|
|
Chatard-a-Bration 2026 - Warm Hearts on a Winter Night
Braving the cold weather was no problem for the 460 guests who enjoyed the outdoor cocktail hour at Chatard-a-Bration! We quickly warmed up in the “Lodge,” where everyone gathered for dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, and fantastic entertainment from the Downstairs Dads. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our BCHS community, the event raised more than $400,000 for our Annual Fund. We continue to be inspired and grateful.
| |
A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors, and a special shout-out to our co-chairs, Kelli and Russ ’88 Lawrence. Their leadership, energy, and dedication were evident in every detail and in the event’s tremendous success. It was wonderful to see so many friends and supporters, near and far, come together for such a memorable evening.
This event would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. From the Advisory/Sponsorship and Auction Committees to the many logistics and décor teams, more than 60 families were represented. Add to that the generous families who donated items to create a dynamic auction, and we are left with full hearts. We are truly thankful to the individuals, teams, businesses, and friends who supported our second-largest fundraiser. Chatard-a-Bration has become one of our favorite traditions—thank you all!
| | Is this a milestone reunion year for your class? It’s never too early to start planning! If you’re interested in helping coordinate your class reunion, please contact Deanna Murphy and visit the BCHS Reunion webpage for more details. | | 2026 Milestone Reunions & Scheduled Dates | | |
60 Years - Class of 1966 | August 22
55 Years - Class of 1971
50 Years - Class of 1976 | Sept. 25 & 26
45 Years - Class 1981*
40 Years - Class of 1986
35 Years - Class of 1991
| | |
30 Years - Class of 1996
25 Years - Class of 2001*
20 Years - Class of 2006 | 9/25/26
15 Years - Class of 2011
10 Years - Class of 2016
5 Years - Class of 2021
| | * A reunion date is in the works. More information to come. | | |
Yearbooks Available Online
Want to take a trip down memory lane? BCHS yearbooks are now available online! Click here to explore The Citadel yearbook library and browse through the year of your choice. You can even search names directly within each book. We hope you enjoy the experience!
| | |
Day of Giving - March 18, 2026
The Bishop Chatard High School Day of Giving is a 24-hour campaign dedicated to supporting student financial aid and teacher compensation. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community and invite you to watch for your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Please click here to support this year's Day of Giving, today or on March 18.
| | |
Peggy Campbell '96
Alumna Peggy Campbell is opening The Nest, Indianapolis’ first play café, on April 1. Designed as a welcoming space for families of all sizes, The Nest offers safe, imaginative play for children ages 0–6 and a comfortable place for parents and caregivers to relax and connect.
| |
Shea Joyce '14
Shea Joyce was recently appointed Deputy Mayor for Operations and Government Affairs in Indianapolis by Mayor Joe Hogsett, a new leadership role in city government. In this position, Shea will oversee key city departments and help guide strategic initiatives to support community services, infrastructure, and city priorities.
| |
Rebecca (Doyle) Young '15
Rebecca (Doyle) Young reports that she serves on the Board of The Tamarindo Foundation. Rebecca remembers many of you visited the Tamarindo community in El Salvador while you were at Bishop Chatard, supporting their engagement with the community of Guarjila since the end of the civil war in 1992. The work there continues, and you can get updates on the community and some of the friends you made there, by joining the mailing list, or supporting their work via Rebecca (Doyle) Young at rebecca@tamarindofoundation.org.
| | |
Matthew Williford '20
Matthew Williford recently became the new owner of Illinois Street Food Emporium, a longtime Butler-Tarkington neighborhood favorite. A native Hoosier who grew up in SoBro, Matthew attended Bishop Chatard before graduating from Purdue University and beginning his career with C-SPAN in West Lafayette. Drawn by a desire for connection and community, he ultimately chose entrepreneurship over office life and is now focused on building a welcoming neighborhood gathering place.
| | |
Natalie Priser '22
Natalie Priser was selected as one of just 33 outstanding Indiana women to serve as a 2026 500 Festival Princess. Representing 19 colleges and universities and 21 cities across the state, this year’s class boasts a cumulative 3.75 GPA. Chosen from hundreds of applicants, the Princesses are recognized for their academic achievement, community involvement, exceptional leadership, and pride in their Hoosier heritage.
| | |
"Watching my son, JR Finnegan, attend and graduate (from) BCHS. I got to get plugged back in with BCHS alongside him for four years."
- Mike Finnegan '77
Do you have a special memory from your time at BCHS to share? Email Deanna Murphy at dmurphy@bishopchatard.org. We would love to hear from you!
| | Keep in Touch with Your Alma Mater! | | |
Update Your Contact Information
Please click here to update your contact information.
Follow Us on Social Media!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for current alumni events and happenings.
Let Us Know What You Want to Hear
Click here to take a survey on alumni communications at BCHS. We’d love to hear what topics interest you most!
Share Your News!
And if you have any exciting news or updates to share, please click here, and tell us what's new with you!
| | |
As winter begins to give way to spring, all of us here at BCHS are filled with gratitude following another incredible Chatard-a-Bration. This year’s Winter Games brought together hundreds of Trojans and friends for an evening of celebration, generosity, and community. Thanks to that remarkable support, the event was a tremendous success for our students and teachers.
There is nothing quite like seeing alumni reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the traditions that make Bishop Chatard so special! Now is a great time to start thinking about class reunions. If this is a milestone year for your class, it is never too early to begin planning. I would be glad to help you get started and support your efforts every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus soon and continuing to celebrate what it means to be a Trojan.
Deanna Murphy Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events
dmurphy@bishopchatard.org
317-251-1451 ext. 3110
| | | |
5885 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220
P: 317.251.1451 | F: 317.251.3648
| | | | |