The celebration of Padua Franciscan High School’s 60th anniversary begins Aug. 14 with an outdoor Mass at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at dusk in Padua Stadium, 6740 State Road, Parma.
The anniversary festivities continue with an alumni homecoming on Sept. 24 at the school. Activities begin at 5 p.m. Kickoff of the Bruins vs. Lake Catholic Cougars football game is at 7. Two food trucks – The Manna Food Truck and Off the Griddle – will be selling food 5-8 p.m. Register here for the event.
The 50th anniversary of Padua’s Christmas for Others charity drive will take place during the month of December. The largest student-run fundraiser in Northeast Ohio, Christmas for Others has raised more than $500,000 to help the less fortunate. More information about ways to participate, donate money for charity, drop off items for the needy and participate in the Mass will be posted at paduafranciscan.com.
The 30th annual Bruin Benefit and Hall of Fame Induction is set for 6-10 p.m. April 30 in the school gym. Attendees can bid on live and silent auction items. Virtual attendees can bid on silent auction items online. Watch paduafranciscan.com for more details.
The Grand Reunion, welcoming back all alumni and celebrating those whose graduation years end in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 and the Gold Bruins, any classes that have celebrated their 50th reunion, will take place on June 4. Details will be forthcoming.
Padua Franciscan, a college-preparatory, coeducational high school with 760 students, was founded by the Franciscans in 1961. Its educational philosophy is based on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. The school’s mission is to develop the unique talents of each student while giving them the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.
Originally a school for boys, Padua became coed in 1983 and now is the largest private, coeducational secondary school in Northeast Ohio. In 2004 and 2006, Padua was named one of the nation’s top 50 Catholic high schools by the Acton Institute.
It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Agency.
David Stec, a 1986 alumnus, is school president; Bob DiRocco is principal.
Click here for more information on Padua Franciscan High School.