Padua Franciscan High School is excited to share an opportunity to honor a beloved figure in the school’s history and strengthen the arts. As part of the $16 million Achieving Excellence capital campaign, Padua has launched an initiative to name the new Center for Performing Arts after Mr. Wayne F. Miller, Padua’s first Director of Instrumental Music, who dedicated 39 remarkable years to teaching and inspiring thousands of students.
Mr. Miller joined Padua in 1961 and led the school to extraordinary heights, earning more than 70 Superior (1) ratings in district, state, and national competitions, along with four national titles. His leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence shaped Northeast Ohio’s finest private school instrumental program and left an indelible impact on our community.
The Wayne F. Miller Center for Performing Arts will honor an extraordinary educator, while providing a space where creativity thrives, talents grow, and dreams are realized.
How You Can Help
- Make a gift—of any size—to help us reach our goal.
(Gifts of $1,000 or more will include a personalized nameplate on one of the 300 new theater chairs—an enduring tribute to your support of the arts at Padua.) - Spread the word to others who believe in the impact of Mr. Miller and the power of the arts.
Please click here to make your gift online. Checks can be mailed to Padua Franciscan High School “Attention: Advancement Office” 6740 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or you are interested in making a multi-year commitment, contact Vice President of Advancement Tony Shuman ’91 at tshuman@paduafranciscan.net or 440-845-8224.
Together, we can ensure that the arts remain a vibrant part of Padua’s identity. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality.
“I was privileged to have Mr. Miller as my band director and my cornet/trumpet teacher from 4th grade at St. Charles until I graduated from Padua. Whatever success I have enjoyed as a professional musician I owe in great part to what I learned from him, about preparation, musicianship, respect and integrity. I am forever grateful for the impact he has had on my life, and I’m guessing that there are countless others who would say the same! I am so pleased and proud that Padua is honoring him in this way!”
— Larry Herman ’70
Miller Family Expresses Gratitude
“We are thrilled to support the Padua High School Miller Center for Performing Arts in honor of our father, Wayne F. Miller. This amazing venue will provide students with a wonderful space for practicing, rehearsing, and performing, which is not common for schools today. As a founding faculty member in 1961, our dad accepted the position of Music Director at Padua based on the assurance from the administration that fine arts would be an integral part of the school curriculum. Our father understood the importance of music education and the benefits of studying it before the science became available. We also now have evidence that music can heal, reduce stress, regulate breathing, and bring people together. Music expresses our humanity and Padua’s commitment to continue Wayne F. Miller’s legacy is not only a magnificent way to honor him, but also an extraordinary gift for the students who are fortunate enough to attend Padua High School.
Our dad would have been so honored to receive recognition in this way. Thank you to those who have already donated and to those who will be making a donation. We are full of gratitude and appreciation for your generosity and applaud Padua for recognizing the need to nurture the minds and the souls of their students.”
— Laura Miller, Dawn (Miller) Kristoff, Elizabeth Miller
