St. Francis High School Summer/Fall 2009

The Tau

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents, Students and Friends of St. Francis High School

�

From The President

�

On the Cover: The Tau Cross. After his commission at the foot of the San Damiano Cross, Saint Francis chose a more ancient symbol of redemption as his standard: the Tau cross.

In this Issue

Mr. Nease RetiresPage 4

Alumni News& Notes

Pages 8 & 9

Annual Report of Gifts2008-2009

center

Spring SportsPage 10

Athletic Hall of FameClass of 2009

Page 11

25th AlumniGolf Tournament

Page 14

Imbued with the Spirit of St. Francis, we prepare young men to use their knowledge for the good of society and to see God in all people.

Do these words sound familiar? I hope they do. The quote is taken from the mission statement of St. Francis High School, and I used this quote for the first time in the Quarterly when I became President of St. Francis, so bear with me.

Today you may have already noticed that the St. Francis Quarterly has a new name, The Tau. Over the last couple of years we have made a considerable effort to emphasize our Franciscan heritage, and will continue to do so. I also announced in the Spring, in our efforts to go green, this magazine would only be published three times a year. Consequently we needed to change the name. After considerable deliberation, it was decided to use The Tau.

There are two crosses important in the life and story of St. Francis. The San Damiano Cross spoke to Francis and exhorted him to rebuild His Church. The other is the Tau Cross, which St. Francis used as his signature. But there is more to the Tau. Francis placed it on the walls where he stayed as a constant reminder of the Passion of Christ. So enthralled was Francis with Christ that he was blessed with the wounds of Christ in his own body, the stigmata. The friars of his day, through Francis’ example, came to recognize the Tau Cross as a symbol of the Order itself.

Have you ever noticed the style of our Franciscan habit? With arms stretched out, our habit forms the Tau Cross. Not only does the habit reflect the shape of this cross, but it also reminds each friar daily of his commitment to the crucified Christ who in His Incarnation redeems us all.

I hope you enjoy The Tau and the reflection of St. Francis today through the young men who pass through these halls.

In a special way I would like to pay tribute to Mr. David Nease who recently retired from St. Francis after 39 years. In many ways he embodied the Franciscan spirit. It has been a privilege to work with him. I know he will be missed by many generations of St. Francis alums, but I know we will not forget him or all he has done in establishing the Fine Arts Department.

To Fr. Charles, who has been a member of the faculty for 29 years, we wish him well as he begins a new ministry. Good-byes are always difficult; yet as friars, we realize we are called to serve the Order and the Church; it’s part of our life and we accept the will of God in our lives. May God reward him and continue to bless him in his new ministry. Finally, thank you for your generous support of the Annual Giving Appeal. Included in this edition of The Tau is our Annual Report of Gifts to St. Francis High School. Your generosity allows many young men the opportunity of a Franciscan education here at St. Francis. To those who help support us through Justinian, thank you, and remember to mark your calendar for Justinian XXIX on May 1, 2010. Thanks to all for your investment in our future.

St. Francis High SchoolSummer/Fall 2009

The Tau

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents, Students and Friends of St. Francis High School

��

Saint FranciS tauVol. 1 - No. 1

Published three times a year by the Saint Francis High School

Office for Institutional Advancement4129 Lake Shore Road

Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185www.stfrancishigh.org

716-627-1200

We welcome your comments... schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org

Sue Schaffstall Editor & Director

of Communications

Matthew Gorczyca’09Feature Writer

Jerry Gorczyca’73Tony Kosowski’75

Sue SchaffstallYearbook StaffPhotographers

Pat KaczmarczykKathy Hahn

Fr. Justin RossProofreading

Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you! I cannot say it enough, Thank you! On behalf of everyone at St. Francis

High School please realize your donations have helped this past year – THANK YOU. We know that there are many worthwhile places and causes you can donate your services and your money to, and we know that this past year has been financially challenging to many people, which is why we are even more elated that so many of you have chosen to support St. Francis High School. Your gifts continue to help bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the cost of educating our young men, our future alumni brothers. The pages in the Annual Report are filled with the names of Alumni, Alumni Parents, Parents, Faculty/Staff and Friends: all of who make up our Franciscan family. Family helps family! Thank you.

Alumni Reunions are scheduled for Friday, November 6th in Manhattan NYC… Saturday, November 7th in Boston, MA and Sunday Afternoon, November 8th in Chicopee, MA

Details are also being worked on for Alumni reunions Friday January 22nd in the DC/VA area, Saturday, January 23rd in Richmond VA and Sunday, January 24th in Charlotte, NC.

If you are ever in the area, please stop in for a visit and a tour.

Tony’s TopicsTony Kosowski’75

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

�

“For it is in giving that we receive” The popular statement from the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis has emulated well throughout the life of Mr. David Nease. After 39 years of teaching at Saint Francis High School, he has touched thousands of lives, all through such simple means. Although he is most notable for his work in the Fine Arts Department, Mr. Nease encouraged all students of various backgrounds to explore the many “fields” of

Saint Francis High School.

Before Mr. Nease began his work at Saint Francis, the high school was virtually untouched by the arts. However, after Mr. Nease arrived, he gave students the opportunity to explore the arts. With the first musical production of Oliver! In 1970, the arts soon took off like wildfire. Students were quick to embrace the arts

both performing and the visual arts. With a new avenue for students to explore, and through the vision and hard work of Mr. Nease, the Fine Arts Department of Saint Francis High School has became an institution that many high schools envy and seek to duplicate.

Mr. Nease has not only been a teacher, he has also been a mentor, and friend. It is easy to find many students that participate in the arts also involved in a wide range of sports and clubs- all while juggling consistent GPAs; that is because Mr. Nease has supported all crafts and talents that students have. He has shown how arts reinforce other aspects of our lives, and in turn how they reinforce our creativity, imagination and artistic talent. He has been dedicated to improving and polishing our singing skills, and every singer that has come across his path has improved in some way, shape or form. In fact, many students take the arts with them as they move on to college and beyond.

When I was asked to write this piece on Mr. Nease I immediately thought of my Senior Schola class. All of us were radically different, but had similarities too. One of our similarities was our interaction with Mr. Nease, one of the differences was how he impacted our lives.

“He was the one who introduced me to music, and inspired me to take up piano,” says Gary Iacobucci ’09. Gary is a self-taught pianist whose talent is reminiscent of Beethoven and Mozart. “Mr. Nease gave me common ground with a new group of guys. No matter how little I had in common with someone I could always find something to talk about with my friends from Schola,”said Edwin Mohney ’09. Edwin was the Artist of the Year for the Class of 2009 and his profound relationship with Mr. Nease was based on how Mr. Nease connected him with new friends that he will have for the rest of his life.

“Mr. Nease mastered the art of teaching while having fun. He had confidence in us, and helped me build confidence in myself. He is the primary reason why I’m going for my dreams,” said Alan Trinca ’09. Alan is known for his great voice and acting abilities and attends Niagara University to study theater. All of these men brought up different reasons as how Mr. Nease was so influential in their lives.

From my own experience, when I was just a boy I used to come see my older brother in the dramas and musicals at St. Francis. From the very first show I was hypnotized by the arts.

I got a hard reality check when I auditioned for chorus class and found myself not much of a singer. Mr. Nease had tremendous patience and encouragement, and by the time my senior year came along I was prepared for a senior solo. Not only was this a huge accomplishment for me, but it taught me how putting your heart, mind and soul into something can truly lead you to success.

There is no way grand enough to show how deep an impact Mr. Nease has made on our lives. He reached far beyond the element of the arts to enhance our faith, and truly mold us into fine young men, ready to take on the world that awaits us. A teacher, mentor, and friend, Mr. Nease has inspired us all and made us not only better artists, but better people.

We love you and thank you Mr. Nease!

Fr. Mark David compiled the following interesting facts about Mr. Nease:

Mr. Nease has:•worked for 8 principals: Frs. Xavier, Leon, Peter, Gregory, Robert, Joseph, Michael and, Tom Braunscheidel

•has taught 12 of our current faculty members - 14 if you count Tim Gastle and Jason Torres who are on the Fine Arts staff

•started teaching before 16 of our current faculty members were even born

•produced, directed or conducted 62 of our plays/musicals

Mr. Nease- 1979

Mr. Nease- 2009

Mr

. N

ease

Ret

ires

aft

er 3

9 y

ear

s

This feature was written by Matthew Gorczycza’09. Matt is currently a freshman at Canisius College were

he is majoring in English.

�

“For it is in giving that we receive” The popular statement from the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis has emulated well throughout the life of Mr. David Nease. After 39 years of teaching at Saint Francis High School, he has touched thousands of lives, all through such simple means. Although he is most notable for his work in the Fine Arts Department, Mr. Nease encouraged all students of various backgrounds to explore the many “fields” of

Saint Francis High School.

Before Mr. Nease began his work at Saint Francis, the high school was virtually untouched by the arts. However, after Mr. Nease arrived, he gave students the opportunity to explore the arts. With the first musical production of Oliver! In 1970, the arts soon took off like wildfire. Students were quick to embrace the arts

both performing and the visual arts. With a new avenue for students to explore, and through the vision and hard work of Mr. Nease, the Fine Arts Department of Saint Francis High School has became an institution that many high schools envy and seek to duplicate.

Mr. Nease has not only been a teacher, he has also been a mentor, and friend. It is easy to find many students that participate in the arts also involved in a wide range of sports and clubs- all while juggling consistent GPAs; that is because Mr. Nease has supported all crafts and talents that students have. He has shown how arts reinforce other aspects of our lives, and in turn how they reinforce our creativity, imagination and artistic talent. He has been dedicated to improving and polishing our singing skills, and every singer that has come across his path has improved in some way, shape or form. In fact, many students take the arts with them as they move on to college and beyond.

When I was asked to write this piece on Mr. Nease I immediately thought of my Senior Schola class. All of us were radically different, but had similarities too. One of our similarities was our interaction with Mr. Nease, one of the differences was how he impacted our lives.

“He was the one who introduced me to music, and inspired me to take up piano,” says Gary Iacobucci ’09. Gary is a self-taught pianist whose talent is reminiscent of Beethoven and Mozart. “Mr. Nease gave me common ground with a new group of guys. No matter how little I had in common with someone I could always find something to talk about with my friends from Schola,”said Edwin Mohney ’09. Edwin was the Artist of the Year for the Class of 2009 and his profound relationship with Mr. Nease was based on how Mr. Nease connected him with new friends that he will have for the rest of his life.

“Mr. Nease mastered the art of teaching while having fun. He had confidence in us, and helped me build confidence in myself. He is the primary reason why I’m going for my dreams,” said Alan Trinca ’09. Alan is known for his great voice and acting abilities and attends Niagara University to study theater. All of these men brought up different reasons as how Mr. Nease was so influential in their lives.

From my own experience, when I was just a boy I used to come see my older brother in the dramas and musicals at St. Francis. From the very first show I was hypnotized by the arts.

I got a hard reality check when I auditioned for chorus class and found myself not much of a singer. Mr. Nease had tremendous patience and encouragement, and by the time my senior year came along I was prepared for a senior solo. Not only was this a huge accomplishment for me, but it taught me how putting your heart, mind and soul into something can truly lead you to success.

There is no way grand enough to show how deep an impact Mr. Nease has made on our lives. He reached far beyond the element of the arts to enhance our faith, and truly mold us into fine young men, ready to take on the world that awaits us. A teacher, mentor, and friend, Mr. Nease has inspired us all and made us not only better artists, but better people.

We love you and thank you Mr. Nease!

Fr. Mark David compiled the following interesting facts about Mr. Nease:

Mr. Nease has:•worked for 8 principals: Frs. Xavier, Leon, Peter, Gregory, Robert, Joseph, Michael and, Tom Braunscheidel

•has taught 12 of our current faculty members - 14 if you count Tim Gastle and Jason Torres who are on the Fine Arts staff

•started teaching before 16 of our current faculty members were even born

•produced, directed or conducted 62 of our plays/musicals

The St. Francis High School Fine Arts Department honored 177 students for their commitment to and participation in the performing, visual and literary arts at the school’s 37th annual Arts Awards Banquet held on May 17, 2009 at Romanello’s South Restaurant.

A crowd of over 300 people were in attendance at the banquet to honor students who received major and minor letters and service bars, recognizing their participation in the school’s Fine Arts program. In addition Mr. David Nease, Director of Male Chorus, was honored for 39 years of service to St. Francis High School. Mr. Nease retired at the end of the school year.

Fin

e Arts A

war

ds B

an

qu

et

�

St. Francis PlayersThis year the Players present two backstage entertainments

After a disappointing opening night on Broad-way, the play’s leading lady commits suicide - or did she? Her fiance is not convinced. But if she was actually murdered, who is responsible and how will he prove it?

Does art imitate life or does life imitate art? It’s hard to say in this classic Cole Porter musical based upon Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Filled with such glorious songs as “Another Op’nin, Another Show”, “Too Darn Hot”, and “So in Love”, Kiss Me Kate is sure to entertain.

March 19 and 20 at 7:30

March 21 at 2

November 14at 7:30

November 15at 2

2009-2

010 T

hea

ter

Sea

son

�

St. Francis PlayersThis year the Players present two backstage entertainments

After a disappointing opening night on Broad-way, the play’s leading lady commits suicide - or did she? Her fiance is not convinced. But if she was actually murdered, who is responsible and how will he prove it?

Does art imitate life or does life imitate art? It’s hard to say in this classic Cole Porter musical based upon Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Filled with such glorious songs as “Another Op’nin, Another Show”, “Too Darn Hot”, and “So in Love”, Kiss Me Kate is sure to entertain.

March 19 and 20 at 7:30

March 21 at 2

November 14at 7:30

November 15at 2

Please remember in your prayers the following members of the St. Francis

High School Family who have recently passed away:

+Josie BrillGrandmother of John ’02

+Robert Buchheit SFHS Retired Faculty

+David Campbell ’60

+Robert Cook ’73Uncle of James Cook-Grade 10

+ James CoyleGrandfather of Matthew’07

+Daniel Gates ’53Father of Philip Gates ’95

+Catherine GrassoMother of Donald Jr.’83

+Peter GrisantiGrandfather of Lucas ’12, Joseph’09,

Ed ’04 and Ryan Bastian’08

+Denise JohengenMother of Christopher ’78, Dr. Carl’80

+Robert Kobiolka ’71 Brother of Michael ’68, Uncle of

Michael ’07

+Theodore KosowskiFather of Tony ’75

Grandfather of Nick ’01, Tim ’04

+Helen KrasinskiGrandmother of Marty Palczewski,

Grade 12

+Paul Marcinkowski ’85Brother of Kevin ’88

+John Jay McCormickBother in law of Katie Petrinec

+Mary Bayliss OsheiGrandmother of John-Grade 9

+James J. “Flip” Paryz Sr.Father of James Jr.’82, Jeffrey ’86,

Jonathan ’89

+Harriette PanekMother of Robert ’57, +Lawrence ’54

+James Popielinski ’70

+Richard RedanzFather of Richard ’78

+Edward P. ReillyGrandfather of Edward III, ‘01,

Joseph’03, Matthew’06

+Raymond SeebaldGrandfather of Justin Grade 11

+Donald SmithGrandfather of Joseph’08

+Col. Jeffery Spara’65

+Michael Strycharz’04

+John TruskeyFather of Brian’98

+Mary Jo VenturoliMother of Tony, Jr.’98

+Helmut WidmerGrandfather of Patrick Widmer

Grade 10 & Carl’04

+Casimir ZdrojewskiFather of Mark’71

We are sad to report the passing of our longtime friend and member of our St. Francis High School family, Mr. Robert Buchheit, who died unexpectedly on May 24, 2009.

Bob was a longtime educator and counselor at St. Francis High School. He worked at St. Francis for 37 years teaching Spanish and History, and serving as a guidance counselor and Director of Guidance before retiring in 2005.

Fr. Charles re-assigned

Fr. Charles, a long time faculty member of St. Francis High School, has received a temporary assignment from province administration. Effective immediately, he will be residing at St. Lucie Church, Port St. Lucie, Florida assisting with parish ministry. Fr. Charles’ presence at St. Francis will be missed and we wish him well in his new ministry.

�A

lum

ni

New

s &

No

tes

1940’sAnthony Cisek’44 and his wife Louise celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at a Mass of Thanksgiving on May 29, 2009.

1950’sThree members of the class of 1957 traveled to Bethlehem, PA on September 5th to watch the Red Raider Football Team take on Bethlehem Catholic. The Red Raiders won the game 25-21.

pictured from left to right: Nick Krochta’57, Joe Federowicz’57 & Bob Panek’57

1960’sJack Orlandi’65 was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Altoona-Johnstown (PA) Diocese on Saturday May 30, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, PA. Deacon Jack was fortunate to receive his home parish, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, in State College as his first assignment.

1970’sWilliam O’Neill ‘71 was the Texas representative at the 2009 National Senior Olympics held at Stanford University in August, in the 800 Meter track event.

1980’sMark A. Sullivan’86 has been appointed as a members of the St. Francis High School Board. He will serve on the Institutional Advancement and Budget and Finance Committees.Mark is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Health Systems of Western New York.

Col. Matthew G. Glavy’81 became the new Commander of Marine Helicopter Squadron One during a change of Command Ceremony in Quantico Virginia on June 19, 2009.

Since its activation in 1947, Marine Squadron One has

played a key role in the development, testing and evaluation of Marine Helicopters, and since 1951 has functioned as the operational test and evaluation directorate for future helicopter systems.

Beginning in 1957, the Squadron has provided helicopter transportation for the President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Members of Congress and foreign dignitaries.

Todd Palczewski’88 was recently promoted to Project manager at Rosina Food products. Todd had been a Sales and Marketing Analyst for Rosina Foods since October of 2006.

1990’sRyan Dunn’90 welcomed his third child, a son, John Ryan on February 23, 2009.

Former President of St. Francis High School, Fr. Joseph Benicewicz, OFM Conv. performed the marriage ceremony of Daniel Lutman’97 and Stacey Mackowiak on August 15, 2009. Serving as best man was Jason Frydrychowski’05, cousin of the groom. Groomsmen included Chris Karczewski’96 and Marc Mazur’98

Peter Talty’97 married Kathleen Browne on July 11, 2009 at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Hamburg, NY. The wedding party was filled with St. Francis Alumni including best man Tom Talty’98 and groomsmen Colin Craver’97, Joshua Hauger’97, Tom Mc Carthy’93 and Adam Switzer ’97.

Erik Finbar’98 and his wife Amanda welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 24, 2009. Kendall Kathleen Finbar weighed in at 7lbs 13oz.

Zachary Schneider’99 has recently accepted a position on the School Board of St. Francis High School. Zack is a partner in 15 Fingers- a high end digital marketing agency. He will bring his expertise to the Public Relations and Planning Committees of the School Board.

2000’sOn June 18, 2008 Michael Jonas’00 and his wife Lori welcomed twins Ethan and Layla. The twins joined big brother Aiden.

Chris McIntyre’00 and his wife Mel are the proud parents of Matthew Robert, who was born on, July 14, 2009. He was four weeks early & weighed 4 lbs 15oz.

Jeff Bubar’01 recently accepted a position as a Management and Program Analyst in the compliance office of the E-Verify program for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security located in downtown Buffalo.

Ed Reilly ’01 was named Hall Director of the Year at Ohio State University in June 2009. Reilly was instrumental in the creation of the Unwind Wednesday and Unwind Weekend programming initiatives, nominated for “Of the Month” Awards in four out of the five eligible months while winning one (February), encouraged collaboration with various units on campus including RHAC, the Outdoor Adventure Center, the Ohio Union and the OSU Police Department, to name a few. Under Reilly’s watch, Siebert Hall developed the 2008-2009 Student Organization Website of the Year http://sieberthall.osu.edu, the only residence hall to have an official .osu.edu web address, in addition to creating a Siebert Hall Twitter account.

John Kordrupel ‘02 graduated from the University at Buffalo in May 2009 with his Master in Urban Planning. He has accepted an offer from AmeriCorps VISTA and Massachusetts Campus Compact and will be working at Northeastern University in Boston, MA starting in August for a one-year commitment. He will serve as Service-Learning Assistant Coordinator at Northeastern’s Center of Community Service.

Christopher Schalk’04 graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in May 2008 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. He was the class valedictorian.Chris is currently a PhD student in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Texas A&M University. His research is focusing on the ecology and conservation of the frogs in the Gran Chaco ecosystem of Bolivia. Chris was in Bolivia for four months where he lived with the indigenous Isoceno-Guarani people and began to involve them with his research program.

U.S. Navy Ensign Christopher J. (CJ) Brass’05, son of James & Susan Brass of Eden, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on May 22, 2009 and was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy. Ens. Brass successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Political Science. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, Ens. Brass completed a four-year, total immersion program where a strong, balanced academic curriculum, focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps, is superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing the development of leadership skills. Following graduation, Ens. Brass has been assigned to Naval Air Station Pensacola (FL) where he will continue studies and training as a Naval Flight Officer.

Congratulations to Nicholas Dragone’06 who professed first vows after completing his novitiate and Nicholas Rokitka’02 who was invested in the Franciscan habit and will begin his Novitiate year. Pictured from left to right: Friar Nicholas Rokitka’02, Fr. Michael Kolodziej, Minister Provincial, Friar Nicholas Dragone’06 and Friar Peter Tremblay’99

Elliot Penna’07 spent ten weeks this past summer as an intern at Hauptman- Woodward’s Medical Research Institute. He worked in the Joseph Luft/ Eddie Snell laboratory conducting investigations related to macromolecular crystallization. Elliot attends Lehigh University.

�A

lum

ni N

ew

s & N

otes

1940’sAnthony Cisek’44 and his wife Louise celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at a Mass of Thanksgiving on May 29, 2009.

1950’sThree members of the class of 1957 traveled to Bethlehem, PA on September 5th to watch the Red Raider Football Team take on Bethlehem Catholic. The Red Raiders won the game 25-21.

pictured from left to right: Nick Krochta’57, Joe Federowicz’57 & Bob Panek’57

1960’sJack Orlandi’65 was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Altoona-Johnstown (PA) Diocese on Saturday May 30, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, PA. Deacon Jack was fortunate to receive his home parish, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, in State College as his first assignment.

1970’sWilliam O’Neill ‘71 was the Texas representative at the 2009 National Senior Olympics held at Stanford University in August, in the 800 Meter track event.

1980’sMark A. Sullivan’86 has been appointed as a members of the St. Francis High School Board. He will serve on the Institutional Advancement and Budget and Finance Committees.Mark is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Health Systems of Western New York.

Col. Matthew G. Glavy’81 became the new Commander of Marine Helicopter Squadron One during a change of Command Ceremony in Quantico Virginia on June 19, 2009.

Since its activation in 1947, Marine Squadron One has

played a key role in the development, testing and evaluation of Marine Helicopters, and since 1951 has functioned as the operational test and evaluation directorate for future helicopter systems.

Beginning in 1957, the Squadron has provided helicopter transportation for the President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Members of Congress and foreign dignitaries.

Todd Palczewski’88 was recently promoted to Project manager at Rosina Food products. Todd had been a Sales and Marketing Analyst for Rosina Foods since October of 2006.

1990’sRyan Dunn’90 welcomed his third child, a son, John Ryan on February 23, 2009.

Former President of St. Francis High School, Fr. Joseph Benicewicz, OFM Conv. performed the marriage ceremony of Daniel Lutman’97 and Stacey Mackowiak on August 15, 2009. Serving as best man was Jason Frydrychowski’05, cousin of the groom. Groomsmen included Chris Karczewski’96 and Marc Mazur’98

Peter Talty’97 married Kathleen Browne on July 11, 2009 at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Hamburg, NY. The wedding party was filled with St. Francis Alumni including best man Tom Talty’98 and groomsmen Colin Craver’97, Joshua Hauger’97, Tom Mc Carthy’93 and Adam Switzer ’97.

Erik Finbar’98 and his wife Amanda welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 24, 2009. Kendall Kathleen Finbar weighed in at 7lbs 13oz.

Zachary Schneider’99 has recently accepted a position on the School Board of St. Francis High School. Zack is a partner in 15 Fingers- a high end digital marketing agency. He will bring his expertise to the Public Relations and Planning Committees of the School Board.

2000’sOn June 18, 2008 Michael Jonas’00 and his wife Lori welcomed twins Ethan and Layla. The twins joined big brother Aiden.

Chris McIntyre’00 and his wife Mel are the proud parents of Matthew Robert, who was born on, July 14, 2009. He was four weeks early & weighed 4 lbs 15oz.

Jeff Bubar’01 recently accepted a position as a Management and Program Analyst in the compliance office of the E-Verify program for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security located in downtown Buffalo.

Ed Reilly ’01 was named Hall Director of the Year at Ohio State University in June 2009. Reilly was instrumental in the creation of the Unwind Wednesday and Unwind Weekend programming initiatives, nominated for “Of the Month” Awards in four out of the five eligible months while winning one (February), encouraged collaboration with various units on campus including RHAC, the Outdoor Adventure Center, the Ohio Union and the OSU Police Department, to name a few. Under Reilly’s watch, Siebert Hall developed the 2008-2009 Student Organization Website of the Year http://sieberthall.osu.edu, the only residence hall to have an official .osu.edu web address, in addition to creating a Siebert Hall Twitter account.

John Kordrupel ‘02 graduated from the University at Buffalo in May 2009 with his Master in Urban Planning. He has accepted an offer from AmeriCorps VISTA and Massachusetts Campus Compact and will be working at Northeastern University in Boston, MA starting in August for a one-year commitment. He will serve as Service-Learning Assistant Coordinator at Northeastern’s Center of Community Service.

Christopher Schalk’04 graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in May 2008 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. He was the class valedictorian.Chris is currently a PhD student in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Texas A&M University. His research is focusing on the ecology and conservation of the frogs in the Gran Chaco ecosystem of Bolivia. Chris was in Bolivia for four months where he lived with the indigenous Isoceno-Guarani people and began to involve them with his research program.

U.S. Navy Ensign Christopher J. (CJ) Brass’05, son of James & Susan Brass of Eden, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on May 22, 2009 and was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy. Ens. Brass successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Political Science. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, Ens. Brass completed a four-year, total immersion program where a strong, balanced academic curriculum, focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps, is superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing the development of leadership skills. Following graduation, Ens. Brass has been assigned to Naval Air Station Pensacola (FL) where he will continue studies and training as a Naval Flight Officer.

Congratulations to Nicholas Dragone’06 who professed first vows after completing his novitiate and Nicholas Rokitka’02 who was invested in the Franciscan habit and will begin his Novitiate year. Pictured from left to right: Friar Nicholas Rokitka’02, Fr. Michael Kolodziej, Minister Provincial, Friar Nicholas Dragone’06 and Friar Peter Tremblay’99

Elliot Penna’07 spent ten weeks this past summer as an intern at Hauptman- Woodward’s Medical Research Institute. He worked in the Joseph Luft/ Eddie Snell laboratory conducting investigations related to macromolecular crystallization. Elliot attends Lehigh University.

10

St. Francis Varsity Lacrosse Advances to MMAA Semi Finals

The St. Francis Varsity Lacrosse Team completed the 2009 season by finishing 6-11 and advancing to the semi finals of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association Lacrosse Championships. The team worked hard to win games all season but came up short, with 3 losses by one goal, including one in overtime. Some injuries also hurt the team along the way. Senior midfielder John Conroy went down with a spleen injury during the Hamburg game and was out for the season. Still, the team fought on with some key contributions from the seniors. Joe Rautenstrauch (Canisius)

led the team in scoring with 24 goals and 17 assists (41pts.), while Matt Ganci (UB) finished the year with 18 goals and 7 assists (25 pts.). Other seniors had great seasons as well. Midfielder Paul Zacchigna (Mercyhurst) finished the year with 12 goals and 8 assists (20 pts.), Andrew Ferris (Duquesne) finished with 5 goals and 1 assist (6 pts), and David Drozda (Geneseo) and Nick Eagan (Mercyhurst) each finished with 1 goal.

Track & Field

The St. Francis track and field team finished a strong 2nd place in MMAA this past spring. Seniors Christian Knauss and Luke Tasker led the young but talented track squad throughout the season and with many of the underclassmen contributing throughout the season on the varsity level the future looks bright for the seasons to come. Highlights included Luke Tasker winning 4 all Catholics consisting of the 100, 200, discus and 400 relays. Tasker finished his career as a 5 time all- Catholic. Christian Knauss anchored both the 3200 and 1600 relays to all-Catholic titles. Ranked in 800 meters in WNY, Knauss finished his stellar career with 4 all-Catholic awards.

Varsity Baseball

The Red Raider Nine finished the regular season with a 17-3 record, ranking 3rd in Western New York. The team is a great combination of veteran players and talented newcomers. The team fell shy of their hopes to win their 4th consecutive Georgetown Cup, loosing a tight contest

to Canisius.

Nick Jasinski, Sean Larson and Joe Pantano led the way on the mound this year, combining for a potent starting rotation. Jasinski was dominant, going 4-1 in the MMAA, recording 27 strikeouts in 25 innings and posting a .56 earned run average.

Larson, a junior, displayed dominance as well with a 1.17 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 24 innings. In addition, senior Tyler Matecki took on the role of closer and earned the title allowing zero runs and striking out 12 in 8 innings of work.

Tennis

The 2009 St. Francis Red Raider Tennis team saw a record turn out for opening day tryouts. Some 30 students tried to make the tennis team and the coaching staff had some difficult decisions to make. In the end, the final roster consisted of 13 of the school’s best players and the team looked to do some major damage in the Msgr. Martin League. The team finished the season with a 3-7 record with wins over Niagara Catholic, The Gow School, and Timon-St. Jude.

Spr

ing

Spo

rts

11

Four new members were inducted into The Very Rev. Rufinus Niedzwiecki Memorial Sports Hall of Fame during the 33rd annual Sports Awards Banquet at Hearthstone Manor on Friday, June 5, 2009. Pictured from left to right: William Mariani’98, Tom Bestpitch’96, Athletic Director Steve Otremba’90, President of St. Francis High School, Fr. Michael Sajda, Coach Joe Molloy and Frank Tabaczynski’94.

About 60 members of the St. Francis Family, including alumni, current parents & friends were on hand Saturday, June 6th for the Alumni Association’s 3rd annual Bocce Ball Tournament. The Winning team was TFS- Duane Darlock, Adam O’Connor, Mike Kriegbaum & Louis King.

3rd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament

Hall of Fame Inductions Hall o

f Fam

e Cla

ss of 2

009

1�B

ac

cala

ur

eate

& G

rad

uat

ion

William Greene’69 recieved the Fr. Justin Figas Memorial Award

Jack Jensen’73 received the Alumni of the Year Award

Valedictorian- Matthew Cooper 101.705 GPA

Salutatorian- Seokho Bang101.325 GPA

Man of the Year- Charles E. Stephenson IIISt. Francis School Service Award- Matthew J. Gorczycza

Athlete of the Year- Lucas S.TaskerArtist of the Year- Edwin J. Mohney

The Sportsmanship Award- Jonathon E. LawlessThe Creativity Award- Gary J. Iacobucci

The President’s Recognition Award- David M.DrozdaThe Principal’s Recognition Award- Marius A. Bizimungu

The 140 graduates of the Class of 2009 were awarded a total of $12.4 million in scholarships and institutional aid to further their college education. A total of 99% of the

members of the class are planning to attend two or four year colleges. Regents diplomas were earned by all 140 members of the Class of 2009 with 90 receiving Advanced Regents diplomas, of which 36 received the honors designation. The members of the Class of 2009 have selected over 50 different colleges and universities, both locally and

throughout the country.

1�

Class of 1959 Honored

Fourteen members of the Class of 1959 returned to St. Francis High School on Friday May 29, 2009 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation at special Recognition Day activities.Class members attended a Mass in Friars’ Hall Chapel at 9 a.m. followed by a brunch in the foyer of Alumni Hall. After brunch, tours of the campus gave the anniversary class members an opportunity to view the many changes at their alma mater.

The Day of Recognition also included an introduction of the class members at the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2009 which were held at 7 p.m. that evening at Our Lady of Victory Basilica.

Ten members of the class of 2009 and their fathers who are also graduates.

Pictured from left to right- front row: Andrew & Robert’71 Schaefer, Justin & Joseph’80 Courtade, Joshua & Carl’75 Lemendola, Joseph M. & Joseph’77 Emmerling, Michael Benedict. Back row: Anthony & Anthony’80 Bartholomew, Michael & Gene’77 Partridge, Matthew & Paul’76 Gorczyca, Andrew & George’78 Ferris, Andrew & Mark’68 Hintermeier, Bill Benedict’80.

1�25

th a

nn

ual

go

lf t

ou

rn

ey

196 Golfers hit the links on July 9th for the St. Francis Alumni Association 25th Annual Golf

Tournament at Terry Hills in Batavia. Over $29,000 was raised for tuition assistance. The winning

foursome was Mike Benzinger ‘06, Joe Benzinger ‘70, Charlie Benzinger ‘73 and Brad McGahey.

1�

A Trek To the Star

just

inia

n X

XV

iiiA Special Thanks to our President’s Club Sponsors ($3000)

Schneider Design Assoc. ArchitectsGreat Lakes Concrete Products, LLC

Principal’s Club Sponsors($2500)

Gernatt Family of CompaniesTimothy & Diane Jones

Thanks to all who made Justinian XXVIII a huge success.

504 of our friends attended this year’s dinner auction and

raised More than $151,000Thank you!

Justinian XXIXSave the Date

May 1, 2010

4129 Lake Shore Road * Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185 www.stfrancishigh.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDHamburg,New York

PERMIT NO. 159

Address Service Requested

Five Year reunion

november 25, 2009 - 7 p.m. - Hoak’S on tHe Lake

Justinian GiFt GatherinG PartY

February 6, 2010 - 7 p.m. - Hoak’S on tHe Lake

alumni memorial mass

marcH 7, 2010 - FriarS’ HaLL cHapeL - 10 am

sPrinG musical recePtion

marcH 20, 2010 - 6 p.m. - main Gym

50 Year recoGnition DaY

may 28, 2010- aLumni HaLL

Bocce Ball tournament

June 5, 2010 - Front Lawn - noon

GolF tournament

JuLy 8, 2010 - terry HiLLS GoLF courSe

Upcoming Alumni Events