For over a century, Marist School has stood as a pillar of Catholic educational excellence in Atlanta. Its enduring success and rich history are deeply intertwined with the steadfast presence and devotion of Marist priests. Throughout its storied past, the school has continued to flourish since its founding by the Society of Mary, with Marist priests providing faithful guidance from the beginning. While the Marist priests have long prepared the school community for the shift to lay leadership, we now joyfully celebrate the privilege of welcoming back Father John Ulrich, S.M. as he returns to Marist School as chaplain in 2023.
On Wednesday, September 20, the Advancement Office and Marist School leadership came together to convey heartfelt appreciation for generous Annual Fund supporters during the Fall President's Circle Reception. The event provided a welcome occasion to highlight the profound impact that donors who invest in Marist School have on the lives of our students. Because of this generous support, the 2022-2023 Annual Fund was the strongest on record.
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, Marist School Rector Father Bill Rowland, S.M. blessed and dedicated an historic sunken relief sculpture of St. Peter Chanel that was recently affixed to the northeast side of Marist School’s main classroom building, St. Peter Chanel Hall. The sculpture, originally part of the façade of St. Peter Chanel High School in Bedford, Ohio, was installed at Marist over the summer, ending its 700-mile journey to its new home at Marist School. The limestone carving will serve as a daily reminder of the selflessness and enthusiasm the first Marist saint displayed in the missionary endeavors he was called by God to pursue.
Over the years, Marist School has recognized Hispanic Heritage Month in a variety of ways in classes and clubs across campus, but, for the first time, Marist held an all-school assembly to spotlight the national opportunity to appreciate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Americans with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Marist is intentional about uplifting the blessings of diversity on our campus, and this assembly was a way to do just that in honor of the 9.2% of Marist students who identify with this background. A 2023-2024 signature event of Marist’s Office of Inclusion & Diversity, the Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month Assembly was organized by Marist history teacher Mr. José Gregory and a team of student leaders. By all accounts, the event was a resounding success.
On Friday, August 25, the Marist Alumni Office extended a warm welcome to over 150 alumni and their families at the Generations Welcome Back Tailgate. This annual gathering brought together Generations alumni—those graduates of Marist School who are also current Marist parents or grandparents—to kick off the current school year. The tailgate serves as a joyful reunion and opportunity to offer a heartfelt welcome to new legacy families returning to Marist in a new capacity. These families are poised to create new Marist memories in fresh and exciting ways.
Along with his brother priests, the Marist School community is mourning the loss of alumnus Father Thomas Ellerman, S.M. ’58, who passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Fr. Ellerman was a Marist priest for 56 years and retired to the rectory of his alma mater in 2015 having made significant contributions to the mission of the Society of Mary. A gregarious soul with a profound love for religious life, Fr. Ellerman was known for his intelligent banter and quick wit as well as his charming smile and contagious laughter. He will be sorely missed, but his dedication to the mission and spirit of the Society of Mary will be remembered by all.