Padua Franciscan High School celebrated its Class of 2023 with a Commencement ceremony at St. Albert the Great Church on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Retiring History teacher Mr. Tim Giulivo, who taught for 40 years and also served as principal years ago, gave the commencement address. He encouraged each graduate to be a person with significance, who lifts up people around them, and when seeking success, to frame his or her goals and set their compass like Padua’s patron, St. Francis of Assisi, who led with his heart, not with his head. His final message to the Class of 2023 was singing a modified version of Neil Diamond’s song “Heartlight” from the movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” The chorus was:
Turn on your heartlight Let it shine wherever you go Let it make a happy glow For all the world to see Turn on your heartlight In the middle of a teacher's dream Don't wake me up too soon Gonna take a ride across the moon You and me
Valedictorian Elizabeth Shuman ’23, who earned a 4.95 GPA and is heading to The Ohio State University to pursue a Pharmacy degree, spoke to her classmates about being Franciscans who often went above and beyond their required Christian service hours giving back to those in need. She reminded her peers that Padua is their North Star…and to always help others, practice gratitude and remember that happiness is a choice.
Class of 2023, we hope you’re Happy, Healthy, Holy and Highly Prepared for your next chapter! And remember – you’re never alone, you’re always a Bruin!
