1. What grade school did you attend? What activities have you been involved in at SFHS?
Bella:
I attended St. Pius X in Lombard. I love being involved in the SFHS community-I was involved in Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Student Ministry Team, Spartan Life Team, & Students Against Destructive Decisions. I also am a Eucharistic Minister & a Lector at mass, part of National Honor Society and tutor, and a captain on the Varsity Soccer Team.
Enzo
: I attended St. John the Baptist School. At St. Francis in terms of sports, I have been involved in football and basketball. In terms of clubs, I have been involved in Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Men's Spirituality, Student Government, National Honor Society, Student Ministry Team, and Ping Pong Club.
2. What school and sport have you committed to for next year? What will be your area of study?
Bella
: I will be playing soccer at North Central College. My area of study will be Physical Therapy/Athletic Training.
Enzo: I have committed to Washington University in St. Louis and will play football. I will begin on the Pre-Med track and figure out what I wish to pursue from there. Wash U is an exceptional school, and I am looking forward to the experience.
3. How does SFHS encourage you to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom?
Bella:
St. Francis High School has changed my life. Transformation really happens here. It is a place filled with opportunity, along with a staff full of amazing people to support, guide, and encourage you along the way. It is a place where you are able to try new things and get involved. It is a place that equips you with the tools and life skills necessary to tackle whatever you decide to do next.
Enzo: I believe St. Francis is very accommodating to the student-athlete. During the end of my junior year and into senior year, when I had to leave classes to meet with recruiting coaches, teachers were very supportive of my goals. Additionally, my head coach works in the building as well as many other varsity coaches, which is extremely convenient. The SFHS community does a good job of looking out for their student-athletes.
4. Describe your relationships with faculty/staff/coaches. How did they help you in your high school journey to be the best version of yourself?
Bella:
Starting high school, I had no idea how much the journey over the next four years would mean to me. Most of all though, I had no idea how many personal and special relationships I would cultivate with the faculty, staff, and coaches here at SFHS. They have helped me to grow and succeed in so many ways and were right there celebrating with me on those amazing days. On the frustrating days, I found a community that rallied around me. I am so grateful for the love and support the St. Francis community has shown me.
Enzo: I feel respected by all faculty and coaches, and that has helped my confidence during my time at St. Francis. When you're consistently working hard, that sense of support makes the process much easier. Whether it's in the classroom or on the field, I have the support I need.
5. Describe your transition to E-Learning. Describe the continuity of courses and accountability expectations from teachers. Between traditional in-person classes and E-Learning, how prepared do you feel for the next level of education?
Bella
: At first, the concept seemed unusual and strange. It was such an easy transition for me, however, because the teachers and staff were so well prepared. The teachers continue to engage and instruct us remotely every day.
Enzo: E-Learning has been different. I honestly expected it to be inconvenient, but I was wrong. The transition was surprisingly smooth. Most of my classes are conducted via Microsoft Teams, where everybody joins a video call for that designated period. I think the SFHS standards haven't waivered, the teachers still expect perseverance and consistent effort from all of us. Whether it be E-Learning or traditional school this coming fall, I feel entirely prepared for the next level of education.
6. What advice would you give to parents of middle school students that are considering SFHS for their child's high school experience?
Bella
: I chose St. Francis High School because I was drawn to the incredible sense of community I felt when I visited. This sense of community resonates throughout the entire school and in the hallways every day. I knew right away that this is where I belonged. It was also really important for me to go to a high school where I could be immersed in my faith on a daily basis. I couldn't wait to become a part of the Spartan family. I strongly recommend scheduling a visit to shadow here, to see what a day in a life of a Spartan is really like.
Enzo: I would encourage students to visit St. Francis to see if it's the proper fit. I would say the people of the St. Francis community were there with me through high school, and there was never a point where I felt like I was alone. SFHS has helped shaped me into the student-athlete I am proud to be today.
7. What is one word that encapsulates your experience at St. Francis?
Bella
: Fulfilling.
Enzo: Embracing, regardless of who you are.
