The McKeirnan and Byrd families have believed strongly in Gonzaga Prep and the strength of the community for generations. Cheré and Tom—1987 grads—thrived as Bullpups in the 80s, later married, and sent their four children to Prep. When tragedy struck the family, the Prep community stepped up in ways big and small.

Cheré (Byrd) McKeirnan’s parents believed strongly in Catholic education. With eight children, they believed Gonzaga Prep would have the most formative influence on the people their sons and daughters would become.

For Cheré, that foundation came full circle at Prep. The school had been coed for eight years when she entered as a freshman. She immersed herself in the life of the school and the community that would one day lift up her family in a time of need.

In the 1987 Luigan yearbook, Cheré and her boyfriend, Tom McKeirnan, were voted “Most Likely to Get Married.” After graduating from Prep, the couple attended colleges in different cities before marrying and eventually returning to Spokane to raise their family.

When the time came, Cael `15, Ella `17, Daniel `21, and Cavan `23 each became Bullpups. The McKeirnans have supported Catholic education — and Gonzaga Prep — in numerous ways throughout their lives. But after unimaginable tragedy struck their family, the Prep community stepped forward to support them in return.

We sat down with Chere in April to hear her family’s story, including Ella’s battle with cancer. Ella died in February 2020, but her memory remains present in the lives of those who knew her and through a Notre Dame fellowship established in her name.

You can watch the video that featured in our celebration of 50 years of coeducation on May 12 on this page, or listen to a longer audio version:

WATCH THE VIDEO: