2025 Ryan William Smith Award

Mr. Cline was honored this week at Mass with the 2025 Ryan William Smith Award, which recognizes excellence among Loyola College Prep faculty and staff.

The award was established in memory of Ryan William Smith, a 2004 Loyola graduate who spent his entire educational life on Jordan Street, attending both St. John Berchmans and Loyola. Ryan excelled in academics and athletics, graduated from LSU in Petroleum Engineering, and married his wife Ashley. Tragically, Ryan passed away from cancer at the age of 28 while his wife was expecting their son. Ryan loved Loyola deeply and often said he would gladly return to teach Introductory Engineering for free, simply for the joy of giving back. Today, his father proudly continues this tradition of honoring Loyola faculty in his name.

“Mr. Cline truly goes above and beyond for our students and our school community” Dr. Laurie Salvail, Principal, said. “For him, good enough is never good enough. He is open to all ideas from students and works tirelessly to make sure our students have a great experience at Loyola.”

Previous recipients of the Ryan Smith Award include Mr. John Sella, Mrs. Julie Goodman, Mrs. Arelis Soberal, Ms. Laura Woolbert, and Mr. Mike Mawhinney.