St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-5/17/2023

The Senior Issue – Transition Mass Liturgy

Join Us On The SFHS Path

“Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

“Transitioning Seniors Are Always Franciscan,

Forever St. Francis”

Transition Mass. This is what we call the final All-School Mass of the year. It’s a touchpoint of the St. Francis High School experience. A day-long celebration to prepare seniors for college–full of seminars and speakers–begins with Mass. The most beautiful Mass. Celebrated by Fr. Ed Shea O.F.M., Franciscan Friar at St. Peter’s in the Loop, and Fr. Jim Murphy, Pastor at St. Isidore Parish and SFHS Board Member, who visit throughout the school year.

Fluent in the Franciscan virtues that identify our community, Fr. Ed and Fr. Jim’s love for St. Francis students moves their hearts. They talk about gratitude, compassion, acceptance, and goodness – in simple terms that deeply resonate. We are St. Francis. We gather, we connect. This is the Franciscan spirit of St. Francis High School, on full display at All-School Mass in a way that could not happen at any other school.

With Franciscan hearts, our community wished each senior “peace and all good,” as Saint Francis wished for his brothers. Students processed in wearing their college t-shirts and then said goodbye to their homeroom teacher of four years. As I watched seniors hug teachers and each other, I thought of the 8^th graders I meet every day, shadows of these mature seniors, but they also will get there. We celebrate Transition Mass knowing St. Francis seniors are ready to move on to college. But they will remain forever Franciscan, forever St. Francis.

Please contact me with questions about this exceptional college prep journey. I’d love to email or speak with you soon.

Sincerely,

Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

Experience the SFHS difference, which offers distinct advantages that provide students with a well-rounded education to prepare them for a successful future.

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

STUDENT LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

2023 Senior Institute Day

On April 27, SFHS hosted this year’s Senior Institute Day to prepare seniors for the college transition. Institute Day presents students with a full slate of information about college experiences as well as problem-solving skills. “I found the day very valuable and a nice closing to our St. Francis journey,” says Maggie Popow, ’23. “The homily was inspiring. I also really liked the self-defense workshop and the message of growing up and becoming your own person. I absolutely feel like I have the skills to transition to college!”

Here’s an overview of Senior Institute Day:

Schedule

Transition Mass Liturgy

Keynote Presentation: “Remind Me Who I Am”, Fr. Ed Shea, OFM

Workshops, Session 1

Workshops, Session 2

Lunch

Workshops, Session 3

Workshops, Session 4

Class Picture, Cap & Gown Distribution

Institute Day Workshops

Safety On & Off Campus: Officer Matt Boucek ’96, Arlington Heights Police Department

Women’s Self-Defense: Shannon Mahoney; Senior Instructor; Women’s Self Defense Institute

Staying Healthy & Happy at College: Physically, Mentally, and Socially: Angelika Rupp, Sarah Anderson, Lyn Schmidt

Life Lessons–Things I Wish I Knew as I Was Graduating High School: Kevin Spahn, Wealth Management Advisor

Unlock the Power of LinkedIn: McKenzie Burns ‘14

Preparing Financially for Life After High School: Josh Kopec ‘97

“The day was very influential,” recapped Colin W., ‘23. “What I learned will help me with my future – from setting up a LinkedIn account to basics of investing. Overall, it was very beneficial and great preparation for the next steps of my life.”

"I Am St. Francis"

The Senior Perspective:

What is one word that encapsulates your experience at SFHS?

Senior Night President’s Award Winner: Andrew Hernandez ’23: Growth

If I had to sum up my St. Francis experience in one word, I would say growth. The entire student body has grown so much over the course of my four years at SFHS. Through a pandemic and just normal school activities, we’ve grown spiritually, physically, emotionally, and experientially. I’m so happy to have been a part of all our crazy experiences over the past four years. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school experience!

Senior Night Spartan Award Winner: Tim Kasprzak ’23:

Opportunity

In my entire time here, I have been so blessed with nothing but opportunity. Everyone here, whether it means lifting me up at my worst, providing me with the tools to succeed, or encouraging me to always reevaluate what “my best” is, has given me opportunities that I only hope to pass on to those around me. Saint Francis has shown me what it means to give someone a chance. I am forever grateful for all that this school has given me, and I know that it will continue to give it to all those after me. Every teacher, every student, and every member of the staff has been nothing but kind, supportive, and welcoming. I am forever grateful.

Senior Night Principal’s Award Winner: Isabella Zielinski ’23:

Passion

As weird as it may sound, the word “passion” comes to mind when I think of my experience at SFHS. Here every person you meet—teachers, students, coaches, directors—have a genuine love and dedication to what they do. In my time here, I was able to expand upon my personal passions while being enlivened by those around me who were equally as passionate in their own interests. My respect for others grew as I saw them wholeheartedly committed to something that brought them joy; St. Francis is a place where passionate people can thrive, learn, and inspire with people around them who feel just as strongly as they do.

May God Bless the Class of 2023 – we are so proud of all your accomplishments! Click here for the full list of students honored at the 2023 Senior Awards Night.

Around Campus this Spring

Rock Show

The Rock Band put on a legendary show to a packed audience. Outstanding performances by our very own rock stars.

Math Team

The Math Team continued a 20+ year tradition of placing in the top 10 teams at the state competition. Way to go, Spartans!

Girls Conference Champions – Track & Field and Soccer

Congratulations to our Girls teams, Metro Suburban Conference Champs!

Art Show

More than 150 students participated in this year’s Art Show – we are blessed so many students share their talents with us!

NHS Induction

Congratulations to our National Honor Society Members and Inductees!

Seal of Biliteracy & World Language Honors

Congratulations to students inducted into the World Language Honor Society for Chinese, French, and Spanish, and those who received the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy!

Grandparents Day

We celebrated the extraordinary bond students have with their grandparents during Grandparents’ Day for our freshman students. They enjoyed Mass, conversation, and refreshments, and got their pictures taken together.

Cheer on the Spartans in Post-Season Play!

Next matches/meets/games:

BASEBALL

Regional Semi: May 24 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Francis High School

BOYS LACROSSE

Sectional Play-In: May 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Batavia H.S.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Sectional Play-In: May 18 at 5:00 p.m. at Naperville North H.S.

GIRLS SOCCER

Regional Final: May 19 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis High School

SOFTBALL

Celebrating Coach Remus’ 500 wins: May 19
Regional Semi: May 24 at 4:30 p.m. at Glenbard South H.S.

BOYS TENNIS

Sectional: May 19-20 at Benet

BOYS TRACK

Sectional: May 19 at Genoa Kingston H.S.

GIRLS TRACK

IHSA State: May 18-20 at EIU

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Alumni Night & 25th Anniversary Recognition – Celebrating 600 Wins: May 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Regional Prelim: May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis High School

GO SPARTANS!