Posted September 14, 2018

More than 300 students representing Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia — 17 high schools, four schools of special education and 119 parish and regional elementary schools — gathered for a pep rally Sept. 7 at the National Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and leaders of the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education welcomed the students as they opened the 235th consecutive year of Catholic education in the Philadelphia region. The archbishop encouraged the students to become leaders rooted in humility and service to others. “My challenge to you, boys and girls, is to become leaders who serve others,” he said. “The more you serve, the more you will see proof positive that small acts of Christian love are contagious. They provide inspiration to better the condition of the world in which we live.” The Bishop Shanahan Marching Band and Cardinal O’Hara Cheerleading Team performed before mascots from many of the high schools competed in a foot race. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput enjoys the company of a John W. Hallahan High School student during the Catholic schools’ kick-off rally.

  • Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic education in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, greets students.

  • Special education students participate in the program with sign language.

    Special education students participate with sign language in this year’s Catholic schools’ kick-off event in Philadelphia. Support for special education remains a priority for the Archdiocesan Educational Fund, which announced its list of 33 grantees totaling more than $1.3 million this year. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Students and administrators participate in prayers at the Atrium at the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, Philadelphia.

  • Archbishop Chaput gives the blessing after prayers during the pep rally.

  • Student Julie Kleinot and Pope John Paul II High School President Jason Bozzone chat with Bishop Michael Fitzgerald after the rally.

  • The Bishop Shanahan High School Marching Band performs.

  • The Cardinal O’Hara High School Cheerleading Team pumps up the spirits of pep rally participants.

  • Terome Mitchell, a senior from Conwell-Egan high School, wins the mascot race for his school.

  • Mascots representing archdiocesan high schools pose for a group photo.

  • Two Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters serve as DJs at the mixing board.