Focus Spring 2023

FOCUS MAGAZINE

For Alumni, Families, and Friends of St. Francis High School SPRING 2023

Kathie Carroll ’64 Nash Joins SFHS Students in Service Tia Holinger celebrates 40 years

Girls Volleyball wins State Championship

President’s Council

Philip Kerr

President

Father John Honiotes

Vice President of Mission & Chaplain

Raeann Huhn

Principal

Maureen Isphording

Executive Vice President & Director of Admissions

Jamie Lavigueur

Director of Strategic Communications

Steve Nache

Vice President for Advancement

Advancement Office

Steve Nache

Vice President for Advancement

Danielle Costello

Manager of Special Events

Matt Ernst

Donor Analyst

Becky Feltes ’97 Fischesser

Director of Alumni Relations

Peg Kopec

Advancement Associate

Debbie Quirk

Gift Officer

Focus Magazine aims to present interesting and thought-provoking news about SFHS and its alumni. We reserve the right to edit and revise all material that we accept for publication. If you have a story idea or content to submit for publication, contact the editor, Jamie Lavigueur, at jlavigueur@ sfhscollegeprep.org.

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St. Francis High School College Preparatory

2130 W. Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187

(630)668-5800 sfhscollegeprep.org

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@SFHS_Spartans

St. Francis High School

Parent of Alumni:

If this magazine is addressed to your son and/ or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email Becky Fischesser at bfischesser@sfhscollegeprep.org with the new address. Thank you!

Mission

St. Francis High School is a Catholic, college preparatory learning community that promotes spiritual, academic, physical, and social development in the daily presence of Jesus Christ.

Dear St. Francis High School Community,

By the time you’re reading this, I will have been on the job as President of St. Francis High School for close to three months. But I’m no stranger to this school and the special stories it holds. You may remember I served as a Board Director for seven years and Board Chair from 2010 to 2013, when the school was celebrating record enrollment and a successful capital campaign. My wife, Maribeth Treis ’77 Kerr is a deeply committed and engaged alum and we have four children, three of whom are also alums. I’m thrilled to be a part of this school one more time.

Now, I’d like to share a little bit with you that you may not already know. In December 2021, I retired from my 40-year career in business and sales. No longer heading into the office every day, I did what retirees often do: I golfed. I posted 147 rounds, and by December 2022, my handicap went from 7 to 9. I took that as a hint from God and moved on to the next idea. For more than 20 years, I coached basketball at St. Michael School, and I’ve also volunteered to serve at basketball tryouts here at SFHS. This year, there were no coach openings. Another hint from God.

I then sought inspiration from one of my favorite quotes, credited to former President George H.W. Bush: “There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.” The third line of that quote might be the most important part: “Find something to do.” I began looking at opportunities to mentor aspiring CEOs. Shortly before moving into that realm, a phone call came about the open President position here at SFHS. I turned it over to God. And after my first job interview in 41 years, here I am.

In my brief time in this role, I have seen – and want to affirm to you today – that the feeling of love, compassion, and caring in this community is all over this school. Jesus is in this building and it’s an amazing place to be. When I meet our students, they shake my hand and look me in the eye. They talk with confidence; like they’re already adults in the workplace. This is a school where students develop the skills, spirits, and minds we need our future leaders to possess.

The charge for this leadership team in the coming years is clear: we will mobilize the support of the entire school community and provide the best environment, facilities, and atmosphere for our students and faculty to succeed and thrive. I’m focused on and committed to moving this school into its next generation of success. Be assured, we’re moving full speed ahead.

Thank you for joining us on our journey forward.

Saint Francis, pray for us!

Phil Kerr, President

ACADEMICS

SFHS Named Microsoft Showcase School for 6th Year

For the sixth consecutive year, we are a Microsoft Showcase School! Selected by Microsoft, Showcase Schools are an elite group that exemplifies the best of teaching and learning in the world today. This outstanding accomplishment is attributed to the efforts of our entire school community. All have invested time, treasure, and effort into maximizing our use of Microsoft solutions.

SFHS is 1 of 42 schools in the U.S. and 1 of just 3 schools in Illinois to earn this designation. As a Showcase School, SFHS will continue to work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education transformation and communicate an education transformation vision, enabled by technology, through a commitment to host and mentor other schools in the local community and around the globe. “Our 1:1 program with Surface Pros not only prepares our students for college and careers but also more deeply engages them in the classroom,” said Jeff Gerdeman ‘87, SFHS Director of Information Technology.

National Merit Scholarship Program

Students Receive Academic Awards

46 seniors were designated as Illinois State Scholars, a prestigious recognition of academic achievement presented by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). This outstanding representation accounts for 29% of the senior class. Each State Scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Achievement from ISAC

Samuel Andrzejewski

Emily Butz

Christopher Capozzi

Ella Champagne

Joseph Coladipietro

Owen Donley

Jake Dufresne

William Cale Easter

Margaret Ellis

Alyssa Falco

Timothy Gnorski

Simon Hartle

Andrew Hernandez

Madelyn Hoden

Alan Jania

Aidan Johnson

Timothy Kasprzak

Ciin Nicole Khawl

Colin Koprowski

Olivia Lankisch

Philip Latorre

Peter Lemke

Katherine Lilly

Caitlyn Llewellyn

Owen Long

Matthew Marsico

8 Faculty & Staff Named MIEE

Roseanne Mendoza

Antonina Ossey

Nicolas Posada

Hailey Poziombka

Gabrielle Rodriguez

Elen Ryson

Rachel Schmitz

Amanda Schoaf

Ella Schroeder

Connor Shields

Cody Smith

Amari Talluri-Boye

Rocco Tenuta

Sabrina Vasko

Lucy Vung Nu

Elise Ward

Samuel Wessel

Erin Wlodek

Mahlana Wolf

Isabella Zielinski

Eight members of the SFHS community were recognized as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEEs), educators who are passionate about teaching and learning, who inspire students with creative thinking, and who work in a truly collaborative spirit to share their learning with the world.

4 seniors were named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Emily Butz, Madelyn Hoden, Philip Latorre, and Connor Shields. These academically talented students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 7,250 National Merit Scholarships offered this spring. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in each state.

National Hispanic Recognition Award

Elizabeth Brand, World Language, Matthew Ernst, Advancement/Business Office, Kim Fermoyle, Science, Kathleen Lembas, Math, Tim Martens, IT, Mary McCarthy, Math, Jessica Roulo, World Language, Madison Wall, Math

In addition, Tim Martens, Technology Integration Specialist at SFHS, was named an MIE Fellow for the Central Team in the Midwest region of the United States! Microsoft distinguishes only 33 MIEEs as Fellows in the United States.

2 students received the National Hispanic Recognition Award from College Board: Sofia Hutchens and Gabrielle Rodriguez. Students qualify if they have a 3.5 GPA or higher and have taken the PSAT/NMSQT or at least two distinct AP Exams within the eligibility window. Once awarded, students can include this academic honor in their college and scholarship applications.

Milestone Anniversaries Celebrated at All-School

Liturgy

In February, SFHS faculty and staff celebrating milestone anniversaries were honored at the special Catholic Schools Week All-School Liturgy.

Teacher Tia Holinger Honored for 40 Years at SFHS

Tia Holinger began her career at SFHS in 1983, and it has changed her life and the lives of many students since then. She has taught both art and French, served as a Department Chairperson for 19 years, coached girls tennis, and was moderator of the Culinary Club for 10 years. The decision to embark on her career in Catholic education has also played an important role in her personal life – her children, Jay ’08 and Molly ’10, are now SFHS alums.

Mrs. Holinger was honored at the All-School Liturgy in February and Principal Raeann Huhn mused that the art room has moved six times during Mrs. Holinger’s tenure. “No matter the location, Mrs. Holinger provides a welcoming space where thousands of students have learned to create,” Ms. Huhn said. “She has inspired many alumni to pursue careers in art: architects, furniture designers, storyboard artists, illustrators, graphic designers, animators, and of course, teachers.”

During the recognition, Kate Kolasinski ‘95 Doane – current SFHS art teacher and former student of Mrs. Holinger – presented Mrs. Holinger

with a collection of letters written to her from alumni dating back to 1988.

“We hope these letters remind you that your mentorship, guidance, and impact continue to make waves,” Ms. Huhn said.

Mrs. Holinger was also part of the committee that wrote the school’s mission and vision statement.

“I truly feel that every teacher at St. Francis strives to follow both the mission and vision and that the students are prepared for the next step in their lives after graduation,” she said.

In honor of her 40-year career, Room 1202 is now named and commemorated with a plaque as the “Tia Holinger Art Room.”

“I am exceedingly grateful to my students past and present for the richness they have added to my life,” Mrs. Holinger said.

“My high school art teacher and I have been friends for 53 years.

I hope that I can be friends with my students for that long!”

Patty Dahle Paul Johnson Tim Reist

Michael Lynch ‘77 Scott Nelson Tia Holinger

Girls Volleyball Wins State Championship

On November 12, the SFHS Girls Volleyball team claimed victory over the defending state champions Nazareth Academy (25-23, 25-23) and were named 2022 IHSA Class 3A State Girls Volleyball Champions. They previously defeated Joliet Catholic Academy (25-17, 25-22) on November 11.

This is the Spartans’ 13th state championship and 21st state appearance, and first state championship for Coach Lisa Ston. “This feeling is unreal and super exciting,” said Coach Ston. “I really don’t have words to describe this feeling. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to win my first state championship. It’s very exciting.”

A few highlights include Addy Horner (10 kills, nine assists, and six digs) Anna Paquette (10 kills and four digs) and KK Dumpit (13 assists and four digs).

The team was honored at the December All-School Liturgy as they presented the trophy to the school. Wheaton Mayor Phillip Suess also attended the liturgy to present the team with their city sign and declared December 8, 2022, “St. Francis High School Girls Volleyball Class 3A State Championship Day” in Wheaton.

SFHS Fans Earn IHSA Sportsmanship Award

We were awarded the IHSA Sportsmanship Banner Award for positive sportsmanship shown by the team, the community at large, and the student body during the Girls Volleyball 2022 State Tournament. IHSA Assistant Executive Director Stacey Lambert and IHSA mascot “Add A. Tude” attended the February All-School Liturgy to present the school with the banner.

“As you know, your team was fantastic, and you all did a great job in the state finals,” Lambert said. “We are thrilled to present you with the sportsmanship banner.”

An IHSA-formed committee grades all participating schools and selects the winner.

SFHS Celebrates Catholic Schools Week

January 31 through February 4, we participated in Catholic Schools Week, an annual recognition of Catholic schools nationwide. Throughout the week, we celebrated our school community under the theme #BeyondGrateful and asked our followers on social media to share their experiences and gratitude for the way SFHS has positively impacted their lives.

From

#BeyondGrateful

FOLLOW

SCHOOL NEWS

SFHS GIVES BACK

Our patron, Saint Francis of Assisi, saw the face of God in the people around him. It is our hope that as SFHS students reach out and accompany others in service, they experience self-discovery, growth, and deepening faith. Students recently participated in the following activities:

All-School Blood Drive

We were once again the #1 school in our area for blood drive donations! 126 pints of blood were collected at the November drive, and 151 community volunteers supported the event. The drive is conducted through Versiti, formerly known as the Heartland Blood Center.

Christmas Toy Drive

The 20th annual Girls Volleyball Christmas Toy Drive was the biggest ever this year! The SFHS Girls Volleyball team and alum Shelley Sensale ‘86 Bruss coordinated distribution of these toys to children in need in our area.

Adopt-A-Family

Thanks to the generosity of SFHS families, co-curriculars, and faculty and staff, 19 families were sponsored through Catholic Charities Adopt-A-Family program over the holidays.

GardenWorks

SFHS ministry students partner with the nonprofit GardenWorks each year to help improve food security and access to healthy foods for families throughout western Chicagoland. Specifically, they provide nearly 15 vegetable garden beds for our neighbors facing food insecurity in the Marian Park Apartments by helping sort seeds and maintain the beds.

Young Hearts for Life: Top Participating School

On December 6, SFHS hosted free cardiac screenings for all students in partnership with the organization Young Hearts for Life (YH4L). The screening, known as an electrocardiogram (ECG), helps detect heart conditions early and can help prevent cardiac emergencies.

We are thrilled to share that 564 students (84% of all students) participated in the screening. As of publication, SFHS is the top participating school in the area. If we remain in first place, the school will be awarded an additional AED machine for our school.

The screenings were free thanks to EdwardElmhurst Health, Just 1 Mike, and YH4L donors, including the Toppen family.

FALL ATHLETICS ROUNDUP

Congratulations to our studentathletes on their outstanding accomplishments during the fall 2022 season! Stay tuned to our social media pages for the latest updates!

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

• 2nd place in Metro Suburban Conference

• 4th place at IHSA Regional

• 11th place at IHSA Sectional

• All-conference selections

(4): Andrew Hernandez, Sam Andrzejewski, Dan O’Connell, Brendon Spahn

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

• 1st place in Metro Suburban Conference

• 2nd place in IHSA Regional

• 6th place in IHSA Sectional

• 20th place in IHSA State

• All-conference selections: Alyssa Falco, Leann Ringsrud, Margaret Andrzejewski, Cate Earl

• All-State: Margaret

Andrzejewski – 22nd

• All-Area: Margaret Andrzejewski

FOOTBALL

• Metro Suburban Red Conference

Champions

• 4th round IHSA Playoff Qualifier

–Final 4

• All-Conference Selections: TJ McMillen: Offense Lineman of the Year, 4-year All-Conference

Dom Beres: Defensive Player of the Year, 3-year All-Conference

Alessio Milivojevic: Conference

MVP, 2-year All-Conference

• Other All-Conference Awards: Danny French: 2-year AllConference, Ian Willis: 2-year AllConference, Dash Dorsey: 2-year All-Conference, Joey Ayala: 2-year All-Conference,

SFHS Celebrates Signing Days

Amari Head, Brady Piper, Anthony Suriano, Connor Shields, Antonio Gutierrez

• Academic All State - Dom Beres, Danny French, TJ McMillen, Alessio Milivojevic, Brady Piper, Connor Shields

• First Team All-State: TJ McMillen

• Honorable Mention All State: Dom Beres and Alessio Milivojevic

BOYS GOLF

• 3rd in Metro Suburban Conference

• 2 All-Conference Selections: Beckett Jones and James Collie

• 3 IHSA Sectional Qualifiers: Beckett Jones, James Collie, Nicolas Sparacio

• 1 IHSA State Qualifier – Beckett Jones: Tied 17th place

GIRLS GOLF

• Metro Suburban Conference Champions (fifth year in a row)

• IHSA Regional Champions

• 2nd place in IHSA Sectional

• 5th place in IHSA State (team)

• All-conference selections: Emmy Hollarbush, Katherine Lilly

BOYS SOCCER

• 4th in Metro Suburban Conference

• IHSA Regional qualifier

• All-conference selections: Simon Hartle, Nick Madden, Cooper Winslow

GIRLS SWIMMING

• Sectional Qualifiers: Abby Sheldon, Ana Hall, Jackie Gabbert, Keira Capeless, Rachel Telzrow

GIRLS TENNIS

• 2nd place – Metro Suburban Conference

• 2nd place – IHSA State Sectional (out of 9 teams)

• 19th place – (team) State Championships

• Sectional Medalists: Elen Ryson, Maddie Hoden, Ashley

Congratulations to our student-athletes who signed their letters of intent at our Fall and Winter Signing Days!

Rajcevich

• State Qualifiers: Elen Ryson, Maddie Hoden, Ashley Rajcevich

• IHSTCA All-State Honors: Elen Ryson, Maddie Hoden

• All-Area Honors: Elen Ryson, Maddie Hoden, Ashley Rajcevich

• All-Conference Selections: Elen Ryson, Maddie Hoden, Caroline King, Ellie Glab, Ashley Izban, Monica Szalek

• MSC Conference Medalists: Elen Ryson/ Maddie Hoden (Silver), Caroline King/Ellie Glab (Gold), Ashley Izban/ Monica Szalek (Gold), Bridget Rice/Ellie Gainer (Gold)

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

• IHSA Regional Champions (32nd Year in a Row)

• IHSA Sectional Champions

• IHSA Super-Sectional Champions

• IHSA Class 3A State Champions

• All-Conference Selections: Brooke Everett, Anna Paquette, Addy Horner

• All Area First Team: Addy Horner

• Kane County Athlete of the Week: Addy Horner

• All-Area Honorable Mention: Anna Paquette

• IVCA Girls Volleyball State Finals AllTournament Team: Anna Paquette

• IVCA Girls Volleyball State Finals AllTournament Team MVP: Addy Horner

1 Volleyball player Jessica Schmidt (Bellarmine University-Louisville), Softball player Hailey Dillon (Concordia College Chicago), Baseball player Rocco Tenuta (Hillside College Michigan).

2 Football players Joey Ayala (University of Central Missouri), Tyler Wood (Indiana Wesleyan), and Brady Piper (St. Ambrose).

3 Football players Nick Duzansky (University of Oregon), T.J. McMillen (University of Illinois), and Dash Dorsey (Kent State University).

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS

THEATRE

SFHS theatre productions awed the audience once again this year with the fall play, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and annual Christmas Carol production.

VISUAL ART

1 SFHS artists Sarah Kuchler, Caroline King, and Bella Zielinski took a trip to Robert Lee Fritz Studios in Lombard for a hot glass class with Mrs. Tia Holinger.

2 Yearbook editors Monica Szlaek and Ella Champagne review the 2022 yearbook, which received The National Yearbook Program of Excellence award from Jostens.

3 Peter Williams created an outstanding Semester II final drawing that pictured a school on the moon.

4 Nikki Kelsay '16 had three pieces shown at Side Street Gallery in Elgin and Mrs. Tia Holinger (who helped instill Nikki's love for art when she was a student here) came to see her and her work.

5 Art students celebrated #InternationalDotDay, a global celebration of creativity and art. Thank you students (and Mrs. Holinger and Mrs. Doane!) for bringing this day to life at SFHS.

Upcoming Performing & Visual Arts Events:

Don’t miss these spectacular exhibitions and performances!

Art Showcase: April 13

Jazz Showcase and Dance: April 14

Band Concert: April 26

Choir Concert: April 30

Night of One-Acts: May 5

Rock Show: May 12

Spartans march in the Wheaton Memorial Day Parade: May 29

Summer Musical: June 23-25

Stay tuned for the fall issue of Focus, where we’ll feature photos from the Spring 2023 musical, Footloose (performed March 16-19, 2023).

BAND & CHOIR

SFHS RECORD: 11 ILMEA SELECTIONS

We are so proud of our ILMEA AllDistrict musicians - there were a record 11 selections this year from SFHS! In November, the jazz band performed in the ILMEA Jazz Festival and choir, band, and orchestra selections performed at the ILMEA Senior Festival.

Jazz Band

Robert Barnhisel, Cale Easter, AJ Jania, Tim Kasprzak, Matt Marsico, Shannon Walgren

Choir

Carter Riggs, Gaby Rodriguez, Ella Schroeder

Band

Tim Kasprzak

Orchestra

Matthew Lemke

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT BRINGS OUT TALENT, CHEER

The annual Christmas Concert, which is free and open to the community, featured outstanding performances filled with Christmas cheer from the SFHS bands, choir, and orchestra.

ALL-STATE MUSICIANS SHANNON & CARTER

Shannon Walgren and Carter Riggs were both named All-State musicians and performed in the Illinois Music Education Conference in January.

IHSA

SOLO & ENSEMBLE

The SFHS Music Department (choir, band, and orchestra combined) placed first in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Competition on Saturday, March 4! SFHS entered more than 140 events at the competition overall.

For the fourth year in a row, the SFHS Choir placed first in the vocal competition - additionally, orchestra placed fourth and band placed fifth in their respective competitions!

ROCK BAND PERFORMS AT IHSA BASKETBALL FINALS

The SFHS Music Ensemble (Rock Band) was selected to perform at the 2023 IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals on March 11.

College Advice Shared at Inaugural Alumni Panel

In January, current SFHS juniors and seniors enjoyed hearing from SFHS alums

Tommy Bratthauar ’22, Michael Brdecka ’20, Mirabella French ’20, and Gabby Hernandez ’21, in our inaugural Spartan Alumni Panel. The alums graciously volunteered their time to answer questions and share about their college experience with their fellow Spartans.

Questions ranged from how to write the best admissions essay to what clubs the students are involved in at their respective schools.“It’s important to be honest with yourself about what you want out of college,” Mirabella said. Michael added that he began his college career at Loyola Chicago then pivoted to the University of Iowa after learning that he liked visiting the city, but living in it was a different story. Tommy advised the students to use their teachers as resources when writing their college essays and Gabby encouraged them to remember to stay genuine and talk about what differentiates them from others.

We are grateful to these four fantastic alums and plan to make this event an annual resource for our students.

Thank you!

Tommy Bratthauar ’22

St. Norbert College: Business Administration

Michael Brdecka ’20

University of Iowa: Political Science

Mirabella French ’20

University of Loyola Chicago: Marketing with Broadcast Journalism

Gabby Hernandez ’21 Duke University: Computer Science and Statistics

Emily England ’20: Studying Materials Engineering at MSU

Emily recently received the Goldwater Scholarship and a grant to study in Madrid

Emily England ’20, now in her third year at Michigan State University (MSU) studying Materials Engineering, was recently selected as one of four MSU students for the Goldwater Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a research career in natural science, mathematics, or engineering, and have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Emily was also the recipient of a grant to do research in Madrid, Spain, in fall 2021 thanks to a recommendation from one of her professors. Emily said it was a “coming of age experience.”

“I was so far from home but I was able to thrive and find my way around,” she said. “It made me realize I’m more capable than I thought I could be. If I can spend six weeks away in a foreign country, I realized I could step out of myself. It was surreal.”

In Madrid, she worked with biomaterials and modifications that would make them more compatible with the body.

“Biomaterials is a great area of research,” she said. “If you think about a hip

replacement, you want it to be compatible with the body’s environment. If the artificial hip is made of a material that isn’t just compatible but can even interact favorably and help heal the body or promote bone growth, it can make the body even healthier.”

Emily always thrived in math and science but it was during her sophomore year of high school that she was introduced to material science.

“It got me thinking how everything is made of something,” she said. “Materials are all around us, from the plastic in your water bottle to seals on bridges. But they also compose us. The enamel on our teeth is a ceramic and the skin on our body is a polymer. So I think of how we can use our knowledge of materials and how we manufacture them toward health care.”

Emily said the academic rigor at SFHS prepared her for college and helped make her a more well-rounded student. She was also an active spARTan and painted one of the murals near the school’s atrium with Vicki

Lambert ‘20, who she said is still one of her best friends.

“We worked on it for three months together, and I’m really proud to know that people walk past it and see it every day,” she said.

Looking ahead, Emily said she wants to attend graduate school and then go into industry-based research. Emily’s siblings, Kate ’17 and Tom ’21, also attended SFHS.

Emily England ’20 studying with her colleagues in Madrid.

Saint Francis mural by Emily England ‘20 and Vicki Lambert ‘20

Emily England ‘20

Kathie Carroll ’64 Nash Joins SFHS Students in Service

Alum shares how SFHS cultivated faith, career in hospice

Kathie Carroll ’64 Nash was reacquainted with SFHS this winter as she joined students at a Faith & Fellowship service opportunity. She even wore her 1964 alumni sweatshirt to show her continued Spartan pride. “I felt an incredible energy from the students,” Kathie said. “It was so much fun to be with them and see teenagers come together when something is needed. They just glowed.”

At the event, hosted in partnership with Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy Church and St. Giles Church in

Kathie’s Memories of SFHS

My sisters and I still sing the songs we sang with Mother Regina. My love of music was born in high school. I grew in self-esteem, understood I had some brains, and grew in socializing while holding on to my faith. My faith grew so much more than I imagined it could – with those years being the seeds that would

lead to the flower.

Oak Park, students decorated and enjoyed Christmas treats with residents of mental health rehabilitation facilities.

John Schuller, SFHS Religion Teacher, said more than 50 students served through various events at the centers during the first semester, thanks to the help of Faith & Fellowship Coordinator, Connie Rakitan.

During this event, Kathie said they laughed and sang, and that the students truly understood the dynamics and meaning of the service activity. “To hear student-led prayer was beautiful. It was heart-filled prayer,” she said.

In addition to her sweatshirt, she brought along her 1964 yearbook to show the students. “The kids loved seeing the old hairstyles and uniforms, and we mapped out how different the building looked,” she said. Kathie, now 76, said it was during her time at SFHS that she knew she wanted to give back to the world. “There was an altruism that was seeded in my family, but it blossomed at St. Francis,” she said.

Reflections of SFHS Faith & Fellowship Students

Rick Philip, Order of Friars Minor and a Field Ed student at the Catholic Theological Union Field Ed student wrote in the St. Catherine- St. Lucy and St. Giles bulletin: Recently I was gifted with the opportunity to experience Scripture in real-time … The students from St. Francis High School in Wheaton – the ‘Spartans’ – prepared, served, and cleaned up turkey dinner for us in the Rectory dining room at St. CatherineSt. Lucy. With it, they brought the light of service to our hearts. They were a fresh reminder of what it means to be Christian, and these Spartans brought us an abundant example of what it means to be grateful.

Faith & Fellowship Catechists, Partners, and Parishioners shared:

These energetic teens were incredibly eager to help… We all left with a hopeful heart inspired by their kind spirits. They worked hard. The Holy Spirit continues to renew the face of the earth with this group of students.

passed away at age 35 from

were unable to say

go on to major in Sociology at Mundelein College in Chicago. But after a stint of teaching third grade and taking a career pause to raise her two sons, Kathie then decided to go back to school to become a nurse.

was the beginning of a 35-year career. “I was drawn to it and had a vision of what it could be,” she said.

she said – and it stuck

Kathie grew up in a family of nine siblings. Her mother passed away at age 35 from cancer when Kathie was a teenager. Tragically, her three youngest siblings were unable to say goodbye to their mother because, at that time, hospitals only allowed visitors over the age of 12. “I remember thinking ‘this is so wrong,’” she said – and it stuck with her years later. In the 1964 yearbook, she lists her “Ambition” as “Social Worker,” and she did

“I began reading books about the grieving process and doctors started putting dying patients on my floor because I was comfortable with them. I would take my charts to their bedside and sit with them,” she remembered.

When her brother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she and her sister (also a nurse) essentially provided hospice care for him, and it reminded her of the contrast with her mother’s experience. Inspired, she began working at Bellwood Community Nursing Service which was one of the earliest hospice programs in Illinois. It

As the program grew, and developed a more formalized process, Kathie was selected to go to a major Chicago hospital to replicate the program there –the same hospital where her mother died. “It felt like a circle,” she said. “It felt good to help families like we weren’t helped at that time.”

Kathie remembers her mother for her devout faith and said her family prioritized Catholic education – even as a large family without much discretionary money.

“I enjoyed the religion classes and prayer time, and I think if I had gone to public school, I wouldn’t have experienced the spiritual and social justice dimension that came to be a big part of my life.”

Alumni Employment and Life Event Updates

13 Alumni Basketball

Seeing our alumni basketball players at our January Basketball Alumni Nights was a slam dunk. Thanks for joining us!

14 Harper In D.C.

SFHS

Performing & Visual Arts Alumni Updates

7

Sports and Faculty Alumni Updates

12 Alumni Volleyball

In September, four alumni volleyball teams came back to SFHS, the state champions of 2012, 2002, 1997, and 1992. To add to the festivities, Coach Lisa Ston was recognized for 150 career wins!

1 Alex Boler ’06 was named General Manager of Chicago Fire FC II.

2 George Feltes, son of Dave Feltes ‘89, is pictured in front of the science suite named after his grandmother. George shadowed his cousin Charlie Fischesser ‘24 while visiting from the UK. Dave resides just outside of London with his wife, Louisa, and children, George and Matilda.

3 Erin Virtue ’01 was recently named Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Michigan.

4 Kristen Kelsay ‘10 was hired as the associate head coach for University of Minnesota Twin Cities volleyball.

5 K. Van ‘68 and Gloria Stillwell ‘70 Dillenkoffer celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 9, 2022.

6 Spencer Angsten ’10 and Grace Churney ’12 Angsten recently welcomed new baby, Rory.

Martha McDonnell ‘10 released a new album.

8 Serena Z (Harnack ‘16) is releasing new music.

9 Kira Savegnago ’16 played the role of Pennywise in Moraine Valley Community College’s performance of Urinetown.

10 Kate Hart ’04 performed in Overshadowed Theatre’s production of Miracle on 34th Street.

11 Ryan Hamman ‘11 performed in Drury Lane’s Shrek in February.

Social Studies Teacher Mike Harper met up with SFHS alums Conor Walsh ‘05 and Emery Carlson ‘22 (now studying at Georgetown) for a tour of the White House and U.S. Capitol Building! Conor arranged for the tours and has kept in touch with Mr. Harper over the years.

2022 Reunions

1961 – 61st Reunion

The Class of ‘61 gathered on October 14 for an off-year reunion at Reserve 22.Dan Verbeck ’61 and Kathy Stenquist ’61 Hartwig planned the event.

1962 – 60th Reunion

Maureen Carroll ’62 Boyle and Bobbi Bergeron ’62 Aschauer organized their reunion at Cooper’s Corner on October 1.

1967 – 65th Reunion

Seventeen members of the Class of ‘67 enjoyed each other’s company on October 1 at Ellyn's Tap.

1972 – 50th Reunion

Kathy White ’72 Olson planned the Class of ’72 reunion on September 17. Classmates gathered from near and far on a beautiful fall night under the tent at Ivy Restaurant and donated over $1,200 to SFHS.

1980 – 42nd Reunion

The Class of ‘80 gathered at Cooper’s Corner on September 17 for a delayed 40th reunion planned by Mary Russo ’80 Herrmann.

1982 – 40th Reunion

Julie Sawko ’82 Read and Anne Scanlon '82 Morton planned a fun 40th at alum John Hamel’s restaurant, Pal Joey’s, on October 1. The evening was filled with memories and laughs.

1992 – 30th Reunion

With the help of Emily McNulty '92 Garrity, Kate Michel '92 Kowalski, and Aimee Holper '92 Racky, the Class of ‘92 gathered on October 15 in the SFHS Slant Dome and donated over $400 to SFHS.

2002 – 20th Reunion

The Class of ‘02 gathered on September 17 in the SFHS Slant Dome for a reunion led by Meghann Melka ’02 Ferguson and Tim Blake ’02. They enjoyed a school tour from Peg Kopec and donated over $450 to SFHS.

2007 – 15th Reunion

The Class of ‘07 held a backyard bash and raised over $450 for the Megan E. Boken Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thanks to Megan Lynch ’07 Nagel for planning.

2012 – 10th Reunion

The Class of ‘12 celebrated their 10th in Chicago at Timothy O’Toole’s on November 5. Over 35 classmates gathered with the help of reunion planners, Sarah O’Connell ’12 and Allison Slattery ’12.

Upcoming Reunions

Class of 1965:

65 Years - October 21, 2023, at Nuova Italia, St. Charles: Contact organizer Maureen Crowley ‘65 Rogina at marogina@sbcglobal.net.

Class of 1971:

70th Birthday - October 6 and 7, 2023, at Ki's Restaurant and the Wheaton VFW: Contact organizer Bob Krzyzewski ’71 at drbobk6@gmail.com.

Class of 1973: 50 Years - more information coming soon! Contact planners Jesse Rodriguez '73 Felix and Donna Barron '73 Ballentine at jhawkfelix@gmail.com and donnalb17@ yahoo.com.

Class of 1983: 40 Years - more information coming soon! Contact planner Dennis Lord '83 at dennis.l.lord@lmco.com.

Class of 1993: 30 Years - Save the date for September 23, 2023! Contact planner Jim Lloyd '93 at jlloyd5150@gmail.com.

Class of 2003: 20 Years - Save the date for September 23, 2023! Contact planner Sharon Plucinski '03 Powers and Emily Darin '03 Miller at spowerski@gmail.com and emilyannmiller2015@gmail.com.

Calling all classes from the '3s and '8s! If you are interested in planning your reunion, please reach out to Becky Feltes '97 Fischesser at bfischesser@sfhscollegeprep. org. We are here to help!

IN MEMORIAM

June 7, 2022-February 20, 2023

Alumni

Henry Baumann '61

Theresa Smyth '67

Burke

Teresa DeMuro '61

Brian Hanslik '97

Rebecca Kilgore '01

John Kimball '63

Scott Kyle '86

Ernest Lair '67

Cheryl Powis '67

McGuirk

James Ponzo '65

Tim Recht '72

Margaret White '65 Robinson

Kathleen Buchholz '67

Santana

Stephen Slattery '62

Bob Stefanski ‘63

Jack White '69

Dan Zierk '73

Family & Friends

Barbara Atten

Judy Benshoof

Edward Boddy

Barb Dixon

William Dixon

James "Gus" Gustafson

Kristine Messitt

Paul Milano

Marion Murray

Leslie Panegasser

Richard Schulz

Grandparents visit Senior Students

Grandparents play a special role in the lives of our students. That was clear by the smiles on everyone's faces during our Grandparents' Day for seniors in October. Thank you to all who joined us for breakfast, Mass, and tours with their students.

Grandparents’ Day will again be held during the morning at St. Francis High School on April 14, 2023, for the Class of 2026. More event information and registration details will be shared by email.

St. Francis Society Reception

During Catholic Schools Week, members of the St. Francis Society (the leadership giving society that recognizes donors who make annual gifts of $1,500 or more to the school) were invited to a recognition reception and an opportunity to meet new school leadership. President Phil Kerr shared a State of the School update.

Day of Giving 2022 GOAL SURPASSED Thank You!

We are humbled and truly grateful for the support we witnessed from our school community during our SFHS Day of Giving on October 4 and in the days following.

We received $250,895 in donationsINCREDIBLE!

We reached and surpassed our goal of $250,000 because of your support and dedication to our students and school. Thank you!

1 Executive Vice President and Director of Admissions Maureen Isphording, Board Chair Debbie Novack, and President Phil Kerr.

2 SFHS Math teachers Mary McCarthy (current) and Joan Kustak (retired).

3 Board Director Camille Rudge and husband, Kevin Rudge.

4 President Phil Kerr talks with parent Tom Toppen and former Chair Mike Carbery.

Benefactor Profile: Kathy Stenquist '61 Hartwig & Dan Verbeck '61

Kathy Stenquist ‘61 Hartwig and Dan Verbeck ’61 have known each other since their grade school days at Sacred Heart School in Lombard. They kept in touch over the years and reconnected at their SFHS reunion in 2019. They were married on December 31, 2020.

Kathy retired from Kraft Foods after 23 years as a legal secretary. Dan spent his career in journalism. In 1968, he began a lifelong career in radio and covered breaking news in the Kansas City area from 1974 to 2014. Dan has been honored by the Missouri Broadcasters’ Association, The Associated Press, and United Press International. He is also in the Hall of Fame of Kansas City Media Professionals.

What were some of your first impressions of SFHS and what are they now?

When the school opened in 1957, I remember entering on wooden planks over mud since only the classrooms, washrooms, and main office were ready. We had half-days so the builders could complete the work before winter.

There was no cafeteria, no gym, chapel, or extracurricular activities. The girls classrooms were in the north wing, and the boys in the south wing. The only science classroom was in the boys wing.

Today, we are amazed at the size of the school. It seems to be twice the square footage with the addition of a second gym, theatre, and a “wing” with totally equipped science classrooms, not just one. The school is now co-educational, with 700 boys and girls learning together with computers. And painted parking spots!

When and why did you begin to support the school financially?

Giving fulfilled a very personal need to help someone who, if given the chance, could achieve their dreams. Fortunately, we discovered the tax benefits of using our 401(k) required minimum distributions to make qualified charitable donations to SFHS. It's a win-win situation: we get a tax break, and a student receives a scholarship to learn at a first-class high school that’s preparing them to succeed in college and life.

Loughman Family Tennis Center

What do you hope the impact of your support will be?

We want SFHS to continue to exist and to grow and educate young people who will have the chance to attend a good college and then go out and do good in the world. SFHS is an important part of “us” and who we are today. We want to give back to the school that enabled us to grow and earn a decent living. It makes us feel good to help those who need a helping hand.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about giving to St. Francis High School?

If and when you can, do it! However much or little you can donate. Your reward is being part of a proven, topnotch success story in the excellent education of deserving future leaders. SFHS is more than a good high school - it's exceptional.

SFHS is delighted to share that Dan & Julie Loughman, parents of Emily '14, Caroline '16, and Will '24, have made a $400,000 naming gift toward our new SFHS tennis court facility, replacing the existing courts. The facility will be named the Loughman Family Tennis Center upon the planned completion of the project in early July 2023. The project includes a new court surface, a new fence, windscreens, and signage.

"St. Francis has long been an excellent school and an asset to our local communities,” said Julie Loughman. “Over the past 15 years it has upgraded its educational resources, technology, and facilities to give its students and faculty an environment in which to thrive. We are so grateful that our three children have had the opportunity to receive the excellent education, community support, and personal attention offered here.”

Looking forward, Julie added, “We hope that this investment builds on St. Francis' reputation as a premier high school and benefits the student body by improving the home of its tennis teams and enhancing its P.E. classes.”

"The SFHS Tennis program is one of the school’s largest, as are the tennis summer camps. Tom Castronovo, Varsity Tennis Head Coach, said, "On behalf of our entire coaching staff and in speaking for all our players past, present, and future, we are thrilled and so thankful to the Loughman family for their generosity as well as the support of the St. Francis High School Board of Directors for making this new tennis court facility a reality."

The SFHS community thanks the Loughman family for their generous naming gift! For more information about the Loughman Family Tennis Center, including inquiries into naming opportunities for dedicated courts at the facility, please contact Steve Nache, Vice President for Advancement, at snache@sfhscollegeprep.org or (630) 668-5800 x1220.

Inaugural Hall of Honor Recognizes Alumni

The inaugural SFHS Hall of Honor was celebrated at a dinner reception during our 2022 Homecoming weekend in September in the Spyglass Athletic Center.

The Hall of Honor recognizes alumni for their achievements while they were right here on campus as SFHS students. We also honored our 2022 Distinguished Alumni award recipients during the event – individuals who are recognized for their accomplishments following their graduation from SFHS. Congratulations to all the inductees!

Hall of Honor Individuals

Kim Novicki '75 White – Director of Theatre

Peg Kopec - Girls Volleyball Coach

Maria Krug ‘80 Coles - Swimming State Champion

Bob Hudetz ’80 – Wrestling State Champion

Hall of Honor Teams

1968 FOOTBALL TEAMSUBURBAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Charles L. Beaton '69, James Bollweg '70, Daniel Budi '69, William Cullerton '69, Rich Doria '71, Jack English '70*, James Frederick '70, Dan Hansen ‘71, Greg Garvin '70*, Mike Grassi '70, Rick Kammes '71, John Kevil '69, Gus Kimball '70, Tom Knorring '69, Tom Kozenski '69, James Krejci '69, Stewart Larsen '69, Tom Martin '69, Timothy McCabe '69*, Bob McGrath '70*, Dennis Morris '69, James Mulligan '70, Chris Murphy '70, James Mushett '70, Michael Nevitt '69, John Nordloh '71, George Olson '69, Jack O'Malley '69, Guy Oppedisano '69, Donald Oppedisano '70, Keith Pecina '71, Michael Prinzi '69, Rick Sandberg '69, Michael Schmidt '70, David Tidmarsh '69, Patrick Virtue '69, Steve Welch '70, Ed Wysocki '69, Terry Yarbrough '69*, Thomas Zibton '70

*Deceased

1988 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMSTATE CHAMPIONS

Catherine DeZutel '91 Baldouf, Angela Eder '90 Duhownik, Joan McCarthy '91 Fitzgerald, Beth Nahumyk '89 Herrmann, Stacey Kammes '89, Marianne Kohley '89 Mac Adam, Nikki Kozak '90 McCall, Catie Lotarski '91 Miller, Jeanne Pautlitz '92 Obrochta, Sara Skryd '92 Palin, Laura Horvath ’92 Tuerck, Colleen Boyle '90 Watt

2022 Distinguished Alumni

Colleen Carroll ’87 Clark Amy Cleveland '89 Verbeke

2022 Spartan Classic

The 2022 Spartan Classic was held at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton in September. This sold-out event is a true community gathering of alumni, parents, and friends. Through the efforts of our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers, $167,326 was raised for tuition assistance. Thank you to Golf Committee Co-Chairs

Mike Ambrust ’88 and Todd Shaw ’89 for another successful outing!

Ensuring our Future Auction 2023

It was another record-breaking year for the annual SFHS Ensuring our Future Auction on March 4! With more than 400 registered attendees, we raised $552,771 overall, including $85,200 for Fund-A-Cause.*

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s auction, all of our volunteers, Auction Chair Lynn Gilroy, and Décor Chair Lori Connelly.

*Totals as of the time of publication

Maria Krug ‘80 Coles

Kim Novicki '75 White

Colleen Carroll ’87 Clark

1968 Football Team

1988 Girls Volleyball Team

Bob Hudetz ’80