All In the Family

Fathers from the Class of 1986 proudly pose with their sons from the Class of 2018. From left to right: Gary Stell, III and Gary Stell, Jr., Carter and Matt Bays, Trent and Jeff Larson, Riley and Steve Farrell, Jarred and Richard Greene, Chance and Jim Sanford, Nick and Sal Sirna.

On June 1, 2018, the Class of 2018 officially became members of the brotherhood of Servite Alumni, bringing the total count of Servite graduates to 9,777 since the school’s inception. For 25 families, the walk across the stage was especially sweet, as they were following in the footsteps of their Friar fathers, and even one Friar grandfather.

Alumni from the Class of 1986 had seven sons in this year’s graduating class, including Riley Farrell, son of Steve Farrell ‘86 . “Growing up, I was always at Servite football games and other sporting events with my dad, which is something I will always remember and hope to continue with my future son,” he said. “Hearing all my dad’s stories has given me the inspiration to make my own stories and leave my own personal mark on this school.”

For Trent Larson ’18 (son of Jeff Larson ’86), there was little doubt that he would someday follow in his father’s footsteps. “I think the biggest thing that has come with being a 2nd generation Friar has been the passion for the school and tradition. Even from an early age, a love for Servite was already instilled, he said. “I also think that because my dad attended Servite, I have a greater appreciation for the traditions here at Servite. For example, I always thought it was the coolest thing knowing that my dad participated in the same hut drill that is performed today after Friday night football games. “

The Tice family celebrated its third generation of Friars as Aidan ’18 crossed the stage at graduation. His grandfather, Tom Tice ’64, has enjoyed watching his grandson’s experience unfold. “Watching Aidan progress through Servite has been a true blessing. Every generation wants more for their kids than they had themselves, and Aidan has had more opportunities and more amazing moments than I had hoped for.”

As a father, Matt Bays ’86 enjoyed seeing “Carter develop the same lifetime brotherhood bond that I experienced over 32 years ago.” And, just like any parent, our alumni fathers are pleased that their sons’ high school years were happy ones. “The other night at the dinner table, I was commenting how the 4 years at Servite blew by,” said Bays. “I noted ‘well, it has been a great 4 years.’   Carter then replied, ‘No, it was an AMAZING 4 years.’ ”

Full list of graduates and their alumni fathers: