Over the last four years, the students of the Class of 2026 have left their mark on the Padua Franciscan High School community.
From their spirited Olympic Day participation to record-breaking showings across multiple sports and thrilling performances on the stage with instrumental, vocal or theatrical events, these students have made the most of their opportunities at Padua and earned their recognition.
On Friday, May 22, 2026, the Class of 2026 was honored for their achievements at Padua’s annual Senior Awards Assembly.
Collectively, the Class of 2026 was offered millions of dollars in non-need-based scholarships from colleges and universities across the country. These scholarships exemplify the successes of the Class of 2026 and underscore the importance of a Padua Franciscan education.
Brayden Mordarski ’26 was honored as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, while Nicolas Senior ’26 earned Salutatorian accolades. A graduate of St. Mary School in Berea, Mordarski earned a grade point average of 4.953 and will attend Purdue University to study Mechanical Engineering. Senior is a graduate of Holy Family School, and after earning a 4.858 GPA, plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to study Biomedical Engineering.
During the assembly, the student body and faculty heard from Senior, who delivered his address outlining the class’s accomplishments and words of advice for the future.
“The world shows so many things that we need to do in order to be successful, things that give us finite worth, things that make us replaceable” Senior said. “The world says that wealth, money, or living happily ever after is success, but every single one of these things end. Money runs out. Trends run out. Our time runs out. So why do any of that?
“I think it is because of love. Padua has taught us how to love as Franciscans. The four pillars: praying, caring, serving and bringing peace. One of my friends, Peche Navas, would write a Bible verse on his wrist before soccer games that define what love is, 1 Corinthians 13: 2-7.
This type of love that is being talked about is God’s love. God’s love is more than a feeling. It’s a constant decision and choice. We play sports because of our passion. We put on plays so that others could feel, and we help each other because of love.”
Senior reminded his classmates and those in attendance that Jesus loves everyone and to live a worthwhile life, centering it in faith is critical.
“After we determine that Jesus is telling us the truth, He sends us out to go and do everything with love, to put on our musicals, to play sports, to do well in school, in our careers, to fall in love, all with God at the center of that,” Senior said.
“Can we open our hearts to change, open our hearts to each other and open our hearts to God? As we walk up to grab our diplomas on the 28th, remember to always ask the question: ‘Why?’ And ask it with love.”
Highlights of the Senior Awards Assembly included:
Shivani Arulselvan ’26 was recognized as a National Merit Commended Student. Click here to learn more about this achievement.
Three graduating seniors made the commitment to serve the United States of America in the Armed Forces. Thank you for your commitment and service to our country:
- Logan Burke – U.S. Navy
- Matthew Pafford – U.S. Marine Corps
- Helyna Park – U.S. Navy
In keeping with yearly Padua traditions, the faculty has the honor of selecting a senior young man and woman who best represent the ideals of Padua Franciscan High School. The awards of Mr. and Miss Paduan are given to the seniors who exemplify the finest characteristics of the ideal Padua man and woman. All facets of personality are considered in the selection for this honor, including Christian values, Franciscan compassion, academic dedication, strong character, superior leadership qualities, and concerned citizenship.
The following students were nominated for Mr. Paduan: Drew Ketvertis, Reece Lesondra, Zion Mealing, Brayden Mordarski, and Nicolas Senior. The 2026 Mr. Paduan Award went to Nicolas Senior.
The following students were nominated for Miss Paduan: Claire Bobofchak, Soraya Gakuru, Darlene Jaidah, Julia Raymont, and Isabella Salyards. The 2026 Miss Paduan Award went to Julia Raymont.
Unique to Padua’s Athletic Department are the coveted Mr. and Miss Bruin awards. The Athletic Department and coaches select the seniors most deserving of the honor of the best athlete at Padua. The qualities on which the athletes are evaluated are their athletic skills, high school athletic achievements, participation, coachability, sportsmanship, leadership, academics, and school involvement.
The following students were nominated for Mr. Bruin: Jack DeGeeter, Brady Devore, Brayden Mordarski, Garrett Nowicki, and Caleb Zolkowski. The 2026 Mr. Bruin Award went to Brayden Mordarski.
The following students were nominated for Miss Bruin: Kayla Brandon, Isabella Higgins, Darlene Jaidah, Ashley Rypiak, and Ally Tonsing. The 2026 Miss Bruin Award went to Darlene Jaidah.
The Phi Beta Kappa Award is meant to recognize a student who exemplifies outstanding scholarship, shows academic initiative, and embodies total achievement. The 2026 Phi Beta Kappa Award went to Brayden Mordarski.
Following the presentation of awards, Principal Bob DiRocco addressed the Class of 2026 for the final time and shared some advice as the students leave Padua and enter the next phase of their lives, be it in college, military service or another avenue.
He encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to carry with them a compass and their faith, so they always have direction and purpose in life.
“Most importantly, you carry the knowledge that God walks beside you at every step you take, in every success, in every disappointment, and in every new beginning,” DiRocco said. “Your class song is ‘I Lived,’ and there’s a lyric from the song that says, ‘Hope when you take the jump, you don’t fear to fall.’ In part, that’s my hope for you. Not that your journey becomes easy, but that your life becomes meaningful, a life filled with purpose, a life filled with faith, a life filled with service, a life filled with courage, fully alive.
“So, Class of 2026, your adventure awaits. Take good care of that compass, remain connected to the lessons you learned here from St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, and enjoy every step of the journey. Remember that no matter where life takes you, you’re always welcome here, and that you’re never alone because you’re always a Bruin. May God give you peace. Congratulations.”
Following the assembly, senior choral students led the singing of the Padua Alma Mater, which was done for the final time as a school in the Padua Gymnasium before it is converted into the Center for Performing Arts as part of the Achieving Excellence Capital Campaign.
Congratulations to all of our seniors on their many accomplishments! May God bless all of them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
