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Everything the prospective student needs to know about St. Francis High School
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1
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The world of tomorrow’s successes begins today at
St. Francis High School. The world we live in presents
many challenges to our youth. Faced with these many
challenges, the high school years become extremely
important for a young man in developing the total
person. These are the formative years which structure
and mold him for a successful future. We at St. Francis
will partner with you and help you to develop your son in an
academically challenging and religious environment.
Every parent wants their son to be successful, and
success is based on right choices in life. I hope this view
book will help to answer your questions why St. Francis High School will provide your son the best opportu-
nity to realize his full potential and prepare him for success in life.
St. Francis is a private, Catholic, college-preparatory high school operated by the Conventual Franciscan
Friars, a religious order of men who blend the charism of St. Francis with the realities of the modern
world. For 80 years, we have been educating young men of various faiths and backgrounds throughout
Western New York.
We prepare young men to use their knowledge for the good of society and to see God in all people. We
envision graduates who will live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and become leaders who are known by their
faith, critical thinking, service to others, integrity, self-discipline, concern for the environment, and an
openness to lifelong learning.
Your son will discover and meet success as a student of St. Francis. The information presented in this view
book will help you to become familiar with our facilities. See our beautiful 65 acre campus on the shores of
Lake Erie. Learn about our extensive academic programs, including Advanced Placement, Honors courses
and the Paduan Scholars program. Learn about our Fine Arts program and the new Mary Schneider Visual
Arts Center. See our on-campus athletic facilities, gymnasiums and weight training center. We also have
extensive extra-curricular offerings that will provide opportunities beyond the classroom.
I am convinced that once you consider all of the benefits of investing in a St. Francis education, you will feel
confident that this is the place for your son, a place where he will receive a well-rounded education grounded
in the long standing Franciscan tradition and spirit.
Sincerely,
Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv.
President
Letter from Father Michael: Success Stories
1
suc·cess | suhk-ses | noun
1. The achievement of something desired,planned, or attempted.
2. a. The gaining of fame or prosperity.b. The extent of such gain.
3. One that is successful.
Origin [Latin successus, from past participle ofsuccïdere, to succeed; see succeed.]
St. Francis High School | noun
1. 4-year boys college preparatory school located in Athol Springs, New York.
2. A place to learn the habits and values thatcontribute to lifelong success.
3. The best private, Catholic, boys’ high schoolin Western New York.
Applying To Saint FrancisApplicants from Catholic grammar schools may obtain an application
from their Principal’s office and submit it along with a transcript from
the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Students applying from public schools
may obtain an application from our Admissions Office. Applicants then
take the Admission and Scholarship Examination in late fall. Following a
review of a student’s completed file by the school’s Board of Admissions,
he will be informed of his acceptance or otherwise in late January.
Saint Francis employs a rolling admissions process. Eighth grade
students that miss the regular admissions process and transfer
students will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Scholarships and Financial AssistanceConsistent with St. Francis of Assisi’s ability to see God in all people,
St. Francis High School seeks to provide a quality Catholic Franciscan
education to young men of all socio-economic backgrounds. To help
make this possible, the school offers 50 academic based scholarships
to incoming freshman, the majority of which are renewable for all four
years. In addition, the school also offers financial assistance through a
work study program and tuition grants to families who demonstrate need.
Proper Attire for Our Students
Because a professional appearance
promotes pride and respect, students
are expected to report to homeroom
properly attired in: a neat dress shirt
and tie, neat dress pants or trousers,
shoes, socks, belt, and a sportcoat or
school sweater when applicable.
Students must be clean shaven, wear
no jewelry above the neck, and their
hair must be neatly trimmed. The
final decision as to what constitutes
proper dress and grooming rests with
the school’s administration.
Transportation
Students living within 15 miles of
St. Francis receive free bus service
through their public school district.
Students residing in the City of Buffalo
receive free passes for ridership on
the NFTA. Special NFTA runs through
South Buffalo come directly to the
school in the morning and afternoon.
In addition, regular NFTA routes from
all other parts of the city come within
2 blocks of the school.
Textbooks
Textbooks, excluding religion books
and work books, are provided free
of charge through the student’s local
public school district. Students
receive their textbooks at the
beginning of each school year at
St. Francis High School.
A student’s relationship with his teachers will be one of the most important
during his four years at St. Francis. Out of a true desire to do their best
by each student, the faculty guides, inspires, corrects, challenges and
regularly sacrifices for their students. If you choose to embrace what
St. Francis High School stands for, our family will always be a part of
your family. This is evidenced by the lifelong friendships that students
develop with each other. Likewise, by parents who stay involved through
the Alumni Parents’ Association well past their son’s graduation. Also, by
students who return often after graduation to visit their teachers. As
well as by a friar who is asked to witness a marriage, baptize an alum’s
child or bury a loved one. Indeed, St. Francis High School is much more
than just a school.
The Saint Francis FamilySt. Francis High School is much more than just a school. While many
speak about being a family, these values are lived out in the relationships
that exist at St. Francis. Our dedicated faculty, staff, parents, alumni,
alumni parents and administration strive to create an atmosphere that
makes students feel comfortable while conferring the benefits of an
outstanding holistic education.
32
Success Story: Doug Worthington - Class of ’05
Defensive Tackle for The Ohio State University
“St. Francis was a stepping stone…it made me grow
while it taught me the vital lessons in life a young
man needs to learn – small things like following a
dress code, finishing your homework, and the time
management needed to play football and basket-
ball. St. Francis also made me open to new things –
it opened my eyes as a young boy and helped me
grow to become a man.” 3
Campus MinistryDuring their high school years our students develop the capacity for
a deeper relationship with God, and the realization of a responsibility
to prayer and action. Campus Ministry animates and encourages the
whole St. Francis Family to grow in holiness through worship, retreats,
community building and service. Like St. Francis of Assisi, Campus
Ministry serves as a reminder to all of the importance of cultivating a
mindfulness of the presence of God in our everyday lives.
Eighty Years and CountingSaint Francis High School is a Roman Catholic college-preparatory school
with a rich Franciscan tradition. Conducted by the Conventual Franciscan
Friars, the school serves young men of diverse faiths and backgrounds
from all areas of Western New York.
The school’s tradition may be traced back to the founding of Saint Francis
High School in December, 1924, by the Very Reverend Justin Figas, OFM
Conv. A group of Polish-American professionals and businessmen formed
a committee, which came to be known as the
“Fr. Justin Drivers”, to raise the funds necessary
for the construction of the school. Ground breaking
ceremonies were held and the cornerstone was
laid on July 12, 1925, and Saint Francis High School
was formally dedicated on November 25, 1926
as a college-preparatory school for young men.
In 1927, the first class of the student body was
officially enrolled.
Friars’ Hall, which includes our beautiful school
chapel and new science complex, is the original
school building. Additions to the campus have
included Justin Hall, a dormitory/gymnasium
complex completed in 1957 now used as a
classroom building and Alumni Hall which houses
Ormsby Theatre and a Campus Store along with
an instrumental music facility which was completed in 1995. In 2003,
11 acres of new playing fields were added. In 2005, an addition to Justin
Hall and a quadrangle were completed. The addition includes a second
gymnasium, three classrooms, locker rooms and training room facilities.
In 2007, the Mary E. Schneider Visual Arts Center was completed in
Friars’ Hall. As the school’s facilities have expanded, so has the student
body. What was founded as a 125-student boarding school has evolved
into our current state-of-the-art day school enrolling over 600 young men.
What has stayed constant throughout these 80 years has been the basic
Franciscan philosophy of holistic education, the keystone of the tradition
of success that is Saint Francis High School.
The Poor Man of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi realized
early in life that worldly power and
glory would not lead him to true
happiness. Through his loving
example of poverty, humility and
simplicity, he attracted thousands
of followers who joined him in
serving God and man.
This spirit lives on in St. Francis
High School’s desire to give young
men an appreciation of all people
and to serve God and one another
in simplicity and love.
54
Success Story: Jack Quinn - Class of ’96
NYS Assemblyman
“My time at St. Francis was filled with challenges and
insights I doubt I could have experienced anywhere
else. That call to better myself as a person and to
attain my goals has stuck with me and continues to
serve as my moral compass. I consider myself lucky
and blessed to be able to call myself a member of
the St. Francis family and to have the values of
St. Francis and our school guide me every day.” 5
Tracking Academic ProgressSt. Francis employs four types of reports to inform parents of their son’s
academic progress. Report cards are issued quarterly, and Interim
Academic Reports are issued as needed mid-way through each quarter.
Weekly Academic Intervention Reports are utilized as needed.
In September of each year the school conducts a Mini-Class Evening to
allow parents to meet their son’s teachers and learn about the content
of his courses. In addition, the school, in cooperation with the Parents’
Guild, sponsors quarterly Parent-Teacher Conferences. Each teacher is
also equipped with voicemail and a web page so they are only a phone
call or an email away should parents need to be in contact with them.
All of these means are intended to facilitate communication between
teachers, parents and students so as to enhance the likelihood of the
student’s academic progress and ultimate success.
Preparing for College As a college preparatory school, Saint Francis’ first
priority is academics. With a student-to-teacher
ratio of 14 to 1 and an average class size of 23, our
students are guaranteed personal attention from
the entire faculty, more than 75% of whom possess
one or more master’s or doctoral degrees. The
personal commitment and dedication of both the
Friars and lay faculty provide the best possible
kind of education – one that develops the whole
person: mind, body and spirit.
Any student who is experiencing difficulty in any
course can seek help from the teacher of that course. All teachers are
available to the students for at least 40 minutes after dismissal to offer
extra help, review study problems, make-up work missed or address
other difficulties.
The success of St. Francis High School’s educational program is obvious
at every graduation, where 98% or better of all students move on to
post-secondary education. In addition, scholarships worth millions of
dollars are awarded to our graduates each year.
Paduan Scholars ProgramThe Paduan Scholars Program was created for academically and
otherwise gifted students who have the potential to work at a very high
standard. The program is named for St. Anthony of Padua, a Conventual
Franciscan Friar, renowned for his intellect, strength of character and
sure faith. In the tradition of St. Anthony, the Paduan Scholars Program
provides talented young men the opportunity to challenge themselves
academically and to enrich their lives through the quest for knowledge
and understanding.
This curriculum involves innovative instruction, including inter-disciplinary
and independent study projects, with the goal of helping the student
reach his full potential. The Paduan scholars are provided with special
enriching activities outside the classroom designed to complement and
enhance classroom learning. These activities include: Honors Seminars,
Guest Speakers, Field Trips, Independent Study and Internships.
One of the goals of the Paduan Scholars Program is to prepare students
for entrance into the most prestigious and demanding colleges and
universities. In an effort to reach that goal, the program provides
opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills and talents by
participating in college level courses through the Advanced Placement
Program. These courses will be available during their Junior and Senior
years. Paduan scholars are able to earn college credit that can be
applied to their college degree requirements. The Internship Program
allows them to gain valuable hands-on experience in choosing a college
major or career track.
Academic Program Graduation Requirements
English 4 Units
Religious Studies 4 Units
Social Studies 4 Units
Mathematics 3 Units
Natural Sciences 3 Units
Electives 3 Units
Second Language 2 Units
Physical Education 2 Units
Fine Arts 1 Unit
Health 1⁄2 Unit
Computer Science 1⁄4 Unit
Studies Management 1⁄4 Unit
Total Credits 27 Units
Passing Grade 70%
NYS Regents Exams 65%
Accreditations
Middle State Association of Schools & Colleges
New York State Board of Regents
AdvancedPlacement Courses
AP English
AP US History
AP EconomicsMicro/Macro
AP Calculus
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP World History
76
Success Story: Dr. Brian Mata - Class of ’99
Orthopedic Surgeon
“St. Francis High School provided a great education
that has served as the foundation for my success in
college, medical school and now in my future career
endeavors. However, more importantly, the mentor-
ship, great friends and family that I first established
at St. Francis and still maintain today have provided
a support system that has helped me continue to
grow as a man, a friend and a husband.”
Clubs and ActivitiesSchool spirit and involvement in school-sponsored activities are
essential elements to a student’s success at Saint Francis High School.
Numerous clubs and activities are available to satisfy the interests of
our diverse student body. It is through these clubs and activities
that school spirit comes alive, truly making Saint Francis a “home
away from home”.
Fine ArtsWhether created, listened to, or viewed, art is a means for a
person to more fully express their humanness. It is also in keeping with
the Franciscan ideal of promoting all that develops the whole person,
especially those realities which mirror the perfection and beauty of God.
Consequently, Saint Francis considers study of the Fine Arts an integral
part of the educational process and curriculum.
The art and design student or student musician, guided by an active,
well-trained faculty, participates in a variety of required and elective
course offerings. He can expect to become critically aware of the rich
cultural and artistic past, and at the same time challenged to become
a thoughtful contributor to the beauty of contemporary culture and
society. And the form that contribution takes can be as varied as playing
the lead in the Spring Musical, playing trombone in our award winning
Jazz Ensemble, or crafting a piece of fine jewelry.
Fine Arts program facilities in Alumni Hall include an 800-seat auditorium,
dressing rooms, Instrumental Music instruction and rehearsal rooms as
well as the new Mary E. Schneider Visual Arts Center.
98
Success Story: Lt. Bill Mariani - Class of ’98
West Point grad and Afghanistan War veteran
“My four years at St. Francis provided me with a foundation
of principles that have enabled me to live as a true
St. Francis Man. The moral and ethical guidance I received
there have greatly influenced my actions in some of the
most extreme situations. I greatly credit the majority of my
successes to the mentors I was fortunate enough to build
relationships with while attending St. Francis. No matter
where I find myself, the memories of my time spent there
will always be close to my heart.”9
Something For Everyone
Alverna
Animal Health Technology
Art Club
Banner (school newspaper)
Booster Club
Chess Club
Cinema Club
Computer Club
Crusader (school yearbook)
Dances
Franciscan Youth Ministry
French Club
Historical Society
Intramural Athletics (basketball, bowling, volleyball, weight lifting)
Latin Club
Liturgical Ensemble
Math Club
Mock Trial
Model United Nations
National Honor Society
The Odyssey (literary magazine)
Performing and Visual Arts Society
Philharmonic Society
Role Playing Club
Ski and Snowboard Club
Spanish Club
Speech and Debate Club
Stage Crew
Students Against Drunk Driving
Student Council
Troubadours
WSTF TV (video club)
Music, Theatre and Art
Advanced Chorus
Concert Band
Dramatics
Fall Drama
General Art
General Music
Instrumental Music
Introduction to Theatre
Jazz Ensemble
Male Chorus
Percussion Ensemble
Pit Orchestra
Spring Musical
St. Francis Players
Stage Crew
Studio Art
The Red Raiders TraditionPhysical activity, athletics and competition are important aspects of
the overall development of young men. To address these needs and to
promote the well-rounded development of its students, Saint Francis
High School offers an extensive program of interscholastic athletics and
intramural sports.
Student-athletes represent Saint Francis on 34 school-sponsored teams
in 15 different sports, competing in the Monsignor Martin Athletic
Association in all sports except ice hockey and lacrosse. Our ice hockey
teams compete in the Midwest Prep Hockey League, the Western New
York Varsity Hockey Federation and the Southtowns Club Hockey League
while our lacrosse teams are members of the Western New York Lacrosse
League. To enhance competition, our Red Raiders compete against teams
from other parts of New York State and other Eastern and Mid-Western
states as well as Canada. Some of our teams also travel to warmer
climates for spring training.
All of Saint Francis’ teams are equipped by the school and benefit from
the dedication and skills of a veteran coaching staff. Our fully certified
staff of Athletic Trainers ensures that Saint Francis athletes can maintain
peak physical condition.
Saint Francis boasts some of Western New York’s finest athletic facilities:
two gymnasiums, training room, fitness center, all- weather track, lighted
football stadium, two baseball fields, three soccer/lacrosse fields, tennis
courts and spacious state-of-the-art locker room facilities.
The Saint Francis Family is justifiably proud of the team and individual
accolades garnered yearly by our Red Raider athletes. Our athletes and
teams regularly win championships at the conference, regional and
state levels. Each year, an impressive number of student-athletes go
on to successfully compete at the collegiate level, many winning
athletic scholarships.
As much as we take pride in our athletes for their successes on the
field, we are even more proud that our athletes learn values reinforced
through fair competition: discipline, honor, courage, teamwork, and
respect – important assets in living a fuller life.
1110
Success Story: Lee Stempniak - Class of ’01
St. Louis Blues Right Wing
“St. Francis High School’s strong academic
curriculum, competitive athletics, challenging
teachers, and sense of community helped
shape me into the person I am today.
I am very appreciative of how St. Francis prepared
me for college and life after graduation.”
11
Interscholastic Athletic Program
Fall
Cross Country (Varsity & Frosh)
Golf
Football (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
Soccer (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
Volleyball (Varsity & JV)
Winter
Basketball (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
Bowling (Varsity & JV)
Ice Hockey (Varsity & JV Club,
Prep Scholastic Varsity &
Scholastic Varsity)
Swimming
Wrestling
Indoor Track & Field
Spring
Baseball (Varsity, JV & Frosh)
Lacrosse (Varsity & JV)
Tennis
Track & Field (Varsity & JV)
Learning to Go Out Into the WorldWith the solid foundation of a holistic, college-preparatory
education, Saint Francis alumni are prepared to meet the
challenges of the collegiate world and everyday society.
Every year, Saint Francis High School graduates are
accepted to America’s top colleges and universities,
where they establish and distinguish themselves as men
of scholarship and character. Each year the graduates
earn several million dollars in scholarships as well.
Even more importantly, Saint Francis men go on to be
valuable and productive members of society.
12
Non-Discriminatory PolicyWhereas: The philosophy of Saint Francis High School is based on the Christian SocialPrinciples of the Gospel Message-to love and respect the rights of all people; It is thepolicy of Saint Francis High School that it shall not discriminate on the basis of race,color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies,
admissions policies, scholarships and financial aid programs, athletic and other schooladministration programs. It is also the policy of this school that it shall not discriminateagainst any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national orethnic origin, sex, or age.
Admissions OfficeSaint Francis High School
4129 Lake Shore RoadAthol Springs, NY 14010-0185
(716) 627-1200 FAX: (716) 627-4610www.stfrancishigh.org
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Berklee College of Music
Boston College
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Catholic University
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Penn State University
Pennsylvania Culinary Institute
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Providence College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
St. Bonaventure University
St. Francis University
St. John Fisher College
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St. Joseph’s University
St. Lawrence University
St. Leo’s University
St. Louis University
St. Peter’s College
SUNY Albany
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SUNY College of Environmental Science
SUNY Cortland
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Geneseo
SUNY Morrisville
SUNY Oneonta
SUNY Oswego
SUNY Plattsburg
SUNY Potsdam
SUNY Purchase
SUNY Stony Brook
Susquehanna University
Syracuse University
The Ohio State University
Tri-County Technical College
Trocaire College
Union College
United States Air Force Academy
United States Coast Guard
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Naval Academy
Universal Technical Institute
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University of Akron
University of Alabama
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Connecticut
University of Dallas
University of Delaware
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Kansas
University of Maine
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University of Miami (Ohio)
University of Michigan
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University of New Haven
University of Notre Dame
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University of San Diego
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University of Vermont
University of West Virginia
Utica College
Villanova
Virginia Tech
Washington & Jefferson College
Wells College
Wesleyan University
Western New England College
Wilkes University
Wyotech California
Yale University
Recent graduates of Saint Francis High School have been accepted to the following Colleges and Universities: