Father Ryan announced the introduction of the Hayes Scholars Program, created for incoming students to promote personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, an unyielding pursuit of excellence, and a kind and generous spirit.
Named in honor of Father Ryan’s late Academic Dean Sara Hayes, Hayes Scholars will receive access to valuable benefits, such as an exclusive lecture series and a dedicated advisor, to challenge students to reach their highest academic potential while providing individualized support. This new program will be available first to the Class of 2026, Father Ryan’s 100th graduating class.
“Father Ryan strives to serve the unique needs of students of all levels. The implementation of this program will continue to support and develop our high-achieving students in all academic endeavors. We look forward to honoring Sara’s commitment to Catholic education through the Hayes Scholars Program,” stated Academic Dean Jennifer Anton.
Over a 30-year educational career, Sara Hayes served at many Catholic schools, most recently as the Academic Dean and Assistant Principal at Father Ryan, becoming Academic Dean in 2005 and adding the Assistant Principal responsibilities in 2012. As a result of extended illness, she stepped down from both positions in 2017.
Ms. Hayes began her education career in elementary school classrooms and subsequently taught every age of student, from kindergarteners through sophomores in college. For more than 18 years she called Father Ryan her beloved home. She began teaching at the school in 1998, educating students in Theology, Latin, American Literature, and Spanish. As Father Ryan’s Academic Dean, she led the school through the introduction of block scheduling and acquiring Dual Accreditation (the first school to accomplish this), oversaw the expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) courses from 15 to 25, and enhanced the accreditation of Father Ryan through the introduction of a Cum Laude Honor Society chapter. During this time the school saw more than 80 students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Ms. Hayes held a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame College of Ohio and a master’s from Middle Tennessee State University. In addition to this, she earned more than 30 hours of master’s level course work in curriculum design, instruction, and administration and supervision.
Father Ryan President Jim McIntyre, who worked with Ms. Hayes for more than a dozen years, remarked, “Sara Hayes loved our students, our faculty, Catholic education, and Father Ryan. Hayes Scholars will continue her legacy to seek truth through the formation of the total person in their faith, knowledge, and service.”
More information about the Hayes Scholars Program is available at FatherRyan.org/admissions.
