Spring 2014 (2)

THE

aU

SPRING 2014 A MAgAzine for AluMni, PArents & friends of st. frAncis HigH scHool 1988 cast of Man of La Mancha The first musical presented in Alumni Hall Theatre

Then and Now Alumni Hall turns 25

2014 cast of Man of La Mancha The first musical of our second quarter century

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IN THIS ISSUE Alumni Writers Pages 4 & 5 Fine Arts Pages 6 & 7 Alumni News & Notes Pages 8 & 9 Winter Sports Recaps Pages 10 & 11 Graduation Page 12 Class of 1964 Page 13 Justinian XXXIII Page 15

THE

aU

SPRING 2014 A MAgAzine for AluMni, PArents & friends of st. frAncis HigH scHool 1988 cast of Man of La Mancha The first musical presented in Alumni Hall Theatre

Then and Now Alumni Hall turns 25

2014 cast of Man of La Mancha The first musical of our second quarter century

ON THE COVER Alumni Hall turns 25

FROM THE PRESIDENT The Commencement Exercise of May 23, 2014 marks the end of high school for the class of 2014, and they begin a new journey in their lives.

Congratulations to the 118 young men who received their diplomas in the 84th Commencement Exercises held at Our Lady of Victory Basilica. They leave our halls as brothers joining the many alums who have preceded them. Richer than when they first entered, they are now able to go out into to the world and make their own mark. They were challenged to change what they could and to continue to spread the Franciscan values they learned while here at St. Francis. May they always be guided by the spirit of St. Francis and continue to live their lives as sons of St. Francis.

Joining the class of 2014 in celebration was the class of 1964, celebrating their 50th anniversary of graduation. Twenty-five members of this anniversary class began their day at St. Francis with a Mass in the school chapel, remembering at this time deceased classmates, followed by a brunch and tours of the school given by members of the class of 2015. Many a story was exchanged; classmates who haven’t seen each other in years came together and celebrated like they never were apart. Truly, the celebration of the brotherhood of St. Francis is never forgotten and is only enlivened when a group comes together. To all the classes celebrating an anniversary, congratulations and enjoy the brotherhood which is St. Francis.

We celebrated the 50th anniversary of the class of 1964, we said adieu to the class of 2014, and we welcomed the class of 2018. The incoming freshmen met together for the first time on May 14th and participated in an orientation program guided by four members of the graduation class. These young men shared their experience of St. Francis and described to the class of 2018 four qualities that are the foundation of a St. Francis education: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. Presently, we have an incoming freshmen class of 150. Our total enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year will be 540 which includes our international students.

We remain a healthy and vibrant school continuing the Franciscan tradition of helping many young men who desire a Catholic/Franciscan education.

Finally, I invite all to visit and see for yourselves the many changes that have occurred. One change that will occur this summer will be the renovation of the library of St. Francis, and it will take on a new look which we are very excited about and we welcome you to visit. As our school year comes to an end, so does our fiscal year. Enclosed you will find an annual giving envelope. If you have already made your gift, I thank you for your generosity. If not, please consider donating now. The majority of the funds generated from the Annual Giving Appeal are earmarked for tuition assistance in order to make a St. Francis High School education available to many young men who desire one. Your contributions continue to support many projects and enable us to move forward with many dreams that can become reality with your continued generosity. May God always bless you in your giving.

Pax et Bonum.

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UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS 8th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament Saturday, June 21st starting at 12 noon. Festivities to be held at SFHS. Open to all alumni, friends and faculty of SFHS $25 per person includes beer, pop, hamburgers, hot dogs and sausage. For more information please contact Jack Jensen ’73 at 716-812-4005 or Paul Bartell at 716-627-1200. Individual players also welcome.

30th Annual Alumni Charity Golf Tournament The 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by the Alumni Association will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014. The cost is $135 per golfer. Lunch 11:15 AM, Shotgun start 12:15 PM. Dinner only tickets $50. Contact Paul Bartell for more info at 716-627-1200 X 465 or e-mail bartellp@stfrancishigh.org.

You can also register and pay online for both of these events.

Please remember in your prayers the following members of the

St. Francis High School Family who

have recently passed away:

+Dennis J. Mead ‘78 Brother of Michael ‘75, Thomas ‘77, Gerald Jr. ‘80, Edward ‘85 and Mark ‘86 + Donald F. Kane Sr. Grandfather of Cullen Kane ‘15

+ Stephen A. Nowak Sr. Step-Grandfather of Jacob Duggan ‘16 +Patricia Heitzhaus Grandmother of John Garvin ‘07 +Mark Nelson ‘93 +Anthony Montella ‘57 +Arthur “Artie” Dunne ‘68 + Catherine E. (Retchless) Isula Grandmother of Austin Palmer ‘17

ST. FRANCIS TAU Vol. .5 No. 4

Published three times a year by the St. Francis High School Office for Institutional Advancement 4129 Lake Shore Road Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185 www.stfrancishigh.org 716-627-1200 We

welcome your comments...

schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org

of

+ Lanny DeWayne Mehl Grandfather of Jacob Tasker ’16, Gabriel ’12, Luke’09, Deacon ‘06 + John O’Neill Grandfather of John Kalinowski ‘15 + Anthony Giansante Grandfather of Ryan DiPasquale ‘15 +Anthony Joseph Zebron ‘48

Sue Schaffstall Editor & VP Communications & Marketing Mike Messore’91 Feature Writer

Cover Design & Fine Arts Fr. Mark David Skura ’71, OFM Conv.

Jerry Gorczyca ’73 Alumni News & Notes- Sports

+ Eileen M. “Peggy” (Mahoney) O’Meara Mother of William’83 & Grandmother of Michael’16 + Menyhert Kalenda Grandfather of Zackary Sobaszek ’17 + Joseph Chillemi Grandfather of Andrew Chillemi ‘15 + Irene Hoelzl Mother of Michael ’70 & Thomas ‘74 + Irene Labenski Grandmother of Brad M. Rybczynski ‘93

Photography Jerry Gorczyca ’73 Sue Schaffstall Yearbook Staff Photographers Lifetouch Proofreading Pat Kaczmarczyk Sheila Mangino Paul Bartell, Jr ‘88

SPIRITUALITY AND CREATIVITY

4 St. Francis once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” School president Fr. Michael Sajda often cites this when calling upon the young men at St. Francis High School to lead by example. But many times there is a need for words. Many of the alumni writers that participated in this feature use the written word to express their faith in one form or another. The final segment of the alumni writers’ series shines a light on those who literally preach the gospel and artists who seek truth through writing for a living. These men are “men of action”; men who live the advice that they give whether through spiritual or artistic expression.

Mike Wech ‘83 is an independent media professional in Hollywood CA, working as a writer, producer, director and editor for feature films, television, new media, corporate and commercial projects. His debut novel SEVEN-X has become an Amazon Best Seller (Kindle) in the US, UK and Germany. SEVEN-X is in the process of becoming a feature film with a planned series of three books and films. “Writing is my life and the backbone of my career. In media, everything starts and ends with the writing. Writing is the essential tool to communicate ideas in the digital age. Whether it is a business plan, script, proposal or even e-mail, writing is usually the introduction to who you are and what you are selling.”

With a B.S. in Communications from SUNY Brockport, Mike started writing in his theater classes, bringing to life the creative potential that many of his teachers at St. Francis helped him to hone. “St. Francis brings fond memories to me…My teachers were also the stuff legends are made of. “Gork” was one of my favorites. Mr. Brady (English)…challenged me to channel my creativity into writing, often with wild results. Coach Smith... having a never say die attitude, a passion to win, and the strength to persevere no matter what… As a writer you need that thick skin and passion to get through the inevitable struggles you will face in a very rough business. Finally, there was Father Luke. No matter how crazy things got, he was even-tempered, Christ-like and wise. Like a lion tamer, he could take a group of crazy kids and melt us with a whisper. We all had such respect for him.”

Mike feels that creativity is a gift from God for us to share; and if we pay attention, if we use our senses, if we keep an open mind, if we work hard, and if we stay determined…success is there for the taking. “Learn to find the constructive criticism in rejection and critique…Then go back to work with fresh eyes.

Writing is re-writing. Your second, third, even one-hundredth pass will yield a new discovery.”

Anthony Bellagamba ’01 uses his writing skills “every single day” in his professional life since he left Loyola University Chicago. His success throughout his career on Wall Street as an investment banker to Silicon Valley as a software salesman is attributed to his writing skills which in Anthony’s words, were “…the most important weapon at my disposal.” However, his writing followed an additional path when he wrote and self-published a Christian children’s book titled The Awesome Christian Association. The book serves a dual purpose as a text with a positive message for young Christians and as a form of social justice—50% of the profits from the sale of the book are donated to a charity called “Wine to Water” (winetowater.org) that provides clean water to those in need around the world.

Anthony’s job takes him all over the country and allows him to rub elbows with famous people (most recently the members of the rock band KISS and former Stanley Cup champion and NHL hall-of-famer Luc Robitaille) but he remains grounded, and his roots in writing and religion can be found at his alma mater.

About his English teachers, Anthony says, “I learned something different from all of my English teachers at St. Francis: Mr. Messore introducing us to the more modern writing styles of ‘cool’ and ‘hip’ authors; Mr. Shea teaching us about hard-nosed, pull-no-punches journalism; Mr. O’Malley highlighting the subtlety and grace of Thoreau’s writing style.”

Chris Sicks ’86 is Pastor of Mercy at Alexandria Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, VA. Chris graduated from UB with a degree in English and served in the U.S. Army before taking a job, writing about real estate for The Washington Times. After over 1,000 columns and articles about the housing market, he earned the opportunity to put his passion for writing toward his other passion—ministry. Chris says of his experience with the paper, “I learned to write clearly and simply, and developed discipline to write even when I didn’t want to. Those lessons bore fruit recently when I got a book contract…” Chris’s book titled Tangible: Making God Known through Deeds of Mercy and Words of Truth is available on amazon.com. He also writes a blog (tangibletheology.com) Chris has fond memories of high school English at St. Francis.

He has a message for current students: “You know those novels and short stories you are required to read…

They aren’t picked to torture you. They are classics for a reason!

Once I saw them as opportunities instead of burdens, I enjoyed them a lot more.”

Chris’s sentiments about being a successful writer echo many of the other featured writers for this piece, but he includes scripture as a model for writers as well. “If you want to write well, read a lot. Hemingway helps you write tightly and clearly. The Psalms help you be expressive and poetic. The Count of Monte Cristo helps you understand character development. Science fiction helps you imagine. The Gospels help you see Jesus.”

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Dave recalls two specific experiences from his days at St. Francis that turned into valuable lessons for his career. The first was Mr. Shea directing students to keep a journal and write in it daily. Little direction was given, and students were left to explore and experiment with language and ideas. Another came during senior year in Mr. Molloy’s class when Dave wrote and delivered a speech that went ten minutes over the limit. After losing points, it became clearer that “more” is not always better: “Often times, when I am writing I have to keep in mind that the longer a piece is the less focused it can become. Sometimes the less you say is the better work because it keeps to the subject and cuts out the filler.” Dave has three main pieces of advice for writers: “1) if you are seriously considering a career choice that involves a concentration in writing always carry a notebook and something to write with; 2) write something at least every other day. You have to practice the skill in order to get better; and 3) if you do get to the point where something you have been writing is being considered for publication, remember that the soul crushing feeling of the first round of edits is normal. All editors want their publications to be good for their own self-interest but you also want this as well. It’s better for you if the work is better. They are really trying to help.”

Eric Young ’85 was presented with the “Man of the Year” award at his commencement. In high school he excelled in the classroom, earned All-WNY honors as a member of the soccer team, and published poetry in the school literary magazine, The Odyssey. Like all St. Francis Men of the Year, Eric was a talented, diverse student who excelled in many areas.

With a background in economics, business, and career counseling, he currently holds the position of Director of the MBA Career Center at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Despite his busy schedule, Eric also holds the title of Deacon at the National Presbyterian Church. For the last 10 years he has been writing a weekly religious reflection distributed to about 200 people of a variety of faiths simply encouraging people to “live well.”

At St. Francis, Eric specifically remembers Mr. Brady’s tough critiques of his creative writing, and both Fr. Luke and Fr. Charles who “planted the seeds” for his current weekly spiritual reflections with their introspective and point-of-view essays.

Eric says, “Writing began as a means through which I could process thoughts, beliefs and opinions as I was growing into my own identity during high school and college.

This started through poetry and later journaling and has now evolved into a channel for story-telling and spiritual encouragement. For me, writing is both exciting and calming – a time of discovery to be thoughtful with myself and God. The weekly discipline of writing prompts me to be more observant and inquisitive every day.” He adds this about success,“God created each of us with a unique set of talents and interests that should guide our career explorations and choices. That should alleviate some of the pressure to pursue only the most popular professions. I like Frederick Buechner’s quote, ‘Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.’ Find what brings you joy and use that to meet the needs of others – and all sorts of rewards will follow.”

Patrick Riedy ’08 is currently pursuing his Ph. D in English Literature at Syracuse University; he’s also gaining notoriety as a popular poet in WNY. At a young age, Patrick has already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments and experiences in his field. He was named George Knight Houpt Outstanding Graduating English major in 2012, won The Friends of the University Libraries Poetry Prize that same year, and earned Honorable Mention for the Arthur Axelrod Award in 2011. Pat says, “Writing, both academically and creatively, is a daily exercise for me. In fact, writing is my career…” In addition to writing and reading his poems at venues all over WNY, Patrick is an advocate for other writers as well. In fact, in 2010, he began his own small press with two friends from UB. “Recently passing the third anniversary since inception of the press, I’ve learned how writing creatively and editing is indeed a great amount of work. Writing poetry has taught me more about myself and how we, collectively, operate in a world controlled by communication through language more than any piece of theory or book ever could. The act of writing, the process of sitting down and working through language, is one of the most self-exploratory acts one can undertake.” Patrick’s work and the work of other poets can be found online at pressboardpress.com.

Continued on page 14

ALUMNI WRITERS, BY MIKE MESSORE’91

David Hahn ’97 is a Ph. D candidate in Philosophy at the University of Buffalo. He’s been published several times in the Pop Culture and Philosophy book series for pieces on popular TV shows such as The Sopranos and Game of Thrones. Dave says, “There isn’t much one can do in Philosophy that does not revolve around some form of writing. Even in the sciences knowing how to write well is going to be extremely important…

The ability of someone like myself to get hired is based on the number and quality of publications in peer-reviewed academic journals as well as books. Knowing how to write and to do that well is a fulcrum point on which success and failure rests.”

MAN OF LAMANCHA - FINE ARTS

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2014 meets 1988

Elliot Buccieri / Jason Torres (Governor) Kevin Szczepanski / John Moretti (Don Quixote) Dylan Regan / Douglas Evanovich (Sancho) March 14-16, 2014

The 42nd Annual Fine Arts Awards Banquet The St. Francis High School Fine Arts Department honored 185 students for their commitment to and participation in the performing, visual and literary arts at the school’s 42nd annual Fine Arts Awards Banquet held on May 18, 2014 at Lucarelli’s Banquet Center.

A crowd of over 275 persons were in attendance at the banquet to honor students who received minor and major letters, recognizing their participation in the school’s Fine Arts program.

In addition, a class of 33 students were inducted into PAVAS (The Performing and Visual Arts Society) and 15 seniors received Special Senior Service Awards.

Congratulations to all our student artists!

2014 PAVAS INDUCTEES

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SPRING CONCERT

The Annual Spring Concert featured performances by:The Men’s Choir, Chorus Classes, Senior Schola Cantorum, Concert Band, Jazz Messengers and Percussion Ensemble (K-OS).

8 1940s

Anthony Cisek ’44…and his wife Louise, along with family and friends, celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, May 18, with a Mass at St. Ignatius Parish, Sinking Spring, PA.

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

1950s

Hank Wargula ‘56…was recently visited by two classmates in his new Cummings, Georgia home. Ed Ryczek ‘56 and his wife Joanne from Arizona , and Mike Boyczuk ‘56 and his wife Pamela from Florida, traded many stories about their days in Athol Springs!

1960s Raymond Garnsey ’64… will be semi-retiring to Madison, AL where he will continue his hobby of flying and will also be developing a tax representation practice before the Internal Revenue Service that will provide accounting services to small and medium-size businesses.

Anthony Simon Mielniczuk ’64…has just finished with the 50th Reunion Anniversary. He is collecting stories and event photos and adding them to the reunion website at sfhs1964.wordpress.com . If you have anything to add, please send it to him at that site.

Victor Palmieri ’65…is retired and spending winters in Arizona and summers in Seattle with his wife, Janice. Enjoying their 2 grandchildren in Phoenix and awaiting their 3rd in Boston this June. Victor is also continuing volunteer dentistry with St. Vincent de Paul.

1970s

Jim Kilcoyne ’70… is the Manager of Supply Chain and Logistics for DJ Instruments, a division of Roper Corporation, a manufacturer of custom sensors and load cells for various process industries. Jim has been an active member of the Purchasing Management Association of Boston and had served on its board of directors in various capacities. Jim and his wife Karen live in Tyngsboro, Ma. Paul Hennessy ’71…was the first SFHS graduate in the family, and he would like to congratulate the last of this generation, Lee Kerwin ‘13. The extended Hennessy family of graduates include brothers, Brian Hennessy ‘73, Dan Hennessy ‘78; and nephews Tom Orrange ‘89, Bill Pippine ‘91, Jim Pippine ‘93, Brendan Orrange ‘99, and Neal Kerwin ‘08.

1980s

Gerald Mead ’80… was honored by Young Audiences of Western New York, for his lifelong contributions to the field of arts education through his work as a curator, teaching artist, collector and community leader.

Eric Young ‘85… has received a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. . He also recently completed a nine-month offering of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius David Cuddihy ’87… his 80’s tribute band, ‘Nerds Gone Wild’, won ‘Best New Band’ at the 2013 Buffalo Night Life Awards.

1990s

Joseph Lesinski ’93…recently displayed his artwork at the Ten Thousand Vines Winery in Hamburg, NY. One of Joe’s works of art graced the label of a special edition wine produced by the winery.

Evan Houck ’94…has been promoted to full partner with CEP America, the largest democratic physician partnership in the country. He is currently the Medical Director at one of CEP’s ER sites in Southern California.

He lives in Redlands, CA with his wife, Laura, and their two sons.

Michael Piatek ’94…after completing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, Mike became a licensed Professional Engineer and Mechanical Contractor in Florida. He then continued to complete an MBA, also from the University of Central Florida. Michael is currently an Engineering Executive with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Michael and his wife Susan have a four year old son Andrew, and have recently welcomed new baby, Kimberly to their family. . His wife Susan is the President of Alpine International K.K. . The family currently resides in Winter Garden, FL. Thomas DiJohn III ’98…has been named administrator at Elderwood Assisted Living in Hamburg, NY. Tom was previously with Elderwood in Cheektowaga, NY and Cuba, NY James DiNunzio ’99…and his wife Lisa, of Bridgewater, NJ, welcomed their first son Adam James (future class of 2030) on October 30, 2013. Proud grandparents are James ‘68 and Barbara DiNunzio of Mt. Sinai, NY.

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2000s Joseph F. Dauer ’00…has been named Senior Account Executive at Demandforce, in San Francisco. Founded in 2003, Demandforce’s mission is to help small businesses thrive in an evolving and increasingly complex connected world, providing affordable and easy access to the tools and platforms that large enterprises use to communicate with customers. Joe has also invented and named a sandwich that is being served at the San Francisco Deli & Liquor, on Mission St. in San Francisco, the Big LeDauski.

Anthony Fistola’00 and his wife Kari-Marie are the proud parents of two-year-old Kaylin May who will be a big sister to a new baby due in October. Papa Louie and Grammie Dorrie are overjoyed along with Grandparents Jerry and Alice Morris and Great Grandma Josie Fistola. Great Grandpa and Busha Roma and Great Grandpapa Fistola and Parker are smiling down upon us all. Happy birthday Kaylin May our heart.

Jonathan Senchyne ’00… was a 2013-2014 National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA. During his research leave from the University of Wisconsin, he delivered invited lectures on nineteenth-century American print culture at Bates College, Clark University, and Columbia University.

James Sztaba ’04…was married to Sara McCabe on March 14, 2014 in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Andrew McQueen ’04, was the best man and Chad Beers ’04, was also in attendance. The couple has recently relocated from Seattle, WA, to Buffalo. James is a nurse coordinator with Unyts and Sara is a nurse with Hospice.

Gregory S. Chojecki, Ph.D. ‘05 …has two publications to date with two more in the pipeline. Greg has presented research at a national conference and given a number of other seminars/presentations. His interests are in the design, synthesis, and processing of advanced materials.

In particular, with the synthesis of complex compound semiconductor thin films,and developing a novel process for the inexpensive synthesis of high quality microstructures.

He has also worked with polymer based nanocomposites for specialized applications, synthesis of carbon nanotube coatings, and the conversion of electrodeposited precursor materials into their final products. Greg is serving as a Thermodynamics Instructor at Clarkson University, and the Assistant Director of Clarkson’s Cheel Arena.

Alec D. Pinterpe Jr. ’09…took after his father and grandfather and opened his new business, Pinterpe Productions, which he hopes, will become the premier production company in Western New York. He encourages you to check out Pinterpe Productions at www. pinterpeproductions.weebly.com .

Jacob M. Lesinski ’10…has graduated from SUNY Fredonia, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society (Zeta Upsilon Chapter) and received a Henry Salerno Scholarship Award.

Donald Owen Argy ’12… was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, located in Charleston.

During the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year, Donald earned one of the college’s top academic honors - a Gold Star. Gold Star honors are presented to students who achieve a 3.7 grade point average or higher during a semester’s course work. Students that achieve Gold Star recognition are also placed on The Citadel’s Dean’s List. At The Citadel, Donald is seeking a BS in Business Administration . Donald received a 3 Year Army Scholarship during the 2013 fall semester.

BY JERRY GORCZYCA ’73

Timothy Quinn, M.D. ‘00… and wife Marie, welcomed their second child, Harris Francis Martelli Quinn, on January 10, 2014. He is already a proud Red Raider along with his big brother, Sawyer, SFHS class of 2029.

Cyrus Mallon ’03… is completing a PhD in Microbiology at University of Groningen, Netherlands and is applying to academic positions in France and Netherlands. He plays hockey for the Groningen Bulldogs and has joined a boxing club. St. Francis alums who are planning to visit Europe are invited to friend Cyrus on Facebook.

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

Zachary Schneider ‘99 …and wife Annemarie, welcomed new son Enzo Francesco Schneider, on January 12.

Enzo, born 9 lbs., 13 oz and 21 inches, will be sharing the birthday with greatgrandfather Harry D. Schneider. Zack, who currently sits on the Board of Directors of St. Francis High School, is also involved with 15 Fingers, an interactive advertising agency. The agency is in the process of moving to a new office located at 737 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.

Varsity Winter Sports Recap

by Jerry Gorczyca ’73

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Varsity Basketball - 7-18 overall, 3-9 league Kordell Holness-Lightbody - 2nd Team All-Catholic

Wrestling - 17-11 overall, 4-0 league League, All-Catholic and Division II CHSAA State Champions Matthew Heywood – All-Catholic 99 lbs.

Matthew Muffoletto – All-Catholic 138 lbs.

Kyrill Calkins – All-Catholic 106 lbs.

Jacob Duggan – All-Catholic 152 lbs.

Travis Bittner – All-Catholic 120 lbs.

Marco Gangarossa – All-Catholic 182 lbs

Michael Miller – All-Catholic 132 lbs.

Jacob Braunscheidel – All-Catholic 195 lbs.

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BASKETBALL, BOWLING, HOCKEY, INDOOR TRACK & FIELD, SWIMMING, WRESTLING

Bowling - 12-2, All-Catholic Champions

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2014

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Front row from left to right: Dylan Regan (Creativity Award), John Moretti (Man of the Year), Alexander Davis (President’s Award), Austin Taylor (Sportsmanship Award), Edmund Falkowski (Artist of the Year), Michael Miller (Athlete of the Year), Richard Luczak (Service Award), Back Row: Jacob Dolegala, (Principal’s Award) Insert: Jake Watkins (Creativity Award)

Alex Negron Valedictorian

Fred Gawronski’83 Fr. Leon Krop Alumni Award

Edmund Falkowski Salutatorian

The 118 members of the class of 2014 Earned $17 million in scholarships and institutional grants.

47 students received Regents diplomas 54 students received Regents diplomas with Advanced Designation 10 students received Regents diplomas with Advanced Designation and Honors 26 students are members of the National Honor Society Graduates will attend 60 different colleges and universities including: Emory University of GA, Notre Dame University, The Citadel Military College of South Carolina,University of Pittsburgh, Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Alabama, University of California, Arizona State University. Some schools closer to home include: Ithaca College, SUNY University at Buffalo ,Geneseo, Rochester Institute of Technology and Syracuse University.

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Members of the class of 1964 were on campus to celebrate their 50th anniversary of graduation from St. Francis High School. Festivities included a Mass in the school chapel, brunch, tours of the school and recognition during commencement exercises.

All in the Family. Members of the class of 2014 pose with their fathers who are also graduates of St. Francis High School.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS - DAD’S & GRADS

CLASS OF 1964

ALUMNI WRITERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

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Patrick took time to acknowledge his English teachers from St. Francis who he says all provided unique perspectives and filled different roles in helping to encourage his talents. His love of literature was sparked by books like Catcher in the Rye and One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest during sophomore year in Mr. Messore’s class.

Jim Stephens ’96 says that writing is the first thing he was ever any good at in life. Since graduating from UB with degrees in English, Theater, and Film; Jim has had a variety of experiences in working for network TV and cable. He’s been a location assistant/manager for various episodes of shows like The Sopranos, Mad Men, The Good Wife, and The Michael J. Fox Show.

In his junior year, Pat said that Mr. Grew’s encouragement and feedback about his poems really fueled his passion for writing and propelled him forth with confidence in his abilities.

Mr. O’Malley worked one-on-one after school with Pat and introduced him to the poetry of Robert Creeley, who still is one of Patrick’s favorite poets. And as an artist, Patrick feels indebted to Mr. Shea, who taught him to think for himself and ask difficult questions in the pursuit of truth. “I, like many, think very fondly of my time at St. Francis, not only because of my brothers I graduated with, but also the excellent teachers I had the opportunity to know then and keep in touch with now.”

Christopher Shea ’86 is the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Mary’s Ryken High School in Maryland; he also is an adjunct professor at Towson University. Chris is a state-certified drug and alcohol counselor who has been published numerous times in professional journals with his commentary and arguments about effective treatments and the role of counseling in the process of dealing with addiction. Chris also writes a blog at www.lifesjourneyblog.com through which he shares experiences and advice about life and spirituality. Chris says, “Writing has always been important to me since my childhood days of reading books. Writing is probably the most versatile tool in existence since it is utilized to educate, take people to other lands, make fiction seem real, inspire peoples and nations! In my current writing I am sharing my life experiences as I view them through the prism of my past and history. It is my past life experiences which have formed and shaped me, therefore, taking the wisdom of the past and applying it to the everyday experience hopefully brings me to a better place. My reflective writing attempts to bring together my experiences in the hopes that others may be enriched.”

Like so many others interviewed for this piece, Christopher acknowledged Mr. O’Malley as an inspiration, “ I was inspired by his passion and love for literature. It seemed that his teaching us wasn’t a job, it was a passion. He was passionate for us to learn, but also to get behind the writing in a way that we could more deeply grasp the author’s intent. That passion was inspirational for me.”

He’s had roles in small films and has worked as an extra in larger productions. However, his true passion is writing and his current position as Story Consultant/Head of Development at a company called Ambitious Media gives him the opportunity to brainstorm and develop story ideas.

Jim says, “I decided to make a living at writing, which I was always naturally good at and screenwriting in particular. The last two years have been dedicated to this enterprise and I have had some modest success. I went from writing scripts for people, who wanted to break into the business to producers, who are actually established in the business. I am enjoying an especially great challenge in working for Ambitious Media, where I am responsible for managing other young up and coming writer’s, nurturing their stories, and separating the good ideas from the less than stellar.”

Jim adds that his time at St. Francis helped him to mature and grow as a person and as a writer. Mr. O’Malley allowed him to enroll in AP English his senior year after Jim begged him for a chance to prove he belonged there. The challenge presented

by Mr. O’Malley gave Jim the experience that helped him succeed throughout college.

With various projects in the works, Jim strives to make a living as an artist, which he claims is not for everyone.

Advice that he has for those interested includes “listening to people who have what you want” and having a “framework” for a plan of success. Finally, Jim states. “Writer’s write. In order to write, you must observe others, the world around you, and even yourself. Do not be afraid or lazy in your examination. Your perspective will be reflected in your work.”

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LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE JUSTINIAN A SUCCESS

Anonymous Evenhouse Printing, LLC. Fr. Justin Rosary Hour

President Sponsor ($3,500)

Vacco Farms- Dennis & Kelly Vacco

Principal Sponsors ($2,500) Lawley M & T Bank

JUSTINIAN XXXIII - MAY 3, 2014

Event Sponsors ($5,000)

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID Hamburg, New York PERMIT NO. 159

4129 Lake Shore Road * Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185 www.stfrancishigh.org

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS Bocce Ball Tournament June 21, 2014 - Front Lawn Like us on Facebook St. Francis High School Athol Springs

Golf Tournament July 10, 2014- Terry Hills Golf Course

Follow your favorite SFHS Sports teams @SFHS_Athletics

Submit your Alumni News & Notes Via Web site- www.stfrancishigh.org Click on the Alumni tab at the top of the home page and then select Alumni News & Notes. You can even upload pictures. You can still e-mail Jerry Gorczyca at gorczycag@stfrancishigh.org with updates.

Alumni Data Base online- visit our website and click on Alumni ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES……KEEP US INFORMED………

PLEASE FORWARD ANY ALUMNI NEWS TO JERRY GORCZYCA ’73 ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL, 4129 LAKE SHORE ROAD, ATHOL SPRINGS, NY, 14010 OR E-MAIL GORCZYCAG@STFRANCISHIGH.ORG NAME ____________________________________________ GRAD YR ______ ADDRESS_______________________________________CITY________________________STATE______ZIP_________ PHONE-HOME________________________CELL_________________________WORK____________________________ E-MAIL_________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

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