Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez and the Office of Catholic Education to Celebrate the New School Year with Official Back-to-School Pep Rally
This year marks the 175th anniversary of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.
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 Dominic J. Frederico ’70 Gymnasium at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School as part of the official kick-off celebration for the 2026-2027 school year in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This year marks the 175th anniversary of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.
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.
Monday, September 28, 2026
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School
Dominic J. Frederico ’70 Gymnasium
403 North Lansdowne Avenue
Drexel Hill, PA 19026 (Delaware County)
A pep rally will follow featuring a mascot race with competitors from Archdiocesan high schools. Members of the Bonner & Prendie Cheerleading Team will also perform.
Background Information about Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School
Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast is a diverse Augustinian Catholic high school for young women and men that seeks academic excellence while integrating faith, religious values and morals throughout our strong curriculum and extensive activities. Our mission inspires the Gospel values of love, respect and compassion, both on and off campus. For additional information about Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School, please visit bonnerprendie.com/.
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Editor’s Note: For more information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit aopcatholicschools.org/.