Scholarships

Hayes Scholars who attain the five highest local composite scores on the High School Placement Test will receive a Presidential Merit Scholarship. Recipients will be awarded $1,500 each year of enrollment to be used in an approved manner. Learn more about becoming a Hayes Scholar.

Established in memory of Alfred (Al) E. Abbey, Jr. ’72, a friendly, outgoing, and entrepreneurial young man. This $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a male junior for use during his senior year. Recipients reflect Al’s kind, intelligent, humorous, cheerful, and enterprising spirit, with academic performance and extracurricular engagement that demonstrate a well-
rounded and proactive approach.

Established in memory of Father James A. Black ’64, this award recognizes a freshman who best exemplifies Catholic scholarship and Christian leadership. Since 1985, freshman teachers have nominated and selected finalists, with the award presented to a student whose faith, academic excellence, and broad involvement reflect the highest ideals of the Father Ryan community. It is the highest honor given to a freshman.

Established by Marcy and Brian Callahan, parents of Brian ’14, this one-time $2,500 award is given to a student with financial need who demonstrates strong academic potential. It can be awarded to a freshman, sophomore, or junior.

Named after Msgr. Owen Campion ’58, who enrolled at Father Ryan in September of 1954 as part of the first integrated class and was an accomplished student journalist, this scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior, or senior who has participated in the Moina, the Gadfly, or the yearbook and expressed an interest in journalism. Eligibility is limited to students who are members of an ethnic minority and who demonstrate financial need.

Established in memory of the Most Rev. David R. Choby ’65, Bishop of Nashville, this $4,000 award is presented to a male student who exemplifies the traits of a priest and demonstrates discernment in his vocation. The Father Ryan High School President and Chaplain choose the recipient.

Named for Monsignor Patrick Connor, Salutatorian of the Class of 1953, long-
time priest in the Diocese of Nashville, and principal of Father Ryan High School from 1974-1978, this scholarship was created in 2011 by his family and friends on the 50th anniversary of Monsignor’s ordination. The award recipient is a sophomore with strong character who shows a love of and appreciation for Father Ryan. The award is $1,000 each year for the student’s junior and senior years.

Established in memory of Kevin Davis ’09, this scholarship is awarded to rising seniors who reflect Kevin’s joyful and well-rounded approach to school and life. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need and complete the FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment to be considered.

Established through the Father Abram J. Ryan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Scholarship, this one-time $2,000 award is presented to a freshman, sophomore, or junior with demonstrated financial need who would otherwise be unable to attend Father Ryan. Eligible students actively embody the school’s values of Faith, Knowledge, Service through their actions and contributions.

Created by the family of Charlie Green after Charlie passed in October of 1998 during his senior year, this scholarship recognizes students whose service to others is a defining part of their Father Ryan experience. Candidates are asked to write an essay describing their time at Father Ryan and how they have served the community.

Established by Tracey and Sean Henry, parents of Steven ’14, Matt ’18, and Jessie ’25, this one-time $3,000 award is presented to one senior boy and one senior girl who are active in the Father Ryan community, engaged in campus ministry and service, and who demonstrate financial need for college attendance.

Named in memory of the parent of alumni Carol A. Kelso, this one-time $1,000 award is presented to a graduating senior planning to major in nursing or the medical field.

Awarded at Baccalaureate to a graduating senior who, despite significant challenges, has excelled through effort, academic engagement, involvement in school and community life, and a demonstrated desire for self-improvement.

Awarded to a rising sophomore, junior, or senior with demonstrated financial need and who meets, in order of priority, the following criteria: Catholic students graduating from a parochial school in Middle Tennessee with a family member who is a Father Ryan graduate, Catholic students graduating from a parochial school in Middle Tennessee, non-Catholic students
graduating from a parochial school in Middle Tennessee, and other qualifying
students.

Named in memory of Mary F. Leedham, mother of alum Gary P. Leedham ’68, this scholarship is awarded to students of strong merit who demonstrate financial need and high academic and scholastic achievement.

Established in memory of Jack Long ’69, this $1,500 award is presented to a Catholic junior who demonstrates a balanced approach to learning,
commitment to helping others, and genuine financial need.

Established by the Nashville Catholic Business Women’s League to recognize a young woman’s academic achievement, strong moral character, and service to her grade school and parish. This four-year scholarship is awarded once every four years. The next award cycle begins with the 2026-2027 school year.

Awarded to a graduating percussion senior in memory of Michael Mayer '96, a drummer in the Father Ryan band. After Michael’s untimely death from a car accident in 1994, his parents, Lynn and Happy Mayer, established a scholarship in his memory. The student is selected by the band directors based on personality traits that remind them of Mike and his love of
drumming.

Created by the Miller family and friends in memory of Will F. Miller ’61, this annual award is given to a rising senior who demonstrates exceptional talent and promise in the visual or performing arts.

Established in memory of United States Air Force Major Ryan Mudry ’05, 
valedictorian of his class, who was killed in a plane crash in 2021. Presented by Pella Windows, this one-time $2,500 award is given to a senior who demonstrates financial need, maintains a weighted GPA of 95% higher, shows a strong interest in STEM, and is active in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or part-time employment.

This scholarship is for $2,000/year for college tuition. In addition, Mepkin Abbey sponsors up to two current students to participate in school-sponsored mission trips each year.

Established by Sharon McRedmond Pigott in memory of her husband, Mike Pigott, a gifted journalist who was known for his sharp wit and warm humor. This scholarship is awarded to a rising senior who demonstrates excellent writing ability and a sense of humor. Recipients reflect Mike’s ability to laugh with others and at themselves. The Pigotts are the parents of alumnae Mary Byrne (Pigott) Daily ’01, Connolly (Pigott) Behr ’03, and Ellen (Pigott) Soufleris ’08.