25 years. A quarter of a century. An incredible milestone.

It was 25 years ago, the doors opened for the first time at The Franciscan School. 25 years ago, a vision became a reality to provide an excellent Catholic education to as many families as possible. 25 years ago, our community was born. Our beautiful, life-changing community has turned into a family.

In the late 1990s, Father Dan Kenna began the process of creating a Catholic school that would be inclusive and foundational to the Catholic faith of St Francis of Assisi. Committees were formed, and the ground was broken off Leesville Road. When the doors opened, it instantly created a reputation as a quality Catholic school with families at the heart of its mission. Former Principal Mike Watson, on one of the founding committees, shares that “Families are the reason TFS exists. They helped form and grow the school over the years to be the special place it continues to be.”

One of the most important rhythms the school started during the beginning days was Morning Prayer. School Counselor Laureen Wacenske recalls this time in Jacoba Hall, which was the right size for the school community back then. “Now that we have more than doubled,” Wacenske says, “we gather each morning in prayer in the courtyard. When I look out to my extended TFS family each day at Morning Prayer, I see new generations growing this school, and my heart is very, very happy.” 

As you may assume, 25 years can bring much change and progression. Former School Nurse for 22 years, Joanne Sullivan was a founding member of TFS. She shares, “The progression at TFS was fast with growing pains and changes. But hands down I would celebrate the community at TFS. The energy at the founding was unforgettable.” Though the school progressed steadily and grew quickly, it was not too quick that it lost its sense of purpose and values. 

Catholic school leadership can often change every few years, and that was the case the first 9 years of TFS’ history. Principal Bigelow brought stability and served as the 4th principal for 8 years, and Principal Watson followed, serving as principal for six years until 2022. Current Principal Dawn Smith is now in her 3rd year as Principal, shepherding a new legacy of families but holding true to the anchoring traditions that make TFS what it is today. 

One of the most challenging times during the last 25 years was certainly the COVID-19 pandemic. With Principal Watson at the helm, the school navigated the continuation of providing an excellent education while also ensuring the health and safety of all students and staff. Watson shares, “I remain extremely proud of how well the faculty responded, contributed to and agreed on the plan, and adjusted to make their students able to return, all while being worried for themselves and their families during an unprecedented national and worldwide challenge.”

Many founding faculty members and former alumni, such as Chris Elliott, Laureen Wacenski, and Ann Giannini, are still on staff today. Their excellence, institutional presence, and experience help ensure that the school remains grounded and true to its founding.

Principal Smith is excited to spend this year celebrating 25 years of our great history.  With a 25th anniversary committee led by Mrs. Wacenske, Smith says, “We will celebrate our continued dedication to Franciscan traditions, the creation of the school, and the continued focus on faith, academics, and service. We are looking to celebrate our 25th year throughout the year by involving the parish community, alumni, previous faculty members, parents, and current students.” Stay tuned for all that is to come this year!

Happy 25th Birthday, The Franciscan School!