Hayes Scholars Program
Developing Top-Performing Students in All Areas of Academic Excellence
About Hayes Scholars Program
Father Ryan High School offers dynamic and rigorous experiences to challenge and develop top performing students in all areas of academic excellence. The Hayes Scholars Program seeks to honor the legacy of Father Ryan's late Academic Dean, Sara Hayes, by promoting personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, an unyielding pursuit of excellence, and a kind and generous spirit.
Students who score in the top 20% composite local percentile on the High School Placement Test administered by Father Ryan High School are invited to apply to the program. This program was first available to the Class of 2026, Father Ryan's 100th graduating class.
Questions during the Application Process? Please contact Erin (Baltz) Riggs '00 at riggse@fatherryan.org.
Questions after Enrollment? Please contact Amy Grubbs at grubbsa@fatherryan.org.
Program Information
Honoring the Legacy of Academic Dean Sara Hayes
Over a 30-year educational career, Ms. Hayes taught at many Catholic schools. Most recently she was the Academic Dean and Assistant Principal at Father Ryan, becoming Academic Dean in 2005 and adding the Assistant Principal responsibilities in 2012. As a result of extended illness, she stepped down from both positions in 2017.
Ms. Hayes began her education career in elementary school classrooms and subsequently taught every age of student, from kindergarteners through sophomores in college. For more than 18 years she called Father Ryan her beloved home. She began teaching at the school in 1998, educating students in Theology, Latin, American Literature, and Spanish.
As Father Ryan’s Academic Dean, she led the school through the introduction of block scheduling and acquiring Dual Accreditation (the first school to accomplish this), oversaw the expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) courses from 15 to 25, and enhanced the accreditation of Father Ryan through the introduction of a Cum Laude Honor Society chapter. During this time the school saw more than 80 students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Ms. Hayes held a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame College of Ohio and a master's from Middle Tennessee State University. In addition to this, she earned more than 30 hours of master's level course work in curriculum design, instruction, and administration and supervision.
Ms. Hayes’ lifelong commitment to Catholic education made a difference in the lives of countless students and faculty. The programs she introduced have grown roots and are integral pieces of academics at Father Ryan High School. Her legacy lives on through the academic contributions she made, as well as her desire to know and love faculty, staff, and students.
Sara Hayes loved our students, our faculty, Catholic education, and Father Ryan. Hayes Scholars will continue her legacy to seek truth through the formation of the total person in their faith, knowledge, and service.
Jim McIntyre, Former President