In October 2024, Marist School honored Celine and Wade Stribling with the St. Peter Chanel Award, the school’s highest recognition, during the annual St. Peter Chanel Society Celebration at the Atlanta History Center. Named after the Marist saint martyred for his faith, the St. Peter Chanel Award recognizes individuals whose exceptional selflessness, support, and leadership have significantly advanced the school’s mission in Catholic education.

Marist School President J.D. Childs praised the couple’s dedication, saying, “Celine and Wade Stribling are devoted champions of Marist School. Their contributions over the years have been exceptional, and we are honored to acknowledge the profound mark they have made on our community.”

An alumna from one of Marist’s first coeducational classes, Celine Stribling served as president of the Marist Alumni Association from 2000 to 2002. She was the first female recipient of the Father Hartnett Service Award in 2005 and worked for over 15 years as executive assistant to three Marist presidents before retiring in 2021. Wade Stribling, a partner at Eversheds Sutherland in Atlanta, was a founding member of Reach for Excellence, a Society of Mary-sponsored academic enrichment program for middle schoolers that is hosted at Marist (see page 23). Their children—Sam Stribling ’09, Mary Sloane Costabile ’10, and Addie Stribling ’15—graduated from Marist School.

The Striblings’ commitment extends beyond volunteer roles. Their generous philanthropic support over the years—contributing to the Annual Fund, capital campaigns, planned giving, and other initiatives—has helped ensure Marist’s long-term success and its ability to provide transformative educational opportunities for generations of students.

In addition to their aforesaid contributions, their care for and friendship with the Marist priests has been remarkable. They have consistently modeled how laypeople can lead in service to the school’s mission—an example of the strong tradition of partnership between the laity and the Society of Mary.

While accepting the award, Wade reflected, “We have been so grateful to have all three of our children attend Marist. The values instilled in them carry on today, and it is rewarding to see their ongoing connections with classmates. More importantly, Marist has taught them kindness and the importance of community outreach.”

Celine echoed this sentiment, “We received a gift from God when I was given the opportunity to work at Marist School for 15 years. We witnessed firsthand the visionary leadership and dedication of the Marist priests, and we are confident that under J.D. Childs, these principles will continue to flourish. We are excited to support this new era for Marist School and are confident the strength and spirit of this extraordinary community will carry on.”

Celine and Wade’s decades-long connection to Marist has profoundly impacted the school community. Their service, generosity, and dedication have enriched the lives of students, faculty, staff, and Marist priests, exemplifying the spirit and values of the Society of Mary.