314045 st fran lr tau final

SUMMER / FALL TAU 2014

FROM THE PRESIDENTIN THIS ISSUE

Athletic ComplexRedevelopment Project

Pages 4 & 5

Fine ArtsPage 6

Alumni News & NotesPages 8 & 9

Spring Sports RecapsPages 10 & 11

Bocce Ball & Hall of Fame

Page 14

Golf TourneyPage 15

ON THE COVER

Stepping Up Our Game St. Francis gets ready to launch an Athletic

Complex Redevelopment Project

Dear Friends,

Prayers are answered and dreams do come true! We are ready to forge ahead, as you can see from the cover of this edition of the Tau we are Stepping Up Our Game. Prepa-rations continue, plans are coming together, and meetings are occurring to break ground on our 4 million dollar Athletic Complex Redevelopment Project. Our Fieldof Dreams is close to becoming a reality through the generosity and loyalty of our St. Francis High School benefactors. I am extremely happy and excited to announce

Bill and Nancy Gacioch and their family. The building on this site will provide an area for our Hall of Fame, locker rooms, restrooms, concessions, along with a second

and Nancy and their family. Plans for the redevelopment of our athletic complex

and paved parking lot. I would also like to thank the Polian family for their generous donation to this project. The community here is very excited about our latest venture, and we will keep you up to date on our progress. Check out the article on pages 4 & 5 of this issue.

The school year is off to a grand start as we welcomed the 160 members of the class -

ics, and it is the largest incoming class that we have seen in six years. St. Francis continues to position itself for future growth and provide Catholic/Franciscan educa-tion for Western New York and the world.

A very special thank you to all who participated in the 2013-2014 Annual Giving Appeal. Your generosity provided tuition assistance to many young men and their

the Franciscan tradition we strive to provide a Franciscan education here at St. Fran-cis to all who desire to attend. The Annual Report of gifts to St. Francis High School is included in this edition of the Tau in appreciation of your generosity.

Finally, I urge all, if you haven’t been on campus lately, to stop by and take a tour of our facilities. Over the summer, we completely renovated the Michalek Library. Thanks to Schneider Design Architects, we now have a library that is both functional

st century. I am sure you will be amazed at the transformation, check out the photos on pages 12 and 13.

As always, thank you for your continued support of St. Francis High School.

Peace and all good things,

SUMMER / FALL TAU 2014

ST. FRANCIS TAUVOL. 6 NO. 1

PublisHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY THE

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

OFFICE FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

4129 LAKE SHORE ROAD

ATHOL SPRINGS, NY 14010-0185WWW.STFRANCISHIGH.ORG

716-627-1200

WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS...

[email protected]

SUE SCHAFFSTALL

EDITOR & VICE PRESIDENT

OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

COVER DESIGN & FINE ARTS

FR. MARK DAVID SKURA ’71, OFMCONV.

JERRY GORCZYCA ’73ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES- SPORTS

PHOTOGRAPHY

JERRY GORCZYCA ’73SUE SCHAFFSTALL

YEARBOOK STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHERS

LIFETOUCH

PROOFREADING

PAUL BARTELL

PAT KACZMARCZYK

KATIE QUICK

ANNUAL GIVING AND CAPITAL GIVING;WHAT THEY ARE AND WHY BOTH ARE IMPORTANT TO ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL

St. Francis High School is a shining example of all that a private Catholic, Franciscan college preparatory school should be. This, of course, would not be possible without the philanthropic spirit of thousands of benefactors who have helped provide the necessary resources to perpetuate stability and growth in both our student body and our campus.

multiuse athletic events center, we know that we will need the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, parents, alumni parents, faculty and staff. To that end, all members of the St. Francis Family will have the opportunity to

project moves forward.

continue to provide a high quality, holistic education to a socioeconomically diverse student body.

ANNUAL GIVINGThese are unrestricted gifts made on a yearly basis typically from a donor’s annual discretionary income. It is an ongoing effort that supports operational costs, keeps tuition at an affordable level and gives the school latitude to address its most pressing needs. Contributions to St. Francis High School’s Annual Giving Appeal are used primarily for tuition assistance. The 2014-2015 Annual Giving Appeal will begin in October of 2014 and run through June 30, 2015.

CAPITAL GIVING

gifts usually come from a combination of a donor’s assets and income, are larger than a donor’s annual appeal gift and are often made over a period of time agreed upon (usually 2-5 years) by the donor and the institution dependent upon

solicitation of capital gifts from an institution’s external and internal constituencies.

716-627-1200 ext. 465 or [email protected]

Summer / Fall Tau 2014

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REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

For 87 years St. Francis High School has provided an outstanding Roman Catholic college preparatory education to young men from throughout Western New York and beyond. Owned and operated by the Franciscan Friars Conventual of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, the school is known for its balanced approach to education that strives to develop the whole person-mind, body and spirit.

Mindful of its uniquely Franciscan approach to education and the diverse needs of the modern student, St. Francis High School has developed highly regarded academic and co-curricular programs that offer extensive opportunities for students to excel in and out of the classroom. Historically, the school has demonstrated a commitment to properly support these programs through capital improvements to its physical plant. To that end, the decision has been made to redevelop the outdoor athletic facilities at St. Francis High School.

St. Francis High School has built a reputation as an institution that has outstanding academics and excellent athletics. This status has been earned by our dedicated student-athletes and devoted coaches and is evidenced by the many alumni that have continued their academic and athletic careers both collegiately and professionally. In addition, the success of the athletic program has traditionally been a source of school pride, positive community awareness and an appealing factor for prospective students. Our facilities should reflect the excellence of our athletic program and enhance the experience of our student body.

A multiuse athletic center, this facility will directly benefit the interscholastic football, soccer, lacrosse and track and field programs, serve the general school population through physical education classes and host numerous school related activities. It will properly address the needs of our athletic program, cut down on maintenance costs and provide a home for athletics that the entire St. Francis High School Family will be proud of.The project will cost approximately 4 million dollars and include the following elements:

-New synthetic turf field playing surface-New 8 lane all weather track-New stadium lighting-New scoreboard-New gateway entrances-New fencing-New and expanded paved parking lot and access roads-New 2 story building that houses the following

• home and away team rooms

• coaches room

• training room

• officials room

• restrooms

• concessions

• storage

• Fr. Rufinus Niedzwiecki, OFM Conv. Athletic Hall of Fame

• second level indoor social space overlooking the field with capacity of 125

• second level outdoor viewing space overlooking the field

Site work is scheduled to begin in November of 2014, with construction of the turf field and track to commence in January of 2015. Construction will continue through 2015 and with a targeted completion date of all phases in the Fall of 2015.

As Fr. Michael mentioned in his letter on page 2, we have been able to secure a strong financial foundation for this project. However, we still are in need of your support to insure its successful completion.

In late November, you will receive a mailing regarding the redevelopment of St. Francis High School’s outdoor athletic facilities. Enclosed will be additional information and an opportunity for you to financially support this very important project. Please consider making a generous gift and contributing to the tradition of success that is St. Francis High School.


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For more information regarding this project and how you can support it, please contact Paul Bartell Jr.’88, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at 716-627-1200 ext. 465 or email [email protected].

View of the building from the track.


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TheMurderRooma mystery-farce by Jack Sharkey

The Christmas ConcertThursday, December 18th at 7:00 PM

Ormsby Alumni Hall TheatreAll Choral and Instrumental Groups

The Spring ConcertThursday, April 23rd at 7:00 PM

Ormsby Alumni Hall TheatreAll Performance Groups and Graphic Artists

The 43rd AnnualArt Awards Banquet

Sunday, May 17th at 5:00 PMSalvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant

Saturday, November 1st at 7 PMSunday, November 2nd at 2 PM

Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre

Friday, March 13th at 7 PMSaturday, March 14th at 7 PMSunday, March 15th at 2 PMOrmsby Alumni Hall Theatre

Theatre Concerts and Ceremonies

Service ofLessons and Carols

Sunday, December 21st at 4:00 PMFriars’ Hall Chapel

Men’s Choir

Focus on the Fine ArtsWednesday, April 22ndSchool Time Assembly


#

Celebrating the Fine Arts at St. Francis

Book byRupert Holmes

Music by John Kanderand Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Murder is never funny unless it comes through the pen of Jack Sharkey. Edgar Hollister is missing. His

wife thinks he is dead, but is he? There is no body. So where is he? Or better yet, who is he? Complete with

bizarre characters, and witty, fast-paced dialogue, The

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies on stage the entire cast and crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan

Murder Room is a delightful British style farce that is

certain to tickle your funny bone.


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TheMurderRooma mystery-farce by Jack Sharkey

The Christmas ConcertThursday, December 18th at 7:00 PM

Ormsby Alumni Hall TheatreAll Choral and Instrumental Groups

The Spring ConcertThursday, April 23rd at 7:00 PM


The 43rd AnnualArt Awards Banquet

Sunday, May 17th at 5:00 PMSalvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant

Saturday, November 1st at 7 PMSunday, November 2nd at 2 PM

Ormsby Alumni Hall Theatre

Friday, March 13th at 7 PMSaturday, March 14th at 7 PMSunday, March 15th at 2 PMOrmsby Alumni Hall Theatre

Theatre Concerts and Ceremonies

Service ofLessons and Carols

Sunday, December 21st at 4:00 PMFriars’ Hall Chapel

Men’s Choir

Focus on the Fine ArtsWednesday, April 22ndSchool Time Assembly


#

Celebrating the Fine Arts at St. Francis

Book byRupert Holmes

Music by John Kanderand Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Murder is never funny unless it comes through the pen of Jack Sharkey. Edgar Hollister is missing. His

wife thinks he is dead, but is he? There is no body. So where is he? Or better yet, who is he? Complete with

bizarre characters, and witty, fast-paced dialogue, The

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies on stage the entire cast and crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan

Murder Room is a delightful British style farce that is

certain to tickle your funny bone.

Q: What does an Art Class in Photography and Biology have in common?

A: Biology and Art connect in the study of photography. Teachers, Art and Biology will team teach the mechanisms of the human eye and compare to the workings of a camera.

Q: What does a jewelry making class have to do with Chemistry?

A: In the jewelry class students will be exposed to the re-teaching of the periodic table by a chemistry teacher to better understand the materials used and theory properties when molded in artistic designs.

Q: What does Physics have to do with color theory?

A: The theory of color unit in Art intersects the Physics unit on waves with the color wheel, Newton, speed of light, intensity of colors with frequency and amplitudes.

These are some of the cross disciplinary initiatives made possible by a recent STEAM grant

awarded to St. Francis High School. Ms. Kate Collins, Chair of the Science Department, along with colleagues Mr. Mark Niedzilla and Mrs. Sharon Stoll secured a $135,000 grant through the Buffalo Independent Secondary School Network (BISSNET) and funded by the Oishei Foundation. St. Francis was one of sixteen schools to receive a STEAM grant to further study in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. According to Collins, technology was the main focus of the St. Francis grant proposal, more specifically how technology could be implemented with the other STEAM components. There is a three year implementation plan for the grant in place.

According to Mr. Thomas Braunscheidel, Principal of St. Francis High School, the S.T.E.A.M. Grant has been a catalyst for innovation in the classroom. “It has empowered teachers to implement new technologies and learning strategies that push students to their maximum potential. The grant has helped teachers and students grow through enhanced S.T.E.A.M. experiences”.

St. Francis High School has designed a S.T.E.A.M. program that will have a direct impact on all students.

Technology will increase in Science, Math and Art classes. All students are required to study these subject areas and will have numerous opportunities to work with interactive educational technology and software. Science Labs will shift from teacher centered to student centered investigations.

Funds from the grant have been used to purchase technology for the initiative including 3-D projectors for Science and Math, iPads for the Science department, as well as probeware for accurate real time data collection. In addition, a Van de Graaf Generator has also been secured by the Science department. Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry classes will design lessons incorporating the 3-D projector technology. Apple –TV connections in Math classes will be coordinated with iPad use by students and teachers.

FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD


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1970s

Stephen Zawistowski, ‘73 PhD, CAAB… has retired as ASPCA Science Advisor. He will remain as Science Advisor Emeritus and is also an Adjunct Professor of Anthrozoology at Canisius College and Adjunct Professor of Animal Behavior and Conservation at Hunter College.

Bryan Wittman ’77… after 29 years, Bryan has retired from the Walt Disney Company. He most recently served as Vice President of Global Special Events for all Disney Theme Parks, Resorts and Cruise line worldwide. He and his wife Kathy now split their time between homes in Hamburg, NY and Siesta Key FL.

1980s

James Geisendorfer ’82… has relocated to Shanghai, China where he has been appointed to the position of President of Neapco’s Asia Division. Neapco is a global Tier 1 manufacturer of driveline components for the OEM Automotive market. He and his wife Jill will be there for a 3-5 year assignment.

1990s

Keith Kuwik ‘94… and his wife Lauren welcomed their third child, Luke William, on June 9, 2014.

Damian Tremblay ’96… earned a Postgraduate Professional License from the State of Virginia and completed his first year as Chair of the World Languages Department at Freedom High School in Chantilly (Loudoun County), Virginia.

Brian Van Remmen ’97… recently released his third book, “Absurdity & Speed,” a collection of poems and collages that capture a road trip he took around the United States. In addition, Brian co-founded Hip Pocket Books with fellow alum Brian McMahon ‘97 to print creative works from writers and artists throughout the world.

2000s

Jeff Ware ’00... opened up Resurgence Brewing Company in the City of Buffalo in June of 2014. Styled in the tradition of the great beer gardens of Germany, Resurgence currently serves

approximately 20 craft beers (including their own) and serves light faire. They are located at 1250 Niagara Street near Rich Products and can be found online at www.resurgencebrewing.com.

Christopher Winkelman’01 ...Chris was born with Cystic Fibrosis and had many health issues throughout his life. The last few years have been increasingly difficult. Chris was given the gift of life on July 10, 2014. Chris had a double lung transplant.

The friends and family of Chris are having a benefit for him on October 25, 2014 at the St. Francis of Assisi Social Center. From 5:30 to 10:30pm. Tickets are $20 pre sale or $25 at the door. Please help support your fellow class mate!

Justin Mace ’06… married Vanessa Edmondson, May 10, 2014, at Princess Place Preserve, Palm Coast, Florida. The wedding party included best man, Brian Grove ’06, Tyler Mace ’08 and Alex Mace. Also in attendance to the wedding was Nick Albini ’06, Jeff Kaluzny ’06, Dr. Dan Vargo ’06 and Aaron Bonilla ’06. Justin currently works at Ennis, Pellum & Associates and lives in Jacksonville, Florida.


Please remember in your Prayers thefollowing members of the st. francis

high school family who have recently Passed away:

+Anthony Zebron ‘48

+Joseph JaysonCo-recipient of the 1st Fr. Justin Figas Awarduncle of William ’83 & Matthew ’85 Jaworski

+Michael Yurchak ‘86

+Daniel Gernatt Sr.grandfather of Donald ‘88

+Helen Hannonmother of faculty member Patrick Hannon

+Maureen Blackgrandmother of Sean Black ‘17

+Elaine Mandywife of Stephen ’55 & mother of David ’80

+Mortimer Sullivanfather of Mark ’86 and Michael ‘96

+Henry Grzes Sr.father of Henry ’74 and Paul ‘83

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3David Padak ’06…graduated from the New York Institute of Massage, where he received his national license as a LMT. He now resides in Winston Salem, NC and is the lead therapist for Massage Envy. David plans on pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

Tomasz Falkowski, ’08…a PhD student in Environmental & Forest Biology, State University of New York (SUNY Environmental Sciences and Forestry / Syracuse University) gave a lecture this summer on “The Comparative Diversity of Birds in Different Land Management Systems in the Region of Montes Azules Chiapas, Mexico”, for an institutional seminar at Unit San Cristobal, Mexico.

Elliott Woyshner ’10... was commissioned a U.S. Army 2nd Lt. and graduated from John Carroll University in May, 2014. He is continuing his officer training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO., in the Military Intelligence branch of the Chemical Corps.

Alex Neary ’11…has been accepted into the Take Five Scholars Program at the University of Rochester. The program enables select undergraduates to enrich their academic experience by enrolling for a fifth year of study tuition free. Alex is a junior majoring in biochemistry and psychology.

Donald Argy III ’12… was recently chosen as a recipient of one of the Joint ROTC Awards for 2014. Cadet Argy was awarded a National Leadership Award for exemplary leadership demonstrated while enrolled in a Senior Reserve Officer’s Training Course.

During a ceremony held at The Citadel, Donald was recognized with a medal and certificate from The Military Order of the Purple Heart.


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Varsity Baseball11-7 overall, 10-4 league

All CatholicsMatthew Minnick – PitcherThomas Anderson – 1st BaseAndrew Krakowski – Pitcher

Ryan Stefaniak - Outfield

Varsity Lacrosse4-12 Overall


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Varsity Tennis4-8 overall

Varsity Track & Field4-1 overall

All CatholicsChris Walter – Long Jump &

4x400 relayRyan Kawalerski – 4x400 relay

Elliot Buccieri – 4x400 relayAustin Taylor – 4x400 relay

Isaiah Utley – 3200m Matt Kowalski – Discus


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In June of 2014 renovations to the Michalek Library began and were completed over the summer. The new space was ready to greet students when they returned to school in September. According to Fr. Michael Sajda, President of St. Francis High School, the renovations were long overdue. “The space is modern, but with a classic feel. It’s much more open and bright. It is much more conducive to the way today’s students utilize a library space”. The last time the library was renovated was in 1975 when it was named the Michalek Library in honor of Dr. Leo M. Michalek Sr. who passed away in 1974. Dr. Michalek was the school’s physician and a very generous benefactor of St. Francis High School. His family has continued his spirit of philanthropy and contributed to the cost of the current renovations.The new library boasts an electric fireplace, wood floor, new furniture and a 60” Apple TV.Rededication ceremonies for the Michalek Library are scheduled for later this month.

Jake Schneider ’73 and Schneider Design Architects designed the new space.


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Fr. ruFiNaS aThleTic hall oF Fame

Pictured from left to right:Fr. Michael, President of St. Francis, William Waldorf (father of Terence Waldorf ‘87), Vinny DeMarco ‘04, Mark Dantonio ‘93, Brian Mata ‘99.

BOCCEOn Saturday, June 21, 2014 the St. Francis High School Alumni Association hosted the 8th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament on the front lawn of the school. Those in attendance enjoyed cool beverages and a delicious lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage from Camellia Provision in an idyllic setting. 16 teams battled for lawn bowling supremacy but at the end it came down to a battle of the “Big”. Teams “The Big LaBocce” (David

Kelly ‘04, Kenny Machelski, John Bartkowiak, Greg Panepinto) defeated team “Big Dogs” (Jay Pinkert ‘97, Jeff Lacpruccia ‘96, Dan Donohue 98, Brian Rogers ‘96) to take home the title and the glory. Many thanks to all that participated and contributed to this fun and action packed event. A special thank you to event chair Jack Jensen ‘73 and Pat Maloney ‘73 for their efforts.


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On Thursday, July 10th 189 golfers took to the links at Terry Hills Golf Course in support of St. Francis High School. The event was once again blessed with near perfect weather with low humidity and temperatures in the mid 70’s. The beautiful weather was complimented by an outstanding lunch, a delicious steak dinner and, most importantly, the fellowship of those present.

Through a tiebreaker, the team of Cory Cullen ’13, Michael Cullen, Brian Drainville and Chuck Stephenson was able to emerge from the 5 teams that finished at 12 under par as the winners of this year’s tournament. The winners of the Longest Drive contests were Wayne Clarke, Dr. Rick Charlap ’86 and Mike Ehlers ’06 while the Closest To The Pin winners were Mike Benzinger ’06, Brad Rybczynski ’93 and John Perna ’92.

Over 160 individuals and businesses were contributing sponsors to the tourney which raised $30,000 in support of scholarships established by the Alumni Association for current and future students of St. Francis High School. Special thanks to Key Bank, Colligan Law, National Property Management and Gross, Shuman, Brizdle & Gilfillan, P.C. for their support as Corporate Sponsors this year.

A very special thank you to Greene & Associates who was once again the Presenting Sponsor of the tournament.

We thank all of our sponsors and participants and look forward to seeing you at next year’s tournament on Thursday, July 9, 2015.

4129 LAKE SHORE ROAD * ATHOL SPRINGS, NY 14010-0185 WWW.STFRANCISHIGH.ORG

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES……KEEP US INFORMED………PLEASE FORWARD ANY ALUMNI NEWS TO JERRY GORCZYCA ’73

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL, 4129 LAKE SHORE ROAD, ATHOL SPRINGS, NY, 14010 OR E-MAIL [email protected]

NAME ____________________________________________ GRAD YR ______

ADDRESS _______________________________________ CITY ________________________ STATE ______ ZIP _________

PHONE - HOME________________________ CELL _________________________WORK ____________________________

E-MAIL_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Alumni 5 Year Reunion

November 26, 2014 Hoak’s

Alumni Family Day

January 17, 2015

Alumni Memorial Mass

March 8, 2015

Alumni Open Meeting

April 15, 2015

Submit your Alumni News & Notes Via Web site- www.stfrancishigh.orgClick on the Alumni tab at the top of the home page and then select Alumni News & Notes. You can even upload pictures. You can still e-mail Jerry Gorczyca at [email protected] with updates.

Alumni Data Base online- visit our website and click on Alumni

Follow your favorite SFHS Sports teams@SFHS_Athletics

Like us on FacebookSt. Francis High School

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