BK News

From the soccer fields of Bishop Kenny to international marathon competitions, Stephen Lennon ’11 has built a story defined by discipline, perseverance, and faith. His athletic journey, which began at BK, has grown into a remarkable pursuit of competing in the 2028 Olympic Trials.

 Q: Tell us about your transition from St. Michael’s Academy to Bishop Kenny.
A: I came to Bishop Kenny after graduating from St. Michael’s Academy, where my eighth-grade class had only 11 students, so moving to a larger school was a significant change. I welcomed the challenge and enjoyed being part of a community with many cultures and diverse backgrounds.

Q: Soccer played an important role in your time at BK. What stands out most from those years?
A: Soccer was my main focus. I played all four years and was often called up to join the varsity team. The experience taught me leadership and discipline. I also served as vice president of my senior class, which helped me learn how to balance academics, athletics, and responsibilities.

Q: Was there a teacher or coach who made a lasting impact on you?
A: Coach Pete Zahner had a tremendous influence on me. He taught my freshman science class and coached JV soccer. Coach Zahner was approachable, genuine, and a strong emotional leader who connected deeply with his players. His example shaped my understanding of true leadership.

Q: What path did you take after graduating from Bishop Kenny?
A: I attended the University of Tampa and earned a degree in Criminology. Today, I work for a law firm in Tampa and do independent contracting in cybersecurity. I manage 30 to 40 million dollars in escrow accounts each month and work to prevent wire fraud, which has become more challenging with rapid advances in technology.

Q: How did running become your new athletic focus?
A: After college, I continued playing soccer until I suffered a shoulder injury in a competitive league. I began running recreationally and eventually developed a deeper commitment to it. In 2025, after losing a family member, I made a promise to God to pursue running with complete dedication and to use my ability to its fullest.

Q: How did you begin training at an elite level?
A: In late 2024, I discovered an elite indoor training facility through a friend’s post. That is where I met my coach, Megan Reynolds. Her attention to detail and background in nutrition helped transform my performance. In just eight months, I made significant improvements in speed, and we set the ambitious goal of qualifying for the 2028 United States Olympic Trials.

Q: You earned impressive early race results. Can you share those experiences?
A: My first official race was a 10K in Daytona in October 2025, which I won with a time of 30 minutes and 33 seconds. I then joined a competitive running club in the St. Petersburg and Tampa area. While many of my teammates were preparing for the Chicago Marathon, I chose an international opportunity instead.

Q: That opportunity led you to Lisbon, Portugal. What was that like?
A: Although running a marathon was not originally in my plans that early, I accepted the challenge. Competing among 15,000 runners, I finished 11th overall and was the top American finisher with a time of 2 hours and 23 minutes. It was a defining moment that confirmed I was on the right path.

Q: What is your focus now as you look toward the future?
A: My goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Trials in Los Angeles. The men’s marathon qualifying standard is 2 hours and 16 minutes, and only top performers will advance. I am training with the goal of competing in both the 10K and the marathon. With continued effort, faith, and discipline, I am confident that this dream is within reach.

 

 

Bishop Kenny High School alumna Connie Regan Blake began her journey in storytelling long before she took the stage. A proud graduate of the Class of 1965, Connie has spent over five decades captivating audiences across the nation with her artistry. Today, she continues to inspire others through workshops, performances, and her commitment to empowering women around the world.

Q&A with Connie Regan Blake ’65

Q: What brought you to Bishop Kenny High School, and what was your experience like?
A: I came to Bishop Kenny after attending Christ the King for grade school. I already had many close friendships and looked forward to making new ones at BK. My years there were filled with wonderful teachers and amazing classmates. I was part of a small, close-knit group of friends we called “the A Group.” We often performed skits in homeroom and sang songs before the school day began. Looking back, I realize that’s where my love for performing truly began.

Q: Were you involved in any clubs or organizations during your time at BK?
A: Yes! I was a member of the National Honor Society and the Mission Club, Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament. The Handmaids were responsible for maintaining the altars in the school chapel and the daily Mass center in the gymnasium. It was a special way to serve and connect with my faith community.

Q: Do you have a favorite teacher or memorable moment from your high school years?
A: My favorite teacher was Miss Catherine Brown, who taught Home Economics. She was young, knowledgeable, and broke away from the traditional stereotypes often associated with that class. She taught by example and made learning practical and empowering.
One of my most vivid memories is being in Latin class when the announcement came that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. It was a heartbreaking moment that deeply affected all of us.

Q: What are some things your classmates might not know about you from your BK days?
A: I had a real love for horses! My uncle had a farm in Palatka, Florida, where I spent time riding and developing that passion. It was such a joyful escape for me during those years.

Q: What path did you take after graduation?
A: After BK, I attended Loyola University in New Orleans. I initially planned to become a mathematician and work for NASA, but once I encountered a new kind of math that didn’t come as easily to me, I decided to change my major to Political Science. I thought I might go into politics or law.

After college, I took a break to explore the world. I bought a one-way ticket to Belgium and spent about a year and a half traveling through Europe with just my sense of adventure as my guide.

Q: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
A: When I returned to the U.S., I visited my cousin Barbara Freeman in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked at a library that had received a grant for an early childhood literacy program called M.O.R.E. (Making Our Reading Enjoyable). I applied for a position as a storyteller and got the job. That experience opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and set the course for my career.

Q: How did your storytelling career evolve from there?
A: In 1975, Barbara and I left our library jobs, packed up a yellow pickup truck, and began touring the country as a storytelling duo. We performed at festivals, libraries, and community centers across the U.S. Eventually, I branched out into solo performances and continued sharing stories nationwide. I’ve had the privilege of performing at major folk festivals, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., and serving on boards for storytelling organizations, including hosting the National Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Q: You’ve received many honors throughout your career. Which are you most proud of?
A: One of my proudest accomplishments is having an archival collection in my name at the Library of Congress. The Connie Regan-Blake Collection includes papers, sound recordings, videos, photographs, and artifacts that document more than fifty years of my work in the American Storytelling Revival. It’s humbling to know that my life’s work is preserved there for future generations.

Q: What are you involved in today?
A: I continue to perform and lead workshops that help others develop their own storytelling craft. I’m also a passionate supporter of Bead for Life, a nonprofit organization that helps Ugandan women lift themselves out of poverty. I live in Asheville, North Carolina, with my husband, Phil, we’ve been married for 41 years, and I’m as grateful as ever for the opportunities storytelling has brought into my life.

Q: Where can people learn more about your work?
A: You can visit my website, www.storywindow.com, to learn more about storytelling, upcoming workshops, and performances.

Q: What stands out most about your time at Bishop Kenny?
Lara: The strong sense of community. It wasn’t just about academics, it was about belonging, building friendships, and being part of something lasting. Those connections remain meaningful to me today.

Q: Which activities were especially memorable?
Lara: I loved being part of the Spanish Club, drama club, and The Shield. Working on the school newspaper first sparked my passion for writing, which continues to shape my life.

Q: Did you have teachers who influenced you?
Lara: Yes. Mrs. Herbert, my Spanish teacher, was incredibly compassionate and left a deep impression. I also remember Sister Edith, who used Star Wars to teach about good and evil, a creative approach I still recall.

Q: Do you have a favorite BK memory?
Lara: The senior trip to Washington, D.C. Not only was it a wonderful experience with my classmates, but it’s also where I first connected with my future husband, Pat Patangan ’90.

Q: Tell us about your path after graduation.
Lara: I studied Public Relations at the University of Florida. During my senior year, Pat and I began dating. After graduation, we moved to New Orleans, where he attended Loyola for law school and I began a career in fundraising and development.

Q: How did your career develop?
Lara: I worked in development for a hospital and AIDS organization in New Orleans, after earlier experiences at Hubbard House and the Riverside YMCA in Jacksonville. Later, when I focused on raising our sons, I launched a faith-based website called Works of Mercy. That writing inspired me to publish a book of the same name, encouraging others to practice kindness and service in daily life.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
Lara: Gardening is a favorite hobby, and I especially love my hydrangeas. I even convinced Pat to attend the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival with me, which I hope becomes a tradition. I also enjoy taking dance classes at the YMCA and find joy in mastering new routines.

Q: How does your Crusader legacy continue through your family?
Lara: Our sons are part of the BK tradition. Patrick, Class of 2020, recently began law school at Wake Forest University, while Alex, Class of 2023, is studying biomedical engineering at the University of Florida. It’s rewarding to see them carry forward the same values that Bishop Kenny instilled in me.