By Michael Scheinert ’16
THE ROUNDUP

As Ryan Shear ’14 prepares for a new beginning at Santa Clara, he leaves behind a diverse set of contributions to the community.

This year marks his second year as a member of the varsity baseball team.

Shear has been on the diamond his entire life, and he said he has worked hard to help his final group of teammates in any way possible.

After mounting the courage to run for Student Council, he was elected by his classmates to take one of two spots for his class, an honor that Shear said has helped him develop his leadership abilities.

He said he also has expanded his leadership skills as a member of the Executive Board of the Big Brothers, a program led by Mr. Scott Heideman.

“Ryan is a typical student if you don’t know him personally,” Heideman said. “If you look for God in him, you can see the extraordinary. He is a role model and a leader. He leads by his actions, by inspiring those around him, and he is everything a Brophy Bronco is meant to be. He expresses that in the way he carries himself, which is a true testament to him.”

Shear is also on the Executive Board of the Family to Family Club and a member of the National Honors Society.

Above all, he said that trips and retreats are what he will remember most from the last four years.

“The Kenya, Africa trip, LA Urban Plunge and the Guatemala summer immersion trip are things that have changed my life and allowed me to see the world differently,” Shear said. “I have enjoyed and am grateful for everything I have done and encountered in my time at Brophy.”

Classmate Kevin Burg ’14 said he has watched Shear grow over the years.

“Early this year, Mr. (Ian) Aston gave Ryan a very appropriate nickname: Ryan ‘Kill ‘Em with Kindness’ Shear,” Burg said. “His kindness makes him one of the best friends a guy could ask for, and one of the most beloved students on campus. Ryan’s spirit rubs off on everyone in the Brophy community, making him an invaluable leader in the class of 2014.”