Brotherhood and Leadership Mark the Start of the Year at St. Francis

The heartbeat of St. Francis High School (SFHS) returned this week as the Golden Knights community gathered to celebrate the start of a new school year. The year opened with an inspiring message from Mr. Burghdorf (SFHS President), who encouraged students to embrace ownership, stewardship, and leadership, reminding them that St. Francis is at its best when love and brotherhood guide their actions. Mrs. Tracy Traver (School Principal) further called the community to embody the Franciscan virtue of hospitality, urging all to foster an environment rooted in generosity, inclusion, and respect for every individual. Adding a student perspective, ASB President Carlos Ferreira Gaxiola ’26 challenged his peers to face the year with perseverance, seize opportunities, and uplift one another along the way.

Together, these words set a powerful tone for the months ahead, calling students to grow as faithful men, loving brothers, virtuous leaders, and dedicated learners. Rooted in the Capuchin Franciscan tradition of love, discipline, and prayer, the St. Francis community looks forward with gratitude and hope to the blessings of the year to come. Go Knights!

St. Francis High School, 200 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, (818) 790-0325 or visit www.sfhs.net.