Growing Connection: Roger Bacon and Padua Launch Franciscan Pen Pal Program

An inspiring new initiative is bringing Roger Bacon High School students closer to their Franciscan family across Ohio. After witnessing the generosity of our school’s donation drive for the victims of the California wildfires in 2024-2025, freshman Sofia Gill was inspired to find another way to extend compassion and connection beyond our campus. Her idea? A Franciscan High School Pen Pal Program linking Roger Bacon students with their peers at Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio.

With the support of Ms. Bridget Douglas, Head of the English Department at Roger Bacon, and Ms. Meghan Schepis, Head of the English Department at Padua, Sofia’s idea quickly grew from a thoughtful concept into a meaningful collaboration that continues to flourish.

“After we raised money for the Franciscan High School community in California, I thought it would be amazing to connect with other Franciscan students on a more personal level,” Sofia shared. “These letters could include personal messages that express our shared Franciscan values and encouraging words to remind each other that—even though we’re miles apart—we’re still there for one another. I think this could strengthen both the Roger Bacon community and our bond with Padua.”

The Franciscan High School Pen Pal Program officially launched during the 2024–2025 school year, pairing Honors English 9 students in Ms. Douglas’s classes at Roger Bacon with their counterparts at Padua. Working together through several Zoom meetings, both departments developed the structure, prompts, and schedule for the letter exchanges, and the inaugural class of freshmen eagerly embraced the opportunity. The program ran smoothly from start to finish—students were genuinely excited to receive their letters and form real friendships through handwritten messages.

Now, as that first group of students moves into their sophomore year, they are continuing their pen pal connections—strengthening friendships that began just one year ago and reflecting on how those bonds have deepened over time. Meanwhile, the new class of Honors English 9 students for the 2025–2026 school year has just joined the initiative, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to this growing program.

“The goal of this initiative is to provide our students with a sense of emotional support, connection, and encouragement—especially as we navigate challenging times,” said Ms. Douglas. “By reaching out to one another, students see that they are part of something greater, that they are valued not just as students, but as individuals, no matter how many miles separate them.”

The program also ties directly into the English curriculum, reinforcing writing mechanics, storytelling, and reflection. Each month or so, students exchange traditional snail mail letters centered around a different Franciscan value, combining personal expression with academic skill-building. This unique structure allows students to practice authentic writing in a meaningful context—an experience that blends creativity, reflection, and faith.

Beyond its academic benefits, the program incorporates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) components that encourage students to reflect on their emotions, relationships, and experiences. Writing to a peer who shares their Franciscan identity helps them build empathy, understanding, and resilience—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

“As a fellow Franciscan school, we truly appreciate the opportunity to build meaningful connections between our students,” shared Ms. Schepis. “We are delighted to forge bonds of friendship with our brothers and sisters at Roger Bacon.”

What began as one student’s thoughtful idea has now blossomed into an ongoing tradition that embodies the Franciscan spirit of community, compassion, and service. Students who started the program as freshmen will continue their pen pal relationships throughout high school, allowing their friendships—and their understanding of Franciscan values—to grow alongside them.

This collaboration between Roger Bacon and Padua highlights what makes Franciscan education so special: a shared mission rooted in faith, empathy, and connection. The Franciscan High School Pen Pal Program is a living reminder that, while distance may separate us physically, our shared values keep us close in heart and spirit.

“I truly believe that by reaching out to one another, we can show our students that we are here for them—not just as classmates, but as individuals—no matter how many miles separate us,” said Ms. Douglas. “It’s been wonderful to see this program take shape and witness the joy these letters bring to our students.”

As the program continues into its second year, the excitement shows no signs of slowing. With each letter exchanged, Roger Bacon and Padua students are not only improving their writing—they’re building bridges of friendship, faith, and understanding that will last well beyond their high school years.