"I Am St. Francis"
The Student Perspective: Five Questions for Seniors London B. and Thomas O.
1. What grade school did you attend? What activities have you been involved in at SFHS? College plans?
London: I attended St. Patrick Catholic School in St. Charles. At St. Francis, I have been involved in marching band, math team, engineering club, scholastic bowl, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. I also play tennis at SFHS in the fall. I plan on going to college next fall for either aerospace engineering or chemical engineering.
Thomas: I attended St. Michael grade school, here in Wheaton. I have been involved in SALT (Student Ambassador Leadership Team), NHS, Student Government, Student Ministry Team, Men’s Spirituality Group, and Lacrosse. I plan to study either actuarial science or finance in college. My top choice right now is Dartmouth but I’m looking at a few others too.
2. Thomas – over the course of the last year, you earned a super score of 36 on the ACT…
London – over the course of the last year, you were named a National Merit Commended Student…
How have SFHS teachers and/or counselors helped you achieve this tremendous accomplishment?
London: SFHS teachers have helped me achieve this accomplishment by always taking time to ensure that I understood what I was learning about. Last year in precalculus, Mrs. Abbott always made sure we remembered some of the basic algebra concepts we learned in middle school, which helped tremendously when I took the PSAT last fall. In AP Language and Composition last year, Mrs. Favero reviewed grammar concepts such as punctuation, which helped in the English section of the PSAT. She also taught us how to rhetorically analyze texts, and I used some of the skills I learned in the reading section of the test. Mrs. Favero also went out of her way last year to meet with me numerous times after school for writing conferences. Thanks to these conferences, my writing improved greatly, and I was able to use what I learned on other standardized tests like the ACT.
Thomas: While all my teachers prepared me for the ACT through our regular classwork, several went out of their way to provide me with additional practice materials. Counseling was incredibly helpful by organizing an ACT for the entire class as well as sharing information about tests outside of school.
3. Describe the balance between academic coursework responsibilities and co-curricular opportunities. Is it possible to have the time and excel in both areas at SFHS?
London: It is definitely possible to have the time to balance academic coursework and co-curricular opportunities and to excel in both. In the fall I play tennis at SFHS, and during the season, I usually do not get home until the evening, leaving me with little time to do homework. Once a week I also have marching band in the evening and do not get home until after nine. However, both my coaches and teachers are understanding when it comes to balancing my work. My coaches want me to succeed in school and are therefore willing to play me earlier in the match when I need to leave early. When I have marching band in the evening, Mr. M gives our class a study hall during class the next day to ensure that we are all caught up with our homework and studying for tests. Because my coaches and teachers care about my well-being and want me to succeed, I can easily communicate with them about my schedule and balance my work and activities while also excelling in both.
Thomas: It is absolutely possible, and I would say it is a necessity to find a balance between academics and co-curriculars. Students can find this balance through our guidance counselors and our teachers. If a student feels that their schedule is too much or too little, guidance works with them to find that balance. As you can see above, I have been able to stay involved while staying on top of my work.
4. What guidance would you give to parents of middle school students that are considering SFHS for their child’s high school experience?
London: I would advise parents of middle school students that are considering SFHS to attend one of the open houses with their child. The open house will give the family an idea of what the next four years can look like for their child and allows them to meet some of their future teachers. I attended an open house when I was in eighth grade and immediately fell in love with St. Francis. I would also advise their child to shadow at SFHS, so they can learn what a typical day is like for a student.
Thomas: The best thing parents of prospective students can do is encourage them to attend St. Francis events. Whether it is sporting events, open houses, or shadow days. These events give a better picture of the St. Francis experience than any article can.
5. What is one word that encapsulates your experience at St. Francis?
London: One word that encapsulates my experience at SFHS is “enriched.” I believe that attending St. Francis has improved the quality of my education and has made it meaningful.
Thomas: Growth, St. Francis has transformed me academically, spiritually, and socially into the young man I am today.
