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 …
May Crowning highlights St. Mary School jubilee
Giving honor to Mary, the patroness, who has been with the school from the beginning By Gabrielle Nolan A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was adorned with a crown of flowers at a special all-school Mass on May 2 at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. The May Crowning …
Graduates put an exclamation point on high-school careers
The Diocese of Knoxville’s two high schools, Notre Dame in Chattanooga and Knoxville Catholic High School, bid congratulations and farewell to the class of 2025 last month, with commencement ceremonies held in Blaine Stadium at KCHS on May 16 and at the Chattanooga Convention Center on May 17. During the …
Micah Scheetz named new head coach of KCHS girls basketball program
Knoxville Catholic High School announced May 8 that Micah Scheetz will be the new head coach of the Lady Irish basketball team, a program with two state championships to its name. A decorated former player, Ms. Scheetz brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game. Most …