and Bobby Bruce ’61 (deceased). LOIS PEDEN: Wife of Steve Peden (former faculty). KRISTOFER M. “KRIS” REIERSEN ’01: Brother of Erik Reiersen ’03 and Lauren (Reiersen) Foshee ’07. STEVEN K. RIGGAN, SR.: Father of Meg (Riggan) Johnson ’87, Kelly Riggan ’91, Kevin Riggan (deceased), Paul Riggan ’97, and Patrick Riggan ’00. JOSEPH W. “JOE” ROHLING ’73: Brother of Mike ’74, Pat ’74, and Larry ’75 Rohling, Jean (Rohling) Mooney, Linda (Rohling) Valiquette, Beth (Rohling) Burton, and Grace Rohling ’71.
DAINY MASIC: Wife of Peter Masic (formerly Gautsch) ’59.
CAMILLE GUTHRIE ROTIER: Mother of Pat Rotier ’86 and Teresa (Rotier) Koeberlein.
JOHN C. MCCAULEY: Father of Matthew, Michael, Kevin ’98, and Tim ’01 McCauley.
BAILEY K. RUSH ’19.
ALBERT L. MENEFEE III: Son of Albert L. Menefee, Jr. ’46 (deceased). SUSAN WERRBACH MITCHELL: Daughter of Otto Werrbach, Jr. ’43 (deceased) and sister of Otto “Toby” Werrbach III ’71.
Nolan Sharbel, Noleen (Sharbel) Sullivan, and Abraham Sharbel ’49 (all deceased), Patrick Sharbel ’56, Lorease (Sharbel) Stangline, and Josephine (Sharbel) Hendry.
DEDICATED PRIEST MSGR. BERNARD NIEDERGESES ’43, who moved from Law-
DAMIAN STANTON: Stepfather of Kate McGee (Faculty).
renceburg, Tenn., his senior year to study at Father Ryan and whose experience here forged the path to a life of devoted service to parishes and schools throughout the diocese, died in November.
THERESA “TERRI” SULLIVAN: Mother of Bobby Sullivan ’87. ALBERT J. “AL” THONI ’49: Father of Kevin ’77, Ellen (Thoni) Underdown ’78, Kissy (Thoni) Mathewson ’80, David ’83, and Eric ’84 (deceased) Thoni; and brother of Walter Jr., John and Herman ’53 Thoni, and sister Ann (Thoni) Nolan. IMELDA WEHBY TODD: Mother of Edward ’74, John ’75, Andrew ’77 (Tanya Roland ’76), Mary Ann (Todd) Shanks ’78, Daniel, Robert and Richard Todd; and sister of Andrew Wehby ’37 (deceased), Alfred Wehby ’50 (deceased), Charles Wehby ’47, and Vincent Wehby ’54. R. NORRIS VANDERPOOL ’73: Brother of Terrance ’58 and Ronald ’60 Vanderpool (both deceased). SUE PHILBIN WALSH: Wife of Jim F. Walsh, Jr. ’49 (deceased); mother of Joanie (Walsh) Read, Colleen (Walsh) Shelburne, Kathleen (Walsh) Catasus and Jimmy Walsh III ’89; and sister of Jeff Philbin ’60 and Mike Philbin ’64 (deceased). JAMES F. WALSH, JR. ’49: Father of Joan (Walsh) Read, Colleen (Walsh) Shelburne, Kathleen (Walsh) Catasus, and Jimmy Walsh III ’89; and brother of the late Charles Walsh ’54. STEVE WARNER: Son of Chris and Charlie “Popeye” Warner ’52 (deceased). DERRICK G. WATSON, SR.: Father of Derrick G. Watson, Jr. ’19. BERNARD A. WEHBY ’51.
NANCY WIGGS: Wife of the late Alex Wiggs ’46, and mother IAN T. RUTLEDGE ’11. of Kathryn (Wiggs) McDonald ’79 (Gary ’80), Brenda (Wiggs) VICTORIA SAYLE: Mother of Anne Lynch ’80 (John ’80), Alex Wiggs, Brackman and Dillon Brackman ’96. Jr. ’81, Eileen (Wiggs) Dodson ’84, and Chris Wiggs ’88. HELEN M. SHARBEL: Sister of Louis Sharbel ’36, Louise ROY W. WUNSCH: Father (Sharbel) Harmon, Kelly Sharbel of Roy C. Wunsch ’83. ’42, Barbara (Sharbel) Douglas, Margaret (Sharbel) Del Cotto, *As of December 31, 2018 Catherine (Sharbel) Francis,
He was 92. Despite the honorific of Monsignor before his name, an honor bestowed on him in 2012, this humble and dedicated servant was always known as Fr. Bernard. After attending Sacred Heart in his hometown, he came to Father Ryan to continue his studies in Latin and later graduated from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. Ordained by Bishop William Adrian in 1950, he was assigned to parishes throughout the diocese for the next 20 years before his final assignment came...to be pastor of Assumption Church and St. Pius. This began a 38-year tenure at these two historic parishes, where Fr. Bernard was pastor, counsel, friend and avid supporter of his flock. He will be missed.
A DOCTOR’S LIFE DR. BOB CAMPBELL ’69 graduated from Father Ryan with art brushes in hand and a keen mind at work. When he passed away this summer after a long bout with cancer, the artistry of his medical work and the kindness and innovation of that mind were praised across the country.
Whether it was his cartoons, which illustrated the 1969 yearbook, his tenacity on the football field, or his good spirit, Bob cheered up many. His medical inventions changed the world’s approach to caring for children with complex and life-threatening spine and chest wall deformities. In 2009, he opened Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's (CHOP) Center for Thoracic Insufficiency, attracting children from around the world, many of whom were told “nothing can be done.” Bob is best known as the inventor of VEPTR. His invention became the standard of care throughout the world, saving or extending the lives of children with previously untreatable conditions. Closely connected to his high school classmates, he was a regular attendee at the Class of 1969’s “Last Man Standing” reunions and was proud of his Irish roots. As a CHOP memorial stated, he has left a lasting legacy through his ideas, inventions, and the many surgeons and physicians he trained. 33
770 Norwood Drive Nashville, TN 37204 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Save the date for Reunion Weekend May 31-June 2, 2019
Save the date for a big celebration on the weekend of May 31-June 2, 2019. It’s a weekend of Irish Pride that you won’t want to miss, particularly for the classes ending in 4s and 9s.
Lou Graham Golf Tournament & Alumni Reception at Father Ryan -May 31 Class Reunion Parties - June 1 • Golden Grad Mass and Brunch - June 2 www.fatherryan.org/alumni
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615-383-4200
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