Page 13 - Padua Bruin Benefit Program 2022

HeatHeR (Ross) scaglione ’89
For Heather (Ross) Scaglione, Ms. Paduan Class of 1989, investment from the past inspires investment in the future here at Padua Franciscan. Her love for the school and the foundation the school helped build for her during her time as a student have motivated her to continue to see the school thrive in her role as a two-term member and vice-chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
When asked about Padua’s impact on her life and the lives of the students who walk the halls, Heather says, “It is truly amazing how four years out of your life have such a profound impact on who you become and the lessons you frame in your mind. I am drawn back to see what the students are doing and accomplishing; I cannot help to be excited for them and want to be an active part of their stories. My investment in the school becomes part of their stories and hopefully, part of their fiber.” And for Heather, it’s clear that these stories are what makes Padua a place worthy of continued investment.
Heather came to Padua as the oldest child of Geraldine and Richard Ross,
and she shares that from the very first day she entered the school, she knew Padua was home, “It was in the first moment when I walked into the gym and met a few students that I knew I
wanted to be there.
There was a positivity and a message of faith, community and academic preparation that drew me in. It exuded from the people that I met.” This includes people like Susie Coyle, who taught her a lesson she carries with her even today, “In one of my [cheerleading] practices, Susie stopped me after I knocked her over during a backflip. My immediate response was to apologize. She told me to never apologize to her and to know that she believed in me. She was stern and incredibly strong. She helped me to see myself in a different light.” Formative moments like these are coupled with the support and care of former Padua teachers like Mr. Miller, Mrs. Ansley and Mr. Irey, teachers that she believes rivaled any professor she had in college. “They were far more invested and gave us skills that have masterfully carried me into adulthood,” she says.
Those relationships helped her hone her values and, by her senior year, Heather was a Eucharistic minister, the Homecoming Queen, and awarded “Most School Spirit.” With the latter, she makes an especially Franciscan connection, “Today, as I reflect on ‘Most School Spirit,’ I focus on the word, ‘spirit.’ Through this word, I see the person who carries the values of Padua in my heart and tries to embody the best of what Padua is. I hope that I am a living example of this every day and that those who know me see the spirit of Christ in my actions, values and support of Padua. I hope that I represent Padua well every day.”
Heather went on to represent Padua at Case Western Reserve University, where she received both her BS and MA degrees in engineering, as well as Baldwin Wallace University, where she earned her MBA. Today she represents the Franciscan spirit in her work as the senior technology manager at Avient, and she carries the Padua community in her heart in all she does, “There are so many talented, gifted, inspiring and generous people amongst our alumni. I just truly feel grateful. I am privileged to be part of this school and to have been touched by so many. I am a blessed person and recognize the gifts that Padua gave to me.”
We thank you, Heather, for the gifts you’ve given to the Padua Community.