Tau Spring/Summer 2021

THE

aU

Counselor 1993-1997

Director of Guidance 1997-2000

Assistant Principal 2000-2006

Thank you, Mr. Braunscheidel Principal 2006-2021

Story on pp. 6 & 7

2 Alumni Happenings 3 Graduation 4-5 President’s Letter

Thomas Braunscheidel Retires

6-7

Alumni News and Notes

8-9 In Memoriam 9 Sports Recap 10-13 Justinian XXXIX Virtual Auction

14

Athletic Recognition Day

15 16

Dads & Grads

Thank you, Mr. Braunscheidel THE

AU

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 A MAgAzine for AluMni, PArents & friends of st. frAncis HigH scHool

Counselor 1993-1997

Dear Friends, As we say goodbye to this school year, we also say goodbye to Mr. Thomas Braunscheidel, our principal for the past fifteen years and a staff member for twenty-eight years. Mr. Braunscheidel has helped to transform St. Francis High School into a superb educational institution. Under his tenure we have accomplished many things together adding to the growth and development of St. Francis High School. It has been my honor to have worked with Mr. Braunscheidel the past twenty years and I am saddened to lose a close colleague. Mr. Braunscheidel was honored during the commencement ceremony this past May at Our Lady of Victory Basilica with the Fr. Justin Figas Memorial Award. This award is presented to special friends of St. Francis who continue to make the dream of Fr. Justin come true today by continuing to make it possible for us to provide a Franciscan education to young men in Western New York. The award is presented to an individual for his continuing commitment and dedication to the improvement of the educational programs of our school and his untiring contributions to the students of St. Francis High School. No one deserved this recognition more than Mr. Bruanscheidel for his twenty-eight years of service to St. Francis High School.

May God continue to bless you and your family as you transition to a new phase of your life, remembering that you are always part of the St. Francis family.

The school year is officially over and, we pray that we have seen the last of COVID 19. Despite the pandemic and various restrictions, we were able to celebrate the ninetyfirst commencement at Our Lady of Victory Basilica and added 110 young men to the ranks of the alumni. The Class of 2021 earned a combined total of $28.2 million dollars in scholarship offers and grants to further their college educations. May the Lord continue to watch over our brothers as they continue their life’s journey.

Finally, a special thanks to all our friends and benefactors who have helped us throughout this past year. Our Red Raider Raffle was successful this past year, again, despite the COVID 19 restriction as well as Justinian 39, a successful virtual event.

Our Annual Giving Appeal is still in process and I hope it will reflect the success of our other events. Thank you all for your ongoing support and dedication to the ideals of St. Francis High School. May all have a summer that allows us all time to relax and refresh our spirits.

Director of Guidance 1997-2000

God Bless, Assistant Principal 2000-2006

Thank you, Mr. Braunscheidel Principal 2006-2021

Story on pp. 6 & 7

2 | SPRING/summer 2021

Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv.

President

Alumni Association to Resume Slate of Events The St. Francis High School Alumni is pleased to announce the following events for the summer/early fall of 2021:

14th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament Saturday, July 31, 2021 • 12 noon - ?

Front Lawn of St. Francis High School $35 per person includes food and beverages Limited to the first 24 teams of 4

37th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Thursday, September 2, 2021 • 10:45 AM- 6 PM Terry Hills Golf Course, Batavia, NY $150 per person includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, drinks, prizes Limited to first 200 golfers Sponsorship opportunities available

Homecoming

Saturday, October 9, 2021 • 12 noon Gacioch Family Athletic Center Varsity Football vs. Erie (PA) 1 PM Post-Game Reception For more information regarding these events, please contact Paul Bartell ’88, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at (716) 627-1200 ext. 465 or bartellp@stfrancishigh.org.

St. Francis Tau | Vol. 12 No. 3 Published three times a year by the St. Francis High School Office for Institutional Advancement

4129 Lake Shore Road | Hamburg, NY 14075 | 716-627-1200 | www.stfrancishigh.org Sue Schaffstall Editor VP of Communications & Marketing Paul Bartell ’88 VP of Development & Alumni Relations Alumni News and Notes

Fr. Mark David Skura ’71, OFM Conv.

Cover Design

Contributors Jenny Attea

Photography Toni Lambert Yearbook Staff Lifetouch Photography

Proofreading Pat Kaczmarczyk Pete Schaffstall

We welcome your comments... schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org

The TAU | 3

Congratulations to the 110 members of the class of 2021 who graduated from Our Lady of Victory Basilica on Friday, May 21, 2021.

Awards presented at graduation included: Bruce Reopolos Mathematics and Science Awards Jacob M. Sacilowski Drama Award Gavin M. Fox Man of the Year Liam C. Donovan

The Sportsmanship Award Zachary R. Jaworski

The Valedictorian Award

Visual Artist Award Colin J. Murphy

The Highest 4 Year Average

Joseph T. Syta

The Robert Schutz Memorial Scholarship Conor E. Black Fr. Justin Memorial Award Mr. Thomas Braunscheidel for 28 years of service to St. Francis High School

St. Francis School Service Award James G. Hoffman

The Creativity Award Tyler J. Quinn

The Salutatorian Award

2nd Highest 4 Year Average

Andrew G. Sovinski

The President’s Award for Academic Excellence was presented to 43 students The Anthony A. Brese Award Hunter J. Gough St. Francis High School Scholar/Athlete Award Matthew J. Bowen

Athlete of the Year Peyton A. Consigli

Artist of the Year Addam A. Brunner

The President’s Recognition Award Aidan J. Roberts

The Principal’s Recognition Award Tyler J. Drozdowski

4 | SPRING/summer 2021

Fr. Leon Krop, OFM Conv. Alumni Recognition Award Bernard J. Switzer, Class of 1995 The Fr. Justin Figas, OFM Conv. Award Rodrigo “Fitch” Olaya Moreno Deacon Vogt Memorial Dylan C. Hernandez

St. Francis High School Distinguished Athlete Award Shane T. Roberts Aidan D. Brunner St. Francis High School “Spiritus Musicae” or Spirit of Music Joseph T. Syta St. Francis High School Scholastic Excellence Award Gabriel E. Sorci Dmitrijs Naudzuns

Highest Average in the Major Subjects: Religious Studies Andrew G. Sovinski French Andrew G. Sovinski Social Studies Dmitrijs Naudzuns Andrew G. Sovinski English Aidan J. Roberts Andrew G. Sovinski Mathematics Joseph T. Syta Spanish Colton C. Evoniuk Colton C. Keib Science Colton C. Keib

Students earned a collective $28.2 million dollars in scholarships and institutional aid to continue their education.

Boston University

Kean University

St. Leo University

University of Tampa

Bowling Green State University

Liberty University

Stevens Institute of Technology

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Canisius College

Miami University

Case Western Reserve University Clarkson University Cornell University Daemen College Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Dayton Erie Community College Florida State University Fordham University Gannon University George Washington University High Point University Hilbert College Ithaca College Jacksonville University John Carroll University

Mercyhurst University Monroe College Niagara University The Ohio State University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Rochester Institute of Technology

Syracuse University The Catholic University of America

In addition, we have graduates seeking opportunity going on to:

Theil College

Cheshire Academy

University of Arizona

Carpenter’s Union 276

University of Maine University of Michigan University of Notre Dame

St Bonaventure University

University of Pittsburgh

St Lawrence University

University of South Carolina

Colarado Ranch Full time employment Junior Hockey

State University of New York Universities at: @ Buffalo @ StonyBrook State University of New York Colleges at: @ Alfred @ Buffalo @ Cortland @ Geneseo

The TAU | 5

Thomas Braunscheidel

by SUE SCHAFFSTALL

In 1993 cell phones were big, had an antenna and were not smart. Only 22 percent of households had an internet connection.

How can we forget Super Bowl XXVII: The Buffalo Bills become the first team to lose three consecutive Super Bowls as they are defeated by the Dallas Cowboys, 52–17?

I sat down with Braunscheidel to talk about his time at St. Francis, his decision to leave and his future.

When asked what has changed the most at St. Francis High School over the past 28 years Braunscheidel responded, “Fewer Friars. More students from public schools.”

The inputs to education have changed said Braunscheidel. “Back in 1993 it was the dawn of the internet. I remember Fr. Mark David showing me the internet for the first time.”

I

n 1993, Thomas Braunscheidel was working as a school counselor at Baker Hall when an opening came up at St. Francis in late August. Fr. Gregory Hartmayer, Principal called the young Braunscheidel about the position, and as they say, the rest is history. Twenty-eight years later, fifteen of them as Principal, Braunscheidel has decided that it is time to move on.

A lot has happened in the past 28 years.

Here is just a little snapshot in case you forgot. In 1993, Bill Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States.

Intel Corporation ships the first Pentium chips. Microsoft releases Windows 3.11.

Ariana Grande, Megan Trainor and Stefan Diggs were all born in 1993.

6 | SPRING/summer 2021

“How content is delivered has been dramatically changed due to technology and how kids consume information has changed. It used to be a hunk of chalk and a good teacher and now it’s chromebooks.”

Braunscheidel goes on to say that, the school has changed in other ways as well. “St. Francis has become more diverse and we value diversity and are committed to it. We are investing more in helping students get here, to be able to afford a St. Francis education and to reap all the benefits of that education.”

What has stayed the same?

“Fundamentally, the flavor and the charism

remains the same,” said Braunscheidel.

“Our identity as a Franciscan school that emphasizes the brotherhood and humility.

That remains the same. The essential spirit and charism remains the same, which it should.”

What will you miss the most?

The people and the relationships. “I will miss the ability to help both students and faculty live out the mission of the school.

1993 - 28 years at St. Francis High School, 15 as Principal Helping a young teacher grow or helping a young man navigate a difficult situation academically or personally, that’s what I’ll miss.”

Braunscheidel goes on to say, “Anyone who gets into education, and is sincere about it, it is because of the impact you have on people; you’ve got to want to help.”

our faculty,” said Braunscheidel. “There were struggles, worries, anxieties and questions, but it was all done and presented in the name of how do we move the ball forward safely for our kids. This crisis (the pandemic) reminded me of what a tremendous group of people I work with and that the real focus is on the kids.”

What will you missed the least?

Why is it time to move on?

“The grind that becomes the day in and day out of dealing with crisis and putting out fires. I won’t miss the worry and the responsibility of taking care of the myriad of details. I won’t miss the enormity of the responsibility. I’m looking forward to just being in charge of me!”

What have you learned throughout the pandemic?

“Like many crisis, the pandemic revealed things about the institution. What I’ve always believed about our faculty is that they are 100% on board to meet the needs of our students. Down to a person, our faculty and staff said, we want to take care of our kids, they want to be here, what can we do?”

“It reinforced to me the dedication of

According to Braunscheidel, “I have contributed what I can contribute. I never aspired to be Principal,” he explains. “I wanted to help kids, I wanted to educate them. There were opportunities that arose where I thought I could help. I stepped up to take the opportunities to lead and because I thought I could benefit the school.

It was an opportunity for me to grow as a professional and also help the school.”

Braunscheidel said he wanted to make sure that he left on his own terms. “I did not want to be that guy who stayed too long. I contributed what I have, I know where I’m at, and I think it’s time for new leadership.”

What’s next?

“I’m going to take a gap year,” Braunscheidel jokes. “I’m going to take some time to clear

my head, rest and evaluate what I want to do in the future. I’ve always had a desire and a pastime to do things with my hands, to make and create. I have some background in building and the trades. Possibly some business ventures with family members.”

“My heart is with St. Francis in education and I will NEVER do this job anyplace else. I would never leave here and go to another school, because this is the way I think schools should be run and our spirit needs to be in terms of serving students and their families.”

What is your legacy?

“I hope that I was of service to people, I hope I was of service to the students, because to me legacies are not about buildings and programs, they are about how you helped others.”

Braunscheidel recalls a quote from Saint Francis. “When Saint Francis died he said, ‘I have done what is mine to do, I hope God will help you to find what is yours to do.’ I hope our faculty stays focused on the mission of the school and is open to the change that coming and will guide them into the future.”

The TAU | 7

alumni news and 1990s Nicholas Grew ’97 and his wife Kelly are happy to announce the arrival of their daughter Mabel Sylvia. She was born on April 6th , 2021 and weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. Nick is a member of the faculty at St. Francis High School.

Jim DeMarco ’99 reports he has become as uncle twice during the pandemic. His brother Vinny ’04 welcomed son Louis James Martin on July 6th, 2020 while Nick ’07 welcomed son Nicholas “Nico” Paul on January 14th, 2021.

Dr. Michael M. Wach ‘07 ​has earned a fellowship position with the University of Pittsburgh in Complex General Surgical Oncology for 2022-2024. He will complete his residency in General Surgery at UB over the upcoming year and then move to Pittsburgh for advanced surgical training.

Dr. Eric Kaczor ’08 received the 2020-21 Emergency Medicine Fellow of the Year Award from the Massachusetts chapter of the College of Emergency Physicians. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding work and dedication in educating medical students.

Additionally he helped develop an effective and interactive virtual consult process for the toxicology department in the early stages of the pandemic that benefitted patients and doctors alike and undertook meaningful research across many topics including the use of wearable biosensors to quantify physician stress, which is now published. He completed his residency at the University of Massachusetts and will be finishing his fellowship in Toxicology in June 2021 at the same institution. In July 2021, Eric will be joining the University of Pittsburgh Emergency Medical staff.

2011s He also wants to share the news of the birth of his daughter, Mia Josephine DeMarco, who was born on May 21 st, 2021.

Marc Fattey ’99 and his wife Katie welcomed baby Benjamin Robert into the world on May 3rd , 2021.

He weighed in at 7 lbs 7 oz. Marc and Katie are both members of St. Francis High School faculty

2000s Fr. Peter Santandreu ’05 is pictured below baptizing the son of fellow St. Francis High School Alumnus and good friend Nick Gerard ’04. Baby Vincent is Nick and his wife Analise’s (Tremblay) third child and first son.

8 | SPRING/summer 2021

Dr. Alex Neary ’11 earned his medical from the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo and recently began his residency at Stony Brook on Long Island.

D r. B r a d H a w a y e k ’12 recently graduated from the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo with a specialization in orthopaedics. While attending medical school, Brad was also the emergency goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres.

His story was recently highlighted in an article

by Bill Bruton for UBNow, an online publication for the faculty, staff and students of the University of Buffalo. (credit Sandra Kicman and UB) Johnathon Strawbrich ’16 graduated from Norwich University with a BA in Construction Management Engneering. Upon graduating, he commissioned into the United States Army and currently serves as an active duty Chemical Officer stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, home of the 101st Airborne Assault Division.

notes...

Matthew Argy ’17 Graduated on May 8, 2021 from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Matthew played hockey for The Citadel Hockey team for 3 years. Unfortunately, Covid protocol eliminated his senior year of games. Matthew will be pursuing a career in Homeland Security.

Braden Latt ’17 graduated from Xavier University in May 2021 and has accepted a position in finance with Key Bank.

Riley Reddington ’17 earned a BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Houston where he graduated with honors. In his Junior and Senior years at U of H he was named by the school as the Outstanding Student in his major. He has been accepted to the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas where he will begin his studies in orthopedic surgery

In Memoriam

Please remember in your prayers the following members of the St. Francis High School Family who have recently passed away.

ALUMNI +Timothy Chwojdak ’87 +John Conroy ’09 +Joseph Gumlak ’67 +Anthony Harasimowicz ’54 +Brian Hennessy ’73 +Robert Lange ’71 +John Pronobis ’70 (Bishop Ryan) +Christopher Sambuchi ’80

FAMILY AND FRIENDS +Chaun Hall Mother of Matthew ’94 and Nicholas ’97 Hall

al

Annu

charit y T o u rn a m e n t Thursday, September 2, 2021 register and pay securely online.

Sponsorships are also available.

Visit stfrancishigh.org for more information

+Ronald C. Hosken Father of retired faculty member Scott Hosken +Lawrence Kocher Grandfather of Tyker Belzile ’22 +Donna Pfeiffer Grandmother of Camren Stana ’23 +Norman Sass Father-In-Law of faculty member Bob Hasenoerhl +Richard Wasiura Father of David Wasiura ’98 +Kenneth Young Father of Eric Young ’85 +Gregory Zablonski Grandfather of David Markiewicz ’21 Please note that St. Francis High School publishes memorials at the request of family and/or friends of the deceased and reserves the right to edit for content.

The TAU | 9

P I I A L EC L R A F S T R SPO : y by aph r tog Pho ambert iL Ton

FOOTBALL Season Record 2-3 1st Team All-WNY Zachary Jaworski Jimmy Scott All Catholic Conor Black Kimal Clark Antonio Corsi Ricardo Kidd Noah Kunzman Jason Lowry Shane Roberts Jimmy Scott

10 | SPRING/summer 2021

VOLLEYBALL Season Record 5-10 1st Team All Catholic Peyton Consigli Jacob Sacilowski 2nd Team All Catholic Braden Reaska Theodore Charlap

spring SPORTS RECAP Photography by: Toni Lambert

TENNIS

The TAU | 11

P A EC R spring S T R SPO : y by aph r tog Pho ambert iL Ton

BASEBALL Season Record 9-10 1st Team All Catholic Aidan Albano Peyton Consigli Hunter Nowak Gavin Roskwitalski 2nd Team All Catholic Aidan Brunner Brendan Reid

LACROSSE Season Record 9-5 1st Team All Catholic Matthew Bowen Jack Raymond 2nd Team All Catholic Robert Rydzewski Samuel Chiavetta

12 | SPRING/summer 2021

TRACK & FIELD Season Record 7-0 MMHSAA Regular Season Champions & All Catholic Champions All Catholic Michael Durski - 100m, 4 x 400, 4 x 100 Anthony Giardina - 4 x 800 Marcus Harrison - Discus James Hoffman - 4 x 800, 4 x 400 Zachary Jaworski - Shotput Chris Jozwiak - 4 x 800 Joe Pivarunas - 1600m, 4 x 800, 4 x 400 Bryce Roberts - 4 x 100 Ben Sheehan - Long Jump, 4 x 100 Orry Shattenberg - 4 x 400, 4 x 100 Aiden Thomas - Triple Jump

WRESTLING Season Record 2-3 MMHSAA All Catholic Champions Samuel Berti – 118 lb.

Jack Gordon – 126 lb.

MMHSAA All Catholic Finalists Eric Lanning – 102 lb.

Tyler Wilkinson – 152 lb.

Liam Edwards – 160 lb.

Connor Miller – 172 lb.

Joe Black – 285 lb.

CHSAA State Place Winner Samuel Berti – 4th Place - 118 lb.

Liam Edwards – 4th Place – 160 lb.

The TAU | 13

Justinian XXXIX was held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 in the Mastrantioni Family Suite at the Gacioch Family athletic center.

The event was virtual and broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube and our auction website. The co-chairs along with a few invited guests were present for the

EVENT SPONSORS

FRIAR SPONSORS

• Western New York Dental Group

DINNER CLUB SPONSOR Lupkin Family

• ADPRO Sports • Hilbert College • St. John Paul II Parish

WINE SPONSORSHIPS • Attea & Attea,P.C. • Colligan Law

“PREMIUM PLUS” AUCTION SPONSOR

• Personal Touch Food Service, Inc.

VIDEO SPONSOR • dPost

PRESIDENT SPONSORS broadcast. Jay Skurski’00 served as the MC for the evening. Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator Brian Dabol’93 was a special guest who shared some memories of his time at St. Francis with viewers.

• • • •

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS • • • • • • • •

A very special thank you to our Co-chair couples: Take 1 - Al and Kelly Stutz, Dave and Lisa Stapleton, and Patrick and Christa Sgroi Take 2 - Tom ’96 and Kara Bestpitch, Matt’85 and Kelly Jaworski and Dave and Laurie Syta

14 | SPRING/summer 2021

Lawley Michalek & Harrington M & T Bank Resurgence Brewing Company

Catholic Health System, Inc. DFT Security Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. MOOG INC. Rosina Food Products Paul & Sue Santandreu The Saxe Family, Matthew Saxe ’94 Simoncelli Electric, Inc.

RED RAIDER SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE SPONSORS • Excelsior Orthopaedics • Villa Maria College

DISTRIBUTION CENTER SPONSOR

• Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner • Meyers Buth Law Group • Niagara University

SILENT AUCTION CATEGORY SPONSORS • • • • • •

Shawn ’90 & Amy Connolly DFT Security James Desiderio, Inc. Park Ridge Auto Care SFHS Alumni Association SFHS Parent’s Guild

Athlete Recognition Day On June 10th, students and their parents were invited to Polian Family Field at the Gacioch Family Athletic Center were they were honored at center field. The scoreboard displayed the athletes name along with the sports he participated in over the past year. Championship teams were also honored.

Congratulations to our student athletes who performed like true St. Francis gentlemen during a year of ups and downs amidst all the Covid restrictions. We are very proud of all your accomplishments.

Track and Field JV Prep Hockey

JV Lacrosse

Federation Hockey

JV Baseball

Cross Country

The TAU | 15

4129 Lake Shore Road • Hamburg, NY 14075-0185 www.stfrancishigh.org

Celebrating our Grads and their Alumni Dads Thomas Bestpitch ’96 and Thomas Bestpitch

+Michael Bycina ’82 and Michael Bycina

Joel Jusiak ’90 and Joshua Jusiak

Richard Charlap ’85 and Theodore Charlap

David Lillis ’83 and Dawson Lillis

Alumni News & Notes Follow your favorite SFHS Sports Teams @SFHS_Athletics

Thomas Consigli ’81 and Peyton Consigli

Sean Quinn ’92 and Tyler Quinn

Christopher Herpin ’93 and Bryce Herpin

Joe Raymond ’89 and Jack Raymond

Michael Herr ’91 and Michael Herr

Robert Sheehan ’88 and Benjamin Sheehan

Matthew Jaworski ’85 and Matthew Jaworski

Kenneth Sovinski ’82 and Andrew Sovinski

Robert Johnson ’95 and Robert Johnson Jr.

Kenneth Sovinski ’82 and Peter Sovinski

Please forward any Alumni News to: Paul Bartell ’88

St. Francis High School, 4129 Lake Shore Rd., Hamburg, NY 14075 or email Paul Bartell at: bartellp@stfrancishigh.org Follow us on Instagram SFHSATHOLSPRINGS

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