VOL. 45 • ISS. 2
Page 7
TOMMY MARSHALL RETIRES 13 • A CELEBRATION OF PHILANTHROPY 19 • COMMENCEMENT 2021 23
Dear Friends, I am sure you share with me a hopeful outlook for the 2021-2022 school year. Even if your lives are no longer regulated by a school-year calendar, the coming months likely offer a refreshing direction for you even amid the uncertainty of the pandemic. Here at Marist, we look forward to returning to something resembling normal which we anticipate will be much simpler than the peaks and valleys of the 2020–2021 school year. How appropriate then that our Marist theme for the upcoming year is formed in simplicity and humility. With several related areas of focus, this theme can be described thus: “Live your life, doing your work quietly, gently, simply, and humbly without drawing attention to yourself, just as Mary did Jesus’ work without distracting from His message.”
It will be good to “get back to basics” at Marist and devote ourselves to the important work we do to form our students into faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders. Of course, we have been doing this work at Marist for 120 years, through more ups and downs than we can count. Through it all, Marist School continues to thrive. I believe our success is due to the grace of God at work in the mission of the Society of Mary as articulated by our founder, Jean-Claude Colin. He identified the education of youth as a preeminent ministry among those in which the Society of Mary is engaged. He wanted this ministry, as well as the Society of Mary itself, to be firmly rooted in the Church as was Mary at Pentecost. Father Colin intended a Marist education to form the whole student in the image of Christ through instruction grounded in religious values and teachings of the Catholic faith following a particular way, Mary’s Way or the Marist Way. As you will read in the feature story of this issue beginning on page 5, it is being Marist that distinguishes our school from other Catholic schools. And we aim to continue being unwaveringly Marist into the future. Our Strategic Plan 2025 will keep us on course. Another reason that Marist School has successfully advanced our mission since 1901 is because of our strong and supportive school community. As you read the story on pages 19–22 about the St. Peter Chanel Society as well as the St. Peter Chanel Award, I hope you will join me in gratitude for the many people who make Marist a priority. This school energizes and transforms students and their families, helping all to utilize their God-given talents and knowledge for the good of the Church and society. And that’s what we hope our Class of 2021 graduates, and all our alumni, do with their Marist foundation. We want them, in the words of Father Colin, to do great things for God. We want them to win the world for Christ and to do this in the quiet, gentle, simple, and humble manner of Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother in faith. By doing so, they will give glory to God and honor to Mary, who shows us a certain way, her way, of living the Gospel and whose intercession on behalf of Marist School we rely upon now and always. I hope you enjoy this issue of Marist Matters. In the name of Mary,
Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M. President
MARIST MATTERS Matters 1 1Marist
VOL. XLV • ISS. II • CONTENTS
COVER STORY
9
5
SCENE AROUND MARIST Share the Journey’s Successful Pilgrimage
BE UNWAVERINGLY MARIST Our Marist identity endures and flourishes
4 MARIST IN BRIEF Latest happenings on campus
39 BIRTHS Future War Eagles take center stage
LastWord
11 RETIREMENTS Expressing gratitude for years of service to Marist
42 LAST WORD Principal Mullally reflects on the last school year
23
19
CLASS OF 2021 Graduation highlights
ADVANCEMENT NEWS St. Peter Chanel Award recipients over the years
Move FSC Here MARIST MATTERS 2
PRESIDENT Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M. PRINCIPAL Kevin Mullally V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Angela H. Dorsey EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Cristina Vásconez Herrera ASSISTANT EDITOR Anne Stanford CONTRIBUTORS Katie Fowler Brown ’06 Abby Cohen Christian Conte ’21 Katie Crowe ’06 Maureen Davidson Angela H. Dorsey Kathryn Hawkins Ally Hinojosa Matt McGee Kevin Mullally Rev. William F. Rowland, S.M. GRAPHIC DESIGN Helmet Studio PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Collier Maddie Djuric ’21 Billy Howard Photosynthesis Studio 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.
WELCOME WEEK
With hybrid and remote learning in the not-so-distant past, Marist School launched its first-ever Welcome Week in August 2021 to help students connect with one another and meet new friends on campus.
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.
Diego Palmisano ’21 received the
Marist commissioned 80 students as
National World War II Museum’s Billy
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. These
Michal Student Leadership Award,
students attended Masses in person, while others
recognizing his strong record of volunteerism
viewed via livestream. The new eucharistic ministers
and school and community activism.
fanned out across campus to serve communion.
ADMISSIONS GETS CREATIVE DURING COVID-19 In light of the pandemic, Marist’s Admissions Office
In Brief MARIST
adjusted its offerings for prospective families to include War Eagle Walking Tours on campus as well as online information sessions. They even reimagined Open House, virtually sharing an overview of the Marist educational experience through livestreamed presentations with faculty, staff, and students as well as video content. We extend a warm welcome to 200 incoming students to Marist this school year!
ANDREW WASHINGTON ’21 HONORS GRANDMOTHER The Meridian Star featured Andrew Washington ’21 for the book he created and published
First-Ever Virtual Auction A Success
as a Christmas present for his grandmother Melba Clark-Payne, an inspiring former educator from Mississippi. Washington compiled and edited his grandmother’s writings and photographs, leading to the publication of
In February 2021, the Marist Parents Club, Marist Arts Guild, and Marist Booster Club
Sincerely Melba: A Collection of Poems, Plays, and
came together to produce the 2021 parent auction, which was presented as a virtual
Prose. Washington also received a Certificate of
event and themed, “The Show Must Go On.” Members of the Marist School community bid on a well-curated list of auction items, raising $136,493 in net proceeds to benefit parent organization-led initiatives for students and the Marist School endowment.
Accomplishment from the Atlanta Committee of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations and was a guest speaker on a young adult webinar from the National Black Catholic Congress during Black History Month.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH In honor of Black History Month, departments across Marist participated in a door decorating activity. The Science Department created a “Periodic Table of Black History” in Ivy Street Center and included QR codes that linked to videos and articles about Black people who have made history in science, art, politics, sports, literature, and more. For her door, Science Teacher Mrs. Carol Rivera incorporated her genetics students’ reports on scientists into her display.
The National Center for Women &
Despite the pandemic, Marist Theater
Information Technology’s Aspirations
persevered to safely present three magical
in Computing program awarded
live productions—UNPRECEDENTED; NOW.
Elly Kang ’23 an honorable mention
HERE. THIS.; and Godspell—in person and
for computing-related achievements.
outdoors in the Flag Circle.
Marist Matters
4
Being Unwaveringly Marist Our Catholic Identity Flourishes and Marist Values Inspire AS MARIST SCHOOL APPROACHES ITS 120TH ANNIVERSARY
in October 2021, Strategic Plan 2025 guides our trajectory for the future. The plan’s five priorities ensure we achieve our vision to provide a world-class Catholic education that prepares students to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose. Our Marist identity, rooted in our Catholic faith and tradition, with its distinctive spirit and values is key to realizing our vision. It is uniquely ours and the single biggest differentiator in what Marist School is, what we do, and how we do it. As such, the first priority of Strategic Plan 2025 commits us to Be Unwaveringly Marist, and it captures our confidence in the transformational power of the Society of Mary to speak to this present age, which hungers for a more just and peaceful world and thirsts for God, who is the source for both.
5
Marist Matters
In 1901, the Marists established Marist School (then known as Marist College) in downtown Atlanta to advance the educational vision of Society of Mary Founder Father Jean-Claude Colin. He envisioned that Marist students would be formed into strong and faithful disciples of Christ; encouraged to exercise their responsibilities and rights as honest and upright citizens, useful to society; and taught the humanities and sciences as well as critical thinking and technical and life skills. At Marist School, the hallmark of the educational experience we provide is the infusion of Marist values throughout every aspect of the school while we work to attain the goals set forth by Father Colin for the Marists. Certainly, Marist School has been dedicated in this regard since its inception, advancing our mission through communal pursuit of excellence in academic, religious, extracurricular, leadership, and service programs, all aimed at developing the whole person in the image of Christ. But what does it mean to be unwaveringly Marist? Strategic Plan 2025 addresses that question in three ways.
The Spiritual Tradition of the Marists
The Marist Way Program
First and foremost, to be unwaveringly Marist, Marist School demonstrates fidelity to the spiritual tradition of the Marists by continually providing the school community with comprehensive information about the Society of Mary’s history as well as formation in Marist values. To that end, many new and renewed initiatives to enhance knowledge of the Society of Mary are underway. New 7th and 9th grade students receive an introduction to the mission, history, and spirituality of the Society of Mary through a required Marist Way theology course, while new faculty and staff receive an overview of the Society of Mary during employee orientation. Ongoing professional development on Marist topics takes place at the faculty and staff retreat day that begins each school year and during other designated professional development times. Additionally, the school is adding a new reading room to the library to house books and other materials pertaining to the Marists. The generous donors who have made the reading room possible also are funding a three-year speaker series that will focus on discerning one’s God-given calling. Through these initiatives, everyone on campus can acquire an extensive foundation in the Marist approach to education. Explaining the value in learning about the Society of Mary, Marist School Principal Mr. Kevin Mullally says, “It is more important than ever that our faculty and staff be steeped in an understanding of Marist spirituality so we can prepare our graduates to go out and to live their faith in whatever manner God calls them to.”
Another way Marist School remains unwaveringly Marist is by enhancing and developing the Marist Way program, which exists to provide ongoing education for the school community in the Marist way of living the Gospel. A primary way this education is conveyed to those on campus is through six rotating Marist themes—ardent love of neighbor, simplicity and humility, doing the work of Mary, discipleship, our relationship with God, and living our faith in contemporary society—that provide a grounding and focus for each school year. Beyond that, for parents and others in the school community, the Marist Way program has a full spectrum of offerings developed to meet people wherever they are in their understanding of Marist spirituality. There are Introduction to the Marist Way classes for new parents, Bible studies, a Spirit of Mary group study series, alumni retreats, and more. Mike Coveny ’81 , director of the Marist Way program, invites everyone to live and share the five pillars of the Marist way of life: prayer, community, learning, service, and vocation. He says, “The Marists strive to think, judge, feel, and act like Mary, who was the first disciple of Jesus. The Marist Way program teaches all of us how we can be engaged with Mary’s work and, through a deepening commitment to the Society of Mary, advance the mission of Marist School.”
Marist Matters
6
The Society of Mary Global Network Founded in France in 1836, the Society of Mary is an international congregation with schools and ministries worldwide. To be unwaveringly Marist, Marist School has made it a priority to foster relationships with the Society of Mary’s global network of schools to build fruitful partnerships for student experiences, exchanges, and visits. Deepening relationships with schools that already host exchanges with Marist School and partnering with new Marist schools can help students and faculty experience how Marist traditions and values thrive across languages, different cultures, regions, and countries. Principal Kevin Mullally says, “Marist is a way of being out in the world, and it’s truly around the world. By partnering with other Society of Mary schools, we help our students forge a common understanding of the importance of being Marist no matter where you are.”
Established by generous donors, endowed awards for professional development have allowed faculty to visit Marist programs internationally and return to share their experiences with students and fellow faculty members. In summer 2019, Dean of Students Ms. Laura McGregor ’01 had the opportunity to visit several Marist institutions in New Zealand. Once pandemic travel restrictions have been lifted, Campus Minister Mrs. Bernadette Naro will visit the Marist mission in Ranong, Thailand. In North America, dozens of Marist School faculty and staff members have attended the Marist Educators Conference, which meets annually to strengthen the presence of the Marist charism in Marist educational institutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
We want our school to be both unwaveringly Catholic and unwaveringly Marist.” FAT H E R B I L L R OW L A N D, S . M . MARIST SCHOOL PRESIDENT
Watch Videos About Strategic Plan 2025 Beyond the Be Unwaveringly Marist priority, Strategic Plan 2025 has four additional priorities: Excel in Academics, Educate the Whole Child, Form Global-Ready Servant Leaders, and Secure the Future. Visit marist.com/strategicplan2025 to watch the Marist Conversation Series videos featuring Marist administrators discussing the five strategic priorities and the plan’s bold vision to provide a world-class Catholic education that prepares students to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose.
7
Marist Matters
Be Unwaveringly Marist is the initial priority of Strategic Plan 2025 because it is the most vital to ensuring the character and excellence of the Catholic education that Marist School provides its students. Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. puts it this way: “We want our students to be knowledgeable and articulate about their faith. We want them to benefit from the latest advances in education so that they can respond to the most urgent needs of our world in the name of Christ. To do this, the Church needs believers to speak of Him to those in the arts, media, technology, sciences, politics, business, social work, etc., who would otherwise be ignorant of the love Christ has for them. And we want them to do this great work of God in the quiet, gentle, simple, and humble manner of Mary or, to use the words of Father Colin, ‘as if hidden and unknown in the world.’”
Preserving Marist Education for the Future The Society of Mary’s Sponsorship Program The U.S. Province of the Marists is intent on ensuring that Father Colin’s unique vision for Marist education continues to advance into the future. For schools that the Society owns (like Marist School) and others that they sponsor (like Notre Dame Academy in Duluth, Georgia), the Marists have developed a framework to identify, preserve, renew, and deepen the fundamental characteristics of a Marist mission in education. Standards and criteria have been established that govern those involved in providing a Marist education. Through an accreditation process consisting of a site visit as well as a written report with commendations and recommendations, the Marists will certify and affirm that a school meets its standards to be identified as a Marist school.
Marist School’s Identity Committee As part of the accreditation process, each school owned or sponsored by the Society of Mary is required to have a Marist Identity Committee. Marist School’s Identity Committee was formed in fall 2020 and is comprised of administrators, staff, and faculty members. The Identity Committee is charged with devising a process to evaluate Marist School in light of the standards set in the Society of Mary Sponsorship Booklet. After a two-year process where the committee will reflect on Father Colin’s vision of education as well as the Marist sponsorship guidelines, the Identity Committee will develop a written document detailing how the school is addressing each Marist standard and elaborating on future goals. Marist School’s first Marist accreditation is scheduled for the 20222023 academic year. Additionally, Marist School’s Board of Trustees has a Mission Committee. Its purpose is to ensure that Marist School remains faithful to its Society of Mary identity, which the board has deemed essential to the viability of the school going forward. The Mission Committee concerns itself with becoming more knowledgeable about the Marist mission in education and then seeks to communicate that knowledge to current and future board members. Marist Matters
8
Scene AROUND MARIST
SHARE THE JOURNEY’S SECOND PILGRIMAGE A SUCCESS THE MARIST SCHOOL CHAPTER OF SHARE THE JOURNEY, a student group
answering Pope Francis’ call to encounter and walk with refugees and immigrants, led a pilgrimage starting at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, Georgia on Saturday, May 8. The six-mile walk brought together more than 135 people and raised over $1,000 for organizations which support these vulnerable people. The public walk aimed to highlight the global migration crisis facing today’s world and bear public witness to solidarity with and for migrants. Share the Journey Moderator and Campus Minister Mrs. Bernadette Naro described a day that was powerful and moving for Marist participants as well as those from other Atlanta Catholic schools including St. Pius X and Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. Mrs. Naro shared, “In today’s world, it is more important than ever to walk with our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters who are too often forgotten, cast aside, or deliberately attacked.” For Lauryn Walker ’21 , Share the Journey has been an important part of her
time at Marist. She said, “Through Share the Journey, I have met incredible friends and teachers, whom I admire and am grateful to work with to educate and raise awareness for the rights of refugees, migrants, and immigrants in the U.S. The walk is truly amazing because people who have sought refuge or migrated to the U.S. bravely share their stories, which makes the issues we walk for feel more personal.” Moira Ujda ’21 considers her involvement with Share the Journey a lived expression of her faith as a Catholic. She said, “Work around welcoming immigrants and refugees is also deeply Marist, connecting to the themes of radical hospitality and ardent love of neighbor.” She added, “The pilgrimage was a powerful opportunity to gather safely together as a community again. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from our neighbors in the Atlanta area about their experiences with immigration and resettlement as well as the opportunity to hear from organizations like El Refugio and Catholic Charities on how to support the work that they do. There is so
much we can learn about how to build a more welcoming, just society by listening to our neighbors.” Clare Seymour ’21 , one of the co-founders of Share the Journey, describes how the club has profoundly impacted her experience at Marist. She said, “We have done so much amazing work and become so close as a group. It was truly a wonderful experience to host the pilgrimage again… Seeing over 100 people show up to walk alongside you for a cause and event you’re passionate about is an incredible feeling.” Share the Journey at Marist School came into being in 2017 when students felt compelled to confront anti-migrant sentiment and call attention to the growing number of migrants in the world. According to the United Nations, there are currently more displaced people in the world than at any other time since World War II. The club organized its first pilgrimage two years ago. Student activities such as Share the Journey help form Marist students into faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders.
9
Marist Matters
Peer Leader Program Encourages “Radical Hospitality” The Society of Mary’s core values inform everything we do at Marist School, teaching our community how to “be Marist” and live the Marist Way. Among these core values is hospitality. Campus Ministry’s Peer Leader program embraces this idea, infusing all their activities with “Radical Hospitality.” Comprised of 118 Marist students, the Peer Leader program welcomes new students into the Marist family and helps them adjust to their new school. Peer Leaders serve as role models and friends to new students, leading them through orientation and offering support throughout a student’s first year at Marist. Through a competitive application process, juniors and seniors are chosen to serve as Peer Leaders. Each is assigned one to three new students with whom they connect over the summer, organizing a group activity and spending a day with them during orientation. Peer Leaders continue building relationships with their students throughout the school year. In collaboration with the Office of Inclusion & Diversity, Peer Leaders received training this past spring from Fearless Dialogues, cultural competency experts working with Marist to help advance a culture of inclusiveness at the school. Students participated in three different sessions with Fearless Dialogues animators who created safe spaces for students to share openly about different topics. Through these sessions, students learned to affirm and listen to each other, both key skills to be a successful Peer Leader.
Lila Bucko ’22 started in the program last year. She said, “I liked it so much that this year I decided to become a grade level coordinator who leads not only new students but Peer Leaders as well. I have made so many friendships and built new relationships through the program.”
Our goal is to make every new student, no matter what grade, feel at home and welcome on our campus.” Carter Rosales ’22 also enjoys being a Peer Leader. He explained, “The Peer Leader program is really something special—the moderators are amazing, the relationships formed are strong and lasting, the sense of community is pervasive, and the opportunity to be a role model for a new student who will one day be in our same shoes has been one the greatest experiences I have been involved in during my time at Marist. The impact that this program has on our community, both on and off campus, demonstrates the importance of our goal to make every new student, no matter what grade, feel at home and welcome on our campus.” Through the Peer Leader program and other experiences in and beyond the classroom, Marist School provides invaluable opportunities for Marist students to serve others and “be Marist” in the world.
Marist Matters
10
SCENE AROUND MARIST
2020 – 2021 RETIRE MENTS
14 25
MRS. DOROTHY BURNS Mrs. Dorothy Burns joined the Marist School community in 2007 as a school nurse. She previously worked in neurosurgery at Medical College of Virginia for nine years and taught preschool for two years. Over the course of her 14-year career at Marist, Mrs. Burns was known for her tireless efforts to protect the health and well-being of students and all members of the Marist School community. Her daughter Melissa ’09 and son John ’11 attended Marist. Mrs. Burns was awarded the Father Schmuhl Marist Service Award in 2020, which recognizes a staff member who promotes a strong sense of community and lives Marist values. She demonstrates the Marist value of ardent love of neighbor
MR. TOMMY MARSHALL Since 1977, Mr. Tommy Marshall has distinguished himself as one of Georgia’s most accomplished leaders in interscholastic athletics. Over the course of his career, Mr. Marshall has held positions on the high school and collegiate level. He joined Marist School as the athletic director in 1996 and made a lasting impact on the school over the course of his 25-year tenure. Under his leadership, Marist received the Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA) Director’s Cup for Best Overall Athletic Program 19 times. Mr. Marshall also was selected as a member of the Class of 2015 Hall of Fame by GADA in recognition of his leadership and contributions. As an athletic administrator, Mr. Marshall has been a leader at both the state and national levels, serving on the GADA Board of Directors and the Board of Directors for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
11
Marist Matters
that Fr. Schmuhl lived so effortlessly. Mrs. Burns considers being a school nurse at Marist the best job of her career and will always remember the “warmth and kindness that Marist employees extend to each other and to students.” While she looks forward to having more time to garden and travel, Mrs. Burns will miss her daily interactions with colleagues who always brighten her day.
His two children Stacy ’98 and Danny ’00 are Marist alumni, and he credits his children and his wife Dana for providing critical support for the career that he has considered a calling. Over the years, he has found great satisfaction in working together with the athletic staff, coaches, administrators, student athletes, and parents, serving as an ambassador for Marist, and leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Describing his retirement, Mr. Marshall said, “I will be going from 100 to 60, but it will all be from home and on my own schedule.” He is excited to have more flexibility in his schedule and more time to spend with his wife and five grandchildren.
SCENE AROUND MARIST
I will always remember the warmth and kindness that Marist employees extend to each other and to students. MRS. DOROTHY BURNS RETIRING SCHOOL NURSE
14 15
MRS. PATTY MONTAGUE Mrs. Patty Montague has worked in education for 27 years, and, prior to joining Marist School, she taught math and served as a director of college guidance. In 2007, Mrs. Montague began working as an 11th and 12th grade counselor at Marist. She went on to serve as director of college counseling and chair of the Counseling Department, helping countless students prepare to graduate and achieve their college dreams as well as promoting the mental health and well-being of students. Mrs. Montague also has served as the junior class co-moderator, coordinator for academic competition teams, Odyssey of the Mind coach, sponsor of the Girls Bible Study, and twice co-chaired the school’s SAIS accreditation process. Beyond Marist, she has been actively involved in the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling, several college advisory boards, and the ACT State Council, which she chaired twice. In 2012,
MRS. CELINE STRIBLING For the past 15 years, Mrs. Celine Stribling ’78 has served as the assistant to the president at Marist School. Known for her welcoming nature and warm smile, Mrs. Stribling is always quick to help others. Before joining Marist as a staff member, she was active in the life of her alma mater and served as president of the Marist Alumni Association, alumni representative on the Board of Trustees, and junior varsity and varsity basketball cheer coach. In 2005, Mrs. Stribling received the Father Hartnett Service Award in recognition of her exemplary service to Marist School. Her three children
Mrs. Montague was awarded the Margaret E. Addis Award by NACAC for her outstanding contributions to the association. Mrs. Montague has several favorite memories of her time at Marist, from college trips with students, to dinners with young alumni, to her involvement with Catholic Heart Work Camp, and chaperoning the student-led Senior Emmaus retreat, to name a few. She has greatly valued her interactions with students and remarked how receiving notes of appreciation from alumni over the years demonstrates “how much even small words of encouragement or positive support can mean to another person.” In retirement, Mrs. Montague is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Sam ’09, Mary Sloane ’10, and
Addie ’15 attended Marist as well.
While Mrs. Stribling is excited to travel with her husband and have more time with her family, she will miss the people she has come to know and love at Marist and is looking forward to continuing those friendships.
Marist Matters
12
War Eagle Views Tommy Marshall, Chief Spreader of War Eagle Fever, Retires For the past quarter of a century, an unmistakable voice has delivered the unique rally cry that has bolstered generations of Marist School student athletes and the greater school community: “War Eagle Fever is in… the…air!” Legendary Athletic Director Mr. Tommy Marshall is that voice behind the rally cry, a tag line he came up with 25 years ago to encourage students and build enthusiasm for extracurricular activities at Marist. Marshall, who retired on June 30, has made an indelible mark on Marist athletics and beyond. During his tenure, the athletic program became nationally ranked, acclaimed for its sportsmanship and teamwork, and renowned for all-around excellence in state titles won and college athletes produced. Among his accolades, Marshall was selected for the Class of 2015 Hall of Fame by the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association (GADA), an honor given to coaches who have displayed great leadership and prominence during their careers. Before becoming athletic director at Marist, Marshall coached football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and wrestling at the high school and college levels. All the while, he has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, driven by his strong faith and his desire to share it with young people. Under Marshall’s guidance, Marist’s athletic program has provided students with opportunities to practice their faith and develop personal character and servant leadership skills while striving for athletic excellence. In keeping with his humble nature, Marshall attributes the success of the athletic program to the collaborative effort of the many people involved in athletics at Marist—from the faculty, coaches, trainers, and supportive administration to the student athletes and their families. Marshall credits all who have worked with him in the Athletic Office as well as his wife, Dana, and children, Stacy Marshall Stanford ’98 and Danny Marshall ’00. 13
Marist Matters
For me, it’s been more than a job, it’s been a mission…” On April 25, Marshall was honored at a surprise retirement celebration in Hughes Spalding Stadium. More than 250 people attended the event that brought together people from across Marshall’s 45 years in education, recognizing his impact over the decades. Speakers included Kevin Butler, a former NFL football player coached by Marshall at Redan High School; GADA President Jasper Jewell; Georgia High School Association Athletic (GHSA) Director Robin Hines; Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., former Marist School principal; Marshall’s children; President Father Bill Rowland, S.M.; Principal Kevin Mullally; and Marist Booster Club President David Miles. The speakers shared what a remarkable leader, coach, and ambassador Marshall has been for Marist. They described him as always putting others first in addition to being “omnipresent.” Marshall attended hundreds of athletic events each year and served as each team’s first and best cheerleader—known to even jump in with the cheerleaders on the sideline.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE:
Coach Ron Bell Coach Ron Bell, husband of Pegi and father of Greg Bell ’87 and Kristen Bell Gray ’89, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.
A Marist School legend renowned for his dedication to his teams
and emphasis on preparation, Coach Bell was the head coach of the varsity boys basketball team for 30 years from 1975 to 2005 and the head coach of the varsity boys golf team for 17 years. He led his teams to a combined total of eight state championships (three in basketball and five in golf) over the course of his tenure. Coach Bell also was a physical education teacher and co-creator of the Outdoor Education course at Marist. He was honored in 2016 for his time at Marist with the dedication of Ron Bell Court in Young Gymnasium in Centennial Center.
Marist Athletic Director Tommy Marshall said, “I worked with
Ron on a daily basis for 15 years. His passion for young people and athletics was second to none. Simply stated, Ron was the best coach I have worked with at the high school or college level during my 45 years of teaching and coaching.”
Mr. Marshall added, “He was a master of preparation in scouting
and preparing a game plan that would allow his teams to compete at
When Marshall addressed the crowd, he described his career as a calling and a ministry that has been embraced by his family. He said, “Not many people look forward to coming to work every day. For me, it’s been more than a job, it’s been a mission…I have been blessed beyond my means—as a husband, father, papa, teacher, coach, and an athletic administrator.” It is only fitting that in Marshall’s last year, Marist School was awarded the GHSA’s Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award as well as the 2021 GADA Director's Cup for overall athletic achievement in the AAAA classification, marking the 19th time the school has received this honor. Marshall will continue serving Georgia’s young athletes as interscholastic commissioner for the Georgia Independent School Association. In early 2022, Marist School will honor Tommy Marshall in an exciting way for his years of service to our school community. Stay tuned for more details!
the highest level. Ron Bell was one of the elite high school basketball coaches in the nation.”
Over the course of his three decades at Marist, Coach Bell had
a profound influence on the lives of the students he encountered. Reflecting on Coach Bell’s legacy, former Marist Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach Kevin Moore ’04 said, “Coach Bell is a major reason I am the coach, and man, I am today. He taught me so many things about the game of basketball that transcended the sport and impacted me in life... Marist basketball IS Ron Bell basketball. The greatest compliment I got as a coach was when someone said my team resembled one of Coach Bell’s teams.”
Member of the 1989 State Championship basketball team and
incoming Marist Athletic Director Derek Waugh ’89 said, “Ron Bell probably had the biggest influence on my life of anyone I have ever met outside of my parents. The time with him was not always ‘fun’ but it was what young people needed to succeed in life. You saw his truly caring and humorous side after you played for him, and he went from being an amazing influence to an amazing friend. He was just a great person who made the world a better place.”
Marist Matters
14
Society of Mary News
REACH FOR EXCELLENCE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AS A SOCIETY OF MARY VENTURE Marist School President Father Bill Rowland, S.M. describes Reach for Excellence as a “gesture of gratitude” to the Atlanta community for the support offered in the
Society of Mary Founder Father Jean-Claude Colin likened education to a
first century of the Society of Mary’s chief educational
second creation in which character and
apostolate in Atlanta, Marist School (originally Marist
values are shaped, leading the individual
College). Reach for Excellence, a tuition-free academic and leadership enrichment program, began in 2001, but the
to self-assurance and responsibility.
idea was born several years before that.
This vision is realized in the educational
programs of both Marist School and
By 1997, the Society of Mary had thrived in Atlanta for 100
years and would celebrate Marist School’s centenary in 2001. The Marist Fathers and Brothers, who highly value the
Reach for Excellence.
transformative power of education, wanted to mark this milestone by extending the scope of their educational endeavors. As they studied the educational needs in greater Atlanta, it became clear that a program directed toward economically disadvantaged children would serve an identified need and, at the same time, highlight a core value of the Marists, namely, to “attend…to the most neglected, the poor, and those who suffer injustice.”
Bishop (then Father) Joel Konzen, S.M. and Father Thomas
Ellerman, S.M. ’58 were among those who researched ways to address the perceived need. They discovered that bright, academically talented students in low-income school districts often fail to reach their full potential—this while educational findings were reporting that intervention and reinforcement before high school stood to make a considerable difference in these students’ educational outcomes. After assessing a variety of models nationwide, the Society developed a program that
success in college-preparatory schools, both public and non-public. This program would be open to students of all faiths to serve as many students as possible.
To date, Reach for Excellence graduates have been
accepted at more than 100 college-preparatory secondary schools throughout the nation. The 435 graduates of the program have received acceptances at 175 colleges and universities, and some have completed graduate degrees and won prestigious scholarships and awards.
Bishop Konzen reflects on the program’s success:
“Everyone benefits from a great education—the recipients, their families, and their communities. We were trying to change the circumstances of people’s lives so that they might praise God by who they are and what they bring to the common good.”
would work with local schools to identify sixth graders with academic potential and then offer those students extensive supplemental instruction (26 months) to prepare them for
15
Marist Matters
For more information on Reach for Excellence, visit reachforexcellence.org.
Society of Mary News
left to right: Executive Director Karen Dessables, Director of Development Gigi Meyers (retired), former Board Chair Jim MacGinnitie, Board Chair Rocco Testani, and Fr. Bill Rowland S.M. Both Mr. MacGinnite and Fr. Rowland were instrumental in the founding of Reach for Excellence and remain committed to its mission 20 years later.
Cohort P at their Stepping Up Ceremony in summer 2018. Approximately 30 young scholars complete the Reach for Excellence program each year and go on to continue their education at rigorous public and private high schools. Nearly 100% of Reach for Excellence graduates complete high school, far exceeding the average for economically disadvantaged students in Georgia.
Over the course of 20 years, Reach for Excellence has purchased buses that are used to provide transportation to and from class sessions at Marist School so that distance is not a barrier to any child’s success. Reach for Excellence purchased its fourth bus in summer 2020.
Marist Matters
16
Advancement News Dear Friends,
...a Marist education is a transformative experience for students as well as their families.”
It is clear to me that Marist School’s outstanding legacy of philanthropy has helped sustain our school since its founding 120 years ago. So many in our community, inspired by the Marist educational experience they, their children, or grandchildren received, have made the choice to give back generously by sharing their time, talent, and treasure with the school. This dedication has advanced the Marist mission over the years and ensures that it will endure into the future. We are thankful for the many individuals in our community who share their abundant enthusiasm for Catholic education and Marist School in exemplary ways. Marist has honored these exceptional individuals at the St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Dinner, where we not only recognize Annual Fund leadership donors, but also the annual recipient of Marist’s highest honor, the St. Peter Chanel Award. On the next several pages, we celebrate the service of these individuals as an expression of our appreciation for their remarkable commitment to Marist. They are inspiring examples of selfless giving and extraordinary devotion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have included Marist in their estate plans, supported capital campaigns and special projects, and contributed to the endowment. This philanthropy helps ensure Marist has the means to provide a world-class education that forms young people in the image of Christ and prepares them to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose. Rooted in the heritage of Catholic education and infused with the distinctive spirit of the Society of Mary, a Marist education is a transformative experience for students as well as their families. To all who have been touched by Marist School and to all who share an endless enthusiasm for the furthering of the Marist mission in education, thank you for your continued involvement and support. Sincerely,
Angela H. Dorsey Vice President for Institutional Advancement
17
Marist Matters
Honoring those who have chosen Marist School to be part of their philanthropic legacy Inspired by the example of Mary’s nurturing spirit and selfless actions, the Heritage Circle provides a strong financial foundation for continued excellence at Marist School. Heritage Circle members document planned gifts through bequests, beneficiary designations, trusts, or other deferred giving vehicles in their estate plans.
We are thankful for those who, more than a century ago, gave to build an institution that would serve generations of children they would never know. So in making plans for a gift that will continue past our short time at the school and even past our lifetimes, we want to do our part to build an institution for the children of Marist’s next century.” MICHELLE AND NICK DJURIC
Join the Heritage Circle and help Marist School fulfill our mission for years and generations to come. (770) 936-6424
giving@marist.com
marist.com/heritagecircle
Marist Matters
18
Advancement News
A Celebration of Philanthropy
Advancing the Mission of Marist School Marist School has commemorated the Marist martyr St. Peter Chanel by naming an individual or couple to receive the school’s highest honor, the St. Peter Chanel Award. The selflessness and love these remarkable people have for our school reflect the dedication of hundreds of others who make donations year after year to Marist School’s Annual Fund within the St. Peter Chanel Society. What follows is a celebration of the exceptional philanthropy and service of so many in our school community who make a positive difference with their support of and belief in the Marist mission.
The St. Peter Chanel Society Marist School was inspired by the extraordinary life of the Society of Mary’s first saint when creating the St. Peter Chanel Society to honor Annual Fund donors whose support of Marist and enthusiasm for Catholic education are exceptional. At the St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Dinner each year, Marist acknowledges the generous individuals who give at least $2,500—and often much more—to the Marist School Annual Fund. It seems fitting to reflect on our school’s outstanding legacy of philanthropy, which has made so much possible at Marist. We are incredibly thankful for the enduring support of our St. Peter Chanel Society donors who share an endless passion for the advancement of the Marist mission and our school’s tradition of educational excellence in the spirit of Mary.
19
Marist Matters
ST. PETER CHANEL SOCIETY Annual Fund Giving Levels Pope Gregory XVI Guild $25,000 and up Fr. Jean-Claude Colin Guild $15,000–$24,999 Fr. John Gunn Guild $10,000–$14,999
Fr. Philip Dagneau Guild $7,500–$9,999 Fr. Vincent Brennan Guild $5,000–$7,499 Fr. James Hartnett Guild $2,500–$4,999
Our St. Peter Chanel Award Recipients Who was St. Peter Chanel? Born in France in 1803, St. Peter Chanel joined the newly formed Society of Mary in 1831 and became one of its early missionaries. On Christmas Eve 1836, he and several other Marists left from Le Havre, France and traveled to Oceania in the South Pacific, landing 11 months later at the small island of Futuna. Known among the islanders as “the man with the good heart,” Chanel worked with great zeal to bring Christ to the Futunans. His success in that regard had a hand in his martyrdom, as the local king felt
Barbara and Bill Schwendler
Susan and Bill Buehler
1999
2001
Shirley and Mike Trapp
Rev. James L. Hartnett, S.M.
2002
2003
Bob Fitzgerald
Tom O’Haren
2004
2005
threatened when his son announced he would become a Christian. Chanel was martyred on April 28, 1841, and it is on this date that we now celebrate his feast day. Because of the seeds of faith Chanel sowed in Futuna, the conversion of the island was complete within three years of his death. St. Peter Chanel is now recognized as the patron saint of Oceania in addition to being a Marist saint.
St. Peter Chanel Award Marist’s Highest Honor Given each year at the St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Dinner, the St. Peter Chanel Award* recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, support, and devotion have enabled Marist School to further its mission. We applaud and gratefully acknowledge the recipients for their passion in advancing Catholic education with a distinctive Marist spirit. They have positively impacted Marist School in a profound and fundamental way, and we are truly grateful. *No award recipient was named in 2000 or 2020, and two recipients were named in 2017.
Marist Matters
20
Betty and Alex Smith ’41
Barbara & Jim MacGinnitie
Bob Morrison
2006
2007
2008
There is no end to the gratitude we have for the significant leadership and service these individuals have provided to Marist School. They embody exactly what the St. Peter Chanel Award is all about and are genuine examples of the devotion, selflessness, and faith of the award’s namesake. Their philanthropic legacy is an inspiration for others and will ensure the Marist mission for generations to come.” FAT H E R B I L L R O W L A N D , S.M.
Toni & John Rhett
MARIST SCHOOL PRESIDENT
2011
21
Richard Reynolds ’52
Tim Cambias
Clarence Smith ’68
2015
2016
2017
Marist Matters
Ed Mitchell
Jim Tally
2009
2010
Jim Winchester
Marie & Vic Corrigan ’75
Cathy & Frank Belatti
2012
2013
2014
Rev. John H. Harhager, S.M.
Major Snow
Kathy & Mike Cote
2017
2018
2019
Marist Matters
22
CLASS of 2021
CONGRATULATIONS
ON SATURDAY, MAY 22, UNDER A BRILLIANT BLUE SKY in
Hughes Spalding Stadium, the resilient Class of 2021 received their Marist School diplomas and, along with them, an infusion of hope and joy. Smiles were abundant and hearts were full of anticipation for the future, not only because prom was that evening under the stars in the very same stadium or because college and gap year experiences loomed large and exciting ahead, but also because of the promise of life returning to a new normal after so many coronavirus-related curtailments. With what seemed like blinding speed after the glacial months of the COVID-19 pandemic that marked the 2020-2021 academic year, signature senior events returned in the spring— Senior Beach at a special seniors-only St. Peter Chanel Day, Senior Emmaus, Senior Send-off, Senior Awards Assembly, and even Senior Pranks and Senior Skip Day. With new CDC guidelines, commencement attendees were able to attend the outdoor Baccalaureate Mass and graduation ceremony without masks. That, in itself, was a harbinger of positive things to come. Hope and joy were prominent themes in the graduation speeches as was commendation for the unprecedented year the class, and the entire school, had weathered. Many called for the graduates to carry their faith with them as they move on to their next chapter. Principal Kevin Mullally remarked, “…we at
23
Marist Matters
Marist want you…to desire, to seek, and to speak the Truth, and we trust that your time at Marist assisted with that—that you have come to desire and to know Christ our Savior, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Seek Him first, and in all things, and speak His Truth to others.” Salutatorian Courtney Maley ’21 echoed the sentiments, commenting, “Our senior year was anything but normal, but we made the most of it…what I will miss most about Marist is the thing that makes Marist the special place that it is, and that is the people…who we have laughed with, cried with, celebrated with, and struggled with…the Marist fam.” Referencing a letter she received at Senior Emmaus, she quoted, ”The best part about Marist is that it never really leaves you.” The commencement address given by Sean McVay ’04, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams and the 2020 recipient of the Marist Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award, was a highlight of the graduation ceremony. McVay energized the class, asking them to never lose sight of the “joy in the journey” and to surround themselves with people who bring out their best. He attributes the good things in his life to the people who have guided him over the years, including those he encountered at Marist. He remarked, “The character that you have and the relationships you build are the only things that truly last in life.
MARIST’S 121ST COMMENCEMENT
Be a person who pours into others, and good things will come back to you.” Clare Seymour ’21 gave an optimistic valedictory address before the diplomas were conferred. She said, “I realized how much I have learned about hope at this school, and if I’m supposed to give a speech sending our class into the future, hope couldn’t be more important…The Class of 2021 is made up of intelligent, passionate, innovative people who are driven to represent that hope, to take on the hard tasks… My hope for all of us is that when the world feels too big and dark a place, our hope can withstand it and shine brighter, because if we keep it burning, we will truly change this world.” In closing, she referenced a favorite quote of Society of Mary Founder Father Jean-Claude Colin saying, “We as Marist students all know the importance of studying and working hard, but…we also know how to ‘allow ourselves to be possessed by joy and dance a little.’ Congratulations; go out
Well done, Class of 2021. You have weathered a year unlike any other with remarkable grace and kindness to each other and all of us here.” K E V I N M U L L A L LY, M A R I S T S C H O O L P R I N C I PA L
there and be the good this world needs; and always remember to dance a little.” A diploma from Marist School signifies not only academic achievement but also a commission to live one’s God-given calling and to serve those most in need of assistance. Put in Marist parlance, graduates are to be Marist in the world. At the Baccalaureate Mass, presider and homilist Bishop Joel Konzen, S.M., who was principal of the school when the majority of the Class of 2021 enrolled in either 7th or 9th grades, reminded them of their best path into the future. “I hope you will embrace the commitments that await you the way you have embraced the commitments at Marist. I know that they will repay your constancy…The deeper [your] commitment to God, to loving others, and to what God has called [you] to do, the greater the satisfaction.” Class of 2021, Marist School sends you forth to share the love of Christ with those you meet and to do great things for God sub Mariae nomine, under the name of Mary, whose protection and guidance will be with you always.
Marist Matters
24
G R A D U AT I O N
CLASS OF 2021 ACCEPTANCES THE CLASS OF 2021 WAS ACCEPTED AT THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:
Catholic Colleges *New or back after 5+ years
Baylor University
Florida Atlantic University
Mississippi State University
Texas Christian University
Samford University
Florida International University
Montana State University*
Texas State University
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Florida Southern College
Morehouse College
Texas Tech University
Florida State University
New York University
The College of Wooster
Fordham University
North Carolina State University
The New School
Furman University
Northeastern University
The Ohio State University
George Washington University
Northwestern University
The University of Alabama
Georgetown University
Oberlin College
The University of Montana
Georgia College
Oklahoma State University
The University of Tampa
Georgia Institute of Technology
Oxford College of Emory University
Georgia Perimeter College
Pace University, New York City
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Georgia Southern University
Pennsylvania State University
Georgia State University
Pepperdine University
Hampshire College
Providence College
Hampton University
Purdue University
Harvard University
Reed College*
Hawaii Pacific University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
High Point University
Rhode Island School of Design
Hofstra University
Rhodes College
American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University Augusta University Babson College Bellarmine University Belmont University Bentley University Boise State University Boston College Boston University Brown University Bucknell University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University
Howard University
Rice University
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Indiana University, Bloomington
Rollins College
Clemson University
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Saint Edward’s University*
Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of Coastal Georgia College of the Holy Cross Colorado College Colorado State University, Fort Collins Columbia University Dartmouth College Davidson College Denison University DePaul University Dillard University Eckerd College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Emory & Henry College Emory University Fairfield University Flagler College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
25
Matriculations
Marist Matters
Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Kennesaw State University
Saint Joseph’s University Saint Mary’s College San Diego State University
Lafayette College
Sewanee: The University of the South
Lehigh University
Southern Methodist University
Leiden University College The Hague
Spelman College
Louisiana State University
Spring Hill College
Louisiana Tech University
St John’s University, New York
Loyola Marymount University
St. Lawrence University
Loyola University Chicago
Stanford University
Loyola University Maryland
Stony Brook University*
Loyola University New Orleans
Syracuse University
Lynn University
Talladega College
Macalester College
Temple University
Marquette University
Tennessee Technological University*
Maryland Institute College of Art Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mercer University Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University
Texas A&M University
The University of Texas at Austin Trinity College Tufts University Tulane University Tuskegee University United States Military Academy University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles* University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Cruz
MARIST’S 121ST COMMENCEMENT
15.2%
Matriculations by Census Region The 199 students in the Class of 2021 submitted 1,600 applications to 247 colleges and universities.
Northeast
10.7% Midwest
5% West
69.1% South
University of Central Florida University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder
University of Toronto
University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia University of Houston University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Florida University of North Georgia
University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington, Seattle University of Wisconsin, Madison Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University
University of Kentucky
University of Notre Dame
University of Louisville
University of Oklahoma
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Oregon
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
University of Pennsylvania
Wake Forest University
University of Pittsburgh
Washington and Lee University
University of Massachusetts, Amherst* University of Massachusetts, Boston
University of Redlands University of Rhode Island
University of Miami
University of Richmond
University of Michigan
University of San Diego
University of Mississippi
University of Scranton
University of Missouri, Columbia
University of South Alabama
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Villanova University
Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University William and Mary Wingate University
University of South Carolina
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of South Florida
Xavier University
University of Southern California
Yale University
TOP 5
PUBLIC SCHOOLS University of Georgia 30
Auburn University 19 Georgia Institute of Technology 10 Georgia College 6 Miami University, Ohio 5 University of South Carolina 5
TOP 5
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Boston College 6
Wake Forest University 5 University of Notre Dame 4 Syracuse University 4 Texas Christian University 4
Marist Matters
26
G R A D U AT I O N
Generations Alumni Generations
27
Marist Matters
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
14
MARIST’S 121ST COMMENCEMENT
Class of 2021
Alumni Generations celebrates the legacy of alumni who have a child or grandchild currently enrolled at Marist School. At graduation in May, 38 members of the Class of 2021 gathered with their Marist alumni parents and/or grandparents to mark the special occasion.
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
1 Bobbie Akin with her father Charles Akin ’83
21 Brian Piper with his father Steve Piper ’81
2 Ella Anchors with her mother Kristin Wheeler Anchors ’93
22 Elizabeth Pressley with her mother Elissa Faletti Pressley ’89
3 Caroline Banks with her father Sean Banks ’92 and
23 Caroline Roche with her father Tim Roche ’91
uncle Steve Banks ’96 (left) 4 Carli Bowen with her mother Silvia Becerra Bowen ’82
24 Ashley Rohan with her parents Todd Rohan ’93 and
Amy Edwards Rohan ’93
5 Will Bowers with his mother Jennifer Suvoski Bowers ’90
25 Connell Scruggs with his mother Megan Guy Scruggs ’92
6 Pete Cherry with his father Jason Cherry ’89
26 Ty Sever with his grandfather Jack Markley ’52
7 Joe Childs with his parents Jim Childs ’86 and Natalie Smith Childs ’86
27 Harrison Sewell with his mother Muffin Keefe Sewell ’88
8 Henry Clark with his mother Donna Shea Clark ’85
28 Tess Singletary with her mother Susan Peoples Singletary ’86
9 Camille de St. Aubin with her father Mark de St. Aubin ’85
29 Ellery Smith with his parents Bill Smith ’82 and Amy Smith
10 Claire Galvin with her father Mark Galvin ’85
30 Conor Walsh with his father Ryan Walsh ’89 and
11 Katherine Guhl with her mother Joan Kelleher Guhl ’93 12 Ella Gunning with her father Matt Gunning ’88 and
her grandfather Tom Gunning ’53 13 Jamison Henley with her mother Tara Mannino Henley ’89
grandfather Terry Walsh ’61 31 Caroline Williamson with her father Scott Williamson ’89 32 Ben Winther with his mother Sarah Dennis Winther ’91 33 Patrick Withers with his father David Withers ’90
14 Lily Holmes with her parents Randy Holmes ’87 and
Christy Taylor Holmes ’87 15 Haley Hotz with her father Steve Hotz ’90
Not pictured:
16 Rachel Hughes with her father Ron Hughes, Jr. ’87
Austin Frank with his father Brian Frank ’86
17 Aidan Locarnini with his mother Roxanne Ross Locarnini ’88
Hannah Hardy with her mother Chinyere Gonzalez ’90
18 Ryan MacGinnitie with his father Doug MacGinnitie ’85
Luke Ingram with his mother Lizzie Post ’91
19 Derek McDonald with his father Bruce McDonald ’85
Thomas Rollauer with his father Michael Rollauer ’92
20 Cate Peoples with her parents Cici Nicholson Peoples ’83 and
Sarah Russell with her father Matt Russell ’92
Greg Peoples ’83 and her grandfather Tony Nicholson ’58
Marist Matters
28
Awards
G R A D U AT I O N
2020 -2021
Sedes Sapientiae Award
AJC Cup
Austin Watson Frank
Clare Morlan Seymour
The Sedes Sapientiae Award, Marist School’s highest honor, is conferred by the faculty upon the senior who excels in scholarship, loyalty, and service and who best represents the values for which Marist School stands.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 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.
National Merit Finalists
Valedictorian & Salutatorian Clare Morlan Seymour Courtney Sue Maley
left to right: Andrew Selover, Caroline York, Claire Payne, Eva Nahas, Jack Griffin, Cole Miller
Archbishop’s Awards Presented to a senior boy and girl who have achieved
Star Student & Star Teacher
excellence in the study of the Catholic faith and have given service to their school, parish, or community.
Christian Barrett Conte
Moira Davan Ujda
John David “Jack” Griffin V Mr. Aaron Schmitt Fine Arts Teacher
29
Marist Matters
National African American Recognition Program Scholars
FACULTY & STAFF AWARDS Archbishop’s Outstanding Service Award
Dr. Jerry Aull Theology Teacher
Father Schmuhl Marist Service Award left to right: Anthony Ovadje, Ethan Ekpenyong, Amarachi Nwogu, Babalola Awe
National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars
Mrs. Dorothy Burns School Nurse
Frank P. Hagan Memorial Coach’s Award
Mr. Chandler Yount Former Assistant Athletic Director
Goizueta Chair of Excellence
Mrs. Trisha Urrea Modern & Classical Languages Teacher
left to right: Ben Winther, Javi Farach Verona, Gabriel Acevedo
Loridans Academic Fellowship (2019-2022)
Yearbook
Mr. Reinald Yoder Business, Computer Science, & Engineering Teacher
MacGinnitie Award for Innovation
Mr. Kevin Lisle Science Teacher
Rebecca Cox McKinley Humanities and Global Education Grant,
The 2020-2021 Guidon yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Curtis Engsberg , shown here with editors Maggie Thayer ’21 and Caroline Williamson ’21 .
part of the Faber-McKinley-Stadler Award
Mrs. Bernadette Naro Campus Minister
Marist Matters
30
Alumni News Dear Fellow Alumni, What a year it’s been! As I write this, things are gradually returning to normal and we are looking ahead, excited for more opportunities to gather in the coming months. Despite the pandemic, we were able to come together virtually over the course of the 2020-2021 school year. One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the opportunity to connect with so many alumni outside of Georgia. Dozens from across the United States participated in virtual events such as the Alumni Women’s Luncheon with speaker Kit Hoover ’88 and Lunch With Legends featuring Derek Waugh ’89 and Tommy Marshall. As spring came to a close, we were able to safely enjoy in-person events including the family-friendly Welcome Back Drive-In, Senior Send-off for the Class of 2021, and a luncheon on campus honoring the 2020 Alumni Award recipients. It was such a pleasure to finally celebrate Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Sean McVay ’04, Fr. Hartnett Service Award recipient James Roberts ’99, and Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient Kenneth Brinson ’15. The Marist Alumni Association Board is working with the Alumni Office to organize events for the 2021-2022 school year. In addition to the Generations Welcome Back Tailgate, a Young Alumni Happy Hour, and Homecoming accompanied by the Half Century Club Reception, we are planning for a super-sized Reunion Weekend 2022, scheduled to take place from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2. The weekend will include a Welcome Back BBQ on Friday, class parties on Saturday evening, a Family Mass on Sunday, and will culminate with our 30th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament on Monday. We will celebrate class reunions for alumni who graduated in classes ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7. Please reach out to alumni@marist.com if you are interested in
31
Marist Matters
helping plan your class reunion or if you have not received communications regarding Reunion Weekend 2022. We also will continue to offer virtual events, including Lunch With Legends. Be on the lookout for more information about upcoming installments of this event series which brings together retired faculty, staff, and coaches for conversation and engagement with the Marist School community. Please visit marist.com/alumnievents for updates on events or check your email and the monthly alumni e-newsletters for more information. On July 1, the Marist Alumni Association welcomed 17 new members-at-large to the Alumni Board. I am honored to be staying on as your president for a consecutive two-year term. I would like to extend a special thank you to our new members, to members who will continue to serve the board for another term, and to those who have concluded their terms. We are so grateful for your involvement and service to our alma mater. There are so many ways to engage with the Marist Alumni Association—I hope to see you virtually or in person at an event soon! Warmly,
Megan Citarella Stewart ’95 President, Marist Alumni Association P.S. We want to keep in touch with all Marist alumni! If you do not receive emails from Marist School, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@marist.com.
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni in the Spotlight
by Christian Conte ’21
For Chieko Noguchi ’94, “faith itself is a lifelong journey.” She is grateful to Marist School for building such a strong foundation for her and to her parents for setting her on a path that ultimately involved working for the Catholic Church, which she feels is “the most fulfilling thing” she has done. Originally moving to Washington D.C. to study international relations at American University, she quickly got “swept up in the excitement of U.S. politics” during the 1994 mid-term elections. Shortly after, Noguchi began working on Capitol Hill for Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, her congressman from Georgia, all while being a full-time student. Upon Gingrich’s retirement from Congress, Noguchi decided to pursue work in public relations, working in public affairs and corporate communications for numerous trade association clients and pharmaceutical companies. Although this experience was exciting for her, “at the same time, something was missing,” Noguchi said. A new opportunity presented itself at the perfect moment, as the Archdiocese of Washington announced they were hiring in their Communications Office, and she began running their media and public relations branch. In C H I E KO N O G U C H I ’94 2016, Pope Francis awarded Noguchi the Benemerenti Medal for her exceptional service and dedication to the Catholic Church. Reflecting on her Marist experience, Noguchi is grateful to the Marist faculty, especially those in the English and Social Studies departments, for teaching her “how to articulate clear thoughts” and “fostering the great love [she] has for the social sciences.” As editor-in-chief of the Guidon, Marist’s yearbook, Noguchi learned how to lead a team. She remembers her English teacher and yearbook advisor, Ms. Sandy Allmond, being “one of [her] biggest cheerleaders” and influential in encouraging hard work throughout her high school career. After overseeing a smooth transition of bishops with former Archbishop of Atlanta Cardinal Wilton Gregory assuming that role in Washington D.C, Noguchi took a new position as director of public relations with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2019. Her office
is tasked with “preparing and distributing the statements” of the bishops’ work and guiding the communication offices for the 197 U.S. dioceses in addition to organizing interviews and press events as the official liaison to the news media and the general public. On occasion, she also interacts with a familiar face for many Marists: Bishop Joel Konzen S.M., former Marist School principal and current Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta, as he serves on the USCCB’s Communications Committee. Thinking back to her high school years, she hopes current and future students “enjoy [their] time at Marist: the teachers, the wonderful things that the campus has to offer,” she says, “but also, just as importantly, your friends.” “Marist prepared me well for the real-world challenges that I faced in college and as an adult,” Noguchi says, “and I’m so grateful for that.”
Marist prepared me well for the real-world challenges that I faced in college and as an adult.”
Marist Matters
32
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Events 2020 - 2021 Alumni Awards Luncheon
The Marist Alumni Association recognized the 2020 Alumni Award recipients with a luncheon on campus on May 21. The event, originally scheduled to take place in spring 2020, was a much anticipated and overdue celebration of Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Sean McVay ’04 (center), Fr. Hartnett Service Award recipient James Roberts ’99 (left), and Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient Kenneth Brinson ’15 (right).
Alumni Women’s Luncheon On April 21, more than 70 alumni from across the United States joined together for the first-ever virtual Alumni Women’s Luncheon. The speaker was Kit Hoover ’88, host of Access Hollywood, who shared stories about her formative years at Marist as well as a glimpse into her career in Hollywood.
Senior Send-off On May 14, the Class of 2021 was welcomed into the Marist Alumni Association at the annual Senior Send-off held in Hughes Spalding Stadium. Keeping with tradition, the Class of 2021 received a class mug including the names of each member of the graduating class.
33
Marist Matters
ALUMNI NEWS
Welcome Back Drive-in The first in-person alumni event of 2021 was a Welcome Back Drive-in at Springs Cinema and Taphouse on April 30. Alumni of all ages came together to watch Space Jam under the stars. Before the movie, attendees enjoyed popcorn, candy, music, and games provided by the Marist Alumni Association and DJ Matt Osborne ’85.
Inaugural Lunch With Legends On May 19, alumni and others in the Marist School community came together virtually for the Lunch With Legends, a lively conversation with incoming and outgoing athletic directors Derek Waugh ’89 and the legendary Tommy Marshall. Moderated by former Dean of Students Mike Trapani ’70, the event welcomed Waugh back to Marist and provided the opportunity for Marshall to reflect on his 25 years
Virtual Ivy Street Reunion Alumni from the classes of 1948–1966 enjoyed a virtual Ivy Street Reunion Luncheon on June 16 featuring updates from school leadership and fellow Ivy Streeters.
UPCOMING EVENTS
successfully leading the Marist Athletics Department.
Homecoming & Half Century Club Reception October 15, 2021 Young Alumni Happy Hour October 28, 2021 Alumni Service & Spirituality Retreat January 22, 2022 Reunion Weekend (classes ending in 1, 2, 6, & 7) April 29–May 2, 2022
Marist Matters
34
ClassNotes 66
Terrence Flynn ’66 was a commissioned officer from the University of Georgia’s Army ROTC program and went on to pilot training. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star and remained in Vietnam through the end of the war. He was stationed in Pleiku and was discharged as a captain.
73
Chip Nagle ’73 will soon celebrate
the 23rd anniversary of the founding of his company, Nagle & Associates, a retained executive search firm focused on finding senior executive leadership for hospitals, health systems, and large physician groups.
80
Dr. Robert Montgomery ’80 is a pediatric
psychologist practicing in Woodstock, Georgia with his wife, Dr. Christie Montgomery. They have opened a second location of their clinic which provides state-of-the-art ABA Therapy to autistic children as young as 18 months old. This is Dr. Montgomery’s 35th year in practice and his 15th year practicing in Woodstock. Together, the Montgomerys offer direct therapy support, parent training, and autism diagnostic services.
99
Shawn McCarthy ’99 and her husband
have been living in Seoul, South Korea for more than 12 years. Shawn was thrilled to become a permanent resident of Korea in 2019 after several years of working towards achieving resident status through volunteer work, language study, and a variety of other criteria. Her classes moved online in spring 2020 due to COVID-19, but she went back into the classroom in fall 2020. Like so many others, she is longing for the day when she will be able to travel again to visit her family in the U.S. after a two-year hiatus.
35
Marist Matters
00
When COVID-19 led to the postponement of Marist reunions, members of the Class of 2000 gathered virtually. Those in attendance included: Mary Carr Bendeck ’00, Kelly Hanofee Blanchard ’00, Sarah Moorefield Bowlin ’00, Rebecca Underwood Herr ’00, Erin Hernandez Horner ’00, Courtney Carpenter Howell ’00, Laura Gibbs Miller ’00, Caroline McGreaham Rose ’00, Cameran Jewell Simpson ’00, and Megan McMahon Weaver ’00. 1
In the Wall Street Journal article, “Novavax Nears COVID-19 Game Changer—After Years of Failure,” Will Moffitt ’00 was pictured working at a machine that isolates the spike protein from a column containing COVID-19 at the Novavax offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Will is a senior scientist at Novavax and has done pharmaceutical research since he graduated from Wake Forest with a degree in biochemistry. Will and his wife Lindsay Boozer Moffitt ’00 moved to Washington, D.C., when she took a position at the Friendship Animal Clinic. Lindsay is a veterinary neurosurgeon there and also sees animals at the National Zoo. 2
03
Kelly Hurlimann Moore ’03 and Andrew
Moore ’03 purchased the Hungry Peach Cafe in early 2020 from Kelly’s mother. The cafe, located in the ADAC building in Peachtree Hills, also offers small
event catering. Andrew is an anesthetist at Emory, and Kelly has focused on developing the cafe after working as school counselor at The Schenck School for five years. Kelly and Andrew are excited for this new chapter for their 7 family—owning the Hungry Peach and raising their three children Sadie (6), Everett (4), and Renner (2). 3
07
Jennings Hester ’07 is the founder and
executive director of Fishing the Good Fight, a nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colorado that leverages the healing power of fly fishing to support men’s mental health. Marist classmate Baker Arena ’07 also lives in Colorado and serves on the board of the organization. The two-year-old nonprofit sells premium, hand-tied flies and donates 100% of the proceeds to men’s mental health organizations. Fishing the Good Fight is planning to expand its offerings to include weekend retreats and scholarships that subsidize therapy costs. Visit fishingthegoodfight.org for more information and to support their efforts to help men with mental illness.
08
After participating in the Society of Mary-sponsored Reach for Excellence program and graduating from Marist, Daniel Chandra ’08 went on to attend Yale University, where he earned his bachelor of science degree in biology. He returned to Georgia to attend the Medical College of Georgia, where he stayed to complete his residency in internal medicine. He hopes to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, with a specific interest in bone marrow transplantation and cancer immunotherapy. Daniel began a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland in July.
CLASS NOTES
Send us your updates and photos! E-MAIL classnotes@marist.com
MAIL Marist School Alumni Office 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30319
2
CONTACT US alumni@marist.com (770) 936-6491
7 2
Photos must be at least
6˝ 4˝
300 dpi resolution and 4˝ x 6˝
CONNECT WITH MARIST ALUMNI ON LINKEDIN Stay in touch with Marist School and fellow
3
alumni through LinkedIn in two ways: 1. Add Marist School to your
3
LinkedIn profile to enjoy search and networking benefits. 2. Follow the Marist School page on LinkedIn to get the latest alumni and school news.
5 FOLLOW MARIST SCHOOL ALUMNI ON SOCIAL MEDIA @maristalumni Marist Alumni Association
6
1
Marist Matters
36
CLASS NOTES
15 4
6
5 7
37
Marist Matters
Linseigh Green ’15, a survivor of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), now works with the NEC Society on research and patient-family advocacy. Since 2019, she has spoken at conferences in the U.S., the U.K., and Brazil; has been featured in the journals Neonatal Network and Advances in Neonatal Care; and has served on the NEC Society’s board of directors. She also has been invited to speak to Congress about securing federal funding for research for the rare disease. In July, she will complete a master of science in teaching degree in creative writing at the University of Cambridge and will continue her studies with Royal Holloway’s Immersive Storytelling master’s degree program in London. You can find her singing each Christmas at New York’s oldest tree-lighting ceremony in Washington Square Park. 4
16
Jimmy Brewster ’16 was selected as
the Graduation Marshal for Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business for the December 2020 commencement. During his time at Auburn, Jimmy served as president of the Financial Management Association (FMA) and vice president of the Auburn Student Investment Fund. He also was named AU Involve Student Leader of the Year for 2020, received the Phi Kappa Phi Yates Award, and helped lead a team of FMA members into the final round of the Duff & Phelps YOUniversity Challenge. 5
18
Haley Lawson ’18 was selected as a 2020 recipient of the Irving Kabiller Memorial Award at Northwestern University. Each recipient of the prestigious award, which is bestowed annually on five juniors in recognition of academic and athletic excellence, earns a $5,000 grant for professional development experiences. Haley will shadow a Supreme Court Justice, visit the National Women’s Law Center in Washington, D.C., and work with a mediator at Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group by Haid and Teich, LLP in Chicago, Illinois. 6
Joseph McDermond ’18 and Paul Stanley ’18 took their oath
of affirmation at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York on August 16, 2020. They affirmed to complete the next two years of study, five years of active military service, and three years of reserves. Upon graduation, they will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. 7
ALUMNI IN THE CLASSROOM
Alumni Share Inspiring Experiences With Students Alumni guest speakers have long complemented the learning experience at Marist, enriching the school’s academic program of distinction that prepares students for college, work, and life in the 21st century. In recent months, three alumni met with students virtually to share their perspectives.
Kennedy Walls ’20, a current
undergraduate at Princeton University, met virtually with Dr. Hamrlik’s Faith & Gender class to tell them about Aid the Journey, the nonprofit organization she founded while at Marist. Aid the Journey provides basic medical kits to refugee populations, particularly those in Clarkston, Georgia. For a service project, the class assisted Aid the Journey with the preparation of more than a hundred “period packs” and “birth bags” that will be distributed to local refugee women.
Dr. Kathryn Hamrlik’s Faith & Gender class had the opportunity to hear from attorney Grace Starling ’12 about sexual assault laws and related advocacy. Dr. Hamrlik said, “Since the class is all senior girls, we had been talking about the statistics around sexual assault and gender-based violence, especially on college campuses. I wanted to highlight Grace’s work around changing laws in Georgia and advocating for survivors. Grace had an incredible journey enacting legislation during her first year of law school, and she continues this work as an attorney.”
Social Studies Department Chair Mr. Matt Romano ’95 moderated a virtual visit with Margaret Mullins ’06. More than 90 people from Marist tuned in to hear about Margaret’s work for Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, where she handled foreign policy issues and served as a military legislative assistant. She discussed her educational background and the interesting path her career has taken, including her time as a Russian analyst in the U.S. Army. She also shared her experience related to the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. Margaret currently serves as the national security advisor for Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia.
MaristMatters Matters 38 38 Marist
Births MARIST
3
5
2
4
6
husband Andrew welcomed their second daughter Sawyer Wen Harris on April 27, 2020. Sawyer joins big sister Carver (2).
Will Moffitt ’00 welcomed their second
son Shaw Whitman Moffitt on May 12, 2020. Shaw joins big brother Beck Christopher Moffitt.
39
Marist Matters
L U K E 1 8:16
1
1 Courtney Lundeen Harris ’00 and her
2 Lindsay Boozer Moffitt ’00 and
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.”
3 M eghan Fitzgerald Germano ’02 and
her husband Alan welcomed their third daughter Jane Barber Germano on September 9, 2020. Jane joins siblings Charley (5) and Lucy (3).
5 Danny Bowling ’03 and his wife Kristin
Michelle Correa welcomed their daughter Isabel Martha Bowling in Tokyo, Japan on October 1, 2020. 6 Christie Crawford Glenn ’03 and her
4 Matt Simmons ’02 and his wife Jessica
welcomed their son William George Simmons on October 21, 2020. William joins older sister Lauren (3).
husband Jimmy welcomed George Patrick Glenn on February 26, 2020. George is welcomed with love by siblings Mary Howard (3) and Crawford (2).
BIRTHS
7 Dougie Coffed ’04 and Grace Thorington Coffed ’06
welcomed their son Thomas “Tommy” James Coffed on May 14, 2020. 8 Caroline Cats Ivie ’05 and her husband
7
8
Tanner welcomed their daughter Catherine Everly Ivie on April 16, 2020. She joins big brother Jack (5) and big sister Annabelle (3). 9 Michael Mannino ’06 and wife Julia
welcomed their son John Victor Mannino II on November 19, 2020. 10 T hayer King Darling ’07 and her
9
10
husband Josh welcomed twin sons Beckett and Keller Darling on August 5, 2020. 11 Jamie Germano ’07 and his wife
Betsy welcomed their first child James “Jimmy” Howard Germano on July 26, 2020. 12 A dria Thorington Tapp ’07 and
11
12
Jimmy Tapp ’07 welcomed their third daughter Sutton Miller Tapp on October 11, 2020. Sutton joins big sisters Iler (5) and Mary Egen (2.5). 13 Emma Barton Heyden ’08 and Derek Heyden ’08 welcomed their third child Marlowe May Heyden on February 19, 2021. Marlowe joins big sister Maeve (5) and big brother Miles (3). 14 L oren Ramirez ’11 and her husband
13
14
Doug Strul welcomed their daughter Maya Strul on February 10, 2020.
Marist Matters
40
IN MEMORIAM Through March 31, 2021
Hank Aaron, father of Henry Aaron, Jr. ’76 and Lary Aaron ’77 Pelham Anderson, faculty member Dr. Gordan Azar ’52 ,
father
of Marcia Azar Sullivan ’81 and Gordon Azar, Jr. ’78
Bill Baier, father of Bret Baier ’88 and Tim Baier ’97 Ron Bell, father of Greg Bell ’87 and Kristen Bell Gray ’89 and former faculty member Ken Black III ’71
Susan Boone, mother of
Paul Bozzuto, Sr., father of Dominic Bozzuto ’20 and Tommy Bozzuto ’23
Steve Galvin, brother of Mark Galvin ’85
Dr. Walter Stewart, father of and Seth Stewart ’91
Scot Stewart ’89
Therese Halligan ’80
Mary Trogdon, mother of
Rhode Hill ’64,
father of Jack Hill ’00 and brother of Harvey Hill, Jr. ’57, Charley Hill ’60*, and Rank Hill ’68 Diane Hobbs, mother of
Stewart Trogdon ’86 and Laura Trogdon Wells ’88
Dr. Reggie Vachon, father of Reggie Vachon, Jr. ’84 and Marie Vachon ’87
and
Christine Hobbs Giacopelli ’97
Brian Walsh, brother of
Jerry Howley, father of Mike Howley ’81 , Lynn Howley Proulx ’83, and
Michael Walsh ’60 and Terry Walsh ’61
Mary Beth Howley Kuhn ’87
William Warnock, Sr. ’62
Alex White, brother of
Lyons Joel, Jr. ’51
Wes Brown ’12 ,
Anne Mathis, mother of Jim Mathis ’74
Gary Burke, father of
Dr. Wayne McCormack, father of Tom McCormack ’88 and Rob McCormack ’90
brother of Jeff Brown, Jr. ’08, Brady Brown ’10, and Grant Brown ’14 Amanda Burke Packard ’07 John Burns ’63 Fred Cliff III ’52
brother of
Maeve Connolly Szambelan ’07
Louis White Carter ’83 and Charlotte White Schaffer ’86
Mike Williamson, father of Scott Williamson ’89, Tim Williamson ’92*, and Meaghan Williamson Schroeder ’95
Marist dedicates a library book to all alumni who have died and honors their memory at the annual Mass of Remembrance held on campus each spring.
Ann McGowan, mother of Bob McGowan ’78 and former faculty member Mary Ann Morris, mother of Omar Morris ’87 Henry Murphy ’81 , brother of Todd Murphy ’80*
Robert Cutcliff ’54
Parker Davis, father of
Susan Davis Harper ’89 and Kim Davis Sellers ’92 Eddie Dyer ’64
Dr. Douglas Murray, father of Linda Murray Kelly ’84, John Murray ’86, and Stephen Murray ’90 Dr. Mario Ravry, father of
Tom Escott, Sr., father of Molly Escott Kittrell ’96 and
Mario Ravry ’85, Yvette Ravry Paris ’86,
Allison Escott ’98
Jay Reynolds, father of B.J. Reynolds ’74
Arthur Eyzaguirre ’80,
brother
of Katrina Eyzaguirre Gallow ’78, Lucia Eyzaguirre Sloan ’81 , and
and Marianne Ravry McDevitt ’89
James Rogers ’48
Diana Eyzaguirre Slack ’83
brother of Harold Seitz ’56
Steve Ferlita, Jr. ’50
Dr. Joe Snitzer III ’49,
father of
Savannah Fortson ’08
Marist Matters
Paulette Steeves, mother of Tati Turner Tate ’11 and EJ Ashley ’21
Patricia Halligan, mother of Tony Halligan ’76 and
Sarah Collins Limbaugh, daughter of Meaghan Connell Limbaugh ’04
Warren Fortson ’47,
Russell Christian ’98
Mary Beth Grady, mother of Martin Grady ’02 and Donald Grady ’05
Lisa Romano Breda, sister of Matt Romano ’95
Shane Connolly ’11 ,
Brenda Solley, mother of Matt Christian ’96 and
Dr. Bill Galvin ’63
Beth Hobbs Williams ’94
Jackie Boone ’02 and Shannon Boone ’04
41
For detailed In Memoriam listings, visit marist.com/alumniprayerrequests.
Bubba Seitz ’53,
brother of Charlie Snitzer ’51 and father of Lee Snitzer ’84
*
deceased
LastWord “It is finished.” It seems appropriate to reference these last words of Christ as reported in John’s Gospel account of the Crucifixion as we look back on the 2020-2021 school year. I’m writing this during the early days of summer and reflecting on Christ’s words and what they might mean for us at Marist School. As a former English teacher, I found myself considering the antecedent to which the pronoun “it” refers. We might ask, “What is finished?” The answer, I think, is both rich and instructive. Christ’s earthly ministry, made possible through the mystery of the Incarnation, comes to its close with His death on the cross. The debt has been paid, the final sacrifice made, and the covenant between God and His people has been renewed and will be brought to perfection and fulfillment through the Resurrection. With this, mercy and grace abide, and sin is forgiven. The 2020-2021 Marist theme, ardent love of neighbor, is understood most deeply and profoundly in reflecting on Christ on the cross. Only an ardent love would lead Him to the cross, and only an ardent love would bring God the Father to humble Himself and send his only Son to take on our flesh and die for our sins. All of this leads naturally, as it did with the disciples, to the question, “What is next?” In the story of salvation, it is the formation of the Church and the sharing of the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we see God’s love not through the singular vessel of the incarnate Christ that lived for a moment in time; instead, we, each who receive it, become the vessel of God’s love that comes to us through Christ, resurrected and eternal. We are called to share that and
By Kevin Mullally Marist School Principal
proclaim the Good News with others. That is what we have asked the Class of 2021 to do as they move on to college. You might be wondering, too, what is next for Marist School following this unusual year. We will be taking up the Marist theme of simplicity, a welcome change from the complexity of this past year. We will turn to Nazareth, the home of the Christ Child, and to the humility of his mother, Mary, under whose roof Christ grew in wisdom and faith and under whose name we at Marist School humbly work. May those provide for us an inspiration and guidance so we might more perfectly live our faith and form our students and each other in Christ’s most holy image. All in the Marist community will hear much more about that during the current academic year. In the meantime, we are glad to say of the 2020-2021 school year, it is finished.
Ardent love of neighbor is understood most deeply and profoundly in reflecting on Christ on the cross.”
Marist Matters
42
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30319-1899
ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 945
M AT T E R S VOL. 45 • ISS. 2
ANNUAL FUND
Being
2021-2022
Invest in
TOMORROW’S LEADERS
Unwaveringly Marist Page 7
Marist’s tradition of philanthropy allows our school and students to thrive. Collective participation from the entire Marist community benefits every student, every day.
Make a gift or pledge today at marist.com/annualfundgiving
TOMMY MARSHALL RETIRES 13 • A CELEBRATION OF PHILANTHROPY 19 • COMMENCEMENT 2021 23