Spartan Spotlight- Senior Edition

Dear Mr. Schuller,

I wanted to take this opportunity as a chance to write you a thank you letter from my brother and me. As I am finishing my final year of high school and my brother having graduated 3 years ago already, we are about to start or have already started on the final stages of our youth and are entering the "real world." We wanted to express our gratitude towards you for the valuable life lessons you taught us in just a short period of time. Unfortunately, we only had the pleasure of being your students for 1 year.

You taught us that we all have a purpose in life, however small or large that purpose may be. You told us that everyone is going to be just fine and that we are all going to go somewhere after SFHS whether that be university or other life ventures. You told us that failing one test or missing one homework assignment does not determine the type of person you are, and you're right, it doesn't. Your words really do mean a lot to us and are lessons that we will remember upon entering adulthood and starting a life of our own.

Thank you for showing us incredible movies that have absolutely nothing to do with God, and your impressive ability of relating all of them to Him somehow. Some of the best and most inspiring movies we have ever seen were in your class. We appreciate that you had us all circle up with one another every other Friday to get to know the people that you've spent 5 days a week with for 4 years but know absolutely nothing about.

Thanks to you, I now know a little more about the person sitting right next to me. I will never forget your words, "You guys go to school with superheroes."

Lastly, as you may or may not know, my brother was unsure about whether he was going to come back to Francis for his senior year. When I told him I was writing you this letter from both of us and if there was anything he wanted you to know, he said, "Tell him he's the only reason I didn't leave Francis." So, thank you from both of us for being a true light in our lives.

With much gratitude and love, Olivia & Louis DiMenna

Dear Mr. Ernsty,

Our first interaction was after the dean wouldn't let me take my I.D. photo because I hadn't shaved for a day and then we bonded over having beards 'n' stuff; that was pretty cool and I knew you'd be a cool teacher 'n' stuff. And I remember us talking about the struggle with having a grown beard being a lot of upkeep, yet we both accepted we'd be too lazy to keep shaving each day. I was like, cool: we're both lazy and have facial hair, •

nice.

Then in class you seemed to have a genuine passion and interest 'n' such in what you were teaching, and this caught my attention and made me actually apply myself, listen, and participate in class. Not very deep into the school year you also mentioned how you used to be in a metal band and you would sing, like the screaming stuff, and I thought that was pretty cool too I guess; but, you didn't like any of the bands I listed when asking what you listened too, but that's ok. I hope you still get funky from time to time with some friends.

I don't believe you get paid enough for the students you have to deal with, between the stories and what I've witnessed in my own class you seem to handle that stuff better than any other teacher I've had. You're calm, cool, collected, and are willing to discuss the origins of anime. Despite the essays, tests, Socratic seminars, British literature has been rendered a shade spiffing for many of your students. You let me use the term "scoodly hooping;" I mean, come on, that's pretty cool.

Moral of the story you're cool, not really lame, ya know? In all seriousness, you're a student-friendly, kind, great literature teacher, probably the coolest dad ever, and in general just a groovy dude. I was beyond lucky to be in your singular senior class this year. Thank you for making me looking forward to 4th period everyday possible, and being my favorite English literature teacher ever, of all time.

Thank you, my dude.

Sincerely on the occasion, Ross Fisher

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Dear Dr. Ackerson,

When we first met you at the beginning of last year, St. Francis High School experienced a threatening incident that our community had never seen before. We were scared and uncertain, not knowing what to expect. One morning during homeroom you spoke after the announcements. You first assured us of our safety. You then shared something from the heart. You said that in times of uncertainty you turn to prayer. You trust in our Virgin Mother by praying the Hail Mary and asking for comfort, healing and assurance. After you finished, I folded my hands in my lap and prayed. I consider myself a spiritual person, but I often forget the power of prayer. Your reminder that morning not only relieved my anxiety but invoked in our entire community something so powerful: hope.

Fast forward to today, no one could have guessed that a global pandemic would take away all of our last few moments together; however, during this past month when I caught myself becoming upset about everything we were missing out on, I would assure myself of you and your plans.

Your video message to our class reinstalled in us once again this special feeling of hope. I believe a community reflects the values and attitudes of its leaders, and therefore, Dr. Ackerson, we want to thank you for being a beacon of hope for us. We thank you for being such a special leader, and for being this source of hope for St. Francis because when there is despair in the world, the feeling of the St. Francis community will always bring hope, and hope does not disappoint.

On behalf of the entire Class of 2020, we cannot thank you enough for the time and dedication you spent making sure we are being celebrated and recognized. Receiving the email with our confirmed plans made us ecstatic!

We can only imagine the developments and transformations St. Francis will see soon under your leadership, and we cannot wait!

Peace and all good, Nick Atkins Class of 2020

Dear Mrs. Blake,

As a freshman, my first day of Algebra was intimidating for me because I did not know anybody, and I was scared that high school math would be too difficult. As I walked into my period 8 Algebra I class, the first thing I noticed was the huge smile on your face. I remember breathing an instant sigh of relief because I was worried that my teacher would be difficult and mean, but I could tell by your smile you were the opposite.

When we learned our first chapter, I admired how clearly you taught the lesson while also taking it slow with us at the same time. You never became impatient with us, you always answered our questions, and made the class fun at the same time. I still remember the big project we had towards the end of the year and all the pie charts we had to make. While it was difficult, you still made it fun for us. Every day I looked forward to going to your class because over the course of freshman year I learned to like algebra and to this day I consider it to be a fun subject.

Fast forward to junior year and I was overjoyed when I found out you were going to be my Advanced Algebra teacher! While I'll admit that Advanced Algebra was more challenging than Algebra I, you still managed to make the class interesting and fun. Throughout my math career in high school, you are by far my favorite math teacher. I can never thank you enough for writing that wonderful college recommendation letter and being one of the best math teachers I have ever had. I am pleased to announce that I will be attending Elmhurst University next fall and pursuing a career in education. Thank you for being one of the best math teachers I could ever have. I am going to really miss you when I graduate!

From your student,

Heather Vesely P.S. you always threw the best Pi Day parties:)

Mr. O!

I remember doing an icebreaker, get-to-know people exercise in a class at the beginning of this school year. It was your typical, "what is your favorite this" or "describe a moment when you felt this way" kind of game. I was with a small group of my classmates, and we were given the question, "What is your favorite class?". Without hesitation, I said, "AP Chemistry!" The other people in my group looked at me like I had three heads. But it was true! I do love chemistry, but this love didn't stem from a natural interest that I had: It came from learning it from a teacher who has a great passion for the science itself.

Mr. 0, you have shown me that Chemistry is not just a bunch or formulas, numbers and elements mashed together. Rather, it is a delicate and precise art and a recipe for all life as we know it. I've spent these past few months soaking in your seemingly vast knowledge base on chemistry, and I have enjoyed learning something new every day. The chemistry aspect of the class is fascinating, but the day-to-day activities are what make the class my favorite. I love spending the first few minutes getting to ask you questions about absolutely anything and everything, hearing stories about your crazy cat and your weekend, and hearing cheesy chemistry jokes. I have also added a bunch of new songs to my playlist, thanks to your insanely great music taste.

Mr. 0., my St. Francis experience, especially this last year, wouldn't have been what it was without you or AP Chemistry. St. Francis wouldn't be the same place without all the great work that you do. Thank you for inspiring me and many other students to work a little harder, reach a little farther, and smile a little brighter.

Sincerely, Elena Castaneda

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Dear Mrs. Robin Schroeder,

Thank you so much for being my teacher for the last two years. I had you last year for junior English, and I didn't know what to expect; but when I entered the classroom, you filled the class with so much happiness and joy that I felt right at home. In class, your quirky and funny jokes trying to connect with your students in this day and age are always funny. It was so fun, and I felt comfortable in your class and felt like I can answer questions and speak my mind. I felt like I could always come in and ask you for help if I was struggling with something, and I know that if I emailed you with a question that you would get back to me right away. You are very helpful and understanding when it comes to school and questions or concerns about what is going on in my life.

Senior year I decided to take AP Psychology, nervous of the class being advanced placement, but your class has been my favorite class I have ever taken at St. Francis. The class itself is interesting, but you make the class so much more fun and entertaining with all the fun projects and activities we do in class to get us more involved and learn more about psychology. Thank you for always making your classes so fun and informative and also making the atmosphere in class comfortable and making students more confident when answering questions.

I will miss you a lot when I go to college. Thank you for being such a great inspirational teacher that I will remember as my life goes on.

Sincerely, Isabelle Ahlborn

Dear Mr. Gorski,

Who would've thought four years ago during Freshman year tennis, where we did not speak because we are both extremely socially awkward, that we would become besties?! Sophomore year was the start of us beginning to speak to each other, as my sister and our lockers were perfectly placed next to your room. I know you thoroughly enjoyed our pre-lunch and afterschool talks.

Then, going into Junior year, we hit a bit of a rough patch because I expected that I would be in your regular English class; however, this was the year in which you coincidentally didn't teach a junior regular English class ... how interesting. In hindsight that was probably for the best because we all know English is not my strong suit, which might have made things quite awkward.

Senior year is when our friendship flourished. Even though you may try and run from Chloe and me before we come into your room to talk before lunch, I know deep down that our pre-lunch conversations are the highlight of your day! As much as you enjoy these talks, I find it interesting that you have banned me from coming into your room during study hall even though you have a free period. It's fine, I'm fine, everything's fine.

Anyway, I just want to thank you for constantly making my day better and for giving advice and help when I need it. I can't wait for my wedding invitation to arrive ;)

Your favorite student, Natalie Flowers

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Nels on,

Hello!! It's your favorite student. You have guessed Tarin by now right? I would only hope.

I am writing you this letter to thank you for everything you have done for me and this school. I am so grateful to have had you for 3 years of high school. My freshman year I was not the biggest fan. I think it was only because I wasn't a fan of the sports we did, so it wasn't as fun for me. But once I got to senior year, I could say that 7th period senior year gym was my favorite class I have ever had. I loved joking around with you and always having fun during class.

Thank you for being very patient with me, I know I can be a pain at times, but I am glad you never took it out on me. Thank you for also letting Shannon and I come into your 4th period to play: we miss that class more than you will ever know. You are such a great role model to so many people and just a great person overall. I will never forget coming back from our super sectional game and we took a victory lap, not thinking anyone would be there to see us, but you were there.

Thank you for all the support and love. I will never forget you as a teacher and person. I hope next year I can come visit when I get back from college, you better not leave! Thank you again for being a great teacher and I will miss you next year!

Love, Tarin Malloy

To all of those involved in the athletic experience at St. Francis,

I want to thank you all for everything you have done for me and my class throughout our 4 years at Francis. It has honestly been a treat to have had these experiences and I will cherish them for my entire life. I would not be the person I am today, nor be on the way to being the person I want to become, without the people who coached me, trained me and spent time teaching me valuable skills and life lessons. I was always pushed to be my best self on and off the field and I will try and continue that spirit of Francis wherever I go.

I would also like to personally thank the athletic director Dan Hardwick as well as co-director Janet Thelen for always staying on top of the schedules and making sure we had fantastic sports experiences no matter what sport or how many we played. I know multitudes of people that have had life-changing experiences playing sports at St. Francis, and I can attest to this myself. If it wasn't for the hard work of all the directors, coaches and faculty, these experiences would not be as memorable as they are, so thank you.

Thank you for putting us first and pushing us to succeed no matter how difficult. I will take these skills to the real world and never forget where they came from: Francis.

Sincerely, Mike Baffa

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Mr. Lewis,

Thank you for being a great teacher, leader, and mentor to me and so many others.

From the very beginning you have shown me the right way to get something done. From showing me how to run the soundboard, to teaching us how to correctly build a set and run a show. You put so much time, dedication, and effort into all of our productions. You make sure that each and every one of us has a job and you aren't afraid to let us do most of the work :) I value how you want each and every one of us to be dependent. You allow us to share our ideas on how to do something and you provide valuable input and feedback. Your jokes and downright stupid gags always make me laugh and they brighten up my day. In times of stress, when something is going wrong, you are always there to help and get us back on our feet. You put so much confidence and responsibility on us to do a great job, and it pays off. Even if I feel as if I have done a bad job, or have not lived up to expectations, you are there to provide words of encouragement.

Thank you again for being a great teacher, and someone that I can look up to. Thank you for providing me with countless skills and teachings.

Thank you for making our theater program the best it can be. Thank you for supporting each and every one of us.

Sincerely, Aidan Gardner

Dear K Ras,

I don't even know where to begin thanking my second mom and probably everyone's second mom. You did so much for me and everyone with whom you crossed paths at Francis. From giving me hugs every day and saying, "I love you sweetie, have a good day!" to the subtle jokes you would crack that would always put a smile on my face.

Every time someone asks who my favorite teacher is, I am proud to say I have the biggest smile on my face while saying "obviously K Ras, no competition!" One of my favorite moments with you was when I was gone for a month and you dedicated your entire lunch period the day I came back to catch up with me and make sure that I was okay. You always encouraged me to try my best and you are one of the only people in my life that truly see me for me and celebrates that. One thing you said that I will never forget was when you opened up about why you will never have a drink of alcohol in your life. That really stuck with me. You also got me to appreciate the quokka. I wish I could take you with me everywhere or call you when I have any big decision to make, or when adulting seems to become impossible.

I am going to challenge myself to be a K Ras to everyone else in my life every day. I love you so much K Ras!

"Long live the Quokkas!"

Elise Rodriguez

Schmidt,

Dear Sarah,

I never know how to begin anything remotely related to English, but I am going to begin this letter with a thank you. I could never tell you exactly when I first met you, but I can tell you that it was because of my forever injured right leg. Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. Of course, I wish that I wasn't always injured so that I could be able to run better, but then I never would have had the relationship that I now have with you and Taeopae. You two are the best. You are always smiling and willing to help. I always hear people say that God works in mysterious ways, and after this experience I agree. If I wasn't perpetually injured, I would not know you guys as well as I do now. You make me feel as if my dream job is achievable and you even helped me get in contact with someone you know who has that job right now. I can never thank you enough for all that you have done for me. I love talking to you and Taeopae about anything and everything, you guys are the best trainers ever and I'm going to miss you guys next year. I appreciate all the advice and information you have been able to give me about life and college; I promise to put it to good use.

Again, thank you so much for helping me with my various injuries and being an amazing friend.

Thank you, Clare Kolker

Hey Schroeds,

It's Tillman: thank you for giving me the best 4 years at St. Francis. You fulfilled more than teaching me how to sing a scale but guided me as a role model. You taught me how to sing, laugh, love and to communicate with others.

Since freshman year you welcomed me with open arms and gave me opportunities to grow as a performer and as a student. No matter how horrible my performance was or any classmates for the matter you wouldn't yell at us but encouraged us. You taught me that winning shouldn't be my only goal (I mean we really wanted to win IHSA this year and we won so go Chamber!) and that I should make fun of myself sometimes. Most importantly you taught me the importance of singing as one, and that's why I consider Chamber choir to be my second family and St. Francis my second home.

I didn't realize this was how I was going to say goodbye, but at least it is one to remember. Thank you for everything you have done for me throughout my time here at St. Francis, and take care Schroeds!

P.S. Don't you worry, you'll see more of me on the future. I'll come back and visit. I mean, only if I'm not #GoinToJail!

-Your favorite Bass MSC Festival Director: And where are the basses?

Wilton: I'm Here!!!

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Ms. Paolella,

I am a big fan of things that come "full circle!" I thought it was very fitting to write to one of my favorite teachers, who was also one of my mom's favorite 4th graders in her first class. My mom has a picture of you and her on her wedding day! She has always described you as sweet, kind, thoughtful and engaged IO-year-old, and I would still use those qualities to describe you as my teacher today! Thank you for being a sweet, kind, thoughtful and engaging teacher for me. Thank you for sharing your faith by your life and example. Thank you for helping me get through a really rough period in my life last year when I tore my ACL and had surgery. Your support and encouragement meant so much to me at a very challenging time. Thank you for always being my advocate-especially through the college process this year.

I will miss you next year, but I hope we will always keep in touch, especially with this new exciting phase of your life as you get married. I will also look forward to the new ways our lives may come "full circle" again and hope that our paths continue to cross!

Love, Bella Defeo

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I loved

will be missed

Dear Taeopae,

Where to begin? I could start with thank you. I cannot remember the first time that I met you. What I do remember is all the time we have spent together as you or Sarah would wrap my foot or give me exercises to help with my always injured right leg. I love it when we can just sit around and talk. We could spend hours talking about books and life, and when we do, it makes my day. You are so easy to talk to and I am going to miss you next year. You help me relax and forget about life. On days when I need to stay at school late and am sitting in the cafeteria doing my homework, all I need to do is stop by your office (as long as you're not busy) and talk to you to make doing my homework a little be easier.

You and Sarah have always encouraged me and been there to support me throughout my high school career. You are the voice of reason when I'm not sure about what to do next. I can never thank you enough for all that you have done for me and for the rest of the St. Francis family. You have made an impact on my life, and I will always remember that in the days to come.

Thank you, Clare Kolker

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Dear Mrs. Holinger,

Thank you for brightening my morning every day in homeroom! You are always so bubbly and bright! Thank you for being so approachable and understanding. You make everyone feel comfortable around you and I feel like I can talk to you about anything! You are an amazing teacher, you encourage everyone to jump out of their comfort zones, and your creativity shines through your art!

When I transferred here sophomore year, you did everything in your power to make my transition easier. You helped me meet new people and gave me advice about navigating through a new school. I will forever be grateful to you for that! Then, I had so much fun in your art class second semester sophomore year. It was a relaxing and enjoyable way to end my year.

Thank you for your jokes, college advice, many stories, and just being a calming presence that everyone needs in the morning! I will never forget when you burnt the donut by putting it in the microwave for two minutes! ;) I will miss you so much next year!! Thank you for everything!!

Best wishes!

Meredith Donley

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Dear Ms. Graffagna,

It seems like yesterday my 7th grade self was walking into the music room to meet you for the first time. I remember singing "Bop to the Top" with you. I didn't know that this would be the start of an amazing experience. You've helped me explore my voice in ways I never thought I could.

Every lesson was a blast.

You've taught me how to become a better performer and person. Not only were you my teacher, I also consider you a great friend. We've created this bond that I never expected to have. I just want to thank you for everything you've done. You are just a kind and loving person who is a joy to be around. It is sad that our lessons were cut short in person but luckily our calls are just as fun. You always keep a positive attitude and always brighten up my day.

From helping me with auditions to preparing songs for competitions, thank you. My passion for music and theater is because of you. Your love for music is so inspirational. You are truly a blessing in my life.

Thank you, Emily Clare

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Dear Ston,

I wanted to let you know how much you have impacted my experience at Saint Francis High School, so why not write a nifty letter to show you how much you mean to me!

Yes, you are my volleyball coach, but you are much more than that to me. Whether it's a problem during school, a shoulder I need to cry on, or I need a good chuckle, you are always ready for anything I have to say. You have shown amazing character to not only me but to your students and your players. You always put others before yourself no matter what. Your generous heart and humble character have shown me what I strive to be. You have been my mentor throughout the second half of my Francis career, and I don't know what I would have done without you. I know on behalf of the volleyball team we consider you our second mom and can come to you with any issues we may have or if we want to see a picture of a troll.

Can't wait for another team breakfast and fun Facetime calls in the future. Never change, Ston!

Love, Katie Riley

Dear Mr. Malouf,

Having you as my homeroom teacher freshman year is one of the many blessings I experienced while at St. Francis. You always had a smile for me, and you helped me start off my day with a good attitude. Having you as a religion teacher also is a fond memory I look back on. Having a shared love of music really helped me to open up in class and find God through music.

Even now that I don't have you in any classes, I still look forward to and enjoy seeing you in the halls, sharing a quick talk and a smile. It always manages to make my day. You are one of the teachers that I know will stop everything to talk to a student in need.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me both in being my teacher, but most importantly being a friend and companion on my high school journey. I will always remember how welcomed you made me feel at St. Francis, and for that I am truly grateful and blessed.

Sincerely, Gretta Gfesser

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Sincerely,

Dear Ms. Salpekar,

Thank you for being a great role model for our class and our friend. You came in knowing how hard it would be to take on our class, but you were the perfect choice. I instantly knew that you were going to be the best person for the position.

You understood what it was like to be a senior in high school and knew how to compromise with us to make our senior year as painless as possible. You listened to us and cared about us which is something I really appreciated. You truly became one of my favorite teachers this year, and when I needed someone to confide in you were there for me. It takes a lot to be a teacher and especially one that is there for their students, so thank you.

You are such a great addition to St. Francis and we are so lucky to have you. Thank you for a great semester, and I'm so sad it got cut short. You really made a difference this year and we all love you.

Sincerely, Gillian Vilimek

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Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Reist,

I never thought I would ever want to retake World History or Geography, but for some reason I do. You've taken two boring classes and made them enjoyable. I can remember back to freshman year, whenever someone would ask me what my favorite class was, and I would always answer with history. Most of the time I would get weird looks. Many people asked me, "why history?" and I always responded with, "because of the teacher."

Ping Pong Club has always been a blast and it wouldn't have been the same with any other moderator. The memes and funny videos you show me always brighten my day and make me laugh. I want to thank you for not only being a great teacher but also a great friend these past 4 years.

I look forward to coming back and visiting and I hope you have a great summer and some great years to come. Thank you for all you've done! You will be missed!

Sincerely, Julia Zeman

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Dear Mere,

It is crazy to think that four years is almost over. I remember the first day of freshman year like it was yesterday. I wish that I had gotten to know you my freshman year instead of my senior year, so that I could have spent more time with you. I would always hear you on the intercom in the mornings telling us about the readings and how we can apply them to our lives today. Even though it was early in the morning, you made me want to listen. You are always singing and clapping along with the songs at mass, even though it is early in the morning. I will miss sitting next to you in guitar as we practiced all those songs. I will miss your positivity and how you always seem to be smiling, no matter what. I may not have had you as a teacher, and even though I only met you senior year, I really appreciate all that you do and the amazing person that you are.

Thank you!

Clare Kolker

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Tagler,

Even though I only had your class for one semester, it had to be one of my favorite semesters of high school. I enjoyed the classroom environment had how close we all were being able to joke around with each other while still getting work done. Trust me when I say this, I did joke around a lot, but I did learn a lot and I enjoyed the class itself and you were such a great teacher. I enjoyed all our conversations about golf and talking with Adam and all of our crazy conversations.

Thank you for being a great teacher but also friend to all of us because we all enjoyed your stories and how funny they were. It's always nice to see you in the halls to say "hi" or chat for a bit. I hope to see you again and I'll make a visit or two next year and say hi.

Thanks, Mr. Tagler for a great year, and I hope all is well with you and your family.

Sincerely, Connor Polan

ot about visit!

Dear Mrs. Stiefel,

I never had the chance to be in your class until senior year, and I am so lucky I finally got to be in one of your classes.

I looked forward to your class every day and I was always excited to learn. You made class so fun but interesting at the same time. Religion class was my last period of the day and if I ever had a bad day at school, your class would always make me feel better. It was such a relaxing and interesting class, and I'm so grateful to have been able to take it.

I am also so glad that you were my leader at Kairos. You were the only teacher out of the leaders that I hadn't gotten to know too well. I was so excited to find out that you would be part of what made my Kairos experience so special. You made that experience so much more enjoyable for our whole pod.

Thank you for making my senior year so much more enjoyable and special!

Becca Sawka

jHola Sra. Boden!

First off, I'd like to say thank you. Thank you for bringing so much light, energy, and joy to Spanish class. The combination of your bubbly personality and your creative and engaging class plans made Spanish 3H one of my favorite classes sophomore year!

I loved all of the inside jokes that your class had, such as "Chicle in la basura, por favor" and "Pueden apagar y cerrar las computadoras, y pueden ponerlas, in el snugg" (throwback to when we had Snuggs haha). These little things were what made me and so many other students absolutely love your class.

Thank you for fostering a life-long love of Spanish in me. It is a language that I have come to adore. I really appreciate all that you have done for me, your students, and for our school community as a whole!

Un abrazo, Elena Castaneda

understand

Dear Coach Kloss, Thank you for your dedication to St. Francis! Your commitment to the girl's lacrosse team-even at times when we didn't all share that same level of commitment-is what makes you a core part of the Spartan family. Thank you for always pushing us and teaching us to be our best, whether that's in the weight room, on the field, or in life itself-like when you taught me the importance of advocating for myself.

My senior year has definitely been shaped by this past off-season, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. At this point, I'm not sure if we'll even get the chance to play out the rest of the 2020 season, but I do know one thing for certain: St. Francis is lucky to have you, and I can't wait to see what you do with this la(Kloss)e program!

Sincerely, Emily England-number 17 :)

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Sincerely,

Dear Mrs. Buckley,

I was so happy to have you as my counselor this year! You initially struck me as a warm and welcoming person that I could count on to help with something as big as college applications and I immediately knew I was right. It was all very overwhelming to me and it made me want to push college out of my mind. You talked me through every step until I felt comfortable with the process, assured me that I had nothing to worry about, and treated me with such kindness and respect that my feelings of anxiety about the future melted away. You have always been so helpful to me and was ready to answer all my questions. I want to thank you so much for helping me put one foot in front of the other and for guiding me along •

•

my senior year Journey.

Sincerely, Emily Dziengel

Dear Coaches of Saint Francis,

On behalf of all St. Francis student-athletes, we would like to thank our coaches. Thank you coaches for your time and commitment. We appreciate the sacrifices you guys made so that we could be prepared for our games or matches. You guys are responsible for not only making us better athletes but also better students, sons/daughters, brothers/sisters, teammates, and friends. You guys cared more for our personal development than the wins and losses.

The lessons we have learned from you coaches will help us accomplish our personal goals in the future and help us become successful in whatever we do after we graduate. You guys will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Sincerely, Ashley Sullivan

Mr. M.,

Thanks for being such a great music teacher for me since the day I walked into my first summer band camp before the start of freshman year.

With you as my leader for the marching, pep, and concert bands, I felt like I was able to improve on my skill and be able to know you and others thanks to the program. For the more recent activities, pit orchestra and music ensemble, I was able to meet even more people and practice music even further. Also, I had a fun, energizing experience performing at Disney this past President's Day weekend.

I thank you for the opportunity to go there because it is rare otherwise. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful band community at St. Francis.

Sincerely, Austin Skirvin

Hi Mr. Haberman!

I looked f orwar Summer canoes and

Dear Ms. Kadow,

I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me and the rest of the senior class. As freshmen, none of us really knew what we wanted to do with our lives. Because of your class, I was able to discover my interest in science and biology in particular. Your enthusiasm and interest in the subject sparked my love for biology and environmental science, and I cannot thank you enough for the impact that you have had in my life. On behalf of the entire senior class, I want to express our gratitude for all the lessons you have taught us. I honestly do not know if I would be on the same collegiate path if it weren't for you. I'm going to miss you so much, and I can't wait to come visit!

Sincerely, Adrianna Rotondi

•

Estimada Profe Brand,

I really appreciate how you've helped me learn and grow through the past couple years, both in the classroom and out. You not only taught me how to speak Spanish and hold a real conversation but also the importance of learning about and valuing other cultures. I was very unsure of my skills before starting your class, but I can see how much I've improved in the past two years alone.

I also want to thank you for the amazing immersion experience during the Spain trip. My Spanish knowledge was furthered by the multitude of different cultures I was exposed to, and it is my favorite high school memory.

Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher, and I'll really miss you when I graduate.

Atentamente, Vicki Lambert

Dear Ms. Roulo,

Thank you so much for all that you do for our class and the others. We look forward to your class every day. Thanks for being so cool when we have weird conversations. We appreciate how you allow playful banter in the classroom, yet still demand our respect and attention. We all enjoy your class and the way you bring us all together by sitting us in different seats, making us work with everyone in the class, and encouraging us to talk to each other. You truly make French fun to learn. We all enjoy the class and its atmosphere. You immerse us in the French culture and make us interested in the language. You are a great teacher.

Thanks for everything, Daniel Weizeorick and French 4 Honors

mucli

Mrs. Abbott,

When I joined math team as a freshman, all of the seniors talked about what an amazing teacher and coach you were. After participating in math team for four years and having you as a teacher last year, I understand why they loved you so much. Your passion for math is clear, and that is what makes you such a great teacher; you do whatever it takes for students to understand a concept. You also care about us as human beings and support us outside of the classroom; I was excited to receive your updates on our placement at state last year on the bus to prom. I am lucky to have you as a coach and as a teacher, thank you for everything you have done for me!

Sincerely, Becky Goetzke

Dr. B,

Thank you so much for being our favorite teacher we've ever had. You made AP Stats more interesting than any other person we know could have. Your abundance of fun ties and assortment of candy made everyone look forward to your class every day. I will never forget practicing the Bonvallet Special with you as we danced in front of the class. We truly admire your mathematical ability and kindness. Your generosity and enthusiasm to teach inspired us to be both better students, and people. We can't thank you enough for everything you did for us, and we will never forget you or Pardis Sabeti!

Love, Shannon Cooney & Nick Imbrogno

which is rea

Dear Mr. Harper,

Sophomore year was probably my most memorable year because it was the year I came out of my shell and found my identity. A big reason I was able to do this was because of APUSH. Mr. Harper, you gave me and my friends a fun, comfortable environment to be ourselves and enjoy learning.

Your class was my favorite part of the day and by far my favorite class I've taken. You have been the best teacher a student could ask for and have been a great friend and role model to me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. I hope I have as much energy, life, and love as you do when I'm your age.

Sincerely, Nicholas Solis Pereda

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stuff that

Dear Mrs. Kowalski,

When I transferred into your English class junior year, I was rather annoyed since I heard your tests were very hard. But somehow, that didn't matter after I got to know you. You always make class enjoyable with your sarcasm and funny one-liners.

Thank you for being the great, caring, and funny person you are. You have taught me good lessons both inside and outside of the classroom. On Kairos, I got to know you as a friend not just a teacher. Thank you for being the person you are and making my days even better with your humor. I will miss you next year.

Sincerely, Natasha Williams

Mr. Michael Page,

Thanks for inspiring your students to push themselves further every day. You motivate people with your enthusiasm and dedication to everyone in class which has helped many through some rough school years. The thing I will always remember about your class was during freshman year.

I had just moved here and didn't know anyone. Your class was where I made my first friend and was where I started to open up to people and let my true self show to others. The atmosphere you bring with you everywhere you go affects people in ways you sometimes don't realize.

Thank you, Riley Del Valle

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Gerdeman,

Thank you so much for everything you do for the student body of St. Francis. From every broken pen, to every OnCampus issue, you work to make our technology better in every way possible. I have had such an amazing time with you as a basketball coach for the past two years. With all the jokes on the bench and every single lost bet, you have made my time on the team really memorable. The whole senior class wants to thank you for all your hard work and effort you put in to making our time in high school that much easier.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Grivetti and the Class of 2020