BK News

Davis Johnson '24: 30th Annual Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team

Congratulations, Davis Johnson ’24 for being named to the 30th Annual Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). This is a recognition program that honors 24 graduating student-athletes who excel in both athletics and academics. With this being one of the most important special recognition programs the FHSAA sponsors, 12 girls and 12 boys from all over the state will be awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships.

Johnson maintains a 4.0 GPA and ranks third in her senior class of 314 students. She has a very rigorous academic schedule, is involved in many extracurricular activities, and is a two-sport athlete. She is a National Merit Semi-finalist Scholar and a member of the English, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Science, Spanish, and National Honor Societies. Davis is the secretary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and is involved with the Campus Ministry and Spanish Clubs.  She is a fierce competitor when it comes to athletics running Cross Country and Track.  She was a member of the FHSAA 2023 State Championship Team. Davis will attend Emory University and plans to pursue a pre-med degree and continue her athletic career at the next level.

To be eligible for this award, students must be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.5 unweighted grade point average and earned a minimum of two varsity letters in at least two different sports during their junior and senior year. The 2024 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee evaluated scholarship nominees based on their athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service and essay.

April Students of the Month:  Clare Coyle and James Resar

In the spirit of recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to our community, Bishop Kenny High School is proud to spotlight our April Students of the Month. This month, we honor Clare Coyle and James Resar for their remarkable dedication, leadership, and excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Clare Coyle is a shining example of excellence in academics, athletics, and service. As a standout athlete, Clare has left an indelible mark on Bishop Kenny's sports programs. She has showcased her talent and dedication on the varsity basketball court, where she excels as a forward, and she will continue to pursue her passion for basketball at Furman University. Reflecting on her journey and the next chapter at Furman University, Clare shares, "I am so excited and blessed to attend Furman, and so thankful that Bishop Kenny has provided me with the right tools to excel and grow in my faith in these next 4 years."

Not only a force on the basketball court, Clare has also made her mark on the track, where she competes in the 4x400 and 4x100 events. Her versatility extends to the pool, where she contributed to the swimming team during her senior year. Clare's commitment to excellence isn't confined to athletics; she is also a distinguished scholar, earning memberships in various honor societies and clubs.

James Resar embodies the spirit of determination and leadership both on and off the field. As the starting quarterback for our varsity football team, James has displayed exceptional talent, leading the team with skill and resilience. His hard work and dedication have earned him a commitment to play football at the University of Iowa, where he looks forward to facing top-tier talent week after week.

In addition to his prowess on the football field, James also shines on the track, competing in the 100m and 4x100 events. His commitment to excellence and sportsmanship is evident in every endeavor he undertakes. Reflecting on his future at the University of Iowa, James expresses his excitement, saying, "I am excited to play against some of the best talent in the country every week when I get to the University of Iowa."

As we celebrate Clare Coyle and James Resar as our April Students of the Month, we commend them for their outstanding achievements, leadership, and commitment to excellence. They are shining examples of the Bishop Kenny spirit, and we are proud to have them represent our school.

Exchange Club of Jacksonville Students of the Month:  Mary Clare Stinneford and Franco Chaluja

Congratulations to Bishop Kenny High School seniors Mary Clare Stinneford and Franco Chaluja for having been selected by the Exchange Club of Jacksonville as Students of the Month.  Mary Clare and Franco were selected based on Outstanding Scholarship, Leadership, Community Service, and Character.  The Exchange Club recognizes one male and one female student from different schools each month throughout the school year.  All monthly winners will be entered into a student-of- the year scholarship competition.

Mary Clare Stinneford has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to both academics and extracurricular pursuits. A National Merit Commended scholar, Mary Clare is a member of various honor societies including English, Thespian, Mu Alpha Theta, Science, Spanish, and National Honor Societies. Not only does she excel academically, but she also exhibits leadership qualities as the captain of the cross-country team and a BK Student Ambassador. Her passion for music and theatre is evident through her involvement as a philharmonic violinist with the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. With an impressive number of 845 service hours amassed since her freshman year, Mary Clare is deeply engaged in serving her community, reflecting the core values instilled at Bishop Kenny High School.

Reflecting on her high school journey, Mary Clare expressed her gratitude for the multitude of opportunities she encountered, ranging from theatrical endeavors to faith formation and research through the AP Capstone Program. Her dedication to multifaceted pursuits serves as an inspiration to her peers.

Franco Chaluja embodies the spirit of dedication and leadership both in and out of the classroom. As a member of the English, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Science, Spanish, and National Honor Societies, Franco exemplifies academic excellence. His role as the starting catcher for the baseball team speaks to his commitment to athletic endeavors, where he finds motivation in the team's tradition of 'stamp the board', a ritual that fosters focus and determination. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Franco is actively engaged in various clubs and organizations, including serving as a BK Student Ambassador and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. His passion for giving back to the community is evident through his accumulation of nearly 300 service hours since his freshman year.

Franco's dedication to balancing academic, athletic, and service commitments showcases his resilience and determination to excel in all facets of life. His leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to community betterment make him a deserving recipient of the Jacksonville Exchange Club's Student of the Month accolade.

As Mary Clare Stinneford and Franco Chaluja embark on the next chapter of their academic and personal journeys, their exemplary achievements and dedication to excellence serve as a source of inspiration to their peers and a testament to the values instilled at Bishop Kenny High School.