News

March

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Benedictine has produced numerous Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals

3/1/2026

By Noell Barnidge

The Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the city’s most time-honored traditions — and no institution has shaped its leadership more than Benedictine Military School.

This year’s grand marshal, Martin S. “Marty” Hogan, is the latest living embodiment of that legacy of BC men.

Around midday on Feb. 23, Hogan (BC Class of 1986), said being elected Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal a day earlier still hadn’t quite sunk in. His phone had been buzzing for hours with calls of congratulations from friends, family, and business associates in Savannah, New York, and even Ireland. But the reality of being named grand marshal of the 2026 Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade was only beginning to settle in.

“It’s slowly but surely kicking in,” Hogan said. “I’m so grateful to represent not only my Catholic faith and to celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick, but all those BC men that were before me, including my classmate John Forbes for the big one on the 200^th, and just guys like Tommy Brunson (BC ’62, 2000 grand marshal), and Mike Foran (BC ’76, 2016 grand marshal), and Dave Roberts (BC ’76, 2014 grand marshal). I can go on and on with the tradition. I just hope I live up to it.”

February

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Dexter Reynolds '80

2/23/2026

By Noell Barnidge

How did Benedictine Military School help to shape you?

"My initial thoughts about attending BC were filled with irony. I didn’t want to go to BC. I wanted to go to Groves where all of the guys I had played recreation sports with would be going. As kids we often talked about what it was going to be like to play at Groves. My parents, on the other hand, had very different plans for me. They said that you can get that out of your mind because you are going to BC. This was the beginning of what would turn out to be the best experience of my life."

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Ellison Burns III '14

2/16/2026

By Noell Barnidge

How did Benedictine Military School help to shape you?

"I was introduced to Benedictine through my best friend, Matt Ginn ‘12. Although he was two years ahead of me, we attended middle school together and remained close after he transitioned to BC. He often spoke highly of his experience, and while I was initially skeptical of attending an all-boys, military, Catholic school, one shadow day during my eighth-grade year changed everything. I immediately noticed how the young men carried themselves and always saw how respected BC boys were throughout the city. From the moment I walked through those doors, I knew BC was where I wanted to be. I am incredibly grateful that my parents were able to provide me with that opportunity."

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Jermane Patterson '91

2/9/2026

By Noell Barnidge

How did Benedictine Military School help to shape you?

"Benedictine shaped me in lasting and meaningful ways. The school instilled discipline, structure, and a deep sense of accountability at a pivotal time in my life. Excellence was the standard, not only in academics, but in character, leadership, and service. I learned early that success is built on consistency, respect, and perseverance. The academic rigor pushed me beyond my comfort zone, teaching me how to manage responsibility and carry myself with confidence and integrity.

"Just as influential were the values of faith, brotherhood, and moral conviction that Benedictine priests and monks emphasized. Those principles became the foundation of my decision‑making and continue to guide me today. The lessons I learned in the classroom from outstanding teachers such as the late Ms. Donna Youngblood, and on the athletic fields, shaped the way I approach challenges, leadership, and life itself."

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Mr. Jermal Patterson '91

2/2/2026

By Noell Barnidge

How did Benedictine Military School help to shape you?

"I can't say enough of how well Benedictine prepared me for my future. Let's talk about academics first. I entered Benedictine as a youngster for whom academics always came so easily. I made great grades and did not have to study much to get them. My twin, Jermane, and I caused some havoc in class when we were in parochial school because a lot of times we were bored. Benedictine was different. Benedictine taught me the value of studying. Freshman year, I quickly realized that I couldn't just rely on my memory of subjects anymore but I had to take good notes. I had to make sure that those notes were organized and I had to really study them."

January

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson visits Benedictine on MLK Day

1/29/2026

By Noell Barnidge

Benedictine Military School was honored to welcome Savannah Mayor Van Johnson as its guest speaker the morning on Jan. 19 in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Mayor Johnson visited BC at the request of Benedictine Principal Dr. Jacob Horne.

“Dr. Horne spoke to a couple of friends of mine, and we had a meeting, and he had this idea,” Mayor Johnson said during an interview after giving a speech in BC Gym. “It sounded really good because on King Day people are all over the place, and I’ve never given a King Day message on King Day. It’s great to do it here at BC, at the intersection of religion and education, and the military. I thought it was a really good idea.”

Benedictine Military School was honored to welcome Savannah Mayor Van Johnson as its guest speaker the morning on Jan. 19 in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Mayor Johnson visited BC at the request of Benedictine Principal Dr. Jacob Horne.

“Dr. Horne spoke to a couple of friends of mine, and we had a meeting, and he had this idea,” Mayor Johnson said during an interview after giving a speech in BC Gym. “It sounded really good because on King Day people are all over the place, and I’ve never given a King Day message on King Day. It’s great to do it here at BC, at the intersection of religion and education, and the military. I thought it was a really good idea.”

After his speech, Mayor Johnson left BC to go downtown and walk in Savannah’s MLK Day Parade. A number of Benedictine Cadets also marched in the parade. Other Cadets remained at BC and attended theology, English, and social science classes that were tailored with civil rights-centered lessons.