St. Francis High School Junior Spartan Newsletter

Join Us On The SFHS Path

"Where there is charity and wisdom,
there is neither fear nor ignorance."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

The Spartan Spirit of Excellence at St. Francis High School

In 1965, St. Francis High School made a defining decision to change its mascot from the Knight to the Spartan, a symbol rooted in strength, discipline, and unity. This choice reflects more than tradition; it captures the enduring values that shape the St. Francis High School experience and define our commitment to excellence.

A Strong and Supportive Community

Spartans were known for their unity, standing shoulder to shoulder with a shared purpose. At St. Francis High School, this same sense of community is at the heart of who we are. Our students, faculty, counselors, and staff work collaboratively to create a supportive environment where every student is known, challenged, and encouraged to thrive. Together, we foster a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and care.

A Tradition of Academic Distinction

Just as Spartans were innovators who continually refined their approach to succeed, St. Francis High School is committed to academic excellence and forward-thinking education. We are proud to be recognized with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award. As a designated Microsoft Showcase School, we integrate innovative technology and instructional practices that prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world.

A Commitment to the Whole Student

Spartan training emphasized not only strength and strategy, but also character, culture, and civic responsibility. In the same spirit, St. Francis High School is dedicated to developing well-rounded students. With 96% of our students participating in extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, leadership, and service, students gain confidence, character, and skills that extend far beyond the classroom and into college and life.

As we prepare to welcome the next class of Spartans, we also invite prospective families to experience our community firsthand. Winter and spring are ideal times for 7th grade students to participate in a Shadow Day and discover what makes St. Francis High School exceptional. We encourage you to contact us to schedule a visit for your student.

Wishing you a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming your family to St. Francis High School and sharing the Spartan spirit with you.

Pace e Bene—Peace and all good.

Patrick Jacobsen

Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

ATHLETICS & PVA FALL RECAP

The SFHS Spartans are consistent contenders for Conference and State championships, a distinction earned through the leadership of exceptional coaches and moderators, the dedication and talent of our athletes and performers, and the unwavering support of our school community. Our inclusive program features both cut and non-cut teams, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for students to participate and compete. Above all, our coaches and moderators are committed to developing each student and helping them achieve their fullest potential.

Congratulations to our teams and programs for their exceptional achievements during the fall 2025 season!

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

ATHLETICS: FALL RECAP

CHEER

Fall season consists of performing at halftime and on the sideline at games; competitive season takes place in the Winter

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Chicago Catholic League (CCL) White division champions

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

IHSA Team State Runner-Up (2nd place)
Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC) White division champions AND defeated the larger Red Division champions, St. Ignatius, to win the Conference meet overall!
All-conference athletes: Erin H. ‘27, Elena M. ‘27, Margaret A. ‘26, and Abby Y. ‘29
IHSA Regional champions
Top-10 Regional finishers: Elena M. ‘27, Erin H. ‘27, and Abby Y. ‘29
IHSA Sectional champions
Top-10 Sectional finishers: Elena M. ‘27 and Margaret A. ‘26
All-State finishers: Elena M. ‘27 (8th in State) and Erin H. ‘27 (11th in State) *This is the second year in a row Elena and Erin have finished top 11 in the State!

DANCE

4 All Americans at UDA Camp
110% Award at UDA Camp
Superior Team Award at UDA Camp
Halftime performances at home football games
Sideline and halftime appearance at the 5A Football State Championship
College Combine invitation: Mercedes C. '26

FLAG FOOTBALL

16-10 record in 2nd IHSA season
GCAC All-Conference: Maicie S. ’26 and Allie S. ‘27
IHSA All-State 1st Team: Allie S. ‘27

FOOTBALL

IHSA 5A State Champions
CCL Green Division Most Valuable Player – Dario M. ‘26
6 CCL All-Conference Awards – Matt A. ’26, Tanner G. ’26, James M. ’27, Dario M. ’26, Jaylen T. ’26, Zach W. ‘26

BOYS GOLF

Runner Up Chicago Catholic League Conference Champions
IHSA Team Regional qualifier
IHSA Individual Sectional qualifiers – Beckett J. ’26, Matthew C. ‘29
IHSA Individual State qualifier – Beckett J. ‘26
Conference season record: 7-2

GIRLS GOLF

3rd place IHSA regionals
3rd place GCAC Conference Championship
9-1 regular season record
All conference players - Elizabeth H. ‘26 and Bridget B. ‘26

BOYS SOCCER

Glenbard South Preseason Champion
4th in Conference
Overall Record: 8-4-3
First IHSA State Playoff victory in 5 years

GIRLS TENNIS

IHSA State Qualifier – Elle S. ’27

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

IHSA Regional Champions (36^th Year in a Row)
Season Record 25-13
3rd Place Finish at Peggy Scholten Classic
1st Place Finish in Silver Division at Crossroads Classic
1st Place finish in the Bronze Division at the Asics Challenge
4th Place Finish at Plainfield Blocktober Fest
GCAC All-Conference Selections: Mackenzie K. ’26, Addison S. ’26, Holly M. ’27
Peggy Scholten ALL Tournament Team: Holly M. ‘27
Blocktober Fest All-Tournament Team: Mackenzie K. ‘26
IVCA 2nd Team All State: Addison S. ‘26
IVCA All State Honorable Mention: Mackenzie K. ‘26 and Holly M. ‘27
IVCA Academic ALL State: Colleen B. ‘27, Grace G. ‘27, Holly M. ‘27, Audrey O. ‘27, Lorraine S. ‘27
ILL Prep Special Mention All State –Mackenzie K. ‘26 and Holly M. ‘27
AVCA All Region: Mackenzie K. ‘26 and Addison S. ‘26
AVCA Best and Brightest: Delaney Z. ‘26

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

PERFORMING ARTS: FALL RECAP

BAND/INSTRUMENTAL

Marching Band
Performed at home football games
Pep Band
Performed at girls’ volleyball home games
Performed at the Homecoming Pep Rally
Rock Band
Performed at Mothers’ & Fathers’ Club Spartan Family Tailgate at home SFHS football game
Performed at the opening of the Christmas Carol
Performed at Open House
Performed at Tennis Senior Night on top of press box
Performed as part of Worship Team
Christmas Concert performances
Jazz Band
Meets during Zero Hour on Tuesday (7:00-7:40 a.m.) and Activity Period on Thursday (2:30-3:10 p.m.)
Christmas Concert
Orchestra
Fall Concert, Christmas Concert
Performed at the Mother’s Club Sip, Shop, Brunch
Performed at St. Francis Society Reception
Meets Friday’s during the Activity Period

CHOIR

Performed the National Anthem at home football games and home volleyball games.
Performed as part of Worship Team
Fall Concert
Performances at the Candlelight Dinners at Medinah Country Club
Christmas Concert performances

THEATRE

Fall Play: “A Voice in the Dark” – October
Musical Revue – November
“A Christmas Carol” – December

"I Am St. Francis"

The Student Perspective:

What Do Athletics & Performing Arts at SFHS Mean to You?

“Athletics at SFHS go beyond practices and games. Teams are more than a group of people you win with; they become your family, and friends you can go to for support. Centering all our athletics around faith allows us to compete with purpose and find motivation together.”

– Avery S. ‘28

“Performing is my biggest passion, and I’ve never felt the kind of support in performing and visual arts than I did when I came to SFHS. When I’m on stage, I feel like I’m home, where I can be my true self. I’m incredibly grateful to SFHS for giving me these experiences and opportunities all school year.”

– Janie F. ‘28

“Athletics have been a huge part of my experience at SFHS. I run Cross Country and Track, and both teams have had a big impact on me. Being part of those teams has pushed me to grow both physically and mentally. The practices, meets, and team bonding have taught me how to persevere and support others. I’ve met some of my closest friends through sports, and I always look forward to the challenges that come with competing and improving.” – Alex K. ‘27

Around SFHS

Academic Excellence Recognized

Congratulations to the 58 St. Francis High School students from the Class of 2026 who earned the recognition of Illinois State Scholar! This is a prestigious recognition of academic achievement. This outstanding representation accounts for 34% of the senior class!

Spartans Lead Herald Cup

Following the fall athletic season, the St. Francis High School Spartans are currently in the #1 spot for the Daily Herald’s Herald Cup!

The Herald Cup honors athletic excellence among the dozens of high schools in the newspaper’s coverage area.

Honoring Our State Champions

Your 5A State Football Champions have been getting accolades all around Chicagoland!

The Spartans were honored at Soldier Field during a recent Chicago Bears game. The City of Wheaton also recognized the team during a recent City Council meeting and presented them with the State Championship city sign and a proclamation.

Spartan Alum Reaches FCS Championship

Congratulations to Tommy Rittenhouse ’21 and the ISU Redbirds Football team on a remarkable season, culminating in a trip to NCAA FCS National Championship game.

From SFHS to Notre Dame

Two former Spartans can be seen performing for the University of Notre Dame Marching Band! Gabby Rodriguez ’23 (clarinet) and Margaret Brady ’23 (bass drum) continue their remarkable music careers in South Bend!