St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute View Book

Page 1

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute LASALLIAN EDUCATION SINCE 1861


Adolescence is the most important directional growth period for boys. The St. Joe’s experience guides students down the path to excellence, rooted in values that transform boys into gentlemen of integrity.


welcome to our brotherhood. In 1861, six Christian Brothers came to Buffalo on a mission to educate the young men of Western New York. Since these first days, St. Joe’s has provided an outstanding education in the Lasallian tradition. Lasallian education has a rich heritage that is renowned worldwide. Lasallians operate the largest network of secondary schools in the world. Since 1680, educational institutions in more than 80 countries have been influenced by the vision and innovative spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the patron saint of teachers. De La Salle transformed education by forming a community of educators with whom he developed a spirituality of teaching and learning, to give a human and Christian education to young people, especially the poor. Lasallian Education centers on Catholic values and personal relationships, emphasizing academic excellence, faith formation, inclusion, respect for the individual, service and social justice. A Lasallian Education strives to enrich each student’s cultural, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development. Today, the De La Salle Christian Brothers and their Lasallian Partners continue to respond to students through advancements in teaching, technology and scholarship. In Lasallian communities, educators touch hearts, stimulate minds and cultivate leadership to prepare students for life, work, and service to society and the Church. Qualities of a Lasallian Education > Teaching based on the vision and spirituality of Saint John Baptist de La Salle > Living the Institute’s mission for more than three centuries > Centering on Catholic values and personal relationships > Leading with De La Salle Christian Brothers and Lasallian Partners > Advancing innovations in teaching, technology, and scholarship  

“God has truly blessed me. For over 40 years, I have been honored to serve as an educator, vice principal, principal and now as president of the finest Catholic high school for young men in Western New York. As you step into our campus you can sense the excitement as we celebrate over 150 years of Lasallian Excellence. We have modernized our campus through the construction of an on-campus All-Weather Athletic Field Complex and state-of-the-art Cullen Center for Excellence in Science. Most importantly, we have demonstrated our commitment to the Brothers of the Christian Schools with a brand new residence, suitable to maintain the presence of their community as a vital influence on campus. All of these changes are indeed exciting and will help us prepare the young men at St. Joe’s for lives of accomplishment and service in the Catholic Lasallian tradition.” – Mr. Robert T. Scott, AFSC President

The St. Joe’s Mission. St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (SJCI) is a Catholic, independent college-preparatory high school educating young men of diverse backgrounds in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, SJCI guides the development of each student’s unique talents, fostering a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership in the global community. Our mission is more than education. We play an instrumental role in helping a young man realize his unique potential, to develop his character and achieve success. More than words, these ever-present ideals unite us as a spirited brotherhood. At St. Joe’s we continually strive to be a Community of Excellence. Students are challenged to perform to the best of their ability, and are inspired to achieve their goals while serving the greater community. Within every young man, a solid moral and ethical foundation is laid so that they leave us with the ability to make good choices and with a sense of awareness and respect for every individual.


academic excellence. What is St. Joe’s? > Individual attention – 14:1 student to teacher ratio > Technology implemented throughout the curriculum > 18 Advanced Placement courses; and college-level Gross Anatomy and Advanced Religion > A science department that explores today’s evolving technology

> Exclusive summer science internships at premier medical, research and academic institutions > An extensive fine arts program rooted in the core curriculum

> Foreign language study enriched through interaction with classrooms in other countries, as well as planned cultural tours of these countries

> 14 mathematics courses designed to challenge the skills of every student

> The Brother Pompian Honors Academy that offers a rigorous curriculum and enrichment outside of the classroom

> Government and politics made real through student-organized, local political debates

> An Academic Enrichment Center providing remedial help and peer tutoring

1:1 ur all : O es ds. id a Fact ov iP ’s pr ple oe ve p . J ti s A St itia nt In ude st


Academic excellence is our trademark. St. Joe’s graduates are well-equipped to attend prestigious universities, and most receive scholarships. Our premier academic program includes robust Advanced Placement courses, a rigorous honors track curriculum and individualized enrichment opportunities. Our teachers are among the most talented and committed professionals in secondary education. The philosophy of Lasallian education focuses on developing the talents of each individual student. Regardless of a young man’s talent or passion, his unique gifts are discovered, nurtured and celebrated at St. Joe’s. Our teachers serve as passionate mentors, dedicated to being available, approachable and involved in developing the whole person. You will be guided through our programs by an experienced and dedicated faculty – lay and religious professionals who are enthusiastic about teaching and ministry. Our teachers set high standards for student character and performance, but also offer the guidance and support needed to attain this standard.

“St. Joe’s has provided me with a superb and invaluable education. In these halls I have been educated not only as a student, but as a gentleman of integrity. It is here that I’ve developed confidence and learned who I am. ” – Patrick Asamoah ’13 Harvard College Class of 2017

“At St. Joe’s, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty to guide students as they develop into confident and caring adults. Our alumni are successful, and evidence of that success is abundant. But the real success of St. Joe’s is friendship. Yes, as a faculty we engage and instruct, but we also befriend our students. It’s that friendship that makes St. Joe’s much more than a school; St. Joe’s is home. St. Joe’s is family.” – Matt Hellerer ’75 Science Teacher


a modern campus.

am ec cr -a ted 12 ca . ur lo NY : O ally f W tr o Fact en all ’s s c ve oe s i er .J u s St p to


Our modern, state-of-the-art facilities offer students the opportunity to learn, perform and compete on one campus. Highlights include: Robert T. Scott AFSC Athletic Field Complex A new, 183,961 square foot, all-weather artificial turf complex and field house for football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, track & field, and cross country. All practices and home matches take place on campus.

Technology Upgrades The St. Joe’s 1:1 Initiative provides every student with an Apple iPad. Wireless internet access is available throughout campus, which also includes Apple TV and SMARTboards in every classroom, as well as five computer labs.

Cullen Center for Excellence in Science Completed in 2009, this expansive new facility features six classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art work stations, scientific instrumentation and computer technology.

Fine Arts Wing Completed in 2000, the fine arts wing offers students professionalgrade facilities for music and art programs including the 250-seat multi-purpose Black Box Theatre, an art studio, graphics lab, large band instructional/rehearsal space, and four sound-proof practice areas.

Deacon Richard Winter ’38 Memorial Chapel Newly completed chapel for daily mass and quiet reflection. Field House Renovated extensively in summer 2011, the Field House offers locker room facilities for all levels and includes a pro-style varsity team room, state-of-the-art film study capabilities and coaches’ office. Fitness Center Fully renovated in summer 2014, the fitness center houses brand new, collegiate-level strength and conditioning equipment.

Yes, our campus is impressive. But St. Joe’s is more than just buildings: It is our students who give it life, color, vibrancy and purpose. St. Joe’s becomes a “home-away-from-home” for students – a place to study, complete projects, meet new friends, attend dances and assemblies, pray and sometimes just hang out.


a well-rounded education. In the Lasallian tradition of educating the whole student, we strongly encourage students to participate in the many outstanding extracurricular clubs and activities offered. Part of what makes St. Joe’s such a special place is that students feel comfortable to develop their talents and to try new things in a safe environment. At St. Joe’s, it’s cool to take coursework seriously – and to participate in athletics and fine arts. Athletics For decades, the Marauders have been a dominant force in Western New York high school sports and the school has become synonymous with success on the fields of play. The athletic program today offers 16 sports with 39 teams for our students. Whether it’s one of the traditional foundation sports like football, basketball or baseball or one of our newer offerings such as lacrosse, soccer or wrestling, you’re sure to find St. Joe’s in the thick of championship contention. Throughout the 60-year history of the Monsignor Martin League, St. Joe’s has won 24 football championships, 19 Manhattan Cup basketball championships, 15 Georgetown Cup baseball championships, 32 track & field championships, 28 cross country championships and 22 soccer championships, and 33 Supremacy Cups. Clubs and Activities St. Joe’s sponsors over 40 clubs and activities along with a full complement of Intramural sports. The St. Joe’s Student Council sponsors dances throughout the school-year open to St. Joe’s boys and young ladies from local schools. Date dances for all grade levels and proms are also sponsored.

Our most popular activities INCLUDE: > Art Club > Big Brothers > Bro. Pompian Honors Academy > Computer Club > Eucharistic Ministry > Food Basket > French Club > Games of Strategy Club > German Club > Hispanic Cultures Club > Lasallian Youth Group > Master Minds > Mathematics Team > Mock Trial > Model U.N. > National Honor Society > Recycling Club > SJCI Outdoorsmen > Ski Club > Student Council > Student Prints Newspaper > TV/Video Production > Yearbook

St. Joe’s Athletics FALL

Cross Country (Var. & Frosh) Football (Var., JV, & Frosh) Golf (Varsity) Soccer (Var., JV, & Frosh) Volleyball (Var., JV, & Frosh) WINTER

, -15 14 NY 20 ll-W any n : I re A an l. o th o Fact m s ho ’s ad lete sc oe h h te . J e’s -At iva St . Jo lar pr St cho ther S o

Basketball (Var., JV, & Frosh) Bowling (Var. & JV) Hockey (3 Varsity & 4 JV) Indoor Track (Varsity) Swimming (Varsity) Wrestling (Varsity) SPRING

Baseball (Var., JV, & Frosh) Crew (Varsity & Novice) Lacrosse (Var., 2 JV, & Frosh) Tennis (Varsity) Track & Field (Var. & Frosh)


In addition to a variety of sports, clubs and activities, St. Joe’s boasts the most comprehensive Performing Arts Department for boys in Western New York. Extracurricular Opportunities Outside of the regular school day, St. Joe’s offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in the Performing Arts including the renowned Jazz Lab Band, co-ed Swing Choir, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Fall Drama Production and Spring Musical.

Choral Music Through a sequence of courses ranging from introductory Freshmen Singers, through Glee Club and on to Varsity Singers, the Choral Music program caters to all skill levels. These credit bearing courses meet during the school day, focusing not only on excellent performance technique, but also on music theory and organizational skills. Glee Club and Varsity Singers perform at all liturgies at St. Joe’s, as well as at the school’s Winter and Spring Departmental Concerts. Varsity Singers also visit local parishes to sing at weekend liturgies.

Instrumental Music The Instrumental Music program allows students to learn an instrument with no previous experience in courses for Percussion, Brass and Woodwind. Such students can join more experienced students in Concert Band and/or Percussion Ensemble. These credit-bearing courses meet during the school day, focusing not only on excellent performance technique, but also on music theory. The ensembles perform at our Winter and Spring Departmental Concerts and many students audition and perform in All-County and/or All-State Bands.


S st t. J ud oe of en ’s 80 t co Fact se mp : r E gr vice lete ach ad h s a S ua ou m t. tin rs in Joe g. be im ’s fo um re

a spirited brotherhood.

A Community of Excellence Our students are energized. The religious Spirit and school spirit are more alive than ever at St. Joe’s. Students think of the school as a second family, in which everyone is different, yet all pursue a greater common cause. Our student body is a brotherhood of determined young men who, with a unique combination of self-confidence and Christian humility, outwardly demonstrate pride in their school and respect for all. St. Joe’s students come from a variety of racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds representing a broad spectrum of the Western New York community. They enter from nearly 100 middle schools – half from Catholic schools and half from public schools. Our students represent Buffalo and every suburb – we are truly a regional institution. At St. Joe’s, our welcoming spirit and deep interest in every person has made us successful. Our philosophy and sense of mission has united our students, and inspired widespread gratitude from parents. This enthusiasm is our mystique, our spirit, so hard to capture in words, so easy to experience each day.

“Simply stated, St. Joe’s provides young men with a holistic education in which core talents will be brought to the forefront and developed. You will experience an outstanding faculty, firstrate facilities, an academically robust environment and friendships that truly last a lifetime. As I write, I am sitting in my office with a picture of my four closest friends, each from St. Joe’s. ” – Dr. Michael Caligiuri ’74 Director, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center


“St. Joe’s builds men of high character, with a strong connection to the community. They teach the importance of academics, service and leadership in a faith based environment. I truly believe the leaders of tomorrow are being educated at St. Joe’s today” – Jody Lomeo ’72 Principal, Travers Collins

History. Community. Diversity. Young boys enter St. Joe’s and graduate as men of integrity. Our alumni are prominent leaders in their communities, in all walks of life, and are characterized by a passion for success and service. Our music, sports and community outreach programs are undisputed standard-bearers in Western New York and beyond. St. Joe’s traditions are upheld across generations. There is a unique spirit present in the hearts and minds of each and every St. Joe’s student, both past and present. Instilled and developed throughout four years, it is this spirit that prepares our young men to go into the world with character and confidence. Present throughout their lives, this same spirit continues to serve as a guiding influence, bonding the men of St. Joe’s into a special brotherhood and forever connecting them to our community – a Community of Excellence.

“St. Joe’s provided me a formative high school experience. The many extracurricular activities allowed me to become more than colleagues with my classmates - I felt that I was part of brotherhood. The faculty and school leaders really made an effort to make St. Joe’s a home away from home.” – Remy Bizimungu ’06 Yale School of Medicine

a distinct and proud tradition.


Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve. Service to others is a core principle of the mission of the worldwide Lasallian mission. At St. Joe’s, students are offered significant opportunities to respond to needs both locally and globally. Cultural Immersion Program During school breaks, the St. Joe’s Cultural Immersion Program invites a group of 10 students to live, work and pray in direct contact with poor and underserved populations. The program raises conscious awareness through faith, education and service. In the first two years of the program, faculty and students volunteered at the Romero Center in the poverty-stricken city of Camden, NJ. Through living on-site and working alongside the city’s residents, students were given a new perspective on the lives and struggles of the inner-city poor. In 2014, the group travelled to Bethlehem Farm, WV, a community that provides vital home repair services to impoverished families in rural Appalachia. Students left the experience with a heightened awareness of their role in helping others in need, as well as an understanding that all people, despite socio-economic differences, are the same in the eyes of God.

Lasallian Youth Group The Lasallian Youth Group travels weekly to local inner-city sites to serve as outreach to the poor and marginalized. Students work behind the scenes to provide sustenance and dignity for those in need. Christian Ministry Project All St. Joe’s students complete an annual service project of their own design with a local agency providing support to the economically poor, the elderly or infirm, the developmentally disabled, or to a religious education program. Each student completes a minimum of 20 hours of service per year. During the 12-13 school year, St. Joe’s students completed 19,298 hours of service to the community. Individual Volunteer Projects Many students go beyond the call of duty in serving others. From sports teams volunteering at soup kitchens to cast members of the annual spring musical production collecting housewares for refugee families, the spirit of service is more alive than ever at St. Joe’s.

a commitment to service.


affording a St. Joe’s education. Affording a St. Joe’s Education

A St. Joe’s education is available to all socio-economic backgrounds due to our expansive tuition assistance. Over 80% of the class of 2018 will receive tuition support through merit-based Academic Scholarships, a need-based Tuition Assistance Program, and a Supplementary Work Program. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and benefactors, St. Joe’s enjoys a growing endowment, and our mission is to extend the St. Joe’s experience to all who qualify academically. During the 2014-15 school year, St. Joe’s will allocate $2.7 million in Tuition Support. Tuition Assistance Program Financial assistance is available to parents experiencing severe difficulty in meeting the cost of tuition. Tuition grants which result in a direct reduction of tuition expenses vary in size and are awarded to families based on financial need. Families may apply for Financial Aid in November of the year prior to attendance. If the family qualifies for aid, notice will be sent at the same time an acceptance packet is mailed to the student allowing a family a full financial picture at time of acceptance.

Academic Scholarships St. Joe’s offers academic scholarship awards to qualified incoming freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential. Financial need is not a factor in determining scholarship eligibility. Of primary consideration in receiving an academic scholarship is the score on the Scholarship and Entrance Examination given prior to acceptance into St. Joe’s. Additional criteria include a review of the student’s transcript from grades 6, 7, and 8, as well as the recommendation accompanying his application as completed by the student’s teacher, principal, or counselor. Scholarship awards are renewed automatically each school year provided that school work consistently demonstrates a superior level of achievement.

Supplementary Work Program St. Joe’s sponsors a work program designed to assist students who would like to reduce the cost of tuition by working at St. Joe’s. While the program is not need-based and is open to all students, it is normal for a financial aid award to include both a direct grant and an amount to be earned through the work program. Students earn tuition credits by working before and after school and during holidays, weekends, and vacations. The entry level rate is $7/hour and may increase each year the student participates in the program. It is reasonable for boys to work as many as 200 hours over 12 months ( July-June) without sacrificing their school work, extracurriculars, or family responsibility.

of e 0% eiv r 8 ec ve ll r : O wi rt. 18 po Fact 0 p ’s of 2 Su oe s on . J as iti St e Cl Tu th


experience our community of excellence. St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute 845 Kenmore Avenue Buffalo, NY 14223 (716) 874-4953 www.sjci.com St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.