St. Francis High School Logo
A motley crew of mustaches in honor of our friend and mentor, Mr. Rudy Trujillo!
Mr. Moran's Address to the Graduates: May 27, 2017
I have to start with a quick housekeeping item: Did anyone lose a large bundle of cash wrapped in a rubber band? Because, someone turned in the rubber band.

That question is not just to get your attention, but to remind you of one of the amazing and unique features of St. Francis High School. For years, we have taken pride in the integrity of our students who turn in money they have found. In addition to cash, we regularly have cell phones, iPads, and other valuables returned to the Dean's Office. I assure you that does not happen everywhere.

Perhaps we have done you a disservice by creating an artificial environment that will not prepare you for the world you are about to enter. Wherever that is, you are venturing into unknown territory: a land of untucked shirts, radical hairstyles and colors, blue jeans, flip-flops, piercings, and tattoos. But enough about young ladies...You are heading into that world too. By its nature, St. Francis is a sanctuary from some of the critical issues that plague the rest of society.

That world values chaos over Kairos, chooses hubris above humility, favors selfishness over service, and prefers vice to virtue. Next year, the only place where you will find brotherhood before brutality, integrity preceding irrationality, acceptance ahead of acrimony, generosity before grandiosity, and peacekeeping preceding pleasure is in the dictionary.

You will have more choices than requirements. Your new setting will offer technology freedom, not filters. You can facegram and instachat all day long. Performing Christian service will be voluntary, not mandatory. You are leaving a place where you prayed for one where you may be preyed upon. And the only people in brown robes greeting you early in the morning will be your fraternity brothers.

But, perhaps, upon further reflection, we have prepared you. An anonymous quote states: "There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs." We know St. Francis has prepared you for that.

We told you on your first day here that you were not better than students in other schools, but you were different. Everything you have done between that day and this has enhanced our community, enriched your mind and heart, and led you to this moment. So we encourage you to practice Franciscan virtues in your colleges, careers, and vocations; be like Francis and "preach the Gospel, if necessary use words." Not everyone will understand, nor appreciate it, but all will be affected by it.

So when confronted with the challenge of finding a bundle of cash, in honor of your St. Francis education, return the money and keep the rubber band (make sure you get the order right). That rubber band will remind you that our graduates can stretch beyond their limits, hold things together, withstand stress, fight against resistance, and ultimately, be resilient, flexible and strong.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, the friars, faculty and staff, congratulations to the Class of 2017.

Announcing the Rudy Trujillo Endowed Scholarship
New York City had its Rudy; Notre Dame Football had its Rudy; but no one had a Rudy quite like St. Francis High School. The Rudy Trujillo Endowed Scholarship honors the legacy of Rudy's 47 years in Catholic education and 27 years of exceptional service to St. Francis. Rudy, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your friendship! Enjoy your retirement and know that you made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless young men. Please click on the image below if you would like to make a donation to the Rudy Trujillo Endowed Scholarship.  
 
 
For the past 47 years, his mission has been to serve the young people entrusted to his care.
He has served St. Francis in many ways:
He served advice and counsel to students and colleagues.
He served to pique our curiosity about his age, circus career, and whether he wears a toupee.
He served the Catholic Church.
He served to enhance the art of diagramming sentences.
He served to inspire countless students with his wisdom, sense of humor, and grooming tips.
He served lessons in English, Spanish, and Latin classes.
He served racquetballs and leftovers.
He served as an award winning Academic Decathlon coach.
He served as a model of consummate professionalism.
He served as school barber and proofreader.
He served every St. Francis student in the past 27 years by attending and supporting each sport and activity.
He served St. Francis with dignity, compassion, and integrity. Maybe Pope Francis had him in mind when said: "The world tells us to seek success, power, and money. God tells us to seek humility, service, and love."

Thank you Rudy!

Congratulations to the Class of 2017
One hundred and sixty young men from the Class of 2017 graduated on Saturday, May 27th, on the campus of St. Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Fr. Tony Marti, OFM Cap., the President of St. Francis High School, represented his Excellency Bishop José Gómez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, at the graduation. Mr. Thomas Moran, the school Principal, Mr. Rudy Trujillo, the Academic Vice Principal, and Mr. Mark Heydorff '70, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, also officiated at the Sixty-Eighth Annual Commencement Exercises for the local Catholic, college-preparatory institution.

Harrison Duffy led the National Anthem, Charles Greaves, the Senior Class President, welcomed the crowd, and Valedictorian Sebastian Haworth gave a formal address to the audience. Haworth also received the Capuchin Award and Medal for Scholarship. The program also recognized Salutatorian Kevin Gates for his exceptional achievement.

St. Francis Certificates of Excellence were awarded to graduates in the following categories: Mass Media - Johannes Appels, Gabriel Ballard; Science - Scott Carney; Mathematics - Aaron Carter, Joshua Hedgpeth; Fine Arts - Elliot Fernstrom; Social Studies - John Freer, Edward Giardello; Foreign Language - Kevin Gates, William Lan; Religion - Daniel Maya; Leadership - Carter Provencio.

The school faculty also presented Capuchin Medals for excellence in subject areas to the following individuals: Art - Christian Ng; Athletics - Daniel Scott; Biology - Jacob Hauser; Chemistry - Minjune Hwang; Chorus - Nicholas Cesario; Computer Science - Alec Asatoorian; Computer Science Principles - Minjune Hwang; Drumline - Jacob Hauser; Economics - Sebastian Haworth; English - Adrian Ballard; European History - Kevin Gates; Human Geography - John Phegley; Kinesiology - Charles Greaves; Latin - Jacob Hauser; Mass Media - Cameron Russell; Mathematics - Minjune Hwang; Physics - Tomas Seager; Religion - Christopher Hidalgo; Spanish - Scott Carney; Theater - Harrison Duffy; United States Government - Carter Provencio; United States History - Adrian Ballard.

At the Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 26th, Community Service Awards were presented to Charles Greaves (Pro Deo et Patria for Leadership); Spencer Shackel (Pro Deo et Ecclesia for Leadership); Scott Carney (Fred Purner Humanitarian Award); Robert Herrera (Roger Barkley Award for Outstanding Character); Christopher Hidalgo, Christian Ng (Archdiocesan Christian Service Award); Trafton Welsh (Peter Brang Medal for Good Citizenship); Samuel Holtz (Rudy Trujillo Award for Academic Effort); and Nicholas Conti (Franciscan Spirit and Life Award). In addition, Mrs. Bridgid Sloyan and Mrs. Colleen Welsh were honored for their service to St. Francis with the St. Clare of Assisi Award. Mr. Mike Mudie and Mr. Luke Welsh '82 were also recognized for their service to the school as this year's recipients of the St. Francis of Assisi Award.

The Fr. Lawrence Caruso Memorial College Scholarship was awarded to John Gandara.

Thirty-three graduates received the special St. Francis High School Honors Diploma, an award given for Christian service, high academic achievement, and taking at least one Advanced Placement course during their senior year at the school. Twenty-two of the graduating seniors were recognized as California Scholarship Federation Sealbearers. The California Scholarship Federation Sealbearer Scholarship was presented to Joshua Hedgpeth.

Sebastian Bruno, Adam Leone, Tomas Seager, Peter Simmeth, and Mixtli Velasquez were recognized as National Merit Program Commended Students. Adrian Ballard was honored as a National Merit Program Finalist.

Fifty-one students graduated as members of the National Honor Society and fourteen graduated as Mu Alpha Theta Members. The National Honor Society Certificate of Merit was awarded to Scott Carney and Alexi Garcia. The National Honor Society of Sports Medicine graduated seven members. The National Hispanic Recognition Program recognized Adrian Ballard, Gabriel Ballard, Sebastian Bruno, Daniel Maya, Tomas Seager, Ryan Vargas, and Mixtli Velasquez as Scholars.

At the time of graduation, students from St. Francis High School's graduating Class of 2017 have received 301 scholarships and awards to colleges and universities throughout the United States. These scholarships and awards equate to $12,205,983 towards the recipients' educational costs.

St. Francis would like to congratulate all 160 graduates and wish them success and happiness as they journey onward toward lives of purpose marked by service to others.
Baccalaureate Mass Honors Class of 2017, Families, and Friends
A beautiful Baccalaureate Mass in honor of the Class of 2017! We are grateful to all of the family and friends of our graduates who have supported their academic progress and spiritual formation over the past four years. We pray that these Golden Knights "keep moving" forward with courage to live out the Franciscan virtues through their actions. GO KNIGHTS!

SFHS Welcomes the Class of 2021
Congratulations to all of the incoming Golden Knights on graduating from middle school with distinction! We are proud of your accomplishments and honored to welcome you into the St. Francis Family. Here is a picture of Fr. Tony with members of the SFHS Class of 2021 from the Mayfield Junior Baccalaureate Mass. Congratulations gentlemen...GO KNIGHTS!

Inspiring a Lifetime of Service 
We are grateful for all of the students and faculty/staff members who participated in service trips over the past month. We pray that your service experience may inspire a lifetime of love and compassion for those in need. Thank you, gentlemen, for serving with joy and humility! GO KNIGHTS!

Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership
We have all changed someone's life - usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other's lives.

Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership
Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership
Brotherly run ends in semifinals for St. Francis' Freers 
By Andrew J. Campa, Glendale News-Press
It wasn't that long ago when the idea that St. Francis High brothers Jack and Ian Freer would pair to become a formidable tennis duo bordered on ridiculous.

Each suffered various injuries throughout the season that kept them apart and off the tennis court.

When the brothers were finally healthy, they made a run perhaps no one outside of St. Francis anticipated.


The Freers advanced to the final day of competition of the CIF Southern Section Boys Individual Tennis Championships.

Their postseason march was ended as they were defeated by the defending CIF champion and top-seeded duo of San Marino's Bryce Pereira and Connor Lee, 6-2, 6-0, in the semifinals Saturday afternoon at the Seal Beach Tennis Center.

The loss capped a 13-3 season in which all three of the Freers losses came versus CIF finalists: Pereira and Lee and Harvard-Westlake's Timothy Li and David Arkow.

"I'm really proud of the guys and they have nothing to be ashamed of," St. Francis coach Ron Zambrano said. "The other team was just plain unbelievable, just too good. My guys hung in there and they were happy, but they played against a two-time Ojai winner and defending CIF champion."

The Freers took the lead in the first set, 1-0, before San Marino rallied to go ahead, 2-1, and eventually, 5-1, behind the power of UCLA-bound Pereira and precision of Georgetown University-committed Lee.

The Freers rallied to take a game and climb within, 5-2, only to watch San Marino's All-American duo close out a 6-2 victory.

Momentum from that first set victory carried over as Pereira and Lee closed out a 6-0 second-set victory in 20 minutes.

"We just wanted to give the St. Francis guys total respect because of the last time we faced them in Ojai," said San Marino coach Melwin Pereira, father of Bryce. "We had a letdown and they played very well."

Saturday's contest was a rematch of a 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) victory for the Titans twosome over the Freer brothers in the semifinals of the 117th annual Ojai Invitational on April 29.

It was only a week earlier when senior Jack Freer, who's heading to Division III Whitman College, and sophomore Ian Freer first played together this season.

"I had two herniated discs in my back after injuring myself playing basketball and Ian broke his nose," Jack Freer said. "It was the same basketball tournament. So, we were out all of March and most of April and then we played the last weekend of April.

"To get from that point, which was real unexpected, to now is just awesome."

For Ian Freer, the loss was hardly a reason to pout.

"It was awesome playing with Jack because, honestly, not too many brothers get along on the court as well as we did," Ian Freer said. "It was fun to have a run like this, especially at the end of my brother's high school career."

The Freers finished 4-1 in the CIF tournament and finished runner-up in the Mission League to Li and Arkow...(read the full article HERE)  
St. Francis Golf Ends Successful Season on High Note  
We are so proud of the golf team's performance this year! The Golden Knights placed 3rd out of 20 teams at CIF, and only 2 shots away from advancing to the next round. It was a great team effort to cap off a terrific season. GO KNIGHTS!

Visit to Disney Animation Studios a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience for KNIT Members 
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Kyle Odermatt, father of Ian Odermatt '19, for providing members of St. Francis' KNIT Production Team with a once-in-a-lifetime personal tour of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Mr. Odermatt encouraged the young men to pursue their passions, work hard, and never give up on their dreams - wonderful words of wisdom.

Golden Knights Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Congratulations to all of the Golden Knights who have recently received the sacrament of Confirmation. Here's a great photo of the young men who received the sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Angels (from left to right: Joseph Thompson '19, Matthew Brownell '19, Damian Robles '19, Francis Dy '19). We admire your commitment to your faith and we pray for you as you continue on your spiritual journey. GO KNIGHTS!

Theatre Night Showcases Students' Talents During Festival of the Arts
A fun recap of this year's Theatre Night during the St. Francis Festival of the Arts!

SFHS Festival of the Arts - Theatre Night 
SFHS Festival of the Arts - Theatre Night
Boy Scouts' Religious Emblems Presentation Mass Recognizes Golden Knights
Last month the Boy Scouts of America Catholic Committee of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles held its 91st Annual Religious Emblems Presentation Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Fr. Tony was on hand to help celebrate Mass and congratulate the students in attendance. A number of Golden Knights from various troops earned their Pope Pius XII Emblems and two of our young men also received the Chi Rho Award. Congratulations gentlemen...we are proud of your accomplishments! GO KNIGHTS!


St. Vincent de Paul Honors Old Mission Santa Ines Parish Community and Fr. Matt '73
On Wednesday, May 24, the Old Mission Santa Ines Parish Community and Fr. Matt Elshoff, OFM Cap. '73 were honored at the St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles 2017 Benefit Dinner and Awards Ceremony. It was a wonderful event in support of a great cause and the St. Francis community was there in force to show their support. Congratulations to all of the honorees and thank you for your continued generosity, dedication, and service to those in need!

Announcing the Arrival of Sebastien Charles Holmquist
Congratulations to our brother alum Kevin Holmquist '04 and his wife Julia on the arrival of their son Sebastien Charles Holmquist! Sebastien was born on Memorial Day, 05/29/2017, weighed 6 lbs. 5 oz. and measured 22 inches tall at birth. What a joy to welcome a future Golden Knight from the Class of 2035!

 
Lt Brian O'Toole '05 Flies F-35 in 2017 Wings Over Golden Isles Air Show
This past March St. Francis grad Lt Brian O'Toole '05 participated in the 2017 Wings Over Golden Isles Air Show Weekend in Brunswick, Georgia. Lt O'Toole is a Navy pilot and flies the F-35. We're proud of you Brian...GO KNIGHTS!

2nd Lt Kevin O'Toole '12 Earns USMC Gray Belt
Congratulations to St. Francis grad 2nd Lt Kevin O'Toole '12 (pictured on the right) on earning his Gray Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program today! GO KNIGHTS!

Chris Sercel '13 Excels in Undergraduate Research Competition
Check out this short presentation made by Chris Sercel '13 on his senior thesis work at UCSB. He put this presentation together for a contest, the Undergraduate Research SLAM, and he won 4th place. It's all in layman's terms without any engineering jargon, and it's extremely interesting! GO KNIGHTS!

Chris Sercel - UCSB Undergraduate Research Slam 
Chris Sercel - UCSB Undergraduate Research Slam
Andres Kim '15 Crushes PCC Baseball Run Record 
La Canada Valley Sun College Update: Andres Kim (St. Francis High, 2015) Pasadena City College baseball sophomore: A bounce-back from the University of San Diego, Kim's presence was a key factor in Pasadena putting forth one of its greatest seasons and one in which it prospered following years of futility.

PCC advanced to the postseason for the first time in 45 years and captured its first South Coast Conference outright title since 1967.

Kim, an All-SCC first-team choice as a second baseman, hit .335 (52 for 155) through 41 games for Pasadena (26-15) with a team-leading 43 runs and eight stolen bases. Kim added 26 runs batted in, 14 extra-base hits, including 11 doubles, and 20 walks.

Kim boasted a 10-game hitting streak at one point and hit safely in nine of the final 10 games of the campaign.

A 9-2 defeat to El Camino in the Super Regional round of the California Community College Athletic Assn. postseason ended the Lancers' season on May 13, with Kim connecting for a solo home run.

Kim crushes baseball run record - Pasadena City College Courier:  
http://www.pcccourier.com/sports/kim-crushes-baseball-run-record.html
 
Michael Watkins/ Courier Andres Kim, second base for PCC, slides into home for a portrait on May 22, 2017.
Signing Ceremony Celebrates Accomplishments of James DeRose '17
Congratulations to St. Francis senior James DeRose '17, son of Jamie DeRose '85, on committing to play soccer at Ripon College in Wisconsin next year! We are proud of you, James, and we are cheering for your success! GO KNIGHTS!

Ross LoCascio '17 Hired as Student Videographer for University of Alabama Football
Congratulations to recent St. Francis grad Ross LoCascio '17 on being selected for a highly competitive paid position as a Student Videographer for the University of Alabama Football Program! Ross is scheduled to report to camp on August 2nd and he is looking forward to traveling with the team across the country and assisting the program with his unique skillset.

Ross played football at St. Francis for two years before making the decision to end his career because of concussions. Instead of throwing in the towel, he turned his passion for sports toward his work in videography and made tremendous contributions to the St. Francis Football Program and SFHS Athletics. We are proud of you, Ross, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you have on the University of Alabama. GO KNIGHTS!



2017 SFHS Baseball  
Congratulations to Coach Dorlarque and the Golden Knight baseball players on a very memorable season marked by some milestone victories. The St. Francis Family is proud of your effort, determination, and sportsmanship...GO KNIGHTS!

2017 SFHS Baseball Year End Video  
2017 SFHS Baseball Year End Video
2017 SFHS Swimming
Congratulations to the 2017 St. Francis Swimming Team on a fantastic season! We admire your hard work and sportsmanship and we thank you for paving the program's way to a very bright future. GO KNIGHTS!

2017 St Francis Swimming 
2017 St Francis Swimming
Congratulations to All SFHS Alums Graduating from Colleges/Universities 
It is inspiring to see our St. Francis alums graduating from various colleges/universities and transitioning into jobs and further education. We are proud of each and every one of you and we continue to pray for your safety and success. GO KNIGHTS! 
Congratulations to Mark Abraham '07 on graduating from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences last Friday! Mark will be continuing his Anesthesia residency training at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital with his intern year at the UCSF Fresno campus. Mark, we are so proud of you for pursuing your passion for service through medicine...GO KNIGHTS!

Congratulations to St. Francis grad Joe Camp '07 on graduating with his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School! Joe is a 2011 graduate from Stanford with a B.A. in Political Science. We are so proud of Joe and all of our other graduates who continue to pursue a life of purpose...GO KNIGHTS!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words 
Images from Across the St. Francis Community  
St. Francis hopes all of our amazing moms had a happy Mother's Day. You nurture and guide our young men and our school and for that we are incredibly grateful!
It_s wonderful to have Freddie Balian '14 and Casey Shatraw '14 back on campus to direct and produce the school's new Admissions video. What a blessing to have such a diverse and talented alumni family!
The 2017-18 LIFE Team spent the past week at Pali Mountain Retreat Center for four days of spiritual leadership training!
This talented group of St. Francis freshmen took the AP Human Geography Exam this year, certainly the first of many more to come for these Golden Knights! We are proud of you for accepting the challenge and we're cheering for your success.
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