Father’s endless support for the students inside the classroom, spiritually, and in extra circulars is so powerful and never goes unnoticed by students. Senior Jack Carrow explained his favorite memory of Father by saying, “my favorite memory was seeing Father Ralph photograph all of our soccer games, no matter the weather he was there and he even came to road games which was cool to see him cheer us on and support the team .” It was the continuous acts of kindness and small deeds which Father did that influenced all the staff as student body. “Making conversation when I stop by his room for candy, earning what it means to be a Marianist,” Senior Cole Verhulst said.
While Father has been the epitome of the school’s model, “Esto Vir” and touched so many people, Dr. Todd Guidry will most definitely do the same. Guidry’s experience and impact at Chaminade is felt daily. “I think Guidry is the best person to replace Father Ralph,” Explained Jack Carrow, who attended Chaminade for middle school. “He has done a great job of leading the middle school and will be able to transition smoothly into his new role.” Chaminade has many students who started in middle school and gone onto high school, and for that reason Guidry will feel right at home and have no reason to be uncomfortable.
When asked if Dr. Guidry will be able to take over and have the positive effect Father Ralph had, the three seniors answered without hesitation, “yes”. Ted Sudekum expanded on that saying, “I do think Dr. Guidry will be able to take over and fit the role of president extremely well.” Sudekum continued, “ It will be weird to me to not see Father Ralph as president because it’s the first time in Chaminade history that a non-lay person will hold that office, but I think Dr. Guidry will do just fine. I think Dr. Guidry’s has had a positive impact on the school thus far and will continue to do so.”