Dear SFHS Alumni,

Yesterday, we gathered as a school community to kick off the Lenten season and commemorate Ash Wednesday. As we witnessed the students receive their ashes, it reminded us how special it is for our school community to not only be an academic and co-curricular powerhouse, but also for it to be a place where students can express and experience a deepening of their faith.

Your support and ongoing commitment to our school makes that possible and we are grateful to continue to partner with you as alumni. Below are a few pictures from the Liturgy...but keep scrolling! We have some exciting Alumni Updates below, including our upcoming Easter Egg Hunt, Alumni Theatre Night, and our latest Spartan Sweetheart feature.

Todd Shaw '89

Alumni Relations

tshaw@

sfhscollegeprep.org

(630) 668-5800 x1143

Calling all Classes from ‘0s and ‘5s – it's time to organize your next reunion! We're here to help, please reach out to start planning your event.

Theatre Alumni Night returns again this year with a reception at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in the Robinson Family Media Center (LRC - Enter Door #1). The reception is prior to the 7:00 p.m. Spring Musical performance of The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical. 

Those who are able to attend the Saturday night show can enter the promo code “ALUMNINIGHT” at checkout for two complimentary tickets. For performances on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, tickets are $10 adults; $8 students/seniors.

• 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 13
• 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 14
• 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15 - 6:00 p.m. Theatre Alumni Night Reception
• 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16

McKenzie Burns '14, Liz Vohasek '15, and William Kolasinski, (husband of former math teacher Sue Kolasinski, and father of art teacher Kate Kolasinski '95 Doane) are participating in the "Book Fair & Brews" local author fair at Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia (which is owned by former Director of Pastoral Ministry Diane Mercadante).

"This event is a testament to the lasting connections fostered at St. Francis and how alumni continue to support one another long after graduation," Burns said. "The idea for this event came from my passion for supporting the local community—specifically small businesses and local creators—a value that was instilled in me during my time at SFHS!"

The event is from noon-5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia, and is co-hosted by Heath & Hammer in Batavia. Over 35 local authors that span 13+ genres will be at both neighboring locations. Open to all ages and free to attend!

SAVE THE DATE: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, Kuhn Memorial Stadium. Enjoy Easter festivities with alumni families, including a visit from the Easter bunny, facepainting, and more. Fun for all ages and free to attend. Stay tuned for the official RSVP form and more details!

The week of Valentine's Day, we shared our first installment of our "Spartan Sweethearts" stories...couples who met during their time at SFHS and went on to get married! You can see them on our social media pages and below - with a few more added here as a preview for our next round!

We have 186 married couples in our records, and we're sure there are more! If you and your spouse are Spartan Sweethearts, please email tshaw@sfhscollegeprep.org.

Adrian Danaher ‘83, Bobbi Aschauer ‘62, and Meggan Denny '83 met in Springfield for the Voice of Democracy Awards.

You never know who you're going to run into while visiting colleges! While at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, Richie Ricciardi '27 started a conversation with Vic Skinicki '69 that began with, "Where are you from?" To their surprise, they learned they were both Spartans! What a great moment connecting across generations!

Congratulations to the family of Mike Webb '72! His daughter, Kelly Webb Roberts, made history this year by becoming the first female Chairperson of the Chicago Auto Show in its 117-year history.

Pictured are Bill Welbourn '65, Maureen Carroll '62 Boyle, Pat Leston '66, Greg Colandrea '65, Angel Carroll '66, Kris Brzezinski '66 Leston, Jerry Sidman '66, Nancy Lange '67 Sidman, Teri Franklin '67 Kuhn, Jackie Maher '64 Gall, and Kathie Carroll '64 Nash at a gathering of SFHS friends and alumni in southwest Florida at the Naples Country Club.

It was a treat to have Joe Cibulka '20 back on campus for the past several weeks! Joe helped teach in the Social Studies department and was mentored by teachers Maddie Johnson, Bill Nunez, and Kate Michel '92 Kowalski. Joe's brother, Patrick Cibulka '15, and grandfather, James F. Cibulka, Jr. '62 are also Spartan alums!

The inaugural SFHS Robotics team competed in the Illinois FTC Robotics State Tournament last weekend! One of the first rookie teams to reach the State Finals in the last five years, they finished 14th out of 22 in their division.

Additionally, Kate R. '27 won the Illinois Dean's List Finalist Award and is one of four from Illinois advancing to the World Championship in April. Wow!

The Spartan Math Team placed third overall in the Regional Math Competition in Februrary!

The Spartans are currently ranked 6th in the state for Division 2A and will compete at the ICTM State Math Finals on Saturday, April 26.

Way to go, Mathletes! View the Individual Regional Results here.

Jaylen T. '26 advanced to the IHSA State Wrestling tournament at the State Farm Center in Champaign and placed 3rd in the state in his weight class and division!

Jaylen, a junior, is a three-time sectional champion and 3-time state qualifier. Congratulations, Jaylen!

SAVE THE DATE - 1975 50th Reunion: Friday and Saturday, September 19-20, Saturday reception at the school. Details will be shared via email and Facebook. For questions, email Mark Sawko at marksawko@aol.com.

SAVE THE DATE - 1965 60th Reunion: Friday and Saturday, October 10-11, Pal Joey's in Batavia. Information will be shared through email, Facebook, and phone calls. If you have changed email addresses or have questions, contact Maureen Crowley Rogina at marogina@sbcglobal.net.