Marist High School transformed the Larry Tucker Sportsplex into a winter wonderland on December 6 as 568 members of the Marist community arrived to celebrate the third annual, A Night of Honor, Glory, and Fame. Sponsors donated a generous total of over $500,000 in support of RedHawk education.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said President Larry Tucker.
The event began at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour. Attendees socialized, signed up for auction baskets, took photos, and grabbed drinks as holiday music played from the main stage.
“They did a beautiful job setting up the gym and everything. It was gorgeous,” said attendee Tom Ryan, a friend of an alum.
Following the cocktail hour, guests took their seats for a dinner service that began with a prayer from Father Tom Hurley and a speech from Tucker.
“How grateful we are that everyone has gathered their Marist family together tonight, so that we might celebrate the mission entrusted to us and the great vision of Saint Marcellin Champagnat,” said Hurley.
After everyone finished their meals, an awards ceremony honored math teacher Mr. Owen Glennon and Marist alumnus Mr. Christopher Lawler.
Glennon gladly accepted the Heart of Marist Award, which honors individuals who have dedicated themselves to the Marist charism.
“I have been so blessed for all 50 years of my teaching career,” said Glennon in his acceptance speech.
Lawler received the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes notable alumni who have made a positive impact in the community through faith and service.
When giving his acceptance speech, Lawler announced the new Padre Pio Scholarship, dedicated to his brother Paul, who sadly passed away days before the event. It will help Marist families financially support their children’s education.
“It will probably be a name scholarship that will have a criteria put to it,” said Tucker. “And it will go on to help give some money each year to kids who fit whatever that criteria is that [Lawler] comes up with.”
After the speeches wrapped up, attendees enjoyed a game of ‘Heads or Tails’ that kicked off the charity auction. The night concluded with a musical performance by The Outcasts.
“I really like the event. A lot of people here make some great donations. Both the students and the faculty have been absolutely tremendous,” said Marist alum Joe Sullivan.
The success of the charity will allow Marist to continue to thrive and raise its students to new heights.
“I think we have a great school because we have great kids and great families,” said Tucker. “Marist High School, as everyone knows, began in 1963. And it did so when a group of brothers said, ‘We need to have Catholic education on the South Side in the name of Marist.’”
