FOCUS Alumni Magazine - Summer 2020
IN THIS ISSUE St. Francis High School Sets the Bar with E-Learning Alumni Making a Difference Class of 2020: Senior Strong
Pictured above: Religion Teacher, Mr. John Schuller greets the Class of 2020 during the Senior Drive-Thru Drop-Off & Yearbook Pick-Up event on Thursday, May 21, 2020.
t n e em c n a Adv ffice O Contact Us:
Dr. Betsy Ackerson President
Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser Director of Alumni Relations
Peg Kopec Advancement Associate
St. Francis High School College Preparatory
@StFrancisHS
2130 W. Roosevelt Road Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-5800 sfhscollegeprep.org
@SFHS_Spartans
Debbie Quirk
@sfhsspartans St. Francis High School Wheaton, IL
Donor Relations Officer
Stronger Together
Cantigny Golf Club
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Individual Golfer Package.....$150 Golden Ticket (1960 - 1970).....$125 Young Alumni (2010 - 2020).....$125 Registration 8:00 a.m. - Driving range - Green fee - Golf cart with GPS - Professional scoring
Stay Connected:
Shotgut Start 10:00 a.m. - Full locker room - Lunch - On course beverages - Awards and Prizes!
St. Francis High School along with the Alumni Association is pleased to announce that the alumni hosted Spartan Classic and the Spirit & Pride Golf Outing have merged to become the St. Francis High School primary golf event: the Spartan Classic. The Spartan Classic invites all alumni, current parents, and friends of the school to the signature golf outing that will enhance the Spartan community and celebrate the school’s mission and vision, all while raising necessary funds for tuition assistance. Plan to join the Spartan Community when we gather on Friday, September 25, 2020 to raise scholarship funds for alumni children, students, and future Spartans. All net proceeds from the 2020 Spartan Classic will benefit tuition assistance.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Spartan Family, What a year 2020 is turning out to be. Full of challenges, isolation, hurt, and uncertainty. Little did any of us know at the beginning of the 20192020 school year that life would take such a turn. Our prayer has been and continues to be that amidst and through it all, all the members of our Spartan family experience healing and hope. As a school community we spent the 2019-2020 year focused on the theme “Flourish” and invited you to join us in considering how we ensure our school and our students continue to flourish. What beautiful stories of flourishing we have to share with you. When faced with trials and adversity St. Francis High School rises above, focusing on what matters most—people. In this issue of Focus you will read about how our teachers, staff, alumni, parents, and students all respond with care, ingenuity, and generosity to help each other and our neighbors in need. Through it all, St. Francis High School was recognized for its successes this year by leading external organizations including Microsoft, EdTech Solutions, the nation’s top E-book provider, and other Catholic schools across the country who contact us seeking to model our best practices in education. Perhaps most beautiful is the way the entire Spartan community came together virtually in May to support Spartans in need raising $69,000 in 24 hours for the COVID-19 Tuition Assistance Fund. It is a true blessing and gift to be part of the SFHS Community, and we daily give thanks for each one of you and your impact for good in our world. God bless you and Go Spartans!
Dr. Betsy V. Ackerson President
111
COLLEGE PREP
99.5%
Class of 2020 College Attendance
Feeder Schools Microsoft Showcase School
59 Zip Codes, 4 Countries
13:1
27
Class of 2020 Average ACT
World Languages
Chinese, Spanish, French
Student:Teacher Ratio
9 1 D I COV onse Resp
St. Francis High School Sets the Bar for E-Learning On March 19, 2020 students at St. Francis High School began E-Learning classes as a result of the unprecedented impact created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks in large part to the robust technology that had already been established into the curriculum and instruction as one of 41 U.S. Microsoft Showcase Schools, E-Learning launched smoothly, allowing for a 99.3 percent attendance rate on the first day.
"St. Francis High School has become the point of reference for schools considering incorporating e-books into their classrooms.” As a 1-1 Microsoft® Showcase School, St. Francis High School teachers provided instruction to students virtually via Microsoft® OneNote or Microsoft® Teams, and onCampus (LMS). Although students were not physically on campus, class activities and assignments occured in real time, and allowed students to take advantage of learning opportunities outside of the traditional school day.
During this time, SFHS students continued to progress in the curriculum with a full suite of educational provisions supporting them. Teachers continued to assess and grade student work, counselors provided needed support, and IT was at the ready for potential issues - playing a vital role in making sure everything ran as smooth as possible. This leading-edge approach is why other schools looking to implement education technology, have turned to St. Francis High School for guidance. “While working with partners like EdTech Solutions, who assist schools’ transition to advanced deployment of electronic textbooks, St. Francis High School has become the point of reference for schools considering incorporating e-books into their classrooms.” said Assistant Principal, Cindy Johnson. As St. Francis High School is a college preparatory school, the E-Learning platform has provided useful online class experience for students as collegiate courses often expect online learners to be engaged, present and adept in this type of learning environment. For the 2020-2021 school year, St. Francis High School reopens in a Hybrid School Setting allowing for both safe in-person instruction and remote learning.
SPARTANS UNITE
Giving Tuesday Now #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity, took place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day was designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. A day for everyone around the world to stand together and give back in all ways. In response to meet tuition assistance needs, St. Francis High School established the COVID-19 Tuition Assistance Fund to assist those families experiencing economic hardship during the pandemic. With just over $69,000 raised, the funds received from this day were awarded for the 2020-2021 school year, ensuring current students can complete their SFHS education and allow the incoming Class of 2024 to continue on the St. Francis Path. r e Educato Innovativ ft so ro ic M nd Experts a U.S. MIE ls o o h c S Showcase
SE SHOWCA : SCHOOL NITY COMMU CER INFLUEN
Pictured Above: On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, St. Francis High School students, faculty, and staff came together for Spartans Unite – a benefit concert to support the St. Francis High School COVID-19 Tuition Assistance Fund.
Microsoft Community Influencer
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St. Franci Date: 20 June 4, 20 Presented
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In June, St. Francis High School received the Microsoft Showcase School Top Community Influencer Award for the 2019-2020 school year! This award recognizes schools that exemplify leadership in their local community by sharing their usage of Microsoft Education and its impact on student learning.Â
i n m u Al ht g i l t Spo SPARTAN ALUMNUS: Joe Buchholz '84 Buck Services, Inc., family owned and locally operated by the Buchholz Family, has been dedicated to creating and maintaining clean, comfortable and community orientated environments for over 30 years. Bill Buchholz, Jr. ’70, John Buchholz ’77, Rob Buchholz ’79, Joe Buchholz ’84, Bill Buchholz III ’03, Anthony Buchholz ’14 and Jacob Buchholz are among 21 family members who attended St. Francis High School. The family’s SFHS roots run deep, and their continued passion and support has been unwavering. Much of the Buchholz’s steadfast support of St. Francis High School goes beyond campus maintenance. Currently, Joe Buchholz ’84 serves as Alumni Board President and is a member of the Institutional Advancement committee. While most recently, Rob Buchholz ‘79 assisted in creating improvements to the SFHS Senior Garden. The family has also partnered with SFHS alumni parent, Frank Pecora, to supply ozone generators and UV lighting
disinfecting supplies and has worked with Wally’s Printing - owned by the Roszuskza family - another SFHS alumni family. Much like the rest of the world, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, Buck Services was deeply affected. St. Francis High School is one of over 125 parishes and schools in the Joliet, Chicago, and Rockford Dioceses that Buck Services, Inc. cares for. As their schools announced they would not be returning due to the pandemic, Buck Services, Inc. had to furlough over 200 employees. Thankfully, funding from a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan allowed the company to bring back their entire team a couple weeks later. Given an opportunity to partner with the West Chicago Community Center and Darrell Holmes, a local West Chicago businessman, Buck Services converted 2,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space into a face covering manufacturing area. continued on next page
Pictured (left to right): Rob Buchholz '79, Bill Buchholz Jr. '70, Joe Buchholz '84, and John Buchholz '77
SPARTAN ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Bailey Zydek '16
Dr. Courtney Fister '96
"We've come together as a neighborhood in a stressful time while still staying safe." - Bailey
"St. Francis High School reinforces the values... which have helped shape my life." - Courtney
When COVID-19 forced everyone to social distance, St. Francis High School alum, Bailey Zydek '16, kept her community connected and healthy by leading workout classes for her neighbors in the street in front of their homes.
As an Emergency Physician, Dr. Courtney Fister has spent her time during the COVID-19 pandemic regularly treating patients. While outside of work, she cares for her family which includes three children.
Evan Shor '07 "One of the many things I learned at St. Francis High School was resiliency. This has benefitted me... especially now." - Evan One of the many heroes within our community during the pandemic, Evan is as a local firefighter/paramedic for the City of Naperville and proud owner of Squeegee Squad of Naperville.
SPARTAN ALUMNUS: Joe Buchholz continued Initially, the idea was in part to keep their employees working by supplying donations of masks to first responders, nursing homes, homeless shelters, food pantries, and community schools. Since then, Buck Services, Inc. has designed, produced, and manufactured more than 300 masks daily. Seizing opportunities for growth while addressing the changing needs of their current clients, Buck Services, Inc. used the time over the last 6 months to provide additional training for employees. They’ve added equipment, became a product distributor, and have managed an uptick of cleaning and disinfecting while also handling canceled events. Responding with a profound sense of care for their community, Buck Services, Inc. is emerging stronger than ever.
Pictured above: Buck Services Inc. employees producing masks.
i n m u Al ht g i l t Spo
SPARTAN ALUMNA: Susan Jania '04 Foley Pictured above: Susan Jania '04 Foley (left) and Emily Jania '19 (right)
St. Francis High School alum, Susan Jania '04 Foley is the CEO of Diamond Envelope, a family entrepreneurial business manufacturing and coordinating direct mail marketing products. A member of St. Francis High School's Board of Directors, Susan was honored with the Influential Women in Business Award by the Daily Herald Business Ledger in 2013 and the 2015 STEP Ahead Award - which recognizes women for excellence in manufacturing. Since graduating from SFHS, Susan has been actively involved in raising awareness for viable long-term careers in manufacturing. Her work with local high schools and colleges has given career-ready students the opportunity to succeed at work and encouraged further education to improve job skills. Susan in her own words... St. Francis’ community spirit and willingness to help others, has become the foundation for the way I lead
our family business every day. Through this pandemic, being able to shift Diamond Envelope’s operation into Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) production of face shields, we were able to give back to communities facing challenges with PPE shortages. At the same time, our Diamond Envelope family was able to remain busy and operational. While Diamond Envelope currently prepares for a busy direct mail season, we also continue to stay busy with PPE manufacturing opportunities. This summer, we've had two St. Francis High School alums working in the business together, myself & Emily Jania (’19). We expected to lose our summer intern (Emily) for good this year, as she was set to become pool manager. But with Covid-19 restrictions - a silver-lining - Emily was able to return to Diamond Envelope and revamp our digital presence by giving our website a complete overhaul whch is set to finish in a few weeks.
SPARTAN ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Peach Enzweiler '78 Carr Designer & Mask Maker
Sue Stark '79 Florian Mask Maker
Trish Morris '72 Cybrinski Mask Maker
Joe Serio '89 Mask Maker
Pictured above: St. Francis High School alumni make masks to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
IN MEMORIAM
Alumni
Family & Friends
1961 Sylvester "Sal" Costello '61 Mary Alice DeSutter '61 D'Arcy
1976 Sheila Milder '76 Tomaszewski
1964 Lora Leckelt '64
1982 Jeff Werton '82
1966 Pamela Loiacono '66
1988 Kim Benedyk '88 Sanford
1968 Paula Sanders '68 Pestka
2001 Beatrice Bocean '01 Silva
1970 Jack English '70
Memorial Mass Cards are available through St. Francis High School. All donations made in memory of a loved one benefit our students. Names are remembered in the prayers of the St. Francis High School family during our monthly liturgies throughout the calendar year.
James Ahern (alumni parent) Ronald Dominach (alumni parent) Gary Gilroy (alumni parent and grandparent) Rosemary Kelly (alumni parent) Regina "Jean" Rosmonowski (alumni grandparent) James Schwark (alumni parent)
Call 630-668-5800 x 1129 for more information and to notify SFHS of deceased alumni. Visit sfhscollegeprep. org/condolences to view our alumni obituaries. Please Note: The Advancement Office will no longer email notices of deceased alumni/alumni family.
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Senior Honors
AWARD WINNING YEARBOOK
Each year we celebrate students' outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and service, among others, during Senior Honors Night. On this night, we announce the students receiving special awards given by teachers and staff. Since award recipients could not accept their honors on stage this year, SFHS faculty and staff personally delivered these awards.
St. Francis High School’s yearbook program has been named Jostens 2020 National Yearbook Program of Excellence. The honor is bestowed on programs for achieving defined criteria in each of three following categories: creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement, and successfully managing the yearbook creation process.
AP Scholar with Distinction
National Merit Commended Students
Weiyue Li
Ava Carlson Frank Marsico Alexander Modugno
AP Scholar with Honor Ava Carlson
Graduating with Honors with Distinction
AP Scholar William Brundage Joshua Casuga Emily England Rebecca Goetzke
Annemarie Novack Lindsay Olson
Frank Marsico Annemarie Novack Catherine Rudge
Ava Carlson Emily England Rebecca Goetzke Elizabeth Grivetti Dominic Imbrogno Victoria Lambert
Frank Marsico Alexander Modugno Annemarie Novack Lindsay Olson Adrianna Rotondi
Illinois State Scholars
Graduating with High Honors
Nicholas Atkins William Brundage Olivia Callahan Ava Carlson Elena Castaneda Shannon Cooney Chloe Cushing Michael Cushing Emily Dziengel Emily England Gretta Gfesser Rebecca Goetzke Elizabeth Grivetti Dominic Imbrogno Natalie Ingold Nicholas Izban Andrew Jensen Marnie Kopec Megan Kruse Alexander Kubik
Nicholas Atkins Olivia Callahan Emily Dziengel Gretta Gfesser
Victoria Lambert Anna Makauskas Frank Marsico Ava Matz Alexander Modugno Catherine Modugno Annemarie Novack Lindsay Olson Vincenzo Rendina Adrianna Rotondi Catherine Rudge Connor Schmidt Samantha Shah Emma Sidari Adam Tollios Katherine Walsh Daniel Weizeorick Joshua Winslow Caitlin Yarusso Darlene Zediker
Nicholas Izban Nga Le Connor Schmidt Emma Sidari
Graduating with Honors Daniel Blank Elena Castaneda Shannon Cooney Michael Cushing Mirabella French Natalie Ingold Andrew Jensen Marnie Kopec Alexander Kubik Weiyue Li Anna Makauskas
Ava Matz Catherine Modugno Vincenzo Rendina Michaella Rosenow Catherine Rudge Alexandra Salemy Samantha Shah Daniel Weizeorick Caitlin Yarusso Darlene Zediker
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Alexander Modugno
Annemarie Novack
CLASS OF 2020 American Legion Good Citizen Award Medal Winners Honorable Mention Elena Castaneda Bryce Walker
Madeleine Fasana Nicholas Atkins
D.A.R. Good Citizen
S.A.R. Good Citizen
Joseph Cibulka
Bryce Walker
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Scholarship Nominee Nicholas Atkins
Fermilab Science Award Frank Marsico
Alexander Modugno
IHSA All-State Academic Team Nominees Alexander Kubik
Lindsay Olson
Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Award Rebecca Goetzke
National Hispanic Recognition Program Alexander Modugno
PAX Christi of Illinois & Diocese of Joliet Instrument of Peace Award Madelynn Zeller
Prudential Spirit of Community Award Nominee Ava Carlson
United States Air Force Academy Appointment Elena Castaneda
Wheaton Good Citizen Award Anna Makauskas
St. Francis Top Ten Students Ava Carlson Emily England Rebecca Goetzke Elizabeth Grivetti Dominic Imbrogno
Frank Marsico Alexander Modugno Annemarie Novack Lindsay Olson Adrianna Rotondi
Departmental & Special Recognition Awards Business & Technology......... Ava Carlson Business & Technology......... Lindsay Olson English .................................. Emily England Art ......................................... SarahĂ Garcia Band ...................................... Annemarie Novack Choir ..................................... Megan Kruse Theatre .................................. Aidan Gardner Fine Arts For Achievement in Music and Theatre............................Emily Dziengel ................................... Anna Makauskas French Spanish ..................................Alexander Modugno Chinese .................................. Alexandra Salemy Citzen of the World For Achievement in World Language ............................... Nga Le Mathematics ..........................Alexander Modugno Mathematics.......................... Nga Le Physical Education and Health .................................... Bryce Walker Physical Education and Health.................................... Emily England Religion ................................. Nicholas Atkins Religion ................................. Annemarie Novack Science................................... Adrianna Rotondi Science................................... Elizabeth Grivetti Social Studies ........................ Ava Carlson Pastoral Ministry.................. Elena Castaneda Pastoral Ministry.................. Aidan Gardner Athlete of the Year..................Elizabeth Grivetti Athlete of the Year.................. Daniel Weizeorick President's Award .................Nicholas Atkins Principal's Award ................. Annemarie Novack Spartan Award...................... Matthew Rego
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020!
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CLASS OF 2020 Legacy Graduates Ten students from the Class of 2020 make up this year's group of Legacy Graduates - following in the footsteps of their St. Francis High School alumni parents. Will Brundage '20 (Ann Dixon '86 Brundage)
Enzo Rendina '20 (Michael Rendina '89)
Natalie Flowers '20 (Jayme Solano '90 Flowers)
Becca Sawko '20 (Paul Sawko '77)
Haley Hughes '20 (Ken Dillenkoffer '98)
Emma Sidari '20 (Carolyn Dechene '86 Sidari)
Marnie Kopec '20 (Jason Kopec '94 & Tillie Bruss'94 Kopec)
Brady Wanshek '20 (Bryan Wanshek '88 & Stacey Kammes '89 Wanshek)
Matt Rego '20 (Jennifer Cleveland '87 Rego)
Amy Wiborg '20 (Brian Wiborg '90 & Beth Erazmus '89 Wiborg)
Charlie Fischesser '24
Dillon Hobein '24
Above, left to right: Fr. Dan Hoehn, Charlie Fischesser ‘24, and St. Michael's principal Adam Ferguson ’00
Above, left to right: Meghan Malloy '96 Hobein, Dillon Hobein ‘24, and Dennis Hobein '96
Evan Marre '24
Above, left to right: Jim Marre '89 , Evan Marre ‘24, and Julie Marre
CLASS OF 2024 Alumni Scholarship Recipients Each year, the St. Francis High School Alumni Association has the honor of awarding multiple, four year renewable scholarships to students who are children or grandchildren of SFHS alumni. These Alumni Scholarships are solely funded by the Spartan Classic. Since 2007, the Alumni Association has awarded more than $325,000 in scholarships. (Recipient not pictured: Kyle Wanshek '24 and parents Stacey Kammes ’89 Wanshek and Bryan Wanshek ‘88)