Take the next STEP toward your future at Stepinac Stepinac High School will hold its Academic Scholarship Exam on Thursday, December 3, for 8th-grade applicants interested in joining our community! Exam results will help determine scholarship eligibility for qualified students. Register today! Scholarships & Tuition Assistance - Archbishop Stepinac High School

We were delighted to welcome bestselling author and master storyteller @david_grann to Stepinac! Grann is the award-winning author of several acclaimed books, including The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder, and Killers of the Flower Moon, which was adapted into a film and nominated for 10 Academy Awards. Each summer, our Crusaders take part in a schoolwide reading assignment, and this year's selection was Grann's The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder. During his visit, Grann took our students behind the scenes of this incredible true story of survival, sharing how he approaches research like a real-life detective, uncovers forgotten histories, and follows the truth wherever it leads. A big thank you to Mr. Grann for bringing this year's summer reading to life for our students! 📚

Your first look at life as a Crusader starts at our Fall Open House. Join us on Sunday, October 25 or Tuesday, October 27 to tour our campus, meet our faculty and students, and discover the academics, programs, opportunities, and community that set Stepinac apart. 📅 Sunday, October 25 | 11 AM & 2 PM 📅 Tuesday, October 27 | 5 PM Don’t wait to reserve your spot! RSVP today at stepinac.org/openhouse.

Recognize any familiar faces? We went into the Stepinac archives for a look back at some of our reunion classes through the years! In just two weeks, it’s time to make some new memories as we welcome our alumni back for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Saturday, October 17, with special celebrations for classes ending in 1 and 6. 🏫 11:00 AM – School Tours 🎉 1:00 PM – Pre-Game Ceremonies 🏈 1:30 PM – Kickoff vs. St. Peter’s High School ⛺ 1:30–3:00 PM – Hospitality Tent with complimentary food & beverages 🍻 5:30 PM – Pub Night in the Stepinac Gymnasium, featuring appetizers, dinner & a full open bar Come back to where it all began, reconnect with classmates, and spend the day celebrating Stepinac. To RSVP or for questions, contact Paul Thomas ’80 at [email protected].

Beyond Stepinac: The Next Chapter  At Stepinac, Julian Ramirez ’26 found his pathway—and now he’s taking the next step at Fordham University. A graduate of Stepinac’s Engineering Honors Academy, Julian distinguished himself in the classroom and beyond. He was an AP Scholar with Distinction, a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Business Ventures Club, a Peer Mentor, and a varsity athlete. During his senior year, he also gained real-world experience through Stepinac’s Internship Program at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. Today, Julian is continuing his journey at Fordham, where he is pursuing a business degree as a member of the Gabelli School of Business Honors Program. He’s also putting his entrepreneurial skills to work as the founder of Voluntr, a platform designed to help schools track and manage student community service hours. We’re especially excited to support Julian’s next chapter by serving as a beta tester for Voluntr right here at Stepinac. Congratulations, Julian! We’re proud of all you accomplished at Stepinac and excited to see where your next chapter takes you. #YourNextSTEP

Join us on Wednesday, October 7th for Coffee with a Cop – a morning of coffee, conversation, and a chance to learn from those who have served. We invite alumni, current parents, and retired law enforcement officers to connect with students interested in careers in law enforcement, share their experiences, and answer questions. RSVP required. Visit linktr.ee/stepinachs to register!

Congratulations to Hunter Stephens ‘27, Michael McTiernan ‘27, Christopher Keating ‘27, and Jacob Fried ’27 on being named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program! Their exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT has earned them recognition among the top students nationwide and reflects the hard work and commitment they bring to their academics. We couldn’t be prouder of them and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for these Crusaders!

Experience Stepinac at our Fall Open House ✓ Explore our academic pathways ✓ Tour our campus led by our students ✓ Connect with students, faculty, and staff ✓ Learn about extracurriculars, athletics, and student experiences ✓ Discover a community where faith, family, and connection come together 📍 Oct. 25 — Presentations at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM 📍 Oct. 27 — Presentation at 5:00 PM RSVP at stepinac.org/openhouse

This weekend was about more than football. It was about remembrance, legacy, and community. As Stepinac and Immaculata came together on Friday for the Joseph R. Riverso Memorial Football Game – Battle of the Bridge, we marked the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a special tribute. Stepinac first responders, former teammates, and players joined us for a special coin toss conducted by Joseph Riverso ’27, Coach Joe Riverso’s nephew. Together, we honored those lost on September 11, our first responders, and Coach Riverso’s enduring legacy—a night we hope would have made him proud. Photos courtesy of Blutcher Photography.

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember all those whose lives were lost and to honor two beloved members of the Stepinac community: Lt. Raymond Murphy and Coach Joseph “Joe” Riverso. May we always honor their memory.

Today marks the first day of orientation and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our freshmen and transfer students. Welcome to the Stepinac family, Crusaders! May God bless you and guide you throughout the journey ahead. #YourFirstSTEP

As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, we’re reflecting on our powerful spring production of Come From Away, presented by the award-winning Stepinac Theater Program. For the Stepinac community, Come From Away was more than a musical. It gave our students an opportunity to remember, to learn, and to help tell a story whose message continues to resonate 25 years later. As September 11 approaches, we remember those we lost, honor those who served, and reflect on the enduring power of compassion, community, and coming together.

From our Crusader community to yours, wishing you a safe, relaxing, and happy Labor Day!

Our Crusader for a Day program is now open! Eighth graders are invited to spend a day at Stepinac, shadow a current student, experience classes, and get a feel for what it’s really like to be a Crusader. Ready to take your first STEP? Sign up today: Visit Us - Archbishop Stepinac High School #YourFirstSTEP

Calling all Stepinac alumni—mark your calendars for your class reunion and Homecoming weekend! Join us on Saturday, Oct 17, for a full day of celebrating Stepinac, reconnecting with classmates, and cheering on the Crusaders. This year, we’re especially excited to celebrate classes ending in 1 and 6! 📩 To RSVP, contact Paul Thomas '80 at [email protected].

Orientation Week kicks off September 10, and we’re looking forward to seeing our students back on campus. Check out the schedule and important reminders above and get ready for a great year ahead. Crusaders, we can’t wait to see you!

We wrapped up our regional receptions for the year last week with a great evening at the Jersey Shore! 🌊 Stepinac alumni and friends came together to enjoy beautiful weather, great company, and plenty of Stepinac spirit. A special thank you to our gracious hosts, Jamie and Vincent Campagnoli ’81, for bringing the Stepinac community together for such an enjoyable evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the year at our regional receptions. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to reconnect with our Stepinac alumni and friends!