Focus Summer 2022

Summer 2022 | 1 FOCUS MAGAZINE For Alumni, Families, and Friends of St. Francis High School SUMMER 2022 Commencement Liturgy honors the Class of ’22 Alum stars in hit Netﬂix Show Page 17Pages 4-5 ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 65 YEARS A look back on the history of SFHS and its impact on generations of students

President’s Council Raeann Huhn Principal & Acting Ron Darin Director of Finance & Operations

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Father John Honiotes Vice President of Mission & Chaplain Maureen Isphording 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. Contact Us St. Francis High School College Preparatory 2130 W. Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-5800 sfhscollegeprep.org Stay Connected 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 bfischesser@sfhscollegeprep.orgat 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. St.@SFHS_SpartansFrancisHighSchool

President

Focus

Magazine

Summer 2022 | 3 Alumni UpdatesAdvancementNews1918

Ms. Raeann Huhn Principal and Acting President Class of

While we try to get some relaxation in, summer is still a busy time for us at St. Francis High School. There’s planning and scheduling to be done in anticipation of the upcoming school year and a variety of summer camps hosted for current and future Spartans, ranging from athletics to grammar and rock-acapella to painting and drawing. It’s energizing to hear the occasional bustle of students (and the sounds of the bands and choir!) throughout these months as we anticipate the return of our students for the 2022-23 school year.

Dear Spartan Family, We hope everyone enjoyed some time off with family and friends this summer.

While there is no shortage of work to be done, we also make sure to take time to reflect on the past year during these somewhat quieter weeks. While reading through this issue of the Focus Magazine, I was reminded of the special lessons our students learned in the last two school years: increased compassion and faithfulness, adaptiveness and flexibility, and patience and trust in God’s power to help them overcome even the most trying experiences. Thanks to the collaborative and creative spirit of our faculty, staff, and coaches, our social gatherings like homecoming and prom were held this year and our music concerts and performing arts all came back to the stage. Our outstanding athletic teams also made their mark winning conference titles, IHSA Regional and Sectional titles, and several state appearances! Our outstanding students never cease to amaze us with their achievements! You also may have heard we are celebrating 65 years of St. Francis High School this year and will recognize this in our ongoing communications. It is so powerful to see how St. Francis High School has positively impacted the lives of so many generations of students. To all our parents, alumni, donors, and friends –thank you for being an integral part of our continued journey. We are looking forward to another successful school year. Pace e bene – peace and all good!

65SchoolCommencement‘22NewsYearsofSFHS684Table of Contents PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

“Anyone can teach us something valuable … so it is our responsibility to always be willing to listen and learn,” she said. “My hope is that we can all go to college and beyond willing to learn from anything and anyone.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2022 Commencement Liturgy Recognizes 180 Graduating Seniors

4 | Focus Magazine

St. Francis High School held its 2022 Commencement Liturgy for 180 graduating seniors on May 22 in the school’s Spyglass Athletic FamiliesCenter.andguests were welcomed amidst the music of the student orchestra, choir, and band. Presiding over the liturgy were Father Jim Murphy and Father John Honiotes, who gave the 2022homily.Valedictorian, Emery Carlson, and Salutatorian, London Mei Ling Brown, each addressed their fellow classmates with inspiring words. Emery Carlson’s speech was organized around advice she received from her teachers, family, and fellow classmates.

SFHS Principal, Raeann Huhn, poses for a photo with Salutatorian, London Mei Ling Brown. Father Jim Murphy and Father John Honiotes preside over the liturgy.

Summer 2022 | 5

Valedictorian, Emery Carlson, addresses the graduating class.

A look back on SFHS’ history and its impact on generations of students

6 | Focus Magazine 1989 1960 1967 1996 COVER STORY

This year, we look back on 65 years of St. Francis High School educating and promoting spiritual, academic, physical, and social development in students.

Cafeteria opened to students Brother Kamphefner,PiusF.S.C.,athleticdirector,startedthesportsprogram

First classes were held with freshman and enrollmentstudents,sophomorewithanof390 (ChristianFranciscanBrothers,andIBVMSisters)

Enrollmentincreasedto922 Mascot was changed from the Knights to the Spartans A ceremonygroundbreakingwasheldonNovember11

The East Wing was added to the school The co-educationalfirstclassesbegan the young men, and the Sisters of the Loretto and the Franciscan Sisters taught the young women. The first co-educational classes began in 1969 and St. Francis High School became a model in employing lay men and women to share in the commitment of teaching a quality Catholic education. Today, St. Francis High School serves the same mission its founders dreamed it would: to educate the young men and women of neighboring towns and Catholic parishes while nurturing their spiritual growth. With the deep dedication of families, alumni, teachers, staff, coaches, and donors, the school continues to develop and thrive. We thank you for joining us on this continuing journey!

St. Francis High School Celebrates 65 Years

The school was founded in 1956 by a group of individuals from seven local parishes who were looking for a coinstitutional Catholic high school. The first classes were held for 390 students in 1957. In the beginning, students were taught separately: the Christian Brothers taught 1955 1959 19651956 1974 1993 1958 1960 1957 1963 1969 appealsMcNamaraBishoptolocalparishestomakeSFHSareality

Summer 2022 | 7 2013201520022001 2015 2010 2009 2013 2017 1974-1982 2011 2022 1991 Addition of Spyglass Athletic Center and Kuhn Cultural Arts Center Lacy wasGatewayFamilybuildingbuilttoprovideahometowrestlinganddanceteams The Chapel was remodeled and dedicated to Saint Clare Kuhn CoachStadiumMemorialandScottNelsonMemorialTrackwerededicated SFHS oﬃcially named a ShowcaseMicrosoftSchool SF Prep High (7th & 8th grade) was established to boost enrollment Mary J. Feltes Science Suites and Robinson Family Learning Center wing were constructed Celebrating65years FirstRetreatKairos St. Francis High School is excited to host the Inaugural Hall of Honor on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the AthleticSpyglassCenter. This event will induct members of our alumni community into our Hall of Honor and also recognize our annual Distinguished Alumni award recipients. Stay tuned for more information coming soon! ST.FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL HALL of HONORHALL of HONOR

“I really liked SALT and it was my favorite activity,” Emery said, who also participated in the student ministry team, National Honor Society, choir, Women’s Empowerment, scholastic bowl, swim team, and lacrosse. “When I shadowed, I looked up to SALT kids and idolized them. To be one of them and to be able to share St. Francis with kids like me was so cool.”

SCHOOL NEWS

Emery, who will attend Georgetown University in the fall as a math major on a premedical track, is pursuing a career in women’s health.

“I want to find my passion and take classes that make me want to keep learning,” Emery said. “I never want to lose my love for learning and education.”

Northwestern Medicine Awards $2,500 Scholarship to SFHS Valedictorian Emery Carlson ‘22

8 | Focus Magazine

Valedictorian

When she was in 8th grade, Emery Carlson ’22 made a list of the things she wanted to accomplish before graduating high school. At the top? Earn the title of Valedictorian. And she did it.

Emery Carlson ‘22: What’s Next?

“The teachers make St. Francis High School what it is,” she said. “They are so open to forming a relationship with you and give you any help and resources you need. They want you to succeed. I used their words for my speech because that’s how much they mean to me and impacted my life.” That relational aspect was what sold Emery on attending SFHS when she shadowed students as a 7th and 8th grader. She later returned the favor as a host for shadows as part of the SFHS Student Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT).

“I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember, and I think women’s medicine needs improvement. It needs more research and more good people who are invested in improving it,” she said.

Lessons Learned: Advice from Emery

“One of the biggest challenges throughout high school for me was learning where to sacrifice and where not to. St. Francis is an incredibly academically rigorous school, so you have to put in a lot of work to get good grades. There’s a line between spending all of your time studying and knowing when to step back and go to a football game with your friends.”

“My freshman year, I remember looking around the room and trying to see who was the smartest in the class so I could be smarter –and that’s not something you should do. I learned to push myself to be the best I could be and started seeing my fellow students as my friends who could inspire me to be better.”

At the Class of 2022 Liturgy Commencement, Emery’s speech didn’t mention the hand-written list of goals, which she still has in her bedroom. She also didn’t tout her accomplishments or the knowledge she acquired on her road to success. She shared the wisdom of those who got her there: her teachers and family members.

Emery Carlson ’22 received a surprise visit at school from Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Delnor Hospital medical staff in May as they presented her with a $2,500 scholarship. Emery earned the scholarship based on a personal statement she submitted, her pre-med major, and her extracurricular and volunteer activities.

As she prepares for college, she has no list of goals and no dreams of being a two-time valedictorian. She said she just wants to find something she loves and wants to pursue in life. And find an a cappella group if she can.

“Giving time to my community is really important,” Ella said. “Plus it’s fun for me.” She splits her time volunteering between two organizations, the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center and Lombard Historical Society. At the Children’s Resource Center, Ella tutors academically at-risk students twice a week in math and English and assists with their summer program. At the historical society, she writes blog posts, digitizes newspapers, works in the gift shop, and delivers books to homebound residents. “I love working with kids, and I love history. It’s a good way to spend my time,” she said. At the Children’s Resource Center, Ella said she’s particularly enjoyed building relationships with the students.

In her senior year next year, she will also serve as an oﬃcer for National Honor Society and is looking forward to Kairos.

“I work with the same student every day, so our relationship is very close,” she said. “It’s been really nice to see him grow throughout the school year.”

Ella

Thank you Mrs. Johnson & Welcome Miss Schulte!

So how does she manage it all?

“I’m looking forward to all the traditions –dances and graduation,” she said. “After high school, I want to do journalism or political science.”

Summer 2022 | 9

We extend a heartfelt thank-you to Assistant Principal, Cindy Johnson, who is retiring this summer after 32 years as a valued member of the SFHS family. While at SFHS, Mrs. Johnson served as a math teacher, Dean of Students for 2 years, and Assistant Principal for 18 years. She will be missed, and we wish her the very best in her retirement. Please join us in thanking and congratulating Mrs. Johnson! Stepping into the Assistant Principal role is Kate Schulte, who previously served as Assistant Principal for Student Services at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. Miss Schulte began working at Cristo Rey in 2007 as a math teacher, and then served as Math Department Chair and Director of Student Activities before becoming assistant principal. Miss Schulte earned a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Loyola University Chicago and is earning her Master’s in School Administration & Supervision, also at Loyola University Chicago. Miss Schulte said, “I knew I wanted to work in a school that aligned with my educational approach for student growth and development. I was drawn to St. Francis because of this, and the welcoming school community I felt as soon as I stepped into the building. I am excited to join in the mission and help the students and the school to keep moving forward. “

She said people are often surprised to hear she enjoys her time at the museum as well. “If you look from an outside perspective, it sounds boring to learn about history and look through archives but I love getting to know all about local history,” she said.

Ella Champagne ’23 has a lot going for her. She’s editor of the SFHS yearbook and the student newspaper and writes for the local magazine Glen Ellyn Living. She’s a member of the math team, works at Panera Bread, and is on the Executive Board for SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). On top of it all, Ella volunteers – a lot – and she loves it. This spring, Ella was recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the 5th Annual National Community Service Impact Awards. According to UNA-USA, Ella delivered the most impact for Sustainable Development Goals, which outline 17 goals for a better world by 2030. The highest level of recognition is 100 service hours – Ella completed 160 hours during the 2021-22 school year.

“My teachers have been great and really taught me about time management, and whenever I have free time I try to get ahead,” she said, with the understanding that it’s also important to rest and recharge.

She hopes to stay somewhat close to home, which is Glen Ellyn, where she lives with her brother and parents who are SFHS alumni, Joe ‘89 & Kathleen Holper ‘89 Champagne. Champagne Earns National Community Service Award

’23

We

HOMECOMING 2021

Homecoming Spirit Week activities were held in the fall with safety measures in place as needed, including the Powder Puff game and outdoor Pep AtRally.the Homecoming Dance, students enjoyed an outdoor experience with freshmen and sophomores on one end of the field and juniors and seniors on the other, with a DJ at the 50-yard line between them. The event was a welcomed success!

10 | Focus Magazine SCHOOL NEWS

PROM 2022 were thrilled to see our students put on their dancing shoes and enjoy the return of prom at the Museum of Science andonIndustryMay7. This year’s king and queen were Tommy Bratthauar and Julia Armbrust, with court MaggieMichaelEmerySammembersChaﬃn,Carlson,Gambs,Gnorski, Sean Killian, Megan Olson, Brendan Yarusso, and Jillian Petrillo.

Former SFHS Girls Volleyball Coach Peg Kopec was inducted into the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on June 3 for her outstanding career and accomplishments. She coached at SFHS for 39 years beginning in 1974 and is the all-time winningest coach in any sport in Illinois history with a record 1,248 wins. “It is such an honor to be selected in the inaugural class of the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame,” Peg said. “This honor really belongs to so many wonderfully talented student-athletes and outstanding assistant coaches, especially Lisa Ston who is currently the head coach of the Spartans. I only hope that as the former players reflect back on their time as a Spartan Volleyball player, they do so with pride and special memories.”

•

• All-Conference:

•

• MSC

• All-Conference:

Tonya Grayson, President of the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association, said the following about her career: “Peg has demonstrated excellence in the coaching profession with her teams and gave many years to the game of volleyball in Illinois. I personally heard Peg speak at a Coaches Clinic on the topic of Program Expectations and dealing with parents. After I heard her speak, I modeled my own parent communication after hers. I have always admired Peg from afar and hoped to accomplish even a fraction of what she was able to.” Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Peg continues to serve SFHS in the Advancement Oﬃce as Advancement Associate.

•Shrine

Champions • All-Conference:

•

•Shrine

Baseball: IHSA Regional Champions All-Conference: Rocco Tenuta, Bennett Wordekemper, TJ McMillen, Thomas Smith Boys Basketball: IHSA Regional Champions, IHSA Sectional Champions All-Conference: Jack Brennan, Sebastian Miller, Brendan Yarusso All-Area: Sebastian Miller, Brendan Yarusso Kane County Player of the Year: Brendan Yarusso Illinois Basketball Coaches AssociationCoach of the Year: Erin Dwyer Girls Basketball: MSC Champions All-Conference: Katie Anne De Craene, Tristan Grosam Boys Cross Country: IHSA State Qualifiers All-Conference: Chris Spahn, Chris Covone Girls Cross Country: IHSA State Qualifiers All-Conference: Ava Swiatek Dance: IHSA State Qualifiers

•

Under Coach Kopec, SFHS won 12 state championships, with the final four championships being in consecutive seasons and the final season being moved up a class to 4A. She also gave her time to speak at Coaches Clinics to share her expertise with others.

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All-Area: Adam Criter, Sammy Atkins, Ryan All-State: Sammy Atkins, Tyler Bishop, Adam Criter, Max Hellmann Bowl Participant: Sammy Atkins Bowl Coach: Bob McMillen Girls Soccer: MSC Co-Champions All-Conference: Lauren Bruce, Claire Reinke, Sara Dziengel, Ada Suriano, Paige Chrustowski, Sophia Roszkowski, Elle Wainscott Conference Player of the Year: Lauren Bruce Soccer All-Conference: Brendan Yarusso, Guy DeFeo, Anthony Matz Softball All-Conference: Grace Wanshek, Brooke Hartzell Tennis All-Conference: Kory Carlson, Will Loughman, Jamie Croll Kory Carlson Girls Tennis: MSC Champions Medalists: Elen Ryson, Madelyn Hoden Conference: Nora Shannon, Elen Ryson, Madelyn Hoden, Bryn Carroll, Bridget Rice, Caroline King, Eleanor Glab, Taylor Austin, Emilia Rzeszutek and All-Area: Elen Ryson, Madelyn Hoden Boys Track Sean Killian Track Abigael Sheldon, Leann Ringsrud Girls Volleyball: MSC Champions, IHSA Regional Champions Nora Los, Delainy White Delainy White MSC Nick Madden, JT McCormick, Kyle Zediker Kory Kory Carlson, Daniel

ATHLETICS ROUNDUP:

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HIGHLIGHTS Summer

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Girls

• All

Boys Volleyball:

• All-State

• All-Conference:

• All-State:

Carlson • All-Conference:

• Sectional

•AcademicCalcagno

• Individual IHSA State Qualifier:

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• MSC

| 11 •

Boys

Boys Golf • Conference Champion/MVP; Kane County All-Area; Suburban Life All-Area: Emmy Hollarbush All-Conference; Kane County All Area: Katherine Lilly Girls Golf: MSC Champions, IHSA Regional Champions Football: MSC Champions, IHSA Playoﬀ Qualiﬁer – 2nd Round Sammy Atkins, Adam Criter, Tyler Bishop, Ryan Calcagno, Max Hellmann, Blake Lawson Offensive Player of the Year: Adam Criter MSC Defensive Player of the Year: Sammy Atkins 2021-22 2022

•

Rice

Peg Kopec Inducted Into Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame

Boys

• All-Area:

12 | Focus Magazine SCHOOL NEWS American University Arizona State University Auburn

GeorgetownFerrisElmhurstEasternDrakeDePaulCulverCornellCollegeCollegeClemsonCarthageBradleyBenedictineBelmontUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityCollegeUniversityofCharlestonofDuPageUniversityStocktonCollegeUniversityUniversityIllinoisUniversityUniversityStateUniversityUniversity

Where are they going? Class of 2022 Colleges & Universities Gonzaga University High Point University Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois State University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University Iowa State University Kansas University Lewis University Loras LouisianaCollegeState University Louisiana Tech University Loyola University of Chicago Marquette University Michigan State University Mississippi State North Central College Northern Illinois University

Nova Southeastern University Purdue University Saint Leo University

Santa Clara and Purdue St. Ambrose University St. Norbert College State College of Florida, ManateeTexasSarasotaChristian University

Summer 2022 | 13

San Diego State University

The University of Mississippi

University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas, Fayetteville University of California, Davis and Los UniversityAngelesof Chicago University of Concordia Chicago University of Dayton University of Georgia University of Illinois, Chicago and UniversityUrbana-ChampaignofIndiana Bloomington University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of Miami University of Michigan Ann Arbor University of Mississippi University of Nebraska, Lincoln

The Ohio State University

Western Michigan University Xavier University

The New School

The University of Alabama

University of New England University of Notre Dame University of San Diego University of South Florida University of St. Thomas University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Wisconsin, Madison and River WaubonseeVanderbiltFallsUniversityCommunity College

Trine University UC UnitedBerkeleyStates Naval Academy University of Iowa

14 | Focus Magazine SCHOOL NEWS Six theatre productions during the 2021-22 school year! • Fall Play 2021: Father of The Bride • Annual December Show 2021: A Christmas Carol • Spring Musical 2022: Les Misérables • Musical Revue 2022 • One Acts 2022 • Summer Musical 2022: Newsies IT’S A choirtoCongratulations3-PEATthe2021-22programon their 1st place finish – 3 VocalIHSAyearsconsecutiveattheSolo&EnsembleCompetition!

VISUAL ART SHOW 2022

Spartans March in Memorial Day Parade

Past, present, and future Spartans marched in the 2022 Wheaton Memorial Day Parade in May.

Hundreds of SpARTans from all nine Visual Art classes displayed work at this year’s Art Showcase. show was judged by local artist Duncan Dickinson and alum Michael Rueth ‘16, who awarded first, second, and third place ribbons in each category along with Best in Show.

The

’20,

’22.

16 | Focus Magazine ALUMNI NEWS

alumnus. •Pictured:AdamWiborg ’22: Brian Wiborg ’90, Beth Erazmus ’89 Wiborg • Brad Dixon ’22: Peter Dixon ’89 • Grace Wanshek ’22: Bryan Wanshek ’88, Stacey Kammes ’89 Wanshek • Marc Cortez ’22: Rich Cortez ’93 • Will Gilroy ’22: Jason Gilroy ’89 • Jack Brennan ’22:

’94

’22;

• Anna Doane ’22:

’22

McKenzie was asked to present to the seniors after serving as a Spartan Alumni Mentor earlier this year and as part of our initiative to teach future alums how to network. McKenzie currently serves as the Marketing and Events Manager at CFE Media and Technology in Downers Grove. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/school/st-francis-high-school-wheaton-il Legacy are seniors who have a parent an SFHS Mary Ellyn Mike Tammy Mike Rendina Enzo Rendina Nico Rendina Brummel Hurley Maureen Carroll Boyle, Erin Boyle Hurley Kate Kolasinski Kristie and Chris Covone and Della Covone Brian Carroll and Bryn Carroll James Marre and Jimmy Marre Jill Martorano and Sadie Racky and Colleen Lynch ‘78 Schmitt, and Anna Schmitt

’22;

Armburst ’88,

’95 Doane Not pictured:

’89

Denemark ’88 Armbrust • Tatiana Rendina ’22:

’22;

graduates

’89

’22:

‘90 Dumpit • Tara

’22;

Alum Teaches Seniors to “Link In”

and/or grandparent who is

Tibble ‘95 Brennan • Julia Armbrust ’22:

Lasting Legacies At the 2022 Liturgy Commencement, we celebrated 18 legacy graduates.

Ahern ’92

’18 • Lexi Dumpit ’22 : Jen

’89

’89,

On May 6, seniors spent time during their Business class/ study hall with SFHS alum McKenzie Burns ’14 on the importance of LinkedIn. She highlighted what to include on their profiles and how to use the platform to connect with others as they grow and enhance their professional careers. Students set up their profiles using their school picture and McKenzie assisted them with the appropriate content for each section. All students also added St. Francis High School to their education sections to ensure they stay connected with their classmates’ professional trajectories in the years to come.

’62

Michael Lynch Business Teacher He was one of my favorites - so fun and encouraging!

She saw me grow from a freshman to a senior as a dancer, an artist, and a person. I get coffee with her when I come home and she came to see me when she was out in L.A.

Carolyn Brady Musical Director

Summer 2022 | 17

After graduating, Katrina went to Columbia College in Chicago and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for a balance of city and ‘big campus’ life. She double-majored in dance and marketing, with the latter being the infamous “backup plan” but also a way for Katrina to learn how to market herself.

Peg Kopec P.E. Teacher/Coach I loved how much she loved dance, even as the volleyball coach. She’d always come to tell me about a new move she saw on Dancing With The Stars.

“My mom is an immigrant from the Philippines and my dad is an actuary, so it was about safe choices a lot in my family,” she said. “But I knew right after school I was going to L.A., as much as others questioned me or told me to get a marketing job in Chicago.”

“It’s cool to see how far I’ve come, even just from a living standpoint. It’s been a journey, and it takes a thick skin to really stay out here and go toward something in entertainment,” she said. Since finding her footing, she’s gone from taking anything, including unpaid jobs, to knowing her worth and having the courage to say no if a job isn’t a good fit.

Mary Pratscher Dance Team Coach

“You have to have faith and ﬁnd joy in the processwhen you enjoy it, it’s so much more rewarding.”

Katrina Rosita Clark ‘09 heard this a lot in her college years: “You better have a backup plan.” But she believed a backup plan would distract her from her dream of becoming a professional actress and Sincedancer.moving to Los Angeles, she’s kept her eyes on the prize and recently completed a 6-episode run as Tanya Cruz on the hit Netflix show, The Lincoln Lawyer. She’s also danced with stars like Pitbull and Neyo in music videos and award shows. According to Katrina, believing in herself has made all the difference. She learned that during her time at SFHS, she said. “Having people who support you when you want to take an uncommon path means everything,” she said. “I was definitely in the ‘artsy scene’ at SFHS and being able to find those pockets was so Thenice.”support of her teachers and coaches helped her push past her initial fears and doubts, and staying in contact with them over the years has continually encouraged her, she added. “I felt lost when I was taking placement tests because I remember everyone was getting ‘recognizable careers’ in business and finance and I didn’t,” she said. “I was embarrassed at first because I thought it meant I wasn’t as smart as everyone else. But I never let it steer me away from my creative path.”

Katrina grew up in Hanover Park and has now lived in Los Angeles for eight years. She started out sharing a one-bedroom apartment with college friends, but today, she’s proud to say she’s had a place of her own for the past four years.

What Katrina Rosita Clark remembers about her teachers

Alum Katrina Rosita Clark ‘09 lands role in hit Netﬂix show

Michael Page Religion Teacher I loved his energy! He was so open-minded.

From SFHS to “The Lincoln Lawyer”

At the end of 2020, when films were first opening back up after pandemic lockdowns, she landed a reoccurring role as a student on the John Stamos show, Big Shot. As she was walking around the set, she told herself, I’m going to come back to this lot and I’m going to have my own part and my own trailer. A few months later, when she landed her role as Tanya Cruz on The Lincoln Lawyer, she discovered one of the executive producers of Big Shot was her “It’sdirector.allabout networking and relationships,” she said. “You have to have faith and find joy in the process - when you enjoy it, it’s so much more Therewarding.”proof?She now had her own role and the trailer with her name on it. “It was surreal,” she said. “A lot of things happened leading up to booking that role that proved to me that if you want it, you can achieve it, but you have to embrace it and believe it will happen. That was the hardest thing but it was also the golden ticket.”

She always created such a great atmosphere for us. She was a light to me; someone to look up to.

6 Julia Oakson ’18 spent a semester studying abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland.

1 Carol Jurich ‘66 Szopa and Chuck Szopa celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2020.

5 Caroline Brose ’18 (pictured far right) with fellow Colorado College students Lucy Zicarelli and Alex Jennings worked at Toolik Field Station in Alaska with Professor Roxaneh Khorsand to quantify the effect of climate change on the plant-pollinator network. They used passive warming experiments to test how plants and pollinators respond to increased temperatures and early snowmelt.

4 McKenzie Burns ’14 wrote and published two books, Through the Flames and From the Shadows.

9 Kelsey Robinson ’10, Professional Volleyball player and recent Olympic Gold Medalist, married Brian Cook, Professional Volleyball player, in Italy in September 2021.

7 Bryce Walker ’20 appeared and started in 23 matches with Purdue men’s volleyball in 2022 and finished the season in the top five of the MIVA in blocks (91) and hitting percentage (.397).

10 Kate Vonderhaar ‘06 Johnson married Mike Johnson in Pennsylvania in September 2021. Bob ‘08, Liz ‘09, Meg ‘11, and Anna Vonderhaar ‘13 were in weddingtheparty.

William “Mike” Flood Kris MarianneSusanMattGeneColettRayDavidKazmirakLeadinghamMicheleMillerNovickihewRubinoTravisWertonRonald J. Kuhn ’65, 8 Katherine Lemke ’21, now in the golf program at Creighton University, was named Big East Champ, Big East Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Big East, and Program’s First Postseason Qualifier.

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI: Ginger Gatlin '62 MichaelArnoldBiondo '61 Dan Boyce '62 Patrick Buchmiller ‘94 Sarah Kane '11 Philana Lee '86 Peter Lee '85 John Lowery '71 Nicholas Marra '69 Tom McCarthy '69 Kathy Brzezinski '69 GregSaulWerton '80 Joe Wynne '80 2 4 7 96 8 10 3 theArtsKuhnStadium,MemorialofbenefactorgeneroustheKuhntheCulturalCenterandKuhnMusic Center. IN MEMORIAM June 1, 2021 – June 6, 2022 FORMER STAFF: Sister Danielle Matthew Johnson FAMILY & FRIENDS Frank RobertEdCharlesJulianeCarolHarrietWilfredDavidTravisAcquavellaBarksBozeCidlikCollopyConnorsMarieCulverDeVilbissDuganFarmer 1 5

3 Annalyse Kohley ‘13 graduated from medical school in May 2020 and is now a Physician Resident in Pediatrics at Arkansas Children's Hospital. She is married to Michael Murphy ‘13.

2 Michael Ferraro ’10 starred in Paramount Theatre’s Rock of Ages and Drury Lane’s production of Forever Plaid.

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

1997 – 25th Reunion TBD - Contact Becky Feltes ’97 Fischesser for more BeckyFisch@gmail.cominformation: 2002 – 20th Reunion Saturday, September 17, 2022 SFHS Slant Dome For more information contact Meghann Melka ’02 Ferguson at meghann.ferguson@gmail.com or Tim Blake ’02 tim.blake@nike.comat 2007 – 15th Reunion Saturday, September 24, 2022 SFHS Slant Dome Contact Megan Lynch ’07 Nagel for more megantlynch88@gmail.cominformation: 2011 - “10th” Reunion Saturday July 16, 2022 The Forge at 3:00 p.m. Outdoor concert series. Contact Alyssa Robinson ’11 for more alyssa.ann.robinson@gmail.cominformation:

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

I want my financial support and efforts as a board member to result in the continued viability of the school and the educational, social, and spiritual experience it provides. This means investment in the faculty, administration, and infrastructure of the school.

Summer 2022 | 19 1980 – 42nd Reunion Saturday, September 17, 2022 Cooper’s Corner at 7:00 p.m. $30 per person includes appetizers, tax, and gratuity. For more information check out Remember the Spartans: St. Francis High School Classes of ’79-’80-’81 on Facebook or contact Mary Russo ’80 Herrmann at maryeherrmann@icloud.com 1982 – 40th Reunion Saturday, October 1, 2022 Pal Joey’s Contact Julie Sawko ’82 Read jaread64@yahoo.com or Anne Scanlon ‘82 Morton aemorton23@ yahoo.com for more information. 1992 – 30th Reunion Saturday, October 15, 2022 SFHS Slant Dome Contact Kate Michel ’92 Kowalski for more kkowal24@comcast.netinformation: 1962 – 60th Reunion Saturday, October 1, 2022 Cooper’s Corner at 5:30 p.m. $35 for meal, soft drinks and dessert. Cash bar available. Please RSVP by July 1 to either Maureen Carroll ’62 Boyle at boylecarroll@sbcglobal.net or Bobbi Bergeron ’62 Aschauer at aschpipe@aol.com.

I attribute whatever personal success I may have had to my parents, siblings, friends, and education. Many of my friends and much of my education came from SFHS. Accordingly, I want others to have the experience that I had. I would ask others to help make that experience available to coming generations by contributing in any way.

1972 – 50th Reunion Saturday, September 17, 2022 Ivy Restaurant $50 per guest, includes dinner and cash/cc bar RSVP: https://alumni. sfhscollegeprep.org/e/class-of-1972Contact50th-reunion/Kathy White ’72 Olson for more (630)kathywhiteolson@aol.cominformation:308-1504

My four older sisters all attended St. Francis so I had been to the school many times before starting there as a freshman.

While in grade school, St. Francis always seemed like a big school filled with big kids always hustling and bustling around.

Many years ago, upon graduating from college, I moved away from the area, living abroad and other locations far distant from St. Francis which made it more diﬃcult to keep up with how the school was doing. Having been back in the area for some time, I began to better appreciate the formal and informal education I received and decided to contribute more financially. I subsequently got more involved by becoming a SFHS Board Director.

I couldn’t wait to start! Once there, I immediately felt like I belonged. I made friends and participated in sports and other extracurriculars.

Relations bﬁschesser@ sfhscollegeprep.org!

ADVANCEMENT NEWS Benefactor Proﬁle: Jim Bollweg ‘70

Reunions

celebrations,yourwedding/baby/anniversaryannouncements,andothernewstoDirectorofAlumni

I still keep in touch with many of the friends I met at St Francis. It’s a real indication of the welcoming atmosphere at St Francis which continues to this day.

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

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

2022

Jim Bollweg ’70 is a retired mechanical engineer of more than 39 years who had various sales and operations roles for companies including Bechtel, Inc. and Chicago Bridge and Iron. Jim led worldwide operation groups responsible for the execution of turnkey projects in the oil and gas, water, and power markets. He also helped to develop operation organizations, as well as lived in and managed projects overseas, in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Jim is an SFHS graduate of the class of 1970. In 1974, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University, and in 2002, he completed the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University. He continues to provide consulting services in the oil and gas business sector.

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2012 – 10th Reunion Contact Sarah O’Connell for more information saroconnell94@gmail.comat:

What have you been up to graduation?since Send

20 | Focus Magazine ADVANCEMENT NEWS

My parents had over 30 foster kids, adopting four and taking in two. We all attended SFHS except one who needed special support. In 1984, I was part of the first computer class at SFHS which was taught by the typing teacher. We thought we were cutting edge.

GIFTSCHOLARSHIP$30K

In 2022, Patti Trompeter made a $30,000 pledge to SFHS to fund a Mrs.SFHShonorendowmentscholarshipinofretiredteacherJoanKustak.

The short answer is that SFHS gave me a foundation of sheer determination, perseverance, and resilience. I wasn’t popular or athletic or even remotely wealthy.

After SFHS, I attended Marquette University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance/Management Information Systems. I also focused on Economics which is key to understanding how economies and industries impact each other on a global basis. I joined GE Capital straight out of college working in finance and then mergers and acquisitions. I held a variety of positions in GE including CFO, COO, Controller, etc. I spent some time living and working overseas and returned to the U.S. I took some time off and returned to the workforce then started my own company. I love what I do so working 12-hour days is actually a pleasure – it may sound crazy but I work with incredible teams in a lot of fun areas. I am constantly learning.

What has your path looked like that has led you to where you are today?

What is your current profession?

Any other interesting or additional information you’d like to include?

I was the quiet weird kid in the corner who worked a bunch of jobs, helped my sister with her homework, and didn’t have a ton of friends, but I was happy. At the time, I had no role models or mentors to guide me in my career. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or even quite frankly what I was good at. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing teacher take an interest in me, Mrs. Kustak. She pulled me aside and told me I was really good at math which was a bit of a surprise to me. She encouraged me to take a lot of math classes and provided mentoring when I needed it. At first, she encouraged me to major in math and be a math teacher. We explored other options together and landed on finance. I looked around in the financial industry at that time … she encouraged me not to look at “role models” in terms of people who looked like me but rather in people who thought like me. Determination became my ally. My parents, who were amazing but not university-educated, encouraged more trade-focused vocations. But the mentorship I had received from Mrs. Kustak gave me the perseverance to push past the cycle of what surrounded me and focus on what I was capable of. I was the first person in my family to graduate with a 4-year degree. Some of the classes I took in university only had one or two women in them, I would look around and think – what am I doing here? But the SFHS encouragement of focusing on your capabilities built a resilience and selfconfidence that still serves me well today.

Patti Trompeter ‘85 had no idea she was “good at math.” But her SFHS math teacher, Mrs. Joan Kustak, opened her eyes to her abilities and encouraged her to pursue a career in finance.

“I’ve been very blessed with career choices and opportunities,” Patti said. “I don’t know what I would be doing right now if I hadn’t had one person, one teacher, take a small interest in me and encourage me to pursue it.”

As a single mom, I am inspired by the drive in my kids. My son will be a freshman studying engineering at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and my daughter just graduated with honors from Georgetown University with a degree in Chemistry and is now pursuing her Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering.

Patti Trompeter ‘85

I am the CEO of Sphere 3D, which is a NASDAQ-listed company. I was brought in to turn the company around and assist in its strategic direction. I first sat on the Board of Directors, and in April of this year, I took the CEO role.

How has your experience at SFHS inspired you or set a foundation for your current line of work?