Archbishop Perez Gathered with Hundreds of Catholic School Students at Cardinal O’Hara High School to Kick-off the 2023-2024 School Year in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
On Wednesday, September 20, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez gathered with hundreds of students from Catholic parish and regional elementary schools, high schools, and schools of special education at Cardinal O’Hara High School’s (COHS) stadium in Springfield (Delaware County) to celebrate the beginning of the 2023-204 academic year in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
They were joined by leadership from the Office of Catholic Education including Mr. Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools; Brooke C. Tesche, Ed.D., Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education; and Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D., Secretary for Elementary Education.
COHS leadership was represented by Mr. Michael Connor, President, and Ms. Eileen Murphy, Principal. The event served as an official welcome for the more than 45,000 students attending the 102 parish and regional elementary schools, 15 high schools, and three schools of special education in the region.
In speaking to the students Archbishop Pérez said, “You know, next to the public sector the Catholic Church does more for education of young people than any other institution in this area. Let that sink in for a moment —what the Catholic Church does for the common good, 15 high schools, 102 elementary schools, three schools of special education, about 2,500 teachers. Let’s give our teachers a shout out!” He continued, “Jesus is here for you and he’s encountering all of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators across the Philadelphia area. Why does he do all of this? It is an expression of God’s love for you, of His care, for you and His dream, and His hope that you thrive with the gifts that He has given to you.”
The event concluded with a pep rally featuring performances by the COHS Cheerleading Team and Band as well as mascot races with contestants from all 15 Archdiocesan high schools. Cardinal O’Hara’s “Lion” took the crown by besting “The Patriot” from Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor (Delaware County).
Footage of the celebration is posted to Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page.
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Editor’s Note:
For information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/. For information about Cardinal O’Hara High School, please visit www.cohs.com/.
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Meredith Wilson
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