Assisi Scholar Pilgrimage

The culmination of the Assisi Scholars Program is a pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy during the senior year. Rooted in Franciscan tradition, this is a unique opportunity for Roger Bacon students that no other area high school can provide. The Pilgrimage is a great way for students not only to travel the world, but to live and witness the teachings of Saints Francis and Clare.

To see highlights of the Class of 2025 pilgrimage click HERE

To see highlights of the Class of 2024 pilgrimage click HERE

To see highlights of the Class of 2023 pilgrimage click HERE

To see highlights of the Class of 2022 pilgrimage click HERE

To see highlights of the Class of 2021 pilgrimage click HERE

Class of 2025 Assisi Scholars reflected on the program and their pilgrimage:

"The Assisi Scholars program has both strengthened my work ethic and also prepared me for the next chapter of my life as I transition into college. After four years of hard work, finally experiencing this rewarding trip to Italy was truly a remarkable experience. The pilgrimage to Assisi allowed me to expand my horizons and deepen the Franciscan values that I’ve embraced throughout my time at Roger Bacon. From building meaningful connections with my classmates, to exploring parts of the world I may never have the chance to see again, this trip became the highlight of my four years at Roger Bacon. Whether it was admiring the beautiful architecture of Rome or enjoying free time to explore the streets of Assisi and walk in the footsteps of Saint Francis, this trip offered me an unforgettable Franciscan experience like no other. Not only was my time in Italy unforgettable, but I was able to take home both a deep appreciation for my faith’s background and memories that I am sure to reminisce on."
Myla Rodenberg, St. Ignatius / University of Kentucky

"The Assisi Scholar program doesn’t just create an Honors student. The leadership and service aspects shape us into people that are committed to helping others. It shows us how to take action, and be of service, and help those around us. It really does make us unique. It helps us to become critical thinkers, not just in the classroom, but as leaders in our communities, and to put our thoughts into actions. This product of this is that we stand out from our peers, not just in how we carry ourselves, but how we look to top universities. We have the grades and AP scores everyone else does, but we also possess so many other traits and experiences that make us different. For this, this not only translated to acceptances at the schools I dreamed of attending, but also more scholarship money than I ever dreamed. The pilgrimage strengthens our Franciscan values, and reinforces traits like humility and compassion. To stand at the tomb of St. Francis was an incredibly powerful moment for my classmates and I, and is something I will never forget. The four years my classmates and I spend together builds a unique bond and friendships, and then to be able to travel to Assisi and Rome, and experience the birthplace of the Franciscan movement with them, to be able to walk the streets of Assisi like St. Francis did, and stop with them to share a pizza, and just enjoy each others friendship, makes this an adventure none of us will ever forget."
Brady Rickenbaugh, St. Andrew - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton / University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill