Padua Franciscan High School announces capital campaign

Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio, launched a $16 million capital campaign, Achieving Excellence, on May 27. The goal is to construct a new athletic center and transform the current gymnasium into a dedicated performing arts center. The campaign is the largest since the school was founded by the Franciscan friars in 1961. 

The 29,000-square-foot athletic facility will include a 14,000-square-foot gymnasium space that provides two full-size courts for practice and tournament competitions and room for 1,300 spectators. The additional 15,000-square-foot space will include a grand concourse entrance, complete with a ticket booth, lavatory facilities, a Bruin Shop kiosk and a concession stand for both stadium and gym venues.  

During the second phase of construction, the current gym will be renovated into a performing arts center for both vocal and instrumental instruction, performances, and theatrical productions. The front of the facility will house a new vocal classroom and a new band room.  

The 1,500-square-foot vocal classroom will include an expanded Fine Arts office, storage areas, and a ticket booth and concession space. The 2,500-square-foot band room will include a director’s office, new individual practice rooms and instrumental storage. Utilizing state-of-the-art acoustical design, the tiered 295-seat auditorium would include the expansion of the wings of the main stage, as well as an extended front stage.  

Padua President Dave Stec ’86 made the announcement in Padua’s Gym at the campaign kickoff event that also honored Padua’s campaign contributors and leadership volunteers. 

“We are very excited about this future vision for Padua, especially as it will add a new building to our campus for the first time in the school’s history. The initiatives supported in this effort will drive Padua forward and keeps us at the forefront of providing an outstanding Franciscan educational experience,” he said.