Letter from Father Michael: Success Stories Dear Parents/Guardians, The world of tomorrow’s successes begins today at St. Francis High School. The world we live in presents many challenges to our youth. Faced with these many challenges, the high school years become extremely important for a young man in developing the total person. These are the formative years which structure and mold him for a successful future. We at St. Francis will partner with you and help you to develop your son in an academically challenging and religious environment. Every parent wants their son to be successful, and success is based on right choices in life. I hope this view book will help to answer your questions why St. Francis High School will provide your son the best opportunity to realize his full potential and prepare him for success in life.
suc·cess | suhk-ses | noun 1. The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted.
St. Francis is a private, Catholic, college-preparatory high school operated by the Conventual Franciscan Friars, a religious order of men who blend the charism of St. Francis with the realities of the modern world. For 80 years, we have been educating young men of various faiths and backgrounds throughout Western New York. We prepare young men to use their knowledge for the good of society and to see God in all people. We
2. a. The gaining of fame or prosperity. b. The extent of such gain.
envision graduates who will live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and become leaders who are known by their
3. One that is successful.
openness to lifelong learning.
Origin [Latin successus, from past participle of succïdere, to succeed; see succeed.]
Your son will discover and meet success as a student of St. Francis. The information presented in this view
faith, critical thinking, service to others, integrity, self-discipline, concern for the environment, and an
book will help you to become familiar with our facilities. See our beautiful 65 acre campus on the shores of Lake Erie. Learn about our extensive academic programs, including Advanced Placement, Honors courses and the Paduan Scholars program. Learn about our Fine Arts program and the new Mary Schneider Visual
St. Francis High School | noun
Arts Center. See our on-campus athletic facilities, gymnasiums and weight training center. We also have extensive extra-curricular offerings that will provide opportunities beyond the classroom.
1. 4-year boys college preparatory school located in Athol Springs, New York.
I am convinced that once you consider all of the benefits of investing in a St. Francis education, you will feel confident that this is the place for your son, a place where he will receive a well-rounded education grounded
2. A place to learn the habits and values that contribute to lifelong success.
in the long standing Franciscan tradition and spirit. Sincerely,
3. The best private, Catholic, boys’ high school in Western New York. Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. President
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The Saint Francis Family Proper Attire for Our Students
St. Francis High School is much more than just a school. While many speak about being a family, these values are lived out in the relationships that exist at St. Francis. Our dedicated faculty, staff, parents, alumni,
Because a professional appearance
alumni parents and administration strive to create an atmosphere that
promotes pride and respect, students
makes students feel comfortable while conferring the benefits of an
are expected to report to homeroom
outstanding holistic education.
properly attired in: a neat dress shirt and tie, neat dress pants or trousers, shoes, socks, belt, and a sportcoat or school sweater when applicable. Students must be clean shaven, wear no jewelry above the neck, and their hair must be neatly trimmed. The final decision as to what constitutes proper dress and grooming rests with
Applying To Saint Francis
the school’s administration.
Applicants from Catholic grammar schools may obtain an application
Transportation
from their Principal’s office and submit it along with a transcript from the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Students applying from public schools may obtain an application from our Admissions Office. Applicants then take the Admission and Scholarship Examination in late fall. Following a review of a student’s completed file by the school’s Board of Admissions, he will be informed of his acceptance or otherwise in late January. Saint Francis employs a rolling admissions process. Eighth grade A student’s relationship with his teachers will be one of the most important
regularly sacrifices for their students. If you choose to embrace what St. Francis High School stands for, our family will always be a part of your family. This is evidenced by the lifelong friendships that students develop with each other. Likewise, by parents who stay involved through the Alumni Parents’ Association well past their son’s graduation. Also, by students who return often after graduation to visit their teachers. As well as by a friar who is asked to witness a marriage, baptize an alum’s child or bury a loved one. Indeed, St. Francis High School is much more
St. Francis receive free bus service through their public school district. Students residing in the City of Buffalo receive free passes for ridership on the NFTA. Special NFTA runs through South Buffalo come directly to the
students that miss the regular admissions process and transfer
school in the morning and afternoon.
students will be reviewed on an individual basis.
In addition, regular NFTA routes from
during his four years at St. Francis. Out of a true desire to do their best by each student, the faculty guides, inspires, corrects, challenges and
Students living within 15 miles of
all other parts of the city come within
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
2 blocks of the school.
Consistent with St. Francis of Assisi’s ability to see God in all people,
Textbooks
St. Francis High School seeks to provide a quality Catholic Franciscan education to young men of all socio-economic backgrounds. To help make this possible, the school offers 50 academic based scholarships to incoming freshman, the majority of which are renewable for all four
Textbooks, excluding religion books and work books, are provided free of charge through the student’s local public school district. Students
years. In addition, the school also offers financial assistance through a
receive their textbooks at the
work study program and tuition grants to families who demonstrate need.
beginning of each school year at St. Francis High School.
than just a school.
Success Story: Doug Worthington - Class of ’05 Defensive Tackle for The Ohio State University “St. Francis was a stepping stone…it made me grow while it taught me the vital lessons in life a young man needs to learn – small things like following a dress code, finishing your homework, and the time management needed to play football and basketball. St. Francis also made me open to new things – it opened my eyes as a young boy and helped me
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grow to become a man.”
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Eighty Years and Counting The Poor Man of Assisi
Saint Francis High School is a Roman Catholic college-preparatory school with a rich Franciscan tradition. Conducted by the Conventual Franciscan
Saint Francis of Assisi realized
Friars, the school serves young men of diverse faiths and backgrounds
early in life that worldly power and
from all areas of Western New York.
glory would not lead him to true happiness. Through his loving
The school’s tradition may be traced back to the founding of Saint Francis
example of poverty, humility and
High School in December, 1924, by the Very Reverend Justin Figas, OFM
simplicity, he attracted thousands
Conv. A group of Polish-American professionals and businessmen formed
of followers who joined him in
a committee, which came to be known as the
serving God and man.
“Fr. Justin Drivers”, to raise the funds necessary
This spirit lives on in St. Francis
for the construction of the school. Ground breaking
High School’s desire to give young
ceremonies were held and the cornerstone was
men an appreciation of all people
laid on July 12, 1925, and Saint Francis High School
and to serve God and one another
was formally dedicated on November 25, 1926
in simplicity and love.
as a college-preparatory school for young men. In 1927, the first class of the student body was officially enrolled. Friars’ Hall, which includes our beautiful school chapel and new science complex, is the original school building. Additions to the campus have included Justin Hall, a dormitory/gymnasium complex completed in 1957 now used as a classroom building and Alumni Hall which houses Ormsby Theatre and a Campus Store along with an instrumental music facility which was completed in 1995. In 2003, 11 acres of new playing fields were added. In 2005, an addition to Justin Hall and a quadrangle were completed. The addition includes a second gymnasium, three classrooms, locker rooms and training room facilities. In 2007, the Mary E. Schneider Visual Arts Center was completed in Friars’ Hall. As the school’s facilities have expanded, so has the student body. What was founded as a 125-student boarding school has evolved
Campus Ministry During their high school years our students develop the capacity for a deeper relationship with God, and the realization of a responsibility to prayer and action. Campus Ministry animates and encourages the whole St. Francis Family to grow in holiness through worship, retreats, community building and service. Like St. Francis of Assisi, Campus Ministry serves as a reminder to all of the importance of cultivating a mindfulness of the presence of God in our everyday lives.
into our current state-of-the-art day school enrolling over 600 young men. What has stayed constant throughout these 80 years has been the basic Franciscan philosophy of holistic education, the keystone of the tradition of success that is Saint Francis High School.
Success Story: Jack Quinn - Class of ’96 NYS Assemblyman “My time at St. Francis was filled with challenges and insights I doubt I could have experienced anywhere else. That call to better myself as a person and to attain my goals has stuck with me and continues to serve as my moral compass. I consider myself lucky and blessed to be able to call myself a member of the St. Francis family and to have the values of
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St. Francis and our school guide me every day.”
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Preparing for College priority is academics. With a student-to-teacher
Advanced Placement Courses
ratio of 14 to 1 and an average class size of 23, our
AP English
students are guaranteed personal attention from
AP US History
the entire faculty, more than 75% of whom possess
AP Economics Micro/Macro
As a college preparatory school, Saint Francis’ first
one or more master’s or doctoral degrees. The
Academic Program Graduation Requirements
AP Calculus
English
4 Units
Religious Studies
4 Units
Social Studies
4 Units
Mathematics
3 Units
personal commitment and dedication of both the
AP Biology
Natural Sciences
3 Units
Friars and lay faculty provide the best possible
AP Chemistry
Electives
3 Units
kind of education – one that develops the whole
AP Physics
person: mind, body and spirit.
AP World History
Second Language
2 Units
Physical Education
2 Units
Fine Arts
1 Unit
Health
1
Any student who is experiencing difficulty in any course can seek help from the teacher of that course. All teachers are available to the students for at least 40 minutes after dismissal to offer
⁄2 Unit
extra help, review study problems, make-up work missed or address
Tracking Academic Progress
Computer Science
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other difficulties.
St. Francis employs four types of reports to inform parents of their son’s
Studies Management
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The success of St. Francis High School’s educational program is obvious
academic progress. Report cards are issued quarterly, and Interim
Total Credits
27 Units
at every graduation, where 98% or better of all students move on to
Academic Reports are issued as needed mid-way through each quarter.
post-secondary education. In addition, scholarships worth millions of
Weekly Academic Intervention Reports are utilized as needed.
Passing Grade
70%
dollars are awarded to our graduates each year.
NYS Regents Exams
65%
In September of each year the school conducts a Mini-Class Evening to
⁄4 Unit ⁄4 Unit
allow parents to meet their son’s teachers and learn about the content
Paduan Scholars Program
of his courses. In addition, the school, in cooperation with the Parents’
The Paduan Scholars Program was created for academically and
also equipped with voicemail and a web page so they are only a phone
otherwise gifted students who have the potential to work at a very high
call or an email away should parents need to be in contact with them.
Guild, sponsors quarterly Parent-Teacher Conferences. Each teacher is
standard. The program is named for St. Anthony of Padua, a Conventual Franciscan Friar, renowned for his intellect, strength of character and sure faith. In the tradition of St. Anthony, the Paduan Scholars Program provides talented young men the opportunity to challenge themselves
Accreditations Middle State Association of Schools & Colleges New York State Board of Regents
All of these means are intended to facilitate communication between teachers, parents and students so as to enhance the likelihood of the student’s academic progress and ultimate success.
academically and to enrich their lives through the quest for knowledge and understanding. This curriculum involves innovative instruction, including inter-disciplinary and independent study projects, with the goal of helping the student reach his full potential. The Paduan scholars are provided with special enriching activities outside the classroom designed to complement and enhance classroom learning. These activities include: Honors Seminars, Guest Speakers, Field Trips, Independent Study and Internships. One of the goals of the Paduan Scholars Program is to prepare students for entrance into the most prestigious and demanding colleges and universities. In an effort to reach that goal, the program provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills and talents by participating in college level courses through the Advanced Placement
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Success Story: Dr. Brian Mata - Class of ’99 Orthopedic Surgeon “St. Francis High School provided a great education that has served as the foundation for my success in
Program. These courses will be available during their Junior and Senior
college, medical school and now in my future career
years. Paduan scholars are able to earn college credit that can be
endeavors. However, more importantly, the mentor-
applied to their college degree requirements. The Internship Program
ship, great friends and family that I first established
allows them to gain valuable hands-on experience in choosing a college
at St. Francis and still maintain today have provided
major or career track.
a support system that has helped me continue to grow as a man, a friend and a husband.”
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Music, Theatre and Art
Something For Everyone
Advanced Chorus Concert Band Dramatics Fall Drama General Art General Music Instrumental Music Introduction to Theatre Jazz Ensemble Male Chorus Percussion Ensemble Pit Orchestra Spring Musical St. Francis Players Stage Crew Studio Art
Alverna Animal Health Technology Art Club Banner (school newspaper) Booster Club Chess Club Cinema Club Computer Club Crusader (school yearbook) Dances Franciscan Youth Ministry French Club Historical Society
Clubs and Activities School spirit and involvement in school-sponsored activities are essential elements to a student’s success at Saint Francis High School.
Fine Arts
Numerous clubs and activities are available to satisfy the interests of our diverse student body. It is through these clubs and activities
Whether created, listened to, or viewed, art is a means for a person to more fully express their humanness. It is also in keeping with
that school spirit comes alive, truly making Saint Francis a “home away from home”.
the Franciscan ideal of promoting all that develops the whole person, especially those realities which mirror the perfection and beauty of God. Consequently, Saint Francis considers study of the Fine Arts an integral part of the educational process and curriculum. The art and design student or student musician, guided by an active, well-trained faculty, participates in a variety of required and elective course offerings. He can expect to become critically aware of the rich cultural and artistic past, and at the same time challenged to become
Intramural Athletics (basketball, bowling, volleyball, weight lifting) Latin Club Liturgical Ensemble Math Club Mock Trial Model United Nations National Honor Society The Odyssey (literary magazine) Performing and Visual Arts Society Philharmonic Society Role Playing Club Ski and Snowboard Club Spanish Club Speech and Debate Club Stage Crew Students Against Drunk Driving Student Council Troubadours WSTF TV (video club)
a thoughtful contributor to the beauty of contemporary culture and society. And the form that contribution takes can be as varied as playing the lead in the Spring Musical, playing trombone in our award winning Jazz Ensemble, or crafting a piece of fine jewelry. Fine Arts program facilities in Alumni Hall include an 800-seat auditorium, dressing rooms, Instrumental Music instruction and rehearsal rooms as well as the new Mary E. Schneider Visual Arts Center.
Success Story: Lt. Bill Mariani - Class of ’98 West Point grad and Afghanistan War veteran “My four years at St. Francis provided me with a foundation of principles that have enabled me to live as a true St. Francis Man. The moral and ethical guidance I received there have greatly influenced my actions in some of the most extreme situations. I greatly credit the majority of my successes to the mentors I was fortunate enough to build relationships with while attending St. Francis. No matter
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where I find myself, the memories of my time spent there will always be close to my heart.”
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The Red Raiders Tradition
Interscholastic Athletic Program
Physical activity, athletics and competition are important aspects of the overall development of young men. To address these needs and to promote the well-rounded development of its students, Saint Francis
Fall
High School offers an extensive program of interscholastic athletics and
Cross Country (Varsity & Frosh)
intramural sports.
Golf
Student-athletes represent Saint Francis on 34 school-sponsored teams
Football (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
in 15 different sports, competing in the Monsignor Martin Athletic
Soccer (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
Association in all sports except ice hockey and lacrosse. Our ice hockey
Volleyball (Varsity & JV)
teams compete in the Midwest Prep Hockey League, the Western New York Varsity Hockey Federation and the Southtowns Club Hockey League
Winter
while our lacrosse teams are members of the Western New York Lacrosse League. To enhance competition, our Red Raiders compete against teams
Basketball (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
from other parts of New York State and other Eastern and Mid-Western
Bowling (Varsity & JV)
states as well as Canada. Some of our teams also travel to warmer climates for spring training. All of Saint Francis’ teams are equipped by the school and benefit from the dedication and skills of a veteran coaching staff. Our fully certified staff of Athletic Trainers ensures that Saint Francis athletes can maintain peak physical condition. Saint Francis boasts some of Western New York’s finest athletic facilities: two gymnasiums, training room, fitness center, all- weather track, lighted football stadium, two baseball fields, three soccer/lacrosse fields, tennis courts and spacious state-of-the-art locker room facilities.
The Saint Francis Family is justifiably proud of the team and individual
Ice Hockey (Varsity & JV Club,
accolades garnered yearly by our Red Raider athletes. Our athletes and
Prep Scholastic Varsity &
teams regularly win championships at the conference, regional and
Scholastic Varsity)
state levels. Each year, an impressive number of student-athletes go
Swimming
on to successfully compete at the collegiate level, many winning
Wrestling
athletic scholarships.
Indoor Track & Field
As much as we take pride in our athletes for their successes on the field, we are even more proud that our athletes learn values reinforced
Spring
through fair competition: discipline, honor, courage, teamwork, and
Baseball (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
respect – important assets in living a fuller life.
Lacrosse (Varsity & JV) Tennis Track & Field (Varsity & JV)
Success Story: Lee Stempniak - Class of ’01 St. Louis Blues Right Wing “St. Francis High School’s strong academic curriculum, competitive athletics, challenging teachers, and sense of community helped shape me into the person I am today. I am very appreciative of how St. Francis prepared me for college and life after graduation.”
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Learning to Go Out Into the World With the solid foundation of a holistic, college-preparatory education, Saint Francis alumni are prepared to meet the challenges of the collegiate world and everyday society. Every year, Saint Francis High School graduates are accepted to America’s top colleges and universities, where they establish and distinguish themselves as men of scholarship and character. Each year the graduates earn several million dollars in scholarships as well. Even more importantly, Saint Francis men go on to be valuable and productive members of society.
Admissions Office Saint Francis High School 4129 Lake Shore Road Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185 (716) 627-1200 FAX: (716) 627-4610 www.stfrancishigh.org
Non-Discriminatory Policy Whereas: The philosophy of Saint Francis High School is based on the Christian Social Principles of the Gospel Message-to love and respect the rights of all people; It is the policy of Saint Francis High School that it shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies,
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admissions policies, scholarships and financial aid programs, athletic and other school administration programs. It is also the policy of this school that it shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, or age.
Recent graduates of Saint Francis High School have been accepted to the following Colleges and Universities: Albany School of Pharmacy
Gannon University
Alfred University
Georgetown University
Alleghany College
Gordon College
American International College
Hartwick College
American University
Hobart College
Amherst College
Hofstra University
Ball State
Hope College
Becker College
Illinois Institute of Technology
Berklee College of Music
Illinois State University
Boston College Boston University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bowling Green University
Iona College
Bucknell University
Ithaca College
Cal State San Marcos
John Carroll University
Canisius College
Johns Hopkins University
Case Western Reserve University
Kansas State University
Catholic University
Kettering University
Central Washington University
LaSalle University
Clarkson University
Lehigh University
Cleveland State University
LeMoyne College
Coastal Carolina University
Lock Haven University
Colgate University
Long Island University
College of the Holy Cross
Loyola College of Maryland
Columbia University
Manhattan School of Music
Cornell University
Mansfield University
Culinary Institute of America
Marietta College
Daemen College
Marist College
Daniel Webster College
Marquette University
Dartmouth College
Medaille College
Delhi University
Mercyhurst College
DePaul University
Merrimack College
Drexel University
Michigan State University
Duquesne University
Monmouth University
D’Youville College
Mount St. Mary’s College
Edinboro University
Mount Union College
Elmira College
Nazareth College
Elon University
New York University
Embry Riddell University
Niagara University
Erie Community College Florida Institute of Technology
North Carolina State University
Fordham University
Northeastern University
Franklin Pierce College
Northwestern University
Hilbert College
Kent State University
Norwich University Oberlin University Ontario Institute of Technology Paul Smith College Penn State University Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Philadelphia University Providence College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University St. Bonaventure University St. Francis University St. John Fisher College St. John’s University St. Joseph’s University St. Lawrence University St. Leo’s University St. Louis University St. Peter’s College SUNY Albany SUNY Binghamton SUNY Brockport SUNY Canton College of Technology SUNY College of Environmental Science SUNY Cortland SUNY Fredonia SUNY Geneseo SUNY Morrisville SUNY Oneonta SUNY Oswego SUNY Plattsburg SUNY Potsdam SUNY Purchase SUNY Stony Brook Susquehanna University Syracuse University The Ohio State University Tri-County Technical College
Trocaire College Union College United States Air Force Academy United States Coast Guard United States Military Academy at West Point United States Naval Academy Universal Technical Institute University at Buffalo University of Akron University of Alabama University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Connecticut University of Dallas University of Delaware University of Detroit Mercy University of Kansas University of Maine University of Maryland University of Miami University of Miami (Ohio) University of Michigan University of New Hampshire University of New Haven University of Notre Dame University of Pittsburgh University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Tampa University of Vermont University of West Virginia Utica College Villanova Virginia Tech Washington & Jefferson College Wells College Wesleyan University Western New England College Wilkes University Wyotech California Yale University