Each year, every school in the Jesuit Schools Network awards a senior who most represents the embodiment of a graduate at graduation. Awardees exemplify the Jesuit ideals of being open to growth, intellectually excellent, religious, loving and committed to justice.

Ryan Bindl ’26 was announced as this year’s JSN Awardee at the 2026 graduation ceremony. Finalists for the award with Bindl included Aaron Calvert, George Dorrington, James Escott, Tiernan Moloney and Brendan Reardon.

His nomination from faculty described him as an ideal “man for others,” someone who understands the power of relationships and quietly pays that forward to others.

That spirit showed up throughout his four years at Marquette High. Faculty noted that Ryan became a multi-faceted Hilltopper — an athlete, tutor, volunteer, mentor to freshmen, leader and school ambassador. Academically, his nomination called him “stellar,” pointing to the way he learned to study, engage with teachers and peers, and balance strong academics with deep involvement outside the classroom.

His nomination also highlighted his perseverance. After not making the baseball team as a freshman, Ryan committed himself to training six days a week from July through March tryouts, earning a varsity spot as a sophomore. Later, after reflecting on where he found the most meaningful relationships, he shifted his focus to running, becoming a cross country captain as a senior.

Ryan’s impact was also felt far beyond his own activities. In a reflection shared at the spring Marquette University High School Board of Directors meeting, classmate Joe Walters ’26 spoke about a difficult sophomore year when stress fractures left him on crutches and disconnected from friends, family and activities.

“During that time, I remember Ryan Bindl, a cross country teammate and fellow Key Club member who has become one of my closest friends, stepping in,” Walters said. “He texted me numerous days of the week, catching up with me. We talked about doing our Cleary homework together, and he encouraged me to go to practice again. He stepped into my life and helped me get back on track.”

Walters added: “I saw God in Ryan in those few months.”

Ryan’s nomination also pointed to his participation in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic last summer, where an adult leader described him as the kind of student who listens, engages and leads by example.

The nomination continued: “Ryan stepped into this immersive experience with a spirit of openness and humility. He worked hard, used his Spanish with courage and grace… formed authentic relationships with his host family and local community members. He had a genuine curiosity and respect for their way of life… He is open to growth, spiritually grounded, and always ready to serve with love and joy.”

Bindl, a graduate of Holy Apostles, will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall.