"I Am St. Francis"
The IHSA Competition PERFECT SCORE Student Perspective: Five Questions for Sam C. ’22 and Ella S. ‘23
1. What school did you attend prior to SFHS? What co-curricular activities do you participate in at SFHS?
Ella: Prior to high school I attended middle school at Timothy Christian. At St. Francis, I am a member of choir, music ensemble (the rock band), varsity soccer, theater, SALT, and NHS.
Sam: I attended St. Michael’s in Wheaton. I am involved in the St. Francis rock band, choir, an executive board member for National Honor Society, a member of Spanish Honor Society, and I am president of the senior class.
2. On March 5, 2022, St. Francis High School won FIRST place (Class A Vocal) at the IHSA Solo/Ensemble Competition for the 3rd year in a row. In addition, your duet earned a perfect score – congratulations! What opportunities have you taken advantage of at SFHS that allow you to hone your craft and/or share your incredible gifts with others? Why are these opportunities important to you?
Ella: There are countless opportunities that I’ve been given to be able to share my gifts with others! Recently, the music ensemble class Sam and I are in went down to perform at Illinois State University for the IHSA girls volleyball state tournament and at Universal Studios. Through the Choir, we’ve had performances in Disney World, Medinah, and of course the IHSA solo and ensemble competition. These opportunities have given me so much performing experience, and I’ve made so many fun memories!
Sam: I would say that one of the greatest opportunities that I have taken advantage of at St. Francis is enrolling in music classes. I have been in choir all four years, and this year I enrolled in Intro to Music Theory and auditioned for Music Ensemble. Being a part of these classes has greatly increased my abilities and knowledge of music in general. These classes have shaped the person that I am today, and I will use the things they have taught me for the rest of my life.
3. Describe your relationship with faculty and staff.
Ella: The faculty and staff have been nothing but supportive of me and all of the students here at St. Francis! I’m so grateful for the environment they have created so that I can have a great learning experience while also growing outside of the classroom as well!
Sam: My relationship with faculty and staff has definitely evolved since my freshman year. As a senior, I have developed many wholesome relationships with my teachers; I can honestly say that I will be able to rely on these relationships long after my graduation.
4. In your opinion, what is the best thing about SFHS?
Ella: I think the best thing about St. Francis is the way that I can be a part of so many different things at once, like the fine arts, athletics, and other extracurriculars!
Sam: In my opinion, the best thing about St. Francis is that everybody has a place here. Coming into high school, I was not sure where I would fit in. I played basketball my freshman year, but I knew deep down that was not where I felt most at home. Later, I found a family in the performing arts department. This just goes to show how welcoming and inclusive our school can be.
5. What one word would you use to describe your feelings toward SFHS?
Ella: Appreciative!
Sam: Grateful.
See Ella and Sam this weekend in the St. Francis High School Spring Musical, Les Misérables!