"I Am St. Francis"
The Student Perspective: Six Questions for College-Committed Student Athletes Annika N. ’21 and Tommy R. ’21
1. What school did you attend prior to SFHS? What activities do you participate in and outside of school?
Annika: I attended Holy Cross in Batavia, where I played volleyball and basketball. (throughout that time, I played travel softball)
Tommy: I attended St. Peter’s School in Geneva (K-8). I play football at St. Francis. I also focus on art.
2. What school and sport have you committed to for next year? What will be your area of study?
Annika: I am committed to Minnesota State Moorhead to play Softball and will be majoring in Business Administration.
Tommy: I will be continuing my academic and football career at Illinois State University for the next couple of years. As of now, I am undecided about what I want to study.
3. How does SFHS encourage you to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom?
Annika: Throughout my time at St. Francis, I have been pushed to work hard in the classroom as well as on the field. One of the biggest things that St. Francis has taught me is to value family and friends. Every teacher offers a different experience for you and will go out of their way to ensure your success.
Tommy: St. Francis encourages me to be successful in many ways. The class environment allows me to fully understand the topics and helps better my grades. Homework keeps me busy outside of school and it helps me better understand the curriculum. This great environment and the balanced workload encourages me to be successful.
4. Describe your relationships with faculty/staff/coaches.
Annika: No matter what classes you end up in at St. Francis every teacher works very hard to form a relationship with their students. Some of my teachers that I haven’t had since freshman year are still the teachers that I talk to every day. The faculty and staff strive to create a community for their students which really makes going to St. Francis enjoyable.
Tommy: I couldn’t have asked for better teachers, coaches, and mentors. The teachers at St. Francis want nothing but the best for you. They are extremely flexible and make sure you are on the right track to success. They focus a lot on faith as well, which I find extremely important. The coaching staff has been nothing but the best. They teach me so much about the game of football. They also encourage me to be a better leader and person towards others. I’ve made great relationships with so many teachers and coaches. They bring out the best in me.
5. What benefits do you believe you receive as a student-athlete at SFHS?
Annika: Being a student-athlete has introduced me to some of my best friends. This has ensured that while walking through the halls there will always be a friendly face and offers a sense of comfort knowing that there is such a large support system.
Tommy: I receive many benefits of being a student-athlete at St. Francis. I was blessed with the opportunity to start at the varsity level as a sophomore. The football program provides so many opportunities for success. The coaches do a tremendous job preparing you for the next level. I have developed great relationships with my teammates and coaches as well. St. Francis benefits student-athletes in so many ways.
6. What is one word that encapsulates your experience at SFHS?
Annika: Welcoming.
Tommy: Blessed.