Notable Alumni and Community Engagement at Archbishop Ryan High School
Archbishop Ryan High School, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich history and a strong commitment to fostering a supportive community. Established in 1966, the school has grown to become the largest Catholic secondary school in the city. This article explores the school's commitment to its alumni, its various programs, and its impact on the community.
A Legacy of Catholic Education
Founded under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Archbishop Ryan was the twenty-eighth Archdiocesan high school to be established. It was the sixth begun by Cardinal John Krol, who continued the tradition of furthering Catholic education in the Philadelphia archdiocese. Originally, the school was divided into two single-sex institutions, Archbishop Ryan High School for Boys and Archbishop Ryan High School for Girls, each with its own administration and faculty within the same building. The design by Dagit Associates facilitated a merger later on, with central facilities like the auditorium, library media center, and chapel serving the entire coeducational student body.
The Friends of Ryan: A Network of Support
The Friends of Ryan is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to Archbishop Ryan through various fundraising efforts. These efforts include donation solicitation, events, and social outings. The organization also encompasses support from various alumni groups and clubs that have supported the school over the years.
Reunions: Reconnecting with the Past
Reunions provide a valuable opportunity for alumni to reconnect with former classmates and reminisce about their time at Archbishop Ryan. The Friends of Ryan can assist in planning and coordinating these events through their donor and event management applications.
Ambassador Program: Promoting School Spirit
The Ambassador Program recruits members from the Archbishop Ryan community to serve as representatives for the school. These ambassadors promote school events and programs and participate in efforts to enhance the community.
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Business Network: Supporting Growth and Stability
The Friends of Ryan Business Network comprises community-based companies willing to support the school's mission of ensuring growth and stability. Through their generous donations, the Friends of Ryan are able to offset the cost of various events that assist in funding tuition assistance and capital improvements.
The Spirit of Ryan Awards: Honoring Values and Traditions
The Spirit of Ryan Awards are presented annually to individuals who exemplify the values and traditions of Archbishop Ryan High School. Honorees have demonstrated outstanding service to the school through their involvement in alumni programs, advisory committees, activities, athletics, and other endeavors that contribute to the school's success and advance its mission. Recipients may include faculty and staff members, business and community leaders, alumni volunteers, and loyal donors.
Individuals who have displayed consistent commitment to the success of Ryan will be honored with the Father Rene Barczak, OFM Award.
The In Vite Mane Award is awarded to two deserving graduating seniors who represent the school and the Spirit of Ryan program through their service, education, and extra-curricular involvement. In Vite Mane, meaning "Remain in the Vine," is Archbishop Ryan’s school motto. The committee felt the name of the award was in line with the mission to keep all our alumni connected to Archbishop Ryan High School.
Academics and Extracurriculars
Archbishop Ryan offers a variety of studies covering various subject areas including English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences, World Languages (Spanish and Latin), Business, Technology, Theology, Music, and Fine Arts. Archbishop Ryan has a student/teacher ratio of 21:1. Ryan offers both courses in writing skills and digital literacy, and has 11 AP classes. Ryan offers a 4-year art program, including AP art and a 4-year music instrumental program. Ryan also offers a music tech course. Archbishop Ryan hosts the archdiocesan program for students with diagnosed learning needs, the Bonaventure Program. The Class of 2023 received over $42 million in scholarships and financial aid for post-graduate study.
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Almost 94% of the student body at Archbishop Ryan participates in after school activities and sports. Archbishop Ryan has a theater program that produces two musical productions per year. It also hosts a summer program that produces a summer musical. The Ryan Review, Archbishop Ryan's award-winning newspaper, has received recognition year-after-year for journalistic excellence. All of the Review's editors are members of the Quill & Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalism and the staff writers study closely with the editors. The staff uses Associated Press Formatting and InDesign to produce their paper. The Ryan Review does most of its own photography through the Photo Editor and two photographers through the use of a Nikon D40 camera with a 14-155mm lens. The Yearbook provides a way for students to participate in creating a yearbook which will be handed out to each graduating class as part of their prom fee.
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