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fall 2015 Vol. 7 | No. 1
A Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends of St. Francis High School
ONE ERA ENDS; ANOTHER BEGINS
GORK RETIRES AND POLIAN FAMILY FIELD IS BLESSED
2 Alumni 3 Association Jerry Gorczyca 4 Retirement Fine 7 Arts Alumni News 8 and Notes Spring Sports 10 Recaps Polian Family @Field Blessing 12 Alumni Event 14 Updates Papal 15 Pilgrimage President’s Letter
Dear Friends, It has certainly been a busy start to the school year. I am happy to report that we welcomed a freshman class of 123 students. In addition, 13 students also transferred to St. Francis, 8 local students and 5 from out of the area. The St. Anthony Residence is housing 25 students and diversity continues with students from the United States, Canada, Russia and China calling the third floor of Justin Hall their home.
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FALL 2015 Vol. 7 | No. 1
A MAgAzine for AluMni, PArents & friends of st. frAncis HigH scHool
ONE ERA ENDS; ANOTHER BEGINS
As you can see from the cover of the Tau, we have completed phase one of the Athletic Complex Redevelopment Project. We have begun using the new synthetic turf field and construction on the building is underway. We officially blessed the Polian Family Field on Friday, September 25, 2015. We were fortunate to have both Eileen and Brian Polian’93 in attendance. Brian is the head football coach for the University of Nevada and was in town to play UB. We were able to offer our new field to Brian and his team for their final practice before their game. (see pages 12 & 13) Also on the cover you may have noticed the picture of Gork. (Jerry Gorczyca’73) Jerry retired over the summer amid some health concerns. A graduate of the class of 1973 and a member of the faculty since 1979, Jerry is a St. Francis Institution and will be missed here at school. (See pages 4- 6) Thank you for your generous support of St. Francis High School throughout the past year. The Annual Report of Gifts is included in this edition of the Tau. I am truly grateful to everyone who made contributions to St. Francis High School. Whether you gave to the Annual Appeal, the Athletic Field Project, the Justinian Dinner Auction or directed your funds for a specific purpose, I thank you. To make sure that you keep up-to-date with everything that’s going on here at St. Francis High School make sure you update us if you’ve moved or changed your e-mail address. Visit our website and there you will find links to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you’re in the area stop by for a visit, we’d love to see you. Pax et Bonum,
GORK RETIRES AND POLIAN FAMILY FIELD IS BLESSED
St. Francis High School Field of Dreams and Gork Retires
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Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. President
Get Involved! Our Alumni and their support are vital to St. Francis High School
It is no coincidence that many of the most respected educational institutions in this country also have the most active and engaged alumni. Penn, Harvard, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Amherst College, and many others of the same ilk can all be counted as fitting into this category.1
formative time in their lives, St. Francis helped provide the moral and scholastic foundation needed to become responsible, successful and compassionate adults. It is these sentiments that should inspire us to give something back and “pay it forward” to future generations of Red Raiders.
They recognize, as we do here at St. Francis High School, that their students, both present and past, are truly the essence of their schools. Each knows that their alumni create and perpetuate the reputation of the school in the eyes of academia, the work place and the community at large. They understand that the more successful their alumni are, the better it is for the institution as well as past, recent and future alumni. In short, a positive cycle is created which is mutually beneficial to the school and its graduates.
Remaining actively engaged at St. Francis High School by volunteering, attending events/reunions, making a donation or even forwarding an update to “Alumni News and Notes” affirms that the school played an important role in your life and sends a positive message to current and future students while building an active and vibrant alumni association that keeps alumni connected to one another and the school.
It is precisely this cycle that we, as St. Francis High School alumni, need to more fully embrace. In speaking with hundreds of alums over the last 24 years, they almost universally agree that they have benefitted academically, professionally and personally from the excellent reputation and the outstanding Franciscan holistic education afforded to them by St. Francis High School. They realize that, at an important and
As St. Francis High School begins its 88th year, alumni support is more important than ever. I invite and encourage you to help keep our alma mater strong by becoming a more active alumnus and look forward to seeing or hearing from you in the near future. Pax et Bonum, Paul S. Bartell Jr. ’88 Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations OnlineCollege.org 3/14/11
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St. Francis Tau | Vol. 7 No. 1 Published three times a year by the St. Francis High School Office for Institutional Advancement
4129 Lake Shore Road | Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185 | 716-627-1200 | www.stfrancishigh.org Sue Schaffstall Editor VP of Communications & Marketing
Fr. Mark David Skura ’71, OFM Conv. Cover Design and Fine Arts Paul Bartell’88 VP of Development & Alumni Relations Alumni News and Notes, Alumni Association
Photography Sue Schaffstall Yearbook Staff Lifetouch Photography SkyOptics Pictures
Proofreading Pat Kaczmarczyk Katie Quick
We welcome your comments... schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org
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1993 school year when he passed the torch to his former student, colleague and friend Paul Bartell ’88. He then served as Assistant Director of the Association until his retirement. “We started the regional alumni receptions.” They traveled to NYC, North Carolina, Chicago, Boston and Florida, just to name a few, to reconnect with Alums who moved out of the area.
1982-83 Varsity Football Team
It was February, during Lent, of 1979 and Jerry Gorczyca was managing an Arthur Treachers Fish and Chips restaurant. He gets a phone call from then St. Francis High School principal, Fr. Xavier asking him if he was interested in a teaching position at his Alma Mater. Gorczyca gave his two weeks’ notice, and as they say the rest is history. After 36 years of teaching at St. Francis, Mr. Gork, or just Gork, as many people refer to him, has decided to retire. According to Gork it was a very difficult decision for him to make, but amid health concerns he knew it was the best decision for him at the time. In the 36 years that he has been at St. Francis, he has taught in every classroom in the school. He also served under eight Principals: Fr. Xavier (1979), Fr. Leon (19791983), Fr. Peter (1983-1989) Fr. Greg (1989-1994), Fr. Robert (19941997), Fr. Joe (1997-2001), Fr. Michael (2001-2006), and Tom Braunscheidel (2006- present). He taught students from 5 decades, just squeaking in the 1970’s all the 4 | FALL 2015
What is his most memorable experience at St. Francis? “It’s those proud moments in teaching or coaching for me that don’t always happen right away.” Gork explains that it’s when graduates come back and tell him what they learned from him, not necessarily facts about way through the 2014-2015 school history, but the life lessons. That is year. Gork estimates he taught and what he is most proud of. “A few coached over 3600 students during years ago I got a message from a kid his time at St. Francis High School. who graduated in 1983 thanking me “I taught in every single classroom in for keeping him on the straight and the school at some point or another.” narrow, that is the stuff I’m really He also wore many hats. Originally proud to say I was a part of.” hired as part of the Social Studies He also says he thinks it’s great that department he taught European so many Alums have come back to History when he first started. “I be a part of the St. Francis family as was also the truancy officer, or the teachers, coaches or administrators. attendance officer. I coached three “All of the guys who are currently sports, football for 26 years, track on staff that are graduates I either and field for 25 years and basketball taught or coached while they were for 5 years.” Gork recounts a story here.” Gork also says he is going to from 1981 or 1982. “I was asked to miss the kids. “They have changed coach the freshman baseball team so much over the years. What because the head coach who was a hasn’t changed is that they come Friar had a Friary Chapter meeting here as kids and leave as young and we won 9-0. I was able to say men. Spiritually sounder, mentally that I was undefeated coaching superior, physically bigger. I’m just freshman baseball.” proud to have been a part of that I n a d d i t i o n t o t e a c h i n g a n d transformation for five decades of coaching, Gork was instrumental students.” in the revitalization of the Alumni His former students and colleagues Association in the mid 1980’s. His are not shy about expressing how love for his Alma Mater shines they feel about him either. There is through when he talks about definitely a consistent theme that has St. Francis High School. He served been expressed by Alumni when they as Alumni Director until the 1992- talk about Jerry Gorczyca. No matter
how they referred to him; Coach G., Mr. Gorczyca, Mr. Gork, Gork or G Man is clear that these Alums thought of him as Mr. St. Francis. Rusty Hurst’83 played quarterback when Coach G. was a freshman, JV and Varsity Football coach. In 1979 the freshman football team had a dismal 0-6 record. Gork moved up with his freshman to JV and then to Varsity. The team improved to 7-2 Hurst’s senior year and was ranked 10th in the state. According to Hurst, “It was a terrific experience to see our team improve each of the four years that I was at St. Francis. Coach G. was instrumental in this improvement. He taught us how to lose with dignity and win with respect. He helped instill confidence in me which helped my performance both on and off the field.” Hurst goes on to say that the biggest act of appreciation to coach was after their final game as seniors in which they beat a highly ranked Canisius team 30-0. “After the game, the seniors on the team carried Gork, who was the assistant head coach, off the field. Our head coach, Ray Karney, was one of the finest coaches in Western New York and this was by no means disrespectful to him. Instead it served as a moment to thank Gork who
went through both the good times and bad as our leader during the four years.” Hurst says he is grateful to have been coached and mentored by Gork. “I want to personally thank Gork for the many wonderful memories which he helped provide during my time at St. Francis. He truly is a terrific ambassador for the school. I wish him and his beautiful wife, Dawn, all the best that life has to offer. I look forward to Saturday’s in the future where we can share memories and a few adult beverages at Hoaks.”
D r. J a s o n Cichocki ’92 has known Mr. Gork as he refers to him, as his student and has worked with him on the Alumni Board. “He was always present at the golf tournaments, he ran the 5 year reunions, if it was a St. Francis event, he was there,” said Cichocki. He goes on to explain that Gork was not only an alum, a teacher and a coach but a part of the fabric of St. Francis
“A few years ago I got a message from a kid who graduated in 1983 thanking me for keeping him on the straight and narrow, that is the stuff I’m really proud to say I was a part of.” Jack Jensen’73 a classmate of Gork’s says that he has always held Jerry in the highest regard. “He is the definition of a St. Francis gentlemen,” said Jensen who has worked with Gork closely through the Alumni Association. “We really hope to see him at Alumni events, and hope that he will stay active on the board.”
High School. “He lived and breathed St. Francis, you could see and feel how dedicated he was and still is to the school.” Cichocki says that Mr. Gork helped him to understand what it is to be a good alumnus, how to stay loyal to the school by being involved. “I hope that we continue to see him around school and at the alumni events that he started. Enjoy every minute of retirement and don’t forget to come back to your St. Francis family.” Steve Otremba’90, St. Francis High School Athletic Director, explains that Gork hired him in 1997 as an assistant coach of Track and Field. According to Otremba, “He gave me the ability to take over the program in 2003. He allowed me to be me. Without his support and mentoring I never would be where I am right now.” Otremba goes on to say, “He (Gork) is an example of loyalty. He has always been there for people continued on page six The TAU | 5
Suchyna was also coached in track and field by Gork. “There was this video that he would show us, and the video itself was really good, talked about technique, it’s called the Basic 70 foot shot put. Well Gork would fast forward through that part to the end where there was a song called The Shot Put Blues. We had to memorize the song, Suchyna then breaks into song.” “I started to throw when I was sixteen I should have played football where the money is clean Now I’ve got the shot put blues I used to throw in the summer I threw in the fall Now I feel best not throwing at all Oh I’ve got the shot put blues” when they needed him, including me. It was great to see him at the field blessing and to know how many times I stood with him on the field when it wasn’t so nice and full of mud and water. It makes me smile,” said Otremba. “He is one of the proudest Red Raiders I know. I love the guy. He is a staple of St. Francis for all he has done for the school and the students over the years. I wish him and Dawn the best for the future and hope to see them on campus for a lot of events.” Nate Suchyna, Class of 2000, “Gork was great in the classroom, he taught seniors and you knew as a senior going in that it was going to be a relaxed atmosphere. It was a place where you got your work done and then you know things could be more laid back. I learned as much about life as I did Economics and Government in that class.” 6 | FALL 2015
“Now that I coach track and field, I show the video and the shot put song, I guess you can say I’m passing along the tradition,” said Suchyna. How was it for Suchyna coming back to St. Francis as a teacher and coach and adjusting to being on the same level with former teachers and coaches? “Gork was the first one to accept me. It wasn’t weird. He made me feel welcome and that made the transition much easier. I always referred to him as my ‘School Dad’”. Paul Bartell ’88, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations had this to say about his friend and mentor. “Gork has had a profound influence on me personally and has been instrumental in the growth of the St. Francis High School Alumni Association. His keen insight and natural ability to relate
to alums from all eras laid the groundwork for the Association to become a more active, visible and supportive presence at St. Francis. He understood how important an engaged alumni base is to the ongoing success and future of our alma mater. Gork was always “all in” with St. Francis High School and his love for the school, its students and its alumni constantly reminds me that St. Francis is more than just a school and inspires me to do my best to make certain we will be here for generations to come. There will never be another Gork and I can only hope to carry on his good work.” Teacher, friend, mentor, coach and proud alum are just a few ways to describe Gork. What’s next? Gork says he’s going to concentrate on getting in better shape and being healthier. What won’t he miss at St. Francis? “The first five weeks of school are always tough, I certainly won’t miss that, or proctoring lunch,” he laughs. “I will miss the kids, and the bull sessions in the faculty room with the teachers during a free period, but I’ll be back.” Editor’s Note: It has been my privilege and pleasure to work with Gork for the past 15 years. On behalf of all of us here at St. Francis High School, we hope that you will come back often and wish you the best of health and happiness as you enter this next phase of your life. You can take the guy out of St. Francis, but you can’t take St. Francis out of the guy. Pax et Bonum. -Sue
Celebrating the Fine Arts at St. Francis Theatre It has been revealed that Lord Arthur Savile will commit a murder someday in the future. Hopefully, it will take place prior to his upcoming nuptials with the lovely Sybil Merton. Now all he needs is a method and a victim.
Concerts and Ceremonies Instrumental Christmas Concert Sunday, December 13th at 4:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre Concert Band, Jazz Messengers and K-OS
Vocal Christmas Concert Thursday, December 17th at 7:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre
Chorus Classes, Senior Schola and Men’s Choir
Saturday, November 14th at 7 PM Sunday, November 15th at 2 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre After the tremendous success of our 2002 production of this classic rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the St. Francis Players return to this 1970’s theatre piece based on the last days of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Vespers Sunday, December 20th at 4:00 PM Friars’ Hall Chapel Men’s Choir
The Spring Concert Thursday, April 21st at 7:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre All Vocal and Instrumental Groups
Friday, March 11th at 7 PM Saturday, March 12th at 7 PM Sunday, March 13th at 2 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre
The 44th Annual Art Awards Banquet Sunday, May 15th at 5:00 PM Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant
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alumni news 1950s
1990s
Fr. Herman Czaster, OFM Conv. ’56 and Fr. Alex Cymerman, OFM Conv. ’56 celebrated the 50th Anniversary of priestly ordination on June 17, 2015. Fr. Herman lives at the St. Adalbert Friary in Elmhurst, NY while Fr. Alex resides at the Franciscan Novitiate in Mishawaka, IN.
Adam Bartell ’91 was married to Nardin Academy graduate Amy Tuyn on Saturday, September 9, 2015 at the Saturn Club in downtown Buffalo. Paul Bartell ’88 served as best man and Jeff Bebak ’91 dazzled the crowd with his reading during the ceremony. Ted Sawicki ’91, Steve Bartell ’05 and Chris Fattey ’96 were also on hand to join in the festivities. Adam and Amy will reside in Buffalo where he works as a Senior Advisor for Deloitte and she works for Blue Cross/ Blue Shield.
1970s Dr. Stephen Zawistowski ’73 is the co-editor of a new textbook titled Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. The book debuted on Amazon.com as the number one book on animal behavior. Dan Blake ’76 secured a $10,000 grant from MassMutual for the Food Bank of Western New York. Dan is the CEO of Southtowns Financial Group in Orchard Park, NY and previously served on the St. Francis High School Alumni Association Board of Directors.
1980s Frederick Gawronski ’83 recently joined Colligan Law, LLP where he focuses on tax and bankruptcy law. Fred, a former President of the St. Francis High School Alumni Association, currently resides in Buffalo with his family. Members of the class of 1985 get together regularly and are always looking for more classmates to join them. They are pictured at The Bills vs Patriots game during the
CDR Ed Hoak ’93 assumed leadership of Navy Patrol Squadron 62 on September 19, 2015 in a ceremony held in Jacksonville, FL. CDR Hoak has earned several honors throughout his naval career including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Marine Corps Achievement Award. Ed and his wife Naomi live in Jacksonville with their daughter Briana (6). Thomas McCarthy ’93 resides in Hamburg, NY with his wife Sharon and two beautiful children Aidan (11) and Abby (6). Tom is the owner of Impact Fitness Systems, located inside the HarborCenter, and is an Assistant Professor at D’Youville College. Glenn Pawlowski ’93 and his teammates helped raise over $900,000 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s Team for Cures as part of the Ironman at Lake Placid in July, 2015.
Michael Galus ’96 and his wife Missy welcomed their second child into the world on August 10, 2015. Mia Susan Galus was born at 7:40 AM at Reston Hospital in Reston, VA and was 19.5 long and weighed 5 lbs., 11 oz. 2014-2015 season. Pictured front row L-R: Phil Weimer, George Gallagher. Back: ’86 Tim Gallagher, Peter Ulrich, Lou Luba, Matt Smith, Chris Bonuito, Rich Lehr, Mark Whipple. Peter Bodkin (not pictured).
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Mike Burke ’97 was named the Head Lacrosse Coach at his alma mater after serving in the same position at Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School. He looks forward to the opportunity of working with the young men of St. Francis High School and bringing home a title in the near future.
and notes... Thomas Gordon ’97 and his wife welcomed baby William Thomas Gordon into the world on June 22, 2015. Tom is an attorney and he and his family live in Amherst, NY. Dr. Brian Mata ’99 recently returned from the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship that took place in Syracuse, NY. He was the team physician for the U.S. National Team that took home the bronze medal. Brian recently moved back to Buffalo where he resides in Hamburg with his wife Amanda and their two children. Dr. Mata is a practicing orthopedic surgeon with Lakeshore Orthopedic Group which has offices in Hamburg and Dunkirk, NY.
2000s Kevin Crawford ’01 and his wife Kimberly welcomed their daughter Caroline Marie to the world on March 7, 2015. Nick Ziezula ’01 was named head tennis coach at Division I SUNY Binghamton. Previously Nick was the head coach at Georgia Southern for 4 years where he turned around a struggling program while numerous players received all Southern Conference honor under his watch. Ziezula was a standout player at SUNY Buffalo and graduated with records for career wins in singles and doubles as well as being named to the MAC All Academic team. Nick also holds a BA in psychology and a MA in educational administration from UB. Don Jablonski Jr. ’04 was married to Meaghan Rose Elliott on August 7th, 2015. Bill Vertalino ’04 was the best man and Brendan Kelley ’04 and Tom Wasielewski ’04 served as groomsmen. He and his new wife will make their home in West Seneca where he works with his father (Don Jablonski ’79) at their family business Buffalo New York Claims Service. Michael Ehlers ’06 was accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Daemen College. Mike had previously graduated from UB with a BA in Psychology in 2011. David Ehlers ’08 married Sofia Del Vecchio on April 14, 2015 in Rochester, MN. They are both Sergeants in the Marine Corp. and are currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan for the next 3 years. David has served in Afghanistan twice and was part of the security detail of General Joseph Dunford, who was the Commander of NATO and allied forces in Afghanistan and is currently the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Obama.
Eric Kaczor’08 is pictured next to Jeremy Jacobs who donated $30 Million to UB Med School. They renamed the med school to Jacobs school of Medicine. Eric is currently a Med Student at the Jacobs School of Medicine. Timothy Stahl ’09 was accepted into the doctoral program for clinical psychology at St. John’s University in New York City.
2010s Samuel Stahl ’10 began his work on his PhD in Classical Literature in September at the University of Buffalo where he was awarded a fully funded Presidential fellowship and a teaching assistantship. Class valedictorian from the SFHS Class of 2010, Sam graduated from Canisius College in 2014 with a B.A. in Classical Studies and Creative Writing. Paul Hermann ’11 and Alex Sikora ’10 both began their studies at the University Of Buffalo School Of Dental Medicine in September, 2015 with an expected graduation date of 2019. Paul graduated from Canisius College and Alex is a graduate of Denison University. Alexander Neary ’11 was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in June 2015 at the University of Rochester. Alex had a double major in biochemistry and psychology. Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honorary society and members are selected by faculty who are themselves members of the society. Bradley Hawayek ’12 is currently a sophomore at SUNY Geneseo where he is a goaltender on the Knights hockey team. On the back of his mask (pictured above) is the prayer he recited before every game as a member of the Prep Hockey team at St. Francis High School. Brad continues to recite the prayer before every game he plays and credits Coach Scott Diebold ’85, the hockey program and the faculty and staff of St. Francis for developing him into the player and person he is today.
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Spring Sports Recap
Lacrosse 2-14 Baseball 16-10
Georgetown Cup Champions
2015 Georgetown Cup Champions 10 | FALL 2015
Track and Field 4-0-1 Runner Up All Catholics
Tennis 2-8
All-Catholic and All-Star Selections 2014-2015 Varsity Track & Field
Chris Walter – Long Jump @ CHSAA State Pentathlon Champion Ryan Kawalerski – 800m, 3200 relay Noah Zydel – 3200 relay Adam Gargano – 3200 relay Nate Gora – 3200 relay Matt Kowalski – Discus
Varsity Baseball
Mike DeLeo – Pitcher of the Year, 2nd Team All-WNY Joe Milkowski – 1st Team Outfield Jacob Victor – 1st Team Outfield, 1st Team All-WNY Shawn Wagner – 1st Team Infield Nick Batchev – 2nd Team Pitcher Ty Syta – 2nd Team Catcher
Frosh-Soph All Catholic
Liam Pacholec – Shot Put & Discus Dan Janak – 1600m, 3200m, 1600 relay Lou Nazitto – Sprint Medley, 400 relay Colin Witman – Sprint Medley, 400 relay Jack Penharlow – Sprint Medley Adam Karalus – Sprint Medley, 1600 relay Sean Campbell – 1600 relay Bryan Bremer – 1600 relay Bryan Dempsey – 400 relay Josh Gabalski – 400 relay
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athletic complex update
Polian family Field Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv., President of St. Francis High School blessed the newly constructed “Polian Family Field” during a ceremony held on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 10:45 am. Mrs. Eileen Polian and Mr. Brian Polian’93 were in attendance. The new synthetic turf field is the first phase to be completed in the 4 million dollar Athletic Complex Redevelopment Project. Construction on the building has begun with completion slated for early 2016. In addition to the field, the project also includes a new eight lane track, lighting, scoreboard, fencing and expanded paved parking, as well as the building that will house locker rooms, a concession stand, restrooms and a VIP viewing area with seating both inside and out. Fr. Michael said that he is very grateful to everyone who has donated to this project and made this dream a reality for the entire school community.
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Blessed
In Memoriam Please remember in your prayers the following members of the St. Francis High School Family who have recently passed away.
+ David Kloc ’67 + Roger Palczewski ’64 + Nathaniel Smith ’07 + Daniel Ratajczak ’53 + William Mahoney ’53 + Richard Baran ’47 + Lillian Schaffstall Grandmother of Zak ’09 and Alex ’12 Schaffstall and mother-in-law of VP of Marketing and Communications Sue Schaffstall + John “Jack” McDermott Father of faculty member Mollie McDermott + Wanda Bemiller Grandmother of Jadd ’18, Jacob ’14 and Jarrett Dolegala ’13 + Robert Schunke Brother of staff member Norm Schunke + Richard J. Hopwood Sr. Grandfather of Jared Valvo ’17 + Gary Battistoni Sr. Grandfather of Joseph McGrath ’16 + Raymond Klute Father of faculty member Brian Klute + George Najuch + Robert Luksch Grandfather of Carl J. Luksch ’17 + Richard B. Wipperman Grandfather of Joseph Wipperman ’16 The TAU | 13
ALUMNI EVENTS
2015 bocce tournament
2015 golf tournament On an uncharacteristically damp day, 175 spirited golfers braved the inclement weather in support of the St. Francis High School Alumni Association’s 31st Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Terry Hills in Batavia, NY on July 9, 2015. “Team Ferris” consisting of Dan ’78, Brian ’00, Neal ’07 and Andrew ’09 overcame the elements and came in at a respectable -11 to come out on top. Ed Reiderer Jr. ’58, Pat Kaczmarczyk ’03 and David Nikiel ’00 were the sharpshooters of the tourney winning the Closest to the Pin Contests, while Andrew Ferris ’09, Cory Cullen ’13 and Max Bichler went deep and won the Longest Drive Contests.
20 teams and close to 100 participants attended the 9th Annual SFHS Alumni Association Bocce Tournament on Saturday, June 13, 2015. Held under blue skies on the front lawn of the school, Lake Erie provided a perfect backdrop for the day. Those in attendance enjoyed food and fellowship while demonstrating their lawn bowling skills on finely manicured courts. When the last ball was rolled the team of Gary Kaczor ’76, Mark Franz, Rick Izzo ’79, Peter Grandits ’76 and Dan Reedy ’76 (not pictured) took home the title. Special thanks to Jack Jensen ’73, Pat Malonry ’73, Joe Golba ’49 and Ken Sovinski ’82 for their extraordinary efforts in making this event a success.
Fr. Rufinas Athletic Hall of Fame
Members of the Class of 2015
A sincere thank you to all of our participants and sponsors in making this year’s tournament a success. A special thank you to Greene & Associates for their ongoing support as the Tournament Sponsor. All proceeds will go to scholarship funds established by the Association for current and future students as well as the academic, athletic and fine arts programs of St. Francis High School. Mark your calendars for next year’s tournament which is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, 2016. 14 | FALL 2015
Pictured from left to right: Steve Otremba ’90 Director of Athletics, Todd Kane ’99, Scott Greene ’01, Jason Blatner ’98, John Compisi ’66, and Fr. Michael, President.
PHILADELPHIA PAPAL PILGRIMAGE Br. Nicholas Romeo, OFM Conv.
When I first learned Pope Francis would be traveling on his first apostolic visitation of the United States, coming to the city of brotherly love just six hours away, I knew we had to take a group to see him! On the weekend of September 26-27, thirty-one pilgrims made the trip to Philadelphia to participate in the Solemn Papal Mass concluding the Eighth World Meeting of Families. Venturing by charter bus, we left on Saturday night and arrived into Philly early Sunday morning. Then came a subway ride into Center City and a sunrise walk through an eerilydeserted downtown to iconic Logan Circle, along the route the pope would later parade. We camped out along the barricade, entertained by music, conversation, (and much needed sleep) during the eight-hour wait for the
papal parade. Pope Francis drove by in the popemobile at 3:30pm, before presiding at Mass for an estimated 800,000 people along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Words, and the pictures here, fail to capture the energy of the experience. Profoundly electric and intensely emotional, it was an experience that reminded me of why I love being Catholic! Part of something bigger than myself, part of a global Church, a drop amidst a vast ocean of faith.
From Isaiah Utley, ’16 “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that took a lot of time, but was well worth the wait. Seeing the Pope was an unforgettable experience!” From Mrs. Pamela Kendall “When I saw his white jeep rounding the corner coming toward us, it wiped out any inconvenience I had felt after not having slept a minute the night before and waiting 10 hours on the curb fighting the crowd to save our front row spot. A week later I am still reveling this experience. To have my whole family with me to celebrate Pope Francis’ mass for the World Meeting of Families made the entire event more special. Thank you Brother Nick and SF for one of my life’s highlights and memories I will treasure forever.” From Mr. Matthew Bermingham “It was very powerful & moving to witness a half million plus people receiving holy communion in one place. Awesome to experience the power of God’s presence here on Earth!” “When living on the streets, a water bottle makes an excellent pillow!” “The SFHS boys were outstanding ambassadors for their school, families, and Western New York. Proud to find myself among them.”
From Ms. Katie Quick “I never thought waiting eight hours, on a pretty dirty city street with no sleep, would be worth it. But it was. It was thrilling seeing the Pope just five feet in front of us.” From Samuel Anderson, ’16 “If something means a lot to you, then you’ll go to all ends to prove that it does. Sitting and laying in that street for hours was rough, but in the end it showed how much catching a…glimpse of the pope meant to us.” From Mrs. Dianne DiPasquale “Watching Pope Francis ride by so close to us, I felt as though I could feel his love for people and his goodness washing over us. Sharing the whole experience as a family with other St. Francis families made the whole trip even more special and memorable.”
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Alumni News & Notes Please forward any Alumni News to: Paul Bartell ’88 St. Francis High School 4129 Lake Shore Road, Athol Springs, NY 14010 or E-mail Bartellp@stfrancishigh.org Name__________________________________________________ Grad Year ________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State _________ Zip Code ______________ Phone Home_____________________________________________________________ Cell_______________________________________________________________ Work_____________________________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________________ New and Notes:____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Alumni Events Family Day January 16, 2016 Gift Gathering Party January 30, 2016 Memorial Mass March 6, 2016 Spring Musical Reception March 12, 2016 Follow us on Instagram SFHSATHOLSPRINGS Follow your favorite SFHS Sports Teams @SFHS_Athletics Like us on Facebook St. Francis High School Athol Springs
Submit your Alumni News and Notes via website:
www.stfrancishigh.org
Click on the Alumni tab at the top of the home page and then select Alumni News and Notes. You can even upload pictures. You can still e-mail Paul Bartell at Bartellp@stfrancishigh.org with updates.
Alumni Data Base online Visit our website and click on Alumni