Father Ryan High School
Encyclopedia
Father Ryan High School is a private
, Roman Catholic high school
in Nashville, Tennessee
. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville
and named for Father Abram J. Ryan.
.
This 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) site includes an academic building containing computer labs, science labs, and many classrooms. There is also an administrative cloister building featuring art and drama rooms, band room, dining hall, and the St. James Chapel. The field house features three full size basketball courts, wrestling room, workout areas, locker rooms, and coaching offices. The spacious site also has softball, baseball, soccer, football fields and a track. Recent additions include a freestanding Library and Center for the Arts. Tennessean editor emeritus John Seigenthaler, a 1945 alumnus, spoke of the 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) campus, “In moving from one part of town to another, in expanding the campus to what looks like a junior college, Father Ryan was ahead of the curve. And now again, with these dramatic changes, Father Ryan is making its students better prepared than ever to live, work, and thrive in a changing world.”
In the fall of 2009 Father Ryan's first ever on-campus football stadium - Giacosa Stadium at the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex - opened with a flurry of many local Nashville news stations and thousands of excited Father Ryan patrons. Father Ryan played their first game at "The G" against Hillwood High School and won 42-0. The Irish finished 5-1 at Giacosa Stadium and also hosted their first ever playoff game against Briarcrest Christian School
in November 2009, a 45-35 victory.
There are several reminders of Father Ryan's first campus scattered throughout the campus on Norwood Drive. The doors to the new library, parts of the grotto, parts of the statue of Jesus and Ryan students, and objects in the main office are all from the original campus on Elliston Place. These things serve as a constant reminder of Father Ryan's rich history.
Student selection for Advanced, Honors and Advanced Placement courses is based upon successful completion of prerequisite courses, teacher recommendations and standardized test scores. Twenty Advanced
Placement courses are offered.
Beginning with the school year 2006-2007, Father Ryan replaced its traditional six to seven period day with block scheduling. Block scheduling allows students to earn a maximum of eight credits per year by extending class time to include four classes each day. This extended time allows students to become involved in the learning process by promoting independent, critical thinking as opposed to the mere acquisition of knowledge.
The minimum number of credits required for graduation is 25. The credits must be earned in the following distribution: 4 credits Theology (one for each year enrolled at Father Ryan), 4 credits English, 4 credits Mathematics, 2 credits Social Studies (one must be U.S. History), 3 credits Science (recommended one Physical and one Biological), 2 credits Foreign Language (the same Foreign Language), 1 credit Physical Education, 1 credit Fine Arts , ½ credit Health , ½ credit Technology, and enough elective credits to meet total requirements.
Father Ryan's variety of student groups include: Environmental Awareness Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Spanish Club, Forensics, Future Teachers of America, Junior Classical League(Latin Club), Science Olympiad
, The Science Academy, the Gadfly creative arts magazine, Irish Pride yearbook staff, The Moina newspaper staff, Chess Club, Climbing Club, Photography Club, Skateboarding Club, Competition Dance Team, Performance dance team, Father Ryan Singers, Music Ministry, Purple Masque Players, Mock Trial, Model United Nations
, Youth Legislature and more.
Honor Societies at Father Ryan include: Father Black Honor Society, National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, French Honor Society, Latin Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.
The Father Ryan Marching Band has won the prestigious Small Division Mayor's Cup at the Music City Invitational 11 times - a feat no other band can claim, and was named the overall Grand Champion in 2011. The band was named the Grand Champion of the Bands of America
(BOA) Jacksonville Regional in 2011. They are only the second band in 26 years from the state of Tennessee to win a BOA regional competition. The band is also a four-time BOA Regional finalist, a two-time BOA Regional class champion, and a BOA Grand National semi-finalist. In 2008 they were runners-up for the BOA Class A Grand National Championship, placing second to the Bourbon County High School Marching Band from Paris, Kentucky.
The Father Ryan Winter Drumline is a three-time World Champion and has made finals at every Winterguard International (WGI) World Championship except 2010. The winter drumline was invited on a tour of Europe for 2008 by sponsors Dynasty USA and Muremo Music in Europe. They performed at the 2008 Indoor Percussion Europe (IPE) Championships and at clinics and shows throughout Europe. The Winter Drumline did not compete in the 2011 season.
The Father Ryan Winterguard has won the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) Scholastic A Championship for the past two years - 2010 and 2011.
The Band Directors are Jeff Schletzer - also Fine Arts Chairman, Jeremy Frey, Derek Schletzer, and Dustin Schletzer.
Special Staff for the band are Damon Padilla, David England, Michael Gaines, Michele Alexander Wilson, John Harvil, Neil Kononochi, KC Perkins, Mike Shapiro, Oscar Utterstrom, Ashley Jarrell, Paul Epp, Mike Casteel, Alex Nasser, Dr. Tonya Lawson, Tim Maynard, Nic Millner, Kerry Durso, Eric Tudor, Nick Haynes, Will Sugg, Trevor Drake, Alex Harmon, and Dr. Jessica Dunnavant.
On April 18, 2011 it was announced that the Father Ryan Marching Band was chosen from over 150 applicants to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to be held on November 22, 2012. Macy's parade director, Bill Schermerhorn, came to Father Ryan and announced that the group has been selected as one of only 11 bands in the nation to perform in the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
and Division II Class AA E/M Region. The Father Ryan athletic program includes a variety of competitive sports activities including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, track, cross country, volleyball, golf, swimming & diving, tennis, softball, wrestling, lacrosse, ice hockey, bowling, cheer-leading and rugby. Father Ryan football has won 3 state championships. 1931, 1974, 1997.
Membership In:
Private school
Private schools, also known as independent schools or nonstate schools, are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students' tuition, rather than relying on mandatory...
, Roman Catholic high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville
Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville is a Roman Catholic diocese in Tennessee. It was founded on July 28, 1837 by the Dominican Bishop Richard Pius Miles. The Cathedral Church of the Incarnation is the seat of the Bishops of Nashville....
and named for Father Abram J. Ryan.
Campus
Father Ryan High School's first campus was at 2300 Elliston Place, which was dedicated in 1929. Father Ryan remained here for 62 years and expanded twice, but eventually it outgrew these facilities and during the summer of 1991 relocated to its present home on Norwood Drive in the Oak Hill area of NashvilleNashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
.
This 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) site includes an academic building containing computer labs, science labs, and many classrooms. There is also an administrative cloister building featuring art and drama rooms, band room, dining hall, and the St. James Chapel. The field house features three full size basketball courts, wrestling room, workout areas, locker rooms, and coaching offices. The spacious site also has softball, baseball, soccer, football fields and a track. Recent additions include a freestanding Library and Center for the Arts. Tennessean editor emeritus John Seigenthaler, a 1945 alumnus, spoke of the 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) campus, “In moving from one part of town to another, in expanding the campus to what looks like a junior college, Father Ryan was ahead of the curve. And now again, with these dramatic changes, Father Ryan is making its students better prepared than ever to live, work, and thrive in a changing world.”
In the fall of 2009 Father Ryan's first ever on-campus football stadium - Giacosa Stadium at the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex - opened with a flurry of many local Nashville news stations and thousands of excited Father Ryan patrons. Father Ryan played their first game at "The G" against Hillwood High School and won 42-0. The Irish finished 5-1 at Giacosa Stadium and also hosted their first ever playoff game against Briarcrest Christian School
Briarcrest Christian School
Briarcrest Christian School is an independent coeducational college preparatory school with two campuses in Shelby County, Tennessee, in Memphis and Eads ....
in November 2009, a 45-35 victory.
There are several reminders of Father Ryan's first campus scattered throughout the campus on Norwood Drive. The doors to the new library, parts of the grotto, parts of the statue of Jesus and Ryan students, and objects in the main office are all from the original campus on Elliston Place. These things serve as a constant reminder of Father Ryan's rich history.
Curriculum
Father Ryan High School is a college-preparatory secondary school with varied programs and courses designed to meet the individual needs and interests of our student population. Core courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign languages are supplemented by a variety of electives. Father Ryan offers its students courses at four levels (College Preparatory, Advanced, Honors, and Advanced Placement) to ensure their successful transition to higher education and maintains a level of enrollment that provides optimum opportunities for academic and co-curricular success.Student selection for Advanced, Honors and Advanced Placement courses is based upon successful completion of prerequisite courses, teacher recommendations and standardized test scores. Twenty Advanced
Placement courses are offered.
Beginning with the school year 2006-2007, Father Ryan replaced its traditional six to seven period day with block scheduling. Block scheduling allows students to earn a maximum of eight credits per year by extending class time to include four classes each day. This extended time allows students to become involved in the learning process by promoting independent, critical thinking as opposed to the mere acquisition of knowledge.
The minimum number of credits required for graduation is 25. The credits must be earned in the following distribution: 4 credits Theology (one for each year enrolled at Father Ryan), 4 credits English, 4 credits Mathematics, 2 credits Social Studies (one must be U.S. History), 3 credits Science (recommended one Physical and one Biological), 2 credits Foreign Language (the same Foreign Language), 1 credit Physical Education, 1 credit Fine Arts , ½ credit Health , ½ credit Technology, and enough elective credits to meet total requirements.
Student life
Student activities at Father Ryan are many and varied. Opportunities in student government, honor societies, subject area and interest clubs, student publications, theater, speech and debate, choral music and band are available on the Ryan campus. In addition, numerous community service programs exist.Father Ryan's variety of student groups include: Environmental Awareness Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Spanish Club, Forensics, Future Teachers of America, Junior Classical League(Latin Club), Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is an American elementary, middle, or high school team competition which tests knowledge of various science topics and engineering ability. Over 6,200 teams from 49 U.S. states compete each year. Most teams compete in three levels of competition: regionals, states, and nationals...
, The Science Academy, the Gadfly creative arts magazine, Irish Pride yearbook staff, The Moina newspaper staff, Chess Club, Climbing Club, Photography Club, Skateboarding Club, Competition Dance Team, Performance dance team, Father Ryan Singers, Music Ministry, Purple Masque Players, Mock Trial, Model United Nations
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
, Youth Legislature and more.
Honor Societies at Father Ryan include: Father Black Honor Society, National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society, French Honor Society, Latin Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.
Band and Instrumental Music Programs
Father Ryan's music programs have enjoyed much success in recent years due to the hard work and dedication of the staff, students, and parents. Students are consistently successful in solo and ensemble, mid-state, and all-state performances; and the marching band, winter drumline, and winterguard regularly win or place in state, regional, national, and world championships.The Father Ryan Marching Band has won the prestigious Small Division Mayor's Cup at the Music City Invitational 11 times - a feat no other band can claim, and was named the overall Grand Champion in 2011. The band was named the Grand Champion of the Bands of America
Bands of America
Bands of America , a division of Music for All, Inc., is an organization that promotes and organizes marching band competitions for high school students. Competitions include both Regional and Super Regional Championships as well as the Grand National Championships...
(BOA) Jacksonville Regional in 2011. They are only the second band in 26 years from the state of Tennessee to win a BOA regional competition. The band is also a four-time BOA Regional finalist, a two-time BOA Regional class champion, and a BOA Grand National semi-finalist. In 2008 they were runners-up for the BOA Class A Grand National Championship, placing second to the Bourbon County High School Marching Band from Paris, Kentucky.
The Father Ryan Winter Drumline is a three-time World Champion and has made finals at every Winterguard International (WGI) World Championship except 2010. The winter drumline was invited on a tour of Europe for 2008 by sponsors Dynasty USA and Muremo Music in Europe. They performed at the 2008 Indoor Percussion Europe (IPE) Championships and at clinics and shows throughout Europe. The Winter Drumline did not compete in the 2011 season.
The Father Ryan Winterguard has won the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) Scholastic A Championship for the past two years - 2010 and 2011.
The Band Directors are Jeff Schletzer - also Fine Arts Chairman, Jeremy Frey, Derek Schletzer, and Dustin Schletzer.
Special Staff for the band are Damon Padilla, David England, Michael Gaines, Michele Alexander Wilson, John Harvil, Neil Kononochi, KC Perkins, Mike Shapiro, Oscar Utterstrom, Ashley Jarrell, Paul Epp, Mike Casteel, Alex Nasser, Dr. Tonya Lawson, Tim Maynard, Nic Millner, Kerry Durso, Eric Tudor, Nick Haynes, Will Sugg, Trevor Drake, Alex Harmon, and Dr. Jessica Dunnavant.
On April 18, 2011 it was announced that the Father Ryan Marching Band was chosen from over 150 applicants to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to be held on November 22, 2012. Macy's parade director, Bill Schermerhorn, came to Father Ryan and announced that the group has been selected as one of only 11 bands in the nation to perform in the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Athletics
Father Ryan is a member of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic AssociationTennessee Secondary School Athletic Association
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is an organization which administers junior and senior high school sporting events in Tennessee.-Description:...
and Division II Class AA E/M Region. The Father Ryan athletic program includes a variety of competitive sports activities including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, track, cross country, volleyball, golf, swimming & diving, tennis, softball, wrestling, lacrosse, ice hockey, bowling, cheer-leading and rugby. Father Ryan football has won 3 state championships. 1931, 1974, 1997.
Accreditations and Affiliations
Accredited By: Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Father Ryan was the first school in the Southeast region receive dual accreditation from these two organizations.Membership In:
- SACAC (Southern Association for College Admission Counseling)
- NACAC (National Association for College Admission CounselingNational Association for College Admission CounselingThe National Association for College Admission Counseling , founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 11,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary education, including professional school counselors, college access...
) - SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and SchoolsSouthern Association of Colleges and SchoolsThe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation...
) - NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals)
- TAIS (Tennessee Association of Independent Schools)
- SAIS (Southern Association of Independent SchoolsSouthern Association of Independent SchoolsThe Southern Association of Independent Schools is a U.S.-based voluntary organization of more than 340 independent elementary and secondary schools through the South, representing more than 180,000 students...
) - NCEA (National Catholic Education Association)
- ISNA (Independent Schools of the Nashville Area)
- The College BoardCollege BoardThe College Board is a membership association in the United States that was formed in 1900 as the College Entrance Examination Board . It is composed of more than 5,900 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. It sells standardized tests used by academically oriented...
- Cum Laude SocietyCum Laude SocietyThe Cum Laude Society is an organization that honors scholastic achievement at secondary institutions, similar to the Phi Beta Kappa Society, which honors scholastic achievements at the university level. It was founded in 1906 as the Alpha Delta Tau fraternity and changed its name in the 1950s...
- National Honor SocietyNational Honor SocietyThe National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
Notable alumni
- Bishop David R. ChobyDavid ChobyDavid Raymond Choby is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the eleventh and current Bishop of Nashville, having previously served as Diocesan Administrator .-Early life:...
, current Bishop of NashvilleRoman Catholic Diocese of NashvilleThe Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville is a Roman Catholic diocese in Tennessee. It was founded on July 28, 1837 by the Dominican Bishop Richard Pius Miles. The Cathedral Church of the Incarnation is the seat of the Bishops of Nashville.... - John Lawrence Seigenthaler, Noted American journalist
- Lou Graham, 1975 U.S. Open Champion (golf)
- John Seigenthaler, Jr.John Seigenthaler, Jr.John Michael Seigenthaler is an American former news anchor and correspondent who worked for both NBC and MSNBC. He is the son of the newspaper journalist John Lawrence Seigenthaler. He is best known for his 8-year tenure as weekend anchor of NBC Nightly News...
, Former MSNBCMSNBCMSNBC is a cable news channel based in the United States available in the US, Germany , South Africa, the Middle East and Canada...
Anchor - Monroe Carell, Jr., President & CEO, Central Parking System,Inc.
- Jim Carell, Chairman, Careall,Inc. - Major Donor of Father Ryan's Jim Carell Athletic Complex
- Patrick Wimberly, drums/bass guitar/keyboard/production for the band Chairlift (band)Chairlift (band)Chairlift is an American electronic pop Duo.Based in Brooklyn, New York, Chairlift consists of members Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly .-History:...
Miscellaneous Facts
- The on-campus chapel, where daily mass is held, faces East toward the rising sun and is located at the geographical center of the campus. The four pillars inside represent the four biblical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The twelve stations of the cross surrounding the sanctuary were donated by the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. The three banners hanging from the ceiling represent the Holy Trinity and change colors to represent the current liturgical season.
- The doors leading into the foyer of the Neuhoff Library are the former front doors of the old Father Ryan High School located on Elliston Place.