On Wednesday, October 2, Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, gathered with hundreds of students from Catholic parish and regional elementary schools, high schools, and schools of special education to fill a portion of the football stadium at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School (CEC) in Fairless Hills (Bucks County) to celebrate the beginning of the 2024-2025 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; Mr. William Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education; and Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D., Secretary for Elementary Education.
CEC leadership was represented by Mr. Matthew Fischer, President, and Mr. Josh Bower, Principal. The event served as an official welcome for the more than 47,000 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, “One of my greatest joys as Archbishop is seeing our students live out their faith. I look forward to seeing all of the great things you’ll accomplish in the classroom, on the playing fields, and in your communities this year! In closing, my challenge to you, boys and girls—this year and every year, is to embrace the gift of Catholic education and to become leaders who serve others to make the world a better place.”
The event concluded with a pep rally featuring performances by the CEC Concert Choir under the as well as mascot races with contestants from Archdiocesan high schools. Conwell-Egan’s “Eagle” took the crown by besting Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast’s “Friar” and Pope John Paul II’s “Golden Panther”.
Footage of the celebration is posted here.
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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 Conwell-Egan Catholic, please visit https://conwell-egan.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747