Mission and Brotherhood
Upstanders, not bystanders
A community that strives to live the faith values that form who we are.
The Padre brotherhood underpins every aspect of student life. Learning to live what it means to be a Padre brother is the driving force behind Serra’s Mission and Brotherhood program. Unique to Serra, Mission and Brotherhood is a student leadership and moral decision-making program based on gospel values that teaches our Padres how to make better decisions for themselves and to stand up for those who are not able to do so for themselves.
This program is embedded in the school’s culture and supportive of its mission “to encourage each student to look critically at the diversity and challenges of our society and to make reasonable choices based on the Gospel values of justice and compassion.”
Padres are introduced to the Brotherhood at Serra on their first day of school, when freshmen are partnered with Junior Big Brothers to explore the meaning and expectations of brotherhood. These peer-led groups meet regularly in an effort to build trust and respect and to foster a safe space where students can discuss relevant yet sensitive situations and issues facing teenage boys today. Throughout a Padre's freshman and sophomore year, Senior Mission and Brotherhood Leaders take on leadership responsibilities and serve as role models for their younger brothers. The Mission and Brotherhood program is continually adapting to the changing needs of our student body and community.
From friendship to leadership, the Serra brotherhood underpins every aspect of student life. Friendships grow organically among students who learn that lifelong, meaningful relationships are based on universal Gospel values, including respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion. There are a number of ways to get involved in leadership roles at Serra.
Affinity Groups
From friendship to leadership, the Serra brotherhood underpins every aspect of student life. Friendships grow organically among students who learn that lifelong, meaningful relationships are based on universal Gospel values, including respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion. There are a number of ways to get involved in leadership roles at Serra.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Nicholas Peruzzaro, LMFT
Mission and Brotherhood Coordinator
650.345.8207 ext. 6177
Themes and Speakers
Each year our Mission & Brotherhood program, which is central to Serra’s commitment to the four pillars of brotherhood: respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion, is guided by a theme that plays out in discussion topics, community building activities and guest speakers.
Given that Serra views the education of our students as a partnership with our parents, the primary educators of their sons, the Mission and Brotherhood program provides several speakers for our parents and guardians over the course of the year.
School Year 2025-2026
Key Speakers:
Themes: Building the Brotherhood through respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion. This year, the focus is the power of choice: how positive decision making can begin at any time regardless of one's past.
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Mr. Kyle Quilausing speaks to students about the ability to change the path of your life with one positive decision. He discusses how one can change a negative narrative one decision at a time to create a positive future.
- Ms. Olivia Heffernan of NAMI: Ending the Silence. Presentation about the warning signs of mental health conditions and steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
- Mr. Saul Malek will present on the psychological and moral implications that gambling has on students and how the impact of their choices may affect their well-being and relationships.
- Mr. Danny Arias, counselor with over 14 years of experience speaks to students about changing negative thought processes and healthy decision-making.
- Senior Mission and Brotherhood Leaders present to the freshman about their experiences at Serra and specifically what would have helped them both with the successes and failures of high school.
School Year 2024-2025
Key Speakers:
Themes: Building the Brotherhood through respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion. Specifically, students will learn about perseverance and overcoming adversity.
- Command Sergeant William Orecchia presents on the importance of perseverance and overcoming adversity. He uses his personal experiences as a father, a partner and a member of the US military to paint this picture for our students.
- NAMI: Ending the Silence - Presentation about the warning signs of mental health conditions and steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
- Doug Crawford of Protecting Young Eyes presented about technology and our brains. In his presentation, he explored the dangers of online pornography and self-generated content and how to use technology in a more positive manner.
- Jonathan Scott, co-founder of Miles to Go, spoke to students about the risks associated with vaping.
- Senior Mission and Brotherhood Leaders present to the freshman about their experiences at Serra and specifically what would have helped them both with the successes and failures of high school.
School Year 2023-2024
Key Speakers:
Themes: Self care; identifying personal struggles and finding health ways to cope and seek help.
- Kevin Briggs, founder of Pivotal Points, uses his personal and professional experience to share a genuine and hopeful perspective on the topics of suicide prevention and mental health.
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Rocky Herron, a retired DEA Agent with three daughters, uses his life experiences to teach young people about the dangers of drugs. His message empowers young people to respect their potential in life and to make smart choices.
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Michael Pritchard began his career on both the comedy stage and as a juvenile counselor in San Francisco’s Youth Guidance Center. The presentation “Big Changes, Big Choices,” incorporate themes such as bullying (including cyber), teasing, taunting, diversity, inclusion, respect for others and the dignity of life.
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Chris Han: Exercise and Nutrition
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StarVista: Discussions about eating disorders and body image issues, more specifically, how they present themselves for young men
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LeDerick Horne is a dynamic spoken-word poet, an advocate for all people with disabilities, and an inspiring motivational speaker.
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Dr. Marlo: Stress and Anxiety
- NAMI: Ending the Silence - Presentation about the warning signs of mental health conditions and steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
School Year 2022-2023
Themes: Overcoming adversity with respect, integrity, inclusion and compassion, including The Dash, which explores adversity in four parts: respect, communication, boundaries and consent within all types of relationships.
Key Speakers:
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Ashanti Branch, founder and executive director of the Ever Forward Club, Fulbright Fellow, award-winning educator
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Lt. James Curtis Bushman, United States Coast Guard, 9/11 first responder
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Aaron Golub, inspirational speaker and author, the first legally blind athlete to play Division 1 college football
