FOCUS MAGAZINE

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

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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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