Marist Matters Vol. 41, Iss. 2 by Marist School

Marist Leaps into Scene Dance Around 9 |Marist Ernest9 Green | Kuhrt Visits2 Marist Dirt 1911 | | Graduation Dedication 2013 of Ron 25 Bell Court 15

Dear friends,

Today the ramifications of the founding of the Society of Mary can be seen around the world as Marists, both religious and lay, educate and serve.

The concept of legacy is a meaningful one for Marist School. Though our school has changed on many levels over the years—from single-sex to co-ed, from military to non-military, from downtown to Brookhaven—the spirit of the Society of Mary has remained constant throughout the school’s existence. That legacy can be traced back to a promise that was made 200 years ago by 12 young men in a Marian shrine in France. The Pledge of Fourvière, as it is called, was the founding moment for the Society of Mary, and in some way can also be seen as the moment that Marist School became a possibility. In this issue of Marist Matters, you can read more about the pledge whose lasting legacy now encompasses the globe. You’ll also read about inspirational people who have visited our campus recently, such as Ernest Green and John Lanier ’04, who tell us their stories of legacy and call us to be the best we can be to better ourselves and our community. Additionally, you will read about those from within our Marist community who have left us their legacy, including Coach Ron Bell, our Ivy Street alumni, and the Winchester family. Today the ramifications of the founding of the Society of Mary can be seen around the world as Marists, both religious and lay, educate and serve. At Marist School, that mission is visible on a daily basis through the activities of our Marist students, faculty, and staff, through Centro Hispano Marista’s GED program, and through our Reach for Excellence program, which provides opportunities to deserving middle school students. Lastly, creating a legacy is what we are promising with our capital campaign, The Way. The Hope. The Promise. We are transforming Marist’s campus, not only for our current students, but for the generations who will come after us. Had not those 12 men felt compelled to make their pledge on July 23, 1816, Marist School might not exist. Their fervor at the time was not to leave a legacy, but instead to affirm their commitment to Jesus by honoring His mother, Mary. Yet, leave a breathtaking legacy they did. As we carry the Society of Mary’s mission forward, we ask… Mary, seat of Wisdom… pray for us. In the name of Mary,

Rev. John H. Harhager, S.M. President

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VOL. 41 • CONTENTS

The Marists Celebrate

SOCIETY OF MARY CELEBR ATES 200 YEARS 12 men make a pledge at Fourvière

COVER STORY

RON BELL COURT Centennial Center Gym Floor Named

YEARS

9 SCENE AROUND MARIST Marist leaps into dance

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

13 GR ANDPARENTS’ DAY Record attendance for this biennual event

38 LAST WORD A Simple Life

28 ALUMNI AWARDS 2016 winners announced

4 MARIST IN BRIEF Your guide to campus news

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PRESIDENT Rev. John H. Harhager, S.M. PRINCIPAL Rev. Joel M. Konzen, S.M. V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Angela H. Dorsey EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Cristina Vásconez Herrera CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Burgher Maureen Davidson Rev. John H. Harhager, S.M. Cristina V. Herrera Isabella McDevitt ’16 Jaclyn McNeil Gigi Myers Jerry Novac Gina Parnaby James B. Roberts ’99 Rev. William Rowland, S.M. GRAPHIC DESIGN Helmet Studio Jayro Design & Illustration PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Collier Seth Kelly Devon Morgan McKenna ’00 Jeff Roffman Staff and Parents For questions or comments regarding Marist Matters’ editorial content, please contact Cristina Herrera at herrerac@marist.com. To submit class notes, weddings, and birth announcements, please email classnotes@marist.com.

MARIST STUDENT REPRESENTS GEORGIA IN GOOGLE COMPETITION Seventh grader Ian Otten ’21 was the Georgia finalist in Google’s national Doodle 4 Google competition, which challenged kids to create a doodle about “What makes me…me”. His doodle “My Love for Sports” focused on the significance sports have in his life, whether he’s on the field, in the stands, or watching from his couch. His doodle was selected from more than 100,000 statewide submissions.

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

Frank Pittman ’16 was named the Gatorade

Hearty congratulations to Marist’s

Brent and Kyle Pease, Atlanta natives who

Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year for

three National Merit Finalists: Charlie

promote success for persons with disabilities

Georgia by USA TODAY High School Sports.

Daniel ’16, Tess Denniss ’16, and

through the Kyle Pease Foundation, inspired

Courtney Peters ’16.

students and faculty alike during their visit to Marist.

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In Brief MARIST

FATHERS KONZEN AND HARHAGER IN WASHINGTON

Marist’s Counseling Department set out to demonstrate to students how being nice can positively affect their lives and the lives of others. A whole week was dedicated to fun, creative, and meaningful activities that highlighted kindness as a way to boost happiness and generate a positive ripple effect. It was a great week on campus!

A VISIT TO TUSKEGEE Senior Class Co-President Clark Washington ’16, who has been accepted to Tuskegee University’s College of Engineering, had the opportunity to visit the Tuskegee campus with Marist School Fine Arts Chair Dr. Michael Bieze when Dr. Bieze was the featured presenter at “A Critical Reappraisal of Booker T. Washington: A Symposium”, which was part of Tuskegee’s Centennial Year Commemorative Events.

Marist’s president and principal, Father John Harhager, S.M. and Father Joel Konzen , S.M., had the opportunity during a trip to Washington, D.C. to deliver a framed portrait to Bret Baier ’88. Baier, who was the recipient of Marist’s distinguished alumnus award in 2014, is anchor and executive editor of “Special Report with Bret Baier” and chief political anchor at Fox News.

Like Brother, Like Sister Kamryn Brinson ’16 (ﬂanked left to right in the photo by track coaches Gary Miller and Eric Heintz and community coach Steven Green) signed a letter of intent this spring to attend West Point where she will join her brother Kenneth Brinson ’15. The Brinsons continue a long-standing tradition of Marist students attending the United States Military Academy.

Marist’s marching band

This year’s junior class joined

Over 60 Marist alumni and parents of alumni gathered

performed at halftime

together to collect toys, which

to run the “Will to Live” race in support of suicide

during the Russell

they donated to Children’s

prevention to honor the life of Harrison Willingham ’09.

Athletic Bowl in Orlando.

Healthcare of Atlanta. MARIST MATTERS 4

The Marists Celebrate 1816–2016

YEARS The year 2016 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Marists, a group of religious and lay men and women around the world who are devoted to Jesus’s mother, Mary. In honor of the 12 men who brought about the foundation of the Society of Mary, and thus the creation of Marist School, we share a brief glimpse into the founding moment and the subsequent blossoming of the order that leads and inspires the Marist School community today. Early on the morning of July 23, 1816, a group of young men made their way up 800 steps leading to the ancient shrine of Fourvière, in Lyons, France. For more than a year, they had shared intense conversations about a major project they had been encouraging each other to bring to fruition: the foundation of a religious congregation totally devoted to Mary, Mother of God. They were 12 in number, of whom five had been ordained the day before—names familiar to the Marist world: Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Teaching Brothers; Jean-Claude Colin who would later be the practical founder of the Society of Mary (the Marist Fathers and Brothers); Jean-Claude Courveille, whose religious experiences and inspirations were so important to the effort; and Etienne Declas and Etienne Terraillon, who would be essential to the completion of the project.

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The reason for their journey that morning was to make a pledge to persevere in the project even though the five ordained were heading off to their first assignments in the Diocese of Lyons and the others were heading off to their summer vacation before their final year in the seminary of St. Irénée. The men would place a signed pledge under the corporal at a Mass celebrated by newly ordained Father Courveille. Firm in their commitment but aware of their youth and the potential accusation of idealistic dreaming, they wrote: “We do this, not childishly or lightly or for some human motive of the hope of material benefit, but seriously, maturely, having taken advice, having weighed everything before God….” The Pledge also declared that these 12 young men would “accept all sufferings, trials, inconveniences, and,

if need be, torture, because we can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens us….” They needed that depth of passion and commitment to move beyond the obstacles that came their way in the future. Over the next two decades, they worked perseveringly to bring Mary’s dream to reality—especially Marcellin Champagnet, whose slant on the dream was the founding of a congregation of teaching brothers on the model of the LaSalle Christian Brothers, and, also, Jean-Claude Colin, who envisioned the Society of Mary as a tree with many branches. The Society of Mary would be approved formally by the Vatican in 1836, and the Marist Brothers of the Schools in 1863, but both were operational from 1817 in various ways. The Third Order of Mary (1850), the Marist Sisters (SM in 1884), and the Marist Missionary Sisters (SMSM in 1931) were all parts of the dream with many branches, and they fell into place over the course of many years before their final approval by the Vatican. When the Society of Mary (the Marist Fathers and Brothers) was approved in 1836, there were 23 Marists in France and in the missions. By 1870, there were 427 Marists in five countries and missions. In 1900, there were 752 Marists in 11 countries and missions. Today the Society of Mary is present in seven provinces— Australia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, Oceania, and the United States—and in four mission districts: Africa (Senegal and Cameroun), Brazil, Peru-Venezuela, and Asia (Philippines, Thailand). There are approximately 800 Marists worldwide. The Society of Mary is responsible for approximately 30 schools, including Marist School and Pontiac, Michigan’s Notre Dame Preparatory School in the United States. Also, in metro Atlanta the Society of Mary sponsors Sophia Academy, Notre Dame Academy, Reach for Excellence, and the GED program of Centro Hispano Marista.

The founding of Marist College (now Marist School) in downtown Atlanta in 1901 came just 38 years after the Marists first arrived in the United States to serve French-speaking communities in Louisiana. The order eventually established its U.S. presence in Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, California, West Virginia, and Texas.

The impact that a Marist education has had on its alumni around the world has been profound... Marist School, with seven Marist priests on campus, wholeheartedly upholds a mission instilled with the spirit of the Society of Mary, forming students in the image of Christ and teaching them to be caring and responsible leaders continuing the “work of Mary” in their communities. The impact that a Marist education has had on its alumni around the world has been profound, as has been the effect Marist graduates have had on their professions, families, countries, and the Church. The Marist roots can be traced back to the 12 idealistic young men who pledged to found the Society of Mary 200 years ago on July 23, 1816 “…solely for the greater glory of God and the honor of Mary, Mother of the Lord Jesus.” A portion of this article is drawn from one written by Father Ted Keating, S.M., which was published in the Autumn 2015 issue of Today’s Marists, under the title “The Fourvière Pledge: The Marist World Prepares to Commemorate 200 Years of Its Founding Pledge.” For more information on the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Fourvière pledge, visit maristinter.org.

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A Family Visits

Marist Sites When the Dollar family realized that the river cruise they had planned for their 2015 summer vacation departed from Lyons, France, they knew there were many important Marist sites they wanted to see before embarking. They were fortunate to stay in the medieval district of Lyons, on the same street as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste de Lyons, where Father Jean-Claude Colin was confirmed in 1803, and to walk through the traboules that the

We were excited to visit some of the sites that are important and to think about the people who eventually led to the founding of Marist School. R E V. J O E L M . KO N Z E N , S . M . P R I N C I PA L

Marist founders may have traversed during their time in Lyons. Their hotel was also just down the hill from the historic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which houses a plaque commemorating the pledge of the 12 young priests who founded the Marists. Unlike the Marist founders who trudged up 800 steps, the Dollars took electric bicycles up the hill! Fathers Harhager and Konzen encouraged the Dollars to visit the Marist sites, lending them a book by fellow Marist priest Craig Larkin entitled Pilgrimage: A Guidebook to Places of Marist Origins and providing them with restaurant recommendations to try in Lyons, which is known as the gastronomy capital of the world. The Dollar family, including Jimmy, Kim, Drew ’19, Allie ’21, and Jimmy’s parents, Jim and Muriel, had a great time visiting the Marist sites in Lyons (and enjoyed their river cruise too!). Kim, who joined Marist’s Board of Trustees earlier this year, said, “We were excited to visit some of the sites that are important in the history of the Marists and to think about the people who eventually led to the founding of Marist School. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Marist community.”

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Marist Celebrates Fourvière Week In April, Marist School recognized the 200th Anniversary with Fourvière Week. The celebration included:

A day off (Thank You, Society of Mary!)

Daily prayers on Fourvière themes School bells playing the opening notes of Salve Regina A re-enactment of the signing of the Pledge of Fourvière Rita’s Italian Ice for all to close the week.

Together students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the celebration and affirmation of their commitment to the Marist vision which gave birth to Marist School.

n the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All for the greater glory of God and the greater honour of Mary, Mother of the Lord Jesus. We the undersigned, striving to work together for the greater glory of God and the honour of Mary, Mother of the Lord Jesus, assert and declare our sincere intention and firm will of consecrating ourselves at the first opportunity to founding the pious congregation of Mariists.* That is why by the present act and our signatures, in so far as we can, we irrevocably dedicate ourselves and all our goods, to the Society of the Blessed Virgin.

We do this, not childishly or lightly or for some human motive or the hope of material benefit, but seriously, maturely, having taken advice, having weighed everything before God, solely for the greater glory of God and the honour of Mary, Mother of the Lord Jesus. We pledge ourselves to accept all sufferings, trials, inconveniences and, if need be, torture, because we can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens us and to whom we hereby promise fidelity in the bosom of our holy mother the Roman Catholic Church, cleaving with all our strength to its supreme head, the Roman pontiff, and to our most reverend bishop, the ordinary, that we may be good ministers of Jesus Christ, nourished with the words of faith and of the wholesome teaching which by his grace we have received. We trust that, under the reign of our most Christian King, the friend of peace and religion, this institute will shortly come to light and we solemnly promise that we shall spend ourselves and all we have in saving souls in every way under the very august name of the Virgin Mary and with her help. All this is subject to the wiser judgement of our superiors. May the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary be praised.

Amen. *

Original name and spelling of Marists on the pledge

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Scene AROUND MARIST

Marist Leaps Into Dance Marist School students have long had a myriad of extracurricular activities in which to become involved, but, for the first time in Marist history, a dance company has become an option. The new Marist

Dance Company is not a dance team you might see promoting War Eagle spirit at a football or basketball game; instead, it is a company focused on dance artistry and technique with its purpose to bring expressive and inspiring dance performances to the Marist community. “The Marist Dance Company focuses on the art of dance and seeks to present concerts that have depth to them,” says Kathy Ricardo, parent of two Marist alumnae (Hallie Ricardo ’04 and Elena Ricardo ’09) who serves as the dance company’s artistic director. “I am setting a high standard for our dancers and want to expose them to choreographers they wouldn’t get to work with in their outside dance pursuits.” Response during this first year of the Marist Dance Company has been exceedingly positive. After spring auditions, the company began work in September with fourteen founding members (seven in the advanced company and seven in the intermediate company) all of whom signed a contract committing themselves to the dance company for the entire school year. Rehearsing for multiple hours each week, the company has worked this year with a variety of choreographers on dances that were ultimately presented in a December concert, at Grandparents’ Day, and at the Marist Arts Guild’s Arts Unfiltered

9 MARIST MATTERS

event. One of the choreographers, Payton McCarty ’06, was even a Marist alumna! Dancers are known to perform with both athleticism and spirituality, so it seems an appropriate fit to offer dance opportunities on Marist School’s campus. “The Marist mission is to form the whole person in the image of Christ. By providing students another avenue to showcase their God-given talents, we are in

“Dancers are the athletes of God.” ALBERT EINSTEIN

keeping with Marist’s mission,” says Jennifer Tharp Hogan ’92, Marist’s faculty dance instructor and program director for the Marist Dance Company. “I find dance to be a direct communication with God. Anytime you express beauty through the movement of dance, you’re bringing God into the auditorium.” With a successful first year under their belts, Hogan and Ricardo hope to attract even more dancers to the company next year. There are also plans to expand Marist’s dance curriculum to include several levels of dance as well as a choreography class, and they hope to partner with Marist’s existing musical ensembles to offer dance company members the opportunity to perform to live music. As dancers themselves, Hogan and Ricardo are not strangers to the discipline, devotion, and hard work it takes to build something, so Marist is sure to see more dance in its future!

SCENE AROUND MARIST

MARIST MATTERS 10

SCENE AROUND MARIST

One of the Little Rock Nine Visits Marist On the Friday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January, Marist School’s Office of Inclusion & Diversity welcomed Ernest Green, one of the Little Rock Nine, to campus for the school’s annual Diversity Assembly. The Little Rock Nine were a group of African-American students who were involved in the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957. During his day at Marist, Green encouraged students to be agents of change and shared the five characteristics he believes every agent of change must possess.

Ask yourself “why not?” When deciding to attend Little Rock Central High School, Green asked himself the following questions: “Why not go to Central?”, “Why not challenge separate but equal?”, “Why not prove that all men and women truly are created equal and deserve the same opportunities?” Green said he knew he could meet the challenge ahead

“Every single individual helps clear the path to change.” ERNEST GREEN

of him because he was inspired by those who came before him who had themselves asked “why not?” when obstacles came their way. “Rosa Parks didn’t intend to get herself arrested as she was heading home from work. Nor did the 42-year-old seamstress know that her act of civil disobedience would spark a fire that would start a modern civil rights movement, help end segregation laws in the South, and make her an emblematic agent of change,” said Green.

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Understand that change is constant and how we adapt to it is paramount. “Neither I nor the other members of the Little Rock Nine were fully prepared for how quickly we would have to adapt to our new circumstances and environment,” said Green. “We knew there would be opposition. We knew people wouldn’t like what we were doing, but we never fathomed what that truly meant. We learned to adapt quickly. We’d lace up our shoes every morning and prepare for battle. We learned that no matter how chaotic things got, we had to stay flexible to the changing climate and adaptation was the key.” Challenge conventional thinking. “If something is in the way of you achieving your dreams, you may have to go around it instead of through it,” said Green. “We had been trained for nonviolent protest, the cornerstone of resistance for that time. And it could easily be summed up as going around the problem, rather than charging head first into it and all of its insanity.” Going around the problem is about finding an alternative that is conducive to the mission and waiting for the right moment to present itself.

No matter how big the obstacle may appear, you cannot let it stop you. In Green’s opinion, often obstacles are just the set up for a great triumph. “Some of you may use the words, ‘let your haters be your motivators,’” Green said to the amused audience. Green spoke about his admiration for Malala Yousafzai, the Pakastani schoolgirl who stood up to the Taliban and defended her right to an education. “They chose violent means to try and silence her voice, but, when there are greater things meant for you, there are no weapons that can stop an agent of change.” You are not alone. Green says that although Dr. King is remembered as a shining star of the 1960s civil rights movement, he was never alone in his struggle. There were individuals who paved the way for Dr. King. “Deep down everyone has the desire to make an indelible mark on the world. Every single individual helps clear the path to change,” said Green. He encouraged Marist students to reach out to those outside of their normal sphere of friends, to get out of their comfort zones, because they are going to need others to traverse the road with them. “No man or woman is an island, so don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you and reflect on the work of the past.”

SCENE AROUND MARIST

Learning Peace & Justice at Marist Marist School’s Peace and Justice course, beloved by many current students as well as alumni, was first offered in the mid-1980s as an elective taught by Father Kevin Duggan, S.M. Janet Claussen taught the course from 1993 until she left Marist in 1999. When she returned 10 years later in 2009, she picked up teaching the course right where she left off.

The Peace and Justice course covers current issues of social justice in light of Catholic teachings and the documents of the Church that shed a light on the “sign of the times.” Issues like abortion, poverty, euthanasia, and racism have been part of the curriculum since its inception. Other topics added more recently include immigration, the war on terror, and the environment. This year, the course also covers Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, in order to help form students’ consciences on the subject of climate change, poverty, and other issues of today.

through diplomacy and non-violent resistance, Each term she teaches the course, to bring about peace by addressing injustices. Claussen takes her Peace and Justice class on a “What is amazing about both these men field trip to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center is that they were contemporaries, both born for Nonviolent Social Change (which includes in Georgia, both Baptists who were driven Dr. King’s birth home, the historic Ebenezer by their faith, and both Nobel Peace Prize Baptist Church, and Dr. and Mrs. King’s winners.” Claussen hopes that the Peace and crypt) and the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter’s Justice field trip helps students to recognize organization (in partnership with Emory University) for waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The trip has become a much-anticipated staple of the course ever since the course became required for juniors more than 20 years ago. JA N E T C L AU S S E N C H A I R , T H E O LO GY D E PA RT M E N T “Both Dr. King and Jimmy Carter exemplify the statement, that their city showcases two Georgia ‘if you want peace, work for justice,’” says natives who have distinguished themselves Claussen. Dr. King took on civil rights as his on the world’s stage by working to enhance cause and helped bring about social change human rights and alleviate suffering. through non-violent strategies. Jimmy Carter “I want students to know how much also stood up for civil rights as a state legislator they can make a difference when they put and governor of Georgia during a time when their faith into action—as Dr. King and the struggle for integration was still in its Carter did,” remarks Claussen. “They, infancy. As president, he used diplomacy to too, can fulfill their mission to build the negotiate the Camp David Accords—a peace Kingdom of God. They can work for treaty that remains in place today. The King justice, so that there will be peace.” Center and the Carter Center each work,

I want students to know how much they can make a difference when they put their faith into action.

MARIST MATTERS 12

APRIL 1, 2016

Record Turnout for Grandparents’ Day 2016 On Friday, April 1, a record number of grandparents came to campus to enjoy some time with their grandchildren and

We’re here to celebrate those ever-loving providers, wise teachers, humble leaders, award-winning cookie bakers, inexhaustible story tellers whom we are so blessed to call our grandparents. You are simultaneously the connection to our families’ rich histories and the gateway to our meaningful futures, because you instill in us those values…handed down generation after generation…which provide the framework for us to live fulfilling lives as we continue our education, enter the workforce, expand our families, and explore the world.” Reﬂection by Frank Pittman ’16

get a taste of the Marist School educational experience.

After a Mass in Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel, grandparents united with their grandchildren in Centennial Center for lunch and a program featuring student reflections and dance performances by the new Marist Dance Company. Judy and Paul Faletti, the chairs of this year’s Grandparents’ Day, were on hand to welcome everyone as well as spend time with their grandchildren, Caroline Pressley ’19 and Elizabeth Pressley ’21. (The Falettis’ children, Elissa Faletti Pressley ’89, Mandy Faletti Crock ’92, and Paton Faletti ’95, and daughter-in-law Carrie Brady Faletti ’97, also attended Marist School.) As students returned to class after lunch, grandparents were invited to tour campus to see the many renovated and new spaces made possible by The Way. The Hope. The Promise. The Campaign for Marist School. It was a wonderful day overall, and the school was pleased to welcome so many grandparents!

Marist School holds Grandparents’ Day every other year as a way to share with grandparents the Marist educational experience their grandchildren receive at Marist School. To see more photos from Grandparents’ Day, visit marist.com/grandparentsday.

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SCENE AROUND MARIST

Let Kids Rule the School: Seniors Design Their Own Curriculum in World Literature You are the elders of your families: women and men wise in the ways of God. You are the wisdom figures whom your grandchildren look to for support, good counsel, encouragement, gifts, fun, babysitting, your presence at games, birthdays, graduations, First Communions, Christmas, Easter, summer vacations, hosting meals and, yes, your wisdom. Your grandchildren need grandparents whom they respect, admire, and love, to whom they will listen, and through whom the Risen Lord will speak. Of course, they probably won’t recognize Him speaking to them through you until much later in life, when they sit atop decades of experience and look back over the years and see things then they do not see now.” Excerpt from Grandparents’ Day Homily written by Marist Alumni Chaplain Father William Rowland, S.M. and delivered by Marist School Chaplain Father David Musso, S.M.

In 2011, former Marist teacher Tracy Kaminer shared an article with fellow world literature teachers Naitnaphit Limlamai and Gina Parnaby. It discussed the details of an independent learning project at a Massachusetts high school, where students crafted their own curriculum with assistance from teachers and took responsibility for their own learning. “Ms. Kaminer suggested that we might advocate for something similar here, where students could choose to design their own classes during the third term of world literature to study something we just couldn’t cover in the regular curriculum – after all, we get only a year to do the literature of the entire world, and we obviously have to pick and choose what to teach,” Parnaby explains. “This was a way of giving students greater ‘voice and choice,’ which is important to us philosophically,” adds Limlamai. “But if it was going to work, the impetus had to come from the students themselves.” Students in the world literature courses read the article the following year and presented the idea to administrators, who gave the go-ahead to start the first groups in the spring

of 2012. The option quickly became a feature of the course. “Students apply to be part of the independent program during term two, and then we work with our registrar to sort out class schedules,” clarifies Shannon Juhan, the third member of the current world literature team. “This is the fifth year we’ve had this option, and we’ve refined the process each time.” This spring, 45 students chose the self-designed option, studying literature from Russia, Japan, India, Latin America, Arabia and Persia, Asia, and about women in the Muslim world. They are working in groups of three to eight students to do everything from choosing texts to writing assignments to grading. “It’s an opportunity to work independently, which is good preparation for college,” observes Jasmine Darius ’16. Cecilia Delmer ’16 agrees: “I like the freedom to study something I’m interested in.” The students feel that designing their own classes is challenging but rewarding. “I feel like I’m in control of my education,” states Rita Griffin ’16. Maggie Bonatz ’16 adds, “We’ve developed closer friendships as a group and learned a lot about each other as well as our topic.”

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War Eagle Views

Preparation is the Name of the Game The Marist community has been blessed to have had numerous individuals dedicate their life’s work and talents to the many students who have attended Marist through the years. One such individual, Coach Ron Bell, dedicated over 35 years to teaching, coaching, and guiding Marist students and was recently recognized by Marist School when the basketball court in Centennial Center was named in his honor. The wins and losses of the teams he coached are not the legacy for which Coach Bell was being honored. The word his former players and students all associate with him is PREPARATION.

With everything Coach Bell did, whether it was teaching or coaching, he went above and beyond to make sure everyone was prepared to meet the challenge or competition ahead. 15 MARIST MATTERS

Former War Eagle Matt Harpring ’94 played basketball for Coach Bell and was a member of his 1994 state championship team. After graduation, Matt played at Georgia Tech and in the NBA. He remembers the outstanding scouting reports Coach Bell prepared for every opponent (some 25 pages long). “No coach I ever played for worked harder in preparing us to play. We often knew what opponents were going to do before they did it,” shared Matt. The success resulting from this type of preparation was not forgotten by Coach Bell’s players as many have carried it over into their adult lives and business careers. Matt is now a broadcaster with the NBA Utah Jazz, and he finds the examples of preparation that he learned from Coach Bell invaluable to him today. Mike Raeber ’86 played for Coach Bell on his first state runnerup team in 1986. Mike remembers the lessons taught every day in practice: mental toughness, leadership, and hard work. Coach Bell taught these lessons often through storytelling so that every player could relate. Though Mike believes the real secret to Coach Bell’s success was his ability to adapt to each player’s skills. He did not coach his “system”. He was able to keep the game

amazingly simple which often required him not to over-coach. That is not to say his practices were easy. His practice plans were extremely detailed, allowing for no wasted time. Again, preparation. Coach Bell’s coaching career is one for the ages. He served as the boys basketball head coach from 1975 to 2005 and left Marist with a 616-199 overall record, which included three state championships and three runnerup finishes. He is a three-time Georgia state basketball coach-of-the-year (1989, 1994, and 2000) and, in 1994, he was named the national high school basketball coach-of-the-year. In 2011, he was inducted into the Georgia High School Hall of Fame and the National Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, the highest honors a high school coach can be given. As if his basketball accomplishments were not enough, Coach Bell also coached Marist’s boys’ golf team for 17 years and saw them win five state championships as well as two state runner-up finishes. Though he retired from Marist in 2010, Coach Bell still follows Marist basketball and is a valuable resource for Varsity Head Coach Kevin Moore ’04 and his assistant coaches. He still plays golf at every opportunity and he can often be found on the practice range for hours—in preparation.

The Dedication of Ron Bell Court At a dedication event on February 5, 2016, the gym floor of Centennial Center was officially named Ron Bell Court in honor of the former head basketball and golf coach whose tenure at Marist School spanned four decades. Ron Bell Court was named as a result of a $250,000 fundraising initiative spearheaded by a group of alumni and key members of the Marist School community who wanted to honor Coach Bell as well as make a significant contribution to The Way. The Hope. The Promise. The Campaign for Marist School. At the dedication, which took place in Centennial Center between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games against St. Pius X, countless alumni, parents, and friends shared heartwarming stories about the positive impact Coach Bell had on them while at Marist. Marist Athletic Director Tommy Marshall and Dan Perez ’84, a current Marist faculty member and former Ron Bell player, made remarks before Ron Bell himself took to the court to comment on the career he spent motivating and inspiring young people on the basketball court and golf course. The evening ended with a post-game reception filled with laughter, storytelling, and reminiscing. The next morning, Coach Bell returned to campus for a pick-up game with his former players. A plaque recognizing all donors to the effort will be installed over the summer in Centennial Center. MARIST MATTERS 16

Reach for Excellence News

Voices of Excellence

Stories of Success

Make for a Warm Evening On January 23, Reach for Excellence hosted its third annual wine event at the home of Katherine and Richard D’Amaro. Though early morning snow and extreme cold threatened to cancel the evening, it went on as planned with more than 70 people in attendance, some already friends of Reach and some attending to learn more about the program. Several Reach graduates served as keynote speakers at the event, and their stories created a feeling of warmth for all present. Jenaye Lawrence and Daniel Chandra, graduates of Cohort B, were joined by fellow graduate and current Reach for Excellence board member Bre’Anna Brown. Each shared personal stories of their paths since graduation and commented on the valuable role the Reach for Excellence program has played in their lives. After graduating from the Reach program, Jenaye attended Benjamin Banneker High School and subsequently graduated from Georgia State University and North Carolina Central University School of Law. She recently passed the Georgia bar examination. Daniel attended Marist School after completing the Reach program, and upon graduation, received Marist’s highest honor, the Sedes Sapientiae Award, voted on by the faculty to recognize the senior who most represents the Marist values of loyalty, scholarship, and service. Daniel attended Yale University and is currently a third year student at The Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University. Both Jenaye and Daniel remarked that, when they were in sixth grade, the prospect of giving up three years of summer vacation and Saturdays to attend an educational enrichment program was difficult to accept. In hindsight, though, they each credited Reach for Excellence as a positive influence on the choices they later made about their education and career paths. Jenaye and Daniel are just two of the many students who have benefited from the Reach for Excellence program. Reach for Excellence, a program of the Society of Mary and hosted on Marist School’s campus, is a tuition-free academic and leadership enrichment program that offers students of limited resources a mix of academic, cultural, and community-based experiences that prepare them for the challenges of college-preparatory programs and high schools. For more information on Reach for Excellence, visit reachforexcellence.org.

17 MARIST MATTERS

Left to right: Rocco Testani, Reach for Excellence Board Chairman; Daniel Chandra; Jenaye Lawrence; Bre’Anna Brown; Jim MacGinnitie, Reach for Excellence Board Member

“I am always impressed when we hear from our graduates. They are doing great things and making a difference in our community, and they confirm that Reach played a part in that.” R O C C O T E S TA N I , CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Society of Mary News

Centro Hispano Marista Receives $10,000 Grant

Centro Hispano Marista, a Society of Mary-sponsored program offering GED preparation for young Hispanic adults,

Left to right: Dr. Leticia Valencia, program director; Megan Mavity ’10, academic dean; Deacon Rick Medina, executive director, Catholic World Mission; Father Bill Rowland, S.M., development director; Cecilia Philips, registrar.

recently received a $10,000 grant from Catholic World Mission, an organization that strives to be the hands, feet, and eyes of Christ to the world through its work in education, evangelization, dignified living, and disaster relief.

Deacon Rick Medina, executive director of Catholic World Mission and parent of Marist School alumnae Rachelle ’09, Chelsea ’13, and current student Michelle ’17, came to campus to present the check to Centro Hispano Marista. “I pledge my personal support as well as the support of Catholic World Mission to further the Centro’s commitment to the ‘Dreamers’—young adult, undocumented Hispanic immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children—as they earn high school equivalency diplomas,” said Medina. “We are pleased to be part of this work of mercy and solidarity with the poor.”

Though initially expected to attract about 100 participants when it began in 2012, Centro Hispano Marista’s GED program has grown to its current enrollment of 560 students, involving 51 volunteer teachers, seven tutors, and numerous Marist School student volunteers. In December 2015, the Centro held a graduation ceremony for 10

students. During the past year, the Centro has initiated a number of enhancements, including placement testing for incoming students, educational and instructional resources for volunteer teachers, weekend tutoring, and an accurate student database to track attendance and progress.

Centro Hispano Marista at Marist School is a response from the Society of Mary to the desperate need for education in the Hispanic community, the fastest growing body in the Catholic Church.

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

MARIST MATTERS 18

Advancement News

THE R ACE TO THE F I NISH LI NE is ON Countdown to June 1

Let’s Finish Strong

19 MARIST MATTERS

MORE THAN $

34.5 M

RAISED

The Way. The Hope. The Promise. The Campaign for Marist School. is transforming Marist’s campus for 21st century education, and this historic campaign is nearing completion.

GOAL

35 M

Join us in our capital campaign race to the finish line. We have just days left to reach our goal, which will enable us to collect two

HONOR YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER OR COACH AND SUPPORT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Marist School’s teachers and coaches have helped shape the lives of countless students over the years. They are on the front lines day after day, educating and forming students to become ethical leaders who make a positive difference in their communities. Pay tribute to your favorite Marist teacher or coach by making a contribution to The Way. The Hope. The Promise. The Campaign for Marist School.

significant challenge grants. The June 1 deadline is on the horizon! Whether you choose to make an outright gift or a pledge that can be fulfilled over multiple years, your commitment will have

Share your favorite Marist teacher or coach memory on social media! #maristmentor Make a gift today! wayhopepromise.com Please note your favorite teacher or coach in the Other Details section.

a lasting impact.

We can’t do it without you! Let’s cross the ﬁnish line together. Join the Race! Give now... Visit wayhopepromise.com

MARIST MATTERS 20

Advancement News

IV Y STREET CENTER DEDICATIONS

Ivy Street Center, the signature project of The Way. The Hope. The Promise. The Campaign for Marist School., was the site of two recent dedications honoring some special individuals who have had a significant impact on Marist School and have helped make it what it is today.

IV Y STREET ALUMNI LEGACY PL AQUE

Dick White ’52 and Harold Seitz ’56 led the charge to garner support from their fellow cadets. 21 MARIST MATTERS

The Ivy Street Alumni Legacy Plaque initiative reached its culmination on Sunday, November 15, 2015, when over 150 people gathered at Marist School to dedicate a plaque that commemorates the men who were the foundation of Marist School (previously Marist College) on its original campus. This initiative, part of Marist’s $35 million capital campaign, The Way. The Hope. The Promise., raised $2.3 million, making it the most successful alumni effort of the campaign. The hand-cast bronze plaque, prominently located in the lobby of Ivy Street Center and featuring the Society of Mary seal and iconic Ivy Street-era crossed rifle and saber images, lists the names of Ivy Street men who contributed to the capital campaign. In addition to individual donors, many family members supported the effort to honor their Ivy Street relatives who are deceased. All in all, 196 men have their names etched on the plaque. There are also 106 Marist priests and brothers on the plaque who served the school during the Ivy Street years, 1901 to 1962, before the school moved to its current Ashford Dunwoody campus. The dedication event began in Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel with Mass and was followed by the dedication ceremony and a luncheon in Ivy Street Center, whose name honors the school’s foundation on Ivy Street (now Peachtree Center Avenue) in downtown Atlanta.

Advancement News

Winchester Lobby Marist School is blessed to count the Winchester family among its greatest friends. For nearly 30 years, the Winchesters have been a constant and supportive presence at Marist, serving the school in countless ways. Marist is pleased to name the lobby of Ivy Street Center for the Winchester family in recognition of their generosity and long-standing relationship with the school. The Winchester family has demonstrated a commitment to Catholic education for generations. Amelia Winchester, the family matriarch, along with her late husband Gene were strong proponents of Catholic education, and they passed their commitment on to their six children. Seven Winchester grandchildren (children of Jim & Tracy Winchester and Dennis & Gayle Winchester) have graduated from Marist, including “Marist School is grateful for Samantha Winchester the extraordinary support Minutelli ’93, Katie of the Winchester family Winchester Vaillancourt ’93, Sarah Winchester ’95, who have been instrumental Buzz Winchester ’96, in crafting a legacy for our J.P. Winchester ’97, school. Their contributions Blair Winchester ’99, and of time, talent, and treasure, Mark Winchester ’00. At the lobby dedication given with humble hearts, event, Jim Winchester, Marist provide a notable example of School Trustee and 2012 the Marist Way in action.” St. Peter Chanel Award recipient, commented, “Our R E V. J O H N H A R H A G E R , S . M . parents made sacrifices to send us to Catholic schools, and that education had a profound impact on us. One of the greatest impacts Catholic education has had on our lives is that it inspired us to serve others. We support Marist School as a way to honor our parents, express gratitude for the excellent education the school has provided our family, and help ensure that Marist continues to thrive into the future.”

MARIST MATTERS 22

Advancement News

No matter the size, your Annual Fund gift shows your support for Marist School and directly impacts the daily lives of our students by providing tuition assistance and crucial operating funds.

Our fiscal year ends June 30. To make a gift or fulfill your pledge, visit us at marist.com/onlinegiving.

“As alumni and current parents, we appreciate the value and lasting legacy of a Marist education. The school’s dedication to excellence and service to others remains uncompromised and continues to inspire us now more than ever. So it is with much joy and gratitude that we choose to support the Annual Fund.” Max Hilsman ’92 and Ingrid Payne Hilsman ’92, parents of Anna ’18 and Stuart ’20 23 MARIST MATTERS

Alumni News

Dear Fellow Alumni, Spring is a season of new beginnings, and I have been working closely with the Alumni Board and Alumni Office to implement some exciting new programs that we hope will enhance our engagement of alumni from all generations in locations near and far. Additionally, as we do each spring, we are pleased to welcome the members of the class of 2016 to the Alumni Association as they begin the next chapter in their lives as Marist School alumni. This past fall we restructured the Alumni Board to offer more opportunities for alumni to get involved. Over the next year, we look forward to growing our Alumni Board-level committees, which include Membership, Annual Fund, Service & Spirituality, and Special Events. At a kickoff event in February, the Marist Alumni Board welcomed new Class Representatives. In an effort to focus the responsibilities of each volunteer, the Alumni Association introduced two new positions for each class: Alumni Relations Class Representative and Annual Giving Class Representative. Alumni Relations Class Representatives are charged with increasing fellowship among alumni and acting as liaisons between the school and the class. The Annual Giving Class Representatives focus on encouraging support for the Alumni Annual Fund for Tuition Assistance (AAFTA) and other fundraising initiatives. These positions play a critical role in keeping alumni engaged with the Marist School community and fulfilling the school’s mission to form young people in the image of Christ. Volunteering for the Alumni Association offers an excellent opportunity for you to stay involved with Marist School while expanding your network. To learn more about how to get involved, I encourage you to reach out to Alumni Director Maureen Davidson. The Marist Alumni Association hosts many of its signature events each spring, including the Alumni Awards Luncheon, the Alumni Women’s Luncheon, and the Ivy Street Alumni Reunion Luncheon. New in 2016, the Inaugural Reunion Weekend was held

April 29–May 1, 2016 and included the 26th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, Welcome Back BBQ, service projects, campus tours, Family Mass, and individual class reunion parties. Many alumni, not just those celebrating a reunion, came back to campus for the weekend festivities! In closing, I would like to thank those alumni who have generously supported Marist School’s $35 million capital campaign, The Way. The Hope. The Promise., which is transforming Marist’s campus. While maintaining your support of the Annual Fund, which provides tuition assistance to deserving students each year, I urge all alumni, if they haven’t already, to also make a commitment to the capital campaign by June 1 and help Marist cross the finish line of the capital campaign! Your support of both of these important initiatives will ensure Marist School continues to provide exemplary Catholic education now and in the future. For more information about alumni programs, to make a gift, or to volunteer, please contact the Alumni Office at (770) 936-6491 or alumni@marist.com. Warmest Regards,

James B. Roberts ’99 President, Marist Alumni Association

P.S. Save the Date for the 2017 Reunion Weekend! All classes ending in “2” and “7” will be celebrating their milestone reunion years with us the weekend of May 5-7, 2017.

MARIST MATTERS 24

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Events Winter 2015–2016

Alumni Awards Luncheon March 23, 2016

Alumni Women’s Luncheon April 13, 2016

25 MARIST MATTERS

ALUMNI NEWS

Lenten Morning of Recollection February 6, 2016

Alumni Lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Gathering

Young Alumni Christmas Luncheon

January 14, 2016

December 18, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS Senior Send-Off May 13, 2016

Parents of Alumni Prayer Service & Reception

Ivy Street Alumni Reunion Luncheon June 15, 2016

January 21, 2016

MARIST MATTERS 26

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumna in the Spotlight

by Isabella McDevitt ’16

The Power of a “Do” Attitude Dr. Christa-Marie Singleton ’83 is a pioneer in all aspects of life. She began her Marist career as one of only eight students of color at the school, three of them girls. But Christa-Marie did not dwell upon the fact that she did not look like everyone else. “I just stayed focused and moved forward,” she said. Christa-Marie found her solace in the Blue & Gold, the school newspaper, and the marching band. “It was in those activities where I developed into a leader, even if I didn’t realize it,” she remarked.

Not only did Christa-Marie’s leadership skills manifest themselves during her Marist career, but she also learned a valuable life lesson that she has kept close to heart. Christa-Marie learned the power of a “do” attitude, and she has not stopped doing since. She is sure her “do” attitude developed as a result of people underestimating her and of her realization that “when people underestimate you, you get better.” When people did not believe Christa-Marie could be the first woman from Marist to attend the University of Notre Dame, she proved them wrong. To this day, Christa-Marie believes that others’ lack of belief in her abilities stemmed from the statement “unfamiliarity breeds underestimation.” That statement continues to serve as a “huge motivation” in Christa-Marie’s life. A “simmering sense of ‘do’” also led Christa-Marie to be the first in her field to simultaneously complete a pediatric residency and attend graduate school to obtain a degree in public policy, an

I BELIEVE THAT IF YOUNG PEOPLE SEE THAT I WORK THIS HARD AND AM ABLE TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS, IT’S DOABLE FOR OTHERS TOO. exhausting task in and of itself. Without her public policy degree, Christa-Marie would not have been able to become senior medical policy advisor at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the position she holds today. Christa-Marie also uses her “do” attitude to serve as an advocate for Alzheimer’s research, a disease to which many, including her father, have succumbed. Christa-Marie does not take her status as a pioneer lightly. Rather, she drives herself to set an example for future generations. “I believe that if young people see that I work this hard and am able to achieve success, it’s doable for others, too.” With her “do” attitude, Christa-Marie is a source of inspiration for many young people today. But without her favorite quote from Yoda in Star Wars—“Do or do not. There is no try.”—and the valuable lessons she learned at Marist, Christa-Marie would never have understood the incredible power of a “do” attitude. 27 MARIST MATTERS

ALUMNI NEWS

2016 Alumni Awards Distinguished Alumna Award Mary Humann Judson ’84

Outstanding Young Alumnus Award John A. Lanier ’04

On Wednesday, March 23, 2016, over eighty Marist School alumni and friends gathered at Cherokee Town Club for the Alumni Awards Luncheon. Each year, the Marist Alumni Association hosts this luncheon to honor and recognize the current and past Alumni Award recipients who all exemplify Marist’s mission in both their personal and professional lives. The luncheon began with a blessing from Marist School President Father John Harhager, S.M. Following dessert, James B. Roberts ’99, president of the Marist Alumni Association, presented a slideshow, which highlighted each 2016 award recipient with pictures from their time as students to their family life now. The winner of the 2016 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, which recognizes excellence in an individual’s career achievements and/or service to the community, is John A. Lanier ’04. John, who is the executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, accepted the award saying, “I do not work and serve for recognition, but instead to be worthy of Christ.” John serves as chair of the Marist Alumni Board’s Service & Spirituality Committee. Marist School Principal Father Joel Konzen, S.M. introduced Stephen M. Raeber, the 2016 Father Hartnett Service Award recipient. Steve has demonstrated his exemplary service to Marist School through his involvement as a parent while his children (Mary Shannon Raeber Scott ’84, Mike Raeber ’86, and Scott Raeber ’88) attended Marist. He is a member of Marist’s Investment Committee and was instrumental in creating the Heritage Circle, which is Marist’s planned giving society. He also serves on the board of Reach for Excellence. Like John’s, Raeber’s speech centered on his gratitude for Marist School and its profound impact on his family. Mary Humann Judson ’84, the 2016 Distinguished Alumna Award recipient and first woman to receive this award, also emphasized her gratitude that her daughter, Hadley Judson ’11, received a Marist education and that she herself remains closely associated with Marist School as a member of the Board of Trustees and co-chair of the alumni committee for The Way. The Hope. The Promise. capital campaign. As executive director of the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation and soon-to-be president of The Goizueta Foundation, she embodies Marist’s core value of working in a way that is hidden and unknown. This school year, Marist School has focused on two core values: simplicity and humility. It is such an honor and blessing that all three 2016 alumni award recipients not only embody these core values on a daily basis but also reinforced them during the Alumni Awards Luncheon. Congratulations to all!

Read more at marist.com/alumni/awardrecipients Father Hartnett Service Award Stephen M. Raeber

MARIST MATTERS 28

Class Notes 56

On October 23, 2015 Tom Supensky ’56 led a clay workshop for Marist School students. 1

At the March 6, 2016 Allie Awards, Dee Lane Eades ’79, was awarded the Dale Riggins Humanitarian Award. This prestigious honor is awarded each year to an individual who donates time, talent, effort, and expertise to community service within the event professional industry and the community at large. 2

Jennifer Lewis Priestly ’85 was

recently profiled on icrunchdatanews. com. Jennifer currently is a professor of statistics and data science at Kennesaw State University.

Maureen Ahearn Cully ’86 joined

fellow classmates and their spouses for an art class with faculty member Bill Buckner. Attendees included: Maureen Ahearn Cully ’86, Mike Cully, Eric Johnson, Kelly Curran Johnson ’86, Suzie Beeson Negus ’86, Dave Negus ’84, Del Ross ’86, and Jamie Hunter Ross ’86. The class was purchased at the 2015 Marist School Auction. 3 Mary Ford ’86 and Brian Frank ’86 both serve on the board of Atlanta Track Club. Mary is the new chair of the board and Brian is currently serving as treasurer. Atlanta Track Club is committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta through

29 MARIST MATTERS

world-class events—including the AJC Peachtree Road Race, training programs, and community outreach activities. With more than 24,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. Darryl Stephens ’86 is celebrating

the completion of his new book, Methodist Morals, forthcoming April 2016 from University of Tennessee Press. His wife, Myka Kennedy Stephens, is now on faculty at Lancaster Theological Seminary as Seminary Librarian. Their children, Zeke and Cecily, continue to amaze them as they grow more independent each day.

89 92

Katie Keleher Edwards ’89 lives in Columbus, Georgia with her daughters, Sarah Kate (16), Virginia (14), and Jackie (11). Laura Hardy Campbell ’92 , Megan Carmody ’92 , Kristin Bocchino

Fay ’92 , Emily Craig Gately ’92 , Amy

Mannino Henry ’92 , Beth Harrold Ratchford ’92 , Kim Davis Sellers ’92 , Debbie Lockwood

They want to challenge all Marist grads who gather together to never forget what brings them together and to continue to strive to live “The Marist Way” even after graduation. The group made a donation to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston. 4 Richard Lauth ’92 and Mandy Faletti Crock ’92 hosted a tailgate for the Class of 1992 at a fall football game on November 6, 2015. 5

David King ’93 married Lizzie Hennessey on November 14, 2015 in Boca Grande, Florida. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri with Lizzie and his three children. He is the team orthopedic surgeon for the St. Louis Cardinals. Ginny Keleher Lindsay ’93 lives in

Freeport, Pennsylvania with her children, Elsie (12), Anne (10), Cal (8), and Marion (3). She is the author of the blog Gingercake and creator and designer at Gingercake Patterns. Adam Murphy ’93, an Emmy Award-winning consumer investigative reporter for CBS46 News, visited Marist School’s Broadcast Journalism Class on November 10, 2015.

Wade ’92 , and Allyson Belatti Watson ’92 continued the tradition of “The Marist Way” during a recent weekend retreat in Folly Beach, South Carolina. They felt they could make the weekend even more special and live out “The Marist Way” by making a donation to a local charity.

CLASS NOTES

Marist School received the Wilson Golden Football through the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll, in honor of Patrick Mannelly ’93, who was on the Super Bowl roster for the Chicago Bears for Super Bowl XLI. 6

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Ducote ’95 took command of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment in Fort Stewart, Georgia on March 10, 2016 during a Change of Command Ceremony. The rich heritage of the 7th Infantry Regiment spans over 200 years. The unit has fought in 12 wars and has earned 80 campaign streamers and 13 unit decorations. With its legendary history and numerous awards for valor, the 7th infantry remains the premier regiment in the United States Army. Proud family and friends celebrated with Brian, his wife Gina, and their sons Michael (8) and1John (5) at Vic’s on the River in Savannah, Georgia the night prior to the ceremony. Pictured from left to right: Earne Bentley ’95, Mrs. Gina Ducote, Brian Ducote ’95, Eileen Young Caldwell ’95, Clay Caldwell, and Campbell Caldwell. 7

Doug Shaddick ’97 co-founded Hero Dog

Rescue late last year with the help of a few friends, including classmate Amy Tidwell Andrews ’97. Hero Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs from high kill shelters in Georgia. Coincidentally, and for Doug, excitedly, the organization’s very first adoption was to a Marist family.

John A. Sugg ’00 has been named a

shareholder in the law firm of Davis, Matthews & Quigley, P.C., in Atlanta, Georgia.

4 MARIST MATTERS 30

CLASS NOTES

13 06

Colin Tom ’06 had a cartoon

published in the September 7, 2015 issue of The New Yorker. Colin currently works at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

10 12

Emily Saunders ’10 recently accepted

the position of assistant director of alumni engagement at Georgia College (GCSU) in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Sarah Lynn Bowen ’12 and her team presented their invention, TruePani, in the InVenture Prize televised finals on March 16, 2016. InVenture Prize is the nation’s largest undergraduate invention competition and an interdisciplinary innovation competition open to all undergraduate students and recent graduates of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Created in 2009 and organized by Georgia Tech faculty, the competition brings together student innovators from all academic backgrounds across campus in an effort to foster creativity, invention, and entrepreneurship. TruePani, a household sanitation solution to improve water quality in the developing world, was awarded the People’s Choice award, selected by viewers. They won $5,000 in prize money to support the development of their invention.

31 MARIST MATTERS

Jack Markwalter ’13 was recently profiled in a news story on WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana about his work as CEO of Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI), an initiative founded by University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College students. They aim to replace predatory payday lending by providing small cash advances, supplemented by helpful, personal financial planning tools, to help their clients get ahead instead of falling behind. Jack is currently a junior at the University of Notre Dame.

After two seasons as a walk-on, Brandon Young ’13 has been awarded a scholarship with the University of Georgia men’s basketball team. Following last season, Brandon received the team’s Most Inspirational Award.

On January 14, 2016, Christopher Bowman ’14 returned to Marist’s campus as a member of the Yale Spizzwinks, who gave an a cappella performance for the students, faculty, and staff. 8

Smith Childs ’15 visited Mr. Perez’s

and Mrs. Buchanan’s Spanish classes at Marist School on December 15, 2015, sharing stories of her study abroad experience in Chile. She will be a freshman at Furman University this fall. 9

Ian Gipson ’15,

currently a freshman at Washington and Lee University, earned a ScholarAthlete award for achieving a 3.9 GPA for the fall semester of 2015. Ian played linebacker and special teams in multiple games for the Generals who were 10-0 in the regular season (10-1 overall) and 2015 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Champions. Marist alumni and current students at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Adam Steves ’13, Matthew Hoey ’14, Kenneth Brinson ’15, Hollis Davenport ’13, Connor Byrne ’13, Will Herbert ’13, Patrick Heller ’12 , and Kyle Murdy ’15 attended the Academy’s Christmas party on December 3, 2015. 10 Marist alumni and current students at Auburn University, Natalie Fiacco ’12, Julia Simon ’13, Taylor Wolf ’15, Megan Hackett ’15, John Tapp ’14, Will Kesterton ’14, Emily Cashdan ’14, Sally Adler ’15, Connely Doize ’15, and Addy Canavan ’14 gathered together for a dinner in Auburn, Alabama with Marist School’s Dean of Students Mike Trapani ’70 on January 16, 2016. 11

CLASS NOTES

Class Delegates The Marist Alumni Association has made an exciting change to the Class Delegate role. To create more alumni

volunteer opportunities and to focus the responsibilities of each volunteer, the Alumni Association now offers two new alumni volunteer leadership positions: Alumni Relations Class Representative

and Annual Giving Class Representative. Class Representatives play a critical role in keeping alumni engaged with

A Story of Sustainability John Lanier ’04, 2016 recipient of

“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored ﬂowers and herbs”.

Marist Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus/a Award and chair of the Marist Alumni Board’s Service & Spirituality Committee, returned to Marist School this spring to tell students a story of sustainability. Before embarking upon his storytelling, Lanier shared his C A N T I C L E O F T H E C R E AT U R E S personal definition of sustainability IN FRANCIS OF ASSISI: with his avid audience: the ability of current generations to meet E A R LY D O C U M E N T S their needs without compromising the needs and opportunities of future generations. Then, he proceeded to tell the story of his grandfather, Ray C. Anderson, who boldly steered his carpet company onto a new course of sustainability that would reduce its environmental footprint while increasing profitability. His grandfather, who died in 2011, was a pioneer of sustainability for his industry and beyond, and he showed the world that business can be a force of good in today’s world. Lanier continues his grandfather’s work in sustainability as the executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, a private family foundation committed to supporting innovative, educational, and project-based initiatives that harmonize society, business, and the environment. Sustainability is a concept near and dear to Marist School as it is to Pope Francis, whose recent encyclical, Laudato Si, calls us to care for our common home. Lanier’s visit served to reenergize the Marist community to continue the many sustainability projects that occur every day on Marist’s campus. Lanier’s charge to Marist students: “I have hope for your generation. You will change the world in positive ways, and I can’t wait to see what you will do!”

the Marist School community. Serving as a volunteer leader offers an excellent opportunity for you to stay involved with Marist while expanding your network. Visit marist.com/classrepresentatives to meet your class representatives. To learn more, please contact the Marist Alumni Office at alumni@marist.com or (770) 936-6491.

Share your latest news in Class Notes! EMAIL CL ASSNOTES@MARIST.COM CONTACT Phone: (770) 936-6491

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

Electronic photo ﬁles must be at least 300 dpi resolution and 4” x 6”. If sending hard copies, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for easy return.

MARIST MATTERS 32

Megan McMahon ’00 married John Sullivan Weaver on July 11, 2015. Marist alumni and community members in attendance included: Mary Carr Bendeck ’00, Kelly Hanofee Blanchard ’00, Sarah Mooreﬁeld Bowlin ’00, Barrett Gibbs Gleason ’03, Erin Hernandez Horner ’00, Courtney Carpenter Howell ’00, Cameran Jewell ’00, Susan Kelly ’00, Charlotte McGreaham (former faculty), John McGreaham ’65, Colleen McMahon ’03, Garry McMahon ’66, Josh McMahon ’97, Katie McMahon ’98, Louise McMahon ’06, Patrick McMahon ’62 , Patrick McShane ’00, Laura Gibbs Miller ’00, Patrick Murphy ’01 , Lauren O’Meally ’00, Megan O’Meally ’03, Michael Rittle ’00, Tom Rittle ’00, Caroline McGreaham Rose ’00, Diana Mattingly Ruehlman ’00, Keith Townsend ’00, Allison Walsh ’00, Kelly McCaleb Wesley ’00, and Mark Winchester ’00.

Kevin Lawrence Kane ’01 married Cory-Ann Cook

Smarr on September 6, 2015 at Ivy Hall at Roswell Mill Club in Roswell, Georgia. Marist alumni in attendance included: Charles Alexander ’01 , Peter Dunn ’01 , Colin Holloway ’01 , Kimberly Godbold Meade ’01 , Jaime O’Keeffe ’01 , Martin Parets ’01 , Michael Schork ’01 , Jennifer Schork ’03, David Sims ’01 , and Raymond Wade ’01 .

6 33 MARIST MATTERS

WEDDINGS

Todd Schuster ’04 and Alex Wallace were married by Father Joel

Konzen, S.M. in St. Mary’s Chapel, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta on June 6, 2015. A reception followed at Chastain Horse Park. Marist alumni joining in the celebration included: Neil Schuster ’08, John Marshall ’04, Grant Nicol ’04, Bobby Majoch ’04, Brett Lange ’04, Ryan Holloway ’03, and Cristin Donley ’04. 4

Gamble Cleveland ’06 married Taylor Price ’06 on June 20, 2015 at

the Cathedral of Christ the King; a reception followed at Piedmont Driving Club. Marist alumni in attendance included: Hailey Carroll ’06, Molly Suddes Cranford ’06, Emily Creighton ’06, Maggie Barton DeBardeleben ’06, Bridget Donley ’06, Vera Carrington Dywer ’06, Bliss Jones ’04, Marcie Opraseuth Kanavage ’06, Ansley Jones Kuppens ’06, Teddy Williams ’06, Taylor Rhett ’06, Michael Mannino ’06, Amanda McDowell ’06, Hall McKinley III ’74, Hall McKinley IV ’06, Dan McMahon ’06, Matt Morrison ’06, Clare Mullins ’10, Margaret Mullins ’06, Claire Papevies ’06, Catherine Gill Popps ’06, Meggie Stazak ’06, Taylor Stevens ’06, Grace Thorington ’06, and Lizzie Waring ’06. 5

Ansley Lawson Jones ’06 married Thomas Nicholas Kuppens on May

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

16, 2015. The marriage was celebrated at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, followed by a reception at the Piedmont Driving Club. There were several Marist alumni in attendance. 6

Richard Kirchgraber ’08 married Mary Catherine Sikes ’08 on May

30, 2015 at Peachtree Presbyterian with a reception at Cherokee Town Club. Including the bride and groom, Richard and Mary Catherine had 14 Marist graduates or current students in the wedding party. They have always been grateful for the friendships with which Marist blessed them, and now they are grateful to Marist for their marriage as well. The following Marist students and alumni attended: Kallie Alesch ’10, Kathleen Butte ’08, Louise Corrigan ’08, Kelsey Curran ’08, Grace Helmer ’08, Andrew King ’07, Elizabeth Harris King ’08, Grace Kirchgraber ’09, Matt Lewis ’08, Lauren Litwack ’08, Caitlin McDevitt ’08, Kevin McDevitt ’08, Becht Neel ’08, Francisco Olmedo ’08, Ansley Sikes ’20, Bo Sikes ’17, David Sikes ’76, Margaret Sikes ’10, Molly Sikes ’18, Jack Spalding ’08, Lanie Sturgis ’18, and Brian Whelan ’08. 7

Kitsy Smith ’06 married Marcus Buchheim on September 18, 2015 in

Berlin, Germany. Erin Aine Smith ’09 was in the wedding party. 8

Lauren Stair ’06 married Patrick Hughes on May 16, 2015 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. A reception followed at the King Plow Arts Center. Marist alumni in the wedding party included: Claire Long Conarro ’06, Morgan Cross ’06, Kate Donlin ’06, Matt Vieson ’06, and Melissa Withorn ’06. Marist alumni attending included: Kelly Conarro ’04, Kyle Conarro ’06, Bridget Donley ’06, Erica Ludi ’06, Kristen Martinez ’06, and Mike Penney ’74.

5 MARIST MATTERS MATTERS 34 MARIST

Births M A R IST

4 10

1 Molly Christian ’92 gave birth to

her second daughter on November 27, 2015. Millie Jewell Christian weighed 6 pounds 3 ounces and was 18 3/4 inches long. Big sister Macy Jane is beyond thrilled to have a baby sister. 2 Amy Mannino Henry ’92 and her

husband Steven Henry welcomed their fourth child, Brooklyn Daisy Henry, on August 9, 2015.

35 MARIST MATTERS

3 Jason Rhodes ’98 and his

wife Amanda Rhodes welcomed a daughter, Griffyn Daniele, on February 20, 2015. Jason and his family reside in Jacksonville, Florida. 3 Virginia Sadler ’94 and Alex

Mayfield welcomed a son, Jackson Daniel Mayfield, on September 26, 2015. Grandparents are Dan ’56 and Mary Sadler. (not pictured)

4 Amy Tidwell Andrews ’97 and her

husband Travis Andrews welcomed a daughter, Nora Jane Andrews, on January 13, 2016. 5 Danielle Benoit Leahy ’99 and Nick Leahy ’98 are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Phoebe Emma Leahy, born October 27, 2015. They hope she will be part of the Marist community one day!

BIRTHS

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” L U K E 1 8 :16

6 Allyson Nichols Miller ’02 and Bartley Miller ’02 welcomed

Reagan Wallace Miller on October 1, 2015. Big brothers John (5) and Harrison (2 1/2) love their little sister!

These Marist School Class of 2002 babies gathered together recently for a mini reunion! From left to right, Gray Nichols, son of Kristin Marzano Nichols ’02; Ellis Koffler, daughter of Leigh Thompson Kofﬂer ’02; Charley Germano, daughter of Meghan Fitzgerald Germano ’02; Reagan Miller, daughter of Allyson Nichols Miller ’02; and Julian Crumpler, son of Sonia Barbalho Crumpler ’02.

MARIST MATTERS MATTERS 36 MARIST

IN MEMORIAM

Frank Arbour ’55

Eugene Asher, father of David

Asher ’78 (deceased)

Sam Glidewell, husband of former Marist faculty member Tricia Glidewell; and father of Sarah Glidewell Collins ’03 and Ryan Glidewell ’07.

Thomas Carley ’47, brother of Dave Carley ’46, Philip Carley ’51 (deceased), Burke Carley ’55 (deceased), and Steve Carley ’59; step-brother of John Withers ’59, Dennis Withers ’64, and Chris Withers ’67.

John Gwin, father of Kelly Gwin Showfety ’80 and John H. Gwin ’83; and grandfather of Lott Gwin ’14, Luke Gwin ’16, Matthew Gwin ’18, and staff member Mary Grace Showfety.

Harry Cashin, Jr., brother of

Victor Lambert, Jr. ’57

Donald Deiters ’43; father of Harry Cashin III ’81 , Courtney Cashin Hale ’84, and Caroline Cashin Koenraad ’86; father-inlaw of Ronald Koenraad ’79; and grandfather of William Hale ’14, Connor Hale ’16, and Carley Hale ’18.

Francis Coles, father of Matt

Coles ’80.

John Coulborn ’58, brother of Geoff Coulborn ’62.

Dennis Crean, Sr., father of

Joseph Ledlie, father of Christopher Ledlie ’92 , Caroline Ledlie ’94, Jane Ledlie Batcheller ’99, and Kathryn Ledlie ’04. Mary Lewis, mother of Steve Lewis ’85, Dave Lewis ’87, and Katherine Lewis Parker ’90. Paul Lombardi, father of

Julie Lombardi Mellon ’93 and Lillianna Lombardi Thompson ’98.

Dennis Crean, Jr. ’81 , David Crean ’83, Brian Crean ’86, and Alison Crean Roach ’91; and grandfather of Owen Crean ’09, Erin Crean ’12 , and Aiden Crean ’15.

Matthew McDaniel, Jr., father of Matthew McDaniel III ’85; and grandfather of Charlie Hawkins III ’01 , Manette Hawkins Rogers ’02 , and Alexandra Hawkins ’09.

Margery Curry, mother of Marci Curry Hamilton ’84.

Jani McDonald, mother of Sean McDonald ’84.

Maria Luisa Diego, mother of Maria Diego Taboada ’85 and Pedro Diego ’89; grandmother of Ana Diego ’02 , Ignacio Diego ’03, John Diego ’04, Belen Diego ’11 , and Gregory Taboada ’13.

Patrick McGahan, father of

Rita Ducey, grandmother of current Marist School faculty member Kathleen Bukowski. Charles Fairbanks ’52

Through March 31, 2016

37 MARIST MATTERS

Sheila McGahan Monardo ’78, Thomas McGahan ’81 , Mark McGahan ’84, and Anne McGahan Harmet ’85;

Maria Miller, mother of current Marist School staff member, Art Diaz. Richard Negus, father of David Negus ’84 and Donna Negus Crawford ’89; father-in-law of Suzie Beeson Negus ’86; and grandfather of Caroline Negus ’13 and Anna Negus ’17. Norman Perry ’53

Ernest Platford, father of Thomas Platford ’76, Mary Platford Anderson ’78, and James Platford ’84; father-in-law of Daphne Moore Platford ’84; and grandfather of Nicholas Platford ’15. Laura Reynolds ’94, sister of Kelley Reynolds Cargle ’87, Lisa Reynolds Reno ’89, and Paula Reynolds Rybka ’93.

Irwin Rothchild, father of

Jennifer Rothchild ’89 and Jon Rothchild ’92.

Patricia Roughan, mother of current Marist School staff member Patty Canfield. JoAnn Sikes, mother of David Sikes ’76; grandmother of Mary Catherine Sikes Kirchgraber ’08, Margaret Sikes ’10, David Sikes, Jr. ’17, Molly Sikes ’18, and Ansley Sikes ’20; and

grandmother-in-law of

and grandfather of

Richard Kirchgraber ’08.

Rev. James McGoldrick, S.M., former pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption and former Marist School faculty.

Francis Sullivan ’54, nephew of Frank Stephens ’23 (deceased); brother of Steve Sullivan ’51 (deceased); father of Frank Sullivan II ’81 , Maria Sullivan Hardin ’82 , and Carla Sullivan Burkhardt ’87; father-in-law of Marcia Azar Sullivan ’81; and

Clare Monardo ’07, Joseph Monardo ’10, Frances Mary Monardo ’14, and Silvia Monardo ’18.

grandfather of

Andra Sullivan ’08, Alex Sullivan ’10, Claire Sullivan ’12 , and Austin Hardin ’12. Leo Sullivan ’45

David Stobie, father of

Thomas Stobie ’82 , Keith Adabie ’83, and Jenny Stobie Schumacher ’87

Mary Ann Trapani, mother of Craig Trapani ’68, Marist School Dean of Students Mike Trapani ’70, and David Trapani ’77; aunt of Bert Trapani ’69; grandmother of Jennifer Trapani ’99, Michael Trapani ’01 , Jason Trapani ’02 , Scott Trapani ’04, Mary Trapani ’09, Taylor Trapani ’09, and Reid Trapani ’11; and great aunt of Paul Trapani ’02.

Word Last

By Cristina Vásconez Herrera, Editor & Director of Communications

A Simple Life As I learned when I began working at Marist School almost two years ago, there is a Marist theme designated for each school year. This year’s theme is simplicity and humility. As I’ve contemplated these two words over the past months, I’ve found myself dwelling mostly on simplicity. It’s not that humility is not important to me. After all, it perfectly conveys the “hidden and unknown” ethos that infuses the school community and is one of the most striking and distinguishing of the values that the Marists espouse; but, simplicity just seems to speak to me more directly. Maybe it’s because I’m a busy working mother always seeking ways to make my life a little less hectic. Maybe it’s because I like to create an atmosphere for myself in which I feel some semblance of control. Basically though, I find myself contemplating simplicity as a way to live purposefully, allowing space and allotting time to what is most important in my life. I came to Marist after working many years for an opera company. If you’ve ever been to an opera, you know it’s not a passive experience. There is a moment in each opera production when everything seems to come to an intense halt. The lighting dims and a spotlight focuses on a solitary singer. Audience members sit on the edge of their seats, holding their breath as they listen to the glorious sound of the human voice expressing deep emotion in a very direct and intimate way. It is a sublime moment, a simple moment in which the entire action of the opera revolves around this one singer. It is completely clear what your priority is to be at that instant in time. You are to focus on just that singer, on just that exquisite sound. To me, the concept of simplicity is just that. You strip away all distractions in order to focus upon something of primary significance. A simple, breathtaking belief in God, the supremacy of family for which my daily work and activity surrounds and finds meaning, the importance of maintaining a sense of curiosity to feed an inquisitive soul and learn as much as possible, the gratification derived from providing opportunities for those less fortunate. Simplicity is essential for me. It helps me maintain perspective in my life, which along with faith and gratitude, help

Illustration by Jay Rogers

keep me balanced and grounded, recollecting my priorities. If I were to put myself up on the opera stage, my simple spotlight moment would see me expressing pure thanks for the clarity God gives me. Embracing simplicity helps me live my best life, rising above the many distractions of life just like the magnificent human voice soars through the theater in the greatest moments of opera.

...my simple spotlight moment would see me expressing pure thanks for the clarity God gives me.

MARIST MATTERS 38

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