ROOTED IN FAITH, TRADITION, AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:5

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE BORGIA FAMILY

From all of us here at St. Francis Borgia High School, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Christmas season. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the love, hope, and light He brings into the world. May your hearts be filled with His peace, and may His presence guide you in the year ahead.


Thank you for being a cherished part of our Borgia Family. Together, we continue to nurture faith, inspire learning, and build a legacy of excellence rooted in Christ's love.

A LETTER FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

It has been a busy few weeks at St. Francis Borgia High School! Right before Thanksgiving, we had a gym full of special guests for our annual Grandparents Mass. It’s always so heart-warming to see our students connect with their grandparents.


On December 3, we welcomed over 70 alumni to campus for our Career Connections Day. Juniors and seniors attended three panels of professionals in fields ranging from optometry to HVAC to cosmetology to law. Freshmen and sophomores experienced three different presentations about what they can do now and in the near future to prepare for their college and career experiences. 


We are now at finals week. Amidst the study guides, rough drafts, and exam prep, we were able to gather for our all-school Advent Reconciliation on Monday. We were blessed to have 10 priests join us to offer the sacrament of Reconciliation service to our students and staff. Nearly 200 of our students chose to reconcile with the Church; this is nearly 50 more students than last Advent!


It is a truly beautiful sight to see so many of our Borgia Family grow closer to God in this way. I asked some of our students why they chose to go to Confession, and sophomore, Josh D., said that he likes “to get stuff off my chest; it makes me feel better.” Ninth grader, Nolan S., said that he goes to Confession because “it clears my conscience and makes you feel fulfilled afterward, knowing your sins were forgiven.” When I asked senior Lauren K. to share her experience with me, she said that the priest she met with was “super positive. I opened up to him by saying that I hadn’t been (to Confession) in a while, and he said he was proud of me and that there was no judgment.” Mr. Eggert, a member of our faculty, shared that he’s had “some major breakthroughs while sharing in Confession, and hearing the priest’s perspective helps me grow. I’ve received key takeaways from the priest in Confession that have helped shape my faith.”


I am so grateful for all you do to make the special moments like Grandparents Mass, Career Connections Day, and Reconciliation happen at SFBHS. Without your support and prayers, none of this would be possible!


Merry Christmas to you and yours!


St. Francis Borgia, pray for us!


Pam (Ruether) Tholen ‘02

Principal

ADVANCEMENT NEWS

The Advancement Department has had an incredible year in 2024, and we are deeply grateful for every gift—time, talent, or financial support. Your continued generosity means the world to us, both as an advancement team and as a school community. Every kind word or uplifting story shared warms our hearts and reminds us of the steadfast support surrounding us.


We feel truly blessed to witness and contribute to the growth of St. Francis Borgia High School. Connecting with you on so many levels allows us to build and strengthen the lasting legacy of our beloved school.


Wishing you and your family abundant blessings and joy this Christmas season.

CELEBRATE THE KNIGHT GALA

BLUE AND GOLD BOOSTERS

Your support of the Blue and Gold Boosters helps fund extracurricular activities, streamline fundraising efforts, and ensure all students benefit from equitable resources. Together, we can enhance programs, support trips, and provide opportunities that make a lasting impact on our Borgia community. Join us in making a difference for our students today!

BORGIA COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROGRAM

St. Francis Borgia High School's Community Partners program provides a strategic platform for businesses to gain valuable marketing exposure while directly supporting the success of our students. This program is designed to offer significant marketing value throughout diverse multi-platform media channels, ensuring businesses receive authentic and compelling advertising opportunities. Through various sponsorship tiers, Borgia proudly provides local businesses with multiple advertising options.


Businesses participating in the Community Partners Program benefit in the following ways:


  • Supporting the mission of St. Francis Borgia High School
  • Gaining substantial exposure for their company or organization
  • Enjoying a simplified, once-a-year sponsorship process
  • Accessing exclusive perks, such as VIP event tickets


This sponsorship program connects businesses to a broad in-person and online network, reaching thousands within the Borgia community and beyond.


St. Francis Borgia High School is dedicated to making Catholic education accessible to all. However, the actual cost exceeds tuition by $3,092 per student with 62% of our students receiving tuition assistance. The support of our donors and business partners is essential in bridging the $1.367 million budget gap.


We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2024-2025 Community Partners for their generous support and commitment to our school.


For more information, please contact Donna Grahl, Director of Advancement, at donna.grahl@borgia.com.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS A PROGRAM PLEDGE CARD

Thank you to our 2024-2025 Community Partners

CONSIDER YEAR-END PLANNED GIVING

As the year comes to a close, now is a great time to consider a planned gift to St. Francis Borgia High School. Options like bequests, retirement assets, or charitable gift annuities allow you to leave a lasting legacy while enjoying potential tax benefits. Your thoughtful planning today helps secure the future of Borgia and its mission for generations to come.



For more information on how to make a year-end planned gift, please contact Donna Grahl, Director of Advancement, at 636-239-7871 ext. 131 or donna.grahl@bogia.com. Your generosity makes a difference!

SAVE THE DATE

BORGIA ALUMNI SPEAKER SERIES

TEE OFF FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for Borgia Ladies Golf Day on Monday, June 9, 2025! Gather your friends and join us for a day of fun, fellowship, and golf in support of the St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association. Stay tuned for more details—we can't wait to see you on the course! 

ALUMNI NEWS

CAREER CONNECTIONS DAY 2024 EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES

St. Francis Borgia High School recently hosted its highly anticipated Career Connections Day, welcoming over 70 alumni to share their expertise and experiences with students. This year’s event was an overwhelming success, providing juniors and seniors with personalized career exploration opportunities while equipping freshmen and sophomores with essential life skills through engaging workshops.


Customized Career Exploration for Juniors and Seniors

For juniors and seniors, the highlight of Career Connections Day was the chance to tailor their experience to their unique interests. Each student selected three industry-specific panels from a diverse lineup, ensuring a morning filled with meaningful and relevant discussions.

The panels, led by alumni representing a wide array of professions—from healthcare and engineering to education, business, and the arts—offered students a glimpse into potential career paths. During the sessions, students had the opportunity to


  • Hear personal stories about the education and career journeys of the alumni.
  • Learn practical advice for breaking into specific industries.
  • Ask thoughtful questions about the day-to-day realities of various careers. Get tips for achieving long-term success.


These personalized sessions went beyond one-time discussions. They served as a foundation for building lasting relationships between students and alumni. Many panelists expressed interest in continuing their involvement by offering mentorship and shadowing opportunities, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest. These connections provide students with invaluable guidance and real-world insights as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.


Workshops for Freshmen and Sophomores: Laying the Foundation

While juniors and seniors explored their future careers, freshmen and sophomores participated in workshops designed to help them prepare for success in high school and beyond. These sessions were led by alumni who brought their expertise to topics critical for personal growth:


  • Moira (Huber) Vossbrink ’90: “Putting Your Best Foot Forward”

Students learned essential interview skills, professional etiquette, and the importance of making a strong first impression.

  • Sarah (Meiners) Hurt ’09: “Right Here, Right Now”

This session encouraged students to think critically about their social media presence, academic performance, and personal choices, emphasizing the lasting impact these factors have on their futures.

  • Julie Kampschroeder ’85: “What’s Next?”

Students Received guidance on navigating post-high school options, including college, trade schools, and the military, as well as tips for building resumes that stand out.


These workshops empowered younger students to develop the skills and mindset needed to navigate their high school years while beginning to envision their paths forward.


The Power of the Borgia Network

Career Connections Day was a true celebration of the Borgia community, showcasing the generosity and dedication of our alumni. Their willingness to return and invest in the next generation underscores the strength of our network and the enduring bonds shared by Borgia graduates.


One of the most exciting outcomes of the event is the potential for ongoing mentorship and career shadowing opportunities. By connecting students with alumni who are leaders in their fields, Borgia creates pathways for students to gain practical experience and forge meaningful professional relationships. These connections often lead to internships, job shadowing, and long-term guidance, helping students take confident steps toward their futures.


As we reflect on this year’s success, we are deeply grateful to the alumni, faculty, and staff who made this day possible. Your support inspires our students to dream boldly and pursue their goals with confidence.



This tradition continues to be a cornerstone of the Borgia experience, preparing students for lives of purpose, achievement, and service. We look forward to seeing the impact of this year’s event ripple through our community for years to come.

UNITED IN MARRIAGE

 Joined in Love, Supported by Borgia

Alex Hazel '05 and

Jennifer Ceril

November 23, 2024


Congratulations to the newlyweds! Your Borgia family celebrates this exciting new chapter with you and wishes you a lifetime of love, joy, and blessings together. May your journey as a married couple be filled with true happiness.

Emily Blumfelder '16 and

Jacob Girse

December 7, 2024


Best wishes to our Borgia alum and new spouse on their recent marriage! May the love and values shared on your wedding day grow stronger with each passing year. Your Borgia family celebrates with you!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR TREASURED ALUMS

Mildred Ley '62

November 23, 2024

CLICK HERE FOR  MILDRED'S OBITUARY

Bill Cuneio '67

November 27, 2024

CLICK HERE FOR  BILL'S OBITUARY

Vernon Laune '63

December 2, 2024

CLICK HERE FOR VERNON'S OBITUARY

Walter Hellebusch '65

December 3, 2024

CLICK HERE FOR WALTER'S OBITUARY

Alumni Prayers

In gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of our amazing alumni, St. Francis Borgia High School dedicates our afternoon prayer each day to honoring specific members of our alumni community.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR DAILY ALUMNI PRAYER LIST FOR DECEMBER

If you have children who are graduates and still receive mail at your home, but no longer live there, please contact Donna Grahl, Director of Advancement, to update your child's address. She can be reached by phone at 636-239-7871 ext. 131 or via email at donna.grahl@borgia.com.

SCHOOL NEWS

CONTINUING A TRADITION OF FAITH - PRAYING THE ANGELUS AT BORGIA

At St. Francis Borgia High School, faith is at the heart of everything we do. This year, we’ve embraced a new daily tradition that reflects our commitment to nurturing the spiritual lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Each day, before third period, the entire school community pauses to pray the Angelus together—a beautiful and timeless prayer honoring the Annunciation and celebrating our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.


The Angelus is a prayer rich in history and meaning, dating back to the Middle Ages. It recalls the moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. Through its three short verses, this prayer helps us reflect on Mary’s openness to God’s plan and invites us to model her faith and humility in our own lives. Traditionally prayed at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., the Angelus serves as a daily reminder of Christ’s Incarnation and God’s presence among us.


At Borgia, praying the Angelus together as a school community fosters unity and serves as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to grow in faith and service. It creates a moment of peace in the day, allowing students and faculty to pause, reflect, and center themselves in God’s love.

This new tradition has been warmly received by students and staff alike. For many, it serves as a grounding moment in their busy day and a meaningful connection to our Catholic identity.


As alumni, you know the deep impact that faith and prayer have on the Borgia experience. Through this tradition, we continue to uphold the values that make our school so special, ensuring that today’s students grow in their faith just as you did during your time here.


We invite you to join us in this prayer tradition wherever you are. Take a moment during your day to reflect on the words of the Angelus and feel connected to the Borgia Family, united in prayer and purpose.


The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,

And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord,

Be it done unto me according to Your word.

Hail Mary...

And the Word was made flesh,

And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary...

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.


Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

ANSWERING THE CALL: BORGIA STUDENTS TO BRING HOPE AND SERVICE TO NICARAGUA

EUROPE TRIP

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO ST. FRANCIS BORGIA HIGH SCHOOL

Recently married? New baby or job?

Let us know what's going on in your life so we can share it with your classmates in this newsletter!

Send information and photos to donna.grahl@borgia.com

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St. Francis Borgia High School 

1000 Borgia Drive
Washington, MO 63090

P: 636-239-7871
F: 636-239-1198