The John D. Gillen Golden Eagle Alumni Award
This award is given annually to a graduate of either St. Mary’s or John F. Kennedy Catholic School who demonstrates the characteristics of courage, integrity, and dedication in their community, professional, and personal life. They are honored at a dinner during graduation week and serve as the speaker during our commencement ceremony, as an example and inspiration to the graduating class. In 2017, the award was renamed in honor of Mr. John Gillen '50.
2024 Recipient - Mr. Andrew Bayman, Class of 1982
We are pleased to announce the 2024 John D. Gillen Golden Eagle Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Mr. Andrew Bayman, Class of 1982.
Andy is a 1982 graduate of John F. Kennedy Catholic School. While at JFK, Andy was involved in many athletic and extracurricular activities. He was a four year varsity letterman in Golf and the 1982 AA Sectional Golf Champion. He was Captain of the Golf team, multiple time selection for Mahoning Valley Conference Golf All-Stars, and was a two-time winner of the Most Valuable and Most Consistent awards. Andy was the Editor-in-Chief of the Kennedy Torch and member of student government all four of his years at JFK. He was one of our representatives to Buckeye Boys State in 1981 and also represented Kennedy on the “Academic Challenge” TV show in 1982. He was selected for the National Honor Society, won a National Journalism Award and won the National Quill and Scroll Current Events Test. He was also the co-star in the Fiddlesticks presentation of “Fantasy Island” during his freshman year.
Andy graduated from Miami University magna cum laude with an AB degree in Political Science and History in 1986. He graduated with a JD degree in 1989 from Vanderbilt Law School, where he was a Patrick Wilson Scholar and Articles Editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review. He joined the law firm of King & Spalding in Atlanta in 1989.
Andy is a trial lawyer and Global Practice Group Leader of King & Spalding’s Trial & Global Disputes Practice Group, a diverse group of over 550 litigators who span 22 offices globally. King & Spalding is a Top 20 global law firm with 1,300 lawyers in 25 offices across the globe. Andy has frequently been recognized for his leading practice by being named as a Product Liability MVP by Law360 and in Chambers Nationwide and Legal 500. He is notably a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an honorary society limited to less than .05% of U.S. lawyers.
Andy has been a constant friend to Kennedy over the years. His generosity to the school has extended the past ten years, giving generously to our Annual Appeal and becoming a member of our Presidential Society of donors. While Andy no longer lives in area, he has a brother and sister-in-law (Jeff and Trudy Bayman) and stepmother (Lucille McGuire Bayman) who live in Warren and he has made it a point to come and visit the school to learn more about the good work being done by our students and view our facility. Andy is married to Liz White and has a son Thomas Bayman (18), stepdaughter Julia White (20) and stepson JB White (15). The Kennedy Family is thrilled to honor and thank Andy Bayman for his commitment to John F. Kennedy Catholic School.
Past Recipients
2023 - Mr. Michael Misocky - Class of 1988
2022 - Jim Coates - Class of 1984
2021 - Patrick Norton - Class of 1968
2020 - Courage, Integrity, & Dedication Award Created
2019 - Regina Rebhan Mitchell - Class of 1989
2018 - Diana Hernandez Muccio - Class of 1970
2017 - John D. Gillen Alumni Award Recognition
2016 - Mr. James Pipino - Class of 1978
2015 - Mr. E. Jeffrey Rossi - Class of 1971
2014 - Mr. Patrick Wilson - Class of 1981
2013 - Captain Perry Martini - Class of 1966
2012 - Mr. Patrick Esposito - Class of 1971
2011 - Rev. Ronald Nuzzi - Class of 1976
2010 - Mrs. Luann (D'Amico) Rossi - Class of 1972
2009 - Mr. Timothy McGuire - Class of 1982
2008 - Father Thomas McCarthy - Class of 1954
2007 - John Augenstein - Class of 1952
2006 - Hugh Hewitt - Class of 1974
2000 - Sam Covelli - Class of 1971
1999- Laurie Antonelli Epp - Class of 1972
1998 - Kathleen Karrenbauer Albrecht - Class of 1983
1997 - Chris Columbus - Class of 1976
1996 - James "Doc" Pipino - Class of 1952
1995 - Anthony "Tony" Napolet - Class of 1956
1993 - H.E. Mike Van Huffel - Class of 1952
1992 - Mr. John Gillen - Class of 1950
