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 “Start by doing what’s necessary; they do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”  

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

SAINT FRANCIS AND THE SUN

What’s been the happiest small talk topic this month? The remarkable stretch of sunshine! Gone is our cloudy winter blanket, replaced by glorious “Brother Sun.” In 1224, Saint Francis composed the last poem of his life. He called it, “The Canticle of Brother Sun,” and it poured out his love of God and all His gifts. “All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made, and first my Brother Sun, who brings the day, and light you give to us through him.”

Saint Francis praised God. No matter the circumstance, Francis praised God through song. He wrote Canticle of the Sun not strolling on a hilltop but alone, in the dark. As he suffered, he wrote in hope, giving his suffering to God and trusting His promise. We believe in the promise of every student here at St. Francis High School.

SFHS brings Light into the high school experience, Joy to classroom learning, and Peace as we strive for success—the St. Francis Way brims with hospitality. SFHS faculty and staff welcome high school freshmen and graduate accomplished young adults, reflecting light so students bloom. We fill our diverse community with the joys of a humble faith-based environment that focuses on service, leadership, and self-expression. We live the Franciscan virtues of simplicity, integrity, and compassion.

So, I guess in the end February is all about love—and this February, about sunshine, too. It’s also a perfect time for your seventh or eighth grader to spend an enjoyable day shadowing a St. Francis student. You can select a Shadow Date here. Enjoy the good vibes and a little bit of sunshine. And if you have admissions questions or need more information, please get in touch any time. We’re here for you and love to help.

Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions

This Issue’s Feature: Student Involvement

“Working Visit” to Disney and Universal Opens A Whole New World for Performing & Visual Arts Students

When Walt Disney World invited SFHS Performing and Visual Arts students to Be Our Guest in Orlando, students were off with A Smile and a Song over President’s Day weekend. Here’s an overview of opportunities students experienced as they marched, sang, created, and learned in Disney-led workshops and public performances. Thank you, Disney. We loved being Part of Your World.

Thursday, February 15 – HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS & DISNEY SPRINGS

Highlight of the Day:

CHOIR Students Perform at Waterside Stage, Disney Springs

The Bare Necessities from Choir Teacher Madelyn Alvarado: “I love that the Disney/Universal trip provides the opportunity not only for our students to travel to new places, but for them to have the experience of performing for a new audience. We are able to bring our love of St. Francis High School and our choir program across the country and share it with people who would never have experienced it otherwise. Music is selected based on a variety of things: songs we’ve performed that semester that they truly succeed on, student input, and the message the songs bring. This experience has been quite possibly my favorite memory of the year and meant the world to the students.”

Impressions of Student Bella S. ’24: “The experience was so cool because Disney takes you to their Imagination Campus (behind the scenes) to practice, which allows you to feel like you are working for Disney and the cast members talk to you as if you are being paid to perform. There are so many feelings associated with this experience, but mainly a lot of excitement. I compare it to being at the high tip of a roller coaster – so exciting.” 

Friday, February 16 – UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

Highlight of the Day:

MUSIC ENSEMBLE (ROCK BAND) Students Perform at the City Walk Lagoon Stage, Universal

Impressions of Student James C. ’24: “Playing at Universal is a totally different experience especially because we are playing for people we’ve never met. Complete strangers complimented us after saying, “Your group sounded awesome,” or “You killed it on the guitar,” which felt great. There were so many little things that people noticed. One of my favorite parts was during “Crazy Train” – I took a second to look out – and there were so many people who stopped to take videos or were dancing. It was really cool to see so many people supporting us.”

Saturday, February 17 – MAGIC KINGDOM

Highlights of the Day:

ART Students attend “Disney Imagination Campus: Theme Park Design Workshop”

The Bare Necessities from Art Teacher Kate Doane: “At Disney, our students are immersed in visual art – from the signage to the theming of the parks, the rides, the restaurants. Our workshop gave the Art students a behind-the-scenes look into how Disney Imagineers create a theme park and all that it entails. The students worked in groups to build and "pitch" their Theme Park concepts. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts gave students the opportunity to see artwork from artists around the world, participate in a mural, see live chalk art, and meet Disney Animators. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to join Band, Choir, and Theater on this trip."

Impressions of Student Ava M. ‘25: “My favorite part about the workshop was meeting with the Imagineers, hearing their perspectives, and what courses they took in college. Once we designed our theme park, we walked around Magic Kingdom and the cast members explained the design elements of the parks, such as different transitions and how everything is planned out for a reason. For example, I learned that the castle is the icon of the park that pulls the crowd towards it. Then, once guests walk past Main Street, they have a choice to make based on which land they want to enter. If you stand in front of Cinderella’s castle you can see both Liberty Square and Tomorrowland, which represent the past and future; however, you are not able to see Adventureland. This is intentional because guests have to go on their own adventure to find it. Finally, Fantasyland is behind the castle because walking through the castle represents the opening of a storybook. Overall, this class helped me confirm my dream of becoming a Disney Imagineer someday!”  

BAND Students March in Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Pre-Parade

Impressions of Student Charlie F. ’24: “I really enjoyed going behind the scenes of the Magic Kingdom when we rehearsed before the parade. After practicing for months, it was fun to perform in front of hundreds of people, and I hope inspired young children to be in Band. I would recommend this trip because not only are you going to Disney World, but also you are part of the Disney magic for others. The experience of marching down Main Street at Magic Kingdom was the highlight of my trip.”

Sunday, February 18 – PRAYER SERVICE & UNIVERSAL/EPCOT

Impressions of Student David C. ’24: “I’m glad we had a prayer service, and it was enjoyable to watch the students lead the prayer service. Although it was raining the day we went to EPCOT, it was still fun to explore all the countries and the Guardians of the Galaxy ride was incredible. The day was one of my favorites!”

Monday, February 19 – ANIMAL KINGDOM



Impressions of Student Sarah K. ’25: “It was a fun day! After four days of performing and going to the other parks, it was great to have a day with less to do and have downtime in another great park. The overall experience was a cool way to showcase our Performing and Visual Arts talent while traveling and making new friends.”

Around Campus This February

Spartan Olympics 2024

Another action-packed Spartan Olympics is in the books! We love this SFHS tradition that brings together all our students, faculty, and staff in friendly (but fierce!) competition!

Congratulations to the Seniors on their hard-earned win!

Principal Raeann Huhn Receives the 2024 National Catholic Educational Association’s “Lead. Learn. Proclaim.” Award

Ms. Huhn is one of 11 recipients nationwide to receive this award for outstanding work being done in Catholic education across the country.

Ms. Huhn has served St. Francis High School for 38 years (including 20 years as principal). Read more here. 

Wrestler Jaylen T. – 2nd in State!

Wow - 2nd in State as a Sophomore and the first SFHS State Wrestling Championship qualifier since Bob Hudetz ‘80! Congratulations Jaylen T. ’26!

Girls Basketball – Regional Champions! 

You're Invited

Upcoming Varsity Home Matches/Games/Performances – Go Spartans!

• Boys Basketball Regional Final – Friday, January 23, 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis High School

• Spring Musical – “Beauty & the Beast” Performance dates are March 14, 15, and 16 at 7:00 p.m. and March 17 at 1:30 p.m. Seating for this year’s spring musical is assigned seating. Tickets are $10, and students/seniors are $8. As space permits, tickets are available for purchase at the door via cash/check.

Please click here for more information and to purchase tickets.