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!”

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

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