Hundreds of Catholic school students from throughout the Philadelphia region will gather with Archbishop Pérez at Archbishop John Carroll High School.
Hundreds of students from Catholic parish and regional elementary schools, Archdiocesan high schools, and Archdiocesan schools of special education will fill a portion of the football stadium at Archbishop John Carroll High School as part of the official kick-off celebration for the 2025-2026 school year in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be joined by leadership from the Office of Catholic Education including Mr. Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools; Mr. William Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education; and Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D., Secretary for Elementary Education, to welcome students back to school.
The Archbishop John Carroll High School Choir under the direction of its Director, Mr. J.R. Schmitt, will perform the National Anthem as part of the gathering.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Archbishop John Carroll High School
211 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087 (Delaware County)
A pep rally will follow featuring a mascot race with competitors from Archdiocesan high schools. Members of the Archbishop John Carroll High School Cheerleading Team and Band will also perform.
Background information on Archbishop John Carroll High School
Archbishop John Carroll High School was founded in 1967. The school empowers students to develop their talents, build strong character through Catholic values, and to strengthen their minds through rigorous academic programs. For additional information about Archbishop John Carroll High School, please visit www.jcarroll.org/.
# # #
Editor’s Note: For information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747