Issuu

Building for the Next 100 Years

Summer 2026

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

CONTENTS 1

President’s Message

Alumni Happenings

Fine Arts Recap

Feature Article

Alumni News and Notes

St. Francis Thank You

Athletics Sports Awards

Athletics Next Level

Graduation

In Memoriam

ON THE COVER Building for the Next 100 Years Story on Page 6

PRESIDENT’Smessage St. Francis Family, In April, after our Incoming Student Scholarship Mass, I found myself sitting in the Russell J. Salvatore Student Dining Room surrounded by our newest Red Raiders and their families. There was an unmistakable excitement in the room. Parents were meeting one another for the first time, students were beginning friendships that will last a lifetime, and our scholarship donors were seeing firsthand the lives they are helping to change. As I looked around, I was filled with gratitude. Before me sat the members of the Class of 2030, one of our largest incoming classes in years. They have begun their journey at St. Francis and four years from now, they will process into Our Lady of Victory Basilica as our 100th graduating class. That moment reminded me that while we prepare to celebrate our first century, we are already preparing for the next. Buildings are constructed with brick and steel. A century is built one student, one family, and one act of generosity at a time. For nearly 100 years, friars, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and benefactors have invested themselves in St. Francis because they believe forming young men is work that matters. This past year reflects that commitment in countless ways. It can be seen in the sound of our student musicians filling their newly renovated spaces, in our Prep Hockey team celebrating their national championship, and in our wrestling program earning the #1 ranking in New York. It comes to life as our record cast takes the stage for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as our graduates are offered more than $ 25 million in college scholarships, and even in the simple joy of brothers lingering

after school for one last round of hacky-sack. These moments, both ordinary and extraordinary, tell the same story. They are the fruits of our community that believes in forming Franciscan-hearted and Franciscan-minded young men, and of generous supporters who make our mission possible As we approach our Centennial in 2027, we do so with deep gratitude for those who built this school before us. Their vision has sustained St. Francis for nearly a century while remaining faithful to our Franciscan values. Now it is our turn. The theme of this issue, “Building for the Next Century”, is more than a look at new programs or renovated spaces. It is a reminder that the investments we make today, in our students, our campus, and our mission, will shape St. Francis for generations to come. As you read these pages, I hope you see more than accomplishments. I hope you see a community confidently preparing for its second century, rooted in our Franciscan tradition and inspired by the limitless possibilities ahead. Thank you for believing in our students and our mission. Together, we are building something that will endure for the next hundred years. Peace and all good,

Friar Matt President

The TAU SUMMER 2026

ALUMNIhappenings 42ND ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

CHARLOTTE ALUMNI GATHERING

On Thursday, July 2nd 200 golfers hit the links under perfect conditions at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia, NY in support of the 42nd Annual St. Francis High School Alumni Association Charity Golf Tournament. Alumni, friends, faculty, staff and parents came out to enjoy a day a day of golf, fellowship and philanthropy.

Fr. Matthew J. Foley, President of St. Francis High School, along with hosts Joe ’84 and Heidi Povinelli, welcomed St. Francis alumni and friends to their home in Charlotte for an evening of fellowship and connection. The April 22 gathering provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate the St. Francis tradition, and hear about the exciting things happening at the school as it looks ahead to its 100th anniversary.

The foursome of Nick Roland ’19, Andrew Scanzuso ’19, Taylor Vogel ’19 and Mitch Pulaski ’19 were presented with the Bill Greene III Memorial Awards as the tournament winners. Liam Ryan, Scott Kiel and Tony Gocella were the big hitters, prevailing in the Longest Drive Contests while Connor Cichocki ’23, Nick Cavarella ’00 and Tom Rudzinski ’67 triumphed in the Closest To The Pin Contests. Once again, the tournament was a huge success raising over $50,000 in support of eight scholarships established by the Association for current and future students. Thanks to all participants, sponsors and the Alumni Board of Directors for making this a fantastic event. Special thanks to Greene & Associates, Colligan Law LLP, Michalek & Harrington, Scheid Architectural and 56 Services for their lead sponsorships. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s tourney on Thursday, July 1, 2027.

ST. FRANCIS HITS THE ROAD AGAIN IN NYC! St. Francis hit the road again on May 7th, bringing the red and white spirit to New York City! Alumni and friends gathered at Dan & John’s Wings in Chelsea for an evening of catching up, sharing stories, and celebrating their connection to St. Francis. Fr. Matt Foley, President of St. Francis High School, shared the latest news from campus and a glimpse of what was ahead as the school prepared to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2027. It was another memorable evening with the St. Francis family! A special thank you to our host Dan Borowski ’98.

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ALUMNIhappenings 19th ANNUAL ALUMNI BOCCE TOURNAMENT RECAP

CLASS OF 1976 CELEBRATES 50TH REUNION Members of the St. Francis High School Class of 1976 returned to campus May 28–30 to celebrate their 50th Reunion. The weekend was filled with memories, laughter and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and classmates. The celebration included a special Mass celebrated by Friar Matt, President of St. Francis High School, in the school chapel, followed by guided campus tours and brunch in the Mastrantoni Suite.

Windy conditions didn’t deter twenty-six teams from competing for the coveted championship of the 19th Annual St. Francis H.S. Alumni Association Bocce Ball Tournament. In the end, the “Really Good Guys” team consisting of Nick Kryszak ’12, John Lettieri ’12, and Collin Krasowski ’12 took down “Del Bocce Vista” in the final match. Special thanks to Chairs Jack Jensen ’73 and Rick Izzo ’79 for their efforts in making this event a tremendous success. Also, thank you to Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant and Camellia Meats (Cichocki Family) for their incredible support of this tourney. See you next June!

For many, it was their first time back on campus since graduation, making the weekend an especially meaningful homecoming. A great time was had by all as the Class of 1976 celebrated five decades of friendship and St. Francis memories.

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS Class of 1986 40 Year Reunion

September 25-26, 2026

Class of 1996 30 Year Reunion October 9-10, 2026

Class of 2006 20 Year Reunion

Alumni Homecoming October 10, 2026

Class of 2021 5 Year Reunion

November 25, 2026

Young Alumni Luncheon January 6, 2027

October 9-10, 2026

Sports Hall of Fame Induction October 9, 2026

The TAU SUMMER 2026

FINE ARTSrecap

The Return of The Reggies After a five-year hiatus, a beloved St. Francis tradition was brought back to life with the return of The Reggies, the school’s student-led film festival. Students, faculty, and families gathered in the auditorium to celebrate the creativity and talent of St. Francis filmmakers. The evening featured a showcase of student-written, directed, and produced films across several categories, including creative shorts, documentaries, commercials, and acting. More than simply a film festival, The Reggies provided students with an opportunity to share their voices and showcase the passion, creativity, and storytelling skills they have developed both inside and outside the classroom. This year’s winners included:  B est Commercial Short: “Shadez” — Tanyon Aquila,

Will Miller, Troy Massey, and Maguire Proulx

 B est Documentary Short: “Chipotless” —

Tim and Pat Coughlin  B est Actor: Pat Coughlin, portraying the Teacher in “Snitches Get Stitches”  B est Creative Short (The Repo): “Retention” — Noah Johnson Congratulations to all of the students who participated and helped make the return of The Reggies a success. With the tradition officially revived, the festival will return next year, giving a new group of Red Raider filmmakers the opportunity to take the spotlight.

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FINE ARTSrecap

52nd Annual Fine Arts Banquet The 52nd Annual Fine Arts Banquet was held on May 17th at Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our student artists throughout the year. One of the evening's highlights was the induction of eligible students into the Performing and Visual Arts Society (PAVAS), a highly selective national honor society recognizing excellence in the visual and performing arts. This year's inductees were: Zachary Barr, Isaac Bennett, Andrew Bonare, Zechariah Boyle, Timothy Cich, Cameron Connolly-Seider, Claire Dobe, Carter Druzbik, Reed Eckhert, Liam Fattey, Gianna Forenzo, Sean Gearhart, David Haj, Isabelle Hooper, Liam Karnath, Ethan Marasciulo, Charlotte Mattison, Gabriel Moran, Dylan Noecker, Julianna Polichette, Ronald Rytel, Vincent Scott, Jack Sobkowiak, Liam Sullivan, Lucas Szczesniak, Gloria Wamback, and Donavin Wittschack.

Daniel Hawrylczak ’85

The banquet also honored two distinguished alumni with induction into the St. Francis High School David G. Nease Fine Arts Hall of Fame. Trevor Dugan ’09 and Daniel Hawrylczak ’85 were recognized for their lasting impact and outstanding achievements in the arts. In addition to these honors, students were recognized with Men’s Choir Pins, Minor Letters, Major Letters, Senior Service Awards, and Festival Awards. Bradyn Chudoba also received the Crusader Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the yearbook.

Trevor Dugan ’09

The TAU SUMMER 2026

FEATUREarticle

Building for the Next 100 Years

By Sue Schaffstall After our nation recently celebrated its 250th birthday, a century may seem modest by comparison. It feels even smaller when we reflect on our patron, Saint Francis of Assisi, whose life and example date back more than 800 years. Yet it was the timeless virtues of Saint. Francis that inspired our founder, Fr. Justin Figas, to establish St. Francis High School nearly 100 years ago. As alumni gather and reminisce across generations, one truth consistently emerges. While the campus has grown, buildings have been renovated, and programs have evolved, the heart of St. Francis has remained unchanged. The values that define a Franciscan education. Excellence, Respect, Humility, and Fraternity continue to shape every student who walks our halls.

the future. The next century of St. Francis requires more than honoring our past; it requires investing in the young men who will write our next chapter.

These were the virtues Fr. Justin embraced, passed down through generations from Saint Francis himself. They became the cornerstone upon which St. Francis High School was built, and they continue to guide us today as we prepare for tomorrow.

That vision took a significant step forward on October 30, 2025, with the public launch of the Celebrating the Past, Securing the Future Capital Campaign. With an ambitious goal of $20.5 million, the campaign is designed to ensure that future generations of Red Raiders receive every educational opportunity a 21st-century Catholic education can offer.

Standing on the threshold of our Centennial in 2027, we celebrate a remarkable legacy while looking confidently toward

As of September 1, 2026, we are proud to report that we have raised $18.6 million toward our $20.5 million goal.

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FEATUREarticle Already, the impact of your generosity can be seen throughout campus. Phase I is complete with the opening of the Coach Jerry Smith Fitness Center, a state-of-the-art, 6,000 square-foot facility that rivals those found on many college campuses. Additional Phase I projects included the Russell J. Salvatore Student Dining Room, the new Chorus and Instrumental Music Rooms, and the Scott Bieler Family Foundation Foyer, creating welcoming and functional spaces that enhance daily student life. Momentum continues with Phase II, which will welcome students this fall. The new Student Center will serve as the hub of campus life, featuring a Student Resource Room and quiet study space designed to support students with diverse learning needs. The reimagined library now houses the Bill and Nancy Gacioch Business Academy, complete with a stock ticker and innovative curriculum that introduces students to careers in business, entrepreneurship, computer science, coding, and artificial intelligence. Adjacent to these academic spaces is the Gerald “Gork” Gorczyca ’73 Student Commons featuring comfortable seating, charging stations, large-screen televisions, vending machines, and flexible gathering areas. Originally conceived as a replacement for the former waiting room, this versatile space will host college recruiters, student clubs, guest speakers, meetings, and collaborative learning opportunities. Innovation also extends to the third floor of Friars Hall, where the Russo Family STEAM Center recently opened this fall. Three classrooms have been transformed into a robotics laboratory, an engineering center, and the Dr. Al Innovation Lab flexible classroom space connected by glass walls that encourage collaboration and hands-on learning. These modern facilities will empower students to create, innovate, and solve real-world challenges while preparing them for careers that continue to evolve. The next phase of construction begins in the spring of 2027 and includes the complete renovation of classrooms in Justin Hall, the creation of a dedicated wrestling room, and significant enhancements to the gymnasium, including new perimeter padding and mechanized bleachers. While these physical improvements are exciting, perhaps the most significant investment is one that cannot be measured in bricks and mortar. A major component of the campaign is growing the school's endowment. Increasing endowed funds by $13.5 million will help bridge the gap between the true cost of a St. Francis education and what many families can reasonably afford. This commitment to scholarships and tuition assistance ensures that

Fr. Justin’s dream remains accessible for generations to come while strengthening the school's long-term financial future. We are already seeing the fruits of our labor. As this magazine goes to print, the incoming freshman class stands at 125 students, up from 89 at the same time last year. New facilities, innovative learning environments, and expanded scholarship opportunities may bring students through our doors, but every alumnus knows why they choose to stay. They stay because of the same values that have defined St. Francis High School for nearly a century. Excellence. Respect. Humility. Fraternity. These are the values that inspired Fr. Justin Figas nearly 100 years ago. They remain the foundation of every classroom, every team, every friendship, and every graduate. They are the reason St. Francis has flourished for almost a century, and they will continue to guide us into the next one. As we prepare to celebrate our Centennial and continue building for the future, we thank our alumni, parents, benefactors, and friends for believing in this mission. Together, we are preserving Fr. Justin's dream while ensuring that generations of young men yet to come will experience the life-changing gift of a Franciscan education. Pax et Bonum, and here's to the next 100 years. The TAU SUMMER 2026

ALUMNInews&notes

1960s Timothy Hines ’66 and his wife Pam journeyed to Europe for a Viking cruise which included a stop in Cologne, Germany where Tim met his stem cell donor Martin and his wife Lynette. Tim describes the emotional experience as glorious, joyful and amazing and is thankful to God for his donor’s selfless gift of life and all the prayers offered up by the St. Francis community throughout his fight with cancer.

1970s Andy Blidy ’72 was featured in D’Youville University’s publication “Dimensions” recognizing his significant contributions to biotechnology, immunology, and molecular biology over the course of 50 years. Thomas ’77, Gerald ’80, Edward ’85 and Mark ’86 Mead were joined by St. Francis President Friar Matt Foley as he witnessed the renewal of vows for Mark’s son Braedon.

1990s

Ryan Sikorski ’97 was named as the Superintendent of Schools for Westfield Academy and Central Schools in 2025. Ryan brings 21 years in education as a teacher, principal and central office administrator to this role. D r. A n d r e w S t o r e r ’ 9 9, currently the Chief Nursing Off icer (CNO) and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services at Roswell Park was recognized for his outstanding service and leadership as one of Becker’s Hospital Review “CNOs to Know”. Congrats!

2000s Jonathan Senchyne ’00 was promoted to the rank of Full Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Senchyne was also named the faculty director of UW’s Chadbourne Residential College, a living-learning community of 600 undergraduates focused on the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Since 2024 he has been the associate editor of The Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America, North America's oldest scholarly journal dedicated to the study of books and manuscripts as physical objects. Mark Murphy ‘01 earned his 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Isshinryu Karate on September 13, 2025 with Traditional Okinawan Karate & New Paltz Karate Academy. Mark fulfilled a 30-year journey having originally studied Isshinryu Karate under Soke Gary Castanza at Universal Martial Arts Academy in Hamburg, NY from 1994-1996. On June 27, 2025, Mark went Over The Edge by rappelling from the top of Seneca One Tower, having raising $2,000 to support The Arc Erie County NY, a

Hon. Chris Obstarczyk ’93 was elected as the Supreme Court Justice of Clinton County, NY. Chris has been a practicing attorney for over 25 years in the Saratoga Springs/Albany area. Br ian Connolly ’96 is t he Ch ief Innovation Officer at the National Trust for Local News, where he is developing sustainable new models for community journalism. Brian joins the Trust after a 20-year career at The Buffalo News, where he rose from copy desk intern to Vice President and Publisher of the community newspaper group. He was The News’ managing editor for seven years. In his new national role, he oversees news innovation, product development, and audience revenue strategy. Ryan Quinn ’97 started his own safety company Quinn Safety Supply specializing in seals and tags.

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non-profit organization that supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He currently resides in Amherst, NY and works as a Court Clerk for the New York State Unified Court System at Erie County Family Court for the Family Court Judges. Andrew Kurtzman ’02 attended SUNY Maritime College for 3 years studying maritime shipping logistics before joining the U.S.

ALUMNInews&notes Marine Corps and spending a year in Iraq. When he completed his service he began utilizing his education and spent 10 years as Ship Superintendent, Yard Manager and Senior Marine Superintendent for the Port of New Orleans, LA. While in NOLA he married Brooke Byrant. Moving on from New Orleans, Andy spent 3 years as the Operations Manager for the Jones Stevedoring Co. for the Ports of Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR and has now moved to Philadelphia, PA where he has joined Holt Logisticts Corp. as Manager of Special Projects. Commander CJ Brass ’05 assu med leadership of Training Squadron Four of the United States Navy in Pensacola, FL in September of 2025. CJ currently resides there with his wife Kaila and son Carter.

2010s Cody Buchanon ’12 married Samantha Lieberman on October 4, 2025 - supported by fellow alumni Dominic Buccieri, Tap Tasker, and Cody Tehan standing beside him as his groomsmen. The newlyweds now reside in Delray Beach, Florida, where they are excited to s t a r t t h i s new chapter of life together. The special day was not only the celebration of love between Cody and Sam but a testament to how strong, meaningful, and lifelong the St. Francis Brotherhood is.

Jason Covelli ’06 married the lovely Kara Massotti on August 16th, 2025 at Our Lady of Victory Basilica at 1 pm by Monsignor Paul Burkard with a reception following at Samuel’s Grande Manor. Groomsmen included Aaron Bonilla ’06 (Best-man), Brandon Covelli ’10, Ryan Covelli ’12, Brian Baer ’06, Nicholas Desantis ’05, Jeffrey Kaluzny ’06, Michael Nigrelli ’06, Daniel Vargo ’06 and brother-in-law, John Hannon. The St. Francis Brotherhood I was represented well with 27 St. Francis alumni attending the reception.

Ryan DiPasquale ’15 married Chelsea Barvian on September 20, 2025 at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Hamburg.

Reid Lesswing ’08 is currently St. John Fisher University’s Head Men’s Hockey Coach. He is the University’s first coach as the program was initiated during the 2025-2026 and he led the team to a 12-13 record in their first year of NCAA competition. Nolan Skipper ’08 currently serves as Commissioner of the Department of Public Works for the City of Buffalo.

Paul Goszewski ’16 was named to Buffalo Business First’s 2026 “30 Under 30” list, recognizing successful young professiona ls a nd ent repreneu rs i n Western New York. Paul is employed as V P of Commercial Lending for NBT Bank.

The TAU SUMMER 2026

ALUMNInews&notes Jacob Bell ’17 married to his high school sweetheart, Jill in May of 2025. Friar Matt presided over their wedding Mass. In attendance were Lucas Bell ’20 (the best man), Anthony Stachowski ’06, Stephen Stachowski ’10, and Nicholas Stachowski ’15 (the bride’s brothers).

Ryan Monile ’21 graduated from University at Buffalo and started a position at M&T Bank in the Operations Development Program.

Matthew Johnson ’18 recently earned his CFA® charter holder designation.

Jack Valenti ’22 graduated from St. Bonaventure University (SBU) as an Honors Finance student. He served as the General Manager of the st udent-r u n SIMM (Student Investment in Money M a n a g e m e nt) Fund, managing a portfolio w it h rough ly $900,000 in assets under management.

John Rudnicki ’18 is starting his NFL Coaching career with the Tennessee Titans as an Offensive Assistant for the 2026-2027 season. Prior to being named to his position with the Titans, he coached at the University of South Carolina and the University of South Alabama. John graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing, where he also served as an undergraduate student assistant coach. (Pic courtesy of the Tennessee Titans)

David Bush ’19 became engaged to his fiancé Isabelle Hartley in February of 2026.

2LT Benjamin D. Heltz ’19 is a 2025 graduate of the United States Mi l ita r y Academy at West Point. He married MarieAugustine Daillet on May 24, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Lackawanna, NY.

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2020s

Grayson Warner ’23, currently a student at SUNY Brockport, r a n a 10 0 M i le Ultra Marathon in Arizona in support of MS research after experiencing the loss of a loved one to the disease. Despite a partially tor n AC L a nd hamstring injuries incurred throughout the grueling event, Grayson persevered a nd ra ised nea rly $3000 for Accelerated Cure Project, a nonprofit dedicated to MS research and helping pat ients receive proper care. He finished the 102.5 mile course in 31 hours and 40 minutes and is grateful for the support of his parents and credits his 4 years at St. Francis for encouraging him to dream big and giving him the tools to accomplish seemingly insurmountable goals. Aiden Pacholec ’24 was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Notre Dame for the 2025-2026 academic year. Robert Hall ’25 is currently studying Biochemistry at Penn State University.

ST. FRANCISthank you

Today, we say thank you to three extraordinary members of the St. Francis family After 19 years of dedicated service, Mr. Reichenberg is retiring from St. Francis High School. Through nearly two decades in our classrooms and hallways, he has helped shape the lives of countless young men as both a teacher and as head of Franciscan Youth Ministry. We wish him the best of luck at his new post at OLV. We also offer our gratitude to Fr. Max and Fr. Bryan, who will be departing St. Francis to begin new ministry assignments in North Carolina. Through their presence, guidance, and commitment to our Franciscan mission, they have enriched the lives of our students and reminded us what it means to live a life of faith and service.

While we are saddened to see them go, we are grateful for all they have given to St. Francis and wish them nothing but success and blessings in the next chapters of their journeys. Thank you, Mr. Reichenberg, Fr. Bryan, and Fr. Max. You will always be a part of the St. Francis family.

Mr. Reichenberg

Fr. Max

Fr. Bryan

The TAU SUMMER 2026

ATHLETICSsports awards and championship teams

Sports Awards & Recognition Night St. Francis High School celebrated the achievements of our student athletes and teams from the 20252026 school year on June 4th 2026 with the annual Sports Awards & Recognition Night in the Alumni Hall Auditorium. Four memorial scholarship winners were selected and honored for their achievements and for living up to the ideals set forth by the alumni and families that bear the names of the awards.

Cameron Hill ’26 was selected for the Michael Bycina Optimist Award from the Bycina Family

The White and Wilson Families selected Dominic Darch ’29 to receive the George Wilson Memorial Award

Class of 2026 Athlete of the Year Willie Wortkoetter received the Ronald A. Pace Memorial Scholarship from the Pace Family

Shepard Snyder ’27 was selected as the recipient of the Midshipman 1st Class Jason D. Jablonski ’13 SALUTE Award, provided by the Jablonski Family

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ATHLETICSsports awards and championship teams After individual and team awards were distributed, championship teams from the 2025-2026 school year were honored. The Football Team was the regular season and playoff champion during the Fall of 2025 posting an overall record of 10-2 and finishing ranked #1 in WNY and 8th in NYS according to post-season polls. Coach Smith eclipsed 200 wins in his career and his full season summary including the individual honors that several members of the team achieved can be found in the Sports Awards Program by scanning the QR code below.

Track & Field also captured regular season & All Catholic titles this spring.

The Prep Hockey Team made history with a National Title going 6-0 in Plymouth, MN to capture the USA Hockey Tier 1A High School National Championship.

Wrestling secured their second consecutive NYSPHSAA Federation Championship, while dominating at the All-Catholic and CHSAA Championships. After making history last year by capturing the school’s first Fed Championship the Red Raiders improved on a near perfect season by setting an all-time record for points scored by a single team the Fed. Senior Griffin LaPlante secured his 2nd individual title winning the 165 lb weight class and becoming the first Red Raider with multiple state Fed titles in school history. Fellow Senior Zachary Caldwell became just the 3rd Red Raider to achieve an individual state Fed title that same day winning the 190 lb weight class. A full summary of the wrestling season including All-Catholic winners, CHSAA winners, and Federation place finishers too long to be listed here can also be found by following the QR code.

The TAU SUMMER 2026

ATHLETICSthe next level

READY FOR THE

Level

Nathan Barnas

Twenty-five St. Francis Red Raiders that graduated in May will continue their athletic endeavors next year competing at the NCAA Division I, II, III, NJCAA, and Junior Hockey levels. During two signing ceremonies this past school year, these student athletes were honored in front of the entire student body. Through these 25 athletes, 9 different sports are represented.

Congratulations and Good Luck to the Red Raiders from the Class of 2026 that will be competing at the NEXT LEVEL.

Roberts Wesleyan Univ. Soccer, NCAA Division II

Columbus Mavericks Hockey, NCDC

Cameron Hill

James O’Brien

Vincent Scott

Zachary Caldwell

Dominic Insera

Luke Panzarella

Joshua Sikorski

Hayden Cole

Brayden Keppel

Thomas Pivarunas

Tage Stroh

Cullen Edwards

Griffin LaPlante

Mercyhurst University Wrestling, NCAA Division I Columbus Mavericks Hockey, NCDC

Mercyhurst University Soccer, NCAA Division I SUNY Erie Bowling, NJCAA

University at Buffalo Wrestling, NCAA Division I

NC State University Wrestling, NCAA Division I

Joshua Fischer

Andrew Lindstrom

St. John Fisher University Soccer, NCAA Division I

Mt. Aloysius College Basketball, NCAA Division III

La’Rafus Green

Dylan Noecker

Hilbert College Football, NCAA Division III

Finger Lakes CC Baseball, NJCAA

Larry Hardy III

Evan Noecker

Hilbert College Football, NCAA Division III

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Finger Lakes CC Baseball, NJCAA

Finger Lakes CC Baseball, NJCAA Alfred State Colleg Baseball, NCAA Division III Ave Maria University Cross Country/Track & Field NAIA

Maguire Proulx Coburg Cougars Hockey, OJHL

Brady Rakoski

D’Youville University Lacrosse, NCAA Division II

Donovan Schwanz

Alfred State College Lacrosse, NCAA Division III

D’Youville University Lacrosse, NCAA Division II Alfred State College Lacrosse, NCAA Division III Walsh University Lacrosse, NCAA Division II

Rory White

University at Buffalo Wrestling, NCAA Division I

William Wortkoetter

Mercyhurst University Wrestling, NCAA Division I

Matthew Zielinski

Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Football, NCAA Division III

ATHLETICSthe next level

Andrew Lindstrom Signing

Cameron Hill Signing

Griffin LaPlante Signing

Matthew Zielinski Signing

Baseball Signing

Rory White Signing

Lacrosse and Wrestling Signing The TAU SUMMER 2026

GRADUATIONandBACCALAUREATE

Class of 2026: A Legacy of Excellence St. Francis High School celebrated its 96th Commencement Exercises on May 29, 2026, at Our Lady of Victory Basilica, honoring the 89 members of the Class of 2026.

Valedictorian Luke Lanning

Salutatorian Andrew D. Bonare

Luke delivered the welcome address, reflecting on the accomplishments, brotherhood, and future opportunities awaiting his classmates. The Class of 2026 leaves St. Francis with an impressive record of achievement: @• $24.8 million in scholarship awards @• Nearly 700 college credits earned through dual-enrollment and AP opportunities @• 64 colleges and universities to which students were admitted @• 35 colleges and universities where graduates will matriculate @• 24 graduates (26.9%) continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level

Major Award Winners Pictured from left to right: Front Row: Principal Award: Cullen G. Edwards, Artist of the Year: Jack P. Sobkowiak, President Award: Jack N. Salerno, Creativity Award: Angelo J. DiPasqua. Back Row: Athlete of the Year: William Wortkoetter, Sportsmanship Award: Evan R. Noecker, Man of the Year: Matthew J. Zielinski, Service Award: Thomas A. Pivarunas

The Fr. Justin Figas Award

was presented to Richard & Dana Mata, Dr. Brian Mata ’99, and Fr. Mark David Skura ’71 in recognition of their outstanding dedication and service to the St. Francis community.

Baccalaureate Liturgy Fr. Matthew J. Foley OFM Conv., President of St. Francis High School, was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Baccalaureate Liturgy held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Andrew D. Bonare, the Salutatorian of the Class of 2026, welcomed the guests.

MATA FAMILY

Mr. Shawn Connolly ’90 was the recipient of the Father Leon Kropp Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Kyle Anderson ’11 announced the award recipients. Fr. Matt presented the awards and was assisted by Mr. Michael Messore ’91, Principal, and Mr. Timothy Monahan, Assistant Principal for Academics. MR. SHAWN CONNOLLY ’90

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FR. MARK DAVID SKURA

In Memoriam

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

ALUMNI +Joseph Barnashuk ’78

+Joseph Halizak ’57

+James Przybyla ’72

+James Bratek ’65

+Steven Heatley ’96

+James Reynolds ’64

+Stephen Brese ’75

+Lawrence Jay ’88

+Barry Recame ’64

+Jerome Collins ’59

+Robert Jonas ’98

+Matthew Saxe ’94

+John Compisi ’66

+Lawrence Klementowski ’67

+Michael Schaefer ’84

+Joseph Dash ’47

+Leo Nowak ’45

+Matthew Eich ’14

+Gregory Olma ’78

+John Szczesniak ’55 (Bishop Ryan)

+Mark Finucane ’79

+Wallace Popielinski ’61

+Joseph Golba ’49

+Richard Powers ’54

+Ron Wisholek ’57

FAMILY & FRIENDS +Aldo Canestrari

Stepfather of Dominic Croce ’27

+Martin Bartnik

+Albert Monaco

Father of Christopher ’95 and Jonathan ’00 Monaco Grandfather of Anthony Monaco ’28

Father of Martin ’14, Edward ’21 and Daniel ’28 Bartnik

+Richard Olma

+Jeremy “Jerry” Chase

+Rosemary Paliwoda

+Paula Cretacci

+Frances Romeo

Father of Benjamin ’20 and Zachary ’22 Chase Mother of St. Francis High School teacher Jason Cretacci

+Robert Fera

Grandfather of Justin Fera ’28 Great-Grandfather of Vincent Aeschbacher ’28

+Rosemary McCarthy George

Father of Gerard ’82 and +Gregory ’78 Olma Wife of Anthony Paliwoda ’62 Mother of Friar Nicholas Romeo, OFM Conv.

+Dr. Peter Roswell

Father of Christopher ’94 and Daniel Roswell ’96

+Fr. Peter Saporito

Former Principal of St. Francis High School

Mother of William McCarthy ’70

+Diana Silverman

+Mary Ann Guz +John Indelicato

+Theresa Schenk

Father of Joseph ’91 and John ’99 Indelicato

+Frank Krajcer

Father of Joseph Krajcer ’95

+Erhard Krause

Wife of Albin Schenk ’51 Mother of Gregory Schenk ’76 Grandmother of Paul ’02 and Matthew ’09 Gorczyca

+Joan Warner

Grandmother of Derek ’03, Devin ’09 and Justin Filipiak

+Joseph Lawson

+Diane Widelski

+Lois Lapolt

+Michael P. Willis

Grandmother of Craig Browning. St. Francis High School’s Director of IT Great-Grandmother of Daniel Browning ’19

+Charles Mertz

Father of Matt Mertz ’93

VOL. 17 NO. 1

Published 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 & Notes Dylan Regan ’14 Cover Design Photography Yearbook Staff Legacy Studios Dylan Regan ’14 Contributors Alex Schaffstall ’12 Dylan Regan ’14 Proofreaders Dylan Regan ’14

Stepdaughter of Kitchen Manager Davina Livingston

Father of Garrett Krause ’90 Grandfather of Kyle Anderson ’11

ST. FRANCIS TAU

Mother of Edward Schaefer ’85 Father of Michael Willis ’90

WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS...

schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org

HAVE NEWS? Keep Us Informed!

+John Woodman

Grandfather of Waylon ’25, Brooks ’27 and Davis ’28 Runfola and James Gordon ’23

+Daniel Zuchlewski

Grandfather of Conrad Gawronski ’14

Please note that St. Francis High School publishes memorials at the request of family and/or friends of the deceased and reserves the right to edit for content.

The TAU SUMMER 2026

4129 Lake Shore Road • Hamburg, NY 14075-0185

s e at u d a Gr 2026

& THEIR FATHERS

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