St. Francis High School | College Preparatory

St. Francis High School alum ordained to priesthood

Wheaton, IL – 29 June 2006 – It has been a winding journey from chemistry studies to Keebler Cookies® to Holy Angels Catholic Church in Aurora, but it is the path taken by Fr. Andrew Skrobutt.

Recently ordained in the Rockford Diocese, Fr. Skrobutt did not see priesthood in his future when he graduated from St. Francis High School in Wheaton in 1983.

After receiving a chemistry degree from Illinois Benedictine College, now Benedictine University, Fr. Skrobutt began a professional odyssey in the Elmhurst, Illinois research and product support office of Keebler, the cookie company. Downsizing led him to Abbott Labs, pharmaceuticals and other industry experiences until he moved to Wisconsin.

In an effort to build new relationships, he became deeply involved in parish life and volunteering at St. Agnes Hospital. “It was my Moses experience in the desert,” Fr. Skrobutt recalled. That revelation ultimately led him to the vocations office of the Rockford Diocese and Kendricks-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, where studying philosophy and theology were a huge departure from his chemistry background.

Reflecting on his own professional journey, Fr. Skrobutt commented that God will keep calling those who might have a vocation until they respond. “You need to trust that God’s plan is bigger and better than you might have for yourself,” he advises.

Fr. Andrew Skrobutt was ordained on May 21, 2006 and is assigned to Holy Angels Church in Aurora, IL.

Fr. Andrew Skrobutt

St. Francis High School announces faculty changes

Faculty members move to new positions

Wheaton, IL – 15 June 2006 – Two teachers have been elevated to new posts at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.

Peter Shaughnessy was appointed Assistant Principal of Student Life at St. Francis. For the past year, Shaughnessy taught in the school’s religion department and served as assistant coach for both the girls and boys tennis teams.

Before coming to St. Francis, Shaughnessy was the theology department chair for Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago for six years. He earned his B.A. in Political Science and English Literature at Canisius College in Buffalo before going on to Loyola University of Chicago for his M.A. in Theology and M.A. in Pastoral Studies.

While in graduate school, he served two graduate assistantships as Loyola University’s Managing Editor of their Journal of Community-based Research for the Policy Research Action Group and as assistant to the Director of Master in Divinity Program.

Shaugnessy is married with one child and lives in Villa Park, Illinois.

Diane Mercadante assumes the position of Director of Pastoral Ministry at St. Francis after teaching in the school’s religion department. She also served as the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) moderator for the past year.

Mercadante is replacing Marty Ford, who has been the pastoral ministry director at St. Francis for six years. Ford is returning to “his first love,” teaching theology.

Before coming to St. Francis, Mercadante taught and substituted as the dean’s assistant for St. Charles East High School in District 303. She received her B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Dominican University graduating Cum Laude and was named “Outstanding Graduate in Pastoral Ministry”.

Mercadante is married with six children and lives in St. Charles, Illinois.


Peter Shaughnessy	Diane Mercadante

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Savvy teens discover stock market secrets

St. Francis High School students “play the market” and win big

Wheaton, IL – 15 June 2006 –St. Francis High School students have learned that information is the gateway to stock market success.

Team members Karina Lopez '07 of Lisle, Kristian Link '08 of Roselle, Kate Dorman '08 of Winfield and Karen Hanley '08 of Wheaton, took second place in the Northern Illinois High School Region of the Stock Market Game™ program last semester. The Illinois Council on Economic Education coordinates this simulation for teachers throughout the state of Illinois.

In preparation, St. Francis students independently researched companies and observed global current events for about two hours a week. “We spent most of our time outside of class watching and studying patterns of stock ratings on different websites,” Lopez explained. The competitive experience has spurred her to remain involved in the market as an adult. She laughed, “I’ve even been giving my dad advice on playing the market and he’s doing well.”

“Once the competition heats up, students start grabbing the business section of their newspapers,” commented Mike Lynch, faculty moderator for the stock market team. He explained that current events, such as Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s death this past week, can drive the market in one direction or another. What makes for a successful team, Lynch continued, is how well they interpret the effect of the news on the markets.

Lynch, who teaches Consumer Education, Marketing Management and Economics at St. Francis, also led winning student stock market teams to first and second place honors during the fall semester.

The Stock Market Game offers students the chance to invest a hypothetical $200,000 in a real-time portfolio. As they compete in the game, they learn economic and financial concepts that they will use for the rest of their lives.

More than 175 schools and nearly 19,000 students within Northern Illinois participate in the Stock Market Program. The game is sponsored by Northern Illinois University in conjunction with the Chicago Tribune. For more information, please visit http://stockmarketgame.org <http://stockmarketgame.org/> .

Caption: (seated right to left) Winning team members Karen Hanley, Kate Dorman, Kristian Link and Karina Lopez. (standing) Mike Lynch, teacher/moderator.

Tee up to make wishes come true

St. Francis High School Athletic Association sponsors 5th Annual Golf Outing

Wheaton, Ill. – 9 June 2006 – Friends and families of St. Francis High School in Wheaton will “putt and party” to raise funds for Spartan athletics on Friday, August 11 th. The 5 th Annual Golf Scramble will be hosted by the Spartan Athletic Association (SAA) at Glendale Lakes Golf Course in Glendale Hts.

Every dollar earned through the event is used toward the St. Francis coaching staff’s annual “wish list” for athletic program and facilities improvements. Through the years, over $40,000 has been donated for items such as uniforms, balls, bags, scoreboards and a golf cart.

An individual golfers package costs $150.00 and includes golf, lunch and dinner. Tickets for the dinner and post-golf activities are available for $40.00. Hole sponsor opportunities, including a sign with name or company logo, are available for $300 each.

For golf registration or dinner tickets, see www.sfhsnet.org.

Summer fun includes time to excel

St. Francis High School summer camps bring out best in young people

Wheaton, Ill. – 1 June 2006 – Honing skills or discovering new ones are adventures offered through St. Francis High School in Wheaton this summer.

The school’s specialty camps and sports clinics are designed to bring out the best in young people. Attendees experience fundamentals and skills improvement in a welcoming environment. Experienced coaches and educators facilitate summer activities.

Sports clinics include baseball, basketball, cheerleading/dance, football golf, running, pole vault, track and field, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

Individual and group talents are stimulated through art, band, drumline, jewelry making and theater.

Students can also improve academic proficiency through “Fun with Grammar,” “Algebra Olympics” and “Math Fun with Computers.”

St. Francis camp and clinic information, schedules and fees can be viewed at www.stfrancishighschool.org.

8th Grade scholars reap recognition

St. Francis High School announces incoming freshmen scholarships

Wheaton, Ill. – 26 May 2006 – Eleven young achievers are starting their high school careers with a bang. They were cited as 2006 scholarship winners by St. Francis High School in Wheaton .

Martha McDonnell from St. Patrick School in St. Charles received the Principal’s Academic Scholarship. William Kernan, also from St. Patrick’s, was named for the Reverend Stanislaus Gryga Memorial Scholarship.

Two students were awarded the Douglas P. Colbeth & Margaret R. Colbeth Endowed Scholarship: Tori Zimmerman, a graduate from St. James School in Glen Ellyn, and Calvin King, a student from Tefft Middle School in Streamwood. King was also awarded the William & Barbara Dixon Scholarship.

Meagan Gitchell , another St. James graduate, received two alumni scholarships: the St. Francis Alumni Association Scholarship and the Ronald ’65 & Theresa ’67 Franklin Kuhn Alumni Scholarship.

Kellie Kurt of Monroe Middle School was named for the Ronald ’65 & Theresa ’67 Franklin Kuhn Leadership Scholarship, as well as, the National Honor Society Scholarship.

Two young men from St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn, John Sienkiewicz and Wes Herwaldt, received the William & Barbara Dixon Scholarship and the Louis and Ruth Zehner Memorial Scholarship respectively.

Lauren Kaminky from Jefferson Junior High in Naperville was recognized for the Kay Finn Memorial Scholarship.

Caroline Waszok from St. Michael School in Wheaton was awarded the John & Annie Shaw Scholarship.

Sarah Wagner , graduating from Jay Stream Middle School in Carol Stream, was named as the recipient of the Beverly McCleary Memorial Scholarship.

Basketball scholar scores opportunity to hit court next fall

St. Francis High School basketball star commits to University of St. Thomas

Wheaton, Ill. – 25 May 2006 – Four years on the basketball court at St. Francis High School was just a warm-up for Ashley Phillips of West Chicago. The phenomenal, 5’11” forward has made a verbal 4-year commitment to play for the University of St. Thomas “Tommies” in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“She’s an outstanding offensive basketball player, a real leader of the team,” raved Ed Boddy, St. Francis varsity basketball coach. “She’s an amazing player. She understands the game extraordinarily well,” he continued.

Phillips began shooting hoops as a varsity player for St. Francis Spartans in her freshman year. This year she was cited as an All Conference winner, named to the All Academic Conference Team and received the St. Francis Spartan Award.

“Ashley has loved basketball since she began playing in fifth grade at St. John the Baptist in Winfield,” commented her mother, DeeDee Phillips. She competed at the grade school level and on a Carol Stream traveling basketball team before entering high school, including All Star Team competition. The young player’s career has been guided by her dad, Michael Phillips, who played college basketball.

Phillips looks forward to joining the University of St. Thomas women’s basketball team in the fall. “Tommie Women” have had 26 winning seasons in its 28-year history, with a .754 overall winning percentage. St. Thomas is a co-educational Catholic institution.


Ashley Phillips lines up a free throw	Ashley Phillips with parents Michael and DeeDee

Kate Vonderhaar Awards

Kate Vonderhaar, a senior at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, has been named to the Daily Herald All Area Volunteer Team, the Daily Herald Academic Team and the Chicago Tribune’s All State Academic Team.

The Daily Herald will recognize Kate in a special edition of the Daily Herald Neighbor section on Wednesday, May 31 and an award ceremony in June. Kate was chosen by a panel of judges comprised of education and community leaders.

Kate was also chosen for the Chicago Tribune’s 21 st Illinois High School All State Academic Team. From thousands of nominations, judges selected 70 finalists and from those finalists ten winners were chosen. Kate, one of the ten winners, will receive a $2000 college scholarship and will also have her name published in the Tribune on May 7, 2006.

Suzie Morgan Award

Suzie Morgan from Bartlett, Illinois, and a senior at St. Francis High School, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award along with a special letter from President Bush. This is the first time a student at St. Francis has ever been recognized with this prestigious award.

Suzie received her accolades starting a music group for a children’s liturgy at her church. “My experience with the children has been profound for me because I know that I am one of the children’s first connections to the beauty of the piano.” Suzie’s contagious passion for children and music attracted other young people who joined her, creating the full music group that now exists.

The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

“The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities,” said Art Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial.

Math wizards compete in Illinois state tourney

St. Francis High School places in Top 10 of State Math Contest

Wheaton, Ill. – 10 May 2006 – Competition was fierce at the Illinois State Math Contest on April 22. St. Francis High School won Top 10 honors for the tenth time when their team placed eighth in the 2A division.

Over 60 teams competed in the Regionals in February, and of that 60, only 17 qualified for the state contest. St. Francis has qualified for State 17 times since 1987. The State Math Contest is sponsored by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM).

Junior Elli Pula, Naperville, matched computation skills against over 100 students in each of four written Algebra II contests and achieved the second highest score. Many others on the St. Francis team also had outstanding results.

A second place state trophy was earned by the Jr./Sr. Eight Person team including Jason Healy (Bartlett), Dan Hugar (Roselle), Christine Jennings (Wheaton), Emma Marzullo (Bartlett), Dave Gotsch (Winfield), Kate Lyons (Wheaton), Jim Tibble (Wheaton), and Kate Vonderhaar (Wheaton).

Taking fourth place in the Algebra II challenge were Jason Healy (Bartlett), Dan Hugar (Roselle), Christine Jennings (Wheaton), Emma Marzullo (Bartlett), Elli Pula (Naperville) and Michelle Zupancic (Glen Ellyn). Although trophies are only awarded to the Top 7 in each event, the Frosh/Soph team Eight Person team had an impressive showing and placed eighth in state. They included Ben Lewis (Naperville), Matt Novack (Wheaton), Matt Sarna (Wayne), Liz Vonderhaar (Wheaton), Mike Brophy (Glen Ellyn), Alyssa Hach (Naperville), Arianna Rubio (Carol Stream) and Joe Rysavy (North Aurora).

Faculty members Mrs. Sue Kolasinski, Mrs. Joan Kustak, Mrs. Roxana Thornton, Mr. Bob Bonvallet, Mr. Joe Breault and Mrs. Lee Hruby coached St. Francis students for the series of competitions.

Caption: St. Francis Math Team scores 8th in Illinois state competition.

Students set bar for excellence

St. Francis High School announces Top 10 in Class of 2006

Wheaton, Ill. – 5 May 2006 – Enthusiasm, ambition, confidence and compassion are common characteristics shared by the Top Ten students of the Class of 2006 at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.

“I have been blessed to be surrounded by many fantastic people who have helped to shape and form who I am today,” said Katherine Vonderhaar (Wheaton), class valedictorian. The senior emphasized that she has learned that making a difference in the lives of other people is not just for “grown-ups” and hopes to continue learning and growing as a person beyond college.

Vonderhaar, daughter of Tom and Nancy Vonderhaar, was cited for numerous awards, including National Merit Finalist, the Chicago Tribune 2006 Illinois All-State Academic Team, AP Scholar with Honor, Illinois State Scholar, 2005-2006 Daily Herald Leadership Team, Dartmouth Book Award, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. She will attend Dartmouth College in the fall.

As a competitor, Vonderhaar participated on both the St. Francis Swim Team and Math Team for four years. The well-rounded senior was also active in Student Ambassadors, Peer Ministry, Theatre, ESL Tutoring and the National Honor Society.

That level of high school career achievement was also shared by (James) Connor Dawson ( St. Charles ), salutatorian of the Class of 2006. He is the son of Jeff and Barbara Dawson and will be attending Yale University next fall.

Dawson’s litany of awards includes Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship, Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist, National Society of High School Scholars, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Who’s Who Among American High School Athletes and Saint Michael’s Book Award for Scholarship and Service.

Active during his high school years, Dawson played varsity golf, tennis and intramurals. He also competed on the Math Team and served in student government. He encourages incoming freshmen to get involved at St. Francis and “not to be shy, to be who you are.”

Other Top Ten students who were recognized by St. Francis included Kathleen Lyons (Wheaton), Anthony Lewis (Naperville), David Gotsch (Winfield), Alison Laycock (West Chicago), Elise Beis (West Chicago), Declan Holzman (Wheaton), Mary Lindahl (West Chicago) and Christina Kaiser (Wheaton).

The St. Francis scholars have been accepted at an impressive listing of universities and colleges, including Dartmouth College, Yale University, Bradley University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois, University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University, College of William and Mary and the University of Dayton.

Each of the Top Ten has been awarded scholarship monies and recognition for numerous national, state and local honors. They have also taken leadership roles in St. Francis organizations, sports and service activities, where 98% of the student body has participated in co-curricular activities.

“The achievements of the Class of 2006 demonstrate the commitment of their families, educators and fellow students at St. Francis to provide an educational process that brings forth the best in each young person,” commented Sister Sheila Megley, RSM, president of St. Francis.

Katherine Vonderhaar, valedictorian (Wheaton)

James Connor Dawson, salutatorian (St. Charles)

“Good Kids” + “Good Decisions” = “Good Memories”

St. Francis High School Pre-Prom Program warns against mixing drinking and driving

Wheaton, Ill. – 2 May 2006 – Tragedy can tarnish innocent fun when drinking and driving are mixed. Three speakers from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) shared their powerful stories in an emotionally charged presentation for juniors and seniors at St. Francis High School in Wheaton on April 19 th.

The Pre-Prom awareness program was funded by a $500 grant from the Drug Forfeiture Program. Joe Birkett, DuPage County State's Attorney, had previously presented the award to St. Francis students from the Students Against Destructive Decisions club.

With student audience emotions running high in the school’s theater, a young man named Dave E., shared a personal perspective on drunk driving –that of the drunk driver. He was someone most of the students, listening mesmerized, could relate to. He had been a good student, active in his youth group, on his high school homecoming court, had built homes for the poor and was enrolled in a fine university to become an elementary teacher.

At 21 years old, he had been drinking with a friend, but didn’t think he had indulged to excess. He made the decision to drive himself and his friend home. The next thing he remembered was waking up handcuffed to a hospital bed. When he saw the sheriff sitting next him, he asked what had happened. The sheriff responded, “Son, you killed three people tonight.”

Dave’s blood alcohol level was .233. It impaired his decision-making and he drove down the road the wrong way at 60 M.P.H. Dave said, “This drunken driving incident, like all others, that killed three young people was 100% preventable. Don’t drink and drive.”

The most painful punishment for Dave was serving as pallbearer for his friend who was a passenger with him that night. “I cannot tell you the pain of carrying my friend to her grave knowing I was the one responsible for killing her,” the young man said.

Dave Perozzi, a victim advocate with AAIM, spoke about his son Daren, who was killed by a drunk driver who did not have a driver’s license. Daren was a 1998 graduate from the University of Illinois and was planning to attend medical school. “Daren was on his way to the golf range one evening when his vehicle was struck head on by a drunk driver driving at 100 M.P.H.,” Perozzi said.

Perozzi became involved with AAIM after being contacted by the group and being offered support of families of other victims. He and his wife now run a support group and serve in a variety of advocacy programs at AAIM. “My goal through speaking to students is to save one life and one family from my pain,” Perozzi said.

Lorraine Wesolowski, also working with AAIM, related to Perozzi’s story. Wesolowski lost her daughter Candace to two drunk drivers. Candace was home from a college on Christmas break and walking with friends to a store to buy a birthday present. As they crossed the street, two speeding cars barreled down on them. Candace was struck by the first car, sent flying to the other side of the street and killed when the second car ran over her. Candace’s mother continued, “The drivers of the cars were friends out drinking at a local bar together. They didn't even stop. Candace's friends could only stand by her and watch her die.”

Both Wesolowski and Perozzi spoke from a parent’s perspective. They dealt first with their shock, then their anger, and finally they began to cope with the pain of losing their children. “Our world ended when the Downers Grove police chief took our hand and told us our daughter had been killed by a drunk driver,” Wesolowski said, trying to hold back the tears.

The purpose of the St. Francis Pre-Prom program was to help “good kids” make “good choices,” while having a good time. Hearing the first-hand stories about the tragic results of drunk drivers made a huge impact on the students attending the presentation.

The mission of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) is to prevent deaths and injuries cause by intoxicated motorists in Illinois and to help victims and their families. To find out more about AAIM go to http://www.aaim1.org/ibhp.htm . For more information about AAIM, see website www.aaim/org/ibhp.

Caption : (L to R) Dave Perozzi, Lorraine Wesolowski and Dave E.

School expands CPR training to assist heart attack victims

St. Francis High School sets goal to educate faculty, staff and students

Wheaton, Ill. – 26 April 2006 – The likelihood of survival doubles for victims of sudden cardiac arrest when bystanders start CPR. St. Francis High School aims to help those odds.

With twenty-one faculty and staff already trained to assist when a person has a heart attack, the high school is expanding its cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) program with “Resusci Anne,” a new CPR training manikin.

The CPR torso unit was presented to the school by Jerry Cizek III, President of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) on April 20, 2006 . He was accompanied by Greg Webb, 1967 alumni of St. Francis and former president of CATA. The training manikin was made possible by a grant through the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation.

“If the right kind of treatment can be given a heart attack victim within seconds after he or she is stricken, the chances are good that the life can be saved,” commented Mary Ellen Webb, RN-CPR instructor, at the presentation. Webb conducted the initial training of St. Francis personnel, who now include three trained instructors.

St. Francis has a goal to train 100% of the faculty and staff and every student in sophomore health classes, according to Sarah Anderson, St. Francis athletic trainer. She is responsible for organizing the school’s CPR training. Sessions will use both the Resusci Anne unit and Automated External Defibrillators ( AED ).

CPR consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compression. The Resusci Anne unit gives signals when the trainee is applying the right pressure in the right spot or breathing correctly into the victim’s mouth. With training, students learn the “feel” of giving rapid, lifesaving emergency treatment.

Caption : (L to R) Sarah Anderson, Greg Webb, Cindy Johnson, Mary Ellen Webb, Jerry Cizek III

“Commitment” is fuel for action

St. Francis High School administrator cited for excellence

Downers Grove, Ill. – 26 April 2006 –Commitment is Mary Kay Vincenti’s bottom line when it comes to pursuing education as a career. Recently, the Senior Administrator from St. Francis High School in Wheaton was elected to membership in Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education.

Selection into Kappa Delta Pi ranks requires an exceptional commitment to high academic standards, continued advancement in an education or allied career, and an exemplary professional attitude.

Vincenti, who resides in Downers Grove , is completing a Masters in Education program in Catholic School Leadership and Management at Marymount University , Arlington , VA. , while simultaneously managing the Development efforts at St. Francis.

Caption: Mary Kay Vincenti

Engineering Challenge Sparks Student Innovation

St. Francis High School Team designs more comfortable airliner

Wheaton , Ill. – 18 April 2006 – Four St. Francis High School students merged their talents to compete in Engineering Expo 2006 at Purdue University on April 13, 2006 . A major objective was to design a profitable plane using the project formulas provided, while addressing common passenger complaints.

Participating in the daylong event were Alex Fitzpatrick ‘07, Mark Murphy ‘06, Elli Pula ‘07 and Greg Quebbemann ’07 and their teacher, Mr. Joe Breault. The Expo theme, “Air-ing on the Side of Comfort” afforded a tangible engineering experience for high school students from around the Midwest .

Prior to the event the St. Francis team received specific guidelines for the contest, which included a formal design project and an impromptu design competition. The students collaborated for several weeks to complete the formal project. First, they planned a design of a Trans-Atlantic Luxury Airliner that was capable of traveling 25 feet and landing on a 5-foot wide runway. Then they built a prototype model and wrote a detailed report of their results.

Their plane model was based on the design of a standard Boeing 747/777. The students determined that if they reduced passenger capacity to 533, they could add extra bathrooms, a game room, a piano bar and a Dunkin Donut shop for the long flight. The sales generated from passengers of all ages for the entertainment, relaxation and convenience enhancements would compensate for the loss in overall ticket revenue.

After over 100 test flights, the team’s model plane was also modified and improved to meet the required distance and land in the target area. Upon completion, the St. Francis team was confident that their plane would satisfy flight logistics and provide the maximum profitability per Trans-Atlantic flight.

A second part of the competition was an impromptu design contest, which took place during the day of Expo. Participants were required to construct the strongest and tallest object with only simple materials provided to them in a 20 minute time period. The contest goal was to see which team’s model would hold the most pennies. This team-building effort spurred students to share ideas productively.

The Spartan Blue Team coach, Mr. Breault said, “The experience gained by coming to this national competition gave the students a glimpse into the future. They were also able to make new friends throughout the daylong event.” Senior, Mark Murphy has been accepted into the College of Engineering at Purdue and plans on attending there this fall.

Caption: (L to R): Mark Murphy, ’06, Greg Quebbemann, ’07, Elli Pula ’07, Alex Fitzpatrick ’07.

Physics = Fun at St. Francis

Wheaton, Ill. – 13 April 2006 – “Physics” and “fun” in the same sentence may seem like an oxymoron to some, but that is what will happen in Jay Olaszek’s physics classes at St. Francis High School, Wheaton, on Tuesday, April 18.

Students will be challenged to experience the nature of sound beyond reading their textbooks. Olaszek is bringing “Small Shiny Things” to demonstrate different natural frequencies and ranges of various acoustic instruments, including the human voice, in presentations throughout the day in the Spartan Theatre at the high school. The “blue-grassy” instrumentation will include guitar, mandolin and upright bass.

The school’s driveway was the site of a different sound experiment when the physics instructor conducted hands-on Doppler Effect demonstrations last week. As students attest, learning about sound wave frequencies in the field brought the science concept to life.

Olaszek, a 1991 graduate of St. Francis High School, has a reputation for his innovative approach to physics lessons. He has even been known to bring a motorcycle into his classroom as a demonstration tool. Thanks to Olaszek, “Physics at Francis is fun!”

St. Francis Student Government Sorts Toys for Humanitarian Service

Wheaton , Ill. – 16 March 2006 – Recently the St. Francis High School Student Government helped sort toys for their Children’s Birthday project, a Humanitarian Service Project. The project is a commitment to reach out to DuPage and Kane County children living in poverty.

"This was my first time doing the Humanitarian Service Project and I was amazed at the organization and thought that goes behind each gift,” said Mollie O'Rahilly, executive board treasurer and senior at St. Francis. “They truly do try and make each gift special knowing that it will be opened by a child that really needs it. The people that work at the Humanitarian Service Project are very grateful for any kind of help, and we are very happy to lend a hand."

The Humanitarian Service Project provides 1,100 children with a package sent to their home in time for the child’s birthday. The package includes new toys, books, party supplies, school supplies and much more. During holidays the children also receive gifts from their very own wish-list.

The Humanitarian Service Project started in Karole Kettering's back bedroom in 1979 with the purpose of helping needy families during the holiday season in the DuPage County area by providing them with an abundance of groceries and gifts.

There are over 28,000 children in DuPage and Kane Counties who are now living at or below the poverty level. It is the mission of the Humanitarian Service Project to alleviate the pain and suffering that poverty brings to needy seniors and children living in DuPage and Kane Counties without distinction of gender, race, creed, caste or color. For more information about the Humanitarian Service Project contact them at 630.231.1542 or hsp@humanitarianservice.org.

St. Francis looks back at 50 years
By James Fuller
Daily Herald Staff WriterPosted Saturday, March 11, 2006
St. Francis High School wasn’t always the 750-student, bustling institution of Catholic education it is now. Some of the original walls of the Wheaton school went up even as students began attending classes back in 1957. The sky still peeked through the gym roof. The athletic fields weren’t in place. In fact, students helped lay the original sod. There wasn’t a formal physical education program for girls. The only female extra-curricular activity was choir. Students could only walk on the right side of the hall. Even attending class right across the hall required making half a circuit of the entire building. Boys attended classes on one side of the school, girls on the other. “And never the twain shall meet,” Brother Pius Kamphefner told a gathering of St. Francis students Friday. Kamphefner and two others who were at the school during its early days — Sister Maria Bierer and Sister Audrey Rothweil — spoke to students about what life was originally like at the school at the time. Rothweil, formerly known as Sister David, recalled how there were only five 55-minute class periods in a school day. Every teacher taught religion in those days. The times were more strict — no talking in the halls — but that didn’t mean there was no fun to be had. “It was the best,” said Bob Hoppenstedt, a 1962 alumnus who was also part of Friday’s presentation. “Sure, sometimes (the arm of) a black robe would fly out and no one would say anything again for six months until someone forgot again. But we had fun.” Kamphefner recalled how the school wasn’t originally going to have a football team, but after a little convincing, the first team was funded through the addition of soda and candy machines in the school. “I refilled them five times a day,” he recalled. Kamphefner was the school’s first athletic director. Those were also the days of sock hops and “hootenannies” at the school, recalled Bierer, who founded the choral program. Hootenannies were folk music jam sessions, which later fed into the Vietnam War protest movement, she said. Those memories and more will be shared during a Heritage Ball tonight. Alumni and former staff members will come together for five decades of memorabilia and music. The ball is just one event in celebration of the anniversary. There is also an alumni Mass for the renewal of wedding vows, a golf outing, a 5k run, a variety show and various open house tours in the works. Many of the events will tie into a school expansion project administrators hope to embark on this summer.

After 23 years, Harper resigns at St. Francis
By David Oberhelman
Daily Herald Sports WriterPosted Saturday, March 11, 2006
Not surprisingly, the news drew a few tears at St. Francis’ boys basketball banquet Thursday night in Wheaton. Midway through the ceremony Spartans coach Mike Harper announced he was stepping down after 23 seasons. “I know we’ve had some good success even in recent years, but I just feel a little stale and felt that some new energy and some new blood would be good for the kids,” Harper said Friday, reiterating his message to players and parents. Perhaps the deciding factor, though, is spending more time with his wife, Julie, and children Drew and Margaret. “I have a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter,” Harper said, “and the thought I’ve had is probably for every 10 times they ask daddy to take them swimming in the summer I can take them maybe once. “Between camps, summer leagues and weekend shootouts that’s been weighing on me the last couple of summers.” The news surprised most everyone at the banquet. “Most people were sad. A couple people were crying. Some were stunned, actually,” junior Reagan O’Toole said. Harper had discussed a move after the 2004-05 season with eight-year assistant Shawn Healy, a 1995 St. Francis graduate and current teacher, and school administration. The younger brother of Wheaton Warrenville South boys coach Mike Healy will succeed Harper. Bob Rizzo will remain on the sophomore level. “He’s taught me a lot about basketball, but more importantly he’s taught me the lessons of life,” said Shawn Healy, who held his first team meeting Friday. Harper taught many opponents lessons as well. The 48-year-old won his 300th game Dec. 9, 2004, and finishes with a 315-285 record. He ends his career with back-to-back Suburban Catholic Conference championships, eight overall. Harper’s Spartans won three regional titles and finished fourth in Class AA in 1989. He’s been honored by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and by Hoop Scoop magazine. Harper, who will continue as full-time social studies teacher, called his run “great fun.” “I hope St. Francis basketball is a little bit better than what it was, because of my involvement,” he said. “After 23 years of your life you would hope you’ve at least accomplished that. I think we have.”

Show Your Spartan Spirit: 1 st Annual 5K Fun Run and Walk
50 th Anniversary Celebration Fundraiser for Spartan Sports on April 30th

Wheaton , Ill. – 7 March 2006 - As part of the celebration of St. Francis High School’s 50 th Anniversary, the school will be holding the 1st annual “Run a 5K for SAA” fun run and walk to support Spartan athletic needs and wishes. Mark your calendars for the event scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 30 in the Danada Forest Preserve.

Runners should meet on race day just south of Butterfield Road on Naperville Road at 3S580 Naperville Road in Wheaton . The youth one mile will kick off at 8:50 a.m. followed by the 5K run and walk at 9:00 a.m. Registration for the race is $18 if you register prior to April 23 rd and $20 after and on race day. The student rate is $15 for the 5K run and walk and the youth mile is $10.

Event participation includes refreshments, awards, goodie bags and runners will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. Runners are invited to register individually or as teams. Winning team will be determined by the average finishing speed. Visit www.sfhsnet.org to register online or call Catie Rizzo at 630.690.9273. Checks can be mailed to St. Francis High School , ATTN: SAA 5K, 2130 W. Roosevelt Rd. , Wheaton , Ill. 60187 .

“The values I have learned through a combination of school and sports at St. Francis, has given me strength and character to accomplish anything in my future,” said Nick Rizzo, senior at St. Francis.

At the beginning of each year, the St. Francis Athletic Department submits a “Wish List” to the Spartan Athletic Association. Each earned dollar from Spartan Athletic Association fundraising goes to help St. Francis coaching staff receive items from their “Wish List.” The annual golf scramble is the primary Spartan Athletic Association fundraising event. Through the years, over $78,000 has been donated to purchase items such as uniforms, balls, bags, scoreboards and a gator cart.

If you can’t make it out that day, consider making a donation through sponsorship opportunities or cash donations. Every dollar helps Spartan athletic programs immensely. For additional information, please contact: Bill and Catie Rizzo, Spartan Athletic Association Co-Presidents, 630.690.9273, brizzo@genesispkg.com.

Prayer, Belief, Running written by Nick Rizzo , Senior at St. Francis High School :
Prayer and my belief in God is also a lot like running to me. When out for a run, you are alone with only your own desire to go on. No one is standing there pushing you and no one will know if you stop. Every step you take is more difficult than the previous one. You may never be in that exact spot at that time ever again. Your love in God and path in life are so beautiful in this very simple moment because of our mortality. At any time, this run in life could be over. Sure, there are hills and dips but that is what makes the run worth it. Running puts you in an ideal prayer situation on your journey. As you are passing the wonderful creations of God, we can truly comprehend God’s love for us. Although the journey may be difficult and seem impossible at times, we always know there is Someone waiting for us at the finish.

St. Francis Guys & Dolls Musical to be an Alumni Affair

Wheaton , Ill. – 31 January 2006 – A stroll down the musical memory lane of St. Francis High School will bring back memories of Guys and Dolls from 1978, 1992, 1998 and 2001. The musical has been the overwhelming favorite of the faculty, students and parents since the school’s opening 50 years ago.

The St. Francis musical programs began with a dream of former teacher, Sr. Mary Regina. She hoped, since the very opening of the school, that the students might one day have the interest and talent to produce a fantastic spring musical. Then in 1964, the boys and girls glee clubs attracted so many students that Sr. Mary Regina’s dream was realized with the school’s first musical - Brigadoon.

In 1964, Mother Maria Regina told The Spartan Spirit Newspaper: “Thanks to enthusiastic and gifted students my dream of our first musical production has become reality and the future of our theater program is bright.”

And indeed the future has been bright for the musical program at St. Francis which will see the fifth production of Guys and Dolls this year. Rehearsals have already started. St. Francis will once again perform Guys and Dolls on February 24th, 25th and 26th, as well as, March 3rd, 4th and 5th.

In celebration of the 50 th anniversary of the school, alumni who have performed in past productions of Guys and Dolls will be invited on stage to participate in a very special encore at the February 25 th performance. A previous special alumni production of Guys and Dolls took place at the dedication of the state-of-the-art Kuhn Cultural Arts Center in 2001.

"Guys & Dolls is such a great show and I feel so honored to be a part of a musical that so many alumni have performed in,” said Beth Malouf, a senior from Roselle . Malouf is playing the role of Sarah Brown in this year’s performance and will be joined in the cast by her freshman brother, Tommy Malouf.

To accommodate alumni cast members, St Francis has reserved a block of seats for them and their guests at the February 25 th show. St. Francis will hold the seats until February 10th. If you are interested please call John Grossman , Alumni Director, at 630.668.5800 ext. 138 to reserve seat(s) for this very special occasion. Regular tickets for the production can be bought online at www.sfhsnet.org or by calling the school at 630.668.5800.

St. Francis Teacher Receives Excellence in Teaching Award
English Teacher Lydia Lyzinski Accepts Award from Bishop

Wheaton , Ill. – 31 January 2006 – Lydia Lyzinski, an 18-year teaching veteran at St. Francis High School , was chosen to receive the Bishop Joseph L. Imesch Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2005. A nominating committee with representatives from the Diocese of Joliet and the University of St. Francis selected this year's recipient. Lyzinski received her award on Friday, January 20 th, at a breakfast reception with Bishop Imesch at the University of St. Francis .

“15 years ago St. Francis High School was extremely fortunate when Lydia Lyzinski walked through their doors,” said Raeann Huhn, Principal at St. Francis. “Whether she is teaching grammar or Romeo and Juliet, planning the freshman class field trip to a Shakespeare performance at Navy Pier, or dialoging with her colleagues her eyes sparkle, her voice is a pitch higher – her passion is invigorating.”

Lyzinski thought they were kidding when Huhn informed her St. Francis was nominating her for the Excellence in Teaching Award. She was in return shocked when they announced she was the winner and professed to wondering what the criteria were that made her qualify as a recipient.

“I really appreciate this award but I feel that all of the Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Joliet deserve to receive it,” said Lyzinski. “In Catholic teaching we let our faith speak in education and at the end of the year I know if the only thing my students got from me was English, then I failed.”

Lyzinski has been teaching English at St. Francis for 15 years and also serves as a Freshman Class Moderator. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Language from the University of Pittsburgh .

Lyzinski is the mother of six children all of whom are graduates of St. Francis. She loves to read, cook, walk for exercise and attend plays in her spare time.

Lyzinski’s teaching philosophy is that homework is assigned every night, but there are no pop quizzes or tests on Monday. She encourages students to review all study guides given throughout the year to prepare for semester exams, and come for extra tutoring at designated times the day before each exam.

“Teaching and the Catholic faith is a part of my life,” said Lyzinski. “It is like brushing your teeth in the morning.”

Lyzinski will be taking a break from teaching though. She is scheduled to move at the end of this school year to be closer to her family.

“The faculty and students of St. Francis will greatly miss the daily presence of Lydia ,” said Mary Kay Vincenti, Director of Development. “It is my hope that Lydia continues to be involved with young people, she is a terrific role model and that is where her heart is.”

St. Francis officially announced the great news to students at the Catholic Schools Week liturgy on January 31st.

This award is sponsored by the University of St. Francis and is awarded to an outstanding teacher who demonstrates excellence in teaching; is a Christian role model among students, faculty and administration; and serves the educational community by sharing personal talents and time for the greater good of the community.

Top

St. Francis Coach Coleman Named Asst. Coach of the Year

Wheaton , Ill. – 31 January 2006 – St. Francis High School ’s Assistant Tennis Coach, Art Coleman, has been selected as the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year. Coach Coleman, who works with both the boys and girls tennis teams, was honored by the Association at their Hall of Fame Luncheon on Friday, January 27, at the Lincolnshire Marriott Hotel.

“St. Francis is lucky to have such a dedicated coach working with our student athletes,” said Marcia Bussey, head tennis coach for St. Francis. “It’s a great day for Spartan Tennis!”

Bussey and the school’s tennis players also held a special reception after school on Tuesday, January 31 to honor Coach Coleman.

Top

St. Francis High School Presents Tri-Lingual Story Time
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - La Oruga Muy Hambrienta - La Chenille Affamée

Wheaton , Ill. – 30 January 2006 – Tri-Lingual Story Time, an event for children ages 3 and up and foreign language lovers, will take place on Thursday, February 16 th at 3:00 p.m. The community is invited to bring their favorite toddler over to St. Francis High School for a special reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar - La Oruga Muy Hambrienta - La Chenille Affamée- presented by St. Francis Spanish and French language students.

“Last year it was wonderful watching the children’s eyes grow big and just light up with the excitement at grasping the pronunciation of a new word from a different language,” said Madame Sue Harsa, French teacher at St. Francis.

The second annual event will take place in the school library. Admission to the event, sponsored by the St. Francis Foreign Language Department, is free.

“This is a great experience to watch children, who are just grasping linguistic skills, explore two different languages while their brains are still in the process of developing,” said Señora Maria Orescanin, Spanish teacher at St. Francis.

Reservations for this event can be made by calling Madame Harsa at extension 179 or Señora Orescanin at extension 146, 630.668.5800. For more information regarding this event please visit www.sfhsnet.org.

Top

Catholic Schools Luncheon in Wheaton Honors School Leaders

Wheaton , Ill. – 25 January 2006 – The second annual luncheon to honor presidents and principals of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Joliet took place at the Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton , Illinois on Thursday, January 19th. The event was hosted by St. Francis High School and the master of ceremonies was Sister Sheila Megley RSM, president of St. Francis.

Attendees included the principals and presidents of 47 Catholic Schools, the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph L. Imesch, DD, Diocese of Joliet, and Sister Helen Jean Kormelink OSB, superintendent of schools for the diocese. Bishop Imesch, who is retiring at the end of June, took the opportunity to mingle with the school administrators before his pending retirement. Imesch was presented with a Lladro statue of the Holy Family by the high school principals and presidents.

The event was held prior to the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. Sponsors for the event included Buck Services, Inc., and the Maclyn Group, Inc.

Schedule of events at St. Francis for Catholic Schools Week starting on Monday, January 29 th, include:

Monday: Parent Organization sponsored meal for faculty, Catholic trivia contest and teacher picture contest begins.
Tuesday: All school Mass; special blessing of parents, teachers and students.
Wednesday: National Honor Society teacher appreciation meal.
Thursday: Principal reception with students to discuss state of the school, special dress code: college name/logo shirts.
Friday: Spartan Olympics.

Standing, L to R:
Rev. James Murphy, President Immaculate Conception H.S. (Elmhurst)
Thomas Geraghty, President Driscoll Catholic H.S. (Addison)
James Segredo, President Montini Catholic H.S. (Lombard)
Rev. Richard McGrath, President Providence Catholic H.S. (New Lenox)
Joe Buchholz, VP Buck Services (SFHS alum. Wheaton resident)
Seated, L to R:
Rev. Jude Randall, President Benet Academy (Lisle)
Sister Helen Jean Komelink OSB, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Joliet
Most Reverend Joseph L. Imesch DD, Bishop of Diocese of Joliet

Top

St. Francis High School Announces 32 Illinois State Scholars

Wheaton , Ill. – 5 January 2006 – This year 32 seniors attending St. Francis High School in Wheaton have been named State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. These students ranked in the top ten percent of the state’s 139,500 high school graduating seniors. Rank is measured by SAT I and/or ACT test score results and/or the students’ class rank at the end of the junior year of high school.

“Every year we are amazed by the caliber of students we have attending St. Francis,” said Sister Sheila E. Megley, president of St. Francis High School . “Once again our graduating class has proven themselves to be just as outstanding as ever.”

St. Francis High School - 2006 Illinois State Scholars

Aurora
Lauren Henley

Bartlett
Susan Morgan

Bloomingdale
Charnai Fankhanel

Carol Stream
Jeffrey Bishe
Christopher Schilf

Lisle
Jeffrey Austin
Lisa Kopala

Naperville
Anthony Lewis
Victoria Pula
Gustavus Zimmerman

Roselle
Katherine Sausen

Saint Charles
Connor Dawson
Timothy Feeney
Michael Koester

Wayne
Edwin Hull
Marie Sarna

West Chicago
Elise Beis
Alison Laycock
Mary Lindahl

Wheaton
Daniel Armbrust
Emily Fyhrie
Danielle Harrison
Thomas Hildreth
Declan Holzman
Christina, Kaiser
Kathleen Lyons
Mark Murphy
Julia Spiotta
James Tibble
Katherine Vonderhaar

Winfield
David Gotsch
David Lam
AJ Palash

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Francis Takes 1 st & 2 nd in The Stock Market Game™

Wheaton , Ill. – 19 December 2005 – For the first time in the school’s history, St. Francis High School has taken both of the top ranks in the Northern Illinois High School Region fall 2005 session of The Stock Market Game™ program. The teams from St. Francis High School in Wheaton placed first and second place in the competition.

“We used electronic resources, spoke to people we knew were familiar with selecting stocks, analyzed historical data and sometimes, just went with our gut instinct to select stocks for our portfolio,” said Dominic Casino, a senior at St. Francis.

The St. Francis students who competed on the first place team were:

Kate Sausen, Senior from Roselle
Kathryn Rostan, Senior from Lisle
David Zavala, Senior from West Chicago
Anastasia Patrice Hill, Senior from Naperville

"We kept in mind that Christmas was coming so we added retail stocks that we thought would do well during the Christmas shopping season,” said Katie Sausen, a member of the first place team.

The St. Francis students who competed on the second place team were:

Dominic Casino , Junior from Winfield
Peter Ritt, Senior from Bartlett
Joe Wucka, Senior from West Chicago

The teams were lead by Mike Lynch who teaches consumer education, marketing management and economics at St. Francis. Lynch is also class of 1977 alumni and serves as Intramural Coordinator and Head Varsity Boys Volleyball Coach.

“Mr. Lynch and the stock market game blended reality within a safe environment and encouraged us to explore financial opportunities to build a diverse portfolio,” said Peter Ritt, a senior from St. Francis.

The stock market game is played by more then 175 schools and nearly 9000 students within Northern Illinois . The stock market game is sponsored by Northern Illinois University in conjunction with the Chicago Tribune.

The Stock Market Game gives students the chance to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in a real-time portfolio. They think they're playing a game. You know they're learning economic and financial concepts they'll use for the rest of their lives. For more information, please visit http://stockmarketgame.org.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Students Adopt 24 Families Through Catholic Charities

St. Francis High School Holds Annual Reach for the Moon Toy Drive

Wheaton , Ill. - 12 December 2005 – A huge part of St. Francis High School ’s mission statement is to assist students along their spiritual and emotional path. What better way to do so, then to instill the spirit of giving at the most wonderful time of year.

Once again, students and staff from St. Francis will be reaching out to others within the local community hoping to make the holidays a special time for everybody. The St. Francis Community has committed to adopting 24 families through a Catholic Charities program entitled, “Adopt a Family,” the girl’s volleyball team helped to raise over 500 toys for Reach for the Moon and the school is collecting hats, gloves and scarves for the People’s Resource Center.

In past years, the religion teachers have taken on the key responsibility for the “Adopt a Family” program, but this year they are trying something different. Homeroom teachers, moderators of clubs and coaches have been invited to sponsor a family.

On Friday, December 16, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. the adopted families will pick up their presents, food gift certificates and as a special treat this year they will also receive a decorated Christmas tree. The Christmas trees, which have been decorated by St. Francis Students, have been sprucing up the halls of the school for a couple weeks new. The executive board of students decided to donate the trees to the adopted families.

St. Francis is also collecting hats, gloves/mittens and scarves throughout Advent to be donated to the People’s Resource Center on Roosevelt Road . A tree is set up in the school chapel and all donations are to be placed directly under the tree. Students and parents are invited to participate by having their son or daughter bring in the items to be placed under the tree.

The St. Francis Volleyball teams also sponsored the annual toy drive for distribution through the Reach for the Moon Foundation. The Foundation was founded by two St. Francis alumni, Jeff and Shelly (Sensale) Bruss, from the class of 1985 and 1986 respectively. Reach for the Moon provides the basic needs such as food, medical and dental care, and clothes for local children in need.

This will be the fourth year the St. Francis Community has been a major contribitutor to the Reach for the Moon Christmas Toy Drive. Over 500 toys were picked up at St. Francis on Monday, December 12. The Foundation is holding a wrapping party on Tuesday, December 13, and a few of the girls from the St. Francis Volleyball Team will take time out of their schedule to help with the wrapping.

“You know you hate to think of a kid without a toy on Christmas,” said Peg Kopec, St. Francis Girl’s Volleyball Coach. “I have been doing this for over four years now and donating the toys is the easiest part. Reach for the Moon works out of a room in the First Baptist Church in Batavia and they do the whole nine yards, collecting coats, helping to provide medical care, for over 300 families.”

For more information about the Reach for the Moon Foundation and how to donate, please visit www.reachforthemoonfoundation.com.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Francis High School Releases Students of the Month

2005 Students of the Month for September, October and November

Wheaton , Ill. - 12 December 2005 – The following St. Francis High School students earned honors of the Student of the Month in an individual area of study in the fall of 2005.

September 2005

Business – John Wright, Class of 2007 from St. Charles
English – Matt and Mike Novack, Class of 2009 from Wheaton
Performing & Fine Arts – Lauta Janota, Class of 2006 from Naperville
Foreign Language – Kate Vonderhaar, Class of 2006 from Wheaton
Mathematics – Jason Healy, Class of 2007 from Bartlett
Physical Education/Health – Laura Byrnes, Class of 2007 from Geneva
Religion – Mary Lindahl, Class of 2006 from West Chicago
Science – Alex Seraphin, Class of 2008 from Blooming dale
Social Studies – Derek Bishe, Class of 2009 from Carol Stream

October 2005

Business – Michelle Harig, Class of 2006 from St. Charles

English – Hannah Filipski, Class of 2009 from Wayne
Performing & Fine Arts – Dillon Murray, Class of 2008 from Wheaton
Foreign Language – Lauren Henley, Class of 2006 from Aurora
Mathematics – Kate Lyons, Class of 2006 from Wheaton
Physical Education/Health – Alex Boler, Class of 2006 from Wheaton
Religion – Patrick Buranicz, Class of 2008 from Roselle
Science – Matt Baria, Class of 2008 from Carol Stream
Social Studies – David Gotsch, Class of 2006 from Winfield

November 2005

Business – Chris Schilf, Class of 2006 from Carol Stream
English – Christine Jennings, Class of 2007 from Wheaton
Performing & Fine Arts – Emily Poitras, Class of 2008 from Wheaton
Foreign Language – Gus Zimmerman, Class of 2006 from Naperville
Mathematics – Courtney Trunk, Class of 2009 from Glen Ellyn
Physical Education/Health – Abbey Hansen, Class of 2008 from Wheaton
Religion – Cindy Park, Class of 2007 from Carol Stream
Science – Mitch Mraz, Class of 2007 from Roselle
Social Studies – Jennifer Weber, Class of 2006 from Wheaton

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage Committee Under Way For St. Francis 50th Anniversary
The First Co-Institutional Catholic High School in Midwest to Celebrate 50 Years

Wheaton, Ill.-28 September 2005- The second meeting of the heritage committee for the St. Francis High School 50th anniversary was held on Tuesday, September 20. St. Francis faculty and alumni attended the meeting and divided into committees to plan activities and events for the High School’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

Sub-committees were created for the following St. Francis High School 50th anniversary events:

• Alumni Mass (with alumni renewing wedding vows)
• Alumni tours and reception after theatrical events
• Alumni tours and reception after athletic events
• Alumni open house and tours
• Alumni golf outing
• 5K Run
• Heritage Ball
• Alumni theatrical variety show
• Memorabilia & archives

Sue Harsa, foreign language department chair, spoke about the upcoming St. Francis trip to Italy. The trip, which is open to the entire St. Francis Community, will make stops in Rome, Assisi, Venice and Florence. Harsa will teach basic Italian during classes leading up to the trip on October 9-17, 2006. The next meeting for the trip will be held on October 4, 2005, and will include details on payment plan, insurance and frequently asked questions.

The next meeting of the heritage committee will be held on Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the library of St. Francis High School. Anyone interested in being part of the committee is welcome to attend. For additional information on the heritage committee or the Italy trip, please contact John Donahue Grossman at 630-668-5800 ext. 138 or e-mail at jgrossman@sfhsnet.org.

Kickoff for the anniversary celebration will be the St. Francis Heritage Ball on March 11, 2006. Additional events for the celebration are currently being planned. Community members can check for upcoming anniversary events at www.sfhsnet.org.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Francis Alumni Holds Concert for Fine Arts Program
Johnnie Blend from St. John’s University Comes to Wheaton in October

Wheaton, Ill.-23 September 2005- Sean Abernathy, currently a senior at St. John’s University and Class of 2002 alumni of St. Francis High School, will bring his college musical group, Johnnie Blend, to his alma mater in October. Abernathy was one of the founding members of Johnnie Blend, an all male a cappella group, when it was formed in 2002.

“When we started Johnnie Blend my freshman year, our goal was to travel to everybody’s hometowns and perform for our family and friends,” said Abernathy. “It is now my senior year and my hometown is the only one we haven’t been to yet!”

So finally, on Thursday, October 13, the members of Johnnie Blend will hold a concert at 7:30 p.m. in Abernathy’s hometown. The concert is open to the public and will be held in the Kuhn Cultural Arts Center on the St. Francis Campus in Wheaton, Ill. Donations will be accepted at the concert to benefit the fine arts program at St. Francis High School.

Abernathy credits staying sane at school to the purpose and drive that being a part of Johnnie Blend has given him. He is a student before a musician, dedicated to completing his homework before his 1 _ hour practices, 4-5 nights a week.

“Johnnie Blend members do not earn any class credit, but most of the guys are part of a school program, as I am part of the St. John’s University Men’s Choir,” said Abernathy. “A big part of our ideal as young musicians is to show young adults that singing is not just for class and church, it is also a way of life.”

Johnnie Blend will also spend time on Friday, October 14, visiting St. Francis High School classrooms. Abernathy is excited to meet with the St. Francis students and revisit the fond memories of the times he spent in Carolyn Brady’s choir.

“Sean was one of those rarely gifted students, he was involved with athletics and then, lucky for us, he decided to try singing and performing,” said Carolyn Brady, teacher and performing arts director. Brady went on to describe Sean’s senior year performance as Jesus in Jesus Christ Super Star as “awe inspiring.”

“As our choral program is growing from one chorus to three, I hope Sean coming back and spending time with St. Francis student’s will show them that music is something you can do forever,” said Brady. “Music is a passion, not just a class.”

Not only can a quarterback be in the choir but students from the math team and the soccer team can as well. Brady gives credit to Abernathy for helping set this precedent and a mold for the current and future St. Francis student.

St. Francis now offers a Treble Voices Choir for all females who wish to join, a Concert Choir by audition only for mixed men and women’s voices, and a Chamber Choir by audition only, which is a small elite ensemble of men and women’s voices specializing in a cappella. For more information about St. Francis High School performing arts, please visit www.sfhsnet.org and click on extracurricular.

For more information about Johnnie Blend, please visit www.johnnieblend.com.

About Johnnie Blend
Johnnie Blend is an a cappella group from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. The musical group holds performances around the area all year round. Johnnie Blend continues to broaden their repertoire with both contemporary and classical a cappella selections. To hire Johnnie Blend to sing at an event, e-mail jblend@csbsju.edu.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Francis Community Hosts Walk-A-Thon for Hurricane Relief
Walk-A-Thon Held On October 15th To Raise Funds For Catholic High Schools

Wheaton, Ill.-14 September 2005- St. Francis High School students, families, teachers and staff are putting on their walking shoes for hurricane relief efforts. The walk, which will benefit Catholic High Schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina, will take place at the St. Francis football field and track on Saturday, October 15, from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

“ We will walk, we will pray and we will come together as a community to lend a hand,” said Kate Kowalski, faculty member and alumni of St. Francis. Participants are asked to form teams of up to 10 people and walk in an effort to raise funds and awareness of this catastrophe. This event is not open to the public. For more information please call Kate Kowalski, the faculty member in charge of the event, at 630.668.5800.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rain Holds Off For Back to School Dance and Food Drive
St. Francis High School Collects Food for People’s Resource Center

Wheaton, Ill.-7 September 2005- St. Francis High School was planning on holding their annual back to school dance in the school’s back parking lot on Friday, August 26. Unfortunately the threat of rain moved the dance into the gym as a precaution for the safety of the students.

The annual dance was also a food drive for the People’s Resource Center located in Wheaton, Ill. Students were offered a discounted admission price if they brought a non-perishable food item to donate. Students entering without a can good were charged $6.00 and those with a can good received the discounted rate of $5.00.

“The faculty always looks forward to the back to school dance,” said Joan Kustak, Activities Director. “You never know what the seniors are going to dress up as, they keep it a surprise.” This year the seniors decided to have a hoe-down and dress up in the latest fashion of western wear.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A New School Year Means Fresh Faces
St. Francis High School Adds New Educators in Classrooms

Wheaton, Ill.-6 September 2005- St. Francis High School is proud to announce the addition of five new faculty members for the 2005-2006 school year. “We are very excited to have the new faculty members, each from varying experiences, here with us as part of the St. Francis community,” said Cindy Johnson, Assistant Principal.

• Lee Hruby- Math Department
• Pete Mastandrea- Health & Physical Education Department
• Peter Shaughnessy- Religion Department
• Diane Mercadante- Religion Department
• Michael Page- Religion Department

The week before the school welcomed back the students, the five new educators were greeted by the faculty members of St. Francis High School at a teacher’s orientation. At this orientation, Sr. Sheila Megley, President, gave a heart warming and inspirational speech on the start of the academic school year entitled “Your Hopes and Your Dreams.“

“I find it difficult to respond to the question which everyone seems to ask of educators: ‘When does your school begin?’” said Sr. Sheila Megley, President of St. Francis High School. “It seems to me that the business of educations does not have either a beginning or an end.”

Biographies:

Lee Hruby, a resident of Lisle, is a new face in the Math Department where she is a teacher and the assistant advisor for the Math Team. She isn’t however, a new face at teaching. Hruby has been teaching for over 31 years, 17 of those years just around the corner in Naperville.

Pete Mastandrea, a resident of Downers Grove, rejoins the Heath & Physical Education Department after 18 years. Mastandrea previously taught at St. Francis for ten years and was the head of football and the wrestling coach before he left to open his own business. He has now returned to teaching and is coaching the sophomore girl’s volleyball team.

Peter Shaughnessy, a resident of Villa Park, is a new face in the Religion Department. He is a religion teacher, faculty advisor for the peer ministry program, and the assistant girl’s and boy’s tennis coach for St. Francis. Shaughnessy spent the previous six years teaching and coaching tennis at Mount Carmel High School in Chicago. He holds a masters in theology and pastoral studies from Loyola University.

Diane Mercadante, a resident of St. Charles, has joined the St. Francis Religion Department as a first year teacher and will serve as the faculty advisor for Student’s Against Destructive Decisions. Mercadante holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Dominican University with extensive experience in youth ministry.

“I am delighted to be here at St. Francis and teaching what I am passionate about,” said Mercadante. “I feel it an honor to be able to pass along our Catholic faith to young people.”

Michael Page, a resident of Geneva, will also be a rookie in the Religion Department after eight years experience in parish youth ministry. Page holds a bachelor of fine arts from the University of Illinois and a master of pastoral studies from Loyola University.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Francis High School in Wheaton Makes History Again
The First Co-Institutional Catholic High School in Midwest to Celebrate 50 Years

Wheaton, Ill.-12 August 2005- The inaugural meeting of the steering committee for the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Francis High School was held at the home of St. Francis Alumni, Jan and Dennis Beck, on Wednesday, August 10th. The gathering of about 45 people brought together alumni, faculty, parents and friends of St. Francis to begin plans and discuss anniversary events for the 2006-07 school years.

“We have every right to celebrate,” noted Sr. Sheila Megley, President of St. Francis, as she addressed the group. “We will have an 18-month celebration of the rich heritage and history of excellent education at St. Francis.”

John Donahue Grossman, Alumni Director, shared some of the history highlights of St. Francis which included:

• 1956 – Groundbreaking for first Catholic co-institutional high school in Midwest
• 1957 – School enrollment of 433 students
• 1960 – First athletic games held at Wheaton College Stadium
• 1963 – School enrollment of 1200 students
• 1971 – St. Francis becomes Diocesan school
• 2001 – Dedication of Spyglass Athletic Center and Kuhn Cultural Arts Center
• 2003 – First night football game
• 2005 – More than 7200 alumni

Kickoff for the anniversary celebration will be the St. Francis Heritage Ball on March 11, 2006, and additional events for the celebration are currently being planned. Community members can check for upcoming anniversary events at www.sfhsnet.org.

The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be held on Tuesday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the library of St. Francis High School. Anyone interested in being part of the committee is welcome to attend. For additional information contact John Donahue Grossman at 630-668-5800 ext. 138 or e-mail at jgrossman@sfhsnet.org.

Top

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Francis High School Announces 2005-2006 Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Steve Armbrust of Cornerstone Medical Group Wins St. Francis Award

Wheaton, Ill.-8 August 2005-Dr. Steve Armbrust, St. Francis High School Class of 1978 and resident of Wheaton, Illinois, has been named the St. Francis Distinguished Alumni for 2005-2006. He will be presented with the award at half-time of the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, September 23. Additionally, Armbrust will be formally honored at the St. Francis Heritage Ball on March 11, 2006 held at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Armbrust is currently the president of Cornerstone Medical Group where he oversees day-to-day operation of 57 employees and currently 12 patient care providers. Cornerstone Medical Group is the largest independent family practice group at Central DuPage Hospital.

Armbrust, an award-winning doctor, has been voted Chicago-area’s top doctor by The Chicago Consumer Checkbook Magazine each of the last four years. He also received the 2004 Family Physician of the Year Award from the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.

“Attending St. Francis set the stage for my future,” said Armbrust. “The teachers and the formative climate cultivated a balance in my life.”

Armbrust graduated 8th in his class from St. Francis and did not let a childhood leg injury stop him from becoming a stand-out basketball guard who out hustled and outscored most opponents. Armbrust praises St. Francis for giving him great opportunities to make the most of himself both on the court and in the classroom.

Armbrust went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University of Chicago, and graduated from the Chicago Medical School with the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Medical Student.
Armbrust and his wife Janet have 7 children; Daniel, St. Francis Class of 2006, Jake, St. Francis Class of 2007, Jessica, St. Francis Class of 2008, Genna, Matthew, Luke and Nick. The Armbrust family belongs to St. Michael’s Parish, where Armbrust coaches 7th grade basketball and serves on the athletic board. Armbrust is a charter sponsor of the St. Francis golf outing and has been a regular contributor to St. Francis since 1998.

“My parents were thrilled that the Francis experience was affirming what they were trying to provide me at home as a teen,” said Armbrust. “There were always the day-to-day reminders that we were spiritual people as well as students.”

Top