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St. Francis Family Says Farewell to Fr. Gregory Coiro, OFM Cap
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This past week the St. Francis family came together to remember and honor a great man, a mountain of a man. Fr. Greg positively influenced the lives of so many young men during his tenure at St. Francis with his humor, wisdom, honesty, and friendship. Thank you, Fr. Greg, for serving as a role model and mentor to so many! We hope the video clip below serves as a heartwarming reminder of Fr. Greg's indomitable spirit.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
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Father Gregory Coiro: Reflections from St. Francis and the City Named After Him
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28th Annual St. Francis High School Golf Classic
Monday, October 3rd, 2016 - 12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start
Brookside Golf Club, Pasadena
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We look forward to celebrating our 28th Annual Golf Classic and hope that you can join us for this great cause. Proceeds from this tournament will go directly to benefit our current students in the form of scholarships.
As is our tradition, we also continue to award good students who live the Code of the Golden Knight with merit awards. In addition, a large portion of the proceeds are al
located directly to the school's Financial Aid offering to help facilitate a Catholic College Preparatory education for those who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
We are grateful for your generosity; you have made this a successful tournament for so many years and we are blessed by your continued support and generosity. We would like to especially thank Watson Land Company (Bob Huston '86, Chairman, and Jeff Jennison '87, President), for generously serving as this year's presenting sponsor.
We hope that you, too, will join us again for a great day of golf, camaraderie, and fun...all in the spirit of St. Francis, and to help continue supporting the needs of our Golden Knights.
To date, the Alumni Scholarship has assisted in providing over $750,000 to St. Francis High School students. The Association firmly believes in the education each of us has received, and our primary purpose to is help advance the high school, by ensuring the perpetual enrichment of mind and heart of each and every student to whom the school is entrusted. Together we remain:
Victorious in Competition
Steadfast in our Ideals
Faithful to our Alma Mater
Reverent unto God
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St. Francis Selected as One of California's 40 Most Beautiful High Schools Campuses
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St. Francis High School requests the pleasure of your company for our
Reunion Weekend 2016
Honoring the classes of: 1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006
Friday, September 30, 2016 - Reunion Tailgate / Hall of Fame Game
5:30 p.m.: Pre-Game Tailgate (
Entrance via upper campus to Senior Lawn)
7:00 p.m.: Golden Knights Varsity Football Game
Saturday, October 1, 2016 - Reunion Dinner
5:30 p.m.: Mass in the Chapel
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres / Campus Tours
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.: Dinner and Dancing Under the Oaks
Complimentary cocktails and beverages served throughout the evening.
Monday, October 3, 2016 - St. Francis Golf Classic
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Italian Catholic Federation Honors Mr. Jim O'Connor with 2016 Pope St. John XXIII Award
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Congratulations to St. Francis High School math teacher Mr. Jim O'Connor on his selection by The Italian Catholic Federation as the recipient of the 2016 Pope Saint John XXIII Award!
The 2016 recipient of the Pope Saint John XXIII Award is Jim O'Connor of La Canada, CA. Jim is being recognized for his over 22 years of volunteering at Los Angeles Children's Hospital. Jim has comforted many patients and has donated more than 75 gallons of blood and platelets during his years of
volunteer service.
Father Tony Marti, OFM Cap, President of St. Francis High School, where Jim teaches Algebra and Calculus, writes, "Jim is a Vietnam Veteran who exemplifies Franciscan ideals by teaching young minds values such as compassion, humility, service and goodness at school, while previously unknown to his students, giving blood and helping hold babies as a temporary father/grandfather to children in need of one. Jim has never married and has been giving blood and holding babies for more than 20 years. He is the top blood donor at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles and has been recognized by various organizations for his service including the 2015 Cardinal's Award."
Father Marti also writes, "Jim has shown that the virtue of love, especially towards those who are defenseless, is a responsibility that each person is called to fulfill. He does it with a great heart. By his work with children, Jim demonstrates that it is our moral duty to care for these children and to advocate for their rights."
Wendy Kellaris, Manager, Volunteer Resources at Los Angeles Children's Hospital, states, "In his role as a TLC volunteer, Jim makes rounds on the patient units and holds and comforts the little ones who need that extra attention. He truly found his calling as a TLC volunteer. You will never see him that he isn't quietly comforting a fussy infant, a fidgety toddler, a frightened preschooler...it doesn't matter what the age is, he is their Pied Piper."
The Italian Catholic Federation congratulates Jim O'Connor on being named the recipient of the 2016 Pope Saint John XXIII Award.
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St. Francis Welcome New Head Lacrosse Coach
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We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jared Little has been named as St. Francis High School's new head lacrosse coach. Coach Little's lacrosse experience, as both a player and coach, along with his Christocentric approach to athletics, makes him an excellent fit for the position at St. Francis.
 Coach Little approaches the role with a desire to build upon the program's initial success with awareness on multiple phases of adolescence development, core values, social capital, and incarnational coaching.
While pursuing an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia, Coach Little was a member of the school's lacrosse team that won national championships in 2002 and 2006. In Addition, Coach Little holds a Master of Education in Social Foundations and Leadership from the University of Virginia. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.
Coach Little has a strong background in ministry as well as coaching. Most recently, he served as the Pastor of Family Ministries at Springfield Church in Bozeman, Montana, from 2012-2016. Prior to that he worked as the head lacrosse coach at Chaminade College Preparatory School in West Hills, California from 2010-2012.
"We are thrilled to have Jared joining us St. Francis," said the school's Athletic Director, Matt Luderer. "His lacrosse background is impressive, but it's his approach to athletics and character development that sets him apart. His Christocentric coaching style is completely congruent with the philosophy of St. Francis High School."
St. Francis High School welcomes Coach Little into the Golden Knight family and is excited about the tremendous impact that will have on the students, the lacrosse program, and the school.
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Assisi Pilgrimage Promo Video Brings Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey to Life
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The Assisi Pilgrimage Informational Meeting took place earlier this week and the Office of Franciscan Spirit and Life is already preparing for another epic journey to Italy during the spring of 2017. If you are interested in participating in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, may sure you visit the Office of Franciscan Spirit and Life for more information.
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Assisi Pilgrimage Promo Video
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1st Quarter Franciscan Virtue: Acceptance
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One day a prairie chicken found an egg and sat on it until it hatched. Unbeknownst to the prairie chicken, the egg was an eagle egg, abandoned for some reason.
 That's how an eagle came to be born into a family of prairie chickens.
While the eagle is the greatest of all birds, soaring above the heights with grace and ease, the prairie chicken doesn't even know how to fly. In fact, prairie chickens are so lowly that they eat garbage.
Predictably, the little eagle, being raised in a family of prairie chickens, thought he was a prairie chicken. He walked around, ate garbage, and clucked like a prairie chicken.
One day he looked up to see a majestic bald eagle soar through the air, dipping and turning. When he asked his family what it was, they responded, "It's an eagle. But you could never be like that because you are just a prairie chicken." Then they returned to pecking the garbage.
The eagle spent his whole life looking up at eagles, longing to join them among the clouds. It never once occurred to him to lift his wings and try to fly. The eagle died thinking he was just a prairie chicken.
You were born to fly. But some of you think and act like prairie chickens because the world keeps telling you that's what you are. God created you "a little lower than the angels." (See Psalm 8 and Hebrews 2:7.) Do you ever feel like there's something more to life than what you are experiencing? Talking to God and learning about his will for you opens up the whole sky. Acceptance of his will determines how high you can fly!
The apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:14, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." In other words, "Stop living like eagles who think they are prairie chickens." You are no longer ignorant. You know who and what you are. Use God's gifts to the best of your ability, and you can find that the wings to be an eagle.
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Mass Media Photo Montage Brings Franciscan Virtue of Acceptance into Focus
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An excellent "Eclipse" photo montage produced for Mr. Eulalia's Mass Media course! This short video demonstrates, through still photos, the incredible power of ACCEPTANCE - the 1st quarter Franciscan virtue. St. Francis High School's Franciscan Virtues Program focuses on one Franciscan virtue each quarter as part of the school's emphasis on character development. A special thanks to the young men who put this video together! GO KNIGHTS!
Eclipse - Photo Montage: A high school student struggles with his identity and soon is overshadowed by his self-doubt, absorbed by his flaws. Only through self-acceptance and the acceptance of others can the student live with peace and joy.
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Ryan Tanker '06 Takes Home Emmy for Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction
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Congratulations to St. Francis graduate and SFHS Arts alumnus Ryan Tanker '06 on winning an Emmy (Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Variety Special) as part of the phenomenal lighting team for "Grease: Live!"
We were so lucky to have Ryan as part of our tech crew when he was a student and are so grateful for his continued support and consulting. At St. Francis, he most recently created the lighting design for West Side Story, A Few Good Men, and Titanic the Musical. (pc Nicole Tanker). GO KNIGHTS!
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St. Francis Recognized as "Safe Sports School" by National Athletic Training Association
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We are proud of our young men for earning this important distinction. This is certainly a testament to the priority that St. Francis High School places on the safety of our student-athletes. GO KNIGHTS!
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SFHS/CHLA Blood Drive: Thurs., Nov. 22 (8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
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Alex Stalick '18 Represents USA at Jr. World Championships for Model Aeronautics
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Congratulations to St. Francis junior Alex Stalick '18 on placing 3rd in the Jr. World Championships for Model Aeronautics this past summer as part of Team USA!
Alex competed in the Jr. World Championships for Model Aeronautics from August 1-6 in Prilep, Macedonia. The USA sent a contingent of six team members to compete against contestants from 22 other countries in the biennial event.
 Alex flew in two out of the three categories placing third in F1P Power and fifteenth i
n F1A Glider. Team USA also took home second place team trophies in F1P Power and F1B Rubber.
The Olympic Style event, sponsored by the World Air Sports Federation, is a great opportunity to interact with people from other cultures who share a common interest and to test abilities against the "Best in the World." The event lasted a full week starting with a Parade of Nations, multiple days of competition and culminating with an awards ceremony and a banquet. Prilep, located in central Macedonia, is known as a center for Aviation Sports in Europe.
The competition began with Alex's first event, F1A which is for 2-meter wingspan gliders that are towed up by a line and released, preferably into a thermal (a rising column of air). Carbon Fiber Wings with special airfoils and sophisticated electronics allow for zoom launches which can place the model as high as 100 meters off the top of the 50-meter towline. The models are flown in circles while on the line as the flyer is searching for a thermal, but after they are launched off the towline the timekeeping starts, and the models fly free (without control). Alex flew well, but stiff competition and tricky wind conditions resulted in a 15th place finish in the event; however one of his teammates managed a third place individual finish.
Alex's second event, F1P is for 1.5-meter wingspan fuel powered airplanes that climb straight up for 7 seconds before power is cut-off. If all goes well, the model transitions into a glide where they fly free (without control) for the duration of the flight. If it doesn't go well, the results can be spectacularly catastrophic. In Alex's case, he achieved maximum duration in 5 of the 7 rounds for the third place finish and was beat out of first by only 10 seconds by a Polish contestant. Alex's American teammates placed ninth and tenth which led to an overall team placing of second, right behind the Russians.
Alex became interested in the sport from his Grandfather, Bob Stalick, who is a founding member of the National Free Flight Society. Bob, a retired High School English teacher, served as the team reporter in Macedonia. Alex's father, Ted Stalick also joined and provided financial and technical support. Macedonia was Alex's second and final Jr. World Champs competition as he will age out before the next Champs in 2018.
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AP Biology Student-Centered Learning in Action!
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Here's a fun time-lapse video of student-centered learning in action in Mr. Ostrom's AP Chemistry class! After separating the different dyes in Grape Kool Aid following a demonstration on liquid chromatography and another involving hydrophobic sand, the students set up a paper chromatography experiment to run while they participated in a 12 station review for their upcoming test. All in days work! GO KNIGHTS!
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AP Chemistry Student-centered Learning in Action!
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Transforming Service into a Way of Life
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| A special thanks to the Golden Knights in LINK Group 2 who woke up early on Wednesday, September 14th, to help prepare breakfast at The Midnight Mission in downtown Los Angeles. |
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| St. Francis aims to transform Christian service from an obligation into a way of life! Here's a great picture collage from the first Sophomore (K)night of Service at the Midnight Mission. Thank you, gentlemen, for giving so generously of your time and talent for the benefit of others. |
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A special thanks to those young men from the freshman class (LINK Group 1) who participated in the first MATTINA (Morning of Service) of the school year.
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New Plaques Honor Cross Country and Track & Field Record Holders
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The new SFHS Track & Field and Cross Country record plaques near Friedman Field and The Pete Brang Track recognize and honor athletes from these two sports that hold records in various events. These tributes also serve as a reminder of the tremendous contributions these Golden Knights made to the St. Francis community! GO KNIGHTS!
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Freshman Retreat Introduces Students to Francis of Assisi, Importance of Brotherhood
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Building brotherhood while spending "A Day with Francis"! The Class of 2020 has already demonstrated that it is talented, fun-loving, and inclusive. GO KNIGHTS!
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Opposing Teams but Brothers for Life!
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Ty Gangi to earn more playing time at QB
By Alex Margulies - KRNV, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11): One of the surprises of the Notre Dame week was the debut of backup quarterback Ty Gangi.
The transfer from Ventura College impressed in a small sample, completing 2-of-3 passes for 88 yards while also rushing for 15 yards. He led Nevada's only touchdown scoring drive of the game late in the fourth quarter against the Fighting Irish reserves.
During his Tuesday press conference, Head Coach Brian Polian said that Gangi has earned the chance to play more, but said that Tyler Stewart will remain the team's starter...(read the full article and watch the video clip
HERE)
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Golden Knights Begin New Adventure as Keelhaulers
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A great picture of recent SFHS alums and now Cal Maritime Academy Keelhaulers, Matthew Arnall '16 and Michael Vega '16! Our prayers are with you and all of our grads who are beginning their next adventure! GO KNIGHTS!
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Mr. Fredette Earns Commercial Glider Pilot Rating
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Our Doors are Always Open
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Giancarlo Ciulla '16 One Step Closer to Achieving His Dream
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Congratulations to recent St. Francis grad
Giancarlo Ciulla
'16 on completing his first solo flight as part of the Oklahoma University (OU) Department of Aviation. We are so proud of you...keep chasing your dreams! GO KNIGHTS!
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Grad Earns Private Pilot's License Before Departing for College
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Introducing the 2016-17 SFHS Cheer & Song Squad
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Introducing the 2016-17 SFHS Drumline Team
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St. Francis Grads Shine at the Collegiate Level
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This past weekend was a great one for the St. Francis graduates playing football at the collegiate level.
A great weekend for St. Francis grad Ryan McAleenan '12 as he led the UNLV football team against UCLA at the Rose Bowl in front of a great group of family members, friends, and fellow St. Francis Golden Knights! Regardless of the colors you wear, the St. Francis brown and gold runs deep and the spirit of brotherhood remains strong! We're proud of you Ryan...GO KNIGHTS!
Here's a great picture of (L-R) Gavin Campbell '17 and recent St. Francis grad Ryan DeLucia '16. The photo is from the Occidental vs Puget Sound football game at Oxy this past Saturday. Puget Sound won and Ryan snapped the whole game. We're proud of you Ryan...keep up the great work! GO KNIGHTS!
Congratulations to St. Francis grad Travis Talianko '12 (pictured 2nd from the left, #27) and the Colorado Buffs on improving to 2-0 on the season. GO KNIGHTS!
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St. Francis water polo rallies against Burbank to notch milestone win
By Charles Rich, Glendale News-Press
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BURBANK - Things were hardly in favor of the St. Francis High water polo team entering the second half of its nonleague match against Burbank.
Trailing by five goals, the Golden Knights looked for a spark to ignite them in their quest for the program's first victory. Once the fourth quarter rolled around, the Golden Knights found themselves in control.
St. Francis, a first-year varsity program, scored seven fourth-quarter goals en route to a 15-11 non-league road win against the shorthanded Bulldogs.
"It's great," said St. Francis Coach Brady Lowdermilk, whose team is a freelance squad. "It will be exciting to go back to school and tell everybody about what we were able to accomplish.
"It's just our second game, but it's the second time now where I've seen our guys play so much better in the second half. Our starts have been a little bit too casual, but then they figure things out in the second half with respect to chemistry and being able to play a lot smarter."
St. Francis (1-1) trailed, 10-5, at halftime before making its charge against a fatigued Burbank (0-2) squad. The Bulldogs began the 28-minute contest with just seven players and saw it reduced to six after Artush Gasparyan picked up his third ejection with 5:12 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs had to play the remainder of the contest shorthanded.
St. Francis then began its comeback bid, getting three goals in less than two minutes late in the third quarter.
 Cole Gabriel-Rebmann scored to make it 10-8 with 28 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The Golden Knights' momentum continued heading into the fourth quarter. Maclean Ireland tied the score at 11 with 4:25 remaining and then Elijah Havens scored two straight goals in less than two minutes to make it 13-11. Havens' first goal came with 3:55 to go before scoring again with 2:14 left.
"I think we picked up our pace after that ejection," said Havens, who finished with four goals. "A lot of things got better, starting with our passing and finding the lanes to get off good shots.
"We kept thinking we'd have a shot if we stayed within ourselves. Coach Lowdermilk wants us to stick to the fundamentals. When we can do that, we have a shot."
St. Francis got a match-high six goals from Aidan Marick. The Golden Knights also received two goals from Gabriel-Rebmann and one each from John Balog and Dante Valle.
St. Francis and Burbank will meet again on Oct. 11 at Burbank...(read the full article HERE)
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Boys' Cross-Country Preview: Plenty of unknowns, intrigue for city trio
By Andrew J. Campa, La Canada Valley Sun
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Over the last few years, the St. Francis cross-country team has seen its share of progress, albeit at an agonizing pace.
Last season, the Golden Knights made a strong surge to qualify for the Division IV postseason and just came up short at the Mission League finals at Crescenta Valley Park on Nov. 4.
Needing to finish in the top four, the Golden Knights placed fifth and were bested by Bishop Alemany, 112-128.
"Every year you hope it's your year and we were close last year," St. Francis Coach Pat Donovan said. "We lost some guys from last year, but we have three returners back, so I'm cautiously optimistic."
St. Francis graduated its top three league finishers from last year in Chris Rodriguez, Ryan Hambley and Matthew Fernandez.
Despite the losses, Donovan has some strong returners led by senior C.T. Mayne, who sat out half of last season due to transfer rules. Mayne was the Golden Knights' No. 4 runner and took 33rd in league.
Senior John Gandara and junior Ben Grace will be right behind Mayne.
"This is only John's second season of running and he's shown a lot of progress," Donovan said. "Ben is back with us after taking a hiatus last season. He was a strong runner for us as a freshman and I think he'll be that guy again."
St. Francis commenced the season Sept. 3 at the Fastback Shootout...(read the full article
HERE)
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Weekly Football Previews: St. Francis clashes with La Serna again
Staff Reports, La Canada Valley Sun
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Perhaps the areas most high profile matchup will see St. Francis travel to face La Serna on Friday at 7 p.m. in a showdown that figures to offer plenty of emotion for the Golden Knights.
St. Francis and La Serna are certainly no strangers to one another, as the teams have met in the playoffs each of the past two seasons.
La Serna came away with victories in both meetings, including a 24-10 win in a CIF Southern Section Southeast Division semifinal contest at St. Francis last season.
"We'll try to figure it out this time," said St. Francis Coach Jim Bonds, whose team earned a 35-0 non-league home win against Pasadena on Thursday. "We know we'll be going up against a good program who is in our division and this game could have playoff implications.
"It's going to be a good test for our offense We know their defense will be good and their offense can be tricky. They put a lot of pressure on us last year. We know we'll have to be able to execute on both sides of the ball to have a chance."
La Serna (2-1) rallied for a 32-28 non-league road win versus Mira Costa on Friday. The Lancers scored the final 19 points of the game to complete the comeback.
La Serna started the season with a loss against Carlsbad La Costa Canyon before regrouping to turn back Lakewood...(read the full article
HERE)
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Photos from Across the St. Francis Community |
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| Our Mothers' Guild Knightwear representatives have created some exciting new items for sale this year. |
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| A great way to end a fantastic day - spikeball on the Senior Lawn after leading a successful freshmen retreat. |
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| British Literature comes to life in Mr. Eulalia's class section covering the Anglo-Saxon period. |
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Club Day 2016 - showcasing the wide variety of clubs, service organizations, and extracurricular activities available.
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9/11 Prayer Service - Always remember, never forget!
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Student Council has been busy making the start of the new school year a great one. Thank you gentlemen!
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