2016 Fall Tau

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aU

fall 2016 Vol. 8 | No. 1

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends of St. Francis High School

Story on pp. 6 & 7

2 Alumni Happenings 3 Alumni @Events 4 Brotherhood @ 6 Alumni News 8 and Notes Varsity Spring Sports Recap 10 Coach Jeff’s Legacy 12 Fine Arts @ 14 Voting Catholic @Voting Franciscan 15 President’s Letter

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FALL 2016 Vol. 8 | No. 1

A MAgAzine for AluMni, PArents & friends of st. frAncis HigH scHool

Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature.

What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.

Saint Francis of Assisi What do you think of when you read the above quote from St. Francis of Assisi? For myself, I realize that each school year is a new beginning, and I renew for myself the purpose of why we do what we do: to help our young men to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Francis exists for one purpose: to help maintain the faith of our Church, which allows our young men to be nurtured in an atmosphere of Christian brotherhood. Certainly we reflect, refresh and examine who we are and where we are going as a school community, realizing this is an effort of the whole family, not one individual. We have been blessed with many talented staff and faculty who have embraced the Franciscan philosophy of education and have enhanced what we have become, a school guided by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. We have been enriched because of our faithfulness and have reaped the benefits. We begin a new academic year grateful for our past successes, cognizant of our present, and looking forward for our future.

We welcomed the class of 2020 to the ranks of the brotherhood which is St. Francis, a class of 123 young men this September with a total enrollment of 541. Along with an increase of enrollment, I am also excited to report that our student based fund raiser the Red Raider Raffle generated over $100,000 to benefit St. Francis.

Thank you to all who purchased tickets and to our young men who rose to the occasion to support THEIR school.

You may have noticed as you drive past St. Francis some construction going on at the baseball field. Work began in June for a renovation of the upper baseball field through the generosity of +Jeff Sgroi and his family. This project includes new dugouts, backstop, fencing, infield drainage and new turf for the infield. This project should be completed shortly, and I am grateful for the support given by Tim Kirst of Kirst Construction and many others who have made this renovation possible. Please see the article on the field later in the TAU. Also this summer, we replaced the roof of Justin Hall and upgraded the lighting system in the John Ormsby Alumni Hall Auditorium to a state of the art digital system. A special thanks to Ed Simoncelli and Simoncelli Electric for their help with this project.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who made gifts to St. Francis High School over the past year. Our Annual Report of gifts is included in this edition of the TAU. I am eternally grateful for the continued generosity of our St. Francis Family and their ongoing support of our mission. Thank You! May God Continue to bless you for your generosity.

Pax et Bonum,

Story on pp. 6 & 7

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Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv.

President

alumni happenings

23 members of the class of 1986 gathered on campus on June 25th to celebrate their 30th reunion. Classmates celebrated Mass in the chapel, received tours of the school and gathered in the foyer of Alumni Hall for a reception. A special thanks to Kevin Gavin ’86 for organizing the reunion.

Kevin Gavin and Mark Sullivan

Pictured from left to right: Zach Schneider ’99, Rick Izzo ’79, Jake Schneider ’73, Tom Fuchs ’81 and Kevin Clough ’82

Pictured from left to right members of the Class of 1976: Gary Kaczor, Henry Bacher, Dan Reedy, Andy Christie, and Tom Dietrick

On Thursday, August 25th the St. Francis High School Alumni Association hosted a cruise on the waters of Lake Erie.

Over 110 were in attendance and enjoyed beverages and light hors d’oeuvres while taking in the spectacular views of both Lake Erie and the bustling Canalside waterfront of downtown Buffalo. Special thanks to Assistant Alumni Director Marc Fattey ’99 for his efforts in making this event such a success.

St. Francis Tau | Vol. 8 No. 1 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

Photography Yearbook Staff Toni Lambert Lifetouch Photography

Contributors Jenny Attea Mason Trowbridge’17 Br. Nick Romeo

Proofreading Pat Kaczmarczyk Katie Quick

Fr. Mark David Skura ’71, OFM Conv.

Cover Design and Fine Arts We welcome your comments... schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org

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22 teams came out to enjoy the idyllic setting and fellowship on Saturday, June 11th at the St. Francis High School Alumni Association’s 10th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament. At the end of the day it was veteran participants the “Big Dogs” (Jeff Lacapruccia ’96, Brian Rogers ’96, Dan Donohue ’98, and Carl Rogers ’02 (with a moral assist from Jay Pinkert ’97) that came away with their first championship by defeating the defending champions Team Kaczor in the finals.

Special thanks to Event Chair Jack Jensen ’73 for his efforts and fellow Alumni Board Directors Ken Sovinski ’82 and Joe Golba ’49 for their expertise on the grill.

40th Annual Hall of Fame Inductions

2016 Hall of Fame Inductees Dallas Pelz ’99............................................... Football, Track & Field James Negrych ’03......................................... Baseball, Basketball, Football Christopher Smith ’05.................................... Football, Wrestling

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Three new members were inducted into the Fr. Rufinas Athletic Hall of Fame at St. Francis High School.

Dallas Pelz ’99, James Negrych ’03 and Christopher Smith ’05.

Inductees were honored at the 40th Annual Sports Award and Hall of Fame Banquet held on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Michaels Banquet Facility in Hamburg, NY. The Sports Hall of Fame at St. Francis High school is named after The Very Rev. Rufinus Niedziecki Memorial one of Western New York’s legendary sports figures. The Hall of Fame now has a permanent home on the first floor of the newly constructed Gacioch Family Athletic Center at St. Francis High School.

Sold Out Crowd for the 32nd Annual Alumni Golf Tourney On Thursday, July 7th, 216 golfers teed it up for the 32nd Annual St. Francis Tournament Sponsors ($2500) High School Alumni Association Charity Golf Tournament at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia, NY. In stark contrast to last year, sunshine poured over the course as alumni, faculty, parents, alumni parents and friends of St. Francis came together to support the Association and St. Francis High School.

The winning foursome of Charles Castiglia ’83, Anthony Castiglia ’11, Dale Wilson and Jack Attfield came in with an impressive score of 14 under to lead the field. Mark Wolbert ’06, Scott Gill and Jeff Blair ’78 were the sharpshooters as winners of the Closest To The Pin Contests while big hitters Corporate Sponsors ($1500) Dr. Rick Charlap ’85, Adam Bartell ’91 and Dale Wilson won the Longest Excelsior Orthopaedics, LLP Drive Contests.

Gateway Printing & Graphics Inc. Proceeds from the tournament help fund scholarships established at the Gross Shuman Brizdle & school by the Association for current and future students that need assistance Gilfillan, P.C. to attend St. Francis High School. Thanks to all participants, sponsors and Superior Auto Sales the Alumni Board of Directors for making this tournament so successful.

Golf Cart Sponsor ($750) Special thanks to the following sponsors: Dansa & D’Arata, LLP Beverage Cart Sponsors ($500) Apex National Property Management Assoc.

Sgroi Financial Niagara National Insurance Schneider Design Architects Try-It Distributing Company

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br o t her Has there ever been a time in your life where you were a part of a team, a club, or a specific group that was special to you? Now think about this, what about a brotherhood? You may ask, “What is a brotherhood? Is there even a difference between being a part of something, and being a part of a brotherhood?” There is a HUGE difference! True brotherhood goes far beyond genetics. Authentic, passionate brothers, embrace unlimited loyalty, confidence, and love in one another.

Here at St. Francis we are a family,

we are a brotherhood. The young men choose to make a difference not only in their own lives, but in everybody else’s. Each and every person knows that the young man sitting next to them is willing to give all that they have for the betterment of the school and in turn, as a whole, the student body pushes to be the best. Every day these young men become better and push themselves to perform their very best on and off the field. The motivation and competitive edge is exquisite. The atmosphere is breathtaking. The school as a whole,

is powerful and sensational. St. Francis High School is a true family, a true brotherhood.

What is it about the school and within the school that makes us a brotherhood?

It’s that every person buys into being a part of something more than just themselves. It’s one collective genus, one devoted group, one school body.

The teachers and faculty go out of their way to make sure that each and every student receives the best possible education. The students work hand in hand with the teachers, to learn and to strive to be great.

Throughout my wonderful journey at the school I have encountered numerous situations that have forced me to realize how important brotherhood really is.

Towards the end of my junior year I decided to take a huge step in my life and become Catholic. Before St. Francis, I never really took any time to notice what God really has to offer. Once entering the realm of the most beautiful school, I realized that following my faith and reaching out to others is what life’s all about. If it wasn’t for my St. Francis brothers helping me through the process and showing to me how important faith was in their life, I would have never realized how important it is in mine.

Being a part of St. Francis changed my life forever. The school’s legacy lives on forever inside me, and inside you. Once a St. Francis man, forever a St. Francis brother.

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

ALUMNI

hood

By Mason Trowbridge ’17

+Arthur Cholewinski ’53 +Timothy Ellis ’92 +Dr. Daniel Kaczor ’55 +Don Machin ’65 +Robert Monteserin ’75 +Matthew Morris ’05 +Matthew Musial ’09 +Steven Plumer ’75 +Robert Stiller ’59

FAMILY AND FRIENDS +Dorothy Hurst Mother of Rusty Hurst ’83 and Grandmother of Shane Hurst ’16 +Harriet J. Irwin Grandmother of Patrick Majkut ’19 +Christina Lewis Sister of Anthony Fistola ’00 +Lorraine Licate Mother of staff member Jennifer Attea, mother-in-law of Brian Attea ’85 and grandmother of Samuel Attea ’18 +Mary Mangan Grandmother of Evan Mangan ’17, Thomas Mangan ’13, John Ferris ’12 and Nicholas Ferrino ’15 About the Author: Mason Trowbridge is a senior at St. Francis High School. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, a Paduan Scholar and is currently the Student Body President. Mason participates in a variety of activities both in and out of school. He is a member of men’s choir, a Student Ambassador, Lector, a member of the Varsity prep Hockey Team and a contributor to St. Francis Writers@work. Mason is also a Correspondent for the Buffalo News Next Magazine. He recently received a service and leadership award from Niagara University called the St. Vincent de Paul medal. After graduation Mason hopes to attend either the Air Force Academy or Niagara University. He plans to study either Law or Criminal Justice.

+Edward Niemczyk Grandfather of Tyler Siminski ’13 +Josephine Nowadly Mother of Peter ’71, Keith ’74 and Paul ’83 Nowadly +Sr. Mary Sylvia Roma, RSM Aunt of Anthony Fistola ‘00 +Theresa Sambuchi Mother of Chris ’80, Greg ’82, and Mark’85 Sambuchi, Grandmother of James Woolingham ’08 and Aunt of Matthew Galey ’03 and Fr. Jeffrey Nowak ’98

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alumni news 1970s

Todd Zielinski ’95 was named CEO and Managing Director of Athena SWC (Amherst, NY) in July, 2016.

He co-founded the company in 2007.

Todd is a graduate of D’Youville College and the Buffalo Chapter of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program

Henry Grzes ’74 is now working as a Lead Technical Tax Manager with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants at their headquarters in Durham, NC. Henry reported that he and 8 of his classmates from the SFHS Class of 1974 met in Chicago to celebrate their 60th birthdays in June. Those in attendance were Brendan Cook, Pat Kelly, Jim Tyrpak, Tim McNamara, Tom Hoelzl, Peter Pasnik and Dale Schwenk.

1990s Robert Carney ’91 competed in the Ironman 70.3 Ohio Triathlon on August 21, 2016. He finished the course which consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, 13.1 mile run and 56 mile bike ride in 5 hours and 44 minutes. Bob reports it was a truly unforgettable experience.

Paul Michalek Jr. ’94 was recently appointed to the School Board of St. Francis High School. He joins his father and long time school attorney Paul ’64 on the board.

Charlie Sellers ’97 and his wife Michaela welcomed their son Charles John Sellers IV into the world on June 10, 2016.

Charlie and his family currently reside in Southborough, MA and hope to get back to Buffalo soon to show him where dad grew up and went to school.

Andy Ruszczyk ’99 and Zach Schneider ’99 recently opened Ru’s Pierogi in Buffalo, NY. The restaurant is located at 295 Niagara Street and is available for functions. Ru’s also has a food truck that also is available for events and may be visited at various locations throughout Western New York.

2000s Anthony Fistola ’00 and his wife Kari-Marie are the proud parents of Kaylin May (4) and Parker Anthony (2). The two are already following in their parents footsteps and are actively involved in sports and keeping their parents on the move.

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and notes...

Nate Suchyna ’00 married Mary Kate Taggart at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, NY on July 7, 2016. Nick Suchyna ’03 was the best man while Bobby Taggart ’06, Andy Taggart ’09, Sean Taggart ’17 and Charlie Taggart ’23 served as groomsmen.

The reception was held at Orchard Park Country Club where they were joined in celebration by several members of The St. Francis Family including SFHS Alumni Brian Ferris ’00, Kevin Hoak ’99, Scott Webber ’89, Kevin Webber ’85, Matt Richey ’09, Luke Tasker ’09, Mike Messore ’91, Gerry Gorczyca ’73, Andy Lanigan ’02, Mark Miklos ’03, Tim Musial ’06, Steve Otremba ’90, Travis Snyder ’10 and Paul Bartell ’88.

James Sztaba ’04 and his wife Sara had their daughter Maeve Elizabeth baptized in the St. Francis High School Chapel.

Msgr. David Lee and St. Francis High School President Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. presided over the Baptism while many family members and friends were on hand to celebrate the occasion including SFHS Alumni Dan Winkler ’04, Josh Violanti ’07, Zach Violanti ’09 and Ben Violanti ’11.

Dan Shick ’06 was recently hired as a graphic designer in the Athletics Division at New Era Cap Company in Buffalo.

Joseph Mondo ’08 has been appointed as the school psychologist for Cheektowaga Central Middle School.

2010s Jacob Lesinski ’10 received his Masters of Fine Arts In Creative Writing from California State University at Fresno with high honors maintaining 3.93 GPA.

Jason Godios ’01 was medically retired from the Marine Corps in 2008. Following 9/11 he joined the Marine Corps and served his country honorably for 8 years in the infantry including 3 tours of duty in Iraq. Jason was awarded the Purple Heart 3 times for wounds he received in action. He now works for Praxair and currently lives in Lancaster, NY with his wife Paulette and their children Mackenzie and Christopher.

Christopher Frunzi ’02 is a police in Charlotte, NC. The image of Officer Frunzi hugging a protestor during unrest in the city captured national attention. He recently visited his alma mater and spoke with students.

Christopher Herman ’10 graduated from Texas State University in 2015 with a Masters Degree in Journalism and Communication and accepted a position in the Academic and Assessment Department at the same institution. He is an editor and writer for oneofus.net. He is a member of the Austin Film Critics Association and recently covered South

by Southwest for the website.

Logan Jay’18, the son of Larry ’88 and Katherine Jay, and a student of St. Francis High School completed the eighteenth session of the FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program, July 1, 2016. The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is sponsored by the FBINAA, Inc. the professional association of graduates of the FBI National Academy for state and local law enforcement officials, a nongovernment association.

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Varsity spring Sports Recap Photography by Toni Lambert

Varsity Baseball

17-8 Overall Record 1st Team All Catholic Nick Batchev Brent Carmello Steve Mazzone Cole O’Connor Jacob Victor

Varsity Tennis 2-8 Overall Record 2-2 League Record 10 | FALL 2016

Varsity Track & Field 3-2 League Record

Larry Durski – 1600m Relay George Kline – 1600m Relay Bo Sireka- High Jump Jacob Tasker – 1600m Relay Jeff Walter – 1600m Relay Nick Miller – SF Record 110 HH

Varsity Lacrosse

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Coach On February 3, 2016 St. Francis High School lost long time Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach Jeff Sgroi to complications related to his battle with cancer. “Coach Jeff”, as the over 150 players he coached from the past decade called him, was diagnosed with the disease and passed away within 5 weeks.

Far too soon for a 45 year old man that was known at St. Francis High School and throughout Western New York for his kindness, generosity and affable disposition.

Although Jeff was not a St. Francis Alumnus, his ties to the school ran deep. In addition to being a beloved coach, many of his best friends and several of his relatives from the Clouden Family are St. Francis Alumni. Even after his passing the connection remains as Jeff’s cousin Andrew Clouden ’18 and nephew Jake Sgroi ’20 are current students.

Coach Sgroi had a genuine love and enthusiasm for the game of baseball and the players he coached. He shared his knowledge and experiences from his time as a Division I player at LeMoyne College and Niagara University freely and was a key part of the success of the Red Raider baseball

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Jeff’s Legacy

By Paul Bartell ’88

program. During his time as an assistant to lifelong friend and Head Varsity Baseball Coach Paul Bartell ’88, the team won 3 Georgetown Cups, was ranked in the top 10 in Western New York every year and saw 36 of its players move on to play college baseball.

In death, as in life, Jeff Sgroi will continue to have a positive impact on the young men of St. Francis High School. Shortly before he passed Sgroi designated $131,000 in his estate to be used to renovate the varsity baseball field. It is because of his legacy gift and many others that contributed generously in his memory that the field is currently undergoing significant upgrades including; a new infield, drainage and irrigation, a new backstop and fencing as well as the addition of dugouts, a scoreboard, bullpens and a warning track.

In the spring of 2017, the new varsity baseball field at St. Francis High School will be dedicated as Jeff Sgroi Memorial Field, honoring a selfless, caring person who is often described by his family, friends, teammates and players as “better than the best”.

To make a gift in Jeff Sgroi’s memory, please contact Paul Bartell ’88, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at (716) 627-1200 ext. 465 or bartellp@stfrancishigh.org

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Celebrating the Fine Arts at St. Francis Theatre

Concerts and Ceremonies

Saturday, November 12th at 7 PM Sunday, November 13th at 2 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre

Christmas Programs Vocal Concert Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre Chorus Classes, Senior Schola and Men’s Choir

Instrumental Concert Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre Concert Band, Jazz Messengers and K-OS

Lessons and Carols “The final 15 minutes will reward you as a murder mystery should.”

- The New York Times

Friday, March 17th at 7 PM Saturday, March 18th at 7 PM Sunday, March 19th at 2 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre

Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 PM Friars’ Hall Chapel Men’s Choir

The Spring Concerts Instrumental Concert Tuesday, April 25th at 7:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre Concert Band, Jazz Messengers and K-OS

Vocal Concert Thursday, April 27th at 7:00 PM Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre Chorus Classes, Senior Schola and Men’s Choir

The 45th Annual Art Awards Banquet “The Perfect Broadway Musical” -New York Magazine

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Sunday, May 21st at 5:00 PM Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant

Voting Catholic, Voting Franciscan It’s a rough year to be both a Catholic and a voter. It is tempting to resolve the cognitive dissonance by compartmentalizing our belief in the Gospel apart from our patriotism.

But such flimsy walls are neither Catholic nor particularly American.

The “separation of Church and State” demands government to stay out of our faith, not for our politics to be unaffected by our religious convictions.

And the Church challenges us to vote because of our faith, not in spite of it.

In fact, every four years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops releases its document on “Faithful Citizenship,” a guide to voting as a Catholic. Let’s take a look at the “big picture” the document asks us to keep in mind.

Trigger Warning: Folks on both sides of the aisle will be made uncomfortable by portions of what follows. That discomfort is a needed reminder that neither political party has a monopoly on the Gospel.

isms that divide us. We are called to work for peace, using violent force only as a last resort.

To this list, I add the following challenges from the Franciscan tradition:

• The Dignity of the Human Person.

Societies are judged on how they treat their most vulnerable members.

This principle includes the Church’s Pro-Life stance, but claiming to be “Pro-Life” includes much more than opposition to abortion. Policies and social programs, which assist those already born to live in dignity, also come into play.

• Support for the Family. Does this include the Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage? Sure. But it also includes a plethora of economic policies that support families (i.e. paid family leave, a living wage).

• The Common Good. Our policies need to benefit the community as a whole, not just a few individuals.

This includes protection of basic human rights (i.e. life, religious freedom, housing, education, employment, health care) and also policies that uphold the dignity of work (i.e. collective bargaining).

It also includes comprehensive immigration reform and protection of the environment.

• Solidarity. We are called to seek justice: working against the many [insert people different from us]-

• I n t e r - r e l i g i o u s Dialogue. One of the best known stories of Francis of Assisi is when he travels with a Crusade to attempt to convert the sultan of Islam. Francis fails in this attempt, but in the process finds himself inspired by the faithfulness of the Muslims he encountered.

Upon his return to Italy, Francis composed a “Letter to All Rulers,” which includes a proposal to ring bells at various times throughout the day as a reminder for people to stop and pray (echoes of the Muslim Salat). When we enter into honest and respectful dialogue with those whose beliefs differ from our own, in an attempt to live in fraternity with them, we just might come away inspired.

• Metanoia. Francis set out on the path of lifelong conversion to the Gospel life. He made his views, his practices, his very self, flexible.

He lived ever-open to the possibility that his current way—of thinking, of acting—was in continual need of being more deeply conformed to the model of Christ Jesus. May we be conscious of this need for ongoing conversion and maturation, in both our spiritual lives and political philosophies, as we perform that most basic of duties as faithful citizens: casting our vote.

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

Student Eucharistic Ministers Installed at Mass on Solemnity of Saint Francis On Tuesday, October 4, the SFHS community celebrated the feast day of our spiritual founder, Francis of Assisi, with solemn Mass at the start of the day. During the liturgy, seven members of the student body were installed as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.

Upcoming Alumni Events St. Francis @ Hamburg Brewing Company Friday, November 4, 2016 Family Day Sat., January 14, 2017 Scheduled Reunions: Class of 1996 20 Year Reunion Fri. & sat., October 28-29, 2016 Class of 2011 5 Year Reunion Wed., November 23, 2016 Class of 2006 10 Year Reunion Wed., November 23, 2016

Follow your favorite SFHS Sports Teams @SFHS_Athletics Like us on Facebook St. Francis High School Athol Springs Pictured from left to right: Matthew Fabian ’18, Liam Pacholec ’17, Charles DiPasquale ’18, Matthew Bermingham ’18, Peyton Kellner ’18, Daniel Janak ’17 and Nicholas Piwko ’18.

Alumni News & Notes

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

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