Marist School awarded the prestigious 2023 St. Peter Chanel Award to J. B. “Jay” Mannelly, Jr. of Brookhaven during its annual St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Celebration at the Atlanta History Center. Named in honor of the Marist saint martyred for his faith, the St. Peter Chanel Award represents the highest distinction bestowed by Marist School. It recognizes individuals whose unwavering selflessness, exceptional support and dedicated leadership have profoundly advanced the Marist mission in education. Jay Mannelly's outstanding contributions exemplify these values, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed honor. Each year, the event provides Marist School the opportunity to convey appreciation for all leadership donors who contributed to the school’s annual fund within the St. Peter Chanel Society during the previous fiscal year.
Marist School President J. D. Childs set the tone for the evening by praising Mannelly’s devotion to Marist, remarking, “Jay Mannelly—along with those who have previously received the St. Peter Chanel Award—exemplifies an extraordinary and commendable dedication to Marist School that deserves special recognition. He embodies a distinctive humility and gift for hospitality and welcome.”
Jay Mannelly, co-founder and principal of Atlanta real estate development firm Bullock Mannelly Partners, Inc., has been a devoted supporter of Marist School since his eldest son enrolled in 1984. As both a parent and grandparent of alumni, as well as a member of Marist School’s Board of Trustees since 2009, Mannelly acknowledges Marist’s significant place in his family’s life. His commitment to fostering the educational initiatives at Marist is inspired by the proverb: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Recognizing that education is the foundation of life, Mannelly has played an instrumental role in sustaining and advancing the school’s mission of forming the whole person in the image of Christ.
Mannelly witnessed the academic and extracurricular successes of his two sons and three grandsons who graduated from Marist School. His service as the Booster Club president during the 1989-1990 academic year and his induction into the Blue & Gold Athletics Circle in 2017 underscore his enduring commitment to Marist athletics. Mannelly has generously supported Marist over the years by contributing to the annual fund, capital campaigns, the endowment and various other initiatives aimed at enriching the full spectrum of programs and the enduring financial well-being of the school.
“Marist School has become a large part of my family. One important concept of a Marist family is that family is broader than a last name or blood relative. Marist family is the entire community,” says Mannelly.
Jay Mannelly's dedication and generous contributions of time, talent and resources have left a lasting mark on Marist School, enhancing the educational experience for generations of students. His legacy is a testament to the spirit of community that defines Marist School.