Faith, Service, and Social Justice Clubs

Environmental Awareness

Moderator: John Durand

Student Leaders: E Schaeffer, O Turner, and C Roberts

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

The Environmental Awareness club seeks to raise student consciousness and promote action with environmental issues. The club promotes the Catholic understanding of stewardship to the earth. The club is responsible for the campus wide aluminum and plastic recycling program as well promoting Earth Day activities within the community. Meetings are determined by the moderator and student leaders. The environmental Awareness Club is open to all students.

Father Ryan Retreat Team

Moderator: Tim Forbes

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” Matthew 28:19

The retreat team provides an opportunity for Father Ryan students to minister and evangelize to middle school students in the community. The retreat team visits Catholic middle schools and facilitates one day retreats. The retreat themes focus on self-image, God’s love, sacrament of Confirmation, and peer pressure. Students are responsible for the talks, small groups, prayer, and games for the day. Father Ryan students must apply to be on the team and attend mandatory trainings.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Moderator: Greg Carson

Student Leaders: T Thurman, J Joyce

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a school based ministry aimed at reaching athletes with the Gospel message. Father Ryan High School’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is affiliated with the regional and national offices of FCA. Although the ministry is geared for athletes, all high school students are welcome. Father Ryan’s FCA chapter meets on first Thursday of every month in the campus theater. Father Ryan does deviate from the guidelines established by the national FCA organization. Similar to other FCA chapters, FRHS promotes fidelity to Scripture; however, because of our Catholic faith, the school also recognizes the Holy Spirit’s redemptive work through the traditions of the Catholic Church. Father Ryan’s FCA chapter is open to all students regardless of athletic participation.

Irish Service Core

Moderator: Kate Cole

Student President: A Romeo

“Faith of itself, without works, is dead.” James 2:17

The Irish Service Corps promotes and performs community service in the larger Nashville community and on the campus of Father Ryan High School. The IRS is responsible for offering one service project for the Father Ryan students. They also facilitate parking, concessions, and cleaning for football, volleyball, and basketball games. For the 2007-2008 with the assistance of campus ministry and the Future Teachers of America, the Irish Service Corps will coordinate students’ involvement with Smithson Craighead afterschool program and Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program. Craighead Academy is a charter school serving at risk youth. Under the direction of Sister Sandra Smithson, the afterschool program provides a safe environment for students to complete homework, snack, and play. Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program offers a number of services for displaced peoples. However, Father Ryan students will help tutor middle and high school students. The Irish Service Corps is open to all students. However, to participate in off site service projects, students must have a signed parental permission form.

Respect Life Club

Moderator: Janet Lytle

“I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Respect Life Club strives to raise awareness of the sanctity of life at all stages. The Respect Life Club meets regularly during the school year. In the month of January Club members place 5,000 white crosses on Father Ryan’s main athletic field. Each cross represents one abortion committed in a day. To help give dignity to families who have lost children, the Respect Life Club knits blankets for still born babies. The club also travels to Washington D.C. to participate in the Right to Life march. While in Washington students attend mass at the National Basilica and visit the Holocaust Museum. The trip is offered at a minimal cost or no cost to the student. Finally, the Right to Life Club is responsible for a Marian Devotion in the month of May. All club members are expected to participate in the service. The Right to Life March and Right to Life Club is open to all students.

Multi-Cultural Student Union

Moderator: Janet Lytle

Student Leaders: J Hayes, N McHaney, J Lawerence

“Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10

Understanding that the Father Ryan community consists of a culmination of many cultures and heritages, the school strives to incorporate the gifts into the community. Students involved in the MCSU are responsible for promoting diversity throughout the campus. Included in these responsibilities are the promotion of Black History month and Hispanic History month at Father Ryan High, Martin Luther King Day, Cinco de Mayo, and a multi-cultural breakfast at the beginning of the year. The MCSU is open to all students. Meetings are held on a monthly basis.

Schools for Schools (Invisible Children)

Moderator:

Student Leaders: A Keith and N Woolridge

“What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” Matthew 25:46

Father Ryan’s School for School program is school chapter of the non-profit organization Invisible Children. School to School is an initiative to help rebuild schools in Northern Uganda. Because of a 25 year long civil war in the African country of Uganda the country and its people have suffered tremendously. Children have been kidnapped, mutilated, raped, and conscripted into the rebel ranks to continue the conflict. Schools for Schools looks for ways to creatively raise money to help the peace efforts rebuilding process in the central African country. In May of 2007, Father Ryan hosted a benefit concert with Randy Lancaster, Reilly Gallagher, and the Froggy Johnson Boys. The next concert is planned for April of 2008.

S.O.U.L. for Safe Haven Club

Moderator: Ms. Janet Lytle

“Share with God’s people all who need help.” Romans 12:13a

Soul for Safe Haven is an emergency shelter for families needing immediate housing. Father Ryan High School students volunteer for two hours every week helping with admission and discharge of families. While at S.O.U.L. for Safe Haven, club members are under the professional direction of the staff. Along with the weekly responsibilities, the club sponsors an annual Christmas party for the guests. Club members are responsible for the food and the gifts at the party. The S.O.U.L. for Safe Haven Club is open to all students.

Student Class Officer

Moderators: There are two moderators for each grade

Class officers are elected by their classmates to hold the position of president, vice-president, treasurer, or secretary. Under the direction of the class moderators, each class is required to meet specific goals outlined by the class officers. Junior class officers are responsible for prom dance. The president of each class is responsible for the leadership in their designated class, but he/she must also represent his/her classmates in the student council. Students must have participated in a co-curricular activity and have teacher recommendations to be eligible to run for class office or class representatives.

Student Council

Moderators: Kate Cole and Matt Puryear

The Father Ryan High School Student Council offers an opportunity for students to try to make Father Ryan a better place and is vehicle of communication between students, faculty, the surrounding community and the administration of the school. Student Council attempts to provide opportunities to develop and exhibit leadership qualities in the student body. At all times members of this organization are to promote and increase school loyalty and spirit through example and attitude. The Council coordinates spiritual, social and service opportunities for the student body. Students must have participated in a co-curricular activity and have teacher recommendations to be eligible to run for class office or class representatives.

Academic Enrichment and Societies

Cercle Francophone (French Club)

Moderator: Sven Oelhafen

“All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries. For the Lord, the Most High, inspires awe, the great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2-3

Cercle Francophone attempts to bring learning from the French classroom into the Father Ryan community. The club teaches students about French culture, hosts French parties, and provides an environment for students who share an interest in the French language. A major goal for the Cercle Francophone is to connect and foster a relationship with Father Ryan’s twin parish in Haiti. With the Spanish Club and the Junior Classical League, Cercle Francophone co-sponsors the annual Father Ryan International Dinner. Students do not have to be enrolled in French class to participate in the French Club.

Creative Writing

Moderator: Greg Thompson

The Creative Writing Clubs provides a forum for students who have an interest in creative writing. The club meets regularly, usually once a month. At the conclusion of the academic year, the Creative Writing Club hosts a “Writers’ Night” for students to share their work. Although membership is open to all students, club members are expected to contribute writings or other literary works to The Gadfly.

The Cum Laude Society

Moderator: Nancy Langdon

The Cum Laude Society, founded in 1906, is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Cum Laude is fashioned in the likeness of Phi Beta Kappa, the celebrated collegiate academic honors society, and is viewed as the high school equivelant. Approximately 350 high schools world wide have received a charter. Father Ryan received its charter in the spring 2003. Membership at Father Ryan is based on grade point average. The top ten percent in both the junior and senior class are inducted into the Hibernian Chapter in the spring of each year.

Espanol Club (Spanish Club)

Moderator: Grace Schlacter

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.” Galatians 3:28

The Espanol Club promotes the Spanish and Latin American culture and language on Father Ryan’s campus. It is one of the largest clubs at Father Ryan with approximately 200 students returning for the 2007-2008 academic year. The club organizes a number of events throughout the year including a breakfast and a salsa dance. They also sponsor a gift drive for families in Latin America. In the summer of 2007 under the direction of Mrs. Laura Beasley, two students from Father Ryan participated in an exchange program to Argentina. The students lived with a host family and were in active in a full emersion program. The Espanol Club is open to all students who have completed two years of Spanish or is currently enrolled in Spanish class.

Father Black Honors Society

Moderator: John Spore and Nancy Langdon

Father Black was a beloved member of Father Ryan High School’s faculty. In 1984, Father Ryan lost one of its saints to cancer. To honor his legacy and the commitment he made to underclassman, the Father Black Honors Society recognizes freshman who have made the honor roll in their first three quarters at Father Ryan High School. Only freshman qualify for membership into the Father Black Honors Society.

Forensics

Moderator: Christina Reinbold

“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.” Proverbs 20:27

The Forensics Team provides an opportunity for students to enhance communication skills through participation in theatre, debate, and speech activities. Members of the forensic team are given the opportunity to compete in forensic competitions sanctioned by the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League. The school will compete in a minimum of four tournaments in the academic school year. Within the five year goal of Father Ryan’s forensics team, the school will join the National Forensics League. The Forensic Team practices weekly and is open to all students. However, students must make a commitment to participate in the practices.

Future Teachers of America

Moderator: Laura Beasley

“My teaching is not my own, but is from the one who sent me.” John 7:16

The purpose of Father Ryan High School’s FTA Club is to encourage students to discern entering the field of education. The club attempts to instill in its members an appreciation and value for those who are dedicated to the teaching profession. Members are responsible for teacher appreciation week, representing the school at the annual Tennessee FTA conference, and supporting Catholic schools week. With the Irish Service Corps, members of FTA will help with the Smithson Criaghead afterschool program. The Future Teachers of America meet regularly.

Junior Classical League (Latin Club)

Moderator: Bobby Huddleston

Junior Classical League’s purpose is to encourage an interests and an appreciation of the language, literature, and culture of ancient Rome. Its other purpose is to impart an appreciation for the contribution classical antiquity has made on contemporary society and culture. The JCL meets regularly and participates in the Latin Trivia Quiz Bowl. With the Spanish Club and Cercle Francophone, the JCL co-sponsors the annual Father Ryan International Dinner. Participation in the JCL is limited to students who have completed two years of Latin or are enrolled in Latin.

National Honor Society

Moderator: Carol Brewer

Student Leader: C James, president

The National Honors Society serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. The four criteria for membership are evaluated by a faculty committee with consideration beginning their freshman year. The minimum academic guidelines for consideration are as follows:

1. A student must be a junior or senior in good standing at Father Ryan High School.
2. A student must have a minimum semester weighted cumulative grade point average of 3.92.
3. A student must demonstrate active involvement in at least two service projects/activities.
4. A student must demonstrate leadership in a school, church, or community activity.
5. A student must actively participate in at least two school organizations.
6. A student must have a favorable character.
7. A student must be enrolled at Father Ryan High School for at least one semester.

With these guidelines, a student must earn ten (10) service points a year, maintain a 3.92 weighted cumulative GPA per semester, and adhere to the personal integtrity code published in the student handbook. Members are responsible for annual $3.00 in dues.

Science Olympiad

Moderator: Steve Harden

The Science Olympiad’s goal is to promote the sciences among the students at Father Ryan High School. Through a national competition the Science Olympiad places an emphasis on problem solving through experiential learning practices. The aim is to not only make science fun, but to prepare students for collegiate level science or a career in the engineering or science field. Students can compete in five categories: social science, earth and space, physics and chemistry, technology, and nature. The team participates in regional events from November to February. The club is opened to all students at Father Ryan. However, only three students from the school can compete in each category.

The Science Academy

Moderator: Phyllis Adgent

The Science Academy is designed to provide enrichment experiences for advanced students of sciences. Rather, Science Academy is designed to promote science through active research, school, and community service. The Science Academy is responsible for the defribulators on campus of Father Ryan. They also participate in community service in conjunction with The Monroe Carol Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Science Academy meets monthly and membership is open to students in the advanced, honors, or Advanced Placement track at Father Ryan High School. However, no student exhibiting a strong desire to learn about the sciences will be denied membership.

Publications

Gadfly

Moderator: Cheryl Edelen

The Gadfly is the annual creative arts magazine of Father Ryan High School. The publication features literary works, drawings, cartoons, photographs, and humor. Although the Gadfly is presented by the Creative Writing Club, all students are welcome to contribute to the publication.

Irish Pride (Yearbook)

Moderator: Kate Nienaber

Irish Pride is the annual yearbook for Father Ryan High School. The all-color publication is the cumulative work of students enrolled in the English Journalism-Yearbook class. The yearbook chronicles the academic year on a week to week basis including photos and narratives of students, faculty, and staff at Father Ryan High School. The 2006 Irish Pride was awarded the Outstanding Concept and Design by yearbook publisher Jostens. It was one of only 475 yearbooks selected from thousands submitted to a panel of judges that included nationally recognized scholastic journalism professional. The class is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who wish to contribute to Irish Pride. Students must have a knowledge and understanding of computer basics.

The Moina

Moderator: Matt Puryear

The oldest of Father Ryan High School’s clubs and activities, the Moina receives its name from the Gaelic word, Moira, which means devotee to Mary. The Moina is a monthly newspaper produced by the students enrolled in Print Journalism. However, any student can contribute to the publication as a guest columnists or writers. Sections of the Moina include FRHS news, sports, editorials, and a satirical “backpage.” Former administrative assistant to Robert Kennedy and founding editorial director of the USA Today, John Seigenthaler Sr. is a former beat writer and editor for the Moina.

Recreational Clubs

Chess Club

Moderator: Joe Jones

The Chess Club promotes the game of chess through intra-school competition. The club hosts at least one tournament a month and all students are welcome to participate. The club also encourages students to enter high school competitions in the middle Tennessee area.

Climbing Club

Moderator:

“Your love O Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” Psalm 36: 4-6

New this year, the climbing club is offered through a high school climbing league sponsored by Climb Nashville. The league was developed to offer teenagers the opportunity to participate in the sport of rock climbing. The club practices once a week as a team at the Climb Nashville facility. The high school league offers three competitions during the winter. There is a registration fee associated with the climbing club. However, the fee will cover a five month membership to Climb Nashville, membership in the high school league, and the fee for rental equipment is waived. All students are welcome to join the climbing club.

Photography Club

Moderator: Jackie Rule

The Photography Club offers students the opportunity to further develop their knowledge and technique in the art of photography. Father Ryan has a full functioning photography studio and dark room for students to process their film. Participants in the photography club are encouraged to submit their work to the Gadfly and other publications. Photographs submitted through the photography club are eligible for the Purchase Award. The Purchase Award is one of the highest art honors a student can receive while attending the school. All previous Purchase Award winners have their work on permanent display in the library. Complementing the Photography Club, students can enroll in photography class for academic credit at Father Ryan High School.

Skateboarding Club

Moderator: Jason Erwin

Performance Arts

Competition Dance Team

Moderator: Casey Cossitt-Jones

“Go forth dancing with the merry-makers.” Jeremiah 31:4

Competition dance team exists to provide an opportunity for girls to participate in organized dance through the school. The dance team performs at pep rallies, basketball games, competitions, and school sponsored art performances. Tryouts for the dance team are open to young women in grades 9-12. Practices are held on multiple days of the week depending upon their performance schedule.

Father Ryan Singers

Moderator: Becky Young

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; worship the Lord with cries of gladness ; come before Him with joyful song.” Psalm 100:2-3

The Father Ryan Singers comprise the choral program at Father Ryan High School. The Father Ryan singers must enroll in choral class outlined in the school catalogue. The FR Singers perform at a variety of functions including the liturgical celebrations, Baccalaureate, school sponsored Christmas and spring concerts, and a spring trip. In the 2006-2007 academic year the Father Ryan Singers performed at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall.

Music Ministry

Moderator: Greg Walton

“At the time the offering began, they also began the song of the Lord, to the accompaniment of trumpets and instruments.” 2 Chronicles 29:27

The Music Ministry at Father Ryan High School enhances the liturgical worship by providing music at the all school masses. Under the direction of OCP music writer, Greg Walton, the music ministry offers contemporary music appropriate for mass. The music ministry is open to guitar players, singers, and drummers. The music ministry meets prior to all liturgical celebrations for practice.

Purple Masque Players

Moderator: Kelli McClendon

“Lord open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.” Psalm 17

As part of the International Thespian Society, the Purple Masque Players are committed to attain excellence in the theatre arts and to challenge students to use their God given talents to grow artistically and spiritually. The Purple Masque Players have two on campus performances a year: a fall play and a spring musical. In the academic school year of 2006-2007, the players performed Cheaper by the Dozen and the musical The Boyfriend. Students are invited to participate in all aspects of the productions: acting, lights, sound, and set and design. Casting calls are open to all students at Father Ryan High School. Students may participate in the Purple Masque Players as a co-curricular activity by attending workshops lead by Nashville’s finest theatre professionals or as an elective class for academic credit.

Showtime

Moderator: Joe Jones

Sponsored by Father Ryan High School’s student council, Showtime is the school’s annual talent show competition. To perform in the show, students must audition for the moderator. Prize money is awarded to the top three acts.

Father Ryan high school offers a variety of opportunities for students to participate in musical arts. Under the direction of Mr. Jeff Schletzer, FRHS offers an incredible array of programs in the music department. Not only are they varied, but they are extremely hardworking and talented. The drumline recently placed 3^rd in the world competitions in the spring of 2006 and will travel to Europe to showcase their talent. The marching band will compete in the national competition this fall. Along with drumline and marching band Father Ryan also offers color guard, concert band, jazz band, and honors wind ensemble. However, these activities are available for the students that register for the band class. For more information about these classes and the opportunities that accompany them, please see the Father Ryan High School class catalogue.

Student Government

Mock Trial

Moderator: Richard Chambers

Under the direction of Richard Chambers, Eileen Burkhalter, J.D., and Michael Markham, J.D the Mock Trial team strives to interest students in the legal process and a career in law. Both Mr. Markham and Ms. Burkhalter are almni of Father Ryan’s class of 1994. The mock trial competitions mimic actual court cases. Teams are given a case and scoring is compiled depending on how well the school defends or prosecutes. Sponsored by the local BAR association, the competitions take place in an actual courtroom. Father Ryan High School’s Mock Trial team competes in the Middle Tennessee region. In 1991, the Mock Trial team won the state competition and finished seventh nationally. All students are eligible for membership on The Mock Trial team.

Model United Nations

Moderator: Cynthia Williams and Chris Layton

“A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” Proverbs 29:5

The purpose of the Model United Nations team is to help students gain a greater appreciation and understanding of international functions. Students form delegations from Father Ryan High School. Once a delegation is formed, the group is assigned a country. The country then has to write a proposal for the high school United Nations assembly. The proposals are rejected or accepted based on the proposal, presentation, and the debate. Model United Nations allows students to examine current issues and apply them to their reality. All students are welcome to participate in the Model United Nations program.

Youth Legislator

Moderators: C.A. Williams and Chris Layton

“A righteous man knows the right of the poor, a wicked man doesn’t understand such knowledge.” Proverbs 29:7

Youth Legislator program at Father Ryan High School exists to develop students’ world view and enhance their political awareness and skills. For 72 hours in the spring, the high school youth legislator program operates in the Tennessee state capital and legislative buildings. Students gain an awareness of the process of laws on the city, state, national, and international level. Prior to the youth legislation weekend, students create bills they would like to see the state examine or pass into law. During the weekend, students have to argue their bill in the House or Senate subcommittee. The bill then goes to the House or Senate floor where it is debated then passed or defeated. Upon passing the bill goes to the opposite house of congress where it is passed or defeated. If passed the bill then goes to the governor, who signs the bill into law. Students fill the positions of the House of Representatives, the Senate, governor, and the various sub-committees. Youth Legislator is open to all students.