Meet Ann (Brady) Gorran. Ann is a graduate of Central Catholic, Class of 1996. After graduating from CC, she attended Ball State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism. After a year trying to figure out her next move, she finally took the leap she had dreamt of for many years--a move to New York City. Even though the first couple of years are a blur (she's blocked them out), the city took her in. And thankfully there was another CC grad there to check on her every now and again. Thanks, Scott Kemper (1992)! Ann embarked on a career in the magazine world at Conde Nast. As the industry evolved with the digital times, so did her career. She now consults for digital publishing companies and is looking to bring some of her experience back to Lafayette.
Ann is recently married and a new dog mom. She is excited about the Cubs season, and she hopes she can keep things civil with her die-hard Mets fan husband, Scott.
How did your education from the Lafayette Catholic Schools prepare you for college and your career?
Big picture, it built a strong foundation which we all know is the key to every success--whether it be through faculty support or lifelong friendships.
Specifically, I learned how to dream big in Mrs. Grove and Miss Steill’s classes at St Lawrence. Mr. Eddy helped me to develop a curiosity for current events and their broad scope of impact. I sometimes wish I were still given a five-question quiz every day now that I'm grown and work in media--I'd nail it! I learned to be open to the world through religion class with Mr. Lett. And I can't leave out how I was taught to connect with myself via Father O'Keefe's chapel meditations. How many high schools do that?
What did you like most about your experience at LCSS?
The family feeling. I always felt lifted up. There was a subconscious "nest" that always made the unknown things seem easier to leap into.
What is your favorite memory from your years at LCSS?
I had a great ending to my time at LCSS that for me was very emblematic of my entire experience. It just so happened to be one of the most defining moments of my life as well.
The Indiana State Track and Field meet happened to fall on the night of graduation. I always knew it was a possibility, but I was devastated. I even strongly considered not going to the state meet as I could hardly fathom missing such a special night with the people I grew up with.
My classmates ended up pausing the ceremony at the time of my race and held up signs. I was told many people said a little prayer for me. And wouldn't you know it--it was the first and last race that I didn't feel any pain. It was almost as if I were not in control. Most know the end to this story already, but they don't know that part. These were the pre-cell phone days, and we called the cafeteria after the race from a pay phone to share the good news. I don't think there could have been a better ending for me than that. To this day, it's one of the most pivotal moments of my life, and I had the LCSS community right there with me.
[Ann won the state title in the 800-meter run with a time just under 2:14.]