Irish Ayes Winter 2026

FEATU RE STORIES

— Faith Expressed Across the Eras —Students Travel to Portugal, Italy —A Moina Flashback

The Big Picture

In churches big and small, in cities here and abroad, Father Ryan's Tradition of Faith has been on display through the celebration of Masses in honor of the 100 Years of Father Ryan. With 76 Masses said to date and 15 more scheduled, we are approaching our goal of 100 and expressing a core part of our community's life—our faith.

Board of Trustees

3 IN THE NEWS Relay For Life a Success Again; National Merit Honorees; New Faculty/Sta ; Global Learning; Fall Play; Christmas at Father Ryan.

ATHLETICS

Both Rugby 7s Win State; Fall Sports Recap; Green and Burk Join 1,000 Club; Next Level Irish; Hall of Fame Inductees

FEATURE STORY: 100 Years of Faith at Father Ryan; Faith and Service Day; Saluting the Saints in Rome; Pope Leo Tips and Irish Cap.

THE MOINA: An Irish Institution; 1976 Editor Shares Moina Memories.

CAMPUS TOUR Chapel of Saint James

Executive Committee

Mr. Brian Callahan, President/Chair

Mr. John Bumpus ’78, Vice President/ Vice Chair

Mr. Tom Sloan, Treasurer/Finance and Budget Chair

Mrs. Brittney Testerman Gri th ’03, Secretary

Mrs. Caroline Young, Governance and Nominating Committee Chair

Rev. Rhodes Bolster ’11, Priest

Committee Chairs

Mrs. Chris Donnelly, Advancement Committee Chair

Mr. Thomas Bauer, Facilities Committee Chair

Mr. David Bohan ’66, Strategic Oversight Committee Chair

Board Members

Mr. Chris Baltz ’88

Mrs. Jinx Cockerham

Mr. Brandon Corbin ’98

Mr. David Glascoe

Mr. William (Bill) Hill ’67

Mr. Donald Jackson ’78

Mr. Tom Turner

Dr. Joe Wehby ’78

Mr. Matthew Wright

Ex-O icio Members

Mr. Paul J. Davis ’81

Most Rev. J. Mark Spalding

Very Rev. Austin Gilstrap

Dr. Shana Dru ner

Life Trustees

Mr. Lee Carter

Mr. Thomas Connor ’60

Mr. William Farmer ’65

Mr. J. Terry Hunter

Mr. Phil Mattingly ’69

Mr. Pat Nolan ’69

RYAN NATION IN ACTION Veterans Day; Campus Events; Alumni Lead, Share Career Experiences,

NEW FATHER RYAN BOOK

SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY Students Give Back with Scholarship, Service

CLASS NOTES Alumni News, Weddings, Births, In Memoriam, 100 Years of Father Ryan Update

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

YOUR 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT to the Father Ryan Annual Fund helps us carry out the Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service that continues to guide our students today.

To make a gift, visit fatherryan.org/giving

Faith at the Center of Alumni Life

A Message From the Alumni O ce

Faith has always been at the heart of Father Ryan High School. It is what unites generations of students, families, faculty, and alumni, a steady presence guiding us through every season of life. Throughout our two-year celebration of 100 Years of Father Ryan, this faith has taken on an even deeper meaning. One hundred Masses are being said in Father Ryan’s honor throughout the greater Nashville area and beyond. These Masses, held on our campus, in parishes across the Diocese of Nashville, and even in other countries, reflect how far our community reaches and how deeply our faith connects us. But just as powerful are the everyday ways faith and knowledge are expressed through our alumni.

In my work with alumni, I see faith expressed through hope, perseverance, and compassion. It is in the alum who mentors a younger colleague, in the parent who volunteers at school events, and in the classmates who show up for one another through life’s highs and lows. Faith at Father Ryan is not just something we talk about; it is something we live, often through small, meaningful actions that reflect the values learned on campus. We have illustrated many of those actions and values in the stories in this Irish Ayes

There is also a quiet faith that binds this community together. Whether it is coming together to celebrate milestones, mourn a loss, or support a friend in need, there is a shared trust that we are never walking alone. The 100 Masses remind us of that truth, but it is our shared experiences and continued connection that keep it alive every day.

Father Ryan Raises More an $92,000 For Cancer Research at 16th Annual Relay For Life

NATION’S LARGEST STUDENT-LED RELAY FOR LIFE HAS NOW RAISED $2.1 MILLION WHILE HONORING ALL AFFECTED BY CANCER

Father Ryan High School raised more than $92,000 for cancer research by the American Cancer Society at its 16th annual Relay For Life on Saturday, November 8, at Giacosa Stadium.

Father Ryan welcomed more than 1,000 students, parents, cancer survivors, loved ones and guests to the campus for the largest per-capita student-run Relay For Life in the United States. The 2025 Relay For Life Committee is led by student co-chairs MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN ’26 and CARTER MCHALE ’26

This year’s Relay For Life brought the lifetime total raised by Father Ryan’s Relay For Life above $2.1 million. Contributions to the Father Ryan Relay For Life are still appreciated. More information about the Relay For Life at Father Ryan High School can be found at fatherryan.org/relayforlife

Mrs. Julie (Shaninger) Norfleet ’88

Mrs. Judy (Komisky) Orr ’75

Mr. William Smith

Mr. Edward Stack

Mr. Bill Stejskal ’79

Administration

Paul J. Davis ’81, President

Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr., Principal

Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial O cer

Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement

Erin (Baltz) Riggs ’00, Director of Enrollment

Jennifer Allen, Dean of Faculty

Jennifer Anton, Academic Dean

Amy Duke, Director of Houses

Joshua Lester, Dean of Students

Stuart Magness ’95, Dean of Students

Ann Mullins ’03, Director of Athletics

As we look toward the next chapter of Father Ryan’s story, may we continue to lean into that faith—in God, in one another, and in the mission that continues to guide and inspire us.

Go Irish!

SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD

’04

Alumni Engagement and Outreach Manager

Father Ryan's mission is to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.

Ten Father Ryan Students Receive National Merit Recognition

Six Named Semi-Finalists; Most of Any Catholic School in Tennessee

Ten Father Ryan High School Seniors have been recognized as Scholars for 2025 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

EILIE DURDEN ADDY GUSS , JOAQUIN PANELO CLARABELLE SHAFER , SULLY SMITH and ALEX TINKER have been recognized as National Merit Semi-Finalists, and SEAMUS KELTY, RILEY MCLAIN , SAVANNAH NIMITZ and FINN SHAVER have been recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars for 2025. As Semi-Finalists, those students will advance in the competition through a rigorous application process to possibly convert their status to Finalist for a National Merit Scholarship, which will be announced in the spring of 2026.

In making the announcement, Principal FRANCISCO M. ESPINOSA, JR. commented on the distinctiveness of the students’ achievements.

“To be recognized by this respected national organization is a testament to the dedication and talent of these 10 students and to the work of their teachers and families,” he stated. “Only the top one percent of high school seniors across the country are recognized as National Merit SemiFinalists each year, and to have six students receive this recognition is further evidence of the academic strength of Father Ryan. We are proud of these students for these achievements, and we are even prouder of the character they exhibit every day.”

Father Ryan’s current Senior class includes the first group of Hayes Scholars, an academic program designed to support and challenge topperforming students in all areas of academic excellence.

President PAUL DAVIS ’81 reflected, “Every day, we ground ourselves in Father Ryan’s mission to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. The accomplishment of these students is one of the many examples of this mission coming to life. We are thankful to have these students as members of the Father Ryan community and to witness them using their God-given talents to the fullest.”

Eilie is taking four AP courses as a Senior and has completed three additional AP courses since coming to Father Ryan from Valor Collegiate Academy as a Freshman. She is a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church. She is a member of Emerald House, the National Honor Society, the Relay For Life Committee, and the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society. In addition, Durden is a Hayes Scholar and is involved as a cheerleader for the Football, Basketball, and Competition Cheer teams. She received a perfect score on the PSAT.

Addy came to Father Ryan as a Sophomore from Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, TN. She is taking three AP courses as a Senior, having completed three AP courses in previous years. She is a member of Immaculata House and is a parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Seamus is a graduate of Saint Bernard Academy and is a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. He is taking three AP courses as well as one Dual Enrollment course as a Senior and has completed three additional AP courses. He is a member of Emerald House, the National Honor Society, and the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society. Additionally, he is involved in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Club, Science Olympiad, and Youth Legislator.

An alumnus of Saint Rose of Lima School, Riley is taking four AP courses and one Dual Enrollment course as a Senior, having completed five additional AP courses in previous years. He is a member of Elliston House, the Hayes Scholars Program, the National Honor Society, the Multi-Cultural Student Union, and is on the Rugby 7s & 15s Teams.

Savannah came to Father Ryan from University School of Nashville and is a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. As a Senior, she is taking four AP courses and has completed five additional AP courses as a Sophomore and Junior. She is a member of Trinity House, the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Cum Laude Society, and the Fr. Charles Strobel ‘61 Service Society. In addition, Nimitz serves as a Minister of Holy Communion and is the captain of the Swimming, Rugby 7s, and Rugby 15s Teams.

An alumnus of Saint Bernard Academy and the Captain of Elliston House, Joaquin is taking five AP courses as a Senior and has completed six additional AP courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, the Father Charles Strobel ’61 Service Society, the Father Ryan Band, the Irish Council, and Youth Legislator. Additionally, he is a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church and is a Hayes Scholar.

Clarabelle is a graduate of Saint Bernard Academy and is a parishioner at Christ Church Cathedral. She is taking four AP courses as well as one Dual Enrollment course as a Senior and has completed four additional AP courses. She is a member of Elliston House, the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, and the Spanish Language Honor Society. Additionally, she serves as a Student Ambassador, is the captain of the Girls Cross Country and Tennis Teams, and is a Hayes Scholar.

Finn is a graduate of J.T. Moore Middle School. He is taking two AP courses and one Dual Enrollment course as a Senior, having completed three additional AP courses previously. He is a member of Emerald House, the National Honor Society, Purple Masque Players, Music Ministry, the Latin Club, the Science Olympiad Team, and the Trivia Club. Additionally, he serves as a manager for the Varsity Football Team.

An alumnus of St. Ann School and a parishioner of St. Henry Church, Sully is taking five AP courses as a Senior after completing eight additional AP courses in previous years. He is a Hayes Scholar as well as a member of Trinity House and the Boys Cross Country Team. In addition, he serves as a Student Ambassador and as the President of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Alex came to Father Ryan from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Richmond, VA, as a Freshman. He is taking four AP courses and has completed five additional AP courses. He is a member of Immaculata House, Brotherhood Men’s Faith Group, the National Honor Society, and Youth Legislator. In addition, he serves as a Minister of Holy Communion and plays on the Varsity Football Team.

For more information about these honorees and the National Merit program, visit fatherryan.org/national-merit

Irish Are #1 in Nashville

n a year already full of celebrations honoring our 100th anniversary, we are thrilled to be recognized as the Best High School (Public and Private) and Best Private School by the Nashville Scene in their 37th annual “Best of Nashville” issue.

To add icing to the cake, our revamped summer camp program came in as #2 in Nashville. Yes, we think our four levels of learning, Catholic-values-based mission, House System, and enduring promise to know and love every student are pretty special. But it is great to know our Nashville community thinks so, too!

New Faces Add to Classroom, Campus Experience

The new school year not only brings new students to the campus, it introduces new faculty and sta to the Father Ryan community. We are pleased to introduce these individuals and welcome their contributions to the overall Father Ryan experience.

For more information about these teachers and sta members, visit the faculty/sta directory at fatherryan.org/about

CASSIDY BURNS Science

GABRIEL BUSTILLO Facilities Operations

CHARLES CLEVELAND Social Sciences

PAT CURRAN IV ’00 Science, Football Coach

MARCUS DEAN ’15, Mathematics

DONOVAN DEGELAU Facilities

MILES DICKERSON English

DANIEL DION, Coordinator of Service Learning

JASON FOREMAN Facilities

EVANNE GALAT, Personal Counseling

KATHERINE HOPPER Science

CHRISTOPHER KNIFFIN Facilities

SUSY KOSMIN Spanish

HANNAH KRESE , Personal Counseling

KANYA LAI-SOBCHACK , English

JESSICA LEWIS Visual Arts

MAGGIE LONSWAY English

LILY SCOTT ’21 Marketing

Global Learning: A Portugal Trip to Treasure

At Father Ryan, we believe in helping our students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Part of this growth comes from inspiring our students to take on new challenges and to become global citizens. We provide these opportunities in a number of ways, including our exchange programs in France, and New York, our Dual Enrollment program, and through study abroad programs.

Most recently, during this year’s Fall Break, 19 students, ranging from Freshmen to Seniors, traveled with three faculty and sta members to Lisbon and Porto, Portugal for a week-long cultural immersion program.

Students Win Diocesan Veterans Day Essay Contest

Father Ryan’s LIBBY ROSENHAGEN ’27 and MORGAN BRYAN ’27 finished first and second respectively in the high school division of the Catholic Schools O ice of The Diocese of Nashville inaugural Veterans Day Essay Contest. More than 190 essays, submitted by students from 12 schools, considered the theme “Veterans: Guardians of Freedom and Faith” and reflected on the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who have served in the armed forces. Congratulations to Libby and Morgan.

Throughout the week, the group experienced various aspects of Portuguese culture firsthand. They visited an azulejos tile workshop where students created their own ceramic tiles, and explored the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

The trip included a day at the beach, an English-speaking Mass at a church in the heart of Lisbon’s city center, and a performance of traditional music known as “fado.”

Additionally, the group took excursions to Sintra and Cascais, climbed the Torre dos Clérigos, participated in group Bible studies, and enjoyed traditional Portuguese cuisine during group dinners.

These students gained the confidence of an international traveler and real-world skills as they learned to navigate a country where English

is not the primary language, fostering an appreciation and respect for di erent cultures.

In just the past year, Father Ryan students have traveled to a number of global destinations, including Budapest, Prague, Athens, and Madrid. These cultural enrichment trips are designed to help students expand their knowledge of the world and learn valuable cultural competence skills. Where will Father Ryan students travel next? A lucky group of Irish will soon say “Arrivederci” to Norwood Drive as they depart for Venice, Florence, and Rome, Italy!

“ e Stories We Tell” Rivets the Audience

Congratulations to the Purple Masque Players on four magical and laughout-loud performances of their fall play, The Stories We Tell Running Nov. 12-14, the play included two one-acts: Bedtime Stories (as told by our father) (who messed them up) and Trial of the Wicked Witch. Both acts featured well-known fairytale characters with an often hilarious modern twist.

Act One featured three vignettes within one larger story: The Princess and the Pea The Girl Who Cried Dinosaur and Rumpelstiltskin These three stories are told by a frazzled dad to his young children while trying to put them asleep. As the stories move along, and the children make more requests, the characters in each vignette become sillier and sillier: the princess sleeps on a can of peas; Bo Peep warns the town of a purple dinosaur; Rumpelstiltskin turns gold into straw.

In Act Two, modern fairytale characters (from Snow White to the Gingerbread Man to Hansel and Gretel and more) take part in the Trial of the Wicked Witch, with characters playing the judge, witnesses, baili s, prosecution, and defense. In a twist, audience members get the surprising role of playing the jury and must decide if the Witch is innocent or guilty.

WSleigh Bells Ring: Christmas at Father Ryan

hile every day at Father Ryan may seem like the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, the magic of the season was especially dazzling when Performing Arts students put on their annual “Christmas at Father Ryan” show. It was a spectacular night with students from the Band, Choir, Dance, and Theatre programs coming together to deliver Christmas joy and good cheer to the Father Ryan community on December 9 and 10.

The show opened with a joyful rendition of “Sleigh Ride” performed by the Concert Band directed by Band Director JEREME FREY. The Percussion Ensemble—which includes mallet instruments, drums, and auxiliary percussion—jammed to Snowpocalypse, and the Strings Ensemble regaled the crowd with three favorites, “Winter Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wisps,” and “Cellos on the Rooftops.” The second two groups were conducted by Associate Director of Bands ANDREW BANNAN

In addition to the three public performances at the Center for the Arts, the Purple Masque Players welcomed parochial school students to Father Ryan for a special daytime performance on Thursday, November 13.

Featuring 12 Senior members of the cast and several more talented members from each class performing on stage and working behind the scenes as members of the tech crew, it was a wonderful showcase of the students’ diverse range of skills. The Purple Masque Players will continue the fairytale theme with their Spring musical, Into the Woods, April 9–11.

More than 115 talented girls representing four levels of the Father Ryan Dance Company took the stage for six di erent dances. From styles as varied as contemporary to hip hop to tap, the dancers performed dazzling routines with intricate costumes to well-loved favorites including “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and soon-to-be Christmas classics such as “Snowman” by Sia, all choreographed by Dance Director LAURI DISMUKE

Students in the various Choral groups performed a number of beautiful Christmas favorites under the direction of Choral Director JULIE COX The Honors Choir and Chamber Choir sang three songs, and Mosaic, Father Ryan’s show choir, sang a number of hits including “Silent Night,” “This Christmas,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” all a capella The Musical Theatre class performed sequences from two di erent musical theatre shows, including the song, “Snow,” from the popular musical, White Christmas

In all, the two performances showcased the diverse talents of scores of students, with standing ovations a rousing testament to their hard work and a joyful start to the holiday season.

An Irish Dynasty in the Making

Sports dynasties are rare and always respected. There are the Yankees in baseball, the Packers and the Patriots in football, Father Ryan in Wrestling. But a new dynasty may be taking shape on Norwood: Rugby.

For the third time in four years, the Father Ryan Girls Rugby Team is the Tennessee State Champion in Rugby 7s, adding to the Rugby 15s State Title they claimed in the spring of 2025. Not to be outdone, the Boys Rugby Team captured the State Title in 7s as well, bringing their State Championship total to four. That’s back-to-back State Titles in 7s for both teams!

CHAS TULLOSS ’26 (Boys) and SAVANNAH NIMITZ ’26 (Girls) were named the MVPs of the State Tournament.

The teams’ performances are garnering national attention. The Rugby Breakdown cited the Girls growing reputation in light of the championship, saying,

“The girls’ rugby program entered the Tennessee fall 7s season as the reigning champion and dominated the field en route to the 2025 title. The Nashville team is the reigning champion in 15s as well and will also be looking to test its game at its first Girls’ High School 15s National Tournament in May 2026.”

The Lady Irish Rugby Team won all three matches at the Memphis Sevens State Qualifying Tournament—outscoring opponents by a combined 81-5 margin—and secured a first-place finish at the Sumner Sevens Tournament a week later. In the Halloween Tournament in Knoxville, the Lady Irish again won all three matches by a combined 83-5 margin.

Speaking of the Boys Team, the Go Rugby Report the leading national Rugby publication, said, “The Father Ryan High School Irish capped o their 2025 rugby season with one of the most memorable runs in recent Tennessee high school rugby history.”

As Go Rugby Report told the story,

Coming into the year, the program faced heavy skepticism after graduating 19 seniors from last season’s roster. Led by captains RILEY MCLAIN ’26 and ANDREW “ZIGGY” ZAGORSKI ’27 Father Ryan found its rhythm at just the right time. In the semifinals, Father Ryan took down Knoxville Youth Rugby in a gritty, physical battle that showcased the team’s growing chemistry and how relentlessly they defend.

The state championship final against Raptors Rugby was a memorable match. The two sides went blow-for-blow in a bruising, high-energy contest that came down to the final moments.

Trailing late, Father Ryan pulled out a clutch play. With time up, the Irish held possession but were backed up against their tryline. Tournament MVP Chas Tulloss found space on the outside and broke free for a stunning, length-of-the-field try.

That tied it up 12-12, and the successful conversion sealed a 14–12 victory, capping o one of the most dramatic finishes in program history.

Sounds like a dynasty...Irish style.

Another Fall to Remember

Rugby Teams’ classmates have impressed throughout the school year, from the court to the field to the green. Here are the highlights of another terrific season of Irish athletics.

GOLF

ANNA GRAHAM ’26 finished seventh in the State Tournament and CHRISTIAN TRAILOV ’29 posted a second day score of 2-under-par. The strong finish came after Anna won the Nashville High School Series 2 and Irish Invitational tournaments earlier in the season. Both the Boys and Girls Golf Teams finished third overall in the Region Tournament, in which Anna finished seventh and Christian came in second.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams finished the season among the top-10 in the State Tournament, the Girls Team in third place and the Boys Team in eighth.

LYDIA BRUNNER ’27 (fifth place overall) led all Irish runners, with BENNIE BONADIES ’26 (10th), MAGGIE SLATTERY ’26 (12th), and CLARK STEFFEN ’26 (14th) all among the top-15. Our students continue to set new records, as our 2025 Girls Cross Country Team finished as the fastest in program history, with an average 5k time of 19:04.54 for the top 5 runners.

FOOTBALL

The Football Team started Head Coach ZACH METTENBERGER ’s tenure with a 24-13 win to open the 2025 season. The team’s season was a growing one as they contended against many of the best teams in the state, competing well and providing valuable experience for the coming years of Irish football.

COMPETITION CHEERLEADING AND DANCE TEAMS SHINE AT STATE

Just like we’ve been cheering on so many of our teams, our cheerleaders and Dance Team excel at bringing Irish Pride everywhere, and that was fully on display at State.

This year marked the first competition experience for much of the Competition Cheerleading Team—which welcomed several new girls— and they gave us plenty to cheer about with their 4th-place finish at State in the Large Game Day Division, the best among all Division II schools! That performance built on their first-place finish in late October at the Bullitt Bash Cheer & Dance Competition.

They kept the momentum going in the UCA Bluegrass Regional in Lexington—the team’s first event competing in both the Game Day and Traditional routines—just before the Thanksgiving holiday, finishing fifth and third, respectively, and earning bids in both routines to UCA Nationals in January.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the growth, grit, and determination this team continues to show,” Head Coach ERIN SCHUELER said. “The future is bright.”

After the Dance Team’s best-ever finish at UDA Nationals in Orlando in 2025, they carried plenty of momentum into the TSSAA State Dance Competition in Knoxville in November. Competing in the Small Varsity Hip-Hop and Jazz divisions, they clinched the Team’s best State finish in 10

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Heidi Green and Bella Burk Join “1,000 Club”

Just days after being picked among the top returning players in Nashville by The Tennessean two juniors on Father Ryan’s Volleyball Team etched their names into school history earlier this season.

In the opening matches of the 2025 season, outside hitter HEIDI GREEN ’27 tallied her 1,000th career dig, becoming Father Ryan’s first Volleyball player to reach that mark since JACQUELYN KRUMNAUER ’19 Just a few weeks later, setter BELLA BURK ’27 tallied her 1,000th career assist in a match on September 18 at CPA.

years, placing 6th in Jazz and 7th in Hip-Hop. They returned to Orlando in January for the 2026 Nationals and placed top-5 in Jazz.

The recognition didn’t stop there, as six members of the Dance Team— EMERSON GREENE ’26 GIGI GARRIGAN ’26 AVA MALUCCI ’27 KATE COLES ’28 TATUM GARRIGAN ’28 and HAILEY STONE ’28 —earned All-American selections, thanks to their performance earlier this year.

“The Dance Team represented Father Ryan with poise, grace, pride in our school, and confidence in their performances,” Head Coach LAURI DISMUKE said. “The hours they spend each week in the studio training, the long practices on the weekends, and the sacrifices to do what we love...I am incredibly proud of this team and look forward to watching them continue to grow.”

Congratulations to both Teams on your outstanding accomplishments all season long. Go Irish!

GIRLS SOCCER

The Girls Soccer Team was one of the area’s best all season long, with six straight wins early in the season and wins in each of their final five regular-

Heidi had tallied 452 digs and 79 aces as a sophomore in 2024, when she was named All-Region in Division II-AA and was named to the TSWA

All-State and All-Midstate Teams. She finished her junior season in 2025 with 323 digs, along with 202 kills, 52 aces, and eight blocks.

“Heidi Green reaching 1,000 career digs is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of her relentless work ethic and competitive spirit,” Father Ryan Head Volleyball Coach and Director of Athletics ANN MULLINS ’03 said. “What makes it even more special is how she led our team while embracing a new position this season. Her leadership, adaptability, and heart have been truly remarkable.”

Bella was an All-Region, All-State, and All-Midstate selection after a Sophomore season in which she tallied 72 aces, 232 kills, 290 digs, 51 blocks and 415 assists. She grew her assist total by nearly 40 percent with another 571 in 2025, in addition to 166 digs, 81 kills, and 36 aces.

“Reaching 1,000 career assists reflects Bella’s consistency, vision, and drive,” Mullins added. “Her leadership throughout the season has elevated everyone around her and set the standard for what it means to lead with both heart and assertiveness.”

Congratulations, Heidi and Bella! We are proud of your accomplishments and your leadership, and we are so excited for your senior season next year!

season matches—by an 18-4 margin—to secure the 2025 regular season Regional Championship. CHLOE EDWARDS

’26 was named one of the TSSAA’s top players at the midpoint of the season.

A First-Team Division II-AA All-Region pick with teammate FINLEY BORON

’26 Edwards finished the season atop Division II-AA in both goals (22) and assists (17), the latter the fifth-best mark across the entire state.

VOLLEYBALL

Shortly after the JV Volleyball Team won the Region Tournament, the Varsity Team won seven of their last eight matches to close the regular season, finishing second in the Region. Earlier in the season, HEIDI GREEN ’27 became the first Irish player in seven years to reach 1,000 career digs, and BELLA BURK ’27 joined her in the “1,000 Club” with 1,000 career assists—both were named two of the Midstate’s top volleyball players at TSSAA Midseason.

Next Level Irish— Fall of 2025

A total of 10 Father Ryan seniors have signed to continue their athletic careers in college upon their graduation from Father Ryan High School. Congratulations to all of these talented Irish student-athletes!

Here is a list of the student-athletes, along with their respective sports and the universities that they will be attending this fall.

ELLISON BALL ’26 – Catawba College, Women’s Soccer

ADDISON BELLETETE ’26 – Samford University, Women’s Cross Country

BENNIE BONADIES ’26 – Emory University, Women’s Track & Field

CHLOE EDWARDS ’26 – High Point University, Women’s Soccer

ANNA GRAHAM ’26 – St. John’s University, Women’s Golf

MAGGIE MCCAULEY ’26 – Nova Southeastern University, Women’s Lacrosse

WILL SEITZMEIR ’26 – University of Alabama in Huntsville, Men’s Lacrosse

MAGGIE SLATTERY ’26 – Providence College, Women’s Cross Country

TANNER TRAN ’26 – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Wrestling

HAYDEN YANDELL ’26 – Lincoln Memorial University, Baseball

We can’t wait to watch all of our Father Ryan student-athletes as they continue to showcase their talents!

Father Ryan Inducts Class of 2025 for Athletics Hall of

Fame

Father Ryan High School inducted in August the Class of 2025 for its Athletics Hall of Fame—six athletes, two contributors, and two teams—whose accolades stretch across seven decades and whose impact remains pivotal to the campus today.

These athletes and leaders represent classes from 1954 to 2004 and were selected from more than 100 nominations submitted by the community. All of the inductees were the honorary captains at the home football game, which marked the 100th anniversary of the sport at Father Ryan.

“Every student who walks through our historic doors connects with you, our inductees,” President PAUL DAVIS ’81 said at the ceremony. “Your names and pictures are displayed on our walls, reminding today’s studentathletes of your accomplishments. Your legacies serve as examples of hard work, inspiring our students to excel and honor you, just as you honored the student-athletes who came before you.”

Here are the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

ATHLETES

FRANK BALTZ ’69 football and wrestling

JOE MCEWEN ’54 golf

RICK REILLY ’92 basketball and football

JENN SIMS ’00, track and field

JOHN SNEED ’81, basketball

PHILIP STACK ’98 football and soccer

CONTRIBUTORS

JOE COODE ’79 coach and teacher—represented by his wife, Christene Coode

JIM MCINTYRE principal: 2005-07, president: 2007–2022

TEAMS

1986 State Champion Girls Golf Team — represented by Head Coach

EDDIE KRENSON ’72 STEPHANIE (GENTRY) WYATT ’87, and CHRIS (DACRI) WANTZ ’88

2002 State Champion Boys Basketball Team — represented by Head Coach DOUG BONTRAGER ’81 and CHRIS CHAUVIN ’02

Faith

Faith AT FATHER RYAN

FAITH

The School Theme for 2025–2026

Every year, Father Ryan establishes a theme for the school year that embodies our campus and community focus and provides energy and inspiration to our faculty, sta , students, and families.

In this, the 101st school year and as we prepare to graduate our 100th Class in May, the leadership team found the theme in our very foundation—Faith. Taken from the school’s motto and inspired by the scripture from 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” The theme and scripture passage remind us that we are the light of the world, and our actions should reflect our faith and illuminate the path for others. As a Catholic school community, we are blessed with many gifts and talents, and we are called to share these with the world around us and to be people for others.

In this issue of Irish Ayes, we share how that faith has inspired us for more than 100 years, and we celebrate the many ways it continues to be the foundation for our future.

WWhile academics, sports, service, and the arts have always been vital components of a Father Ryan education, the cornerstone of that education has always been faith. From one hundred years ago—when Bishop Thomas Byrne and later Bishop Alphonse Smith created a high school where the children of the Irish immigrant community of the Diocese of Nashville could learn and grow in their faith—through today, a tradition of faith has guided every step in the path of the school.

CLASSES

MMuch has changed from those early days when Father Ryan was a new school dedicated to teaching Catholic boys and was sta ed almost entirely by priests. Now, a diverse student body of males and females come from many di erent faith backgrounds. But, important tenets have remained the same. For example, along with English and math, all students are required to take a Theology class every year.

The themes for each Theology class have varied throughout the years, but the focus has always remained on faith. For our newest members of the Irish family, Freshmen take a survey course aimed at providing students with a basic understanding of Scripture and an introduction to interpreting the Bible. Sophomores delve deep into learning about Jesus Christ: who He is and who He calls us to be.

Father Ryan alumni of a certain era may remember the Junior debates when students were given a social issue topic and required to research it and then debate in class. While the debates may be a thing of the past, Juniors still spend the year learning about the social, economic, and political issues of our time through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, and how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and the needy, is foundational to a life of faith.

Lastly, our Seniors have options on what Theology classes they would like to pursue based on their interests, with the hope that they will see how faith connects us and our world. All students are required to take the one-semester class, Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church, where students begin a daily practice of reading Scripture, learning about Saints and committing to serve a non-profit organization over the course of the semester. For the second semester, they can choose from a number of di erent courses that fit a variety of interests. One mainstay that many alumni remember is Senior Service, where students go o campus to serve an area non-profit. This course is still o ered along with new classes including: Catholicism: Art and Architecture, Introduction to Philosophy, Society and the Human Person, Theology in Sports, Women and the Catholic Church, and World Religions.

RETREATS

Retreats have been an important part of the Father Ryan experience since the school’s founding. The first retreat in 1927 included all members of the Father Ryan student body—then less than 100— who came together to pray, worship, and grow together as a community.

Every year since then, retreats have remained an integral element of each Father Ryan student’s faith experience, with retreats intentionally designed to strengthen the bonds between class members and faculty and to feed each student’s heart individually through prayer, thoughtful reflection, and the Sacraments.

FDAILY FAITH LIFE

Faith isn’t just attending a Theology course or a class retreat, it is the beating heart of the school and is seen in daily life of students and sta at Father Ryan. Students are encouraged to be present with God daily through Morning Mass o ered before school in the Chapel of St. James and through daily communal prayers. Each day begins with prayer, students and faculty pray before meals and in classes, and o er the Rosary at various points throughout the year. Tuesday is our Chaplain FATHER AHN TUAN PHAN ’s day o so students and faculty gather in the chapel for the Rosary.

The Catholic faith is also shared through education at Father Ryan where students grow in their love and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration is an essential part of our Penance Services and is o ered every Friday in the Chapel of St. James. Reconciliation is o ered by appointment with Father Phan, and is celebrated at schoolwide Penance Services in the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.

Additionally, the school comes together once a month to celebrate the Eucharist in All-School Mass in the CatignaniDrennan Fieldhouse. All members of the Father Ryan community are invited to attend these events.

OCLUBS

One hundred years ago, members of the Servers’ Club helped during Masses and other religious exercises at Father Ryan and at the Cathedral of Incarnation, sharing their faith and love of God. Today, Father Ryan provides many opportunities for students to deepen their faith with each other. From the Melchizedek Project, where like-minded Catholic men meet monthly to consider, study, and pray about a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, or married life to the Brotherhood Club that meets weekly to build community, read Scripture, and reflect, there are many opportunities for males to work on becoming men of Christ. For the young women at Father Ryan, there is Magnificat, where female students gather once a month to talk about faith, choices, relationships, and discernment. For students wanting to share their talents and serve God during Mass and other religious activities, there is the Eucharistic Ministers, Student Ministry Team, and Music Ministry Team. Lastly, for students who want to make a di erence in the world, sharing the Catholic faith and its teachings, there are the Social Justice Club and the Respect Life Club. Any student is welcome to join these clubs, sharing in the faith and fellowship of serving God and others.

WLEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SHARING OUR FAITH

With the addition of the House System in 2020, new faith-based leadership opportunities emerged, such as House Chaplains, who lead morning prayer, help plan and promote service projects, encourage spiritual growth of all House members, and assist Mentor Group Chaplains with daily prayer and activities.

New Faith and Service Day Engages Campus and Community

To complement the class retreats and to further the school’s Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service, Father Ryan added a new format this year, Faith and Service Day, which o ers students another opportunity to live faithfully through good works in helping others. This inaugural retreat was organized by grade level and added to students’ development as people of faith and as servant leaders. The Freshman class focused on understanding the su erings of the poor and vulnerable through a book study of Father Charles Strobel’s ’61 memoir, Kingdom of the Poor packing snack bags for Room In The Inn, a hunger simulation, and other activities. The Sophomore class traveled to Camp Marymount where they focused on the theme “Men and Women of Virtue—Me and Others”. They celebrated Mass, confession, Adoration, performed small group work, and listened to a keynote talk. The Junior class focused on service to the community with hands-on service opportunities in partnership with various organizations around Nashville, and the Senior class’ retreat at Camp Widjiwagan focused on the theme, “To the Heights—My Living the Gospel.”

In discussing the new event with the campus community, Father Ryan Principal FRANCISCO M. ESPINOSA, JR. said, “As a Catholic school devoted to the full formation of our students, we are eager to provide both retreat and service opportunities that shape them into faithful people with hearts for service. The Gospel of Matthew reminds us, ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ This call invites each of us to live our faith through good works, bearing witness to God’s love. This year’s Faith and Service Day will o er our students a powerful chance to live this message through prayer, reflection, and service.”

New Society Adds to Service Ministry

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Christ. They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. One of those seven corporal works of mercy is the burial of the dead, and now, through a new initiative at Father Ryan, students can share in this charitable act.

This year, Campus Ministry launched the St. Joseph of Arimathea Society Pallbearer Ministry, giving students the sacred opportunity to serve as pallbearers for individuals in our city who might otherwise be buried alone. Already, our students have assisted at seven burials, o ering prayers, dignity, and Christian witness in a profound expression of mercy.

Celebrating Saints in Rome

As a key focus of its mission, Father Ryan empowers its community to be an experience of the living Gospel each and every day. When a group of Father Ryan students traveled to Rome in September on a pilgrimage for the canonization into sainthood of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, they learned even more deeply what that embodiment looks like.

Throughout the pilgrimage, the group visited many Holy sites, including the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Mary Major, where the Manger of Jesus, the tomb of Pope Francis, and the Icon of Mary—painted by St. Luke—are located. They also visited the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, all four main basilicas, including St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Basilica of St. John Lateran, among many other Catholic sites. On the final day of the trip, they attended the Canonization Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by Pope Leo XIV.

The canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati holds a special significance at Father Ryan, as St. Frassati is the House Saint for Norwood House. During the Mass, Pope Leo encouraged everyone, especially young people, to direct their lives towards God and to strive to make their lives masterpieces of holiness, service, and joy. During Mentor Group later in the month, Norwood House gathered at the Grotto for a prayer service to celebrate St. Frassati’s canonization.

We are proud of our students for taking this time to deepen their faith, learn more about the Church, and connect with one another on this unforgettable pilgrimage.

A Hat Presentation to Remember

One of the countless memories made by our students during the pilgrimage came during their front-row view of Pope Leo XIV—as a native of Chicago, he is the first Pope to be born in the United States— as he greeted the crowds at St. Peter’s Square! There, they showcased their Irish Pride for the world to see when GAVIN THORNBURG ’28 handed a Father Ryan hat to Pope Leo, who held it up to the sky with a big smile on his face!

“The Pope does a little swipe for my hat. He misses, and then his Secret Service guy ended up handing that (to him), which was really cool,” Gavin said. “I’m only now processing how cool that is, because at the moment, no one told me that’s something that doesn’t happen very often. So now I’m looking back at it and I’m like, ‘that was special.’”

The St. Joseph of Arimathea Society Pallbearer Ministry was founded in the spirit of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, who assisted with the burial of Jesus. It is our belief that no person should die and be buried alone without being prayed for; therefore, the St. Joseph of Arimathea Society is dedicated to burying those in need with dignity and respect. The idea began with Principal FRANCISCO J. ESPINOSA, JR. who had developed it during his time at St. Xavier School. “The St. Joseph of Arimathea Society helps students put their faith in action,” he said.

“Their service is a direct practice of the Corporal Work of Mercy ‘Bury the Dead’ and Spiritual Work of Mercy ‘Pray for the Dead’ by praying for the soul of the deceased. Students learn the importance of providing every human being the dignity of a proper burial.”

The video of the exchange—captured by NIKO MOLINA ’29 —went viral on social media, and Ryan Nation can now count the Holy Father among the Father Ryan community, thanks to our amazing students.

“You can never capture that again, especially with people beside you that you never knew until that trip,” Niko said.

Go Irish, Go Pope Leo XIV!

A Nostalgic Look at an Irish Institution

As we inch closer to the end of our 100th anniversary celebration, we pay homage to one of Father Ryan’s longest-running institutions: The Moina student newspaper.

For the 100th Anniversary Celebration on September 14, 2024, Moina sta created a special, commemorative edition of the paper that highlighted issues and editors through the decades. Mr. MATT PURYEAR Moina moderator for the past 25 years, said in that special edition, “What I have noticed as we’ve put this paper together is how, even over 100 years, some things never change. Yes, uniforms change, grade scales change, and class o erings change. But, the overall viewpoints of kids don’t really change much.”

With that in mind, for Irish Ayes’ celebration of 100 years of The Moina, we wanted to take a look at a few editorials from two di erent decades that illustrate some of the similarities in the experiences and viewpoints of Father Ryan students at very di erent points in time.

We also highlight the two senior Moina editors from Father Ryan’s 100th graduating class. These students answered questions about why they joined The Moina and what being a part of such a storied institution means to them.

HARPER MOSLEY ’25 Editor-in-Chief

Why did you join The Moina and how long have you been on sta ?

I joined The Moina because the idea of being able to work with my peers to create a newspaper each month for our student and faculty body was something I knew wanted to be a part of since I received my first Moina freshman year. I have been on the sta since the beginning of August, so about four months now.

Why did you want to be an editor of The Moina?

I wanted to be an editor for The Moina for many reasons, but the most important reason to me was getting experience in journalism while in high school. I want to major in Journalism at the University of Alabama next year and one day get into the sports field, so earning an editor title will definitely help me with my goals.

What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

I have enjoyed interviewing students and sta the most so far. I look forward to going out during the lunch block and asking people questions that may be goofy but may also be serious. It is a good way to get to know unfamiliar faces for myself and for The Moina readers.

What is your favorite story you have written or edited for The Moina?

My favorite story I have edited so far for The Moina is Ava Caramia’s

and covers the 2012 Macy’s Day Parade with Father Ryan’s very own Marching Band. This article reminds the current campus of when our band performed in the parade and includes behind the scenes information given by band director, Mr. Frey.

The Moina has been one of the longest-running traditions at Father Ryan. What does it mean to you to be a part of that tradition as editor?

It is such an honor and blessing to be a part of Father Ryan’s Moina as an editor. I learn so much from the past Moina sta s by reading issues that are over 20 years old, and I hope to inspire future Moina editors!

LAGAN BAIN ’25 Assistant Editor

Why did you join The Moina and how long have you been on sta ? joined Moina at the beginning of my Senior year because love writing and creating things. I have been looking forward to being on Moina since my Freshman year and have kept every Moina since, so was excited to finally be a part of it my Senior year.

Why did you want to be an editor of The Moina?

I have always enjoyed organizing things and having a strong voice on projects. Mr. Puryear chose me for this role, and I am so grateful he did, because this has been my favorite leadership role at Father Ryan.

What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

I have enjoyed getting to create The Moina and make it great. I am an ideas person and being creative is my specialty. Getting to use my creativity has been my favorite part of Moina

Would you like to be a professional writer or work in the communications industry when you graduate?

I do not plan to study communication, but something very similar where I will use the skills I use in Moina I plan to go into Marketing and become a creative director and will use a lot of the creativity and leadership do in Moina

The Moina has been one of the longestrunning traditions at Father Ryan. What does it mean to you to be a part of that tradition as editor?

I am a 4th generation Irish. My great grandpa, my grandpa, and my mom all attended Father Ryan, so this is a very special place to me. All of the traditions are what makes this school so great and connects me to my relatives who attended Ryan. I get to write for the same Moina they used to read, and now they get to see what I do with it.

Editor’s Re ections

Michael Tulloss ’76 Editor-in-chief 1976

The Moina was much di erent then. We had to do actual typesetting, which took an exceptional amount of time, and putting the stories together, once typeset, was a big puzzle piece. In addition, photography was always a challenge to get and to reproduce well.

However, The Moina was fun to do. I had worked on the school paper in junior high and doing it at Father Ryan was natural. Plus, it involved me more in the spirit of the school at a time when the world was more cynical. My goal was to encourage the students to have better school spirit, and my editors and worked hard to make that the focus of every issue.

I believe we were successful in doing that.

In addition, I learned to respect words, my own and those of my fellow writers, something may not have done as well when I was in high school. However, it has been important in my legal career, when every word matters, and I thank The Moina and Mrs. Pinson and Father Ryan for helping me learn that.

Michael went on to earn his undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt in political science and drama and his law degree from the University of Memphis. He lives in Chattanooga now and works in healthcare/ insurance law for an insurance company in Harrisburg, PA. And he’s planning to be back for his 50th Reunion in May.

Campus Tour: Chapel of St. James

Celebrating daily Mass with faculty, sta , and fellow students. Thanking God for the blessings of family and friends. Asking for God’s intercession before an upcoming test or big game. Taking a few moments to feel God’s peace in an otherwise busy day.

The Catholic faith at the center of Father Ryan’s 100-year history is present in every celebration that occurs on campus, and it remains ever-present throughout the 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration. Nowhere is that more visible than the Chapel of St. James, named for BISHOP JAMES D. NIEDERGESES '37 who taught at the Elliston Place campus of Father Ryan and was the Bishop of Nashville at the time of the move to Norwood Drive.

The Chapel connects to the Cloister Building and looks out to the Academic Lawn—with a cross a ixed to its back exterior wall—reminding all students, faculty and visitors that God’s presence remains with them at every moment of the day.

The Chapel is in the center of campus, positioned “ad orientem”, meaning “to the East,” Director of Campus Ministry LOUISA BATEMAN said. “This orientation faces the rising sun, which symbolizes Christ’s Resurrection. To us, it also symbolizes the gift of a new day and the renewal of our faith each morning. Anyone who has attended daily Mass on a sunny day knows that the sunrise floods the Chapel!”

With more than 70 seats, the Chapel welcomes dozens of Father Ryan students and faculty through its doors daily to start their day in prayer, and many more visit throughout every school day. Father Ryan’s chaplain, REV. ANH TUAN PHAN , celebrates Mass nearly every morning, bringing the Father Ryan community together before God.

“The daily Mass is something unique to a Catholic School. It is a great way to start the day right as it is a source and summit of Christian life,” Father Phan said. “From the Mass, we begin our day with the Word of God and receive nourishment from his Body and Blood in Holy Communion. Moreover, the structure of the Mass gives us the peace and the certainty which is the haven for our chaotic lives.”

the years. We have seen a rise in SEARCH retreat attendance, which has sparked a faith revival at Father Ryan: from 2023–24 school year to 2024–25 the participation in SEARCH and Youth Leadership Workshop has more than doubled!”

At each of the three campuses across Father Ryan’s century of Catholic education in Nashville, the Catholic faith has been visibly present for all to share. Upon Father Ryan’s founding in 1925, the school was located adjacent to the Cathedral, o ering simple access for Mass and additional prayer opportunities. When Father Ryan moved to Elliston Place, the Chapel—whether on the first or the third floor of the academic building—reinforced the central aspect of a physical space for thoughtful prayer and worship, which guides the Father Ryan experience to this day.

The connection of past to present at Father Ryan is clear throughout the campus, especially at the altar of the Chapel. The altar itself—in addition to the lectern and chairs positioned on it—were handcrafted by BUBBA LONG , a grandson of Father Ryan’s legendary coach LEO J. LONG and a sibling and parent of Father Ryan alumni. Long further enhanced the altar this fall with the addition of a new ambo. Father Phan also acknowledges his gratitude for the opportunity to see and celebrate Mass with the chalices used by alumni priests, noting that “the history is made present every time in the Mass.”

The tabernacle was previously housed inside the Cathedral before its relocation to Father Ryan’s Elliston Place campus in 1937. Shortly thereafter, Father Ryan’s introduction of the Servers Club in the early 1940s o ered students another route through which they could live out their faith through the Mass. Open to students across all grade levels, the young men of Father Ryan—joined now by their female classmates in the last half-century of coeducation—devoted themselves to service during the Mass.

The connection across generations is honored in the cross on the exterior (opposite page, at top), which is dedicated to EUGENE MULLOY, SR. '54 whose great-grandson is a student now and the fourth generation Mulloy to attend Father Ryan. Even the structure of the building honors our Catholic faith, as the roof rests on four pillars, representing the four Gospels.

That tradition of faith has remained strong to this day, as students not only serve but also read and assist as Eucharistic Ministers during both daily Mass and the monthly all-school Mass. The Chapel is essential for far more than the celebration of Mass, however, as many teachers will use the Chapel for various classes and gatherings. BETTS CLIPPINGER will gather her Senior Service students in the Chapel, and KATE MCGEE , SAVANNAH SMITH and JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON will often bring their classes to the Chapel for times of prayer and reflection. Mrs. McGee will also teach her students about the elements of the Chapel and the Sacristy. And alumni of the SEARCH retreats are invited to gather for prayer and fellowship at the Chapel during “4th Day Fridays” as part of the school’s 4th Day Ministry.

“Father Phan’s spiritual fatherhood shepherds our students and nurtures the growth of their faith. He is truly an experience of the living Gospel and his witness encourages our students as they navigate what it means to live as disciples of Christ,” Mrs. Bateman said. “Students choose to attend weekly Confession and Adoration on Fridays and we have seen this number grow exponentially over

As Father Ryan looks ahead to its future in the midst of its current 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration, so too has the Chapel evolved—and it will continue to do so. An adjacent closet space was transformed into a confessional for Reconciliation, a custom statue of St. Joseph was installed, and a Papal Blessing from the late Pope Francis was mounted outside the Chapel’s doors. Father Ryan is also planning a Holy Water receptacle outside the Narthex of the Chapel, where students and faculty will be able to fill their own personal bottles of Holy Water. Just as the Chapel of St. James is at the center of our campus, so too is the Catholic faith at the center of every school day at Father Ryan.

Ryan Nation in Action

Throughout the school year, Father Ryan High School is connecting with its alumni community through a wide variety of events, both on and o campus. Here are some of the recent alumni events that have showcased Irish Pride from our Father Ryan community.

Veterans Day Breakfast Brings Back Decorated Alumnus

It was a day and a place and an event so special that our guest speaker went out and bought a new Navy dress blue uniform.

Lt. Commander (Ret) RAY BRACKMAN ’74 (right and above) looked sharp as he addressed the more than 125 veterans, students, and family members during the 20th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast on November 11. He spoke of the impact Father Ryan had on him as a student and connected the school’s Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Navy and all of the service branches that defend America.

After graduating from Father Ryan in 1974, where he sang in the Glee Club, and was a member of the Track, Golf, and Rifle Teams for the Irish, Lieutenant Commander Brackman enlisted in the Navy in 1975 with his first duty station in Hanza, Okinawa. Subsequent tours took him to Connecticut, Florida, and onboard the USS DEYO, where he earned Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designation and became the first CTA1 in the Navy to qualify as an Underway Conning O icer on a Spruance class Destroyer.

In April 1998, he was assigned to Naval Security Group Activity and served with distinction as Executive O icer, and later at the Naval Technical Training Center where he served as Special Security O icer, Security Manager, and Top-Secret Control O icer.

The uniformed military and the veterans not only heard the words of Lt. Cmdr. Brackman, they heard from the students. A total of 62 students submitted essays in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy Essay Contest on the theme of “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

ALEXA LYLES ’27 SOFIA PEREZ ’27 AMELIA WILLIAMS ’27 and SAVANNAH NIMITZ ’26 were selected for submission by Mr. RANDY LANCASTER ’83 chair of the English Department. Savannah delivered her essay to the assembled veterans.

Breakfast with Santa

In capturing the spirit of the day, President PAUL DAVIS ’81 spoke of the service of the WWII veterans, one of whom joined us. “This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It is moving to look at the yearbooks from 1943, 1944, and 1945 and see the faces and names of the students and alumni who served during this time. They responded to the needs of that era…in stunning numbers. Some of those veterans join us today, including my neighbor, Charlie Bottens. Mr. Bottens joined the U.S. Army in September 1944 at the age of 18. After basic training, he was sent to the Philippines to serve in World War II. It is humbling to have you join the Father Ryan community today. Thank you for your service.”

The playing of “Taps” by Father Ryan Band members BECCA MIMMS ’26, MAREN OXBOROUGH ’26 NATE WATSON ’26 JUNE RAGSDALE ’27 JADE TRAN ’27, and JACI LUKBAN ’28 —added a fitting coda to a morning saluting service, and the tradition of Father Ryan.

We welcomed a full crowd of our Junior Irish and alumni to campus for our 4th Annual Breakfast with Santa on December 13! Entertaining performances by Mosaic—our Father Ryan Show Choir—brought the Christmas spirit throughout the day while our guests enjoyed a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, crafts, and train rides around campus.

Young Alumni Christmas Social

Just one week before Christmas, young alumni from many of our recent classes returned to campus to reconnect with current seniors, faculty, and sta These alumni—from those in the final stages of their undergraduate education to those just months removed from their graduation from Father Ryan—shared some Christmas treats while recalling some memories of their time on Norwood Drive.

Homecoming—BBQ, a Crown, and Community Irish Pride was on full display during Homecoming weekend at Father Ryan, when Father Ryan took on Memphis University School on Friday, September 19. The afternoon was packed with several events, including the 12th Annual Pride in the Pit BBQ Contest and Junior Irish Night. And during the game, the next class of “Golden Grads” —the Class of 1976— was recognized on the field at the end of the first quarter before Football Cheerleading Team Captain RACHEL MUNDAY ’26 was honored as our Homecoming Queen at halftime.

Alumni Tailgates Draw Ryan Nation

During our 101st football season at Father Ryan Alumni Tailgate Tents outside of the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse drew many of our alumni before many of our home football games. All Father Ryan alumni and their families enjoyed complimentary food, drinks, and giveaways, and alumni from the Band, Cheerleading, and other teams were invited for special gatherings to connect with fellow alumni from their programs and teams.

Mass at UTK with Bishop Beckman

As part of our 100 Masses initiative, we headed east to Knoxville for a particularly special Mass, celebrated by MOST REVEREND JAMES MARK BECKMAN —Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville—at St. John XXIII University Parish on the University of Tennessee campus. Bishop Beckman spent six years at Father Ryan (1990-96) as a teacher and associate principal. Joining him to celebrate Mass alongside so many

current Father Ryan alumni at the University of Tennessee— and our alumni community in Knoxville—was a unique way to extend our 100 Masses celebration to one of our largest alumni populations.

Retired/Former Faculty & Sta Luncheon

We were very honored to be joined by many of our retired and former faculty and sta members for a luncheon on December 15. These retired educators have contributed more than just their knowledge— they share a love for our school and our students, and we truly appreciate their dedication and commitment to our community.

Alumni on Campus

The engagement of Father Ryan students during their four years doesn’t end with their graduation. The spirit of service, of giving back, extends to this school, which explains the presence of so many alumni in the life of the campus.

From the Alumni Speaker Series participants to the work of the Alumni Board and in numerous volunteer capacities, Father Ryan alumni are making a di erence in the life and health of the school.

Hannah (Harris) Donnelly ’09 Leads Alumni Board

Alumni Board Chair HANNAH (HARRIS) DONNELLY ’09 represents the kind of commitment to service that is rooted in the values of Father Ryan. As the first female chair of the Alumni Board, Hannah reflects, “After moving back to Nashville from Washington, D.C. in 2018, I was encouraged to get involved with the Father Ryan community after helping to plan our 10-year reunion. Reconnecting with my Father Ryan friends reminded me of how formative those four years were and how deep those bonds run. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to amplify and enrich the student and alumni experience for both existing and future alumni.”

As a student, Hannah stayed busy—playing basketball for four years, serving as team captain her Senior year, competing in softball for four years and volleyball for three years, including two State Championship Teams (the 2006 Volleyball Team and the 2006 Softball Team). She also participated in Senior Service and served as a Eucharistic Minister during all school masses. Outside of school and sports, she worked as a hostess at Nero’s Grill, a beloved Nashville classic that has since closed. Today, she continues to live out the same spirit of servant leadership in her role as Vice President of Operations for Momentive Software, a solution provider for nonprofits and associations, and within the broader Catholic community through her active involvement in the Cursillo movement, serving on Cursillo teams and, alongside her husband WILL DONNELLY ’09, as the parish coordinators for St. Henry Catholic Church.

Beyond her service as Alumni Board Chair, she has played an integral role in the 100 Year Celebration by leading the planning and execution of the 100 Masses initiative. As a member of the 100 Years of Faith & Service subcommittee, she partnered with AMY (JOHNSTON) EUBANKS ’93 to bring to life the 100 Masses idea proposed by JOAN (GARR) HAMRICK ’80. The Mass celebrations have spanned a remarkable range of locations—from parishes and parochial schools across Middle Tennessee to the University of Notre Dame to Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, and as far as the Tomb of St. Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy. Together with Campus Ministries and the Advancement O ice, Hannah and Amy have executed more than 75 Masses and are on pace to celebrate 100 Masses by the commencement ceremony for the 100th graduating class this spring.

“It has been an honor to see the Diocese of Nashville embrace the 100 Masses initiative. Each parish and school community Mass has o ered a di erent flavor and perspective on Father Ryan, and it has created unique opportunities to bring alumni together and showcase

our Irish Pride. Serving on the Faith and Service subcommittee has been especially meaningful to me because I’m passionate about carrying forward the Tradition of Faith that Father Ryan instills in its students.” said Hannah.

“On a personal level, this initiative has filled me with a great sense of pride to be part of the Father Ryan community, and from a school perspective, it has strengthened our relationships with the parish and parochial network and reinforced our place as a leading Catholic high school in the region.” Hannah stated.

She went on to say, “What sets Father Ryan apart from other private schools is the heart of this community. The Alumni Board is here to elevate and make that heart visible—championing the school’s success, serving and engaging our alumni, and keeping the Irish Pride alive.”

Alumni Speaker Series Expands Learning

The Alumni Speaker Series continues to provide engagement for our students with alumni from across the professional spectrum, providing ideas, examples from their careers, and connection points for their careers. The Series showcases the variety of careers and career experiences that our alumni are engaged in. This semester students have learned about criminal justice from Metro Police Sgt. BRAD BURNS ’92 (above) who was the o icer on duty Christmas morning when the 2nd Avenue bombing took place.

MANDIE (HUFFMAN) NIMITZ ’96 (left top) a Father Ryan parent and the Director of Marketing for Stanton Chase, a global executive search firm, spoke about preparing for a career that is focused on helping others find their careers. FREDERICK STROBEL ’70 a longtime marketing and advertising executive, provided insights into the changing world of communications. In addition, he reminded students of the impact his varied Father Ryan teachers had on him and encouraged them to explore the applications that Math, English, Statistics, and other subjects can have on their career choices. Students have also heard from Father Ryan parent SEAN HENRY (left bottom) president of the Nashville Predators, about the intricacies and the excitement of running a professional sports team. In addition to speaking to three of the Houses, each speaker has a session with a class for more detailed conversation. For example, Nimitz spoke to a Psychology class and Strobel to the Yearbook class.

The Series continues to capture the interest of the students and adds contacts that are helping them determine where their careers will take them next. Most important, the speakers provide ideas that help students get more out of their classes today in preparation for the work they will do tomorrow.

WSpirit of Philanthropy Is Alive in the Students

ith 100 Years of Father Ryan to celebrate, we need a book big enough to detail that rich legacy. Our centennial commemorative co ee-table book is a beautifully crafted, 200+ page hardcover edition that captures our century-long Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service. This timeless keepsake will be the perfect addition to the library or tabletop of Irish families or current families and friends of Father Ryan.

Filled with archival photographs, treasured memories, and untold stories spanning a century of history, this book is a perfect addition to home or o ice. From the founding years to the 21st Century, the book showcases the people, traditions, and achievements that have shaped our school into our current community of faith.

Beginning with the school’s founding in 1925 and its early years as Nashville Catholic High School for Boys with 20 graduating Seniors in 1927 on West End Avenue, to the school’s move to Elliston Place in 1929, to the pivotal decisions to integrate in 1954 and go coeducational in 1970, and the final move to Norwood Drive in 1991, Father Ryan’s history is told in rich detail in both text and images. With historical momentos, untold stories, and highlights of celebrated figures sprinkled throughout the book, this is a keepsake for any Father Ryan fan to cherish.

Scan the QR code to order your own centennial book today!

from across the community. Additionally, it has earned Father Ryan’s Relay the title of the largest student-led Relay in the country, a title earned in the 2nd year of Relay and held ever since, and a commitment to Relay for which Father Ryan was presented the first Spirit of Pat Award from the American Cancer Society.

In addition, the entire student body threw their energies into the annual Canned Food Drive and collected 13,372 canned goods and $2,893. This extends the success of a program that has made a di erence for families in our community for more than 20 years.

We tend to think of philanthropy as the activity of adults, a desire among this school’s alumni, parents, and institutions to give back to Father Ryan in order to strengthen the future. Izzie and the rest of the student body are not waiting to grow old before they start to give back. And we are the better for it.

is having a Father Ryan experience that is just a bit out of the ordinary. An excellent student with a warm smile and a giving heart, Izzie is the first female wrestler at Father Ryan and a member of the State Championship Girls Rugby Team.

One more thing: she is Father Ryan’s youngest philanthropist. This September, she traveled to Rome with a dozen of her classmates to witness the canonization of two very young saints—Saint CARLO ACUTIS and Saint PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI the patron saint of Norwood House. The lives of these saints were emblematic of the energy of youth, each committed to Christ and to serving others while still in their teens. To Izzie, these saints provided inspirations for her own giving. Returning to campus, Izzie decided to create the St. Carlo Acutis Award. She wanted to encourage a student who exemplifies St. Carlo Acutis’s devotion to the Eucharist, bears courageous witness to the Catholic faith, and models Christ’s love for others. So, she fundraised and contributed and awarded the first $500 award to LUCAS BIVENS ’27 to help pay his Father Ryan tuition.

“I have always been inspired by the lives and actions of our saints, and St. Carlo Acutis really captured my attention,” Izzie said. “It seemed to me that I could extend his faith message to another student in a meaningful way, one that would inspire others.”

Giving Happening All Over the Campus

Izzie’s creativity and generosity are just the most recent example of how the students are infusing the campus with the spirit of philanthropy.

Just this November, more than 55 students completed months of planning and work and staged the 16th Annual Relay For Life. The event, completely student-led and student-run, brought more than 1,000 people to campus and raised more than $92,000 for the American Cancer Society. This extended the total contributions from Relay For Life to $2.1 million, providing resources to aid cancer survivors and cancer fighters

DR. ANTHONY SIMPSON ’10 is leading Saint Matthew School as their principal. The Blue Ribbon Award winning school in Franklin is one of the diocese’s largest and is growing. The school is a leader in academics—one of the few Apple Distinguished Schools in the nation and a school that has produced 28 National Merit Scholars in the last 14 years.

MADDY BROCATO ’15

Earlier last year, tragedy struck central Texas and the Camp Mystic community following a flash flood.

In the wake of this heartbreak, Maddy Brocato ’15, a dedicated alum of Camp Marymount, felt an urgent call to action. Recognizing the immediate need for support, she launched a fundraising campaign to gather donations for the Camp Mystic community. Encouraging her family and friends to forego their daily co ee and instead donate that money, Maddy set a goal of $5,000. Remarkably, within just under a week, the campaign exceeded $10,000 in donations.

In her heartfelt thank-you post on social media, Maddy shared, “Whether or not summer camp is a part of your life, we all share the instinct to protect our loved ones. When that sense of safety is tragically taken from someone else, it’s natural to want to help them find a way forward. While no amount of money can completely heal pain or loss, taking action together felt like a way we could support one another.

Where AreNow?They

“It was wonderful to see so many Father Ryan alumni and families contribute to this e ort. I'm proud and grateful to have grown up in a community so deeply committed to service and stepping up in times of need,” said Maddy.

Mass Celebrated for the

100th at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Northern Ireland

Class of 1967 alumni, PATRICK MCGEE ’67 PAUL STACEY ’67 and MIKE COLEMAN ’67 traveled to Northern Ireland in September with several missions in mind. One of the most important was to heed the call for the holy Mass to be celebrated as far and wide as possible in recognition of Father Ryan’s 100th Anniversary.

Their travels took them to County Down and the tiny village of Rostrevor, which lies on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough. In this quaint town is Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, the Parish Church of Kilbroney Parish in the Diocese of Dromore. The three classmates approached FATHER DESMOND MOONEY the Parish priest, after Mass on Saturday evening and told him of the call for holy Mass to be said to further the mission of Father Ryan to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.

Father Mooney told the guys that he would o er Mass on Thursday, September 25, 2025. He was also happy to pose for a photograph before wishing the three friends well, with hopes that their travels included at least as many church visits as pubs.

The three Class of ‘67 chums would not reveal the final score, but they did manage to make one other church visit to The Monastery of the Holy Cross, also in Rostrevor.

With every graduation, we add close to 200 new Father Ryan alumni to Ryan Nation. We circled back with a few of these alumni from the past 10 years to catch up on their lives.

Reverend CHRISTIAN HAMRICK ’17 is back in Rome completing his studies after being ordained in Nashville in August. But before he set o for the Eternal City, Fr. Hamrick presented President PAUL DAVIS ’81 with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis, signed on the last day of him granting Apostolic Blessings. The blessing is dedicated to Father Ryan's faculty, students, and alumni. We look forward to having Father Hamrick back in Nashville next summer.

O icer ANDREW HAMRICK ’17 extends his and his family's commitment to service. After graduation from Virgina Military Institute (VMI) in 2021, he decided to dedicate his life to service as a policeman. Andrew, the twin brother of Father Christian Hamrick, completed his studies and his training to become a Metro Police O icer in the summer of last year. We are pleased to have him serving our community.

JOHN HOWINGTON, MD, MBA ’81 currently serves as the 87th president of the American College of Chest Physicians. He will preside over the 90th annual CHEST meeting in Chicago, October 19th to 22nd, 2025. He was the recipient of an outstanding alumnus award from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center on September 19th, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Most recently, John was selected by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to serve as the acting Executive Medical Director of the cardiovascular service line for the Pacific Northwest region.

KURT PAGE ’81

Irish Football is alive in Europe. The Wròclaw Panthers continue to add to their coaching sta this time signing Page, Hall of Famer, State Champion Football Coach, and record-breaking quarterback for the Irish. Page will be coaching European League of Football (ELF) rookie and former Akron quarterback DJ Irons. Page comes to the ELF after decades of coaching high school football in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas, building a reputation as a quarterback whisperer and passing o ense guru.

JOSH COCKERHAM ’96 was inducted into the 2025 Rhodes College Athletic Hall of Fame for Men's Basketball. A 2000 Rhodes graduate, Cockerham was a fouryear starter and two-time captain for Lynx Hall of Fame Coach Herb Hilgeman. He is also a member of the Lynx 1,000-point club; his 1,292 career points place him in the top 10 in total points in Lynx Men’s Basketball history. He holds the school record with a total of 235 made three-point field goals.

ANDRE DIEU ’01 is now a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and is living with his wife and children in Las Vegas, NV.

Lt. Col. Dieu graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2006. He served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom before being

assigned to Attack Squadron Creech AFB in Las Vegas. Dieu was profiled by Christine Harris in the Saint Ann School publication; he is an alumnus of Saint Ann.

JOHN PATRICK RODGERS ’01 was selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America in 2025 for Employment Law—Management, Labor Law—Management, and Litigation—Labor and Employment by Best Lawyers. He was also recently ranked by Chambers USA for being one of the top Labor and Employment lawyers. He is a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Nashville, and is the leader of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. He resides in Nashville with his wife Lauren, and sons Jack (9), Sam (6), and George (18 months).

RAYMOND DUNNING ’03 was named to the Adams State Hall of Fame. Between 2005 and 2009, Dunning, a threetime state champion and former coach at Father Ryan, proved himself as a national contender, earning three All-America finishes at 133 and 141 pounds at Adams State University. He placed sixth, third, and ultimately finished as national runner-up, demonstrating steady improvement throughout his time with the Grizzlies. Raymond was also inducted into the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.

CHARLES CODY

BUSINDA ’05 retired September 30 after a 20-year Naval career. He began his Naval career in 2005 serving multiple roles in Naval Fleet Communications. In 2008, Cody was assigned to Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron Five. During this time he completed eight deployments. In 2015, Cody was assigned to Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron One where he served multiple roles including Expeditionary team Leader, Communications Department Leading Chief, Austee and Clandestine Communications Lead Chief, and Technical Integration Department Leading Chief; he was deployed in excess of 20 times supporting combat and sensitive activity missions. During his career, Cody received the following awards: four Joint Service

Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals-two with Valor in Combat distinction, four Joint Service Achievement Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and two Combat Action Ribbons.

SGT. FRANCES

JENNIFER MEZA ’05 has recently opened her own female-owned, veteran-owned business— Cohort 1 Creative Writing Bootcamp for ages 11–14. This is a 12-week live program via ZOOM that meets three times a week to help students learn new skills while making new friends. She describes her teaching style as “a sprinkle of Marine Corps discipline with a lot of Momma Bear love.” She has also launched a new website— JenniferMollyArdisStorytelling.com—a site for the creation of her new book, which invites followers to guide her storytelling as she writes. The goal is to promote family togetherness.

MAEVE (MCNAMEE) DANIELSON ’12 was promoted recently to Financial Coach at True Wealth Nation in Carroll, Iowa, where she has worked for the past two and a half years. She graduated from BYU in 2017 and served in the non-profit and education world for three years before entering financial planning.

ETHAN JACOB SUSSEN HAYES ’18 was recently hired as the Safe Environment Coordinator in the Mission Support O ice for the Diocese of Nashville.

ALEXA CAROLYN MALONE ’20 was awarded the Novice Teacher of the Year Award at Clifton Hills Elementary School in Chattanooga. She has been teaching kindergarten for two years and is so proud to be honored and even more proud of her students. She is thankful for all the teachers at Father Ryan and St. Edward School who made a di erence in her life and influenced her to become a teacher.

Natalie Grace to MAEVE (MCNAMEE) ’12 and Adam Danielson, born on May 18, 2025.

Harper to Isabel Tipton-Krispin and ISAAC KRISPIN ’12 , born on October 23, 2024.

Emma June and Ford Asher to REBEKAH (DEBUSE) ’15 and Andrew Montero, born on July 3, 2025.

Catherine Clare to CLARE (PURCELL) ’10 and CONOR WELSH ’10 born on August 1, 2024.

(Hicks) and DANIEL FORD ’11 were married on August 16, 2025, in Nashville, TN.

KATE (PYLE) ’20 and NICHOLAS LEDIEU ’20 were married on July 12, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, TN.

AUBREY (IGNATZ) ’19 and ETHAN HAYES ’18 were married on June 7, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, TN.

(WEISHAAR) ’16 and Matt Richmond were married on May 31, 2025, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville, TN.

Class Notes, Births, Weddings, and In Memoriam news in this issue reflect information received by December 31, 2025. Do you have news and photos to share with Ryan Nation? Visit fatherryan.org/alumni/class-notes

Be sure to include new contact information, including mailing address, email, and cell phone.

Legendary Nashville Public Servants Lynch ’64 and Wya ’55 Pass Away

In the course of three months, Nashville lost two outstanding public servants who devoted a total of more than 80 years to the citizens of Nashville and to Father Ryan— BILLY LYNCH ’64 and The Honorable RANDALL WYATT ’55.

John William “Billy” Lynch ’64, served six Nashville mayors over a distinguished 45-year career of public service for Metro Nashville Government, and played a significant role in the integration of sports in Nashville and Tennessee as a student-athlete at Father Ryan High School in the early 1960s.

Born in Nashville on June 22, 1946, to alumnus Connie ’28 and Agnes Lynch, Lynch was a proud product of Catholic education, graduating from Cathedral Grade School and Father Ryan High School. At Father Ryan, he was a three-sport athlete—football, basketball, and baseball—AllState for the Irish for their 1963 Clinic Bowl Football Championship season, and All-Region for the basketball and baseball teams. His proudest and most significant athletic moment was on the basketball team his senior year when the team welcomed WILLIE BROWN ’65 and JESSE PORTER ’64 the first Black students to integrate sports in Tennessee. As a graduate of the two schools—Cathedral and Father Ryan—that were the first to integrate, in 1954, and his close relationship with Brown, who died in 1975, and his classmate, Porter, Lynch was always proud to tell that story and was always welcome in the North Nashville community.

After graduating from MTSU in 1968, Lynch began his career with Metro Government. Starting in the Human Resources department, he became the youngest assistant director, at age 25, of any Metro department. After obtaining his master’s degree in criminal justice from MTSU in 1978, Lynch was appointed Deputy Sheri in 1979. He returned to Human Resources in 1987 as director, and then was asked to serve as interim Fire Chief in 2000. Another stint in Human Resources saw him oversee the merger of the Benefit Board with Human Resources before he took over as Director of Public Works. Mayor Karl Dean asked him to become interim Fire Chief in 2012.

After the 2010 floods, Lynch and his sta at Public Works organized and directed the massive clean-up of the city in less than 30 days. ThenMayor Dean praised his work, across his half century of service. “All Billy has ever wanted to do was serve the people of Nashville,” Dean said, “and he has done so in a way that has made me and five mayors before me very proud.”

Lynch and his wife of 53 years, Donna Ozment Lynch, have been longtime supporters of Father Ryan and Catholic education, with Lynch serving on the inaugural Selection Committee for the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame and participating in a number of panels about the integration of sports in 1963.

Lynch was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Bubba Lynch, and his sister, Boo Lynch, a former Father Ryan faculty member. He is survived by Donna, their son MICHAEL LYNCH ’93 and his wife, Brandie; daughter LINDSEY LYNCH MAGNESS ’95 and her

husband, STUART ’95 , and youngest daughter JULIE LYNCH MCWRIGHT ’97 his sister Margaret Ann (Lynch) Hubbuch, and his brother, TOMMY LYNCH ’68 and his wife, Marla; WILL ’23 , CARTER ’23 PARKER ’23 BRODIE ’24 and TYLER ’28 LYNCH MAKENZIE ’21 GRIFFIN ’23 and LYNCH ’28 MAGNESS and ADAM ’21 , OLIVIA ’24 , and MADELINE MCWRIGHT ’26

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Father Ryan Tuition Assistance Fund or to the Ladies of Charity.

Judge Wyatt was the longest serving criminal court judge in Nashville history when he retired after 35 years on the bench in 2017. His judicial career numbered 43 years in all, counting his previous tenure as a general sessions court judge.

After attending Father Ryan High School and graduating in 1955, Randall served four years in the United States Marine Corps, including a year-and-ahalf in Japan. Upon returning home to Nashville, Randall worked full time at night for seven years as a police o icer with the Nashville Police Department while at the same time attending and then graduating from Middle Tennessee State College (now Middle Tennessee State University). After receiving his degree from Vanderbilt Law School, Randall served as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly three years, working primarily in Minneapolis and Detroit. Randall then returned to Nashville, where he served as an assistant district attorney and a legal advisor for the Nashville Police Department for five years before being elected to General Sessions Court. During his time as a judge, he also was a member of the evening faculty at Aquinas College from 1969 to 1992, where he taught Criminal Law and Evidence.

Judge Wyatt served on the Board of Directors of the Nashville Bar Association, and in 2005, he was awarded the Bar Association’s Jack Norman Sr. Award for excellence in criminal law. He also served as Presiding Judge for General Sessions Court from 1978 to 1980 and for the Davidson County Trial Courts from 1986 to 1987. His successful career and noted popularity were evidenced by his election record, as he was re-elected to his position in 1990, 1998, 2006, and 2014.

Judge Wyatt is preceded in death by his wife, Karolyn “Kay” Kohl Wyatt, along with his parents, James Wyatt and Clyde Kiningham, and his brother, Mark Wyatt. He is survived by the couple’s five children: ANGIE (LLOYD) MONGER ’83 JIM (STEPHANIE GENTRY ’86) WYATT ’84 LAURA (PAT) O’LOUGHLIN ’86, LISA WYATT ’86 and VINCE (SAMMI) WYATT ’92 along with 13 grandchildren— Grace (Monger) Teller, Robert Monger, RHETT WYATT ’15 SYDNEY (WYATT) TOWNSEND ’17, Wyatt O’Loughlin, Maggie O’Loughlin, Katie O’Loughlin, Elizabeth (Rowan) Kelly, Selene Rowan, LUKE WYATT ’25 CALEB WYATT ’27 NOAH GRELLO ’28 and Preston Grello. He is also survived by his sister, Lynda (Wyatt) Mayo.

MICHAEL JAMES ALLEN father of former chaplain Rev. Nick Allen.

KENNETH J. ANDERSON

PATRICIA CHRISTMAN BAILEY ’72 sister of alumni Kenneth Christman ’73 and Michael Christman ’75.

MARY HILL STONE BEEHAN wife of alumnus Nick Beehan, Jr. ’56.

LOUIS BERVOETS ’51 .

MAURICE BRANSFORD ’70

MARY BREEN wife of alumnus Hugh Breen ’47 (deceased) and mother of alumnae Marianna Breen-Lane ’74, Michelle BreenJones ’75, and Karen Breen ’78.

STEPHEN PAUL “BRUCE” BROUSSARD father of alumnae Erin (Broussard) Hawkins ’95 and Lauren Broussard ’97.

ALBERT O. “PETE” BRUMFIELD, JR., father of alumni Angela (Brumfield) Otis ’94 and Ab Brumfield ’98.

ROSEMARY GEIST CALVIN wife of alumnus Richard Calvin ’61; mother of alumni Cathy Calvin ’82, Jackie (Calvin) Betterton ’83, Ricky Calvin, Jr. ’85, and Tammy Calvin ’87; and sister of alumni John Geist ’48, George Geist ’55 and Joe Geist ’58 (all deceased).

MARK THOMAS COMPTON husband of alumna Cathy (Sullivan) Compton ’87.

MARTIN J. CONNOLLY, JR. ’68

DANIEL COOGAN ’81 brother of alumni James Coogan ’76 and Elizabeth (Coogan) Leonard ’77.

MARY ELLEN SANDBERG CURLEYREED ’75 sister of Don Sandberg ’73 and Paul Sandberg ’74.

ANNA NOVELLA DAVIS-REEVES mother of alumni George Davis, Jr. '75.

ROSEMARY HUNLEY DE GRAAUW, wife of alumnus Jacques "Jack" de Graauw, Sr. ’54 (deceased); mother of alumni Mike de Graauw ’77, Mark de Graauw ’77, Jay de Graauw ’78, Julie (de Graauw) York ’80, and Joe de Graauw ’84; sister of alumnus Paul Hunley ’71 (deceased).

FREDERICK “FRED” DENSON father of alumni Rusty Denson ’06 (Paige Francescon ’06) and Scot Denson ’12 (Gabriella Macca ’12).

KATIE EADLER ’99, sister of alumnus Charlie Eadler ’96.

PHILIP FARMER husband of alumna Denese (Walker) Farmer ’78 and father of alumna Kelsey Farmer ’14 .

PAULA GILLES FISCHER mother of alumni David Gilles ’80 (Susie Tohill ’81), Ann (Gilles) Frantz ’81, and Sally (Gilles) Higgs ’82.

JAMES TIMOTHY FLOYD, father of alumnus Tim Floyd ’09.

AUDREY “FAYE” FORSTER mother of alumni Bob Forster ’75, Paul Forster ’76 (deceased), Jerry Forster ’79, and Susan (Forster) Craven ’89 (Jerry ’88).

JOHN FRANCESCON ’79 father of student Ella Jane Francescon ’26, son of alumnus Vic Francescon ’49 (deceased), and brother of alumnus Ken Francescon ’74.

A. RICHMOND GILL

HAROLD GOODRUM father of alumni

Harold “Cole” Goodrum, Jr. ’79, Henry J. “Hank” Goodrum ’80, John P. “Jack” Goodrum ’81, William M. “Bill” Goodrum ’82, and Phillip P. Goodrum ’84.

RODNEY GRIFFIN, SR. , father of alumni

Rodney Gri in II ’01 and Carolyn (Gri in) Adkerson ’05.

JERRY HAGLAGE ’57

CATHERINE MARGARET HANSEN , mother of alumni Lawrence Hansen ’80 (Ti any Spain ’86), Peter Hansen ’83 (Susan Schindler ’83) and Carolyn (Hansen) Schultz ’88 (Father Ryan Sta ).

PHILLIP J. HOSTETTLER, JR. ’75 , son of alumnus Phillip Hostettler, Sr.43 (deceased) and brother of alumnus Paul Hostettler ’80.

MARY ELLEN LARSON KIRK , wife of alumnus Richard Kirk’48 (deceased) and mother of alumni Michael Kirk ’82 and Kevin Kirk ’84.

JAMES “JIM” KOHL ’62 son of alumnus John Kohl, Jr. ’32 (deceased) and brother of alumnus John Kohl III ’58 (deceased).

MARY HELEN LAWRENCE , daughter of alumnus Eugene Petrone ’31 (deceased) and sister of Vic Petrone ’65 and Jeanine (Petrone) Thompson ’87.

TERRI M. HOWSE-LINDSEY ’72

JOHN MICHAEL HUPKA ’77.

MARIE THERESE MCREDMOND LAWRENCE mother of alumni Tony Lawrence ’77, Tim Lawrence ’80, John Lawrence ’88, and Mark Lawrence ’90; sister of alumni John McRedmond III ’54 (deceased), Thomas McRedmond ’56, and Edward McRedmond ’60 (deceased).

JOHN WILLIAM “BILLY” LYNCH ’64 father of alumni Michael Lynch ’93, Lindsey (Lynch) Magness ’95 (Stuart ’95), and Julie (Lynch) McWright ’97; son of Connie Lynch ’28; and brother of alumnus Tommy Lynch ’68 and former faculty member "Boo" Lynch (deceased).

RICHARD MANNING , father of alumni David Manning ’86 (deceased), Steven Manning ’87, and Robert Manning ’91.

LINDA KENDALL MARTINEZ sister of alumni  Rick Kendall ’67 and Joe Kendall ’77.

PATRICIA MARY ALICE MCREDMOND wife of John J. McRedmond III ’54 (deceased) and mother of alumni John McRedmond IV ’77 (deceased) and Michael McRedmond ’88.

JUDY WILLETT MEADOWS

ANNA POWELL MILEK wife of alumnus Myles Milek ’85.

FATHER JAMES NORMAN MILLER ’51 , brother of former board member Patricia (Miller) Kyger.

DOLLIE EDGE NOLAN wife of alumnus Frank Nolan ’45 (deceased) and mother of alumni Gene Nolan ’67, Mike Nolan ’70 (deceased), Frank Nolan ’73, David Nolan ’74, Janie (Nolan) DeLucca ’76, Angela (Nolan) Woodard ’77, and Alice (Nolan) Greene ’79.

EDWIN VINCENT O’HARA brother of alumnus James A. O’Hara III ’68.

JOSEPH FRANK PADULA ’64 father of alumnae Michelle (Padula) Nunnari ’89 and Melanie (Padula) Napier ’02.

HOLLIE WHITMORE POTTS , mother of alumni Sonnie Potts ’88 and Erin (Potts) Kavanaugh ’89.

RAYMOND E. PRUETT, JR. ’60, father of alumni Ray Pruett III ’82, Ginger (Pruett) Holmes ’83, Patrick Pruett ’84, and David Pruett ’85.

MARY ELLEN SANDBERG REED CHARLES H. REESE III ’57, son of alumnus Charles Reese, Jr. ’33 (deceased) and brother of alumnus George Reese ’59 (deceased).

WILLIAM “BILL” RILEY, SR. ’68 father of alumni William “Bill” Riley, Jr. ’95 and Jody Riley ’96; son of alumnus Joe Riley ’44 (deceased); brother of alumni Pat Riley ’66 (deceased), Mike Riley ’70 (deceased), and Tim Riley ’74.

JOHN PHILIP SAAL brother of alumni Frederick “Fritz” Saal ’62 (deceased) and Ted Saal ’66.

JAMES “JIM” SANTRY, father of alumna MaryBeth (Santry) Gri in ’83.

DOLORES WATSON SEIGENTHALER wife of alumnus John Seigenthaler ’45 (deceased) and mother of alumnus John Seigenthaler, Jr. ’74.

RITA CATHERINE SINGER , wife of alumnus Patrick Singer ’53 (deceased); mother of alumni Patrick Singer II ’76, Marita Owens-Singer ’77, Christopher Singer ’79, John Singer ’83, Peter Singer ’84 (Becky Sullivan ’84), Victoria Singer ’89, Mark Singer ’91, and Jeanetta Singer ’92; sister of alumni John Geist ’48 (deceased), George Geist ’55 (deceased), and Joe Geist ’58 (deceased).

JOSEPH MARTIN STEVENSON brother of alumnus Eugene Stevenson ’71 (deceased).

ROGER WAYNE SOVINE ’61 brother of alumni Bill Sovine ’62 (deceased) and Michael Sovine ’73 (deceased).

BRYAN STREBEL , brother of alumni Bill Strebel ’80, Barbie Strebel ’82, and Dan Strebel ’84.

ERNEST "PETE" SUTHERLAND ’61 son of Dr. Arthur Sutherland, Jr. ’27 (deceased) and brother of alumni Arthur Sutherland III ’56 and Charles Sutherland ’59 (both deceased).

CHARLES BRADFORD THOMAS, JR. ’66

STEVE TRAUERNICHT ’70 brother of alumni Allen Trauernicht ’67, Philip Trauernicht ’74 (deceased), and Mark Trauernicht ’79.

CHRISTINA VARALLO, daughter of alumnus Nick F. Varallo, Jr. ’59 (deceased) and sister of alumnus Nick F. Varallo III ’91.

FRANK ANTHONY VARALLO III ’56, son of alumnus Frank A. Varallo, Jr. ’38 (deceased); father of alumni Frank “Bubba” Varallo IV ’79 (deceased), Christopher Michael Varallo ’82 (deceased, and Greg Varallo ’90; brother of alumnus Jim Varallo ’71.

JOYCE MARTIN VAUGHAN , wife of alumnus William C. Vaughan ’43 (deceased) and mother of alumni Gary D. Vaughan ’68 and Steve Vaughan ’70.

ANN CLUNAN WARPOOLE mother of alumna Ginger Warpoole ’88 and sister of alumnus Paul Clunan ’64.

DOROTHY BREEN WILLIAMS sister of alumni Paul Breen ’40, Bill Breen ’43, Hugh Breen ’47, Tom Breen ’51, Rev. Joe Pat Breen ’54, and Rev. Philip Breen ’57 (all deceased).

KENNETH “KENNY” WILLIAMS husband of former Academic Dean Therese (St. Charles) Williams and father of alumni Kenny Williams, Jr. ’96 and Joe Williams ’02.

KELLEY ANN WOODSIDE ’80, sister of William Woodside ’68, Paul Woodside ’69 (deceased), and Mike Woodside ’72.

PATRICIA BATSON WRENNE , wife of alumnus David Wrenne ’48 (deceased); mother of alumni Angie (Wrenne) Murphy ’74, Linda (Wrenne) Rhea ’76, Marianne (Wrenne) Robertson ’78 (Reggie ’78), David Wrenne IV ’78, Patty (Wrenne) Ayers ’81, and Julie (Wrenne) Meier ’83; and sister of alumni Norman Batson ’56 (deceased), Joe Batson ’57 (deceased), and John Batson ’62 (deceased).

The Honorable RANDALL WYATT, JR. ’55 father of alumni Angie (Wyatt) Monger ’83, Jim Wyatt ’84 (Stephanie Gentry ’87), Laura (Wyatt) O’Loughlin ’86, Lisa Wyatt ’86, and Vince Wyatt ’92.

TIM YOKOM brother of alumnus Patrick Yokom ’53 (deceased).

A 100 Years of Father Ryan Memory: Father James Black ’64

The school’s first Academic Dean and a respected Theology teacher whom we lost too early after a lengthy battle with cancer, FATHER JAMES BLACK ’64 continues to inspire our students through two awards: The Father Black Honor Society and the Father Black Award for Excellence.

Now, as part of our 100 Years of Father Ryan Celebration, he is able to inspire students and alumni with his words.

For several years while he was teaching at Father Ryan, Father Black did a series of Theology lectures and discussions for a variety of audiences in our community. Fortunately, many of those lectures were recorded. Even more fortunately, Father Ryan has been able to digitize them and add them to our archives, providing for us today an audience with Father Black.

“We had the tapes in the archives,” said CHRISTY FOREMAN , librarian and archivist for Father Ryan, “and always wanted to make them available to more in the community. Father Black was such a model for our students during his years here, and hearing those words again provides us all a special connection to a special Father Ryan teacher.”

Known for his wit, his love of Christ, his deep intellect, and his concern for his students, Father Black left a powerful impression on the school. And the school did the same for him. In his last year—1984—when it was clear that his cancer was going to take him, he expressed this wish:

“Since Ordination, I've had the assignment of serving at Father Ryan High School in Nashville. That assignment has truly been a gift from the Lord to me. And if the Lord, through whom all things are possible, would grant me but one wish as I stand before him, it would be this: I would ask the Lord to assign me the privileged task of watching over, cherishing, and protecting that great institution and all its members, now and forever.”

We are pleased to have him with us again. To access the tapes and listen to his words, visit fatherryan.org/100

Save the Dates Irish Events—2026

It’s always a great day to be part of a Father Ryan event, and we have a number of gatherings planned for the second semester. Join us for these distinctly Irish moments.

Easter Egg Hunt

— Saturday, March 28, 2026 • Father Ryan Campus

With egg hunts divided by age group, special prizes, crafts, face painting, inflatables, food trucks, and photos with the Easter Bunny, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the Easter holiday.

Community Day of Service

— Saturday, April 11, 2026

As part of our 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration, the Father Ryan community is invited to join us in serving the greater Nashville area and beyond with service activities available on campus and at local service organizations.

Ryan Nation Night

— Thursday, April 23, 2026

Ryan Nation Night is an alumni Happy Hour hosted at a local Father Ryan communityowned restaurant. Enjoy food and drinks as you reconnect with fellow classmates.

Alumni Weekend

— Friday–Sunday, May 29–31, 2026

A full weekend celebrating Alumni everywhere. It begins with the Lou Graham ’56 Alumni Golf Tournament followed by the all-alumni reception, both on May 29. The Elliston Place Luncheon, featuring Rotiers cheeseburgers, and the class parties take place May 30. May 31 marks the induction of the Class of 1976 into the Golden Grad Society.

100TH CELEBRATION SPONSOR

TRADITION NEVER GRADUATES

Graduation of the 100th Class, The Class of 2026

May 16, 2026

Alumni Weekend

May 29–31, 2026

Elliston Place Luncheon

May 30, 2026