President Spotlight: Matt Franzino

When Matt Franzino saw an opening at Santa Fe Catholic High School 17 years ago, he leapt at the opportunity.“Because of my background in Catholic education and attending K-12 [myself], as soon as I saw an opening here, I jumped on it,” said Franzino.While he was a student at Florida State University, Franzino got involved in a variety of activities, including coaching at local high schools. It was then that he discovered his passion for teaching and working with children, leading him to pursue education. After coming to Santa Fe, Franzino decided to return to school for administration. He attended Barry University, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Catholic schools.For the last 7 years, Franzino has served as the principal. He brought a wealth of experience, having worked in both the private and public school systems in a variety of roles: teacher, coach, dean, athletic director, and assistant principal. However, it was his fond memories of attending Catholic school that led him to Santa Fe.“I remember the caring teachers and people who touched my life, starting with the coaches — I played sports in high school, and you tend to really get close to and build relationships with those coaches, many who I still talk to today,” said Franzino.In addition to those close relationships, Franzino remembers how Catholic school set up a strong foundation for his faith. He recalls how attending Mass helped build his beliefs, as well as school retreats. During his junior year, Franzino went on a retreat called “Encounter,” a 3-day experience led by the senior class. He remembers the excitement of getting to help lead that retreat himself his senior year and is still very close to the people from his groups because of that event.Those strong relationships are something that Franzino considers integral to the Santa Fe experience.“My favorite thing about Santa Fe is that we’re a true family. From the students to the teachers to the parents to the coaches — the whole community is that way,” said Franzino. “Everybody knows everybody [and] nobody slips through the cracks, and [students] stay that way long after graduation.”When he looks at what makes Santa Fe stand out academically, Franzino believes that the small family feel is an enormous advantage. From an extraordinary AP program with phenomenal pass rates to a strong resource program for struggling learners, Santa Fe meets students where they are and helps them reach their full potential. “We really give students the attention that they need. I think it’s very impressive that we really can meet the needs of all different [kinds of learners.] Even with all of the varied students that we serve, 98-100% go on to 4-year schools every year,” said Franzino.While Franzino considers college prep essential, he believes that the most important lesson students can take away is to “continue to grow in their faith. Ultimately, it’s about character,” said Franzino. “What’s important to me is the kind of kid that walks across that stage at graduation — that they want to continue to grow in their faith [and] what we’ve instilled in them here; that they understand the mission of Christ and serve others. It kind of goes back to our mission statement: developing each student fully as a child of God.”The Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando is proud to announce that President Franzino is being honored with the “Jenni Heneghan Catholic School Leadership” award. Among his many qualifications, Franzino has a clear philosophy of Catholic education and provides effective, faith-filled leadership; he assumes an active role in his community; and he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence through programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students. To learn more about our schools and how we equip our students for lifelong success, contact us today!