“It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead” 2 Maccabees 12:46

     Michael Soto Day was initiated in 2002 after the death of one of the students to cancer.  Michael was a very special young man who loved his family and Catholic Faith very much.  He was the oldest of 11 children, took pride in being an altar boy and getting straight A’s on his religion tests and loved playing basketball.  Michael’s death made a huge impact on Padre Pio Academy as it was the first death of a student that had remained involved in the school and church.  Michael loved fun and games as much as his Faith so in rememberence, the school takes a day and honors his memory by Mass, praying the Rosary at his grave site and then a recreational activity for the rest of the day.

     Since his death, Michael Soto Day has evolved into a day where those who have gone before us are remembered.  Sharon Condon was the mother of 6 and was taken in 2012.  Her daughter Katie Condon currently teaches at Padre Pio Academy and her 2 youngest children are students there.  Debra Selway was immensely involved in the school as a teacher and wife of the basketball coach.  Her daughter Becky Stringfellow was a former teacher and much loved by her students.  We miss their love and support greatly.