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"Happy is he who places all his joy and happiness in the holy words and works of God, and who leads others to His holy love in joy, happiness, and bliss."

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

Honoring the Enduring Legacy of Saint Francis: A Christmas Reflection

Did you know that three years before his death, Saint Francis created the first Nativity scene?

In 1223, on Christmas Eve in Greccio, Italy, Francis wanted to bring the story of Christ’s birth to life. He celebrated Mass in a cave, where his friend brought a donkey and an ox to the altar. Francis asked for hay and a manger, inviting friars and villagers to participate in a living Nativity. As he quietly meditated, the cave filled with light and joy, and it’s said that someone glimpsed the Baby Jesus in the hay as the Eucharist was celebrated above the manger.

This moment was a way for Francis to share the love of Jesus he had experienced in Bethlehem just a few years earlier. His gift of the Nativity scene has lasted 800 years, and this Christmas, Pope Francis honors it with a special display in Saint Peter’s Square, featuring Saint Francis holding the baby Jesus beside the Virgin Mary. This enduring legacy speaks to the lasting impact of Saint Francis.

At St. Francis High School, we are dedicated to being faithful stewards of Saint Francis’ gifts, reflecting his spirit as we prepare young people to step into the world with responsibility. Our humble campus and joyful community offer not only excellent Blue Ribbon academics but also the love of the Gospel. This is the essence of St. Francis High School, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, our patron.

As you celebrate with your family’s Nativity scene this year, remember how Saint Francis’ gifts continue to thrive within the St. Francis High School community and its alumni network. We pray for all the families we’ve encountered this year. If you missed the Class of 2029 Entrance Exam, we are offering an alternate test date on Wednesday, January 15 at 8:00 a.m. Please contact the SFHS Admissions Office for more information.

Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Go Spartans,

Patrick Jacobsen, Director of Admissions

The SFHS Spartans are annual contenders for both Conference and State titles, thanks to our legendary coaches, talented athletes, and dedicated fans who make up a winning team. Our inclusive program offers both cut and non-cut teams, providing numerous opportunities for athletes to compete. Our coaches are deeply committed to helping each athlete reach their full potential.

Congratulations to our teams for their exceptional achievements during the fall 2024 season!

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

ATHLETICS: FALL RECAP

CHEER

• Fall season consists of performing at halftime and on sideline at games; competitive season takes place in the Winter

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

• Michael Coco ‘26 earned All-Conference within the White division of the Chicago Catholic League (CCL)
• Gavin Grover ‘25 and Michael Coco ‘26 both qualified for State; Gavin finished 152nd in the State in 2A and Michael finished 99th in the State in 2A

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

1st – GCAC White Division

1st – IHSA Regional

9th – IHSA State (back to back years in Top 10 in state!)

• Elena Mamminga ‘27 and Erin Hinsdale ‘27 earned All-Conference in the White Division of the GCAC
• Erin Hinsdale ‘27 was the individual Regional champion, Elena Mamminga ‘27 finished second
• Elena Mamminga ‘27 finished 5th in the State in 2A and broke the St. Francis High School girls all-time 3 mile record from 2010 by 20 seconds
• Erin Hinsdale ‘27 finished 4th in the State in 2A and broke the St. Francis girls all-time 3 mile record from 2010 by 22 seconds
• Elena Mamminga ’27 named the GCAC girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year
• Elena Mamminga ‘27 and Erin Hinsdale ‘27 both named to the Kane County Chronicle All Area first team

DANCE

• Fall season consists of performing at halftime and on sideline at games; competitive season takes place in the Winter

FLAG FOOTBALL

• Successful inaugural season: Varsity 13-12, JV 6-3
• First IHSA playoff victory
•  IHSA All-State: Allie Sheldon ‘27

FOOTBALL

10-3 Season

1st - CCL Green Division

• 7 Years in a row Playoff Eligible
• IHSA Semi Finals (3rd Year in Row)
• Beat three 2024 State Champions (Loyola, DePaul Prep, Nazareth)
• 7 CCL All Conference Players(Liam Kolinski ‘25, Zach Washington ‘26, Ryan Palmeri ‘25, Dario Milivojevic ‘26, Jaylen Torres ‘26, Ian Willis ‘25, Matt Anderson ‘26)
• CCL Green Lineman of the Year (Jaylen Torres ‘26)
• 7 CCL HM All Conference Players (Asher Boose ‘25, Tanner Glock ‘26, Isaac Saldana ‘27, Brady Palmer ‘26, James McGrath ‘27, Cooper Paukstis ‘26, Seth Valeri ‘25)
• 5 Red Grange All County Players (Ian Willis ‘25, Zach Washington ‘26, Dario Milivojevic ‘26, Jaylen Torres ‘26, Seth Valeri ‘25)
• 2 IHSA All State (Jaylen Torres ’26, Zach Washington ‘26)
• 1 HM IHSA All State (Ian Willis ‘25)
• 1 87th Champaign Gazette All State (Zach Washington ‘26)
• 5 IHSFCA Academic All State (Dario Milivojevic ‘26, Liam Kolinski ‘25, Ryan Palmeri ‘25, Jaylen Torres ‘26, Matt Anderson ‘26)
• Friday Night Drive 1st Team CCL (Zach Washington ’26, Jaylen Torres ‘26)
• Friday Night Drive 2nd Team CCL (Ryan Palmeri ‘25)
• Friday Night Drive HM Team CCL (Dario Milivojevic ‘26, Ian Willis ‘25, Matt Anderson ‘26, Liam Kolinski ‘25, Seth Valeri ‘25)
• DuPage Daily Herald 1st Team (Jaylen Torres ’26, Zach Washington ‘26)
• DuPage Daily Herald HM Team (Dario Milivojevic ‘26, Ryan Palmeri ’25, Ian Willis ‘25)
• Patrick Mannelly Award (Ryan Palmeri ‘25)

BOYS GOLF

4th - IHSA regional 

• 4 qualified individuals for IHSA Sectional Tournament (Grant Olson ‘26, Conor Ahern ‘25, Nathan Riha ‘25, Braxton Harrison ‘25)
• Individual (Nathan Riha ‘25) 21st in IHSA State Tournament 

GIRLS GOLF

3rd - IHSA Regional

• GCAC Conference Champion - Molly Brennan ‘25 Medalist
• Wheaton Cup Champion 
• All-conference selections: Bridget Brennan ‘26, Molly Brennan ’25, and Hannah Grivetti ‘27

BOYS SOCCER

• CCL All-Conference - John Coco ‘26, Nathan Magnuszewski ‘26

GIRLS SWIMMING

• 1 new school record set by Audrina Capeless ‘27
• Audrina was also a Top 8 finisher at MCAC championships in 100 butterfly 
• Strong dual meet and invitational schedule with multiple top 5 finishes 

GIRLS TENNIS

• IHSA State Qualifiers: Ashley Rajcevich ’26, Cameron Rajcevich ’26, Carmen Risdon ’27, Elle Steffen ’27, Elizabeth Szalek ‘25

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Season Record 27 – 13

1st - IHSA Regional (35th Year in a Row)

1st - IHSA Sectional

• 2nd Place Finish at Peggy Scholten Classic
• 4th Place Finish at Crossroads Classic
• 2nd place finish in the Silver Division at the Asics Challenge
• 3rd Place Finish at Plainfield Blocktober Fest
• GCAC All-Conference Selections: Emma Delaney ’25 (St. Michael), Jenna Glaudel ‘25 (St. Michael), Addy Horner ’25 (Franklin M.S.), Mackenzie Krzus ’26 (Maple Middle School)
• Peggy Scholten All Tournament Team: Addy Horner ‘25
• Blocktober Fest All Tournament Team: Addy Horner ‘25
• IVCA 1st Team All State: Addy Horner ‘25
• IVCA 2nd Team All State: Emma Delaney ‘25 and Mackenzie Krzus ‘26
• IVCA Academic All State: Sophia Hernandez ’25 and Dylan Kokkinos ‘25
• ILL Prep First Team All State – Addy Horner ‘25
• ILL Prep Special Mention All State – Emma Delaney ‘25 and Mackenzie Krzus ‘26
• DuPage All Area Teams: First Team – Addy Horner ‘25 and Mackenzie Krzus ‘26  Honorable mention: Emma Delaney ’25 and Jenna Glaudel ‘25
• News Gazette – Champaign All State Team – Addy Horner ‘25
• AVCA All America 2nd Team – Addy Horner ‘25
• Career 1000 Kills and 1000 Assists – Addy Horner ‘25

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

PERFORMING ARTS: FALL RECAP

BAND/INSTRUMENTAL

• 2024 ILMEA All-District Orchestra: Matthew Lemke ’26 (Geneva M.S.)
•  Marching Band
• Performed at home football games
• Pep Band
• Performed at girls’ volleyball home games
• Performed at the Homecoming Pep Rally
• Rock Band
• Performed at Mothers’ & Fathers’ Club Spartan Family Tailgate at home SFHS football game
• Performed at the opening of the Christmas Carol
• Performed at both Open Houses
• Performed at Tennis Senior Night on top of press box 
• Worship Team
• Christmas Concert
• Jazz Band
• Meets during Zero Hour on Tuesday (7:00-7:40 a.m.) and Activity Period on Thursday (2:30-3:10 p.m.)
• Christmas Concert
• Orchestra
• Fall Concert, Christmas Concert
• Performed at the Mother’s Club Sip Sip Brunch
• Performed at St. Francis Society Reception
• Meets Friday’s during the Activity Period

CHOIR

• 2023 ILMEA All-District Choir: 2024 ILMEA All-District Choir: Sarah Kasprzak ‘25, Camila Dominski ‘25, Lauren Richardson ‘26, Victoria Turner ‘25, Amelia Juan ‘25
• 2024 ILMEA All-District Vocal Jazz: Amelia Juan '25 
• Performed the National Anthem at home football games and home volleyball games.
• Worship Team
• Fall Concert
• Performances at the Candlelight Dinners at Medinah Country Club
• Christmas Concert

THEATRE

• Fall Play: “Trap” – October
• Musical Revue – November
• “A Christmas Carol” – December 

"I Am St. Francis"

What do Athletics & Performing Arts mean to you?

Cameron R. ‘26: “Tennis at SFHS is more than just a sport—it’s a chance to connect with teammates who genuinely support and challenge each other to grow. Whether it’s during practices or matches, there’s a shared commitment to pushing ourselves and celebrating each other’s progress. Being part of this program has shown me the value of teamwork and resilience in a way that goes far beyond the court.”

Victoria T. ‘25: “Through my time at St. Francis, the Performing and Visual Arts department has been the highlight of my high school experience. In the PVA department I have found a community and a family that supports each other for every show, every concert, and everything in between. This department has the special ability to give each student room to have fun, shine with their unique talents, and work together towards a common goal while sharing their love of creativity, art, and music.” 

Garrity B. ‘26: ”Athletics at SFHS has been a second home to me ever since I transferred in my Sophomore year. One of my first impressions of SFHS was when I went to a volleyball open gym before the start of the school year not knowing anyone and immediately, I had kids introduce themselves and get to know me. This act of inclusion made my day and represents what SFHS athletics is all about: Family. Whether it’s eating food as a team before games or hanging out after practice together, the SFHS volleyball team made me feel welcomed and wanted in a rather unfamiliar environment and helped me make lifelong friends.”

Around Campus

SFHS Music Ensemble Concert

The SFHS Music Ensemble (Rock Band) returns to Sturdy Shelter Brewing at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20! We hope to see you all there for the performance!

More Spartans Playing at the Next Level!

Congratulations to Brooklyn J. (Carroll University) and Dylan K. (Connecticut College) for signing their letters of intent to play volleyball at the collegiate level!

Spartan Alums Share Their Experience

Aakesh Martin ’23 and Josh Turner ’23 visited Dr. Juliano’s Intro to Engineering class recently to share their engineering and college experiences. Both are students at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Thank you to Aakesh and Josh for coming back and sharing with our Spartans!

Spartan Cheer Takes First Place!

Congratulations to our Spartan Cheer Team for their recent 1st place finish at the Jacobs Invitational! Spartan Nation is proud of you!

Spartan Singers Hit the Road

The Spartan Singers were at the Medinah Country Club last week, entertaining the patrons with holiday caroling!