Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Outstanding Young Alumni, Caitlyn Benedict Gonya

May 26, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 2011.

Working extensively throughout the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, Caitlyn Gonya is an exemplary young alumnus who has used her short time since graduating from Bishop Kelley to do big things. During her four years at Bishop Kelley, Caitlyn filled her schedule with Speech and Debate, among other things, and attended daily Mass.


After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 2011, Caitlyn attended Benedictine College in Kansas, where she got her Bachelor’s degree in Theology and English, graduating in 2015. While at Benedictine, Caitlyn served as a Totus Tuus missionary for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. After graduating, she worked as the Youth and Young Adult Minister of Parish of Christ the King and then spent three years in the Youth Office of the Chancery. Caitlyn graduated in 2018 with a Master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.


Caitlyn is the current Director of Mission and Faith Formation at Christ the King. Beyond her role in the Diocese, Caitlyn has worked to implement an event called Song Praise in the Diocese, which includes food, Adoration, praise and worship, and talk. Sing Praise has been held at 11 locations, including a prison. Furthermore, Caitlyn created a five-year strategic plan for the parish and aided with the faith-based elements of the school’s strategic plan.


Simply put, Caitlyn exhibits what it means to be a servant-leader. Her hard work, faith, and service have led to opportunities across the Diocese for others to invest in their faith journeys. She’s used her education at Bishop Kelley and beyond to instill knowledge in others, especially her children. 


Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Award

Recognizing the accomplishments of Outstanding Bishop Kelley Alumni who exemplify the five core principles of the Lasallian Mission; Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Concern for the Poor & Social Justice, Respect for All Persons & Inclusive Community.


If you know a deserving BK Alumni, please nominate them here: https://www.bishopkelley.org/alumni#LasallianFoundersAlumniAwardsNominationForm

April 1, 2025
Click here for 2024-2025 Q3 A Honor Roll Click here for 2024-2025 Q3 B Honor Rol l Stellar work, Comets!
March 5, 2025
TULSA, OK – March 5, 2025 – Bishop Kelley High School is excited to announce that David Alexander has joined the BK community as the new Offensive Line Coach and Math Faculty member for the 2025-2026 school year. With a wealth of experience in both education and football, Alexander brings a unique combination of skills to the school, enhancing both the athletic program and the academic environment. Alexander’s impressive career spans decades of football excellence, both as a player in the National Football League (NFL) and as a coach in the af2 arena football league and at the high school level. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987, playing for the team until 1994. During his time in the NFL, Alexander showcased his versatility by playing all five offensive line positions, starting 110 of 126 games. After retiring from professional football, Alexander turned his focus to coaching and education. In recent years, Alexander has served as a high school math teacher and football coach at Jenks Public Schools, where he made significant contributions to the school's football program. As a Special Teams Coordinator, he helped lead Jenks to a District and State Championship in 2021 while also teaching Algebra 2/ELL and Newcomer Algebra 1. He also has extensive coaching experience at Broken Arrow High School, where he served as Head Football Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, helping lead the team to a 6A-1 State Championship in 2018 and multiple district titles. “I am incredibly excited to join the Bishop Kelley community,” said Alexander. “My passion for coaching and teaching has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. I look forward to contributing to the success of both the Bishop Kelley football program and students in the classroom.” In addition to his teaching and coaching career, Alexander has earned numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Broken Arrow Athletic Hall of Fame and the Tulsa University Athletic Hall of Fame. He has also received prestigious awards including the Ed Block Courage Award with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Humanitarian of the Year award. Alexander’s professional involvement extends beyond football, having served on the boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Jenks Foundation Auction, among others. “It’s rare to find an individual who is as stellar in the classroom as he is on the field. Coach Alexander is a fantastic addition to our Math Department, said BK Principal Jim Franz. “ We know he will have a lasting impact on both our students and student-athletes.” “We are thrilled to have Coach Alexander join the Comet community,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “His background, both as a former NFL player and a seasoned coach, is a tremendous asset to our athletics program. His passion for football, commitment to student development, and dedication to excellence in education make him a valuable addition to Bishop Kelley High School.” About Bishop Kelley School Bishop Kelley School is a Catholic diocesan high school located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which focuses on preparing students' hearts and minds for a purposeful life, for college and beyond. Founded in 1960, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a deep commitment to spiritual formation. Bishop Kelley strives to educate the whole person, empowering students to become responsible, faith-filled leaders in their communities. Media Contact: Candace Maggard Manager of Marketing and Communications Bishop Kelley High School Phone: (918) 609-7143 Email: cmaggard@bishopkelley.org Website: www.bishopkelley.org
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