VOL. 43 • ISS. 2
A Tribute to Bishop Joel M. Konzen, S.M. Page 5
New PresidentScene Keeps Around Marist Marist Day 19 23 || 2018 Commencement Highlights 35 Marist119 | |Grandparents Kuhrt 2 Dirt Graduation 2013 25
Dear Friends,
...our students will leave here on fire with God’s love and in love with the Church...
I write to you at the beginning of my first full academic year as president of Marist School. This year, our entire community will focus on the Marist theme of Trust in God. Tasting God. Union with God., essentially an exploration into our personal relationship with God. I am actually glad that we will be reflecting on this topic this year. I say that because I have heard some teenagers, young adults, and adults describe their experience of prayer, worship, and study as being dry, empty, or boring. If the Society of Mary founder, Father Jean-Claude Colin, were alive, he would point out that Biblical writers and spiritual masters were quite familiar with what is commonly called spiritual desolation. He would further add that the Sacred Scriptures are filled with references to the soul as hungering for God. Saying “I am bored with prayer” or “I get nothing out of Mass” is just a contemporary way of conveying the fact that our souls are thirsting for God. The good news is that Father Colin knew that spiritual dryness does not have to be a perpetual state. He speaks about “Tasting God” as crucial to the spiritual formation of young Marists. We build upon that idea in pursuing Marist School’s mission by nurturing the spiritual formation of our students so they become aware of and experience the many blessings of God. Father Colin advises us in this way, “Later, in the course of life, since you have tasted the gift of God, you remember it and return to it with pleasure.” I see Marist School as a place and a time when our students learn to taste God. If we educate them well, our students will leave here on fire with God’s love and in love with the Church, and yes, in love with the Mass, with prayer, with service, and with learning about their faith. From my perspective, the theme of “Tasting God” could not come at a better time. St. Augustine said the same thing but put it a bit differently when he said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Marist Matters. Sincerely,
Rev. William F.Rowland, S.M. President & Alumni Chaplain
1 MARIST MATTERS
VOL. XLIII • CONTENTS
5
A TRIBUTE TO BISHOP KONZEN Memories from 28 years at Marist School COVER STORY
21 SCENE AROUND MARIST An American experiment in learning
4 MARIST IN BRIEF Latest happenings on campus
31 53
ADVANCEMENT NEWS Generous donors name campus spaces
WEDDINGS & BIRTHS Blushing brides and future War Eagles take center stage
51 CLASS NOTES Keep up with the accomplishments of Marist alumni
13 NEW PRINCIPAL KEVIN MULLALLY Inspiring students to learn and grow
58 LAST WORD Opening hearts to God’s call
MARIST MATTERS 2
PRESIDENT & ALUMNI CHAPLAIN Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M.
Marist School Named Top Workplace
PRINCIPAL Kevin Mullally V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Angela H. Dorsey EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Cristina Vásconez Herrera CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Brady Sarah Burgher Michael Burns Molly Carlin Katie Crowe ’06 Maureen Davidson Dee Lane Eades ’79 Shannon Crunk Hipp ‘94 Celia Lovell ‘19 The Most Rev. Joel M. Konzen, S.M. Jaclyn McNeil Gigi Meyers Kevin Mullally Jerry Novac Gina Parnaby Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M. Mike Strickland
Marist School was ranked one of Atlanta’s best places to work in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2018 Top Workplaces study.
GRAPHIC DESIGN Helmet Studio Jayro Design & Illustration PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Collier Photosynthesis Studio 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.
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.
Katie Scarborough ’19 was selected by the
Foundations Winter Games gave Marist
Head football Coach Alan Chadwick
U.S. Marines Corps for the Semper Fidelis
7th and 8th graders the opportunity to
was inducted into the Decatur High
All-American Program, recognizing students
bond as they competed in tournaments of
School Hall of Fame in February. Julie
trivia, artistic design, kickball, volleyball,
McCrary Rogers ’92 was selected for
basketball, tug-of-war, and cheering.
the Randolph-Macon Hall of Fame.
who fight and win battles on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
In Brief MARIST
A DISPLAY OF SOLIDARITY AND REMEMBRANCE On March 14, Marist students joined others across the nation and left their classrooms to commemorate the victims from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In solidarity, the students at Maristen Gymnasium Fürstenzell, Marist’s sister school in Germany, did the same.
Senior Giving Initiative Count Me In! Marist launched a new senior pledge drive asking the Class of 2018 to make a pledge in the amount of $5, $10, or $20.18 to Marist School’s Annual Fund to be fulfilled during their first years as Marist alumni.
NEW GRANITE BENCH FOR GUNN GALLERY A new granite bench in the Gunn Gallery provides a perfect location for viewing the work of Marist’s talented student artists. The work of Georgia artist Maria Artemis, the bench was unveiled during Marist’s Spring Arts Showcase featuring the Marist Dance Company and an exhibit of work by AP Studio Art students.
ELC CELEBRATES 10 TH ANNIVERSARY Marist’s Early Learning Center, offering care for children of faculty and staff, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018.
Senior Beach is just one of the many
Two Marist boys basketball team
The North Fulton Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars awarded
activities during Marist’s annual St.
shoot-a-thons (in 2016 & 2018)
Peter Chanel Day. The all-school field
raised a total of nearly $20,000 for
Dominic Bozzuto ’20 first place in
day began with Mass and continued
Camp Sunshine, which enriches the
their National Voice of Democracy
with bands, games, food trucks, and fun.
lives of Georgia’s children with cancer.
Oral/Essay Contest.
A Tribute to
Bishop Joel M. Konzen, S.M. AFTER 28 YEARS serving the Marist School community, perhaps it can be said that Father Joel Konzen, S.M. has graduated. Called by Pope Francis to serve as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, he left Marist for his new role in the spring of 2018. In thanksgiving and recognition for his tenure as well as for the fact that he possesses the many positive characteristics he always strived to instill in students, Marist School conferred upon him an honorary diploma during its 117th commencement ceremony in May. Father Konzen’s years at Marist School were a gift for which the entire Marist community is grateful. The school community is even more grateful that he will continue to share his wealth of institutional knowledge, commitment to Catholic education, and fidelity to the mission of the Society of Mary as a member of Marist School’s Board of Trustees.
5 MARIST MATTERS
Bishop Konzen first came to Marist in 1980, serving as a teacher and admissions director for two years before spending six years as principal. He also briefly held the position of Marist School president before leaving in 1989 to enter graduate school at Catholic University in Washington D.C. After receiving a master’s degree in educational administration, Bishop Konzen set out to be principal and president at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin, Texas. His time there must have made an impact as still, each year, St. Michael’s presents the Father Konzen Award to a student for his or her academic achievement and passion for a subject matter. Bishop Konzen returned to Marist in 1999 and was principal until his recent departure. An English major at St. Meinrad’s College in Indiana, Bishop Konzen is admired by many for his witty turn of phrase and facility with the written word. While principal at Marist, among other important duties, he was known for making sure Marist students were dressed in proper uniform and that they displayed courtesy at every turn. If Marist School is a warm, welcoming place where everyone greets THE MOST one another and says please and thank you, it may be due, in part, to Bishop Konzen’s annual Schola Brevis pronouncements, encouraging students to make themselves and Marist School the best they can be. In 2015, Bishop Konzen was the recipient of the Educational Excellence Award presented by the Secondary Schools Department of the National Catholic Educational Association. This annual award is presented to those who deserve national recognition for their significant contributions and profound commitment to the richness and diversity of American Catholic education. Bishop Konzen is held in high regard by so many, including his fellow priests in the Society of Mary. For the Society of Mary in 1990 and again in 1992, Bishop Konzen held the position of vicar provincial for its former Washington Province. Father Paul Frechette, S.M., provincial of the Society of Mary’s U.S. Province, commented, “Think about all the students and faculty, parents, and alumni whose lives have been impacted for the better because of Bishop Konzen. Now you can see how the graciousness
of Mary has been lavishly bestowed upon the school that bears her name through this Marist religious and his fidelity to everything her name entails.” Beyond the myriad administrative duties required as principal of the school, Bishop Konzen regularly continued his role as teacher. Every other year he taught a popular leadership course, bringing in prominent leaders from a variety of industries to speak to students. Recently, he championed summer courses for students focusing on servant leadership and entrepreneurism. He also played a key role over the years in the school’s strategic planning process. “Ever since my first appointment in 1980, I’ve enjoyed serving the families and the faculty and staff of Marist School in the various roles I was assigned. And it was a pleasure to partner with so many great Marists over those years, too,
“I’ve enjoyed serving the families and the faculty and staff of Marist School...and it was a pleasure to partner with so many great Marists over those years, too...” R E V. J O E L M . KO N Z E N , S . M .
including four presidents—Father Hartnett, Father Egan, Father Harhager, and now Father Rowland,” said Bishop Konzen last fall when he was set to become Marist’s next president before Pope Francis’ call steered him in a different direction. For many, Bishop Konzen exudes what it means to be Marist. Each year, he spoke to prospective families at Open House, describing what defines Marist School and how the school goes about pursuing its educational mission. He nurtured a remarkable faculty, who, under his tutelage, were encouraged to grow and pursue further education if it would enhance the classroom experience for students. He presided over graduations and honors assemblies and was supportive of students in so many ways, even if he did have to discipline them at times. Many things changed at Marist School during the 28 years that Bishop Konzen graced the campus, but through it all, he displayed for the entire community a fervent commitment to Marist values and the school’s mission.
MARIST MATTERS 6
“I am grateful for the ten years I was able to work with and learn from Bishop Konzen. His work as principal has solidified the Marist spirit and identity in the school in no small part because, for decades, he modeled for us what it is to think, judge, feel, and act as Mary did. He will continue his work under her name in the Archdiocese, and they are lucky to have him.” K E V I N M U L L A L LY , P R I N C I PA L , PA R E N T O F M A D DY ’ 24
“During his many years as principal of Marist School and through the inspiration of his own example, Bishop Konzen continually reminded us on the faculty and staff that, at its heart, education is a vocation rooted in service. He always understood that beyond the pedagogy, academic degrees, and leadership, the common thread that runs throughout and binds the fabric of Marist School is the choice each has to make to serve one another, our community, and the world.” B R E N D A N M U R P H Y , S O C I A L ST U D I E S T E AC H E R
“Bishop Joel Konzen has been a powerful influence and light for Marist School and for me personally for the past 28 years. He has touched so many with his quiet and insightful intelligence and beautiful sermons and speeches. Bishop Konzen represents the best of Marist, and we are very honored to have worked with him these past years.” C L A R E N C E S M I T H ’ 6 8 , F O R M E R C H A I R M A N , M A R I ST S C H O O L B OA R D O F T RU ST E E S , PA R E N T O F LU C Y ’ 9 3
7 MARIST MATTERS
“From the day I arrived on campus as a nervous freshman back in 1984, I’ve never known Marist School without Bishop Konzen. For me, he’s been the face of Marist School for over 30 years. The transformation that has taken place at the school during that time is attributable in large part to his exceptional leadership.” R E V. D A N I E L P. K E T T E R ’ 8 8 , A RC H D I O C E S E O F AT L A N TA
“Bishop Konzen is an educational leader and a spiritual mentor to generations of students, families, and teachers. I am confident his positive impact on the people of this Archdiocese will far exceed any loss that we are feeling at his departure from Marist.” JIM BYRNE ’83, VICE PRESIDENT FOR E N RO L L M E N T & O P E R AT I O N S , PA R E N T O F K E V I N ’ 14 A N D M E G ’ 15
“It was one of the biggest joys of my life to witness Bishop Konzen’s ordination. His kindness, friendship, and counsel has had a major impact on our family. Bishop Konzen exemplifies what it means to be Marist. We are forever grateful to him and his contributions to the Marist community.” F L O S TA R L I N G , PA R E N T O F G R AC E ’ 1 2 , K E N T ’ 14 , A N D PAT R I C K ’ 17
“After spending my first term of sophomore year as a student in the Leadership and Society class, I not only learned the skills necessary to succeed as a leader, but I was also enriched with interesting stories and life lessons told by Bishop Konzen every day. Bishop Konzen never ceased to bring a smile to my face when explaining his passion for his unique leadership roles as both our school principal and priest. I am extremely blessed to have learned both academically and personally from Bishop Konzen over my past three years as a Marist student.” L I N D S AY R E I N A ’ 1 9
“Bishop Konzen is a visionary and put many forward-thinking initiatives into place like the 1:1 laptop program and an admissions process that cast its net to a wider population, allowing Marist to be fully enrolled when other schools were not.” TRICIA GLIDEWELL, FORMER M A R I ST S C H O O L AC A D E M I C D E A N , PA R E N T O F S A R A H ’ 0 3 A N D RYA N ’ 07
“I have had the opportunity to work extensively with Bishop Konzen for many years. During that time, I have gained a profound respect for him as a priest, as a leader, and as a man. Bishop Konzen is a very spiritual man. It is reflected in everything he does. He truly lets his light shine before men. Bishop Konzen is an extremely graceful man – both in the literal sense, and in the sense of being full of grace. He is one of the best writers I have ever known. His prose is lucid, engaging, nuanced, and delightful. His writing is the product of a brilliant and particularly well-organized mind, but it also reflects the touch of an artist. Bishop Konzen is also one of the best speakers I have known. He is literally never at a loss for the right words. He is so effective as a leader because he is thoughtful, careful, considered, smart, a very effective communicator, and a great listener. Our loss as a community is the gain of the Church as a whole. We should all feel better about a Church that has the wisdom to make Joel Konzen one of its Bishops.” BILL ROCHE ’76, CHAIRMAN, M A R I ST S C H O O L B OA R D O F T RU ST E E S , PA R E N T O F W I L L ’ 0 6 A N D K AT E ’ 10
“Bishop Konzen has been a great friend, fellow traveler, excellent leader, wonderful example, and educator for our three children and three of our grandchildren. We are so proud of his new position and grateful for all the years he served the entire Marist community.” BARBARA & JIM MACGINNITIE, PA R E N T S O F A N DY ’ 8 3 , D O U G ’ 8 5 , AND ALLISON ’88 MARIST MATTERS 8
IN HIS OWN WORDS :
Bishop Konzen’s Thoughts on His Years at Marist School What is your legacy to Marist School? There are a few things that I consider areas I tried to concentrate on during my years as principal. One was hiring the right people. I strove to look widely and interview carefully when we had faculty openings, searching for people who were competent and enjoyed working with young people, yes, but also were a fit for the culture at Marist. Secondly, I was committed to what became known as the Marist Way, which really happened as a result of Father Egan’s work that began in 1999—to make explicit the dimensions of the school’s heritage that derive from the Society of Mary. I hired a director and generally tried to do whatever I could to advance the idea of a program to familiarize the school community with the singular elements of a Marist education, creating much of the documentation along the way. Third, I was happy to advise and cooperate in the founding of Notre Dame Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and to serve on their boards. Fourth, I have enjoyed being a steward of the school’s history during my years, seeing that archival personnel and services were in place, as well as personally preserving a full complement of documents during that time. Finally, it was my goal to see that all aspects of the school were equally strong; that is, I hoped not to favor one quarter over another. I did not want, for instance, academics or athletics to thrive at the expense of the arts, campus ministry, or community service. It was important to me that all be represented at the planning and funding table and have the personnel they needed in order to attain excellence.
9 MARIST MATTERS
How has Marist School changed over the years? In 1980, Marist was still unbalanced as to gender, because it had just begun accepting girls in 1976. There were, maybe, 880 students and fewer personnel than there are today. We still accepted students in the 8th grade and only about 90 in the 7th grade. Advanced Placement courses were in their infancy at the school. The Emmaus retreat program was new. The range of colleges that students looked at and attended was relatively small compared with today. We handled more discipline matters then than we do now; the school was still changing from a boys’ military school to a fully coed college-prep school. Many more students played two or three sports than they do today. Also, the school’s Catholic character was not as much in evidence as it would be today. The greatest change I’ve witnessed has been students becoming more discerning and assertive as to their own academic goals. There is no prodding these days. If anything, we sometimes have to help students respect their need for sleep and for pacing themselves when it comes to the number of activities and the type of courses they can manage. There is a noticeable—and mostly commendable—desire to achieve, a self-motivation that is apparent at all levels. Back then we still had all-class mandatory retreats. All retreats are now voluntary, and participation is very high. We have gone to where there is very little attrition for either faculty or students each year. The benefits for faculty and staff are vastly improved, including the Early Learning Center, and an industry-standard retirement program. It is harder now to get parents to attend evening meetings and ceremonies (but not athletic events).
How did the role of principal change while you were at Marist School? From 1982 to 2018, the academic landscape, for one, has changed tremendously in the city, with seven Catholic high schools in the Metro Atlanta area now versus two in 1980. Many non-Catholic independent schools have added secondary divisions since then (Wesleyan, Mount Vernon, Holy Innocents’, for example), and new schools have sprung into being. The concerns regarding students are different now; we have more counselors, a learning center, programs to address depression, a steady percentage earning athletic scholarships. The faculty has expanded along with the student population; we have quite a few more community coaches than we did in the 1980s, because we have many more teams than we did then. So there is a greater need for personnel development. The principal is more involved in fundraising activities than in the past. The campus is busier now, and so there is simply more activity to monitor. The principal works in conjunction with a leadership team more than once was the case. Security and student protection are matters that demand more attention.
Recount a few memorable moments. On the first day of school in 1982, my first day as principal, I ran into Marcos Arias ’85, a freshman, who asked me, “What are we going to do this year that’s going to be fun?” It was a question I hadn’t really thought about very much. When Mike Hart, the psychology teacher, came a couple of weeks later to bring the idea of a school-wide field day from his students, I realized I had an answer for Marcos. We would hold the first St. Peter Chanel Day that spring on the feast of St. Peter Chanel (April 28). September 11, 2002, marked the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place in the Northeast. We decided we would have an anniversary prayer service at Marist. The whole school community, all students and staff, moved in silence to the flag circle, where we had police and fire officers to take part in the ceremony around the flag at half-staff. There were prayers, brief tributes, and the playing of taps; then all returned to the buildings in silence. It was perhaps the most solemn thing I remember from all my years at Marist. It is easy to be proud of our students, but especially that day I felt it keenly. And I would have to say that hearing more and more students singing the Salve Regina each time we have an all-school Mass has been a great pleasure.
Who or what helped shape you to be principal for Marist School and now auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Atlanta? Certainly I would say that I owe much to Father Hartnett, who was principal in my first two years at Marist and had confidence that I would be able to succeed as principal. In those early years, two other former principals, Father Brennan and Father McCormack, resided in the rectory, so I felt as if I had more than one fellow Marist to give me advice. I would say that the year I spent as a seminarian teaching at St. Peter Chanel High School in Ohio was very instructive, and I benefited from my years doing parish ministry in New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana. It helped to have the broader pastoral experience provided through those assignments, because some of what a principal does is to meet with people and minister in a variety of circumstances. As to my experience at Marist influencing me as a bishop, my years of being with young people in high school have made it easy for me to talk with those I meet at Confirmations. In that same vein, working with a wide range of staff members on a great number of issues has helped in the administrative work that is part and parcel of a bishop’s life. At Marist, we usually worked from a plan of some sort, and I find that bishops do best to follow a plan for their work in a diocese. And, too, in the 28 years I was at Marist I was helping out at parishes on Sundays or with confessions and other services. In the process, I met a good number of the priests and got a feel for the scope of the Archdiocese.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH BISHOP KONZEN
The Most Rev. Joel M. Konzen, S.M. Archdiocese of Atlanta 2401 Lake Park Drive SE Smyrna, Georgia 30080 jkonzen@archatl.com (404) 920-7319
MARIST MATTERS 10
New Marist President to Focus on Keeping Marist Marist In a message to parents at the end of the last school year, Father William Rowland, S.M. likened his abrupt ascension to the Marist School presidency last fall to drinking water from a fire hose. His daily activities as the school’s alumni chaplain suddenly were appended to the myriad tasks of leading a successful independent Catholic school. Though he was surprised by the unexpected turn of events, Father Rowland is more than ready to plunge into the 2018-2019 academic year with a vigor and energy that belies his 67 years. Having served in the leadership of the Society of Mary for decades, Father Rowland, with his staunch devotion to the Marist charism and his approachable, caring style, has already endeared himself to the Marist School community.
What has helped prepare you to guide Marist School into the future? I have often remarked that it is quite unusual for the alumni and parents of alumni of a school community to regard a high school with so much affection. It evokes in me a sense of wonder and awe when I reflect on how Marist School has had such a profound impact on so many. According to Luke’s Gospel, wonder and awe are signals that God has visited his people. I like to think that people intuit that grace abounds here at Marist, and the natural response to having been touched by God’s graciousness is to evoke in us a response that can only be love. When people say they love Marist, they are loving what God has done for them here at Marist. I realize that people will not ordinarily think to use these words to describe what they are experiencing, but, that is what is happening, and it falls to me to point it out and give credit where credit is due. Still, the affection that many have toward Marist creates a bond with the school, with the community, with us Marists, and with the triune God that we Marists treasure. I want to do whatever I can to safeguard the relationship that makes Marist School so special in the hearts of so many. I regard this as a sacred trust that has been bequeathed to me. As such, I do have a sense of responsibility to the Marist religious, laity, alumni, and families who have come before me to do my best to carry on the good work they began. There are many Marists whom I look to, but there is one I find myself thinking about quite often, and that is Father James Hartnett, S.M. Father Hartnett often talked about administering by walking the halls. He was able to communicate to teachers, students, parents, and alumni that he cared about them as individuals. Similarly, Fathers Egan, Harhager, and Konzen radiated the Marist
11 MARIST MATTERS
value of humility, that “down-to-earth” quality that people readily associate with Marists. Each did this in his own way. Now, this does not mean there were not any disagreements. It did mean that faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and parents of alumni felt heard, respected, and valued, and relationships remained intact even if strained at times. There is a bond that people have with Marist School that the president can either facilitate or hinder. I want to do the former as much as possible, and I have good examples to follow.
What is most exciting about Marist School’s future? What is most exciting is that Marist School has a future! It has a future because there is a desperate need for the type of people Marist provides to the local community, to the nation, and to the Catholic Church. There is a need for students to be formed in the image of Christ, meaning we must attend to our students’ physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and psychological development. For us at Marist, that means preparing them for college. Judging from anecdotal feedback from the young alumni who return to Marist after their first year of college, we do that very well. That is one way we honor Father Jean-Claude Colin’s vision that Marist students will reach for excellence and be useful citizens. However, that is not all that we do at Marist. Our society is becoming increasingly indifferent to religion, to Christianity, and to the Catholic Church. The Church needs young people who are knowledgeable and articulate about their faith and who practice their faith. That, too, is what Father Colin had in mind when he asked that Marist students be formed in the image of Christ. Frankly, the age in which we live needs and calls for saints. In other words, we need Marist graduates to be successful in their chosen
fields, useful citizens, and also saints. Father Colin likened the education of youth to a second creation. It is exciting to have a role to play in that type of formation. To imagine the good that can come to be because of Marist students is exciting.
What is your favorite book or movie? I loved the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, both the movies produced by Peter Jackson and the Trilogy written by J.R.R. Tolkien. I also love Fleming Rutledge’s commentary on the Lord of the Rings, “The Battle for Middle-earth.” She is an ordained Episcopalian priest,
What will be your main area of focus as you begin your presidency?
and the connections she makes between the characters and the
My major focus will be to position the school so that all involved understand what makes Marist School Marist. Under the direction of Fathers Egan, Konzen, and Harhager, we made great strides in engaging the Marist School community to become more knowledgeable about Marist history, mission, and spirituality. We identified six Marist themes that rotate as the focus for each academic year. Marist Way Director Mike Coveny has helped establish Marist Way groups and worked to publish pertinent Marist brochures. We bring a guest presenter to our annual faculty/staff retreats to speak on the particular Marist theme of the year. We must now build upon this good work. I see the need to design a curriculum to introduce everyone in our school community to the Marist mission, our values, and the details of our history and spirituality. We also need to develop and certify a set of Marist criteria to ensure that Marist School maintains its Marist culture and identity. Marist School will continue to be owned by the Marists, and the president will be a Marist. However, with the diminishment in the number of Marist religious on campus, more of the responsibility to maintain the Marist ethos will be shared with the faculty, staff, and administration. My aim is for the Marist School community to be informed, conversant, committed to, and confident in their ability to keep Marist School Marist in the years to come.
for excellent spiritual reading.
events in the story with Scripture and our Christian faith make
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I am an ardent, some might say
I like watching movies
delusional, fan of the Cleveland
and am forever on the
Browns, Indians, Cavaliers, and The
hunt for those that will
Ohio State University. I follow them
find their way into one
and somehow find enjoyment doing
of my homilies.
so. To people who find equating Cleveland sports with joy a bit of a
I like chocolate shakes.
stretch, I tell them, “It’s a mystery better left unexamined.”
I usually can find humor
in almost any situation. Joy is free and available at any time to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.
How does Marist help prepare students for today’s complicated, global world? Our students have a lot to juggle, so they certainly learn at Marist how to manage their time, set priorities, and accomplish their daily goals. All of that requires being motivated, focused, and disciplined. They learn to establish friendships that remain intact long after they have left Marist. We teach students to pray and to serve others. As important as all of the above is, the most important thing is this: that students learn to live the Marist way of living the Gospel, saying no to power that manipulates and denigrates people, no to greed, and no to pride. If they do that, then, they will be able to handle wealth, fame, and power and will not be destroyed when coming into possession of or losing any one of them. When all is said and done, it’s really not that complicated.
MARIST MATTERS 12
Whose shoulders do you stand on now that you are principal? I have had three wonderful mentors here at Marist School who have shaped me as an educator, as a leader, and as a Marist. Through his own humility, patience, and goodness, Dean of Students Mike Trapani, with whom I worked closely in my first six years at Marist, helped me to understand the culture of our school and the students we are called to serve. Tricia Glidewell, my predecessor as academic dean, taught me the value of grace and mercy even when exercising authority. And, of course, my 10 years working with Bishop Konzen prepared me to follow him in the office of principal. I hope to practice the good judgment and careful decision-making that he modeled while in the role.
From your perspective as principal, what are the biggest challenges for Marist School going forward? I think the biggest challenges as we move into the next school year and beyond are also its biggest opportunities. Namely, that we continue to define and communicate the Marist charism and that we cultivate a strategic plan that captures what is unique and essential about our mission to form the whole person in the image of Christ. The strategic planning process in which we are currently engaged will produce a vision and direction for the school through 2025 in essential areas of student, parent, faculty and staff, alumni, and community programs. The process has allowed us to reaffirm our commitment to the Marist mission and to consider the many ways that mission can be delivered to those who benefit from being connected to our school.
Talented faculty are vital to the pursuit of excellence in fulfilling Marist School’s mission. How can you as principal help Marist maintain and attract top-notch faculty? I have been a part of the hiring process at Marist for years, and I can tell you that Marist is known as a great place to work, including the recent public recognition we received as one of Atlanta’s “Top Workplaces” through the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. With our faith as our foundation, remarkable students to teach, and an interest in the professional development of faculty, we will continue to find the best teachers from around the country who can continue the tradition of academic excellence at Marist.
13 MARIST MATTERS
Getting to Know Marist’s New Principal As Kevin Mullally begins his first full academic year as Marist School principal, he took time to share some thoughts on the education Marist provides and what is in store for Marist’s future.
What is the most important thing students learn while at Marist School? I think the most important thing Marist students learn has three related parts. First, they learn to be good and faithful Christians, and, second, because of that they feel called to serve those around the world who are in the most need. Third, Marist students are prepared to lead others into service as well.
How will you as Marist’s principal inspire students to learn and grow as well as fully engage parents in the Marist educational experience? Our students appreciate and enjoy the creative and expansive list of electives we offer. They enjoy being challenged in areas of in-depth study, such as Advanced Robotics and Music Technology, as well as areas of personal interest, such as Latin American Studies or Archaeology. As principal, my hope is that the range of courses we offer helps each student have experiences that help uncover or reveal vocation, that after four or six years of study each student has some sense of purpose that impels learning and action and gives meaning and context to decisions about her or his future.
The role of principal must balance interaction with faculty, students, parents, and other administrators with overseeing everything that makes up the Marist educational experience (academics, service, leadership, spiritual). What will be your approach? What I enjoy most about working in a school are the relationships you form—with students, parents, alumni, and the faculty and staff—and at Marist, those relationships are grounded in our relationship with Christ. The questions that will guide me as principal will always be, how can Marist form the young people in our care in Christ’s image, and how do we do that in the manner of His mother, Mary?
The Marist theme for the upcoming school year is Trust in God. Tasting God. Union with God. How do you hope faculty and students will relate to this theme during the next school year? All three of the strands for this year’s theme—Trust in God, Tasting God, and Union with God—indicate something about our relationship to, reliance on, and need for God. With how busy we all are at Marist—adults and students alike—it is important for us to take time to find union with God, through prayer and What is your favorite reflection, through the book or movie? sacraments, through the study of My favorite book is “The Brothers scripture. It’s through those that Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. we taste God, that we experience in a tangible way the What do you enjoy joy that comes through our doing in your free time? relationship to the divine and His Reading, writing, and spending supreme love for us. time with my wife and children.
MARIST MATTERS 14
Scene AROUND MARIST
Marist Drama Students Inspired by Broadway and Disney Marist theater fans enjoyed a great treat in March with the presentation of the modern fairy tale “Freaky Friday,” Marist’s first collaboration with the Disney Theatrical Licensing Pilot Program. Marist School was one of only a select number of schools chosen for this year’s pilot program. About the exciting collaboration, Marist Theater Director Mr. Eric McNaughton ’90 commented, “To be perfectly honest, working on this production with these students was an absolute thrill since day one. With a brand new show like “Freaky Friday,” we had a blank slate on which to sketch out this story, and the process was nothing short of joyful. Our young actors really rose to the challenge of singing this amazing music and telling this marvelous tale. To paraphrase one of the songs: ‘they got this’. We are so thankful to Disney Theatrical Licensing for giving us a chance to tell the “Freaky Friday” story in our own way. We are also grateful to our school community for embracing this wild event
15 MARIST MATTERS
and driving it forward. Mostly, however, I am grateful for these students. Their joy, dedication, and playfulness filled this new musical with life and possibility.” As they were rehearsing the “Freaky Friday” production, theater students also had a unique behind-the-scenes Broadway experience when they participated in a special master class given by performers in the touring production of Disney’s “The Lion King.” During the master class, students learned actual “Lion King” choreography as well as a Q&A with the actors. After the master class, the students journeyed to Ponce City Market for an early dinner before enjoying a stunning “Lion King” performance at the Fox Theatre as guests of Disney Theatrical. “These types of experiences are unparalleled for our theater students,” said Mr. Mcnaughton. “With ‘Freaky Friday,’ in particular, the students have helped to—yet again—raise the bar for Marist theater.”
I am grateful for these students. Their joy, dedication, and playfulness filled this new musical with life and possibility. Mr. Eric McNaughton ’90 Marist Theater Director
Just Call Him Captain Mr. Eric McNaughton ’90, Marist’s theater
director extraordinaire, took to the stage himself this past summer as Captain E.J. Smith in Serenbe Playhouse’s production of “Titanic.” He joined a cast of 40 talented Atlanta actors in a musical tale of the ill-fated voyage of the “unsinkable” ship. The production, which garnered national media attention, took place on a massive three-story structure constructed on a lake, and each night, the ship did indeed sink. Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus
MARIST MATTERS 16
SCENE AROUND MARIST
National Mental Health Advocate Visits Marist School
In February, national speaker and mental health advocate Ross Szabo presented at Marist School on the topic of youth mental health. His message of awareness outlined the spectrum of mental balance, the lack of adequate vocabulary to describe mental health and illness, the importance of sleep, and the coping mechanisms teens and young adults can use to alleviate anxiety and depression.
Szabo punctuated his message with stories of his own personal
struggle with bipolar disorder and depression as a teen and young adult. In his words, “Hey, I’ve lived through this. It’s okay to feel this way. Let’s talk about it.”
Ross Szabo’s visit to Marist was funded by the Heads Up for Harry
Foundation, an organization founded by Marist alumni in honor of their late friend Harrison Willingham ’09. The idea for Heads up for Harry began when a group of Marist alumni, college classmates, and family friends came together to run the Will to Live 5K, a road race dedicated to the prevention of teen suicide. The group, known then as the Hurryin’ Harrys Race Team, was the largest at the race with over 80 participants. Afterward, a few team members lingered to share fond memories of Harrison. The discussion eventually turned to his struggles with depression and how they had all felt incapable of helping him. They decided to take action.
Galvanized by the common goal of combating the stigma of
depression and increasing suicide prevention, they formed Heads Up for Harry and set out to raise money to bring a speaker series to metroAtlanta schools in order to open dialogue about mental health. With overwhelming community support, Heads up for Harry raised $25,000, a portion of which made Ross Szabo’s visit to Marist School a reality.
“Ross Szabo’s presentation was well-received by students, teachers,
and parents alike,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Figueroa, a personal and academic counselor at Marist and moderator of the school’s chapter of Active Minds, a national organization that empowers students to change the perception about mental health. “Not only was he relatable and humorous, his message of normalizing mental health issues is so important for our students today. Our whole community is so thankful that Heads Up for Harry could support Marist School in this way.”
The Heads Up for Harry Foundation continues to seek opportunities
to support the youth mental health conversation in greater Atlanta. Spencer Mitchell ’09, one of the founders of Heads up for Harry, commented, “By addressing high school, college, and young professional adults, we hope to help change negative perceptions and provide youth with ways to start and continue conversations about mental health.”
For information about Heads up for Harry, like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. 17 MARIST MATTERS
SCENE AROUND MARIST
SPEAKERS SHARE CAREER PATHS WITH STUDENTS In recognition of Women’s History Month in March, Marist School’s Office for Inclusion & Diversity hosted a panel discussion for students. Three guest speakers spoke about their career paths, all of which have forged professional work with a call to serve others. The panel provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn how they can continue to be Marist even after they graduate. The panelists included Shiriki Cavitt ’97 who is corporate counsel for Equifax and leads community outreach programs for the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. Frances McBrayer shared her experiences as a licensed social worker and director of refugee services at Catholic Charities of Atlanta, and Janelle Moore talked about her work as program manager for community engagement at Lutheran Services of Georgia. Also during the last school year, Marist hosted its first STEAM Symposium, inviting speakers to address students about their careers in STEAM-related areas, such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. STEAM studies necessitate a collaborative, interrelated approach to learning, and Marist combines its STEAM curriculum with a focus on global and humane studies as well. Both are key components of the academic experience at Marist School.
(l-r) Frances McBrayer, Janelle Moore, Shiriki Cavitt ’97
The first STEAM speaker was Greg Benoit ’02 , who is the founder and CEO of QGenda, a distributor of the leading physician scheduling software and the sixth fastest growing company in Georgia. In reflecting on his journey from Marist to his successful STEAM career, Benoit commented, “The Marist education challenges students in a way that prepares them to solve real-world, complex problems through persistence, creativity, and intellect as the future leaders of STEAM businesses.”
Lastly, Sarah Carr Evans ’93 brought a unique perspective by outlining the specific skills students gain from STEAM studies (critical thinking, judgment, decision-making, collaboration) and how these will be must-haves for jobs in the future. With a doctorate in industrial psychology, Evans uses a data-driven approach and her training as a scientist and business consultant to work with companies and organizations in the areas of leadership development, employee assessment, and executive coaching.
Next, Erin Fitzpatrick ’13 visited Marist to speak to students about preparing for a STEAM-related career as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Fitzpatrick currently works for the Siemens Healthcare Innovation Think Tank in Erlangen, Germany.
Both the Women’s History Month panel and the STEAM speakers demonstrate the vitality and strength of the Marist School educational experience, which provides students with tools to live purposeful lives and cope with the challenges they face on their journey.
MARIST MATTERS 18
SCENE AROUND MARIST
Marist History Teacher Offers AP Workshops in Puerto Rico “As a person of faith, a teacher, and a native of the island, not getting involved in the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico was never an option,” said Marist School history teacher José Gregory, who spent spring break presenting Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History workshops in five independent schools in Puerto Rico. Mr. Gregory spends his summers as a College Board consultant, traveling around the country and conducting workshops for AP U.S. History teachers. “One constant complaint that I hear [from teachers] is that there is never enough time to cover all the material in the course,” he explained. “When Hurricane Maria hit the island back in September, I thought about the stress AP teachers and students must be under after missing over a month of school. That’s how the idea to offer AP workshops came to mind.” He swung into action quickly, raising funds, soliciting textbook donations from publishers, and making contact with various schools throughout the island. The five schools he was able to visit were Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola in San Juan, TASIS School in Dorado, Colegio Marista in Guaynabo, Caribbean School in Ponce, and Colegio 19 MARIST MATTERS
Marista “El Salvador” in Manatí. The Marist schools on the island are operated by the Marist Brothers, a Marist branch separate from the Society of Mary which owns and operates Marist School. After a quick visit with his family in Jayuya, Mr. Gregory spent a day at each school, offering review sessions for students on critical content for the AP exam and touring each school to see the destruction Hurricane Maria left in its wake. The cleanup process is ongoing and it was 11 months before power was fully restored to the island. Mr. Gregory plans to build on the relationships he started this year. He has remained in touch with the five teachers who participated in the workshops to provide them and their students with continuing support, and “there is clearly a need for them to continue receiving professional development opportunities that they would otherwise have to fly to the mainland to receive.” In the longer term, he is interested in helping schools in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands organize their own AP Summer Institutes and one-day workshops to provide teachers with locally available professional development.
SCENE AROUND MARIST
A New York Story: Marist on the Move by Dr. Shannon Crunk Hipp ’94
“Dr. Bieze, my Fitbit says we took 23,457 steps. 11.8 miles.” It was 10:30 p.m. on the subway back from the Barclays Center, and no one doubted the numbers. We’d left the Hotel Edison more than twelve hours prior, 27 seniors and three teachers—Dr. Michael Bieze, Mr. Patrick DeAngelis, and me—on a dual-purpose journey, tracking Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and seeking discoveries in visual art. The students could not have been surprised. Each was a member of either Bieze’s Invisible Man or DeAngelis’s AP Studio Art class, many also alums of AP English Literature. At Bryant Park, Payton Griffin ’18 opened the trip by reading from Ellison’s novel in the crisp sunlight before we, like the Invisible Man himself, descended into the subway. Emerging in Washington Square Park, we explored Ai Weiwei’s public-art project Good Fences Make Good Neighbors before walking downtown, stopping to read from the novel again at Centre Street, directly across from the New York State Courthouse, where cameras and extras stood ready to shoot “Law & Order.” That afternoon offered us a private showing at the Brooklyn Museum of Art of a large van Gogh drawing out of its frame; we’d see its companion painting the next day at the Met. Intimacy with art characterized the rest of the afternoon. At the apartment of contemporary artist Lesley Dill, she greeted us with Girl Scout cookies and invited us to sit on the floor of her studio, surrounded by her larger-than-life sculptures that represent Emily Dickinson, John Brown, Hester Prynne, Sojourner Truth, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Anne Stevenson. The ghostly figures loom, covered with their own words so that they speak through their presence. For an hour, Dill sat and engaged with us, asking our reactions to these icons and sharing hers. Our jaunt to the Brooklyn Nets game after felt like a brain break. Having journeyed downtown, we spent the next day and a half uptown, in Harlem, traversing the footsteps of the Invisible Man. We began at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, then on to Riverside Park and Church and Grant’s Tomb. Entering Harlem beneath the marching girders of the viaduct, we stopped to read from the novel again, undaunted by the frigid wind whipping across the Hudson. We paid tribute to Langston Hughes at his brownstone and trekked to Mount Morris Park, site of Tod Clifton’s funeral, before settling in, cold and hungry, to lunch at Sylvia’s. An afternoon at the Met for the Michelangelo exhibition and an evening Broadway show brought us back, exhausted again, to Times Square. Day two. Returning to Harlem on Sunday for a historical tour, with stops at the Apollo Theater and attendance at a gospel church service rounded out our visit, providing a broader cultural and social scope. Placing ourselves in the geographical landscape of literary and visual art answered the invitation that such art extends to its audience. Tens of thousands of steps later, artists as varied as Michelangelo, Ellison, Dill, van Gogh, and Weiwei had inscribed themselves, not only on our Fitbits but on our hearts and minds as well.
EDISON HOTEL
WASHINGTON S Q U A R E PA R K
GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORHS
B R O O K LY N MUSEUM OF ART
MET
B R O O K LY N N E T S
DOWNTOWN
C AT H E D R A L O F S T. J O H N T H E D E V I N E
R I V E R S I D E PA R K AND CHURCH
GR ANT’S TOMB
MOUNT MORRIS PA R K
B R O A D W AY
TIMES SQUARE
HARLEM
A P O L L O T H E AT E R
AT L A N TA
MARIST MATTERS 20
SCENE AROUND MARIST
21 MARIST MATTERS
Interdisciplinary learning is the name of the game these days in education. Marist School, like many other schools across the nation, has embraced the trend and actively encourages faculty to collaborate to create course work that asks students to bring together concepts from two or more disciplines. One such interdisciplinary initiative, however, was not intentional; it developed at Marist organically.
SCENE AROUND MARIST
The American Experiment is a joint humanities class that provides 10th grade students with academic credit in both English and Social Studies. Several years ago, English teacher Mr. Mike Burns and social studies teacher Mr. Mike Strickland realized they were teaching American Literature and U.S. History during the same class period. Often, they were teaching the same topic simultaneously, yet from their respective perspectives. “We thought we would try getting both classes together at the same time to co-teach Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense,’” said Mr. Burns. “It went well, and we tried it again a few weeks later with a lesson on ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.’” Strickland acted the part of a preacher giving a fire-and-brimstone sermon; afterward the co-teachers took the class through a rhetorical analysis of the sermon and put it into historical context. They found their styles and personalities complemented each other, so they continued jointly teaching their classes as often as they could. Both teachers and students found the novelty of two classes together fresh and fun while providing the exciting opportunity to add art, music, and film to the standard curriculum. Ultimately, Mr. Burns and Mr. Strickland petitioned and gained support from Marist’s Academic Council to make the experiment official. The American Experiment made its debut in Marist’s course catalog for the 2017-2018 school year.
“We’ve been meeting twice weekly all year, and it’s been a successful experiment,” said Mr. Strickland. “We have the freedom to break away when we need to from the normal American Literature/ U.S. History curriculums to try new things with readings, films, art, music, and more.”
The American Experiment made its debut in Marist’s course catalog for the 2017-2018 school year. This past year’s class focused on the essential question of “What is America?” Highlights included a Skype lesson with a curator from the Smithsonian American Art Museum; a videoconference with filmmaker Lynn Novak about the PBS documentary she directed with Ken Burns entitled “The Vietnam War;” and an in-class visit from award-winning writer Tom Junod, who spoke about his “Falling Man” piece for Esquire and his profile of Mr. Rogers, which is the basis for an upcoming film starring Tom Hanks. “America loves the new and improved,” say Mr. Burns and Mr. Strickland. “We’re excited to keep experimenting, and we hope, make the class even better next year.”
MARIST MATTERS 22
The Marist value of hospitality was at the forefront on April 26 as Marist School welcomed nearly 550 grandparents to campus to enjoy time with their grandchildren and learn about Marist School’s history and mission. Though rain threatened in the morning, it thankfully stayed away long enough for everyone to enjoy breakfast, a special program, and an optional Mass. Students dined with their grandparents in the Arcade and then escorted them to Centennial Center before heading back to class themselves. The program in Centennial Center consisted of a welcome from both Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. and Grandparents Day Chairs Elvira and Jay Mannelly, who are the grandparents of Joseph ’17, Ryan ’19, and Andrew ’22. Two students, Sam Costantino ’18 and Molly Sikes ’18, shared reflections of their time at Marist School and how their lives have been influenced by their grandparents. The program closed with three outstanding performances. Marist theater students Catherine Roddey ’20 and Jacob Conley ’19 performed song selections from the musicals “James and the Giant Peach” and “Anything Goes,” and the Marist Singers performed the popular Brazilian song “Tico Tico.” In his remarks, Grandparents Day Chair Jay Mannelly, a member of Marist School’s Board of Trustees and father of Marist alumni Bernard ’88 and Patrick ’93, shared his thoughts on what he calls the Marist difference. “Marist School has greatly assisted my two sons and three grandsons in forming their ‘Important Vocation’ to be lived after graduation. I am not talking about doctor, lawyer, or CEO-type working vocation. I am talking about the life-living vocation—the Marist Way— service, humility, ardent love of neighbor, hospitality, trust in God, one in mind and heart, being an instrument of mercy. As you watch your grandchildren become active young men and women, you can be assured you will be proud of them as they live their lives in the Marist Way. What more can I say? The Marist community has been an integral part of my life and will always be a part of our family’s life.”
As you watch your grandchildren become active young men and women, you can be assured you will be proud of them as they live their lives in the Marist Way.”
23 MARIST MATTERS
MARIST MATTERS 24
2017–2018
RETIRE MENTS
41 15 COACH TERRY BLISH
MR. BILL BUCKNER
In 1977, Coach Terry Blish answered an advertisement in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution for a science teacher at Marist School. He had recently graduated from Indiana University with a degree in science education and, apart from some practice teaching and coaching, was brand new to teaching. When Coach Blish took over coaching Marist’s swimming and diving team, the school was considering eliminating the program. Today the team has over 120 members with a legacy of 14 state championships, 84 All-American swimmers and divers, and 62 Academic All-Americans. Coach Blish has been awarded the Georgia Swimming Coach of the Year five times, been a finalist for National High School Swim Coach of the Year, honored with the Frank P. Hagan Memorial Coach’s Award, and will be joining Marist’s Blue and Gold Athletic Circle this fall. In the summer of 1990, Coach Blish was one of just 32 teachers chosen nationwide to attend the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics to develop new and innovative teaching methods for science curriculum, many of which are still used in Marist classes today. While Coach Blish and his children are not Marist alumni, they have always felt a part of the Marist family. In fact, Coach Blish met his wife, Pamela, at Marist in 1979 when she was a substitute teacher. In his retirement, he hopes to spend more time with his wife, his children (Laura, Stephen, and Michael), and his grandchild. Coach Blish reflected on his time at Marist, “We’ve often told our athletes this about Marist swimming and diving: first you become part of it, then it becomes part of you, no matter where you go, for the rest of your life. I’m beginning to understand that now!”
Mr. Bill Buckner joined Marist School’s fine arts department in 2003. He taught Ceramics, 3-D Design, Introduction to Photography, and Art: Forms & Design. In addition to teaching at Marist, Mr. Buckner also taught ceramics at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, the John C. Campbell School in Brasstown, N.C., as well as in his personal studio. His clay work has been shown in national and international juried exhibitions. One of Mr. Buckner’s proudest moments as a teacher was when his students’ work was recognized at exhibitions and in publications. He recently watched one of his students recognize her own work in Ceramic Monthly, a national journal. He reflected on the gratitude he feels for his teaching career, “I would like to thank my students for being the best anyone could ask for. They allowed me to push them to make the best work possible. They also taught me more than they can possibly know. For that I will always be thankful.” He also recognizes the exceptional support he received from members of Marist’s fine arts department; department chair, Michael Bieze; and the Marist Arts Guild. After retiring, Mr. Buckner will move to north Florida, reestablish his studio, build a kiln or two, work in his garden, and raise chickens. He is looking forward to traveling and enjoying life with his dogs.
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13 22 MS. EILEEN STEADMAN
MS. MARY BETH ZIBILICH
Ms. Eileen Steadman began her career as a math teacher at Marist School in 2004, after interviewing for the position at Atlanta Jackson-Hartsfield Airport. Her first days at Marist were marked by the warm welcome she received from the Marist community. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Steadman also acted as a co-moderator for the junior class, helping plan St. Peter Chanel Day; she also helped moderate the Math Team. She reflects, “Teaching in the classroom has been my favorite part of the day. It was an honor to teach at Marist School, and I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity.” Before her career at Marist, Ms. Steadman taught at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio and Bradford Central Christian High School in Bradford, Pa. While she will miss the friendship and support from her colleagues and her students, Ms. Steadman is looking forward to spending more time with her granddaughters.
In more than 20 years at Marist School, Ms. Mary Beth Zibilich graciously shared her love of literature and love of God with her students. Since 1996, Ms. Zibilich taught literature and film classes, coached, moderated, and led myriad teams and groups. She also traveled with students to Los Angeles, London, and New Orleans. She admits it was difficult to choose just one favorite memory of her time at Marist. She found grace in many “everyday moments,” but counts among her top moments meeting her husband, a fellow English teacher, and the bridal shower hosted for her by the senior girls. While she will not miss grading essays, Ms. Zibilich will miss teaching her students as well as learning from them. “Teaching at Marist has been a rich experience.” She is looking forward to having more time to read, exercise, travel, and be with her family and friends. She says, “I am waiting for God to tell me the next step.”
MS. EILEEN BELLINGRATH
17
Ms. Eileen Bellingrath has seen Marist School from multiple vantage points, including parent, volunteer, and finally administrative assistant for the Athletic Office since 2001. For over 20 years, she played a vital role in Marist athletic accomplishments both on and off the field. She is also the proud parent of two Marist alumni, Sarah Bellingrath Watkins ’93 and Robert Albert Bellingrath ’97. “When people think of successes like the Director’s Cup or state titles, they probably think of our coaches and players, but when I think of the many achievements made by this community, I think of someone like Eileen. She helps make life in this ministry possible. That is the Marist Way. That is Ms. Bellingrath,” said Mr. Chandler Yount, assistant athletic director. Home football games hold a special place in Ms. Bellingrath’s memories at Marist as well as the community camaraderie. She says, “It has been a pleasure to be involved with the Marist community as a parent, volunteer, and employee. Through my children’s activities and interests, I came to know ‘both ends’ of campus quite well. I treasure friendships made, goals achieved, and the opportunity to work within this caring, cohesive community.” Upon retiring, she plans on traveling more and visiting family in California and Boston.
When you touch someone’s life, it is a privilege… when you touch someone’s spirit, it is a miracle.
MARIST MATTERS 26
War Eagle Views Tradition of Excellence For Marist Sports Continues The 2017-2018 season proved to be another outstanding school year for Marist Athletics with every War Eagle squad qualifying for the state playoffs. Boys and girls cross country, volleyball, and girls soccer brought home state championship trophies. Football finished as state runner-up. Girls track, along with boys golf, earned top-three finishes, and boys soccer advanced to the state semifinals. In addition, softball, girls swimming, boys track, girls golf, and wrestling (duals) all placed in the top five in state competition.
Complementing team and individual honors, Marist School won the Region 7-AAAA Georgia Athletic
Directors Association Directors Cup for the 2017-2018 school year. It is the 19th consecutive year that the War Eagles have received this award, which recognizes athletic programs in each GHSA classification that have excelled and shown superior performance. The Lady War Eagles finished in the top spot of the girls sports program standings, and the boys sports program saw Marist finish second. GHSA also recognized Marist School with the Cooperative Spirit Championship Award for the exemplary
FA LL
sportsmanship and spirit of fairness, respect, and hospitality that is displayed throughout the school year.
CROSS COUNTRY
FOOTBALL
Both the boys and girls cross country teams won AAAA state championships in
The War Eagles quest for its third state championship in program
2017, the 31st state title in the program’s history. The girls have 19 titles, and
history ended in front of an overflow crowd at Hughes Spalding
the boys have 12. More remarkable is the fact that 2017 was the girls’ 10th
Stadium to region and Catholic school rival Blessed Trinity 16-7.
consecutive state championship. They are tied with the Westminster girls for the
longest consecutive championship streak.
by defeating Blessed Trinity in the regular season 25-24. A
The girls dominated the championship race, beating runner-up Oconee County
fourth quarter touchdown drive and two-point conversion gave
by 17 points with all five Marist runners finishing in the top 22. The boys earned the
the War Eagles the victory and a perfect 14-0 record going into
title over runner-up St. Pius X by five points with Marist runners finishing 1-2 at the
the championship game. In the playoffs, wins over Madison
state championship meet, and the five scoring runners all finishing within the top 27
County, Cedartown, Burke County, and St. Pius X set up the
of over 220 runners.
rematch with the Titans.
SOF TBALL The Lady War Eagles finished their 2017 season with a 19-12 overall
Marist recorded its first region championship since 2013
2017 was the 35th consecutive season the War Eagles
qualified for the playoffs, and the team reached another milestone when they recorded the program’s 700th win versus Cedartown in the playoffs.
record and a fifth place finish in the AAAA state tournament. After
VOLLE YBALL
winning the Region 7-AAAA
The Lady War Eagles dominated their opponents in 2017,
tournament for the 12th consecutive
winning the AAAA state championship by defeating Blessed
season, Marist went 1-2 in their
Trinity 3-0 in the finals. They defeated archrival St. Pius X in the
second consecutive trip to the state
semifinals to advance to the finals.
tournament in Columbus, losing to
eventual state runner-up Stephens
5-0 in area competition.
County 5-0 to end their season. 27 MARIST MATTERS
Marist finished with a 40-3 overall record and a perfect
W INTER
SPRING
BASKETBALL
BASEBALL
SOCCER
The Lady War Eagles’ 2017-2018 season ended
Coming off their 2017 AAAA state championship
The Lady War Eagles came home from Macon
in the third round of the AAAA state playoffs,
season, the War Eagles again qualified for the
with the AAAA state championship, defeating St.
losing to Americus-Sumter 42-37 and finished
state playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season
Pius X 2-1 to earn the program’s 10th state title.
with a 23-3 season record and the Region 7-AAAA
and swept Madison County in the first round
Marist finished with a 20-1-1 season record with
championship.
before coming up short in round two at perennial
their only blemish a 2-1 loss to Blessed Trinity in
state power Cartersville, losing two of three
mid-season. The nationally ranked squad were
first round of the playoffs to Stephens County
games to post an overall 15-18 record.
road warriors for the playoffs, having to play four
58-44. Marist posted a 10-16 overall, playing
of their five games away from Marist, allowing only
one of the toughest schedules in recent history,
challenges the team with one of the toughest
three goals in their playoff run, scoring 19.
which included tournament play at North Forsyth
schedules in the state, scheduling teams such as
and Baldwin.
Lambert, Mill Creek, Brookwood, and Buford to
semifinals before losing to eventual state champion
prepare the Marist team for the playoffs.
NW Whitfield 2-1. Marist posted a 16-4-2 overall
The boys finished their season, losing in the
Head Coach Mike Strickland, as always,
The War Eagles advanced to the state
record and won the Region 7-AAAA title.
SWIMMING & DIVING The Marist swimming and diving teams posted a
GOLF
fifth place finish (girls) and seventh place finish
Both the boys and girls had successful seasons out
TENNIS
(boys) in Head Coach Terry Blish’s last season at
on the courses and brought home trophies from
The Marist boys and girls tennis teams ended
Marist. The War Eagle swim teams have won 12
their state meets. The boys played in Dahlonega at
their seasons and playoff runs at the same time,
boys and girls championships since 2000, including
Achasta Golf Club and Mother Nature allowed only
to the same team in 2018. Both squads lost to
five consecutive girls titles from 2007 to 2011.
one round of golf, instead of the scheduled two
eventual state champion North Oconee in the
because of rain. Marist finished third behind
third round of the AAAA playoffs. The boys
Columbus and St. Pius X.
finished their season with a 14-8 record and won
the Region 7-AAAA title while the girls, led by
WRESTLING The War Eagle wrestlers had an outstanding AAAA state duals tournament last January, finishing with a fifth place. Their only losses in the tournament were to eventual state champion Jefferson and fourth place finisher Troup County.
Following their success at the state duals,
Weather also shortened the girls state
tournament in the Georgia mountains at Helen’s
first-year Head Coach Jose Gregory, finished with
Innsbruck Golf Club to one day/18 holes instead
a 14-7 mark.
of two days/36 holes, but the team returned home in a tie for fourth place with Columbus behind state champion Woodward Academy.
TRACK The War Eagle Track teams brought home third place (girls) and fourth place (boys) trophies from
Marist finished 11th in the AAAA state traditional tournament in February. Eleven Marist wrestlers
L ACROSSE
the AAAA state meet held in Rome.
qualified, which was one of the largest groups in
Both the boys and girls lacrosse squads advanced
recent team history.
to the second round and both lost to a tough
champion in the 3,200 meter for the Lady War
Westminster squad to end their playoff runs.
Eagles. Josie and Kathleen Maley ’19 finished
second and third in the 1,600 meter, while Anais
The boys posted a 12-6 season record and
were 6-1 in area matches. They defeated Benedictine 24-9 in their playoff opener, but lost 13-9 to the Wildcats. The Lady War Eagles had similar post-season results, defeating Union
Josie Wirtz ’18 was the individual state
Marenco ’18 earned a top-five finish in pole vault. Leif Andersen ’19 earned two gold medals for the boys in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter events.
Grove 15-5 in the first round of the playoffs, but came up short against the Lady Wildcats 7-5 in round two to finish with an 11-6 season mark and a perfect 7-0 record in area competition. MARIST MATTERS 28
Society of Mary News
Society of Mary Hosts Partnership Dinner in Atlanta The Marist Partnership Dinner, held at Marist School on April 7, brought together Atlanta-area friends of the Society of Mary’s U.S. Province for a Mass of thanksgiving and dinner. The event provided an opportunity for U.S. Marist Provincial Father Paul Frechette, S.M. and Mr. Paul Carr, director of the province development office, to meet and become better acquainted with Marist friends in the area.
The event began with a Mass of thanksgiving held in Marist School’s Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel and was followed by a social and dinner in the Marist rectory. After dinner, Father Frechette and Mr. Carr touched on the history of the Society of Mary in Atlanta, and, while drawing on examples of programs at Marist School and Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, discussed the myriad similarities of Marist ministries worldwide, opening a window for attendees to consider the Society of Mary in a provincial context. Dinner attendees included individuals and couples whose associations with the Marist U.S. Province are largely through Marist School and Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA). The Marist Province, through Marist School and OLA, has held similar dinners in Atlanta and around the country in past years. The 2018 Atlanta dinner kicked off a series of similar partnership appreciation events also planned annually in Michigan, Minnesota, California, West Virginia, and New England. If you would like to partner with the Marists in the United States and learn more about how you can support the Society of Mary and their ministries, please contact Mr. Paul Carr at maristdevelopment@gmail.com.
29 MARIST MATTERS
Reach for Excellence News
REACH GRADS GIVING BACK
Reach for Excellence has achieved a new milestone. Celebrating its 17th year in 2018, many Reach graduates are now out in the workforce. Recently, the Reach for Excellence board approved a Graduate Advisory Council, made up of five former students who are pursuing careers as lawyers, teachers, and business people working in Atlanta for Delta Air Lines, Cox Communications, Marist School, Yardi Systems, and the City of Atlanta. The new Graduate Advisory Council’s mission is to connect with other Reach graduates and re-engage them with Reach for Excellence by cultivating their support for various service and philanthropic projects. Council member and former Reach graduate Jordan Snellings ’11 commented, “I am excited about
the opportunity to serve on the Reach for Excellence Graduate Advisory Council and see it as an opportunity to engage alumni with the current Reach community (l-r) RFE — Graduate Advisory Council members Wollinsky Mendez ’09, Jared Alexander, Jordan Snellings ’11, Taneshia Dantzler Blackwell, and Bre’Anna Brown.
“The Reach for Excellence Graduate Advisory Council [provides] an opportunity to engage alumni with the current Reach community and give back to the program that so generously gave to us.”
and allow them to build relationships as well as give back to the program that so generously gave to us.” A program of the Society of Mary hosted on Marist School’s campus, Reach for Excellence 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. Since 2001, Reach for Excellence has graduated 356 students. They have gone on to be accepted at 96 high schools and 129 colleges and have won several prestigious scholarships. For more information on Reach for Excellence, visit
reachforexcellence.org.
Father Ralph Olek, S.M. Revisits Superior Role Father Ralph Olek, S.M., who teaches seventh grade English at Marist School, has been named superior of the Marist community in Atlanta. Father Bill Rowland, S.M. had been serving as superior, but with his appointment to president of Marist School, U.S. Marist Provincial Father Paul Frechette, S.M. asked Father Olek to assume the position. Father Olek is quite familiar with the role, having served as superior twice before. As superior, Fr. Olek makes sure the community stays healthy both physically and spiritually by ensuring they pray together, eat together, and spend time together on a regular basis.
MARIST MATTERS 30
Advancement News
Generous Donors Name Campus Spaces The success of Marist School’s last capital campaign, The Way. The Hope. The Promise. The Campaign for Marist School., was made possible by more than 2,000 generous donors and over 250 committed volunteers. Their generosity and efforts raised $37.2 million, allowing Marist to strengthen our school’s foundation and complete the initial phase of our comprehensive campus master plan. The school remains incredibly grateful to all who were a part of this historic endeavor. Throughout the five-year capital campaign, which concluded in June 2016, leadership level donors helped to pave the way toward campaign success. They had the opportunity to select a campus naming opportunity in recognition of their considerable generosity. The impact of their giving was significant and served to further advance the school’s mission. Marist School is pleased to highlight the following campaign donors and their respective naming opportunities. To learn more about naming opportunities at Marist, please contact the Advancement Office at (770) 936-6424 or giving@marist.com.
31 MARIST MATTERS
Mr. & Mrs. James F. Anhut
Mr. & Mrs. Boland T. Jones, Sr.
Stone Bench
Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window
The Aronson Family
The Jim and Maura Kelly Family
Centennial Center Athletic Office
Ivy Street Center Breakout Space
Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Bailey
The James Lanier Family
Ivy Street Center Athletic Office
Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window
Mr. Philip S. Beeson, Jr. & Mrs. Mary Anne “Maysie” Spalding Beeson ’85
Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window
Ivy Street Center Breakout Space
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowen, Sr. Counseling Conference Room
The Connolly/O’Connor/Schaffer Family Ivy Street Center Lecture Hall
Dr. & Mrs. Victor E. Corrigan ’75 Ashford Dunwoody Road Entrance
Mr. & Mrs. Scott A. Dockter St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Dollar, Jr. Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window
Mr. & Mrs. Marc E. Fawcett Hughes Spalding Stadium Visitors Concession Stand
Mr. & Mrs. Brian H. Frank ’86 and the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation
Agnes and Peter Law & Family Juanita and Jack Markwalter & Family Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window
Mr. & Mrs. John F. Meyers Ivy Street Center Large Conference Room
The Miller Family Ivy Street Center Classroom
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Pitman Dean of Students Office
Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Price St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen F. Simoneaux Stone Bench
The Alex and Betty Smith Family Esmond Brady Memorial Chapel Stained Glass Window
Mabel D. Reeder Bridge
Mr. Stephen M. Verska ’86 & Mrs. Kimberly Yahr Verska ’86
Mr. & Mrs. John Herman, Sr.
Stone Bench
Centennial Center Athletic Office
Mr. Randall F. Holmes ’87 & Mrs. Christy Taylor Holmes ’87 Stone Bench & St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom
The Hopkins Family St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Huffstetler St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Hughes, Jr. ’87 Ivy Street Center Breakout Space
Mr. & Mrs. Richard “Dick” S. White, Jr. ’52 Ivy Street Center Small Conference Room
The Winchester Family Ivy Street Center Lobby
The Withers Family Ivy Street Center Small Conference Room
Mr. & Mrs. William D. Young, Jr. ’75 Centennial Center Gym
Marist Parents Club Arcade Dining Room
Mr. & Mrs. Fred T. Isaf Stone Bench
Mr. & Mrs. R. Wayne Jackson St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom
Mr. & Mrs.* Edward F. Johnson III
Please note that this list includes only those donors who have fulfilled campaign commitments and dedicated their named spaces. As other campaign donors complete commitments and dedications, they will be featured in future publications.
St. Peter Chanel Hall Classroom *deceased
MARIST MATTERS 32
Inspired by Mary’s nurturing spirit and selfless actions, the Heritage Circle provides a legacy of financial strength and continued excellence by recognizing those who have included Marist School in their estate plans. Heritage Circle Member Benefits • Invitation to the annual Heritage Circle appreciation event • Recognition in Marist School’s Annual Report, on the Heritage Circle website, and on the Honor Wall located outside the Fr. Hartnett Building • Marist School sports pass, which provides free access to all regular season Marist School athletic events • Satisfaction of ensuring the long-term vitality of Marist School
“ It is important for us to give back to Marist School in thanks
for all it has given our family. We have the utmost trust in the Marist leadership and know that our contributions will help advance the school’s important mission to form the whole person in the image of Christ.
”
Celine ’78 & Wade Stribling, parents of Sam ’09, Mary Sloane ’10, and Addie ’15
Marist School influences its students and their families in remarkable ways. Show gratitude for your Marist experience by including Marist School in your estate planning. Contact us today to discuss ways to give.
(770) 936-6424
33 MARIST MATTERS
giving@marist.com
marist.com/heritagecircle
Advancement News
#iGiveCatholic Funds New Cross for Hughes Spalding Stadium On November 28, 2017, Marist School participated in our first-ever online day of giving through the #iGiveCatholic initiative. Celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, #iGiveCatholic brings the Catholic community together to give thanks and give back to parishes, schools, ministries, and nonprofit organizations. Marist set an ambitious goal of $10,000 to fund the installation of a new cross in Hughes Spalding Stadium. The generosity of the Marist community exceeded all expectations by raising more than double the original goal. We received gifts totaling $20,455, a true testament to our school community’s collective commitment to the advancement of our mission and the tradition of philanthropy at Marist School. Just in time for the start of the school year, the new cross has been installed at the entrance of Hughes Spalding Stadium to remind all that God is everpresent. The additional funds raised will be used to place religious symbols in other areas on campus. This year’s #iGiveCatholic day will be on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
Georgia
SCHOL ARSHIP PROGRAM Use Your Tax Dollars to Support Marist Students Marist School partners with Georgia GOAL to provide tuition assistance for qualified students with demonstrated need. By redirecting a portion of your state tax liability to Marist, you can provide crucial financial aid for students who could not otherwise afford the cost of tuition.
Learn More. Sign Up Today. VISIT
marist.com/georgiagoal MARIST MATTERS 34
CLASS of
2018 35 MARIST MATTERS
Marist’s 117th Commencement In a school year marked by change with Father John Harhager S.M. departing to become vicar general of the Society of Mary in Rome and Bishop Joel M. Konzen S.M. leaving to become auxiliary bishop to the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Marist School’s 117 years of tradition rang true during the school’s 2018 commencement. On the last Saturday in May, 204 graduates were presented with Marist diplomas, distinguishing them for their academic achievement and also marking them with a spiritual commission to embody the mission of Marist School as its newest alumni. interconnected principles are what Marist leaves with Marist School Principal Kevin Mullally highlighted us…And no matter what different directions you all go this spiritual commission in his remarks, advising in…this is one thing that you can and will always have graduates to welcome strangers, particularly those in in common. Marist has been fortunate to have you and need; give generously to those who are struggling; and you are fortunate to have Marist. Take Marist with you always find time for prayer and the practice of one’s wherever you go and don’t forget to come back from faith. Similarly, the addresses of the salutatorian and time to time.” valedictorian touched upon the Marist values that bind all Marist graduates together. “We’ve grown more than we ever thought possible, caught the world’s most severe case of War Eagle Fever, and learned a few things along the way,” commented salutatorian Carol Ann Beatty ’18, “but the most important part of graduating from Marist is gaining a new family, the Marist fam.” Valedictorian Anais Marenco ’18 remarked, “Marist has given us more than just an academic education. It has given us an education of the heart… On a regular basis, I see you exemplify the values Marist has taught The Most Rev. Joel M. Konzen, S.M. us. You love your neighbor when you ask a classmate how their day is going…You demonstrate hospitality as you dedicate your Commencement activities began on Friday evening time as a student ambassador or Peer Leader. You serve with a Baccalaureate Mass at which Bishop Konzen the community through Habitat builds and mission presided. He took the opportunity during his homily to trips. You seek ways to be inclusive…by going out of share some thoughts on the momentous occasion. your friend group to talk to someone new. We aren’t “You’re going to get offers of various kinds to put done expressing these values once we graduate. These your talents to use. I want you to ask yourselves at each are the values I am excited for us to go out and share juncture in the unfolding path, ‘Is this what God really with the rest of the world.” wants me to do, and will this let me use my God-given Each year, Marist School’s graduation speaker is the gifts for somebody’s uplifting, for somebody’s welfare? most recent recipient of the Marist Alumni We have talked here at Marist a lot about humility, Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. This year, about not making a show, being hidden and unknown. Georgia’s 54th Attorney General, Christopher M. One way, maybe the best way, to demonstrate that, is to Carr ’90, was given the honor. be a thankful person—to praise God for your life and Carr, too, commented on Marist values in his your learning and your abilities, and to say ‘thanks’ to address, “Be good to one another and show that those who have helped you and who will help you, goodness by never ceasing to serve your neighbor… whoever they may be.” When all is said and done…these two simple,
“We Marists pray always for those who have gone forth under that name. Pray for us, too. Pray for the school that has loved you and believed in you…I commend you to God as all of us at Marist say, ‘May you, in everything, fare well.’”
MARIST MATTERS 36
CLASS OF 2018 DESTINATIONS THE CLASS OF 2018 WILL ATTEND THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:
AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
BELMONT UNIVERSITY BEREA COLLEGE BERRY COLLEGE BOSTON COLLEGE BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CORNELL UNIVERSITY DAVIDSON COLLEGE DENISON UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF DENVER EMORY UNIVERSITY FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FURMAN UNIVERSITY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY GEORGIA COLLEGE
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
OXFORD COLLEGE OF EMORY UNIVERSITY PRINCETON UNIVERSITY RHODES COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE SAMFORD UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS
142
Students attending public 4-year colleges
Students attending private 4-year colleges
STONEHILL COLLEGE
43
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS TRINITY UNIVERSITY TULANE UNIVERSITY UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
CATHOLIC COLLEGES
New schools this year (or back after 5 years or more)
37 MARIST MATTERS
77
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MERCER UNIVERSITY
Students attending schools out-of-state
Students attending schools in Georgia
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY – WEST POINT
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
126
6 2 12 2
National Merit Scholarship Finalists National Merit Scholars National Merit Corporate/ College-sponsored Scholars National Hispanic Scholars
2
Altman Program in International Studies & Business
1
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange
203 6.1 1,250 191 24 applications per student
students submitted
applications to
institutions in
Top Matriculations
37 16 13 7
UGA
GA TECH
AUBURN
CLEMSON
states + District of Columbia + United Kingdom
MARIST MATTERS 38
2017-2018 Awards STAR AWARDS
Modern and Classical Languages Blakely Dishman (French I), Moira Ujda (French II), Quinn Harron (French III), Hallie Jo Schroeder (French IV), William O’Rielly (AP French), Ava Keddy (German I), Ella Gunning (German II), Charlie Callahan (German III),
STAR Student: Jack Maley
Charlie Whitehead (German IV), Annika
STAR Teacher: Dr. Jerry Aull
Callaham (AP German), Ashley Benson (Latin I), Anna Giglio (Latin II), Isabella Hay (Latin IV), MinhChau Bui (AP Latin),
DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS
Devon Stewart (Spanish I), Katie McCarthy (Spanish II), Skeet Fortner (Spanish III),
Business and Computer Technology
Sofia Laskowski (Spanish IV), Haley Lawson
Maggie D’Amaro (Accounting), Danait Tesfani
(AP Spanish), Brooke Green (Chinese)
CO-CURRICULAR RECOGNITION Blue & Gold Editor Award: Bolling Sewell Guidon Editor Award: Marianna Hiles Marist Broadcasting Club Award: Michael Cully, Meredith Lloyd Rapier Editor Award: Abby Bowers, Allison Hart, Andrea Miletello St. Genesius Award – Fine Arts: Sam Costantino St. Cecilia Award – Fine Arts: Lili Amirhosseini
(Financial Management), Lindsey Reina (E-Business and Web Design), Ella Gunning
Physical Education
(Multimedia Design and Production),
Reagan Kitchin (9-10), Thomas
Harrison Ford (Computer Science),
Rollauer (9-10), Kendall Brothers
Columbia University Book Award:
Lexi Bohm (Engineering and Design)
(11-12), Mitch Penn (11-12)
Lindsey Reina
BOOK AWARDS
Dartmouth Book Award: George Fish English
Science
Emory University Book Award:
Kennedy Ryman (9), Simon Ciprari
Abby Testani (Biology), Austin Frank
Jessica Forsstrom
(American Literature), Diarra Oden
(Advanced Biology), Henry Richens
Harvard University Book Award:
(World Literature), Kate Juszynski (AP
(Chemistry), JT Termini (Advanced
Natalie Selover
English Language), Michael McDevitt (AP
Chemistry), Haley Lawson (Advanced
Johns Hopkins University Book Award:
English Literature), Sarah Deiters (Father
Physics), Maya Bussey (AP Biology), Isabella
John Sexton
Brogley, S.M. Award for English Literature)
Hay (AP Chemistry), Carol Beatty (AP Physics)
University of Notre Dame Book Award: Michael McDevitt
Fine Arts
Social Studies
St. Mary’s College Book Award:
Visual Arts: Beri Tangka (9-10), Gavin Cash
Isabella Hay (Bill Jordan ’35 Award for
Lucy Luckovich
(11-12), Katie Peters (AP Studio Art), Michael
Excellence in U.S. History), Lucy-Jewell
University of Pennsylvania Book Award:
McDevitt (AP Art History); Instrumental
Watson (9), Dominic Bozzuto (10),
Lars Helkov
Music: Chase Abshier (Sousa Award), Jack
George Fish (11), Claire Boerner (12),
University of Virginia Book Award:
Demarest (Gilmore Award), A.J. Johary
Moira Ujda (AP World History), Charlie
Lauren Jennings
(Armstrong Award), James Calhoun (AP
Callahan (AP European History)
Yale University Book Award: Isabella Hay
Music Theory), Abby Lauterbach (Commercial
Theology
Music); Choral Music: Cecilia Reed (Chorale
Claire Seymour (9), Christian Conte (9),
Award), Marianna Hiles (Chamber Choir
Kiki Ulinfun (10), Luke Vukmaravich
Award), Allison Hart (National Choral Award);
(10), Eliza Griffin (11), John Sexton (11),
Dance: Julia Hall; Drama: Kelly White (9-12)
Emmy Goode (12), Conor Walsh (12)
Mathematics Katie Bohm (Geometry), Lucas Gonzalez (Algebra II), Isabella Hay
National Merit Scholarship Finalists Allison Hart
(Precalculus), Carol Beatty (AP Calculus), Jack Jardina (AP Statistics)
Jack Pantlin
American Math Competition Winners:
Paul Plaia
Andrew Selover (9-10), Jack Paris (11-12)
Bea Russell
Conor Walsh
Ben Wise
39 MARIST MATTERS
The 2017-2018 issue of the Guidon yearbook was dedicated to Señor Marcos Perez.
Sedes Sapientiae Award Recipients
AJC Cup Recipient
Sedes Sapientiae is Marist School’s highest honor, conferred by the faculty upon the seniors who excel in scholarship, loyalty, and service and who best represent the values for which Marist School stands. Jack Thomas Maley
Anais Victoria Marenco
Benjamin Eliot Wise
The Atlanta JournalConstitution has sponsored the AJC Cup award since 1927 to honor a promising senior who excels in all areas of campus life. Students are nominated and selected by faculty members, and the winner is awarded a trophy and a scholarship to be applied to college expenses.
Archbishop’s Award Recipients Presented to a senior boy and girl who have achieved excellence in the study of the Catholic faith and have given service to their school, parish, or community.
SENIOR HONORS National Hispanic Scholars: Anais Marenco, Jack Paris St. Thomas Aquinas Award – Academic Competition: Rachel Lee, Paul Plaia Father Hageman Award – Journalism: Marianna Hiles Father Brennan Award – Fine Arts: Ben Wise Dean Hargis Award – Athletics: Sarah Skinner, Conor Walsh Scholar Athlete: Anais Marenco, Conor Walsh Father McCormack Award – Campus Ministry: Haley Lawson, Nick Paschetto Speculum Justitiae Award – Community Service: Katherine Cully, Andrew Zach Harley Kimmel Award – Valedictorian: Anais Marenco Harley Kimmel Award – Salutatorian: Carol Beatty
Kathryn Michelle Peters
Matthews David Piper
FACULTY & STAFF AWARD RECIPIENTS
Archbishop’s Outstanding Service Award: Mr. Mike Trapani ’70 Father Schmuhl Marist Service Award: Mrs. Linda Harworth Frank P. Hagan Memorial Coach’s Award: Mr. Kevin Lisle Goizueta Chair of Excellence: Mr. Eric Heintz Loridans Academic Fellowship: Mr. Michael Burns MacGinnitie Award for Innovation: Mrs. Erica Buchanan Congratulations to the Class of 2018’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian! Valedictorian: Anais Marenco (right) Salutatorian: Carol Beatty (left)
The Rebecca Cox McKinley Humanities and Global Education Grant: Mr. Brendan Murphy
MARIST MATTERS 40
Alumni News Dear Fellow Alumni, Please join me in welcoming the newest members—the Class of 2018—to the Marist Alumni Association. Our youngest alumni now join a distinct group of more than 10,000 alumni. As many of you may agree, Marist School is more than a high school. I always enjoy hearing stories about how members of the Marist community are supporting each other. The relationships that students, parents, faculty, and staff form on campus often last a lifetime. We are a family, and we are loyal and devoted to our Marist School community and to each other. To help you maintain your connection to Marist, we host a number of events for all of our alumni throughout the year. Whether you would like to reunite with classmates, reconnect through service projects, or cheer on your favorite team, there are a multitude of ways you can engage with your Marist community. We hope you will join us at one of our events this year. If you have any questions about alumni events or ways to get involved, please contact the Alumni Office at (770) 936-6491 or alumni@marist.com. Warmest Regards,
Dee Lane Eades ’79 President, Marist Alumni Association
41 MARIST MATTERS
ALUMNI NEWS
2018 ALUMNI AWARDS The Marist Alumni Association recognizes three individuals each year for their exceptional service to the school and to the community. The 2018 alumni award recipients were honored at a luncheon held at the Capital City Club Brookhaven in the spring.
Father Hartnett Service Award Megan Citarella Stewart ’95 This award brings public recognition to alumni or friends of Marist School who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating exemplary service to the school.
Distinguished Alumnus Award Christopher M. Carr ’90 The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award honors an individual alumnus/ alumna for achievements that demonstrate the qualities of the Marist mission present in his/her life.
Christopher M. Carr ’90 was sworn into office as
Georgia’s 54th attorney general on November 1, 2016. From 2013 to 2016, Carr served as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development under Governor Deal. As commissioner, Carr led the state agency responsible for creating jobs and investment in Georgia through business recruitment, retention and expansion, international trade and tourism, as well as the arts, film, and music industries. A graduate from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and Lumpkin School of Law, Carr is admitted to practice law in Georgia. He and his wife Joan Kirchner Carr have two daughters, including current student Mary Clifton ’23.
While at Marist School, Megan Citarella Stewart ’95 was valedictorian, junior and senior class president, editor of the Blue & Gold student newspaper, and recipient of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup. She attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, receiving her bachelor’s degree in international politics in 1999 and master’s degree in international finance in 2000. Stewart is currently enrolled in a certificate program for patient advocacy through UCLA and plans to build a consultancy advising patients and their families on their health care needs.
Outstanding Young Alumna Award Barbara Overend McElhanon, M.D. ’98 This award recognizes alumni who have graduated no more than 20 years ago and whose achievements in career and/or service to the community have demonstrated excellence.
Barbara Overend McElhanon, M.D. ’98 practices pediatric
marist.com/alumni/awardrecipients for full details.
gastroenterology and has gained national recognition for her work with children with autism spectrum disorders and pediatric feeding disorders. After graduating from Marist, McElhanon attended Georgia Tech, followed by Emory University School of Medicine. She trained in pediatrics at the top-ranked Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania and finished training in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at Emory/ Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
MARIST MATTERS 42
ALUMNI NEWS
Class of 2018
Alumni Generations celebrates the legacy of an alumnus/na with a current child or grandchild enrolled at Marist School. This spring, 51 members of the Class of 2018 gathered with their Marist alumni parent(s) and/or grandparents to mark this special occasion.
Alumni Generations
43 MARIST MATTERS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
ALUMNI NEWS
1 Maggie Bell
with her father Patrick C. Bell, Sr. ’83 2 Hannah Biller
36
37
with her mother Pamela Scott Herline ’82 and stepfather Alan J. Herline ’82 3 Abby Bowers
with her mother Jennifer Suvoski Bowers ’90 4 Eric Boyd
38
39
with his mother Susanna Joiner Boyd ’86 and grandfather Eric J. Joiner, Sr. ’61 5 Georgia Calhoun
with her father Jack J. Calhoun ’84 6 James Calhoun
40
41
with his father J. Stewart Calhoun ’86 7 Emma Carrol
with her father Matthew J. Carroll ’84 8 Wilson Cherry
with his father Jason A. Cherry ’89 42
43
9 Katherine Cully
with her mother Maureen Ahearn Cully ’86 10 Anna Darke
with her parents Patrick Darke ’86 & Amie Sommers Darke ’86 44
45
11 Jack Demarest
with his father David M. Demarest ’83 12 Anna Dorrien
with her father Brian A. Dorrien ’88 13 Zoe Elledge
46
47
with her mother Angela Gentile Elledge ’88 14 David Frank
with his father Scott M. Frank ’84 15 Emmy Goode
48
49
with her parents Andrew W. Goode ’82 & Christine McGuire Goode ’83 16 Kat Gouldman
with her father John W. Gouldman ’82 and grandfather Robert E. Gouldman ’51
17 Wilson Greene
with his father Charles W. Greene III ’85 18 Matthew Gwin with his
father John H. Gwin ’83 19 Carley Hale
with her mother Courtney Cashin Hale ’84 20 Lauren Harron
with her father Brian O. Harron ’91 21 Allison Hart
with her mother Melissa Davidson Hart ’85 (not pictured: grandfather Barney T. Ware ’66) 22 Caroline Hartigan
with her father Terrence P. Hartigan ’89 23 Katie Hartigan
with her father Terrence P. Hartigan ’89 24 Anna Hilsman
with her parents D. Maxwell Hilsman ’92 & Ingrid Payne Hilsman ’92 25 Chris Hunsucker
with his mother Theresa Oddo Hunsucker ’87 26 Jack Jardina
with his grandfather Philip M. Jardina ’52 27 Jack Klump
with his father Daniel V. Klump ’87 28 Conner Lamb with his
father Bill Lamb ’86 29 Silvia Monardo
with her mother Sheila McGahan Monardo ’78 30 Jack Paris
with his mother Yvette Ravry Paris ’86 31 Matthew Pezolt
with his father Daniel J. Pezolt ’88 32 Teo Piper with his father
Stephen M. Piper ’81 33 Kiki Popescu
with her father Adrian V. Popescu ’71 34 Patrick Rahiya with his
father Mark P. Rahiya ’88 35 Bea Russel
36 Jacob Schellman
with his father John C. Schellman ’73 37 Abby Senay
with her mother Kelly M. Senay ’89 38 Bolling Sewell
with her mother Muffin Keefe Sewell ’88 39 Randie Shingleton
with her mother Silvia Agraz Shingleton ’85 40 Reed Shutley
with his father R. Todd Shutley ’81 41 Molly Sikes with her
father David E. Sikes ’76 42 Drew Smith
with his mother Traci Johnson Smith ’88 43 Thomas Stokes
with his father Thomas G. Stokes, Jr. ’77 44 Carter Tally
with his father James E. Tally II ’88 45 Anna Wathen
with her father David J. Wathen ’86 46 Cierra Wells
with her mother F. Nicole Robinson Wells ’90 47 Miranda Wesley
with her parents Mark M. Wesley ’84 & Randi Riccardi Wesley ’84 and grandfather Victor L. Riccardi ’60 (not pictured: grandfather George M. McCauley ’49) 48 Emily Williams
with her grandfather Charles S. Bradford ’72 49 Margaret Winther
with her mother Sarah Dennis Winther ’91 50 Hannah Wise
with her father Daniel A. Wise ’89 Not Pictured Ben Rosing and his grandfather Gordon W. Smith ’51
with her parents Matt Russell ’92 and Gabrielle Dye Russell ’92
50
MARIST MATTERS 44
2018 2 0 18
CLASS REUNIONS ON CAMPUS
REUNION WEEKEND
The third annual Reunion Weekend began with a Welcome Back BBQ inviting all Marist School alumni back to campus for an evening of fun, festivities, and friendships, both old and new. In addition to the weekend’s signature events such as the golf tournament and reunion parties, Reunion Weekend featured a prayer service and reception for parents of alumni, an alumni and family service project, campus tours, and a Family Mass.
Classes of 1983, 1993, 1998, and 2008 held reunion parties off campus.
Class of 1968
Class of 1978
Class of 1988
Class of 2003
45 MARIST MATTERS
8
ALUMNI NEWS
WELCOME BACK BBQ OTHER REUNION WEEKEND EVENTS
PARENTS OF ALUMNI PRAYER SERVICE & RECEPTION ALUMNI & FAMILY SERVICE PROJECT CAMPUS TOURS FAMILY MASS
SAVE THE DATE
Reunion Weekend 2019 MAY 3 – 6, 2019
Class years ending in 4 and 9 will be celebrating their reunions. marist.com/reunionweekend Questions? alumni@marist.com or
28 TH ANNUAL MARIST ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT
(770) 936-6491
MARIST MATTERS 46
2018
ALUMNI NEWS
Recent Alumni Events
Alumni Awards Luncheon March 28, 2018
Senior Send-Off
Ivy Street Reunion Luncheon June 6, 2018
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 18, 2018
Half Century Club Induction Ceremony & Reception Friday, October 12, 2018
Homecoming Friday, October 12, 2018
Young Alumni Christmas Luncheon Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Young Alumni Happy Hour Thursday, December 27, 2018
Alumni Trivia Night Thursday, February 7, 2019
Alumni Women’s Luncheon
Alumni Trivia Night February 22, 2018
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Reunion Weekend May 3–6, 2019
47 MARIST MATTERS
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Women’s Luncheon April 11, 2018
Discipleship in the face of adversity This year, the Marist Alumni Women’s Luncheon, which typically spotlights a single speaker, shifted its program format to a panel presentation entitled Empowerment: Discipleship in the Face of Adversity. The Marist theme of Discipleship was the focus of the school community during the 2017-2018 academic year, so it was intentional on the part of the Marist Alumni Association to share the theme with the alumni community. Held at Brookhaven’s Capital City Club on April 11, the luncheon featured four Marist women, each of whom had faced adversity in their lives and through that experience found renewed purpose. Former Marist School teacher Mazi Robinson MS, LPC, NCC, CDWF, who is the founder and director of Cultivate Counseling, moderated the discussion. The panelists made moving presentations that stirred empathy in the audience yet were ultimately uplifting for all. Egen Thorington Arnold ’09, a teacher at The Schenck School, experienced the suicide of a close friend, Marist alumnus Harrison Willingham ’09. Spurred by her feelings of loss, she and others close to Harrison founded Heads up for Harry, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young adults and their loved ones find the resources and support they need to deal with mental illness. Mary Love Coan Garverick ’93 spoke about Warrior Moms of Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs, the organization she founded to help parents who struggle with the isolation and stress of parenting a child with special needs. The youngest on the panel and in her third year of law school at Georgia State University, Grace Starling ’12, was motivated by a personal experience with sexual assault to found Students Against House Bill 51, a student advocacy group dedicated to protecting and supporting survivors of sexual assault in Georgia at the policy level. Starling focuses her work on active engagement with elected officials, testifying at committee hearings, lobbying, and research. Finally, Megan Citarella Stewart ’95 remarked on her recent calling to pursue a certificate in patient advocacy at UCLA. Led to this path after helping her own family and other family members and friends navigate the health care system, she hopes to set up a private consultancy advising on health care options when faced with serious health challenges. Each panelist acknowledged that Marist School had provided the spiritual foundation and community support that was invaluable to them as they navigated difficult times. “Courage is a beautiful thing, and we have seen a stunning display of it today,” commented Robinson in her concluding remarks. “Each of these women bravely and boldly invited us into their journey and shared how they turned the unexpected, the painful, the confusing into purpose and calling.”
Marist helps all of us learn how to see and accept God’s love. He walks us through every mountain and valley of our lives.
MARIST MATTERS 48
IVY STREET NEWS
IVY STREETERS STRENGTHEN FRATERNAL BONDS Marist School’s 2018 Ivy Street Reunion Luncheon took place on Wednesday, June 6 in Ivy Street Center, the building named for the location of Marist School’s original campus in downtown Atlanta. All alumni from the classes of 1935-1966 were invited to Marist School’s current campus for the luncheon to reunite with friends and classmates and reconnect with the school.
Clarence Smith ’68, the 2017 St. Peter Chanel Award recipient, was the guest speaker. He spoke about his family’s long history with Marist School and their connection to the original campus. (His father, Alex W. Smith, was an Ivy Street alumnus from the Class of 1941.) Father Rowland, S.M., Marist School president and alumni chaplain, provided updates on the campus and on the Society of Mary. Additionally, Kevin Mullally, Marist School’s new principal, was introduced to the Ivy Street graduates. He provided an academic update and overview of what is currently happening on campus with students and faculty. “The original Marist College was like the large granite rock that sits at the entrance of Ivy Street Center: solid and rough around the edges. The old Marist College building itself had no frills. Money was scarce. The practice field was as hard
as concrete. Discipline was forged with military precision. The teachers were colorful and demanding, and the students could be a handful at times. Still, the mission of the Society of Mary was furthered on that campus. Fraternal bonds were established and the work of Mary was done,” said Father Rowland.
...the mission of the Society of Mary was furthered on [the Ivy Street] campus. Fraternal bonds were established and the work of Mary was done.” He continued his remarks acknowledging that the Ivy Streeters set the standard to which new generations of Marist students aspire and by which the success of Marist School is judged. “This is the standard that has been passed on to the faculty and staff here at Marist School, and one that we carry high in honor of those Ivy Streeters. This is the foundation upon which Marist School rests, and it remains now as it was then: rock solid.”
SAVE THE DATE Half Century Club Induction Friday, October 12 • 4 – 6 p.m. marist.com/alumni
49 MARIST MATTERS
Fr. Tom Ellerman, S.M. ’58 is working with Marist School Archives on a special project to identify individuals and catalog photos of Marist College alumni. If you would like to support this effort, please contact the Alumni Office at (770) 936-6491 or alumni@marist.com.
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumna in the Spotlight
by Celia Lovell ’19
Kim Rosenkoetter Powell ’94’s defining qualities and values can be seen through every aspect of her life and especially through her critically acclaimed book, “The CEO Next Door”. By holding onto and developing the ideals she learned at Marist School, Powell continues to “define [her] own success” and focus on her goals. During her time at Marist, Powell led the community by serving not only as a Peer Leader but also as a part of its student leadership team; she dedicated herself to her studies and took advantage of the opportunities given to her. Inspired by teachers like Ms. Sandy Allman and Dr. Louisa Moffitt, she fostered a love for learning and education, which can be seen through much of her consulting work today. After graduating from Marist in 1994, Powell continued her Catholic education and attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a degree in history.
Chicago, Powell redesigned the financial intake process for the organization, which gave her invaluable experience in working with executives. Gathering information from various trials and experiences for their new book, “The CEO Next Door”, Powell and her co-author, Elena Botelho, inform people everywhere of the unknown potential they possess and the accolades they can achieve. Following her ingrained Marist belief in the power of service, Powell coaches people to fulfill their potential and “[positively] impact the world,” which is “greater when you sit in the seat [CEO] that affects a wider population.” Embracing her Marist background and values, Powell continues to “prioritize learning and people” to accomplish her “own definition of success.”
“BY HOLDING ONTO AND DEVELOPING THE IDEALS SHE LEARNED AT MARIST SCHOOL, POWELL CONTINUES TO ‘DEFINE [HER] OWN SUCCESS’ AND FOCUS ON HER GOALS.” Powell’s love of learning followed her not only through her time at Northwestern University, where she earned her master’s degree in business, but also through her career in consulting, which allows her to remain “intellectually stimulated.” Her love for consulting stemmed from the fact that it requires her to work in a variety of fields and continues to “expose [her] to a lot of different environments.” Powell held onto the value of service she first developed at Marist throughout the rest of her life by organizing toy collections for children during the holidays and spending a period of nine months volunteering at the Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago. The nonprofit is “a human services organization that offers different types of counseling for financial literacy, adoption counseling, and other mental health counseling.” While in
MARIST MATTERS 50
Class Notes 63
Rev. David H. Starr ’63
is serving in the British Virgin Islands helping with Hurricane Relief efforts.
87
In January 2018, Michael Brown ’87, a partner at Alston & Bird, was confirmed by a unanimous U.S. Senate vote of 92-0 as a U.S. District Judge in the Northern District of Georgia.
90
Eric McNaughton ’90
starred as Captain E.J. Smith in Serenbe Playhouse’s production of “Titanic” this past summer.
92
Jon Coffman ’92 and his wife, Tracy,
are both dominating the college coaching world. Jon is currently the head men’s basketball coach at Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne while Tracy is in her fifth year as the head softball coach at the University of Northwestern Ohio. Jon has been in college coaching for 20 years and Tracy is in her 14th season as a college coach. 1 Julie McCrary Rogers ’92 was inducted
into the Randolph-Macon College Hall of Fame for her participation in soccer while attending the college.
94
Matt Harpring ’94, retired NBA
player and current broadcaster for the Utah Jazz, hosted a basketball clinic at Marist School in December 2017.
51 MARIST MATTERS
94 95
14
Zach Denton ’14 was named a
Fulbright Scholar and will study in Madrid, Spain. He graduated from Emory University in May 2018.
Kim Rosenkoetter Powell ’94
Brendan Phillips ’14 graduated
launched her a book “The CEO Next Door” on March 6, 2018.
magna cum laude from the Georgia Institute of Technology in three and a half years with a 3.9 GPA 7 in industrial engineering. Brendan started with Bridgewater Associates in Connecticut in March 2018 and currently lives in New York City with his brother, Jordan Phillips ’08. 4
Christopher Krebs ’95 was nominated by the White House to be Under Secretary, National Protections & Programs Directorate for the Department of Homeland Security.
96
In February 2018, brothers Wynne
Kelly ’96 and Sam Kelly ’07 set off to
hike Mount Kilimanjaro and, after a six-day trek, successfully summited on the morning of February 13. They proudly hoisted a Marist School flag at Uhuru Peak. 2
99
Brian Ward ’99 was named director of corporate strategy and business development at Chemetall AG in Frankfurt, Germany.
Dr. Greg Ward ’99 is an assistant
professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Head and Neck Society. Dr. Ward is a captain in the Army Reserve Medical Corps. He and his wife Shanna Konigsdorf Ward and their three children Naomi, Asher, and Gideon live in Clayton, Mont.
08
Jaime Maxey ’08 was named head
coach for varsity girls basketball at Denmark, Forsyth County, Ga.’s newest high school. 3
15
Morgan Ilse ’15 broke the University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s 5,000-meter school record on Friday, February 9, 2018 at the Music City Challenge. 5
On June 28, 2017, Rebecca Bryant ’15 received the Brandon O. Greene Memorial Scholarship from the Rangers Scholarship Fund for outstanding achievement and academic excellence. 6 Myriam Shehata ’15 is currently at Vanderbilt University and extremely active in the Partners in Health (PIH) organization. Myriam spoke on Marist School’s campus in December 2017 about access to health care as a human right and her involvement with PIH.
18
Chase Abshier ’18 was awarded the George Morris Scholarship by Gus Morris ’77, son of George Morris. 7
CLASS NOTES
1
Send us your updates and photos! 4 EMAIL classnotes@marist.com
2
MAIL Marist School Alumni Office 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30319
CONTACT US alumni@marist.com (770) 936-6491
7
3 6˝ 4˝
6
5
Photos must be at least 300 dpi resolution and 4˝ x 6˝
1
MARIST MATTERS 52
2
5
7
“Grant that … they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind …”
6
2
NUPTIAL BLESSING
3 53 MARIST MATTERS
WEDDINGS
4
Ben Belden ’09 married Kathleen Cook on Saturday, November 4,
2017 in Nashville, Tenn. Marist alumni in attendance were Cassie Nelson Ebinger ’07, David Ebinger ’07, Egen Thorington Arnold ’09, Sean Arnold ’09, David Connolly ’09, Cessie Ryder ’09, Kelsey Sharp ’09, and Caroline Belden ’12. 1 Tori Lewis ’11 married Brendan Nagle ’11 on April 22, 2017 at Our
Lady of the Assumption Church. A reception followed at Flint Hill in Norcross, Ga. Marist alumni in attendance were Tori’s brothers Trae Lewis ’12 and Tucker Lewis ’18, Brendan’s sister Maeve Nagle ’12 , as well as Matt Brunn ’89, Elizabeth Bertasi ’11 , Cole Fontaine ’11 , Mary Claire Martin ’11 , Blake Secret ’11 , Chris Tolosa ’11 , Kristen Zeck ’11 , Emma BeMiller ’12 , Danny Coughlin ’12 , Erica Fontaine ’12 , Maddie Brunn ’13, Alex BeMiller ’15, Emma Howard ’15, and Nicholas Howard ’19. 2 Karen Lock ’01 and Matthew Aronson were married on April 22, 2017 at Decatur First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ga., A reception followed at Druid Hills Golf Club. Marist Alumni in attendance were Suzanne Lock Ragains ’98, Julia Petrecca Davidson ’01 , Leigh Kunis ’01 , Mary Tanory Lengel ’01 , Meagan Maron ’01 , Shana Strickland Richardson ’01 , Katie Nicholson Truex ’01 , and Megan Richardson Wilson ’01 . 3
James Roberts ’99 married Sarah Catherine Welch at the Cathedral of Christ the King on November 18, 2017. Bishop Konzen and Fathers Rowland, Harhager, and Ellerman ’58 concelebrated their nuptial Mass. Marist Alumni in attendance included Tony Nicholson ’58, Sarah Carr Evans ’93, Nathan Jordan ’96, Tom Roberts ’97, Tim Roberts ’01 , John Lanier ’04, Kathryn Ledlie ’04, Charlie Pickell ’16, and Courtney Peters ’16. 5 Graham Johnson Shurley ’04 married Laura Madeleine Mooza on March 4, 2017 at Dunwoody United Methodist Church with a reception following at East Lake Golf Club. Marist alumni in attendance included Allyson Nichols Miller ’02, Bartley Miller ’02, Christie Crawford Glenn ’03, Heather Cooper Watkins ’04, PJ Crawford ’05, Trey Sellers ’05, Preston Shurley ’07, Claire Shurley Parrish ’09, Sarah Anne DeFreese ’17, along with Marist School Athletic Director Tommy Marshall and Heather Nichols, former Marist School faculty member. 6 Egen Thorington ’09 married Sean Arnold ’09 on August 20, 2016 at
the Capital City Club in Atlanta. Marist alumni in attendance included Dougie Coffed ’04, Grace Thorington ’06, Adria Thorington Tapp ’07, Jimm Tapp ’07, Katie Athaide ’09, Whitney Hagan ’09, Mary Catherine Hardage ’09, Colin Lienhard ’09, George Marchman ’09, Caroline McKinley ’09, Kate Newquist ’09, William Raffety ’09, Cessie Ryder ’09, Kelsey Sharp ’09, Claire Shurley Parrish ’09, Sarah Tapp ’09, Becca Tynes Brooks ’09, Casey Arnold ’11 , Erin Tapp ’12 , and Sam Bridges ’22. 7
Kathy Ortstadt ’04 married Stephen Ott in July 2017. Marist alumni in attendance were Caitlin Young Barnhart ’03, Gerard McNearney ’03, Michael Ashkouti ’04, Michael Barnhart ’04, Lee Berg ’04, Kate Capasso ’04, Andrew Card ’04, Andie Fern ’04, Patrick Fitzgerald ’04, Katelyn Hunt Fredericks ’04, Nick Haggard ’04, Kevin McCarthy ’04, Louisa Figueredo Mullis ’04, Andy Norwood ’04, Preston Oglesby ’04, Taylor O’Shaughnessy Richmond ’04, Audrey Gatins Shephard ’04, Kelly McGinnis Terrell ’04, Taylor Vansant ’04, and Kyle Carroll Oglesby ’05. 4
1
MARIST MATTERS MATTERS 54 MARIST
Births M A R IST
4
2
1
1 L auren Schilt Kennedy ’01 and her
husband David welcomed their daughter Grace Rose Kennedy on March 19, 2018.
3
2 E loise Marie Luke was born to Amelia Gleaton Luke ’01 and Andrew Luke on
December 18, 2017 and welcomed by big brother Hampton Luke. Amelia currently works as the director of campus and student activities at Marist. 3 David Sims ’01 and wife Jessica Sims
welcomed their second daughter into the world on February 12, 2018.
55 MARIST MATTERS
5
4 Matt Simmons ’02 and wife Jessica
Simmons welcomed their daughter Lauren Claire Simmons on May 16, 2018. 5 Melanie Watts Colley ’04 and her husband
Ben welcomed their daughter Anna “Annie” Grace Colley on November 14, 2017. She joins big brother Nick (5) and big sister Sarah Kate (3).
BIRTHS
6
8
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
7
6 John Lanier ’04 and his wife Chantel
welcomed their daughter Cecilia Rosanna Lanier into their family on April 3, 2018. She joins big brother J.R. (2).
9
13
8 Matthew Kiepura ’05 and Vanessa
welcomed their first daughter, Elena Grace Kiepura, on November 20, 2017. She cannot wait to be a War Eagle like her parents! del Valle Kiepura ’05
7 Caroline Cates Ivie ’05 and her husband
Tanner, along with big brother Jackson Thomas Ivie (3), welcomed the new addition to their family, Annabelle Cates Ivie, on November 8, 2017.
9 Bryan Walls ’05 and his wife Amber
welcomed their son Wesley Clark Walls on April 26, 2018.
MARIST MATTERS MATTERS 56 MARIST
IN MEMORIAM Through May 31, 2018
David Ahlert, father of Matthew Ahlert ’87 and Rob Ahlert ’92 Bertha Alvarado, grandmother of Dylan Duval ’20 and Evan Duval ’23
Ellen Austin, mother of Eric Austin ’92 and Elizabeth Austin ’96
James E. Dunn, Jr., father of Meghan Dunn ’91 and
Peter Kessenich, Sr., father of Peter Kessenich, Jr. ’93 and
Mark Dunn ’94
Veronica Kessenich ’97
Herman Eckstein, grandfather of Gus Eckstein ’17, Gabe Eckstein ’19, and
Marie Luranc, motherin-law of Bob Kurtz ’89 and grandmother of Lexi Kurtz ’23
Joe Eckstein ’22 Charles “Chuck” F.
Mary Ellen Lysak ’84
Eaton, Sr. ’52
Mike Mangione ’72
Barre ’52
brother of Shelby and
Claire Foster, grandmother of
Dennis Barre ’58
Reeves Foster ’22
Stan Bolen ’54
Dean Fowler, father of Carly Fowler Westerman ’01 and
Joseph Mauriello, father of Mark Mauriello ’90 and Keith Mauriello ’95 and grandfather to
Kenneth Barre ’47,
John William Brent, father of Justin Brent ’86, Kyle Brent ’97, and Colleen Brent ’08
Dr. J. Stephen Buckler, father of
Bridget Fowler ’05
Matthew Furry, father of Preston Furry ’12 and Brendan Furry ’16
Bradley Buckler ’94,
Richard Gillespie ’69
and Stephanie Buckler
Rev. Charley Girard, S.M.
Blake Buckler ’96, Brosseau ’98
Gene Cahill, grandfather of Julia Campisano ’17, Hope Campisano ’18, and Mara Campisano ’21
Darlene Cavaliero, grandmother of Anna Battaglia ’18 and Christina Battaglia ’20
Dianne Clark, grandmother of Cody Gaynes ’20
Jesse Gaynes ’23
Robert Daniel, father-in-law of David Kesterton ’79 and grandfather of Will Kesterton ’14 and
Lawrence McCauley ’56
Joseph McCullough, father of Eamonn McCullough ’93 John McLellan ’47,
grandfather of John
Herman ’06, Brady Herman ’09,
and
Courtney Herman ’13
John Patrick Haly, father of Jill Haly Owen ’82 and grandfather of James “Jack” Owen ’16 and Mitchell Owen ’20
Dr. William Hardcastle, father of Cindy Hardcastle Blair ’86, Billy Hardcastle, Jr. ’85, and Christine Hardcastle Drossos ’83
and
Lily Mauriello ’22
Ruth Hartwell, grandmother of Justin Hartwell ’21
Marianne Hibbs, grandmother of Ellis Anderson ’17 and
Earl Mingledorff ’59
Jeanne Ann Moorman, grandmother of David Sims ’01 , Stephanie Sims ’03, and Teddy Sims ’12 and greatgrandmother of Olivia Baljet ’19, Michael Baljet ’21 , and Caroline Baljet ’23
Mary Alice Collins Murray, mother of Michael Murray ’72 , Daniel Murray ’75, and John Murray ’78 Don L. Myers, father of Ken Myers ’77 and
Beau Kesterton ’17
Kinsey Anderson ’23
Bob Myers ’80
Edward G. Dieser, grandfather of Edward Dieser ’21 and
Henry Kane, Jr. ’60
Dr. Charles Nicol, father of Jean Nicol Lynch ’78, Karen Nicol Welch ’80, and Jacqueline
Adele Dieser ’22
John Kane ’91 ,
brother
of Michael Kane ’89 and Drew Kane ’96
Nicol Lippold ’82
Don Payton, Jr. ’69, brother of Tom Payton ’79
Mark Truett ’73
Bill Rich ’59,
Houten ’50
father
of Jennifer Rich Jacobs ’85, Marilyn Rich ’87, Kristy Rich Heller ’89, and William Rich, Jr. ’93; father-inlaw of Rob Heller ’90; and grandfather of Sophie Heller ’22 and
Brandon Vassil, son of Donna Fink Vassil ’78 and nephew of Jim Vassil ’79, Robert Fink ’79, Elizabeth Fink Griffin ’81 , Vince Vassil ’81 , Mary Beth Vassil Gibson ’83, and
Howie Heller ’23
Chris Vassil Smith ’87
Francis Ritchie ’72
Holden Viers ’14,
James Ryan ’58
Yarbrough Rodger ’98
Richard L. Schubert, father of Stefanie
brother of Elizabeth
and Alexandra Viers ’10
Barret Schubert ’90, and Courtney Schubert Joines ’91 and fatherin-law of Barbara
Patrick D. Wathen, father of Patrick D. Wathen, Jr. ’81 , David Wathen ’86, and Mark Wathen ’88 and grandfather of Abigail Wathen ’16 and
Thomas Schubert ’98
Anna Wathen ’18
Bill Schwendler, father of
Thomas Watry ’70,
Schubert Fromayan ’84,
David Schubert ’86,
Rebecca Schwendler ’89
and Tad Schwendler ’92 Rev. William F. Seli, S.M. Helen Sharpley, grandmother of
Emma Dowlen ’17 and Margaret Dowlen ’19
Jack Shelton, grandfather of Will Lanford ’21 Edward “Ned” J. Skinner ’53,
brother of Tom Skinner ’54 (deceased) Tom Skinner ’54,
brother of Edward “Ned” J. Skinner ’53 (deceased) Jacqueline Sullivan, wife of William
Sullivan, Jr. ’44
(deceased); mother of and grandmother of William Sullivan ’98 and Stella Michael Sullivan ’78;
Sullivan Mercker ’99 57 MARIST MATTERS
Col. William Van
brother of Andrew (deceased) and Carl Watry ’78
Watry ’69
Suzanne Yoder, mother of Marist faculty member Reinald Yoder
Word Last
By Molly Carlin, Dean of Faculty
May it be done to me according to your Word Leafing through a small pamphlet outlining the Marist Way yearly themes that sits in the school lobby, I was struck by a juxtaposition. One page explained the Marist core value of discipleship as being called by “gracious choice.” The adjacent page featured a photo of Fathers Harhager, Konzen, and Rowland, vested identically, celebrating a school Mass in Centennial Center. And indeed over this school year, all three men had been ‘graciously chosen’ to serve in new and unanticipated ways. We typically understand that religious men and women have vocations and take vows that spell out what is expected of them. While these men certainly had to discern their calls to a new administrative role in Rome, the episcopacy in Atlanta, and the presidency of Marist School, as Marists dedicated to living the example of Mary’s positive response to God they knew that the expectation was clear. All of us are called to listen and respond to God’s call in our own lives, to discover our own vocations. Beyond our station in life, such as a becoming priest or a married person, our vocation is a divine call to serve God with our lives. It is answering the question, how can I use my God-given talents and abilities to build the kingdom of God on earth? I came to understand the concept of vocation in my own life in college. I entered the University of Notre Dame as a biology major. Truthfully, I didn’t quite know what I wanted to be, but I knew that I was a good student, and, therefore, pursuing a career in math and science seemed a fruitful path. Opening my heart and mind (and spending not a few hours in prayer at the Grotto on campus) allowed me to hear God calling me in a different direction, toward service and education. Now, I consider it an honor and a privilege to be an educator tasked with helping students discover their vocations. Marist grants students with myriad opportunities, experiences, and
Illustration by Jay Rogers
faith-filled examples to open their hearts to God’s call. As they progress towards graduation, they begin to sense how they can do God’s work as future scientists, lawyers, teachers, and businessmen and women. I pray daily that my work and the work of the faculty illumines the path toward wholeness and discovery for our students.
Marist grants students with myriad opportunities, experiences, and faith-filled examples to open their hearts to God’s call.
MARIST MATTERS 58
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