Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, Shane Saunders

November 9, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 1999.

One of the five tenets of the Lasallian Charism is a dedication to the poor and social justice. Bishop Kelley gives out an award annually to an alumnus who lives out these values in a profound and meaningful way. For many years, Shane Saunders has been involved with a Tulsa non-profit called Iron Gate which has a mission of feeding the hungry of Tulsa every day. This organization feeds people in three ways, through a community meal, through a grocery pantry, and through a kids’ pantry.


For over ten years, Shane has served as a member of Iron Gate’s Board of Directors and has chaired that board. He’s proud to say that they call those who eat at Iron Gate their guests. As Shane puts it, we are all guests on this earth and guests should treat one another with courtesy, kindness and respect. 


Shane is a member of the last Bishop Kelley graduating class of the previous millennium…1999! In fact, he was the president of BK’s Student Government. For many years, he has led a life of service to others, both through public policy and direct action. His life’s work has been focused on the alleviation of poverty, a virtue Shane says he learned as a student at Bishop Kelley.


Shane remembers a very candid conversation he had as a senior with the late Brother Norman who taught here for several years. Brother encouraged Shane to really focus on what he wanted to do with his life. Not focus so much on the how, but rather on what he wanted to do with the gifts that God gave him. According to Shane, Bishop Kelley taught him several things. His time as a student here instilled a drive in him to serve others. BK also taught him how to relate, engage, and respect others regardless of their station in life.


One of the things Shane cherishes most about his Bishop Kelley experience is the great group of lifelong friends that he made while he was a student here. He says Kelley gave him the tools to continue his education at the highest levels and without this school, his life may have taken a different path.


Upon Shane’s graduation from BK, he enrolled at Washington and Lee University where he earned a BA in Politics and a BA in Classics. He later earned an MBA from the University of Tulsa. Shane is the owner and president of Trident Energy which is a Tulsa-based oil and gas exploration company. Trident is a domestic producer of American energy, holding interests in hundreds of wells located throughout the United States. Shane is also the owner of Trident Capital which invests in real estate and in other companies.


Prior to founding Trident, Shane served as Press Secretary and Campaign Manager for Congressman John Sullivan who is also a Bishop Kelley graduate. 


Shane is a member of the Church of Saint Mary and has two daughters, Bay and Maple, who attend the School of Saint Mary. Shane is a big believer in Catholic education, having served as a past chair of the Saint Francis of Assisi gala which is an effort to build a large endowment to help lower income families afford a Catholic education in the Diocese of Tulsa.


Shane is serves in a variety of roles with Washington and Lee University, including the Annual Fund Council, is president of the University’s alumni association in Tulsa, and is president of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Housing Corporation. He is a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen, an organization that gave its most recent Community Service award to Shane. He also serves on the Oklahoma board of directors for JDRF International which is an organization dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes.


Please join me in congratulating our newest recipient of the alumni award for dedication to the poor and social justice, Mr. Shane Saunders.


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

May 1, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School is proud to announce the hiring of Seana Stoia '13 as the new Head Coach of the Girls Basketball program. Coach Stoia brings a wealth of experience in both playing and coaching at multiple levels. She has held elite coaching roles with PWP AAU and Team Griffin, coached collegiately at Loras College and University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and played collegiately for the University of Dallas following a standout career as a Bishop Kelley Comet. Most recently, she has served as an assistant coach for Bishop Kelley’s Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams while also teaching Theology. Known for her player-first mentality and commitment to fundamentals, Stoia has helped shape some of the most competitive youth and high school talent in the Tulsa area. “Coach Stoia has been a major part of the resurgence of BK girls basketball over the past three years that culminated in a trip to the 5A State Tournament this year,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “She has a tremendous work ethic coupled with a passion for the game of basketball that will elevate all levels of the girls basketball program at Bishop Kelley.” In addition to her basketball expertise, Stoia has deep roots in the Bishop Kelley community as an educator and mentor. Her dedication to developing student-athletes on and off the court makes her an ideal leader for the program’s next chapter. Stoia will assume her role immediately, leading off-season training and preparing the Comets for an exciting 2025–2026 season. 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.
April 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TULSA, OK – Bishop Kelley High School is pleased to welcome Vince Davis as an assistant coach for football and track and as a full-time substitute teacher for the 2025-2026 academic year. Coach Davis brings extensive coaching and educational experience to the Bishop Kelley community, along with a strong commitment to student-athlete development both on and off the field. Coach Davis previously served as Varsity Football Offensive Coordinator at Porter High School, implementing strategic offensive game plans and managing game flow analytics. His coaching career also includes experience at Broken Arrow High School, where he coached varsity running backs, leading them to over 7,800 yards and 70 touchdowns. In track, he notably coached state champions in the 100m, 200m, 4x200 relay, and long jump, underscoring his expertise in athlete and performance development. Coach Davis also has a distinguished educational career, currently serving as an E2020-Edgenuity Teacher at Porter High School, monitoring student progress and contributing to student engagement and school culture. His previous roles include teaching Business and Technology at Broken Arrow and Owasso High Schools, founding the Black Student Association at Broken Arrow, and serving as advisor for various student organizations. "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Davis to the Bishop Kelley community," said Lance Parks, Bishop Kelley Athletic Director. "His proven track record of developing student-athletes academically and athletically makes him an outstanding addition to our coaching staff and faculty." Davis earned his Master's in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University, a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern State University, and an Associate of Arts in Journalism from Bacone College. 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.