ATHOL SPRINGS — St. Francis High School will mark a monumental milestone this summer with a special celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of the laying of the school’s original cornerstone.
On Saturday, July 12, the St. Francis community will gather for a Centennial Mass at 9 a.m. in Friars Hall Chapel followed by a cornerstone rededication ceremony and a continental breakfast reception on campus. The event honors a century of tradition, brotherhood and academic excellence rooted in the values of St. Francis of Assisi.
“Reaching this 100-year landmark is not just a look back, it’s a moment to celebrate our enduring legacy and look forward with hope and purpose,” said Father Matthew J. Foley, OFM Conv., president of St. Francis High School. “We are proud of what this cornerstone has symbolized for generations of Red Raiders, and we’re excited for what the next century holds.”
Founded in 1927, St. Francis High School has been a pillar of Catholic education for nearly a century, graduating its first class in 1931. In honor of its centennial spirit, the school is also advancing into the future with exciting campus upgrades this summer, including:
- Phase II of the Student Dining Room renovation
- New chorus and instrumental music facilities
- A state-of-the-art fitness center
These enhancements are part of St. Francis’s continued commitment to providing a well-rounded, future-forward education grounded in excellence, respect, humility and fraternity.

