The importance of education and the accomplishments of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church youth took center stage in June at the historic Bessemer parish led by Father Paul Asih, M.S.P.

“Celebration of Education 2023” encompassed a weekend of activities, including a Saturday cookout and games for St. Francis members, visiting youth, and special guests. The annual event organized by Wanda Williams and Angela Wilson culminated with Sunday Mass and the presentation of gifts and certificates.

St. Francis youth taking part in this year’s events, Pre-K through college, included: King Smith (Pre-K), Bailey Griffin (New Life School of Excellence), Charlie Lauren Lawson (Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary), Daniel Orji (Pleasant Grove Elementary), Navy Smith (Westhills Elementary), Chase Smith (Westhills Elementary), Cadence Washington (McCalla Elementary), Cayden James (Washington Elementary), Nyomii Smith (Westhills Elementary), Caliph Washington (McCalla Elementary), Caylin Washington (McCalla Elementary), Riley Smith (Empower Community School), Brayden Griffin (Bessemer Academy), Alex Orji (JCIB Middle School), Noelle Smith (Bessemer City Middle School), Olivia Lawson (Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary), Onyi Ani (JCIB High School), Ugo Orji (JCIB High School), Cole Perryman (John Carroll Catholic High School), Nicharra Smith (Bessemer City High School), Kelechi Orji (JCIB High School), Nevaeh Smith (Bessemer City High School), Zania Wilson (John Carroll Catholic High School), and college students Henry Ani (University of Alabama) and Brian Perryman (University of Alabama).

Two visiting youth participants at the St. Francis Celebration of Education were A.J. Mason and Marley Cowan Brown. Januarii Bibb was a special guest.