SUMMER 2015 THe FOCUSSt. Francis High School Magazine

Committed to Christian Service

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL COLLege Preparatory

Faith • Academics • Tradition St. Francis High School 3 THe FOCUS

Letter from PResident

THe FOCUS St. Francis High School Magazine Contents SUMMER 2015

School Board 4 Finding Themselves, Tom Bednar Tom Bednar, SFHS President changed for the Better President, St. Francis High School Ray Reid ’61, Chairperson Service is at the heart of our Ed Jensen, Vice Chair community. Hear these stories Yvonne Scholl, Secretary 4 of service and personal growth. “If we read the signs of the times, young people today have a very Brad Ament special approach to the ultimate religious reality, which is union with God. “For Dave Behnke 8 Make Way for The Gateway HR Imaging We, in our day, realized this by the sacramental approach. They have Tom Boler and Mobile Learning Initiative! discovered a new sacrament—service to the poor and disadvantaged. it is in Michael Carbery Why disparage their desire to find in service to others a new form of Lawrence Carroll exciting new facilities and technology giving prayer?”—Fr. Ted Hesburgh, 1979 Eric Deaton driven education programs are coming for this next school year. that we Kevin Flood What Fr. Hesburgh noted in 1979, St. Francis of Assisi realized in 1204 Sue Harsa as he chose to dedicate his life to be one with the poor and disadvantaged. receive.” Scott Kilrea 12 alumni News (Updates, Francis’ vision inspired many of his peers as he formed two new religious Nicole Lacy news & Events) —St. Francis of Assisi communities, “The Poor Clares” for women and “The Lesser Brothers” Charles McKenna find out all the Alumni News Maxwell Miller that you are looking for including for men. The Prayer of St. Francis, “Lord Make Me an Instrument of Bart Murphy updates, news, reunions and Your Peace,” continues to guide our Faculty/Staff and students today in Fr. Jim Murphy upcoming events. discovering how we are called to serve in our world, so that our prayer Alex Rechenmacher 8 moves us to action. Alumni Board 3 letter from the President I am always happy and grateful to see our students discover the joy of Officers serving others whether it be our neighbors at Marian Park or at a summer 4 Feature Article Joe Buchholz ’84, President work camp in another state. It is edifying to know that so many of our Matt Gorski ’04, Vice President 10 Achievements teams and clubs volunteer at Feed My Starving Children and the Northern Ann Murray ’73 Harazin, Secretary Illinois Food Bank or organize food and toy drives for local agencies. Len Paolucci ’62, Treasurer 12 alumni News Over the past 11 years we have celebrated the selection of so many Development & 13 in Memoriam of our students to the Daily Herald Leadership Team which recognizes Alumni Relations the ten seniors from the twenty-nine high schools in DuPage County Questions? Call (630) 668-5800. 15 Activities for their service in the community. Tom Bednar (ext. 1102) 16 Athletics SFHS President / Director of In this issue, we highlight the response to God’s call to service in Development 18 gifts & Giving the lives of some of our alumni, faculty, students, parents and friends. Matt Abernathy ’03 (ext. 1140) WCS Photography 20 School Event Calendar Although we might not be involved in one of the traditional fields of Director of Int’l Student Program service to the poor and disadvantaged, we are all called to be of service Nick Hall (ext. 1120) to our spouses, families, neighbors, friends and clients. All of us can Director of Admissions Visit our website and social media sites to update be instruments of God’s peace forging a greater union with God and Peg Kopec (ext. 1129) your contact information and ‘like’ our pages. 12 each other. Development Associate ALUMNI Contact Update Form: sfhscollegeprep.org/update Megan Jamen (ext. 1144) May God bless you and your loved ones in your endeavors. Administrative Assistant Facebook: SFHS Alum Twitter: @SfhsAlumAssoc Mike Lynch (ext. 1193) Tom Bednar Director of Alumni Relations SCHOOL President Greg Purnell (ext. 1125) Facebook: St. Francis High School Wheaton Director of Annual Fund / Development Officer Instagram: sfhsspartans LinkedIn: St. Francis High School Wheaton IL James Quinn (ext. 1115) Twitter: @SFHS_Spartans Donor Information Manager Zak Burke ’18 in Ghana at the Village of Hope, Debbie Quirk (ext. 1143) where Dreams for Orphans is building a nursery. Parent Relations / Events Coordinator St. Francis High School 5 THe FOCUS

Feature ARticle

Pat Virtue and Carol Lee ’69 Virtue Griffin Hardy ’12 with Sr. Jean Prejean, CSJ Finding Themselves changed for the better Those intending to help others through their charitable work and donations...find themselves changed for the better as well.

One of the goals in the Mission and Vision remembers the words of St. Francis, “Start by of St. Francis High School is to promote and doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; develop students who are faith-filled, committed and suddenly, you’re doing the impossible.” While to Christian service, respectful and accepting of it isn’t always easy, he feels that people can make others, and responsible citizens of the world. a difference. “Often, when we Diane Mercadante, Director of Pastoral Ministry, Griffin jumped at an opportunity to work with hear the word said that “we empower our students to work for the woman he tries most to emulate in his work, justice and peace, and to focus on our strengths ‘service’ we think Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ. Sr. Helen is the founder and generosity, in the spirit of our namesake, and executive director of MADP, as well as author about ourselves St. Francis of Assisi.” The hope is that when of “Dead Man Walking,” a book which tells the students leave here, they will continue to use giving to others, story of her journey as the “spiritual advisor to “their gifts, talents and finances to serve as condemned prisoners.” Griffin was introduced to and [we] don’t committed Christ followers.” Sr. Helen’s work in Sr. Barbara Nelson’s religion realize until [we] When Pat ’69 and Carol Lee ’69 Virtue were class. He began writing letters to governors are in the ‘service’ students here, they didn’t know what the Mission “advocating for abolition [of the death penalty] Statement was and claim that no one really did. or requesting clemency for individual inmates,” role, that the But, the Prayer of St. Francis was something they well before ever meeting or working for Sr. Helen. people [we] are internalized. They prayed those words every day Griffin’s work with Sr. Helen includes and through those words, St. Francis High School serving will give communicating their message toward ending “I spent two hours each morning taught them how to give back and offered the capital punishment and researching cases in order [us] just as much with these little cuties who mostly opportunity to do so. didn’t walk or talk yet. It was a to stay informed on current issues. In January, as [we] give them.” challenge to carry on a one-sided Griffin Hardy ’12, a full-time student studying Hardy worked on a case concerning a man who Swahili conversation and keep the theology at DePaul University, works for an was on death row who he believed was innocent —Margie Rosmonowski ’05 kids happy.” organization called Ministry Against the Death and whose execution was scheduled for two —Kitty Finnegan ’62 Schiltz Penalty (MADP) “to support dignity and human weeks after beginning his work. Griffin’s role was rights of those on death row and those who have to communicate the details of the situation, gather lost loved ones to violence.” He said he always signatures and letters opposing his execution and 6 St. Francis High School 7 THe FOCUS

Feature ARticle

Kate Michel ’92 Kowalski, SFHS Margie Rosmonowski ’05, is currently teacher and co-activities director, principal at St. Cyprian School in admits that service wasn’t always a River Grove. She said she realized the part of the SFHS community, but it importance of helping others through has been a part of her life for so long school activities at SFHS and through

f Service that “living the Mission and Vision is volunteering at Central DuPage Hospital. natural.” As a teacher, “service has While working toward her Master’s, changed [her] life.” Whether part of Margie worked full-time at St. Matthias

irit o irit Kairos or trips to Feed My Starving in as part of the LU-CHOICE

p Children; or fundraisers for tragedies program (similar to Teach for ) near and far.” Kate feels a sense and was able to work with children from

e S of honor when she has led these other cultures. She learned that children h projects and said it “has given [her] often just want to be heard and they Laura Byrnes ’07 Kitty Finnegan ’62 Schiltz Nicole Ouimet ’04 SFHS Girls’ Volleyball Team sponsoring a toy drive for Reach for the Moon a new purpose in this community.” really have a lot to offer.

in t s in Kristen Ras, SFHS teacher and Alum parent Rich Coleman “learned requesting his clemency, and providing support her own volunteer efforts, Carol admires her Kitty Finnegan ’62 Schiltz also “became department chair has led mission trips the great lesson of what it means to to the man on death row. Griffin said the man’s husband Pat for his passion in respecting human interested in the world by going into it.” Kitty with students, helps with retreats and Live with Christ” when he attended a execution was stopped less than a day before the life, especially the unborn. Pat is the founder and said she was amazed by one fellow classmate student service projects, and volunteers SFHS Summer Service trip. He had

scheduled lethal injection and the case now sits Chairman of the Board for the Fox Valley Pregnancy who had an interest in Castro and what was eader with community organizations. Kristen always been amazed and inspired by L with the Supreme Court. “Working on this case Center in South Elgin. Since 1988, the center has happening in Cuba, a country so far away from incorporates service into her life, the service his children did as students, was an emotional rollercoaster for me…I realized provided support for those in the challenges of her immediate “world” at St. Francis. While a whether for family, school, friends or and took the opportunity to be an Adult “It is not easy the power of the service I do—I collaborated in an unintended or crisis pregnancy. Pat has also student at St. Francis, she attended a trip with work. “Service is a way of looking at Leader. Watching the students spend stepping out of the effort to save the life of a fellow human being. volunteered with Fox Valley Hospice, the Hesed the sisters to the south side of Chicago where who you are and what you are called to hours at a senior center and interacting I’m humbled by this opportunity and privileged to House Homeless Shelter, and at their church as they visited two schools that mostly African do,” said Kristen. “I’m amazed at how with the residents (some of whom were your comfort serve some of the most marginalized members of a Eucharistic Minister, with the Renew Formation American girls attended. She learned that while the smallest act can mean so much. non-verbal, wheel-chair bound or away zone, but God society,” said Griffin. Program and on the Pro-Life Committee. they looked different from the predominantly When we all do a little bit, so much is from family) was an experience he “white world” in which she lived, “they were Like Griffin, Pat Virtue ’69 feels that service is a Pat said, “We do the things we do because we are accomplished.” wouldn’t trade for the world. reveals beautiful kids too, and not so different from us.” She also privilege. He and his wife Carol “believe it is an prayerful and blessed and we feel it is just the right remembers a school assembly during which things when you important habit to do something every day, but it thing to do, to give back.” That is why they consider Sr. Barbara Nelson ’62 who currently Shelley Sensale ’86 Bruss recalls a some men came to speak about their work setting is so easy to get caught up in the busy, busy lives it an “effort, a commitment, and a privilege” to serve. serves her religious community as U.S. SFHS retreat where they listened to the give Him the up clinics and providing medical assistance in we all have.” Carol Lee ’69 Virtue is a school nurse Province Treasurer and as Province song “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper, Laura Byrnes ’07 said it was her parents who always Laos with Dr. Tom Dooley. opportunity to and feels like she is the eyes and ears for those Councilor, said, “God has given us and reflected about people who will be pushed her to give back and she tries to live as they use you as an needing help in the school. She was also a volunteer Encouraged by their message she traveled so much; service is a direct way to there for them ‘time after time’...parents, have in their dedication to others. At St. Francis, coordinator for the Tri-Cities Well Child Clinic which the world with her husband from 1969-70, and give back by giving time and talents teachers, friends, and God. “That always instrument of Laura said service was a big part of her high school supported parents who didn’t have the funds for together they discovered that some people live to others.” As a SFHS student, she stuck with me…’and God.’ It was so experience, her faith and her volleyball team. She His peace.” well care for their children. While a student at very differently. For one year, they lived among experienced service through guiding simple but in times that I have felt was involved in peer ministry, collected for toy drives St. Francis High School, Carol received the Bishop aboriginal people at a Maryknoll Mission and a blind student to classes, Sodality lost or hurt, I think of that song.” After —Billy Nichols ’07 and volunteered at a food pantry. At Boston College McNamara Christian Service Award for her work taught English in the mountains of Taiwan and service projects, and the example of beginning her career in social work, and as an Economics Major, she became interested with a food drive, as well as her work with mentally say they “were hooked on mission and being her IBVM teachers which “gave her the seeing people without the most basic in how education had an impact on different and physically handicapped children. Despite with people who didn’t have the same culture desire to serve God.” Through SFHS, of needs, Shelley was inspired to start countries and their economies. Laura joined Teach and values.” she found her love for learning, which a foundation, Reach for the Moon, for America in her senior year and was placed in led to her desire to teach. which serves to assist those in need. Memphis where she taught junior high math and Through the Maryknoll Lay Missioners, a group coached basketball for two years. “I came face- Kitty joined with her husband after she had As a student, Billy Nichols ’07 helped Nicole Ouimet ’04 said there is Helping the Hungry to-face with true poverty and extreme educational become a librarian and they had raised their raise money for those impacted by “nothing more fulfilling than helping gaps for the students I served, but I was inspired by children, they found themselves in Tanzania. Hurricane Katrina and helped with relief others.” She is a Crisis Interventionist In April, the Fathers’ Club sponsored a service opportunity at their grit and thirst for knowledge on a daily basis.” They learned to speak Swahili, as well as how efforts in Pascagoula and Biloxi, MS. for a Middle School Behavioral Disorder the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Those who attended worked on She learned that “there is no one answer to the to live like the people there. Kitty and her He founded the Marian Park Peace Program and is responsible for helping a project that required putting labels on soup cans and packing educational injustice that many students face,” but husband have gone to back to Tanzania for Project which provides students the students to “de-escalate” during a them up, and loading them on pallets. They packed 5,225 pounds she decided that providing some consistency for about three months each year for the last three opportunity to volunteer in after-school crisis, as well as providing support for of food which will provide 4,354 meals for people in Northern these students by willingly and happily showing up years. “We have taught English and math to programs. Today, he is an environmental them academically and socially. Nicole Illinois. The Fathers’ Club is a social group dedicated to growing for them every day was a start. This experience led the orphans there, planted trees and sunflowers, engineer who helps improve urban said that “being a leader of service is in faith while providing compassionate support to St. Francis High to Laura’s “passion and commitment to education” helped start a school library, and been a small environments through his water and a life passion that cannot be deterred School families in need. and her decision to continue doing something she part of the community there,” said Kitty. With wastewater treatment systems. He by anything or anyone,” and she loves. She currently teaches 9th and 10th grade regard to her service, Kitty remarked, “What volunteers with the Illinois Water encourages people to serve, “because students at Noble College Prep in Chicago. I do makes me what I am...” Environment Association to install it simply makes you a better human and maintain rain gardens in Chicago. being.” 8 St. Francis High School 9 THe FOCUS

New Endeavors Retiring Faculty

Make Way for THe GATEWAY Thanks to a generous gift from the Nicole and Todd Lacy Family, as well as Retiring Faculty & Staff donations from many others, construction on “The Lacy Family Gateway Building” is underway and is scheduled for completion in August 2015. Thank you for your gifts and service! This facility will provide a for the Spartans’ dance and wrestling programs, as well as provide indoor restrooms and concessions facilities We will miss you all!

for spectators. The building will also allow space for physical education All images: HR Imaging Mary Kay Sullivan Kathy McCabe ’67 Henning Janet Marks classes. We are excited to strengthen our first impressions for our visitors and have a greater, more substantial impact for our students and families. Mary Kay Sullivan Kathy McCabe ’67 Henning Janet Marks “St. Francis is a community that provides an excellent education, not has given a lifetime of service to the is one of the most interesting people. has been a teacher for 27 years, the only in academics but also in the Catholic faith,” Nicole Lacy said. “Our education and guidance of students at Even though she is tiny in stature, she last 13 of which she spent at St. Francis, sons, like all of the students, are provided many opportunities to excel SFHS over the course of 35 years. Early has a very large presence here in the and we have been lucky to have her. in a variety of areas: academics, athletics, and the arts. The Lacy Family on she taught English, Creative Writing, Main Office. We tease her often about She gave her time and her talents to Gateway Building will become another area in which the students can Art, Music Appreciation and Study Skills. her role as “security” or “bouncer”. our community, and we are grateful. grow,” she added. “The St. Francis community has given so much to She also served as moderator of the Senior Just try to slip around her and start She is an inspiration and a role model our family and we are proud to be able to be a part of its ongoing Class, Student Government, Newspaper, down the hallway without signing in and to both her students and the faculty. mission to provide a faith-filled environment for students.” and NHS; Graduation Coordinator; and you will soon realize you have made a In the classroom she is knowledgeable In the past 15 years, St. Francis High School has had three capital Press Release Coordinator. huge mistake! and dedicated, always encouraging and inspiring her students. With her campaigns: The Kuhn Cultural Arts Center and the Spyglass Athletic She began her work in the Guidance Kathy has a big heart and is genuinely colleagues, she is a mentor and a Center (1999), the Mary J. Feltes Science Suite and the Robinson Family and Counseling Department in 1986 interested in the lives of those around friend, one who is willing to help and Learning Center (2004-2010), and the Kuhn Memorial Stadium (2013). quickly showing her expertise in working her. She will ask about relationships, who truly cares about others’ well-being. Now, the “Bring it All Back Home” campaign will enhance the with special needs students. Long children and grandchildren, homes environment and improve the safety for our students who will be able before most other private schools were and weekend activities. She will also Over the years she has shared her to remain on campus for practices and home contests. With everyone’s even cognizant of student’s special share her life with them too. She will talents as an English teacher, a shadow help, we will be able to provide an outstanding facility for our student learning issues, this was already well offer her opinion, even when she isn’t mentor, an NHS moderator, and the athletes, families, alumni and friends who participate in and cheer on the on Mary Kay’s radar. Her knowledge, asked, but it’s always well-intentioned. summer book test coordinator. We dance, football, lacrosse, soccer, track & field, and wrestling programs. insight and advocacy of students with Her appetite is legendary—how ironic appreciate everything she has given to learning roadblocks is a significant part that the smallest adult in the school can our community, she made us better. of her legacy at St. Francis. not stop talking, thinking or obsessing – Mary Pratscher, English Department about food! She asks people what they Mary Kay truly understands the are having for dinner and then questions students who struggle with school and them first thing the next morning about sees them as people who have not fully “Janet has dedicated countless it: How was it prepared? How did it unlocked the secrets to their learning taste? Did you have any leftovers? hours to her students...She styles. She has always shown a deep has worked hard to prepare... All-School Mobile Learning and genuine concern for our young We will miss this little “firecracker” every people. Her sensitivity, wisdom, and day. She sings, jokes, tells stories, and students...for the AP test... Initiative Ready to Launch! sense of humor have helped many truly cares about her friends and family. Students always remark about Beginning in August, a Mobile Learning Initiative (MLI) will be implemented students to successfully navigate the That is sometimes a rarity in the world how passionate she is about the on a school-wide basis as all faculty, staff and students will be issued a ups and downs of adolescence and and we are privileged to have worked Microsoft Surface Pro 3 device for their use at school and at home. This high school life. with her. literature covered in the course... transformative improvement in the use of technology will allow for students —Trudy Rigney, Director of Guidance —Sheri Meadows, Administrative Asst. She has made a lasting impact and staff to experience the benefits of collaborative learning, to expand the and Counseling on the faculty, students, and classroom beyond campus walls, to improve their engagement in the “Kathy is a true Spartan in overall community of St. Francis.” classroom, and to increase their organizational skills. “Mary Kay is an amazing every sense of the word… —Susan Fairhead, English Department Along with feedback and results from student pilot programs, the St. Francis advocate for our students… She loves this place.” technology team’s research and investigation into the MLI shows that the She truly represents the spirit students in one-to-one programs outperform others in all measures of —Shauna Taylor, Administrative Asst. educational and are better prepared for college. of St. Francis.” The administration is confident that engaged students become self-directed, —Angelika Rupp, Guidance Counselor life-long learners and is eager to begin a “New Era of Education.” 10 St. Francis High School 11 THe FOCUS Achievements CLASS OF 2015 ACADEMIC, LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP Valedictorian Brendan Killian Other

and SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS s Salutatorian Awards d Daniel Malek

AR President’s Award National Merit Scholarship Finalist W Do What’s Right Sportsmanship Margaret Kliebhan Francesco Naccarato Award Fall 2014 Girls’ Volleyball Citizen of the World Award for World Language Principal’s Award & 2015 baseball State Finals Teresa Foral Carley Pasquale St. Francis High School

Illinois Council of Teachers of Spartan Award IMEA All-State Honors Mathematics Award Andrea Paolella Alessandra Napoli Orchestra, Concert Master Athletes of the Year Alexis Langley Serena Harnack ’16 Fermilab Science Award Michael Shaw Lisa Mordell and Jenna Sgarlata Technology Center of DuPage, Student Government Appointment to the United States “A-Team” Francesco Naccarato Air Force Academy Cameron Mascari ’15 Blake Eichenberger Pastoral Ministry Martin Stubben ’16 A RECOGNITION ECIAL Megan Baratta Daily Herald Academic Team Nominees Brendan Killian and Daniel Malek Business National Technical Honor

Samuel Carlson Society Technology Center 6th Congressional District Excellence Award of DuPage (Automotive Spartan Monica Allgaier George A. Craver Technology) Technology Award Martin Stubben ’16 Colin O’Kasick

English 2015 Congressional Art SP AND ENTAL Brendan Killian Competition Merit Award M Art (Peter Roskam, 6th Achievements Monica Allgaier Congressional District) ART Alyssa Carbonara ’17

WCS Photography WCS Photography American Legion Good Citizen Award P Medal Winners: Francesco Naccarato and Andrea Paolella Band Honorable Mention: Daniel Malek and Carley Pasquale Teresa Foral Wheaton Municipal Band’s Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award Chorus Concerto Competition Winner Adam Camp Lisa Mordell and Francesco Naccarato Colin Smith ’16

Wheaton Good Citizen Award Theatre THe class of 2015 DE F 2015 Helen Prebys Distinguished Life Service Winners: Samuel Carlson, Lisa Mordell and Narra Moreen Award Mathematics Teachers Honorable Mention: Molly Quinn and Francesco Naccarato Number of SFHS Average GPA French Association of Chicago & Vicinity Katelyn Martin 212 Graduates in 2015 3.822 (weighted 4.0 scale) Pax Christi of Illinois and Diocese of Joliet O SS Mrs. Sue Kolasinski Instrument of Peace Award Spanish

Andrea Paolella CLA Jenna Dama Average ACT Number of Advanced Score (99% of Placement (AP) Tests taken Kane County Chronicle Featured Senior Math class tested) Kayla Dunlea 26 303 Margaret Kliebhan IHSA MUSIC AWARDS

IHSA All-State Academic Team Nominees Physical Education In March, 84 soloists and 29 Illinois State National Merit National Merit Nicola Dama and Regan Kasprak and Health ensembles participated in the Scholars Finalist Commended Student Lisa Mordell 50 1 1 National Center for Women and Information IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest. Jason Sullivan Technology, Northern Illinois Affiliate Award Fifty received a superior score of Kathryn Deneen Accepted to in scholarship Religion “1” (the highest) and 47 received Andrea Paolella college $31 awards Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship winner an excellent score of “2”. The offered 100% MILLION Bianca Maniscalco Science Music Department placed 4th

overall in the state Class “A” National Honor Society Scholarship Nominees Brendan Killian Margaret Kliebhan competition. The vocal and Monica Allgaier and Sofia Melgoza orchestral divisions both placed Social Studies Ignatian Honors Program Scholarship 4th, and the band finished Nathan Rourke Loyola University of Chicago 7th overall. Andrew Buchholz Newspaper Jenna Sgarlata

Yearbook Megan O’Brien

WCS Photography The Legacy Families of the Class of 2015 12 St. Francis High School 13 THe FOCUS

Alumni news

In Memoriam

ALumni Alumni News • Michael Anderson ’65—brother of Paul Anderson ’64 • Steve Bliss ’77—brother of Gerard ’74, Elizabeth Bliss Mottl ’75,

HR Imaging News and updates from SFHS Alumni Rev. Michael Bliss ’79 • Michael Dieter ’65—brother of James Dieter ’62 • Diane Hale ’67 Paulsen—wife of Roger Paulsen ’66; sister of Darlene Hale Mike Lynch ’61 Makinson, Karen Hale ’63 Craven, Ruthann Hale ’65 Pendergast Director of • Martin Prchal ’71—brother of Mark Prchal ’66, Myron Prchal ’68 Mehgan Pirics ’09 (center) Alumni Relations T h e Updates • Patsy Scalzitti ’66 • Bill Townsend ’89—brother of Edward Townsend ’82, Anne Townsend ’86 I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and taking advantage Nancy Wolfe ’69 was appointed as Susan Jania ’04 graduated from Penn Kelly McShea ’11 (Illinois State) won the SPOUSE of this time to do those things we DuPage’s Inspector General State University in 2008 and is currently 3,000-meter run at the Missouri Valley • Mary Hanlock—wife of Richard Hanlock ’61 working toward an Executive MBA from Conference indoor meet with a personal- all put off during other times of Shelly Lawler ’77 was featured in a story • Michael Makinson ’61—husband of Darlene Hale ’61 Makinson; the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza best time of 9:34.90, third in school the year. by the Daily Herald as someone who brother-in-law of Karen Hale ’63 Craven, Ruthann Hale ’65 Pendergast, College of Business, while a member history. She also placed third in the 5,000 Diane Hale ’67 (Roger ’66) Paulsen is “changing [hospital] patients’ views” This is a very exciting time for of Beta Gamma Sigma (the highest with the school’s seventh best time ever. • Zach Rodgers—husband of Holly Buchholz ’05 Rodgers; son-in-law of through photography St. Francis High School and the scholastic honors) William Buchholz ’70; brother-in-law of Nicole Buchholz ’99, Lori Buchholz Brian Spahn ’12 led his team to the Alumni Association. The Alumni Anne Pierce ’82 O’Connor recently ’02, William Buchholz ’03, Jennifer Buchholz ’11, Anthony Buchholz ’14, Michael Lynch ’05 sang the National Notre Dame Bookstore Basketball Association Board is growing and co-authored a book titled “A World of Mary Buchholz ’15 Anthem at a Chicago Bulls game at the Championship title. This tournament meetings are held every other Hurt” which covers her work at the United Center in January is the largest 5-on-5 outdoor basketball month. Many alumni are currently Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. MoTHEr tournament in the world with more serving on committees that plan She travels the world delivering lectures Jake Szczepaniak ’05 recently performed • Rose Bruggeman—mother of Ken ’77 (Valerie Serwach ’81) Bruggeman, than 700 teams competing. fundraising events which help on pain and pain relief to doctors in a production of “Badfic Love” at The Mary Bruggeman ’79 Swift, Patricia Bruggeman ’81, Craig Bruggeman ’82 support the Alumni Association and other medical professionals. Den Theatre in Chicago James Butler ’14 (Univ. of Nevada) and grandmother of Megan Bruggeman ’10, Jonathan Bruggeman ’12 Scholarships that are awarded was named to the Fall 2014 Academic • Dee Byers-Fry—mother of Debra Byers ’74 Philips, Diane Byers ’78 Malloy Katherine Cronin ’98 (daughter of Kevin Meghan Pirics ’09 was appointed to legacy students each year. All-Mountain West Team • Eileen Griffin—mother of Kathleen Griffin ’62 Burger, Sharon Griffin In fact, the Alumni Association Cronin ’76 and Cindy Sennet ’77 Cronin) Editor-in-Chief for the Marquette Sports ’63 Thiese, Michael Griffin ’64, Johneen Griffin ’67, Meg Ellen Griffin ’72 recently awarded three incoming leads research about snow monkeys at Law Review for the 2015-2016 school Jeff Jendryk ’14 (Loyola) recently won the Goodwillie, Gina Griffin ’75 Kopecky; St. Francis Main Office staff member for 25 years freshmen with scholarships that Regenstein Macaque Forest at the Lincoln year. She is in her final year at Marquette MVP honors at the NCAA Volleyball Finals • Loretta Newsham—mother of Donald Newsham ’61, Lori Newsham ’64, are renewable for their entire four Park Zoo Law School while also interning for the Brewers’ Legal Department. Katy Newsham ’65, Mary Newsham ’66 LoMastro, Ruth Newsham years at SFHS! David Ryan ’01 and Katie Anderson Alumni ’68 York, Marge Newsham ’74 Evans, Christine Newsham ’77 Feldy The annual golf outing will be ’01 Ryan, and their daughter Clara, Michael Godinez ’11 was featured in the Success • Bernice V. Serwach—mother of Jack Serwach ’71, Janet Serwach ’76 held on October 2, and a new welcomed a son, Michael Damon, to their Winter issue of Loyola Magazine regarding (Vince ’76) Morris, Geralyn Serwach ’78, Valerie Serwach ’81 (Ken ’77) Bruggeman; grandmother of Matthew Morris ’07, Michael Morris ’08, event, the First Annual Spartan family on April 18. Michael was born in his pursuit of a BSEd in secondary Alexandra Morris ’09, Samantha Morris ’12, Megan Bruggeman ’10, Alumni Extravaganza, is scheduled Hartford, CT where David completed a education and a BS in math while student Jonathan Bruggeman ’12 for October 3 (read more about year of fellowship training in Advanced teaching at St. Ignatius College Prep Meet Rant, Inc. Laparoscopic General Surgery. They are • Marilyn L. VandenBrook—mother of Jim VandenBrook ’77, Mary these events on page 14). Many Kelsey Kerr ’11 is a graduate of SLU and Rant, Inc., a digital news and media excited to be moving back to the area this VandenBrook ’78 Sherwin, Jean VandenBrook ’80 Jackson, Ellen people are working hard to ensure is in the inaugural class of SLU’s graduate company co-founded by former St. Francis VandenBrook ’82 Heyer, Cathy Vanden Brook ’83 Blaeser, John summer as David joins Midwest Surgery there will be lots of fun for all teaching program Billiken Teacher Corps High School students, Grant Brown ‘06 VandenBrook ’84, Sarah VandenBrook Marinc ’86, Greg VandenBrook ’88 Group in St. Charles. who attend. through which she will begin teaching this and Brett Rosin, was named “Forbes 31st • Eileen Webb—mother of Greg Webb ’67, Mary Webb ’71 Carrier, fall Most Promising Company of 2015” and has Sarah Webb ’73 and the late Margaret “Meg” Webb ’69; grandmother of The energy and enthusiasm of Jim Perona ’02 was named a winner in TheKnot.com’s “Best of Weddings” for his received increased publicity as they have Addie Carroll ’02, John T. Webb ’04 (Lindsay Gallagher ’04 Webb), the alumni committees has been Fiona McMahon ’11 (Elmhurst College) live music repertoire raised more than $7 million in funding and Erin Webb ’05, Emily Webb ’07, Meg Chrisman ‘07, Jack Webb ’13, Maggie fantastic and it’s moving to see was honored as a third-team All-American Webb ’14, Katie Webb ’17; great-grandmother of Madelyn Wardynski ’18 continue to expand their markets. so many people giving back to Emily Remus ’02 will be joining the and was named a first-team all-region St. Francis so future Spartans can faculty of the University of Notre Dame as selection by D3hoops.com. She was Rant, Inc. is currently based in California Father have great experiences too. There and employees six former SFHS students: an Assistant Professor of History in the fall also recognized as the CCIW’s (College • Donald Snydel—father of Michael Snydel ’09 is always room for more people to of 2016. In the 2015-2016 academic year, Conference of Illinois and ) Most Brett Rosin, Co-Founder/CEO; Grant Brown • Don Wehrli—father of Mary Lou Wehrli ’71 get involved. Please contact me at she will hold a postdoctoral fellowship Outstanding Player. ‘06, Co-Founder/Chief Strategy Officer; [email protected] to from Notre Dame and will continue work Brian Rosin ‘03, Chief Operations Officer; volunteer your time and talents. on her first book, which is under contract Clay Manley ‘06, Director of Content; Correction with Harvard University Press. Patrick Fleming ‘03, Manager, Data and Our apologies to the family of Patrick Kincaid ’61. His “In Memoriam” listing in the Revenue; and Kyle Rosin ‘06, Lead Engineer. Winter 2015 issue of FOCUS should have read Patrick Kincaid ’61— brother of Bruce ’63. Apologies also to Darlene Hale ’61 Makinson who was incorrectly listed as Patrick’s wife. 14 St. Francis High School 15 THe FOCUS

Alumni news activities Alumni NOTES

Board Meetings Pep Band Second Wednesday of the month Alumni Bereavement Director Bob Mamminga and the SFHS Pep (alternating months), 7:00pm at Committee Band were selected to perform at the IHSA State SFHS (Rosmonowski Room) Basketball Championship games in March. They Memorial Mass The Alumni Association would like to honor alumni who have passed away by played for the opening ceremonies and for games presenting their families with a St. Francis statue in their memory. If you would like at the Peoria Civic Center. Peoria Journal Star November 1 to serve on the Bereavement Committee, donate to help offset the purchase of these ranked them as the “Best Basketball Band Ever”! Alumni in the Arts statues, or request a Memorial Card, please contact the Development Office. December 27 Evergreen Club Five members of the Evergreen Club participated Spartan in the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon in April Class of 1965 and competed with their presentation on this 50th Reunion year’s topic “Urban Forestry.” Emma Johnson ’16, Madison Barella ’16, Marirose Rueth ’16, Gabi Napoli ’17 and Claire McGaw ’17 took first place Friday, October 9, 2015 for DuPage County and third place overall. Pizza Party @ Pal Joey’s (6:00 p.m.)

WCS Photography Activities 440 E. Roosevelt Road, West Chicago $10 (Cash Bar)

Saturday, October 10, 2015 2015 Alumni & St. Francis High School Reception

Friends Golf Outing The Pep Band plays at the IHSA State Basketball Championship. / Susanne Bullock Still image from Youtube and Tours (5:30 p.m.) $75 per person (Cash Bar) October 2, 2015 • Prairie Landing Golf Course Registration 9:30 a.m. • 18-Hole Fee: $100 Sunday, October 11, 2015 (11:00 a.m.) Adventure Club Brunch @ Cantigny Golf Club Register today for our annual scholarship fundraiser! Visit sfhscollegeprep.org/alumnigolf Arts & Crafts Club $16 per person to register as a group or individually, or to sign up as a sponsor. Bass Fishing Blue Crew Note: All events require reservations in advance. To sponsor a hole, the drink carts, the post-party, or even the full event, contact Justin Bowling Club Nieting ’03, Golf Outing Committee member at (630) 267-1908, [email protected], Chess Club For more information or to place or the Development Office at extension 1144, [email protected]. Culinary Club your reservations, please contact: Drama Club Math Team Maureen Crowley Rogina Evergreen Club Congratulations to the Math Team who took 6th (630) 377-1166 Fall Play Place in Division 2A of the state tournament for [email protected] Spartan Alumni French Nat. Honor Society International Club the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Terry McCabe Apple • (630) 377-8375 Extravaganza! Intramurals (ICTM) Contest. Congratulations also to Maggie [email protected] Jazz Band Kliebhan ’15 and Ali Napoli ’15 (2nd Place–Orals),

October 3, 2015 • 3:00-9:30 p.m. • $25 Math Team the eight-person junior/senior team (3rd Place), Donna Berkes Sable • (630) 637-3353 All alumni are invited to come together and celebrate Mentors freshman Algebra I and the sophomore Geometry [email protected] Theatre Dept. on Broadway during their February trip to New York City. Mass on the Grass, tour all the new additions to National Honor Society teams (4th Place), Connor Buckley ’16 and St. Francis High School, meet and greet teachers, Newspaper Frankie Greco ’16 (5th Place–Jr./Sr.), the eight- catch up with old friends over pizza and drinks, Office Aides person freshman/sophomore team (5th Place), One Acts Class of 1995 and much, much more. No one wants to be left out and the senior Pre-Calculus team (6th Place). of this extravaganza. We need your help in spreading Outta Uniform Committee The Alumni Photography Club 20th Reunion the word about this exciting and new event. Please Association has RISK! Club pass along this information to all of your classmates SADD and friends. proudly October 2 & 3, 2015 Scholastic Bowl D id you knoW? awarded For more information please consult If you or anyone you know is interested in helping 22 Spanish Nat. Honor Society the Facebook site or contact: to plan, sponsor or contact alumni about this event, scholarships Spring Musical Meg Gommel Plummer please contact Colleen Carroll ’87 Clark at totaling more than Student Ambassadors [email protected] [email protected] Student Government Student Ministry Team Shawn Connors $152,000 Variety Show [email protected] since 2006-2007!

HR Imaging Theatre Dept. spring production of Kiss Me Kate 16 St. Francis High School 17 THe FOCUS

Athletics

Awards & Commendations

Willowbrook & Lisle All-Tournament HONors— Antwainette Walker ’18

Spartan Athletics IHSA Sectional Qualifiers—Wrestling Congratulations to all our Spartan athletes! Thomas Brundage ’15—3rd Place Cole Cunningham ’15—2nd Place David Johnson ’15—2nd Place Michael Pelletiere ’15—3rd Place Vincent D’Orazio ’18—3rd Place TEAM AWARDS & PLacements IHSA State Quarter-final Qualifier—Wrestling Winter Sports Cole Cunningham ’15

BOYS’ BASKETBALL GIRLS’ LACROSSE Kane County All-Area Wrestling Team Regional Qualifiers Sectional Quarter-final Champions Cole Cunningham ’15 Sectional Semi-final Qualifiers GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Central DuPage All-Area Girls’ Basketball Team WCS Photography WCS Photography Willowbrook Thanksgiving Tournament— GIRLS’ SOCCER Antwainetter Walker ’18, Mia Mazza ’17 (Hon. Mention)

2nd Place (Varsity), 1st Place (Soph) IHSA Regional & Sectional Champions Central DuPage All-Area Boys’ Basketball Team Lisle Christmas Tournament— 3rd Place IHSA Super Sectional Qualifiers Coaching Gabriel Johnson ’16, Jason Sullivan ’15, Regional Qualifiers SOFTBALL Mike Shaw ’15 (Hon. Mention) Farewell Conference Title—Freshman IHSA Regional Champions IHSA Sectional Champions—Boys’ Tennis We say good-bye to two CHEERLEADING IHSA Sectional Qualifiers Chris Chacko ’15 & Nick Kovach ’17 (Doubles) coaches. Mike Phillips ICCA Championship Qualifiers—10th Place BOYS’ TENNIS coached the varsity girls’ IHSA Cheer Sectionals—6th Place IHSA State Qualifiers—Boys’ Tennis Naperville Central Quad—2nd Place basketball team for 10 Chris Chacko ’15 & Nick Kovach ’17 (Doubles) WCS Photography DANCE 8-Team Brother Rice Tournament— years. Bob Ward (new IHSA Sectionals—5th Place 2nd Place Girls’ Lacrosse All-State inductee to the Illinois Division 2A State—9th Place Kyra Stompanato ’15 (Hon. Mention) Basketball Coaches Hall BOYS’ TRACK & FIELD of Fame) coached the BOYS’ SWIMMING Sectional Qualifiers Girls’ Lacrosse Dupage Upstate Eight varsity boys’ basketball IHSA Sectional Qualifiers GIRLS’ TRACK & FIELD All-Conference Players 2015 team for four years. We Elk Grove Invitational—3rd Place Sloane Baumgartner ’16, Sydney Harris ’16, Sectional Qualifiers thank them for their service. Kyra Stompanato ’15 WRESTLING Six State Qualifiers They will both always be IHSA Regionals—3rd Place DuPage County All-Area Girls’ Soccer Team part of the Spartan family. BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL IHSA Sectional Qualifiers Kendra Pasquale ’18, Bridget Doran ’16 (Hon. Mention) Regional Quarter-final Champions Regional Semi-final Qualifiers

WCS Photography Suburban Life Media All-Area Girls’ Soccer Team HR Imaging Elite Gymnasts Spring Sports Kendra Pasquale ’18, Bridget Doran ’16 (Hon. Mention) Molly Doran ’16 (Hon. Mention) Bridget Killian ’18 and Shea BASEBALL Mahoney ’16, both members of IHSA Regional, Sectional, Super Boys’ DuPage County All-Area Softball Team the level 10 Legacy Elite Gymnastics Sectional & Conference Champions Baseball Emma Chapman ’15 (Hon. Mention) 3rd team (Carol Stream), have found IHSA Division 3A State Suburban Life Media All-Area Softball Team success outside of school and in Championships—3rd Place Place Emma Chapman ’15, Carley Pasquale ‘15, the gym. Bridget finished her s ! Congratulation at the IHSA BOYS’ LACROSSE Fiona Summers ’16 (Hon. Mention) season in 3rd Place All-Around at Division 3A State Sectional Quarter-final Qualifiers State and 12th Place All-Around Championships DuPage County All-Area Baseball Team at the USA Gymnastics Region 5 Jason Sullivan ’15, Brett Whelton ‘16, Championships. Shea finished as Jake Radel ’15 (Hon. Mention) the All-Around Champion at both the State and Regional competitions, IHSA All-State Baseball Team and in 7th Place at the USA Junior Jason Sullivan ’15 (SS/Pitcher), Brett Whelton ’16 (Catcher) Olympic National Championships. DuPage County All-Area Boys’ Volleyball Team WCS Photography HR Imaging Timmy Pisarski ’16 (Hon. Mention) WCS Photography 18 St. Francis High School 19 THe FOCUS

Gifts & Giving

w e GivE Thanks

Thank you to the following people for their generous and recent donations to St. Francis High School.

Tuition Assistance Keeps Us ‘Spartan Strong’ Greg ’67 & Mary Ellen Webb Do you know that a gap exists between each student’s tuition and the actual cost Josh & Kathleen Stark of education? In the 2015-16 academic year, “The Gap” per student is $1,962. Mr. Michael P. Ahern The St. Francis Fund closes that gap to help keep us ‘Spartan Strong.’ The Sawko & Read Families By supporting Pastoral Ministry through the St. Francis Fund, our excellent retreats and Sean & Helen Dunlea community service programs, along with many other co-curricular programs, are able to Shaw Family stay “Spartan Strong.” The Whitebread Family By providing Tuition Grants through the St. Francis Fund, the children of our faculty and Academics staff are able to enjoy the same quality of education that other students receive. This is a Greg Washburn way to thank those that serve our school and keep SFHS “Spartan Strong.”

By gifting their Alma Mater through the St. Francis Fund, the Alumni help to improve the Athletics quality and value of a St. Francis education. Last year, the alumni increased their giving by Frank & Jackie Murnane 15%, proving their commitment to keep us “Spartan Strong.” Haggerty Auto Group Each year “The Gap” widens, but the St. Francis Fund helps to offset increasing costs. A Summer Pastoral Ministry Every donor makes a difference. Please support the St. Francis Fund to keep us “Spartan Strong.” Michael & Tammy Saia Soiree This year’s Ensuring Our Future auction was a huge success. With record-breaking attendance and fundraising outcomes, guests enjoyed A Summer Soiree, complete with themed cuisine, great company, raffles, and many opportunities for bidding on various packages including tickets Gifts—Through Endowments to concerts and sporting events, By Tom Bednar, President, St. Francis High School travel destinations,Spartan-themed As we approach our 60th Anniversary in 2017, I think about the impact of our school on the lives of so many items, and more. The Fund-a-Cause: students and their families over the past decades. Easily, five generations dating back to the grandparents of Keepin’ Cool raised more than $60,000 the first graduating classes have been touched. Much good has been accomplished through the generosity of to provide air conditioning to six World so many. The breadth and depth of the St. Francis experience has extended not only through the 50 states Language classrooms in the east wing. but also several continents as our students and alumni have traveled or relocated across the world. The generosity and support from the I also think of the challenges to extend the affordability of a St. Francis education beyond the next five St. Francis High School community generations. A study by the National Catholic Educators Association reported that in 1980, the national average is both humbling and overwhelming. Catholic high school tuition was $980 and the median family income was $18,000. By 1993, tuition was We have been able to quadruple our $3,220 and income was $32,960. Twenty years later tuition had increased to $10,050 and income to $78,487. earnings in just six short years to an That means, high school tuition for one child was 5.4% of the median income in 1980, 9.7% in 1993 and astounding $330,000! Thanks to all 12.8% by 2013. The unfortunate reality is that most DuPage county families with two or more children cannot who sponsored the event, purchased afford to spend 25% or 39% of their income for tuition. ad space, donated items, volunteered their time and attended this fun and In addition to annual donations to the financial assistance and scholarship funds, a larger endowment could successful evening. The proceeds help make a St. Francis education affordable for more families. Our current endowment is valued at $1.3M. from this event will be used to sustain Given our operating budget of $10.5M, experts say that our endowment should be at $15M. Please consider our three core programs: Academics, making a planned gift to our endowment fund. It is critical that we build this fund together. Thank you for your Co-Curricular and Financial Aid. ongoing generosity and commitment to making our school the best it can be for many generations to come. For more information, please contact me at (630) 668-5800, ext. 1102 or at [email protected]. All images: Matt Hart ’15 St. Francis High School College Preparatory NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE 2130 W. Roosevelt Road PAID Wheaton, Illinois 60187 Permit No. 6053 Carol Stream, IL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

August International 17 First Day of School September Student 25 Homecoming 30 Choral Concert Program October 5 St. Francis Feast Day St. Francis High School Liturgy reaches ‘the world’! S c hool Calendar 18 Open House

This past winter, SFHS welcomed three November 13-15 Fall Play international students from Santiago, 18 Open House Chile for a short-term experiential stay. 22 Fashion Show Through this exchange program, Teresa Foral ’15 will attend school in Chile December this summer. 13 Christmas Concert Our international students are a vital January part of the St. Francis High School 9 Entrance Exam community. We are always looking for enthusiastic and supportive host parents to welcome Spartans into their homes for long- and short-term experiential stays. For more information please contact [email protected].

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