"I Am St. Francis"
The Freshman Student Government Perspective: Six Questions for Freshman Board President Eddie C. and Student Officers Gavin B., Mila D., & Lily G.
1. What grade school did you attend? Why did you choose SFHS for your high school experience?
Eddie: I attended St. Pius X in Lombard. I chose St. Francis because of the people, the community, the teachers, and students. All the people work together to make St. Francis such an amazing school to attend. After I shadowed, I felt so welcome by the students, faculty, and staff I knew this was the place for me.
Gavin: I attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and I choose SFHS because my brother went here and he said I would really like it here.
Mila: I attended St. Peter School for elementary school and Geneva Middle School North for middle school. There are many reasons why I chose St. Francis, some of them being a great, loving, and welcoming community; opportunities to make new friends; and to benefit my education.
Lily: I attended St. John the Baptist from pre – K to the 7th Grade and graduated from St. Isidore. I choose to enroll at St. Francis High School because my brother graduated the class of 2019 and had nothing but positive experiences during his time there. I decided I would want to make these same memorable experiences for myself.
2. What co-curricular (after school) activities have you been a part of so far? And plan to be this year?
Eddie: So far, I have been involved in Freshman student government. I am part of Freshman Executive Board with 3 other talented and awesome freshmen. Later this year I hope to play baseball and participate in Men’s Spirituality, SMT, and SALT.
Gavin: My co-curricular activities that I take after school currently are Volleyball and Student Government. I also plan to take more clubs later this year.
Mila: I am in Student Government and am a Freshman Officer. I am a part of the SFHS cheer team and plan on participating in Track in the spring!
Lily: Since the commencement of the school year I have been actively participating as a member of S.A.D.D. club and have been elected to serve as a Student Government freshmen class officer. In addition to that I am on the St. Francis varsity dance team.
3. What is your most challenging class? Most enjoyable? Why?
Eddie: My most challenging class is Biology because we learn a lot of new and detailed information. The teachers in the Science Department are great because of how hard they work to make sure we really understand the material. My most enjoyable class is English. Although it is a lot of work, the books we read are really interesting.
Gavin: My most challenging class is probably Biology, because I am not the best at science. My most enjoyable class is probably World History, because I have a good teacher.
Mila: My most challenging class is definitely Biology. There are many in-depth concepts in Biology you must know and overall, is a tough class, but my teacher is understanding and will always help a student who does not fully comprehend the material. My most enjoyable class is World History because my teacher makes his classroom a fun, and not uptight environment.
Lily: The most challenging course I am taking is Honors Geometry. Every day we are introduced to new topics that we can use to further our knowledge in completing geometric equations. Although it is challenging, my teacher does an outstanding job of helping me have a better understanding of our material. My most enjoyable class would have to be Religion. Every time I walk through the door, I always feel welcomed with open arms. This course provides a stress-free environment in which I can explore my faith.
4. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience so far? What have you most enjoyed?
Eddie: The most surprising experience is how many great friends I have made and the relationships you can build at St. Francis. We are really lucky to be able to be at school for 2 days each week, and we are still able to meet our classmates.
Gavin: The thing that has been most surprising about my SFHS experience so far would be the good community. I thought making a friend group in high school would be way harder when in reality it was easy at St. Francis.
Mila: This year has been crazy and new for all of us, especially the Freshman this year going into a new school. I am appreciative that we are still able to come to school some days of the week, as some other schools are not as lucky to go in-person. I have enjoyed building relationships with many friends and teachers.
Lily: The most surprising experience at St. Francis High school would be getting to know what it feels like to be in such a constructive community. When I shadowed at St. Francis High School not one student or faculty member failed to mention how great of a community the SFHS campus radiates. I did not understand what this truly meant until I got to be a part of it. My teachers care about me and want me to succeed.
5. What is your advice for current 7th and 8th graders deciding about high school?
Eddie: At St. Francis, you can learn a lot about yourself, grow deeper in your faith, and always know you have the support of the whole community. Take the time to shadow and choose the place that is the best fit for you!
Gavin: My advice for current 7th and 8th graders deciding about what high school to go is that you should come to St. Francis. I am sure that they will enjoy it as much as I did, even though at first it can seem scary.
Mila: My advice for current 7th and 8th graders deciding about high school is to come to SFHS. Coming to St. Francis was definitely one of the best decisions I have made. It may seem coming to a new high school is scary and overwhelming, but not here. Everyone at St. Francis is so welcoming and would be happy to help you or show you around. You should come to St. Francis because SFHS is truly, an amazing school and once you get acclimated and join clubs/sports, you will fit right in. There is something for everybody!
Lily: My advice for middle school students deciding where to attend high school is to not only choose a school that will provide you tremendous academic opportunities but to enroll in a school where you believe you will thrive.
6. What is one word you would use to describe your feeling toward SFHS?
Eddie: The word that describes how I feel about St. Francis is ‘inspired’. The students and the teachers care so much, you always want to work hard and do your best. The whole community wants you to be successful in everything you do.
Gavin: One word that I would use to describe my feeling toward St. Francis is Respect. It represents how the school treats you. You are seen as someone who can make a difference at your school even though you are younger than others, you have respect.
Mila: One word I would choose to describe my feeling toward St. Francis is appreciative. I am so lucky I had the opportunity to come to this school. There has been so many benefits and things that came out of my first few months at SFHS. I have met so many people and got to join some new clubs and sports.
Lily: One word I would use to describe SFHS is Home.