Dr. Kelly Kearse retired this spring from Knoxville Catholic High School after serving there since 2001. “Known for his sense of humor (look out for those practical jokes!) and love of music, Dr. Kearse has been more than just a gifted chemistry teacher—he’s a nationally recognized scientist and speaker, and …
A dress that still hangs in her closet
Notre Dame High School hosts belated prom for class of 2020 By Bee Goodman Take a moment to remember what the final months of high school felt like. There was a daily rush of excitement, anxiety for what the future held, and celebrations like prom and graduation that were right …
Sister Jolita’s legacy
St. Joseph School establishing endowment to honor beloved educator By Bill Brewer Sister Jolita still has a powerful presence within the St. Joseph School community even as the Knoxville elementary school makes plans for the anniversary of her death. The community is making sure her last request continues to be …
School choice is now law of the land in Tennessee
By Bill Brewer Diocese of Knoxville schools are feeling the impact of state-funded, school-choice scholarships, which are affecting all 10 campuses from Chattanooga to the Tri-Cities. Diocesan schools, for the first time, are participating in a program that allows families to choose where their children attend school, and this month …
School choice? Why not?
Bill Dunn works within the system to give students education freedom By Bill Brewer Bill Dunn was convinced that school choice was right for Tennessee education in the 1980s when he was a 4-H representative just out of college and working in Grainger County. What began as an idea he …
Starting a new chapter
Students, faculty report back to diocesan schools By Bee Goodman Just as quickly as summer arrived, we are finding autumn leaves falling into place, Tennessee football not-so-subtly creeping back into play, and schools have started across the diocese. Though summer is a shorter break than we realize, many things have …
KCHS names new wrestling coach
Stephen Jackson was named the new head coach for the boys and girls wrestling programs at Knoxville Catholic High School, it was announced May 6. Mr. Jackson, who succeeds Jason Hughes in the role, has been a member of the Tennessee wrestling community since 2008. An alumnus of Gibbs High …
NFL vet gives back to Notre Dame with free camp
Fighting Irish alum Patrick Johnson of the Eagles helps 70 youngsters polish their football skills By Dan McWilliams NFL veteran Patrick Johnson, a 2017 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, gave back to his alma mater June 20 by hosting a free football camp attended by 70 boys …
Sister Mary John leaves as principal in Oak Ridge
Sister Mary John Slonkosky, OP, principal of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge since fall 2021, recently told the community that she is leaving for a new assignment at the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. She will be succeeded by Sister Catherine Marie Hopkins, …
Astronaut, rocket scientists visit STAR Ex camp
Students (and parents) get hands-on experience at St. John Neumann School as they explore space By Bill Brewer The 2025 version of the STAR Ex camp did not disappoint when it came to engaging young students in the wonders of space exploration, astronomy, rocketry, telescopes, robotics, satellites, rovers, and drones. …
KCHS’s Lillie Murphy nets 2nd state tennis title
The senior completes an undefeated career in singles play; NDHS, KCHS track athletes stand out as well By Dan McWilliams Lillie Murphy of Knoxville Catholic High School completed an undefeated singles career with her second straight Division II, Class AA state championship on May 23 at Adams Tennis Complex …
A diamond in the faith community
St. Mary gala is a testament to Oak Ridge school’s legacy and future By Dan McWilliams The community of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge turned out in full May 3 for a Diamond Anniversary Gala. The 75th-anniversary event in the school gym, attended by 160, paid a well-deserved tribute …