Saint Francis High School (Mountain View)

Infobox Private School
name=Saint Francis High School


motto="Educating hearts and minds to serve the world."
established=1955
type=Private
religion=Roman Catholic (Congregation of Holy Cross)
head_name=President
head=Kevin Makley
city=Mountain View
state=California
country=United States
campus=Suburban
enrollment=1,550
faculty=101 (2005-2006)
class=25
ratio= 25:1
year=2006
SAT=1770 [http://www.sfhs.com/academics/communityprofile05-06.pdf]
athletics=Twenty-four teams [http://www.sfhs.com/athletics/teams.html]
colors=Brown and White; Gold is the accent color
mascot=Lancer
homepage=http://www.sfhs.com/

Saint Francis High School, founded in 1954 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school located in Mountain View, CA. The Brothers of Holy Cross serve both on the faculty and on the Board of Directors. Saint Francis High School serves the Catholic families of the area but also opens itself to other families who wish to experience a Catholic, Holy Cross education. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose in California.

History

The Brothers of Holy Cross opened Saint Francis High School as an all-boys school in September 1955. The original teaching facility was a small frame building, renovated from a grammar school and named Grant Hall after Harry Grant, the first student to enroll. Other buildings included a former residence, Andre House, and some peripheral structures. The grounds were largely orchards. Four Brothers comprised the first-year faculty. The first principal was Brother Fisher Iwasko.

Realizing a need for expansion, the Brothers of Holy Cross invested $210,000 of their own funds and $225,000 of borrowed funds to build Holy Cross Hall. The building contained eight classrooms, three science laboratories, and administrative offices, and was completed in December 1956.

In 1959, Raskob Memorial Gymnasium was built on land donated from Ira and Elise Higgins. By 1962, the student body had grown to 685 young men, and further expansion was necessary. In 1972, Saint Francis merged with Holy Cross High School, necessitating additional facilities for a student body of almost 1600 young men and women.

Mission and philosophy

Saint Francis High School serves Catholic families and other families who seek the experience of a Christian academic community. In the Holy Cross tradition, Saint Francis High School serves students with a variety of abilities and backgrounds and unites them into a community where the gifts and talents of each person are appreciated.

Saint Francis High School helps students develop into knowledgeable and involved Catholics and Christians who will be active members of their local Church. Gospel values are reflected in all aspects of the school, and students find an awareness of the person and message of Christ in prayer, liturgy and service to others. Saint Francis High School promotes and builds Christian morality in relationships among members of the school community and within society as a whole, promoting a spirit of family. The school is committed to building a just society within the world community in which service to others is practiced by all.

Saint Francis High School challenges each student to reach full academic potential. Recognizing the importance of developing skills in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, technology, and creative expression, the school offers a variety of experiences in the liberal arts, the sciences and the fine and performing arts. The school fosters critical and creative thinking, and assists students in developing an ability to work with others in a climate of collaboration and cooperation. Students are taught communication, problem solving and decision making skills, enabling each to become a life-long learner with the capability to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

Saint Francis High School empowers students to examine the possibilities which exist for them beyond high school in many areas of their lives: career, education, and life-style. Students learn to set and realize personal goals and are challenged to develop their talents. A broad range of activities and athletics helps to foster physical development, self-esteem, leadership, and mutual respect.

Saint Francis High School promotes active participation in our democratic society and an appreciation of the various cultures of our world. Saint Francis High School develops students who will become responsible members of the world community and will carry forth the Holy Cross value of service to God and community.

Athletics

Saint Francis High School athletics has been highly acclaimed throughout California for having prosperous, sportsmanlike, and well-coached teams. They have won over 105 CCS titles since the year 1975. The broad range of sports offered include: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, and Wrestling.

Extra-curricular activities

Saint Francis High School offers a multitude of extracurricular activities. Among the more notable ones are the Speech & Debate Team, Mock Trial Team, BRIC Brother, BRIC Chicks, Marching Band, TAP ("Teen Awareness Program"), Newspaper ("The Lancer"), Filmmaker's Club, Yearbook ("Il Poverello"), Radio Club ( [http://ksfh.com KSFH] 87.9FM), International Club, Science & Engineering Club, Voices of Hope, Interact Club, and SODA ("Student Organization for Drug and Alcohol Awareness"). These clubs and activities help fulfill Saint Francis's motto, "Educating Hearts and Minds to Serve the World". They provide a basis for which students can expand their social, intellectual, and spiritual inclinations.

Notable alumni

*Troy Bienemann, Tight end for the Arizona Cardinals
*Eric Byrnes '94, outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks
*Linda Cardellini, '93 actress featured in such movies as "Scooby-Doo" and "Brokeback Mountain"
*Brian Dakin, San Francisco Giants, TV Sports Anchor
*Matt Doyle, '94, Director of Football Operations at Stanford University
*Bob Klatt, professional quarterback, San Diego State, Philadelphia Eagles
*Eric Lewis, '94, Assistant Coach, Green Bay Packers
*Chase Lyman, former wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints
*Tim Rossovich, former USC football star and 1st round pick in 1968 NFL Draft
*Zach Walz, '94 former Arizona Cardinals (NFL) linebacker
*John Gall, '96 Florida Marlins Outfielder and 2008 Olympian

External links

* [http://www.sfhs.com/ Official website]