Jordan McFaull was a Beechwood graduate of the class of 2007 and an attorney in New Orleans, LA.
By Vicki Prichard
NKyTribune Reporter
During the 12 years that Jordan McFaull attended Beechwood Independent School he was known as a standout as a scholar, a gentleman and a civic-minded lad who seemed wise beyond his years.
As is so often the case for those who pass from kindergarten through graduation in the 156-year-old-school on Beechwood Road, they develop bonds that go far beyond the classroom. The Class of 2007 went their separate ways — earned degrees, began careers, married and started families of their own — but like a well-stitched quilt, the friendships that were forged at Beechwood remained secure.
When McFaull, a graduate of Tulane University and Loyola University School of Law, and an associate for the law firm of Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand, & Brackett in New Orleans, passed away suddenly last August due to complications of Type 1 diabetes, his friends navigated their way through shock and grief. Social media posts chronicled decades-long friendships through photos of their friend that often read, “He was the best of us.”
“I’ve been friends with him since seventh grade,” says Brady Schuler, a friend, classmate and teammate of McFaull. “You really couldn’t ask for a more genuine person in the entire world.”
Last week during Beechwood’s senior awards presentations, the class of 2007 honored their friend — his character and his commitment to community and education — with the Jordan McFaull Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship was funded by McFaull’s friends of the class of 2007 — Schuler, Ross Finan, Kevin Mitts, Peter Kayiatos, Zach Janning, Mike Moreton and Brad Hood, as well as Casey Burns and Matt Clayton with the Beechwood Backers, the school’s non-profit group of supporters and alumni which was formed to kick start an alumni association and maintain the excellence and tradition of the Beechwood Community through fundraising efforts.
Lynnette Guzzino, mother of Jordan McFaull, with friends of her son who helped fund the Jordan McFaull Memorial Scholarship.
“Jordan was an unbelieveable person who truly excelled,” says Finan who, along with Clayton, presented the scholarship. He recalled how while others vacationed during high school spring break, McFaull would spend the time volunteering in the community.
The scholarship was available to seniors with a 3.0 GPA moving on to a four year institution, who have shown excellent leadership qualities in and out of school as well as a great record of service in the community. It was presented to Beechwood senior Bailey Halpin, daughter of Mo and Denise Halpin of Fort Mitchell, who will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall.
“It’s a huge honor to be the first recipient of the award given in his name,” says Halpin. “I’m extremely happy to represent the accomplishments of Jordan and everything he stood for — academics, leadership, and volunteerism. I look forward to continuing my academic career while keeping in mind the qualities that Jordan displayed and using them to influence those around me just as he did.”
Lynnette Guzzino, Jordan’s mother was present for the award and “grateful” for the tribute to her son.
“This is a tribute that just speaks to the heart and to the friendship and love of his friends — especially the class of 2007,” says Guzzino. “It’s such a perfect reflection of his scholarship and his service — his determination and passion — which is well reflected in the award winner, Bailey. it is a great deed that they’ve done and I will always be grateful for.”
Most moving and to the point. So like Jordan. Unable to be up there for this moving moment . Would like to leave grateful message to those involved, if possible. Thank You Genevieve Guzzino