President’s Update September 11, 2025

Hold Strong.

These two words are the title of a powerful, recently published historical novel that features Father Thomas Scecina, our school’s namesake and a heroic World War II chaplain.

Reading the book was a saddening, angering, and at times depressing experience, yet ultimately life-giving. How can human beings treat one another as Father Tom and his fellow prisoners were treated in prisoner-of-war camps and in the horrific conditions of the Arisan Maru “hellship”? Moreover, how can human beings such as Father Tom endure such mistreatment and still persevere toward unending cruelty and torture—especially with faith in a loving God?

I can’t recommend Hold Strong in any other way than to say, you must read it.

For decades, Scecina students, alumni, and educators have personified the theme of Hold Strong. We are people of faith, hope, resilience, and love in action. To this day, members of our community throughout the world make a powerful and lasting difference.

One recent example of holding strong was our varsity football team’s performance against Heritage Christian School. Throughout the contest, our players displayed incredible grit, determination, unity, and belief in one another. One player after another had to leave the game either temporarily or permanently due to injury. Each time, the next man up was ready to do his job for the good of the team. In the end, the Crusaders were victorious by a thrilling score of 52-50, a game that was not decided until the clock hit 00:00.

I cannot congratulate our players, student assistants, family members, Scecina coaches, and elementary and middle school coaches enough. The game was truly a state championship-worthy outpouring of the values that make Scecina what it has been for decades and continues to be.

Additional examples of holding strong in the spirit of Father Thomas Scecina and his savior, Jesus, abound on campus and throughout our school community every day.

Today, as we remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and honor those who lost their lives as well as all first responders, we are reminded again of the importance of holding strong in faith, unity, and love. The courage of Father Tom, the resilience of our Crusader community, and the spirit of our nation all call us to live with hope and perseverance.

I thank you for the inspiration and impact that you bring to our Scecina community and to the world.

Go Crusaders!

President Joe Therber