AMBASSADOR Technology Curve - Chromebooks in the hands of every BK student for 2017-18 - Bishop Kelley
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BISHOP KELLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S PERIODICAL
AMBASSADOR Winter 2016-2017 • VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 1
Technology Curve
Chromebooks in PAGE
the hands of every 8
BK student for 2017-18
PAGE 20
PAGE 26
BishopKelley.org LIVE, JESUS, IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER!
President’s Letter
Rev. Brian O’Brien
Dear Bishop Kelley
Community,
Welcome to the Winter 2016-17 edition of the Ambassador magazine. Herein
you’ll find a snapshot of what’s going on at the best high school in Oklahoma.
I feel strongly in my heart in saying that because it is evident from the results
we’re producing.
Here are some of the highlights so far in 2016-17:
Our students continue to grow in faith
BK alumni are in the seminary and in religious communities
ACT scores are at an all-time high
BK has more National Merit Finalists than any private school in the state
BK has a 2016-17 State Champion Academic Bowl and Spirit Squad,
and District Champion football team
BK continues to excel with outstanding fine arts and drama, speech The Ambassador Magazine is published
and debate, yearbook, and athletic programs by the Bishop Kelley Advancement Office
Experienced and dedicated teachers help prepare our students Rev. Brian O’Brien
President
for higher education opportunities all over the country
Doug Thomas
These things do not happen by accident. They happen because of your prayers, Director of Advancement
through committed people working to fulfill the mission of the school, and Lauren Hillenberg
through many generous benefactors. Director of Communications
Katherine Devonshire
I am so proud to serve at Bishop Kelley and to work alongside dedicated Director of Alumni Relations
administrators, teachers, staff, and volunteers for the betterment of our students. Margaret Jones
What a joy it is to walk these halls! As you’ll see in this magazine, our alumni, Advancement Services Coordinator
students, chaplains, and teachers are active in the community and working to Robin Lewis
change the world for the better. Advancement Event Coordinator
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our efforts!
Special thanks to:
Brother Richard Merkel
In Christ, Russ Hembrey & BK Journalism students
We welcome your submissions and
suggestions. Please direct all updates
to lhillenberg@bishopkelley.org.
Rev. Brian O’Brien
President Bishop Kelley High School
3905 S. Hudson Ave., Tulsa, OK 74135
CONTENTS
2 Fantasy Congress 101
4 Volunteers & Alumnae
Support Fine Arts
POINTS OF PRIDE
FAITH 7 Students Investing in BK
Bishop Kelley students volunteered over 39,000 hours of Christian service last year.
Every class and event begins in prayer. Each day ends in prayer. Each school year,
8 Technology Curve:
students attend Mass more than 15 times. Chromebooks
More than half of students participate in religious retreats such as SEARCH, KAIROS, and class retreats.
Bishop Kelley students volunteer on mission trips within Oklahoma and out-of-state. 10 New Media Lab Tools
ACADEMICS 11 Service Dogs Trained
Bishop Kelley has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Average class size is 14.
BK offers 21 Honors and 17 Advanced Placement classes.
by BK Students
The iConnect program helps students with test-taking skills, study hours, and learning strategies. 12 Baseball Diamond
100% of the Class of 2016 took the ACT and the average score for 189 students was 24.9,
the highest in BK’s history. Dedication
BK’s Academic Bowl Team is five-time State Champions and finished third in Nationals in 2015.
National Merit recognized 10 semifinalists, and nine finalists in the Class of 2017.
14 State Champions
10 National Merit commended, and three National Hispanic Scholars. Bishop Kelley has
had 49 National Merit Finalists in the past five years.
15 Science Teacher Explores
Students receive more than $750,000 in annual tuition assistance, thanks to generous donors. Energy Resources
About one-fifth of students receive tuition assistance.
Summer credit classes are increasingly popular. Options are: Oklahoma History, Social Justice 16 Chaplains on Campus
in Action, Basic Design, Ecology, Speech I, Personal Financial Literacy, Catholicism and World
Religions, Computer Science, Painting I, and Life-time Fitness. 18 BIK & Staff Milestones
Bishop Kelley grads attend Air Force Academy, Boston College, Colorado School of Mines,
Dartmouth, DePaul, University of Dallas, Fordham, Notre Dame, Purdue, Rice, Stanford, USC, 19 Live Animals Up Close
St. Louis University, Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame, Seton Hall, Texas Christian, West Point, Vanderbilt,
and area schools such as TU, OSU, OU, and TCC, as well as many others.
20 In the News
CO-CURRICULARS
Bishop Kelley offers 13 OSSAA sports at the 5A level. 22 Endowments Assist
Over 10% of students participated in the all-school Fall 2016 musical, Fiddler on the Roof Students & Facilities
and more than 12% in Beauty and the Beast, the spring musical.
Bishop Kelley’s “Crest” yearbook received top state honors in 2016 by winning the 24 GO for Catholic Schools
Sweepstakes Award at the University of Oklahoma. BK yearbook staff won for best theme,
best ads and best headline writing.
26 Alumni News
Jazz and Concert Choirs performed at school events and the St. John’s Hospital administration
Christmas dinner and Southern Hills Country Club Christmas Dinner. They will perform at
Southern Nazarene University Jazz Fest in spring 2017.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 1
FANTASY CONGRESS 101
BK Government students pick their legislators
and learn about politics with Fantasy Congress
Matthew Sanderlin and Mackenzie Lewis, seniors, enjoyed learning about Ethan Miles and Matthew Edgeller, seniors, conducted a “fantasy draft”
the U.S. Congress in Christine Tyler’s Political Parties class. of U.S. legislators and tracked their progress.
I
t was a wild and divisive political year party ranks (10 points). Scandalous activ- Senior Jacob Regan said he developed
in 2016, but that helped BK students ity by a legislator resulted in losing points. a computer program to more easily track
learn more about who represents Mrs. Tyler said her main goal in govern- his team’s results. The program checked
them in the United States Congress. ment classes, including AP Government, is whether or not a Congress member voted
AP Government teacher Christine Tyler to get her students interested and engaged with, or against his/her party, for example.
introduced Fantasy Congress last year, an in the political process. “If they come to me “My favorite part of Fantasy Congress
online fantasy simulation game where play- and say they cannot wait to vote when they was incorporating my interest in Computer
ers (citizens) draft members of the United turn 18, then I am happy. I have done my job Science into this project,” Regan said. “I set
States House and Senate, and keep track of as a teacher,” she said. it up as a program to automatically collect
their participation. the data, so to my knowledge, the program
Tyler’s “Political Parties” class is offered How to play Fantasy Congress is still running today.”
to students only during election years. She’s Teams of four players each keep track Point totals for Election 2016 boiled
had over 140 students take the class since of their Congressional members’ points down to summaries of TV ads, soundbites
2015. weekly. of speeches or town hall meetings, Election
“I absolutely loved the Fantasy Congress “Choose your teammates wisely,” advises Day resulted in 30 points for a congress
experience,” said senior Matt Sanderlin. Tyler, who reminds students that there are member’s re-election and 50 points if he/
“Mrs. Tyler did a great job of implementing 535 members of Congress, “so no need to she was elected with more than 60 percent
a point system that paralleled the United fight over them!” of the vote.
States government to my fantasy football Selection criteria are based on senators “I learned so much about our govern-
team.” with seniority, rookies, etc. Each team picks ment and the country that we live in,”
The fall 2016 draft allowed students to nine legislators and can use gender, politi- said senior Madi Brook. “Through Fantasy
research “players” by looking up available cal party, issues, age, states, etc. There are Congress, I had the opportunity to learn
information on U.S. Congress members no trades and no subbing a top legislator about the government in a more detailed
and ranking them according to preference. for a rookie. manner than I would have been able to
Students researched Congress members at “Our team’s draft strategy was to take otherwise.”
congress.org; Thomas.loc.gov; Govtrack.us; the senators and representatives who pro- Madi said she learned more about the
Opencongress.org; House.gov; and Senate. posed the most legislation and worked on inner workings of the U.S. political process
gov. bipartisan agreements to gain extra points,” up close.
Teams gained points based on how Sanderlin said. “As a first time voter,” she said. “I now
many bills got sponsored, passed or were Each team’s goal was to have the most have a better understanding of how our
made law (80 points if signed by the points on the final date of the competition, Congress works because I was able to take
President) or how many times they break which was December 19, 2016. part in Fantasy Congress.”
2 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADOR
BK student gets inside
political perspective
from Speaker of the
U.S. House Internship
Bishop Kelley Senior Elizabeth Whelan, a National Merit
Finalist, spent last summer interning in Washington, D.C.,
with Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin), Speaker of the
U.S. House of Representatives.
W
hile most teens spend their sum-
mer traveling and spending time
FANTASY with friends, Bishop Kelley Senior
Elizabeth Whelan did something different. She
CONGRESS RULES
spent two weeks interning with Paul Ryan,
the United States Speaker of The House of
Representatives, in Washington, D.C.
LEGISLATION All sponsored pieces of legislation (including amendments) Whelan wrote short biographies about the
receive a higher score as they move further through the legislative process. donors who contributed to Ryan’s team. These
Congress member introduces a bill — 10 points biographies gave Ryan good information about
Bill is passed by one chamber of Congress — 25 points his campaign donors.
Bill travels to the other house and is referred to committee — 30 points When she wasn’t writing, Whelan sorted and
Bill is debated on floor of House OR Senate — 40 points read mail where she learned more about the
Bill is passed in 2nd chamber of Congress — 50 points problems people have with the government,
Bill goes to Conference committee — 60 points especially how veterans are treated.
Bill passed both House and Senate — 70 points “I was with Speaker Ryan’s financial team
Bill signed by President — 80 points and worked a 9-to-5 job in a cubicle with two
other interns,” said Whelan, who also summa-
CO-SPONSORSHIP All co-sponsored pieces of legislation (including amend- rized returned donor mail that usually consisted
ments) receive a higher score as they move through the legislative process. You of complaints toward the Speaker and the
will receive ½ of the total points earned if the co-sponsorship is known on the Republican Party.
date of the bill’s introduction. Any co-sponsor added after that date will receive 5 “I saw everything from vulgar words and
points and no additional points as the legislation moves through the process. drawings to five-paged, formatted papers. This
job of organizing the mail gave me perspective
VOTING METRICS Team receives 5 points for each vote taken by each of your
on what different constituents want from their
members. Team loses 3 points per vote not taken by each of your players.
government.”
MAVERICK Team receives 10 points for each vote that breaks from party ranks.
Whelan is a National Merit Finalist at BK.
She also took some time this summer to tour
SCANDALS Team loses 40 points for each member that becomes involved in a east coast colleges including Princeton, Yale,
scandal. Mrs. Tyler reserves the right to define what is and what is not a scandal. Columbia, Georgetown, and Villanova.
Whelan’s favorite part of her summer was
TV APPEARANCES Team receives 2 points for each appearance that your being able to experience the 2016 presidential
Congressman makes on a national news broadcast. No points will be given for election first hand. “I had an exciting and edu-
radio or newspaper. cational experience that taught me about the
inner workings of political parties,” she said.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 3
Pam St. Clair volunteers for musical choreography. RIGHT: Kelsey Griffin (left) and Miriam Hanisch are among the students who have learned from Pam’s expertise in dance.
Volunteer brings professionalism
and talent to musicals, dance
S
urgery on both knees last year Working with Mrs. Junger and Drama public recognition of BK drama students,
may have slowed her down, but Teacher Dana Hoagland “has been a wonder- who only keep improving.
Pam St. Clair is back doing what ful experience and they deserve the credit Competition makes people better. “Years
she loves — teaching students for the increasing interest and quality of the ago we used to take anybody in the play,”
how to dance for the upcoming 2017 spring musicals each year,” Pam said. ”What they do Pam said. “But over the years, I’ve seen kids
musical at Bishop Kelley. is amazing and the time they put in is about come back and try out again. They are a lit-
Pam (mother of Spanish teacher Maggie the same as being an athletic coach. I am tle bit more confident and they make it.” Not
Gabel) teaches ballet and dance to elemen- amazed at what they do.” many boys participated years ago, “but now
tary school students during the day. When we have a huge crop of boys who are willing
asked eight years ago to coach and teach “Pam works extremely to get up there to dance. A couple of boys
high school kids in a high school musical, well with the students have been dancing with me for three years
she jumped at the chance. and it’s fun to see their progression.”
“It’s an entirely different and rewarding
… [she] spends over “Today, it has become the norm for male
experience than working with second and 100 hours per show students to participate in musicals, whether
third graders,” said Pam, whose day job is rehearsing with on stage or behind the scenes.”
teaching in the Tulsa Public School Leaps Shows can include as many as 110 cast
Program. It’s a partner outreach program
the students.” and crew members.
with Tulsa Ballet and TPS to introduce kids “Pam works extremely well with the stu- “I think a lot of people don’t realize all the
in high-risk, low income schools to ballet. dents and is able to bring out the best in their opportunities out there, but students can
She’s able to volunteer at BK because it movement,” Mrs. Junger said. “She is abso- get involved in the theater as well as chorus,
doesn’t conflict with her work schedule. lutely brilliant in her choreography and our drama and choir,” Pam said. “Students who
Pam got started in 2008 when Megan shows would not be as outstanding as they participate in a play or musical will have so
Schaunaman Neely ‘01 choreographed are without her talents. She creates beauti- many great memories.”
Oklahoma and asked her to help with a ful dance and movements for each show and After left ACL surgery in March and right
dream scene. That was Choir Director Amy spends over 100 hours per show rehearsing knee surgery in October, she admitted being
Junger’s first year, too. Pam got her feet wet. with the students.” “stir crazy” for a while. Today, Pam and her
Since then, she’s choreographed high school Pam has seen a greater interest and a students are glad she’s back in good form,
musicals and become an integral part of the better production of BK musicals since she teaching, volunteering and being an invalu-
creative team. began volunteering. She’d like to see more able part of the BK fine arts program.
4 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADOR
works at the theater.
“We started directing for other compa-
nies at first, but we wanted to produce our
own shows,” Mindy said. “Running a theatre
company together has brought us so much
joy, and we love watching actors of all ages
learn and grow through the arts.”
BK science teacher Katie Thomas starred
as Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas, her
fourth show at Encore Theater. Her favorite
role was Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard
of Oz.
“What I enjoy most about performing
there is how much I grow in confidence
after each rehearsal and performance,” Mrs.
Thomas said. “I took a huge leap of faith two
and a half years ago when I first auditioned. I
had never stepped foot on a stage and didn’t
even know what callbacks were. I’m so glad
I took that leap because I discovered a love
Mindy (Robertson) Barker ‘06 (shown left) with Erin Kane
for theater that I never world have found if I
didn’t get out of my comfort zone. It’s made
BK GRAD RUNS me a better teacher and coach,”
Encore Theater also offers learning oppor-
tunities to budding actors of all ages through
LOCAL THEATER AND acting classes and scholarships to underpriv-
ileged children who cannot afford the cost.
TEACHES ACTING Through the classes, young actors learn skills
that help them in performing.
SKILLS TO ALUMNI Encore Theater offers professional classes,
“so our students not only learn the joy of the-
atre, but they learn valuable skills and proper
AND TEACHERS technique,” Mindy said. “This way, they’re
prepared to pursue theatre professionally, if
F
they so desire.”
or many students, their involve- Mindy attributes her inspiration and love
With every show at Encore, actors learn
ment with the theater happily of acting to BK Speech teacher Erin Clark,
new skills to help them to grow as perform-
extends beyond their final cur- who was BK theater director from 2004-08.
ers. By running a local theatre in Tulsa, Mindy
tain call at Bishop Kelley. Mrs. Clark asked Mindy to play the piano in
Barker and her family plan to inspire younger
Today, BK alumni and teachers can stay The Fantastics, the first musical in 13 years
generations to chase their dreams as per-
active in drama by practicing and performing at BK in 2004.
formers with every show that they host.
at a Tulsa theater run by Mindy (Robertson) “Mindy was in my speech class and she
Barker ‘06. said she could play the piano. She auditioned
Mindy and her husband, Joshua, run and played phenomenally,” Mrs. Clark said.
Encore Theater, which produces shows that “She kept saying ‘Yes’, when I asked her to
touch the hearts of the entire Tulsa com- try something and get involved… I think
munity. Mindy and Joshua grew up doing she kept finding her gifts and tried some-
theater, met at a community theatre, and thing even if it was difficult. She also doesn’t
were married there. The couple shares a pas- take ‘No’ for an answer which makes her so
sion for the arts. successful.”
Her enthusiasm for learning carried over Last winter, Mindy graciously offered BK
upon graduation when Mindy performed in students and teachers free tickets to A Charlie
many TV shows, including Jersey Boys, Pretty Brown Christmas production at her theater.
Little Liars, and Scandal. In less than a decade, She taps cast members from the BK family.
she’s already directed over 50 productions Mindy has donated summer acting les- Mindy (Robertson) Barker ‘06 and her husband
and acted in 60 plays. sons for the BK Auction. Junior Erin Kane also Joshua Barker operate Encore Theater, Tulsa.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 5
ACADEMIC/ATHLETIC
EXCELLENCE
Bishop Kelley High
School OSSAA
Academic Team
State Champions
BK has won 26
Academic State
Championships since joining the OSSA
2015-16 Wrestling, Girls Soccer
2014-15 Wrestling, Girls Soccer
2013-14 Girls Basketball
2012-13 Girls Basketball, Girls Golf, Girls Soccer
2011-12 Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Boys Track
The BK Mock Trial team won the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competition on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
2010-11 Wrestling
2008-09 Girls Basketball, Girls Track
2005-06 Volleyball
2004-05 Boys Cross Country
2002-03 Girls Basketball
2001-02 Boys Golf
1999-00 Boys Cross Country
1997-98 Boys Basketball, Girls Golf
1996-97 Girls Golf
1995-96 Girls Golf
1992-93 Volleyball, Boys Tennis
1990-91 Girls Basketball
Number of Academic State Titles
Won by Sport
Girls Basketball 1991, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014
BK won a state Yearbook competition for Best Design and Best Yearbook. Girls Golf 1996, 1997, 1998, 2013
Wrestling 2011, 2015, 2016
Girls Soccer 2013, 2015, 2016
Boys Cross Country 1999, 2004, 2005
Volleyball 1992, 2005, 2011
Boys Track 2012
Girls Track 2009
Boys Basketball 1998
Boys Tennis 1993
Boys Golf 1992
Number of Consecutive
Academic State Titles
Girls Basketball 3 2012, 2013, 2014
Girls Golf 3 1996, 1997, 1998
Wrestling 2 2015, 2016
Girls Soccer 2 2015, 2016
Boys Cross Country 2 2004, 2005
BK Boys Cross Country received the 2016 Distinguished Academic Achievement Award from the Oklahoma
State Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA). The top seven boys achieved above a 3.75 grade point Totals updated through the
average to be eligible for the award. Pictured (left to right) is junior Manny Montanez, senior Josh Ward, 2015-2016 school year
junior Bridger Rives, senior Ryan Evans and junior Nich Barone. Not pictured are junior Matthew Gibson and
sophomore Carson Been.
6 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADOR
BK Investment Club originator and organizer Alex
INVESTING IN
Webber came up with an idea for students to invest in
the market. BK Alum Tom Flanagan is helping a group of
15 students understand the ups and downs of investing
BK STUDENTS,
in publically traded companies. Pictured (left to right)
Turner Snapp, Alex Webber, Ethan Miles, Nich Barone,
Cole Swords and Jaxon Schultz.
LITERALLY
M
any alums invest in the the pros and cons of each. The top choice diversified portfolio whose proceeds are
future of Bishop Kelley stu- gets a portion of the investment funds. given back to SMU students as business
dents. Tom Flanagan (‘97) is This approach teaches club members scholarships.
investing, quite literally, in what to look for in potential investments, While Mr. Flanagan wants students to
the futures of BK students. growth opportunities and threats to their learn more about investing, he’s also hope-
The BK Investment Club started in the investment. Three branches gives the club ful that they’ll use that knowledge to help
fall of 2016 with a $5,000 grub stake from a bit of a diversified portfolio. them in the future.
Mr. Flanagan, a former financial advisor who
now works in commercial real estate.
BK senior Alex Webber came up with
the idea while visiting Southern Methodist “We’ll keep
University, which he plans to attend this fall.
“The college tour guide mentioned that
re-investing anything
his friend was involved in an investment club we make, and we’d
which was Boulevard Investment Group,”
Webber said. “I researched it and called the
eventually like to
guy, who was a student at SMU. He encour- build something on
aged me to get one going in high school. I campus,” Webber said.
came back and told Father O’Brien about it Alex Webber with BK Alum Tom Flanagan
and we had a meeting with Mr. Flanagan.”
Webber recruited several BK students
to get involved, and more signed up during In the beginning, the Club has set modest “I would love for people younger than age
club enrollment. goals, but they are looking at the long term. 40, like me, to be able to give back to Bishop
The BK Investment Club chooses to “We want to invest wisely and pass along Kelley,” Flanagan said. “The school really
invest in sectors of the economy such as the money to next year’s club.” Swords said. made a difference in my life and it would be
Technology, Healthcare and Energy. Club The club has philanthropic goals which great to have more recent alumni participat-
members join one of those three branches are long term. “We’ll keep re-investing any- ing. Fewer than 7% of BK alumni gave back
to research promising companies in which thing we make, and we’d eventually like to to the school last year. That number ought to
to invest. At meetings, they make presenta- build something on campus,” Webber said. be a lot higher. That is our goal and one that
tions about the various options and debate The SMU group, for example, is a student-run we can achieve.”
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 7
Chromebooks in
the hands of every
BK student for 2017-18
T
hanks to a recent major grant from the Mary K. Chapman Foundations, all 72
faculty members at BK have Chromebooks and they are learning how to use
them. The plan is to get students these computers so that digital learning can
happen seamlessly and with less reliance on paper and copying notes by hand.
The Mary K. Chapman Foundation grant Members of the BK faculty Erin Clark’s Speech and Debate
provided enough resources for the school have been training on how to students are collaborating and
to purchase two mobile labs, one with 40 best utilize Chromebooks for conducting research for class
Chromebooks and the other comprised of 30 instructional purposes. projects online.
Chromebooks. Students were able to begin “EdTechTeacher is providing three day- “The students are using the Google
utilizing the technology now rather than long sessions, face-to-face, with faculty platform extensions to work on shared
starting in August when the school, with the members,” said BK’s Acting Principal, Judith documents, making it easier for groups to
success of its annual auction event, plans to McMasters. “We had 25 members of the communicate and work on homework while
have in place a Chromebook for every stu- faculty who spent much of their Dr. Martin in different locations,” Clark said. “Before we
dent to use, take home, and keep as their Luther King, Jr. holiday on campus learning had Chromebooks we had folders and bind-
own when they graduate. more about how to engage students in new ers which may or may not stay organized and
Proceeds from the April 22, 2017 Auction ways of learning. In addition, they provide 12 make it out of the locker and be brought to
will be used to purchase an additional 850 individual modules that tutor faculty in spe- class. Now the digital platform is easily orga-
Chromebooks, so that when added to the cific Google tools. Our faculty has embraced nized and always makes it to class. “
70 Chromebooks already purchased for stu- the training and is very excited about this Speech and Debate instructor Linda
dents, every student will have a Chromebook new technology.” Shipley said before she started using her
at the start of the 2017-18 school year. Chromebook, she scheduled lab/library time
8 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADOR“I can now share notes
directly with students
and utilize more effective
teaching methods by
presenting the material
in a variety of ways.”
for the students to use the computers, which
meant extra time sharing those resources AUCTION GOAL TO
and traveling back and forth between the HELP PURCHASE 850
classroom and the Media Center. ADDITIONAL CHROMEBOOKS
“Having the Chromebooks in the class- FOR BK STUDENTS
room is like having a library in your lap,” she Kelleywood — Lights, Camera, Auction
said. “My students have used Google to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 22, 2017
research their speeches and debate topics,
and to outline/compose their speeches and he goal of this year’s event is to raise $300,000 to generate
debate cases.”
funds needed to purchase 850 additional Chromebooks,
Teachers are saying student feedback
so every BK student will have a device to use during the
has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers
day, take home evenings and weekends, and keep when they
can provide feedback to students through
Google Classroom and students can reply graduate.
and ask for additional guidance. “The school has set lofty goals this year for the Auction,” said
Beth Snapp, who is Auction co-chair with Kathy Brainerd. “It’s
English teacher Trevor Parks a tradition at BK that a percentage of the Auction proceeds go
says Chromebooks will allow toward tuition assistance. We’re pushing hard to net $300,000
his class to create a classroom from the Auction so that every student can have a Chromebook
anywhere. this coming school year and we can help more families afford
“I am excited to move away from the days a Bishop Kelley education.”
of lecturing in front of the class and hand Robin Lewis is in her eighth year as Special Events
writing notes on the whiteboard,” Parks
Coordinator in BK’s Office of Advancement. She said the Auction
said. “With the technology upgrade, I can
is an opportunity for all families to support a worthy cause.
now share notes directly with students, uti-
“Whether it’s volunteering to set up, providing in-kind or cash
lize more effective teaching methods by
presenting the material in a variety of ways, gifts to help us raise more funds for our students, or attending
and engage with students outside the class- the Auction and bidding on items, there are a number of ways
room. I also believe that the student of today current and past parents as well as alumni can help us be
is more comfortable operating a device successful,” Lewis said.
such as the Chromebook than a traditional The cost of attending the Auction is $80 per person. Purchase
textbook. tickets online at BishopKelley.org/auction.
Before Chromebooks, teachers like Parks
had to escort students to the computer lab. ONLINE AND LIVE AUCTIONS
Today, by sharing through the student’s com- BKbay allows those not attending the Auction to support the
puter, most of the assignments are turned
event by bidding online. You can buy a $100 raffle ticket online
in digitally.
to win a chance to choose any live item and you do not have
Students are very comfortable in front of
to be present to win. Bidding on those items begins at 8 a.m.,
a computer screen and learning will be eas-
ier for them, Parks said. April 10 until 9 p.m. Sunday, April 23.
“I believe that using a Chromebook is “If you don’t live in the Tulsa area and can’t attend the Auction,
imperative to prepare students for the BKbay and the Best of the Best raffle are wonderful ways for the
future,” he said. “Technology is rapidly Kelley community to support our current and future students,”
changing how people work and interact said Kathy Brainerd. “BKbay and Best of the Best provides
with one another. In order to be productive everyone an opportunity to help make the Auction a huge
in the workplace, students must be able to success.”
share, receive, and create information on a Silent Auction and the Live Auction take place at the event.
digital device.”
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 9recent events) throughout the school year.
This year, the athletic department has added
one more wrinkle to the technology of the
game.
Mike and Shelley Dill generously donated
a video scoreboard located on the north end
of the stadium. The Digital Media students
have been training to run the video mes-
saging on that board. They produce plays of
the week from the previous game, 30-sec-
ond video commercials for BK boosters’
businesses as well as other advertising and
relevant video content.
“Now we can reach a wider audience at
live events held at the stadium -- think of it
like the projectors and large video screens
in the main gym,” Blazek said. “Our content
could even interact with the live event -- we
could introduce people who then walk out
onto the field, for example. The uses are
limitless and we are excited as a class to
experiment with new venues opened up by
this new technology.”
One opportunity for all students has
Digital Media students learn how to read news and use video cameras and drones. come with the video daily bulletin. While the
BK Media students write, shoot and edit the
short newscast, the opportunity to be a news
New Media Digital Lab anchor is open to any interested student.
“It’s cool being involved in the video daily
Gives BK Students Access bulletin,” Senior Maddi Duke said. “It’s a
good experience if you want to be involved
To Modern Tools in media in the future.”
The bulletin is produced one day a week,
BY BETH KEANEY ‘17 but the goal is to increase the frequency and
T
therefore the opportunities for students.
he Journalism room has moved “The important parts of journalism stay
Students are the beneficiaries of the
about 20 feet, but it feels like the same: accurate, objective reporting, told
new technology, both in learning and con-
miles. By installing a digital in a way that keeps the audience engaged,”
suming media. Generous donors who gave
media center in the former Hembrey said. “But now, our audience gets
to the 2015-16 Believe in Kelley Annual fund
piano lab, the Journalism Department has those stories on phones or Chromebooks,
have moved the Journalism program to the
migrated from a print-heavy operation to a and in video rather than print.”
cutting edge of the new media landscape.
multi-platform digital environment. The curriculum in Journalism has
“It’s like we’ve been driving a reliable, changed slightly with some of the software.
dependable old pickup,” Journalism teacher Students now have access to modern tools
Russ Hembrey said. “It’s done what we need, of the trade.
but it was old technology. Now, almost over- “Hopefully some students choose to pur-
night, we’ve started driving a Tesla. We get sue Journalism in college, and they’ll have a
to learn new ways of getting where we need head start with this new studio,” Hembrey
to go.” said. “But all Journalism students will bene-
While still teaching the fundamentals of fit from understanding how news works and
journalism, the product of that work shows appreciating the various platforms where
up in many different forms through multi- they can consume news as they grow older.”
media. Students see the Daily Bulletin in For several years, Michael Blazek has run
video form; news articles will now display on the Digital Media Club and later the Digital
bkbreezeway.com; regular school updates Media class. This group has webcast ath- Media students take advantage of nice weather to
will start on 94.9 St. Michael’s Radio. letic events (check out bktv.live for the most film outdoors on BK’s campus
10 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORThe Ritchie family is invested in
training service dogs at BK. Gracie
and Chris Ritchie are cousins who
have dogs at school. BELOW: Service
dog Cooper’s BK ID badge.
BK STUDENTS PREPARE Therapetics Service
SERVICE DOGS FOR Dogs of Oklahoma
NEEDY OWNERS
S
enior Catie McCharen cried after younger yellow Lab handled by Gracie
her first service dog “gradu- Ritchie. Her cousin, Chris Ritchie, introduced
ated” last spring. This winter, she Justice, an 8-month-old German Shepherd
trained her second dog, Cooper, to school a few months ago.
a yellow Lab, for nine weeks. This second The dogs trained at BK will “graduate”
dog will again become a companion for a from BK to help physically handicapped
physically challenged person. students get around college campuses and
“I cried a lot because I got close to the assist a wheelchair bound U.S. military vet
dog,” said Catie, who handled Freedom, a with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who
German Shepherd, from February through also has five children.
April. At first her parents wouldn’t let her Miller said 11 dogs are in his program
keep a dog, but she proved that she could and a few other schools like Owasso, Therapetics Service Dogs
take care of one and train him. She con- Bartlesville and Collinsville have had stu- of Oklahoma Facebook
page talks about its dogs,
tinues to be a volunteer with Therapetics dents train dogs.
including Cooper, at BK:
Service Dogs of Oklahoma. “Having a dog trained in a college or
Cooper is a goofball! He has
“It’s amazing to me there are people out high school is great because the dog has
been placed as a mobility
there who put themselves second (to the been there and done that,” Miller said. “It’s dog but will continue to live
animal) and do what they do,” said Ron hard to explain what a difference it makes and work with his trainer
Miller, president and acting director of the when a service dog comes into the class- until he is ready. He loves
Therapetics board. “I am impressed and room and not everyone turns their heads to travel and go to school
thankful to the BK community and its dog to stare at you.” at Bishop Kelley. He is well
handlers because it’s not easy at all to train Therapetics now has just nine trainers behaved and loving at
them and then have to give them up.” with a client list approaching 300. “It may school and in public. Cooper
McCharen and her fellow students take not be making a dent, but we are focused is currently learning how to
their dogs to the mall or on walking trails on putting out quality dogs at no charge to throw away trash!
to get them used to the real world. JJ is a the client,” Miller said.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 11Head Baseball Coach Brian Begnel talks about
how the team will benefit from the new turf.
BK Baseball Diamond Dedicated
Thanks to Generous Donors
S
chool President Rev. Brian O’Brien
blessed BK’s first-ever artificial turf
for baseball on January 20. Donors,
alumni, parents, student-athletes
and coaches attended the field dedication
where artificial turf was installed on about
32,000 square feet.
The baseball diamond project began
November 15, 2016 and was completed
January 2, 2017. The turf project came in
slightly under budget and was 100% funded
by donor gifts as tuition income to the school LEFT: Donors attend the baseball field dedication. RIGHT: Father Brian O’Brien blesses the field and equipment.
covers only the operational expenses of
Bishop Kelley and not special projects.
Athletic Director Lance Parks and Head
“The field was nice … but when it rained,
Baseball Coach Brian Begnel talked about it soaked. Now the amount of time the field
how thankful they are for the turf that
will eliminate many missed practices and
takes to drain is less than one hour.”
games due to overnight rains or even rains “The kids are more excited to play here,” field a solid defensive team, especially with
that fall just hours prior to use of the field. Begnel said. “The field was nice when we the expectation of truer hops on the infield,
The drainage system under the field will had it, but when it rained, it soaked the field, Begnel said.
also save the school on labor and main- sometimes for three days. Now, when it rains The biggest challenge in 2017 will be
tenance costs. BK thanks its generous hard, the amount of time the field takes to pitching. “If we can find some kids who can
benefactors for their support and for bring- drain is less than one hour.” get on the mound and throw, we will be
ing this project to fruition. By March 2, the young Comets expect to good,” he said.
12 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORATHLETIC/EXTRACURRICULAR
Bishop Kelley Drumline wins Competition Choir & Strings
Coach Mike Grimes led a youthful Drumline squad to win an October Strings ensemble and the school choir perform at All School Mass.
competition in Glenpool. The Drumline consists of 17 students who The choir performs at school events and will perform at Southern
enjoy playing at pep rallies and improving their percussion skills. Nazarene University Jazz Fest in the spring.
2016 Football team captured the State 5A District Title Congratulations to the Homecoming Court!
Top players Matt Smith, senior linebacker, and Ryan Patrick, senior Front row (from left) are Ellie LaGere, Grace Wood, Maggie Ertl
defensive linemen, were named to the All-State East Team by the and Homecoming Queen Kelley Steichen. Back row (from left) are
Oklahoma Coaches Association. Many of their teammates received Sebastian Estrada, KaraGrace Mirando, Dalton Hallum, Kira Ziola, Ben
post season honors. Head Coach J.J. Tappana was named Coach of Sands, Josh Howard, Joe Nemec, Marcus Lyons, Macy Craig, Chris
the Year in District 5A-3. Ritchie, Kaitlin Mercer and Ethan Udrisky.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 13STATE CHAMPIONS
Academic Team Champs
The Bishop Kelley Academic Bowl team took home the 5A state championship trophy. This marks the fourth consecutive state championship
for the team as well as the fifth state win in the past six years. Team members are Angela Brown, Joseph Mellor, Devin Raine, Turner Snapp,
and Joseph Gottes. The team heads to New Orleans in May to compete in the first leg of the national competition.
2016 5A State Champion Spirit Squad
Bishop Kelley Spirit Squad members include: Lexie Farmer, Carmen Williams, Hallie Harlan, Grace McCool and CeCe Streif, Jessica Gray,
Josi Osentowski, Ally Stuckey, Megan Mulder, Maddie Viet, Anna Hanisch, Leah Bilbrey, Emma Sacco, Kaitlyn Mercer, Ava Moon, Julia Mulder,
Eva Campbell, Lauren Bush, Meredith Ritchie, Taylor Davis, and Meg Grundy.
14 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORTiffany Stevens sports a BK shirt
during a visit to the THUMS Oil
Islands in Southern California
encourages her students who show an inter-
est in engineering “especially because the oil
and natural gas industries are so prominent
in the Tulsa area.”
Stevens attended high school within an
hour of USC. She moved to Tulsa in 2012
where she started teaching science at BK.
She coaches track and cross country and
served as a mentor teacher for two years.
She has gained valuable resources for her
classroom lectures about oil and natural gas
and the latest techniques for drilling for oil
and natural gas and other renewable ener-
gies like solar and hydro-electric. She also has
a solar panel car which students can study
and rebuild.
“Many BK parents
are involved in the
oil and natural gas
industry so kids want
to come to class and
ask questions. There
is a huge market here
for oil and gas and
it’s not just petroleum
engineering.”
BK Teacher Brings “One of the main subjects in class is when
Back Summer of Her stories come up in the news and students ask
me questions,” Stevens said. “Many BK par-
Life To Her Students ents are involved in the oil and natural gas
industry so kids want to come to class and
For Learning
ask questions. There is a huge market here
for oil and gas and it’s not just petroleum
engineering.”
Chemistry and Biology teacher Tiffany Stevens She brought back samples to her class-
room from the Tar Seeps in southern
was one of three teachers nationwide to attend California, where oil oozes out of the earth.
the Chevron/USC sponsored visit to THUMS Oil Engineers in SoCal are now working on
Islands in southern California plans for alternative drilling methods such as
islands offshore drilling and building wind-
A
Bishop Kelley science teacher THUMS Islands in Long Beach, Ca. She was mills off the coast of California and Hawaii.
took advantage of a rare accepted through the National Science “We have a lot of students interested in
opportunity last summer to Teachers Association. the fields of engineering and environmental
explore one of the largest off- The summer experience helped Stevens studies so it is important that I am able to talk
shore drilling sites in the U.S. learn about preserving the environment with them about the new ideas and cutting
Chemistry and biology teacher Tiffany and how petroleum/chemical engineering edge technologies being used in the field,”
Stevens was one of three teachers in the is affected by the advances in renewable she said. “Our state needs more young peo-
U.S. to be part of the 2016 USC/Chevron energy resources. ple to go into the field of engineering and I
Frontiers of Energy Resources Program at Currently in her fourth year at BK, Stevens am here to encourage that.”
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 15CHALLENGE & BLESSING
BK Chaplains Role in Mentoring Students
Fr. Bryan Ketterer (right)
and Fr. Todd Nance
blessed the entire school
at the start of the 2016-
17 academic year.
F
ather Bryan Ketterer was ordained a deacon the same day that Father Todd
Nance was ordained a priest. “We were deacons together for about 20 minutes,”
Fr. Ketterer said of him and Fr. Todd. Today, they are together as chaplains at
Bishop Kelley High School.
Fr. Todd and Fr. Ketterer spend interests. They go through changes and find classroom or at lunch or on the sidelines of a
Wednesdays and Thursdays on campus their identity and purpose in life. Chaplains sporting event, for example.
connecting with students and talking with can make a difference by helping students “Those little talks bear fruit, especially if
them about their lives. They lead Mass when discover themselves. they are going through a stressful time,” Fr.
Fr. O’Brien needs someone to fill in. Fr. Ketterer said his initial time at BK a few Ketterer said. “It’s important to establish trust
Fr. Todd is in his first full year as a chaplain years ago was difficult at the start because a and a good relationship in those moments.”
at Bishop Kelley High School. He is also pas- chaplain’s role is often self-defined. Father Todd said his biggest challenge
tor at St. Patrick’s Church in Sand Springs and “It took me a semester to figure out what is “finding a balance and figuring out how to
Our Lady of the Lake in Mannford. He was I was doing, but I worked with Fr. (Kerry) accomplish the things you need to do and be
ordained a priest May 25, 2013. About one Wakulich ’94 (who is now at OSU-Stillwater) present and available to students and faculty.”
year later, Fr. Ketterer was ordained a priest and observed him and followed him around,” Fr. Ketterer peeks into a classroom and
May 31, 2014. Fr. Ketterer said. is invited in to be quizzed by a teacher. He
High school is a transitional time when The chaplains get to know students often knows the answers to questions
students find new friends, activities and through casual encounters outside the because he studied math and mechanical
16 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORengineering at TU from 2004-07.
“Students like it when I don’t know the
answer,” he said with a smile. He once aced
an AP Physics test in class before anyone else
finished. He likes to check in with the robot-
ics classes.
“At some point as a teen, students have to
take their faith seriously and take it into their
own hands,” Fr. Ketterer said. “Do they make
it a point to attend Mass? Without their par-
ents? If so, that’s a healthy sign.”
Fr. Ketterer is also a full-time chaplain
at the University of Tulsa’s Newman Center,
where some 20 percent of students are
Catholic. He ministers day and night and
tends to a flock of about 150 students, but
has his work cut out for him trying to rope in
hundreds of other Catholics on campus who
do not regularly practice their faith.
Fr. Todd spent three years as associate
pastor at Church of St. Mary where he also
was active in the elementary and middle
schools.
Coming to BK “is a big difference because
these kids are at another place in their life,
going through high school challenges are
different,” he said.
“I have wanted to become a priest my
whole life,” Fr. Todd told the student news-
paper, Breezeway, last year. “I always felt
drawn to that. One of the things that con-
tinued to draw me to that as I got older was
a desire to bring God to people and people
to God in ways that they could not do them-
selves. I have always found joy in service
and that is what made me want to become
a priest.”
Fr. Bryan Ketterer blesses the school at the start of the 2016-17 academic year.
Fr. Todd (left) and Fr. Ketterer (right) frequently visit with BK students.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 17BK Faculty June 30, 2017 $500,000 (Goal)
& Staff
Milestones June 7, 2017 In honor of Gary Oberste’s
Celebrated 40 years at BK
T
hanks to our loyal donors to
May 26, 2017 In honor of Fr. O’Brien’s
Believe in Kelley, we just sur-
10 year anniversary as
passed (as of January 1, 2017) a priest
our halfway point of $250,000.
Below is our plan to achieve the school’s
highest-ever annual fund goal of $500,000 May 17, 2017 In honor of Brian Arenson’s
by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2017. 35 years at BK
During the final months of this school
year, help celebrate milestone service dates
for various long-tenured faculty and admin- May 1, 2017 $400,000 (Goal)
istration with a contribution in their names
on special dates. Of course, we welcome
your gifts any time as we work on behalf of
our students for those three F’s: Furniture, In honor of Judith
April 12, 2017
Frequency (new sound systems and school- McMasters’ 25 years at BK
wide PA) and Financial Aid.
If you would like to honor a beloved fac-
ulty member and make a Believe in Kelley
gift in their name, please go to www.bish- March 22, 2017 In honor of Eric Roepke’s
25 years at BK
opkelley.org/give or call the Advancement
Office at (918) 627-3390.
“Thanks to wonderful March 7, 2017 In honor of Jerri “Wads”
donors to our annual fund, Berna’s 20 years at BK
we’re able to accomplish
major projects in the
summer time so that March 1, 2017 $300,000 (Goal)
when the new school
year begins in August,
returning and new
January 1, 2017 $252,000 (Actual)
students benefit from the
generosity of our current
and alumni parents,
alumni, grandparents
and many others.”
— GARY OBERSTE
18 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORStudents interact with various live
animals in Katie Thomas’ Zoology Class
WOLVES, SNAKES, LIZARDS AND PIGS
Teacher takes Environmental Science to a whole new level
A
nimals function in ways that best ‘Hey! I pet a wolf today!’” directly benefit our ecosystem and Senior
fit their environments. Species “Allie” the wolf helps students to better Sarah Marshall said she enjoyed holding
positively influence our envi- understand biodiversity and the affects that the lizard.
ronment in ways that we don’t animals have on the ecosystem. Finally, Ms. Thomas introduces a pig.
always understand. These hidden traits are “We discussed the wolves in Yellowstone “Pigs are at the bottom of the food chain but
exactly why BK science teacher Katie Thomas National Park and how the ecosystem was still have an important role,” Thomas said.
showcases live animals for her ecology and affected when wolves were removed from “They are also extremely smart.”
AP environmental science classes. it,” Thomas said. “But what I most love Thomas incorporates the animals that
Ms. Thomas’ students learn how to see about bringing in the wolf is that they are she brings in with classroom assignments,
animals in a whole new way in food chains an extremely misread animal and the mis- tests, and quizzes. Students must show that
and ecosystems. representation that wolves have is cleared they grasp the lessons about the animals.
“What better way for a student to learn up for all of my students who get the oppor- They learn that every animal is special to our
about those topics than to interact with tunity to interact with Allie.” environment. Katie Thomas demonstrates
an animal that relates to it!” Thomas said. She also brings a variety of snakes and through showing these animals to students,
“Students light up when they see something lizards in each week. Snakes and lizards the passion she has for them.
out of the ordinary in a classroom.”
By introducing live wolves, snakes, liz-
ards and pigs, she teaches students a variety
of subjects that one could not fully compre-
hend without seeing the animals up close.
“I love being able to open up my students’
eyes to how important each organism is in
the world,” Thomas said.
The students enjoy being up close and
personal with the animals.
“It was really cool interacting with ani-
mals you don’t get to see up close,” Junior
Hallie Cole said. “The wolf was probably the
coolest because you can’t always say that LEFT: Science teacher Katie Thomas with a class lizard. RIGHT: Josie Korte with Barbie, a Salmon Crested Cockatoo.
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 19Bishop Kelley
2016 graduate
Taylor King. Photo
courtesy of the
Bishop Kelley is Tulsa World
ranked the top private
school in Oklahoma,
according to the
Tulsa World’s 2016
Best of the World
survey.
Reilly and Stacey Roggendorff
participate in KISS YOUR MOM
GOODBYE — an original Bishop
Kelley first day of school tradition.
Tulsa media have covered the event
the last few years, and the “tradition”
has now been adopted by several
other school districts.
BK’s hiring of a new strength and conditioning coach, Beau Beathard, (shown left)
has motivated student-athletes to work out in the new Dill Family Fieldhouse
weight room. Workouts and attention to healthy habits have helped all athletic
programs during the 2016-17 school year.
Photos courtesy Diocese of Tulsa
20 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORBK Class of 2016 graduates now attend: Air Force Academy, Boston
College, Colorado School of Mines, Dartmouth, DePaul, University of
Dallas, Fordham, Notre Dame, Purdue, Rice, Stanford, USC, St. Louis
University, Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame, Seton Hall, TCU, West Point,
Vanderbilt, and Oklahoma universities including TU, OSU, OU, and TCC.
2016 was a great year when the Varsity Football team won the Bishop Kelley Boys’ Jazz Choir performs at a recent pep
5A district title. The stands shown here will be the focus of the rally. BK offers choir, drama and two musicals per year for
continuing Championship Drive to enhance facilities at BK. students to get involved.
Bishop David Konderla (left) indicates he enjoyed his first All Bishop Kelley Robotics team includes front row: Mitchell
School Mass with BK School President Rev. Brian O’Brien and Bunkers, Dutton Hughes, Megan Ames, Diana Griffin, Valentin
Fr. Todd Nance. The Bishop has been on campus several times Danescu; back row: Jacob Liechti, Jacob Regan, Gabe Litteer,
this school year. Celeste McAtee, Erin Kirk, Rachael Landreville
W I N T E R 2 0 16 - 2 0 17 21ENDOWMENT GROWTH
New Funds Continue Bishop Kelley’s Mission
E
ndowment funds are different Bishop Kelley has about $1.7M in named, required annual minimum distribution from
from Annual Funds in that the endowed funds for tuition assistance. Over their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to
endowment fund’s principal is the past five years, the school has estab- Bishop Kelley. This is limited to $100,000 per
never spent,” said Doug Thomas, lished an endowed fund for capital needs year and counsel from a tax or financial advi-
BK’s Director of Advancement. “It’s always that’s currently valued at $2.1M. sor is recommended.
invested and churning out earnings that “Several donors have included Bishop It may appear that Bishop Kelley has
are spent for the purposes designated by Kelley in their estate plans or have estab- ample endowment funds. However, accord-
the donor, whether that be for tuition assis- lished life insurance policies where BK will ing to Father O’Brien, that’s not the case.
tance, faculty support, STEM education, or be the recipient. We have been notified “Ideally, Catholic high schools have
for the upkeep of a facility.” by supporters that $2M will eventually be endowments that are at least twice as large
Bishop Kelley’s core endowment of gifted to the school when those plans and as the school’s annual operating budget.
$6.8M is the school’s largest, single fund insurance policies mature,” Thomas said. “If Our annual budget is approaching $10M as
and 100% of the earnings from that fund not restricted, those funds will go into the costs continue to rise.”
are used annually to provide tuition assis-
tance. For example, during a students’ four “About 20% of our students receive some level
years at Bishop Kelley, the earnings from this
endowment will exceed $1M.
of tuition assistance as determined by FACTS,”
There is $200,000 in the Dr. Mark A. said Rev. Father O’Brien
Hayes Faculty Development Fund which
supports continuing education and pro- Combined, there is $11,000,000 in endowed funds that support Bishop Kelley High School:
fessional development for BK faculty. Just Core Endowment Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,800,000
over a year ago, Bishop Kelley was blessed
Faculty Development Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000
with a $200,000 gift from BK alumni par-
ents Jay and Fayenelle Helm to begin a new STEM Endowment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000
endowment fund to support STEM (Science, Named, Endowed Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,700,000
Technology, Engineering and Math) educa- Capital Needs Endowment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,100,000
tion at Bishop Kelley.
“We’re working to encourage members
Total Endowment Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,000,000
of the BK community to give to the school’s
endowment funds, whether for tuition assis- Bishop Kelley endowment as well.” “It’s vital that Bishop Kelley’s endow-
tance, faculty development, STEM education Other donors have given appreciated ment increase from $11M to $20M,” Father
or capital expenses for the upkeep of our stock to Bishop Kelley. They avoid paying O’Brien said. “I know that’s possible because
facilities,” said BK President, Father Brian capital gains tax and receive a deduction we’ve seen huge endowments established
O’Brien. “All of these needs are critical to on their tax returns. For donors age 70½ at other Lasallian high schools in Memphis,
the long-term success of the school.” or older, they may direct a portion of their Minneapolis, and elsewhere.”
New Endowment Fund for Building Maintenance
JOHN H. SMITH WRESTLING In addition to tuition assistance funds, a gift was established for the upkeep
ROOM ENDOWMENT of the John H. Smith Wrestling Room. Established by Jeff and Jeanne Smith,
this gift marks the first time in BK’s history that an endowment fund has
provided for the upkeep and maintenance of a specific facility.
Completed in early 2016, the John H. Smith Wrestling Room and the Liz
Ritchie Cheer Gym make up the nearly 11,000 square feet facility adjacent to
the Brothers’ Residence.
“Jeff and I feel that Bishop Kelley needs to build its endowment fund so
that new facilities don’t put a strain on the budget,” said Jeanne Smith, who
currently serves on the Bishop Kelley Advisory Council.
22 BISHOP KELLEY AMBASSADORYou can also read
