For the third year in a row, St. Francis High School was invited to compete in the Marquette University Business Case Competition. This year's participants, under the direction of business teacher, Mike Lynch, were: Zack Clark, Katie French, Steve Howe, Mark Schmitt and Jack Spangler. The day was a great opportunity for the students to compete against 40 other schools from the entire midwest and to experience solving a case involving the U.S. Auto Industry. After the competition, all participants attended the Marquette vs. DePaul basketball game.

Congratulations to Matt Novack and the St. Francis Music Ensemble. Matt won the audition to participate in the Illinois All-State Honors Jazz Band in Peoria last Friday evening. Matt was the 1st Chair Jazz Guitarist in the District 9 Honors Band and then was selected to represent District 9 at the All-State Convention. The St. Francis Music Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Bob Mamminga, was selected to perform and conduct a clinic to the Illinois Music Educators of Illinois last Friday afternoon. The Music Ensemble consists of: Matt Novack, Vince Richardson, Brandon Jay, Devin Wojtanek, Mike Osterman, and Mike Snydel on guitar; Collin Moat, Collin Hamman, and Taylor Brysiewicz on bass guitar; Matt DeAngelo, Michelangelo Consiglio, and Dan Lynch on piano; Mike, Novack, Grant Conner, and Inaki Beruete on percussion. The group received an award for their exemplary performance. Congratulations!