Principal's Welcome

Timothy Rusnak Dear Alumni,

"Plus ça change et plus c'est la même chose." Perhaps you remember this enduring French epigram from your days at Ben Franklin High School with unforgettable teachers such as: Mme. Schueler, Dr. Crouch or, more recently, Mme. Alford. The meaning of this phrase (translated as, "The more things change, the more they stay the same.") seems to capture the spirit of Franklin; yes, changed in some ways, but remaining the same by maintaining a superb academic standing and brimming with boundless enthusiasm for learning.

As the new Principal and resident of New Orleans, I was well-aware of the enormous academic reputation of Ben Franklin High School before my arrival. The ability of Franklin to consistently be cited as one of the best high schools in the nation is truly a source of pride, and much envy, for everyone in this region. However, my Franklin experience has quickly led me to discover a place that is filled with focused students, and a distinguished faculty who share a genuine concern for each student.

Yet, the unparalleled accomplishments of Franklin have not been forged in a vacuum. Your accomplishments in school and successes in your professional lives have set a standard of excellence to which we all aspire. In sum, we are grateful for your lasting legacy and take the responsibility of continuing the tradition of excellence at Franklin very seriously.

So, we have changed... yet have also stayed the same. We are a place of diversity and opportunity, but are still girded by academic rigor in the finest tradition of Franklin. That is why I ask you to consider this letter as my personal invitation to visit and enjoy witnessing your legacy in action here at Franklin. Thank you for this opportunity to communicate with you.

I hope to meet you soon.

Sincerely,

Timothy G. Rusnak, Ed.D
CEO/ Principal

Development Director's Welcome

Christina Read Dear Fellow Franklin Graduates,

It is with great pleasure that I greet you from our alma mater. I am extremely excited about the distinct privilege I have been afforded to serve you as the Development/Alumni Relations Director. I loved Franklin as a student and have to come to appreciate and respect it even more as an employee. Franklin gave me a solid foundation for life beyond academics. I now have the chance to help ensure its strong foundation for many years to come by fostering a culture of philanthropy.

The Falcon Spirit is alive and well in its community- its students, parents, grandparents, alumni, staff, faculty, Board and volunteers. Without the support of each and every member of our community, Franklin would not be the unique, caring and thriving school that it is. We would love to know what you’ve been up to and how to contact you! Please send us news about any important developments or events in your life, i.e. marriages, births, deaths, new jobs, awards, etc. so we can share them with the rest of our Franklin community. News can be sent directly to me at christy_read@benfranklinhighschool.org or call 504-286-2615. I urge you to stay connected with your alma mater and your classmates.
We invite you to be involved in the following ways:

Please take the opportunity to support Franklin’s community by exploring the ways you can give back. Every gift to Franklin is important to the development and education of our students, and every gift ensures the continued strength of our community.

I look forward to working with all of our dedicated alumni to carry on our Franklin traditions and sustain the excellence. If I can ever be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 504-286-2615 or christy_read@benfranklinhighschool.org. OG SNOCLAF!

Sincerely,

Christy Cowart Read ’89
Development/Alumni Relations Director

Revised 6/19/11