Twenty-one distinguished alumni recognized for their lasting contributions and the enduring legacy of Catholic education across West Tennessee.
Our Diocese’s Catholic Schools of Memphis is pleased to announce the inaugural class of the unified Catholic Diocese of Memphis High Schools Hall of Fame, recognizing 21 distinguished alumni whose lives and accomplishments reflect the enduring legacy of Catholic education across West Tennessee.
Formed in March 2026, this Hall of Fame brings together the traditions and legacies of 11 Catholic High Schools and their heritage communities. While the individual schools have long recognized outstanding alumni through their own halls of fame, this inaugural class marks the first unified selection of honorees for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis High Schools Hall of Fame.
“We are grateful for the tremendous response to our inaugural Hall of Fame and the many nominations submitted,” said Mike Clary (MCHS ’73), Chair of the 2026 Selection Committee. “This first unified class reflects the remarkable legacy of our Catholic High Schools and the lasting contributions of their graduates. It is an honor to bring these traditions together and celebrate the individuals who have made a difference in their communities and beyond.”
Dr. Chris Fay, President of Catholic Schools of Memphis, emphasized the importance of preserving the schools’ heritage while celebrating their shared legacy. “This unified Hall of Fame brings together generations of graduates and the rich traditions of our Catholic High Schools,” said Dr. Fay. “We are proud to honor those who have made a lasting impact and to establish a tradition that will celebrate the achievements of our alumni for generations to come.”
The initiative was developed through the leadership of Clary and Dr. Fay, with the support of school leaders and the Memphis Catholic Hall of Fame Board of Directors. The unified Hall of Fame preserves the accomplishments of those already honored by individual schools while establishing a lasting tradition of recognizing distinguished graduates across generations.
The inaugural class will be formally honored at an induction celebration planned for early February 2027. Additional details will be announced as they are finalized.
Inaugural Unified Hall of Fame Class
The 2026 Catholic Diocese of Memphis High Schools Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Betty Haaga Barnett (Catholic High School ’45), posthumous
- Joseph Townsend Barnett (Catholic High School ’45), posthumous
- Gabriel Thaddeus Talarico (Catholic High School for Boys ’48), posthumous
- Peggy Daniel Harwood (Sacred Heart for Girls ’63), posthumous
- Mary Hendrick Brignole (Sacred Heart for Girls ’65)
- Marcus Andre Noel (Father Bertrand High School ’66)
- Richard Louis Lynch (Catholic High School for Boys ’67)
- Sandra Galtelli Brantley (Immaculate Conception High School for Girls ’68)
- Dr. Michael Mark Linder, Sr. (Bishop Byrne High School ’69), posthumous
- Sandra Denton Holmes (Father Bertrand High School ’69)
- Anne W. Gardino (Immaculate Conception High School for Girls ’70)
- Dr. Kathy Deen Evans (Memphis Catholic High School ’71), posthumous
- Keith Beck (Memphis Catholic High School ’74)
- Kevin Michael Cooper (Bishop Byrne High School ’75), posthumous
- Desiree Renee “Desi” Owens (IC High School for Girls ’81), posthumous
- John Joseph Capocaccia (Bishop Byrne High School ’82)
- Stacy Spinosa Johnson (Memphis Catholic High School ’87)
- Chris Masterson (St. Benedict at Auburndale ’97)
- Rebecca Ann Brownlee Neves (St. Benedict at Auburndale ’98)
- Dr. Jack Koban (St. Benedict at Auburndale ’99)
- Father Andrew Raffanti (St. Benedict at Auburndale ’14)
Unifying a Legacy of Catholic Education
Our Catholic Diocese of Memphis High Schools Hall of Fame brings together the traditions of 11 present and former Catholic High Schools across Memphis: Saint Benedict at Auburndale Catholic High School, Bishop Byrne High School, Catholic High School, Catholic High School for Boys, Father Bertrand High School, Immaculate Conception High School for Girls, Memphis Catholic High School, Sacred Heart High School, Sacred Heart High School for Girls, Saint Augustine High School, and Saint Thomas Academy.
The Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of graduates across these school communities, preserving their individual histories while recognizing their shared legacy of forming students in faith, knowledge, leadership, and service. This inaugural, unified class marks an important milestone and establishes a tradition of honoring distinguished Catholic High School graduates and their contributions to communities across West Tennessee for generations to come.
Questions and More Information
Luke Ellis
Director of Institutional Advancement
St. Benedict at Auburndale Catholic High School
ellisl@sbaeagles.org | (901) 260-2840
Mike Clary (MCHS ’73)
Chair, Catholic Diocese of Memphis High Schools Hall of Fame 2026 Selection Committee
clarymike45@gmail.com | (901) 301-1375