Established in 1975, the Rev. Charles K. Riepe Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and community service, and is the highest award given to a John Carroll alumna/us.

As we kick off Patriots Week, The John Carroll School is thrilled to announce Lisa Hyman Pons '75 and Rev. Blaise Sedney '78 as the 2026 Rev. Charles K. Riepe Alumni Award winners! The commitment both Lisa and Blaise have to bettering the world through professional and service endeavors is a true inspiration and embodies what it means to be a Patriot. They will be honored at a special reception at the School with family and friends on May 22 and recognized at the Class of 2026 Commencement the following day.
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Lisa Hyman Pons ’75

Lisa has dedicated her life to education, family and the enduring spirit of her John Carroll community. A graduate of James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education and Psychology, she earned her master’s degree in Reading from Loyola College and then went on to teach special education in Harford County for more than 30 years.

Since retiring, Lisa poured her energy into the Pons family horse business, organizing many social business events and keeping the Class of 1975 connected. Alongside her husband, Mike Pons ’75, she organized and hosted their 35-, 40- and 50-year reunions, helping bring nearly 150 classmates, spouses and faculty together for their golden celebration.

A natural connector, Lisa spent years tracking down “MIA” classmates, alerting the class to happy hours, health updates and losses, and even crafting keepsakes from old horseshoes for their 40-year reunion. With fellow classmates, she helped launch the Golden Patriots Fund, raising $35,000 in honor of those they lost.

Lisa has deep roots in The John Carroll School community. Her connections start with her husband, a fellow graduate, and continues with her three children — Philip '06, Elizabeth '08 and David '10. Nearly 40 Hyman and Pons family members are John Carroll graduates. Lisa’s legacy is lasting, one of heart and unwavering school pride.
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Rev. Blaise Sedney ’78

Blaise a living embodiment of service, leadership and faith, both in business and spirit. After building a successful career as COO and part-owner of Spectera, a national health care company, he answered a deeper calling, attending seminary and becoming a full-time pastor in his 40s. For years, he served as a guiding light at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bel Air, leading initiatives like the church food bank, a rotating homeless shelter and beloved community traditions.

His commitment extends far beyond the pulpit. With 25 years on the HARCO Credit Union board, nine years on the The John Carroll School's Board of Trustees, and 16 years on the School's Finance Committee, Blaise shaped institutions with wisdom and integrity. He’s given over 500 units of blood, donated a kidney and offered free financial counseling — quiet acts of courage and compassion that speak louder than words.

A devoted husband and father of eight, all of whom attended John Carroll, Blaise’s life is deeply woven into the fabric of the School. He’s a familiar, trusted presence at events, always ready with a handshake and a listening ear.

Blaise doesn’t just carry the values of John Carroll — he lives them. His legacy is one of selfless impact, unwavering faith and quiet leadership that inspires all who know him.

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Additional Alumni Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award — New this Year!

Honoring alumni who excelled in artistic fields, this award celebrates individuals whose work demonstrates originality, passion and perseverance. By highlighting their work, the award reinforces the importance of the arts at John Carroll and motivates future Patriots to think boldly, create freely and lead with imagination.

Patrick S. Wiley ’78 achieved extraordinary success in theater, film and television as a highly respected assistant costume designer. After discovering his passion for the arts at John Carroll, he honed his craft through professional theater and training at Juilliard, eventually working alongside renowned designers on Broadway productions such as “Mary Poppins” and “A Chorus Line.” His career expanded into film and television, contributing to major projects including “The Irishman,” “Mamma Mia” and “The Gilded Age,” earning Emmy nominations and an Academy Award nomination. Known for his technical expertise and collaborative excellence, Patrick has been trusted on dozens of high-profile productions. Despite his remarkable accomplishments, he remains humble and deeply connected to his John Carroll roots, even giving back to the School through philanthropic support. His career exemplifies creativity, dedication and quiet excellence.

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Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award

This is presented to an alumnus/alumna who graduated in the past 20 years and whose achievements and contributions have positively impacted his/her profession, community and/or John Carroll. Honorees distinguish themselves as leaders among their peers, having excelled early in life and shown potential for continued success.

Allyson Carey Grieninger ’08 achieved remarkable success as both an elite athlete and influential leader in the lacrosse community. A Patriots Athletics Hall of Fame athlete and Team USA gold medalist, she continues to give back to the sport through coaching and mentorship at John Carroll. As a coach, she plays a key role in player development, strategy and recruitment, while also serving as a trusted mentor to student-athletes. Professionally, Ally is the founder and president of The Truss Collective, a creative marketing agency known for innovative branding and strategy work. Her ability to balance entrepreneurial success with meaningful community involvement is a testament to her drive. Ally’s impact extends far beyond the field, shaping both the next generation of athletes and professional landscape.

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Patriot Service Awards

Christopher Ryan Aycock ’00 has dedicated his life to public service through an exceptional career in emergency response and law enforcement. Beginning as a volunteer firefighter while still in high school, he continued serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic and later joined both the Army National Guard and Baltimore County Fire Department. He went on to serve with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and now the Maryland State Police, where he graduated first in his class and earned numerous commendations. As part of the Aviation Unit, he played a critical role in life-saving medevac operations, receiving multiple honors including Governor’s Citations and Shock Trauma Hero Awards. Beyond his professional duties, Chris mentors new responders and teaches lifesaving skills such as CPR and Stop the Bleed. His lifelong commitment to protecting and serving others embodies the spirit of this award.

Steve Hunter ’73 exemplifies a life of faith-driven service and community leadership. After a successful 38-year career in engineering and program management, he devoted his retirement to serving his parish and local community. As Facilities Committee Chair at St. Margaret Parish for over 15 years, he has overseen significant improvements to church and school facilities. He also co-leads efforts with the Cooperative Food Ministry, regularly organizing meals for those in need, and partners with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for deserving families. Steve’s commitment to service extends to coaching youth sports, mentoring students, and supporting environmental and community projects. Grounded in his faith and family, he gives generously of his time and talents to improve the lives of others.

Patricia Gay O’Brien ’77 is a pillar in her community whose life is defined by quiet, consistent acts of service. A longtime educator at St. Stephen School, she continues to serve through church leadership roles including teaching, ministry work and outreach programs. Patty organizes and leads numerous charitable initiatives, from disaster relief efforts and school supply drives to supporting refugee families and veterans. She is deeply involved in her faith community, offering both spiritual and practical support to those in need. Known for her humility and generosity, Patty serves without seeking recognition, embodying the values of compassion and selflessness. Her lifelong dedication to helping others reflects a true commitment to living out her faith in action.

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Patriot Pride Awards

The Patriot Pride Award is presented to those individual(s) who display outstanding achievement in their career and/or long-term service to the community. Honorees demonstrate excellence not only in their professional pursuits, but also in the way they uplift others and lead with purpose. Their lives reflect the enduring spirit and mission of John Carroll.

Diana Liberto Grove ’01 has made a profound impact through her work as an educator, advocate, and foster parent. Over the past seven years, she and her husband welcomed 12 teenagers into their home and adopted two, demonstrating extraordinary compassion and commitment to vulnerable youth. She co-founded Shifting Gears, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk foster youth as they transition into adulthood, addressing critical gaps in care. In her professional role as a math teacher, she has spent over 20 years inspiring students and received multiple teaching honors and awards. Diana is also deeply involved in her school community through coaching, leadership and mentorship. Her work reflects a powerful blend of professional excellence and personal mission, making a lasting difference in countless lives.

David W. Lesch, Ph.D. ’78 distinguished himself as a leading scholar and global authority on Middle Eastern affairs. After beginning his journey as a student-athlete and minor league baseball player, he transitioned to academia, earning advanced degrees from Harvard University in Middle Eastern History. He spent over three decades at Trinity University, where he founded the Middle Eastern Studies program and became a distinguished professor and department chair. Dr. Lesch authored more than 18 books and contributed extensively to major publications, while also advising U.S. policymakers and appearing in national and international media. His expertise led to rare diplomatic engagement, including multiple meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. His career reflects intellectual rigor, global impact and a lifelong pursuit of understanding complex international issues.

Benjamin Schapiro ’00 built an impressive career rooted in environmental sustainability and global development, shaped by his studies in Environmental Science, Sustainable Development and Public Policy. His early work took him across the globe, serving in Nicaragua, Ecuador, Mexico and Cambodia in roles focused on food security and natural resource management. He later joined USAID as a Foreign Service Officer, ultimately serving as Director of Sustainable Environmental, Energy and Economic Development in Ecuador. There, he led impactful initiatives such as the Galapagos Guardians program, promoting environmental stewardship among youth. Benjamin’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, aligning closely with John Carroll’s mission to form compassionate global citizens. Despite recent professional challenges due to federal funding cuts, he continues this work in a new role with the State of Hawaii.

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