Tuesday, August 15, marked a new beginning for 400 young men from throughout Northeast Ohio. Many months after their admission into Saint Ignatius High School, the Class of 2021 began their time as students at West 30th and Lorain.
Admissions Director Pat O'Rourke '00 passed off responsibility for shepherding this class to Principal Dan Bradesca '88 and the rest of the Saint Ignatius faculty and staff. The Freshman Orientation schedule included many introductions to faculty, staff and administration--and of course fellow students.
The Class of 2021 celebrated a Teaching Mass with Saint Ignatius President Fr. Ray Guiao, S.J. '82 before heading to the annual cookout on the Mall, provided by Student Senate.
In the afternoon, the new freshmen followed their class schedules around to find their classrooms, meet their teachers, review class syllabi and other expectations. This schedule included a five minute break between 8th and 9th periods for the Daily Examen, which our community prays during the school year. The Examen is a reflective form of prayer made popular by St. Ignatius Loyola himself.
Freshman Orientation is an important day to provide the newest students with their chance to explore campus, meet new friends and become comfortable in a new academic setting.
The Class of 2021 will be formally welcomed into the school community on Friday, September 1, during the Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. John's Cathedral in downtown. They will celebrate Freshman Spirit Day on Friday, September 22.
We are happy to have these young men as a part of our community. You are in for a wonderful journey together.