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.”

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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.

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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

Albany School of Pharmacy

Alfred University

Alleghany College

American International College

American University

Amherst College

Ball State

Becker College

Berklee College of Music

Boston College

Boston University

Bowling Green University

Bucknell University

Cal State San Marcos

Canisius College

Case Western Reserve University

Catholic University

Central Washington University

Clarkson University

Cleveland State University

Coastal Carolina University

Colgate University

College of the Holy Cross

Columbia University

Cornell University

Culinary Institute of America

Daemen College

Daniel Webster College

Dartmouth College

Delhi University

DePaul University

Drexel University

Duquesne University

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Edinboro University

Elmira College

Elon University

Embry Riddell University

Erie Community College

Florida Institute of Technology

Fordham University

Franklin Pierce College

Gannon University

Georgetown University

Gordon College

Hartwick College

Hilbert College

Hobart College

Hofstra University

Hope College

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois State University

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Iona College

Ithaca College

John Carroll University

Johns Hopkins University

Kansas State University

Kent State University

Kettering University

LaSalle University

Lehigh University

LeMoyne College

Lock Haven University

Long Island University

Loyola College of Maryland

Manhattan School of Music

Mansfield University

Marietta College

Marist College

Marquette University

Medaille College

Mercyhurst College

Merrimack College

Michigan State University

Monmouth University

Mount St. Mary’s College

Mount Union College

Nazareth College

New York University

Niagara University

North Carolina State University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Norwich University

Oberlin University

Ontario Institute of Technology

Paul Smith College

Penn State University

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

Philadelphia University

Providence College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University

St. Bonaventure University

St. Francis University

St. John Fisher College

St. John’s University

St. Joseph’s University

St. Lawrence University

St. Leo’s University

St. Louis University

St. Peter’s College

SUNY Albany

SUNY Binghamton

SUNY Brockport

SUNY Canton College of Technology

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

University at Buffalo

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

University of Maryland

University of Miami

University of Miami (Ohio)

University of Michigan

University of New Hampshire

University of New Haven

University of Notre Dame

University of Pittsburgh

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of Tampa

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: