2023 Blessing Photo Gallery
On a cool and rainy morning at Saint Francis High School, Athletic Director Therren Wilburn welcomed all spring athletes and asked for God's blessing. This blessing was special as it also marked the last day of Black History Month. The planning of the spring blessing was a collaboration between Athletics, Campus Ministry and the Black Student Union.
The first speaker was Mr. Chidozie Onuegbe, who reflected on his journey and experiences beginning as a student, to becoming an educator. Mr. "O" closed with an impactful massage, "There is an endless amount of knowledge and opportunities to excel that students should take advantage, because the grass is not always greener on the other side".
All of the student speakers at the spring blessing are members of the Athletic Directors Council.
Madison Ferraro, senior softball player, read first from St. Paul's Letters to the Corinthians. This reading had a special correlation to athletic teams, "If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it: if one part is honored, all the parts share the joy."
Kamau Julian, senior track & field athlete, read from an History.com article about the courage Tommie Smith and John Carlos had to take a stand for what is right and used their platform to bring about a more just and peaceful world. Julian asked that the actions of these two individuals inspire all of the athletes gathered as they embark on the spring season.
Senior volleyball player
Peyton Sias and track & field athlete Kierstan Vargas both offered a reflections on the years BRIC theme "Celebrating Family". Sias mentioned "I will stive to continue creating family among my team this year; building an inclusive atmosphere where each of my teammates feels valued and respected." Vargas also noted, "No matter what event you do and no matter what role you play. Our family creates a fun-loving environment that pushes for growth."
Another track & field athlete, Akanesi Alves read an excerpt from the International Tennis Hall of Fame website about Althea Gibson. Gibson broke down color lines in 1950's and paved the way for equal opportunities as the first African-American to compete at the US National Championships.
Senior lacrosse player, Piper Gabraith and track & field athlete Boladale Erogbogbo were the last students to speak. They lead all that assembled in the responsorial. The response for each offering was "Lord, build our team."
In closing Mr. Andrew Brown from campus ministry explained the significance of the medal of St. Joseph as a sacramenta. Brown asked the athletes to be like St. Joseph as he was an example of leadership, humble service, authentic care and prompt action. Each spring athlete in attendance was given a St. Joseph medal by their respective coach. Mr. Brown revealed each medal was blessed beforehand by Saint Francis HS chaplain Fr. Tony Mancuso.
