Blog: Where Passions Meet Purpose: The Power of Activities at Father Ryan High School

For parents and students, high school often feels like a race against the clock. Between classes, homework, and college preparation, it can seem like every minute should be focused on academics.

But some of the most important learning happens beyond the classroom.

High school is a critical time for students to discover their passions, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills that will shape their future. That’s why extracurricular programs are not simply “extras.” Athletics, performing arts, clubs, and service organizations are an essential extension of a student’s education.

Research consistently shows that students who participate in activities tend to perform better academically while also developing leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline. These experiences help build the confidence and resilience students need to succeed in both school and in life.

The National Federation of State High School Associations also highlights the powerful role activities play in students’ physical and emotional well-being. Participation encourages healthy lifestyles, improves self-image, and creates a strong sense of belonging within the school community, something every parent wants for their child.

At Father Ryan High School, getting involved is about building character, discovering purpose, and living one’s faith while preparing for the future. As Nashville’s largest high school, we offer plenty of opportunities to get involved:

• 40-plus student clubs
• 38 sports teams
• Nationally ranked bands and dance teams, four choir groups, and two annual stage productions

The results of such a breadth of opportunities? Among our current students, 72% participate in athletics, and 88% are in one or more clubs. Every Father Ryan student participates in service activities, with numerous ways to go deeper in service and faith. 

We spoke with four Father Ryan students about their involvement in extracurricular activities and how those experiences are shaping their high school journey and inspiring what comes next.

Manny Carreno '28

Transfer student from Intrepid Independence Academy | Varsity Soccer | Altar Server | Brotherhood (Men's Faith Group) | Spanish Club | Immaculata House

I transferred to Father Ryan because I wanted to get closer to God by being able to learn about him in Theology class. Father Ryan is making me a better student inside and outside the classroom. I find myself growing in my faith and wanting to explore it even more. 

I love serving my church community at Our Lady of Guadalupe because I want to set an example for the youth there. On Friday nights, I lead youth activities at my church. I feel like I have become more responsible outside of school. I have also been able to serve others through the variety of service opportunities at Father Ryan, making it easy to do so.

Favorite class: Algebra with Coach Dean because he makes it so easy to learn. Father Ryan’s four levels of learning have also helped me because I feel like I get the right amount of challenge. 

Favorite Father Ryan tradition: Getting to wear our House Shirts on Fridays is an amazing thing because we get to show which House we belong to. [Every Father Ryan student is placed into one of six Houses; each House has seven Mentor Groups of 20-25 students from all classes and 2-3 faculty advisors.]

Read the Tennessee Register article about Father Ryan’s participation, beginning this school year, with the national Catholic ministry program, St. Joseph of Arimathea Society Pallbearer Ministry. Manny is an active participant in the student group that assists at funerals for those without families. 

 

De'Antowan Malone '26

Football, four years; Fall 2025 Captain | Wrestling, 2nd State Runner-up, 2026 TSSAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament | Elliston House | Attending Lindsey Wilson University to play football and pursue a career in healthcare as a physical therapist or doctor

Being a football captain has meant a lot to me. Being a captain is leading by example and taking accountability for mistakes. Father Ryan prepared me to lead by showing me how to focus on the small wins. Wrestling has helped me grow physically and mentally.

As a non-Catholic student, Father Ryan's approach to faith taught my community and me that God loves us no matter what we do. The school also helped me realize that only God can judge us for who we are. Father Ryan has helped me a lot personally by teaching me to be more focused and patient with my goals.

Favorite class: Senior year English with Mr. Dickerson. Father Ryan has helped me academically with great teachers who want you to succeed.

Favorite Father Ryan tradition: The Jungle (student section at football games). The feeling is truly unreal at our games. No other place can compare with the Irish spirit on Norwood. The Jungle travels with us everywhere we go. 

 

Gigi Garrigan '26

Dance Team Captain | Purple Masque Players | Student Ambassador | Elliston House | Attending the University of Tennessee Architecture School

I have participated in dance at Father Ryan all four years, but I joined DanceTeam as a sophomore. Nationals is always the time when every team member is giving it their all, and this year was no different. Especially since I am a senior, seeing younger teammates step up to the challenge and help lead the team allowed me to fully enjoy the weekend [at Nationals] knowing that the team was in great hands. 

Dance has taught me how to trust others in ways real life cannot. With any sports team, trust is a huge factor in success. As a leader and captain, I trust the younger ones will have my back on and off the floor, and that they know they can come to me for advice. 

The biggest thing I have learned from Dance is that “the show must go on.” Improvisation is a vital skill most learn in adulthood, and I’ve learned adaptability early on. Father Ryan has shaped me to be more adaptable in all aspects of my life. My relationship with God has become a more active part in my life rather than just a side thought. I am more sociable and accepting towards a larger variety of people because I have truly learned to embrace empathy from the many caring teachers on campus. 

I also enjoy painting. I've always been artsy, so anytime I’m not busy at dance practice, I might be working on a painting.

Favorite class: Theology classes. They make you think deeper, not just about the world but about yourself in ways other schools cannot. Father Ryan's academic rigor has prepared me. Architecture is known to be a hard, grueling major; I am now equipped with the skills necessary to push through and persevere.

Favorite Father Ryan tradition: The House System. It's a newer tradition, and I love Mentor Group, and I have made so many connections through it.

 

Emma Causey '28

Only Girl on Varsity Hockey Team | Student Ambasssador | Chaplain for Norwood House | Creative Writing Club | Multi-Cultural Student Union

I have been playing ice hockey since I was five. I now play on the Nashville Jr. Predators Girls 19U travel team. My older brother played with Father Ryan. I felt like I could join him, not as a sister, but as a teammate.

As the only female player on varsity, I am supported by my teammates, coaches, and school because they treat me like any other player. Instead of excluding me because of my gender, they support me as a teammate, which helps me to feel like I have earned my spot on the ice.

As a Student Ambassador and a tour guide, the most important thing I tell prospective students is that it is not just four years of school; this is four years of meeting your best friends for life, being part of a legacy like no other, feeling known and loved, and being able to make some of the best memories of your life. Father Ryan is a place where students can truly be themselves. You can thrive in your personal interests and explore new ones every day. 

Father Ryan is shaping me academically, spiritually, and personally by teaching me what it means to make an impact on others. Father Ryan’s promise that You Will Be Known. You Will Be Loved.™ is not only ingrained in my head but lived out in every student, faculty member, and alumnus. Every day, I make it my mission to help others feel known and loved because Father Ryan pushes us to be better. Whether in class, at House Mentor Group, or even Mr. Lester giving students a fist bump during the day, these interactions can really change someone’s perspective. 

Our House System makes a larger school feel smaller. I came to Father Ryan knowing only three people. The House System helped me branch out and build the great friendships I have today.

The four levels of learning allow us to succeed and challenge ourselves to achieve more. With the support of teachers and the curriculum, I have found my place and can thrive in any classroom. 

Through morning Masses, daily prayer, and monthly All-school Masses, I have developed a closer relationship with the Lord. I am Chaplain of my House and am very involved in faith programs at Father Ryan, for which I also credit the wonderful Theology department and Campus Ministry team. 

Favorite class: Math classes because you can really collaborate with your peers. I took Algebra 1 as a freshman with Mrs. Gamboa, an amazing teacher who let us work together to reach common goals and solve problems, and she always made sure it was fun.

Favorite Father Ryan Tradition: The school newspaper, The Moina. Every few weeks, our school publishes a themed newspaper about student life. On Moina day, every student gets a paper to read the latest news. The Moina is a great way to spread school spirit.