Inaugural Class of 1925
Introducing the inaugural members of the Class of 1925: five individuals who, even though they never attended Father Ryan as students, have still had a lasting impact on our community. While they were not here when our mission was formalized — to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential — their vision, their lives, and their commitment to our students gave life and breath to the mission that guides us today. We are proud to present these five individuals with Father Ryan High School Honorary diplomas. Their class composite photo will be added to the hallway wall in the Cloister Building.
Logo Separator
THE RIGHT REVEREND THOMAS SEBASTIAN BYRNE, D.D., FIFTH BISHOP OF NASHVILLE (1894-1923)
The closing of Holy Rosary School for Boys on Capitol Hill left a significant gap in Catholic education, a gap that drove Bishop Byrne throughout his tenure as Bishop of Nashville. His tireless determination to open an all-boys Catholic school became a real possibility by 1923. He bought property, sought faculty, and discussed construction plans, but died suddenly before the work was approved. However, our presence today to celebrate our 100-year legacy honors his dream of a Catholic education for our children.
At our 2026 Commencement Ceremony, his diploma was accepted by Eileen Beehan, whose father, Thomas “Tricky” Beehan of the Class of 1929, enrolled as a Freshman at our school in its inaugural school year, 1925, and who led the Irish to their first State Championship, in basketball, in 1927. He is a member of the inaugural class of the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame.
THE MOST REVEREND ALPHONSE JOHN SMITH, D.D., SIXTH BISHOP OF NASHVILLE (1923-1935)
From the first day of our school on September 14, 1925, until his own passing in 1935, Bishop Smith was a visible and vocal advocate for the school, its students, and the broader Catholic community. He made Bishop Byrne’s dream of Nashville Catholic High School for Boys a reality, oversaw its move to Elliston Place as Father Ryan High School in 1929, and endeared himself to those students with his presence and support. Reflective of his longstanding influence on education, Father Ryan awards two honors in his name each year—the Bishop Alphonse Smith Teacher of the Year Award and the Bishop Alphonse Smith Award of Excellence, presented each year to the most outstanding male and female student at Father Ryan. Father Ryan would not have been established without Bishop Smith’s guidance.
At our 2026 Commencement Ceremony, his diploma was accepted by our Director of Athletics Ann Mullins of the Class of 2003, whose great-grandfather, Charles Johnson, was a member of the first graduating class of our school in 1927.
LEO J. LONG, TEACHER AND COACH (1926-1932; 1938-1956)
Arriving in Nashville in 1926 to coach, Leo Long established the Irish as a dominant force in athletics in the very first year, winning the State title in basketball. His reputation spread quickly, not just in Nashville but across the region. Praised for his innovative coaching and the talent and sportsmanship of his teams, he claimed three State Titles over his almost 30-year career, and his basketball teams were invited to play in the prestigious National Catholic High School Basketball tournament played in Chicago, finishing third twice. As a coach of young men for more than 25 years, as an innovator in sports, and as a leader in the community, Leo Long contributed in lasting ways to Father Ryan’s mission.
At our 2026 Commencement Ceremony, his diploma was accepted by Coach Long’s grandson, Leo Long, Jr., of the Class of 1981, and Coach Long’s great-grandson, Vincent Leo Long III, a graduate of the Class of 2026.
THE MOST REVEREND FRANCIS RAYMOND SHEA, D.D., PRINCIPAL (1945-1957), BISHOP OF EVANSVILLE (1970-1989)
Bishop Shea stood tall, and not just because of his 6-foot-6 stature. He provided moral leadership for the school, never more importantly than at registration in 1954, the year Father Ryan became the first school in the South to integrate. His 15 words that day—“we don’t have white students, we don’t have black students, we have Father Ryan students”—continue to inspire us. From 1945–1957, he led a school that was committed to the principles of Catholic teaching and Catholic social justice, and in doing so, his students continued to demonstrate success in the classroom, achievement in athletics, a dedication to service, and their commitment to the Catholic faith.
At our 2026 Commencement Ceremony, his diploma was accepted by Board Member Deacon Bill Hill of the Class of 1967 and the founder of the Saint Katharine Drexel Scholarship at Father Ryan, which benefits Black students in need who wish to attend Father Ryan High School, whether Catholic or not.
ALICE BYRNE GENTRY, REGISTRAR (1946-1981)
Over a career that spanned 35 years and six principals, Mrs. Alice Gentry managed Father Ryan. She was the Registrar, the office manager, the school nurse, the creator of the academic schedule—by hand and on paper—and most importantly, a trusted counselor and supporter of students and faculty members. She was known to provide transportation for the young men and many times would not accept a paycheck for her work. Very simply, she loved this school and this community and made its students better by her commitment and her guidance.
At our 2026 Commencement Ceremony, her diploma was accepted by a member of the Board of Trustees and the inaugural class of the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame, a former Father Ryan Teacher and State Champion Coach Jinx Cockerham, who was a colleague and friend of Mrs. Gentry.