Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.

Mark 14:23

This Thanksgiving season, we invite you to reflect on the blessings in your life and consider giving back to St. Francis Borgia High School. Your support of the Borgia Annual Fund helps provide tuition assistance, enhance programs, and create opportunities that impact every student. Join us in fostering a legacy of generosity and gratitude. Together, we can ensure the success of present and future generations.

Click above to hear a few words from Susan Miller-Warden, '85 and current SFBHS parent.

As part of the St. Francis Borgia High School community, you may wonder about the financial relationship between our school and the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Here’s an overview to provide clarity and transparency:

The Agency Management Fee

Each month, we pay the Archdiocese of St. Louis an agency management fee, calculated at 2% of the school’s external revenue from two years ago. The funds from this fee support essential services provided by the Archdiocese, such as Human Resources, legal counsel, and other centralized departments that benefit all Catholic institutions within the Archdiocese.

Insurance Coverage

In addition to the Agency Management Fee, we pay for Property, Liability, and Workers' Compensation insurance through the Archdiocese. These essential protections are bundled into the same invoice based on the school's actual assets/wages.



Support Through Grants and Tuition Assistance

While we make payments for services and insurance, we also receive substantial financial support from the Archdiocese, which directly benefits our school and families. Key sources of funding include the following:



• CEO Assessment Grant: Each year, we receive a grant to offset the Agency Management Fee. Last year, this grant provided approximately $326,000, helping to significantly reduce the overall cost.
• Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) Grant: This generous grant supports our mission and operations. Last year, it amounted to $178,000.
• Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation: Many Borgia families benefit from tuition assistance grants, making Catholic education more affordable and accessible.

A Balanced Partnership

This reciprocal relationship ensures that St. Francis Borgia High School has access to vital resources while also receiving critical financial support to fulfill our mission. The funds we pay help sustain the infrastructure that supports Catholic education throughout the region, while the grants we receive directly impact our school, families, and community.

By working together with the Archdiocese, we can continue to uphold the tradition of excellence that defines the Borgia experience. Thank you for your continued support of St. Francis Borgia High School and Catholic education.

The Grandparent Honor Roll is now part of the Borgia Annual Fund, and there's still time to make a difference! By giving $100 or more, you’ll not only support our students but also receive special recognition in our school lobby. Your generosity helps provide essential tuition assistance and enhances the educational experience for all. Join our community of proud supporters today and leave a lasting legacy of love and support. See below for our current Grandparent Honor Roll!

At St. Francis Borgia High School, solid and visionary leadership is the cornerstone of our success. On July 1, 2023, we reestablished our School Board, which had gone dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Board of Limited Jurisdiction. This revitalized structure provides the board with clearly defined authority in critical areas, allowing for meaningful collaboration and impactful decision-making.

What is a Board of Limited Jurisdiction?

A Board of Limited Jurisdiction is a governance model that empowers the board to make decisions in specific areas, such as strategic planning, policy, financial oversight, and advancement. This model ensures that board members can focus on guiding the school's mission and long-term goals while the administration remains in charge of day-to-day operations.

While the board operates with independence in these areas, it remains accountable to the Archdiocese, maintaining alignment with the broader goals of Catholic education.

Committees that Drive Success

The School Board operates through six specialized committees, each focused on a key area of school operations:

• Governance: Guides the structure, policies, and practices of the board.
• Advancement: Focuses on building financial resources and strengthening relationships with alumni, donors, and the community.
• Catholic Identity: Promotes and safeguards the faith-based mission of the school.
• Facilities: Oversees maintenance and improvements to the school's infrastructure.
• Finance: Provides oversight of budgets and financial stability.
• Safety and Security: Ensures a safe and secure environment for all members of the school community.

Meet Our School Board Members

The School Board is composed of a dedicated group of leaders bringing diverse expertise, faith, and commitment to St. Francis Borgia High School. Members include the following:

• Andy Beckerman
• Jackie (Hoelscher) Bruns ’91
• Eileen Chalk
• David Politte '90
• Jason Reinberg '96
• Joe Renkemeyer '89
• Steve Ruether '67
• Keith Snider (Chair)
• Fr. Conor Sullivan '07
• Leigh Ann (Sherfey) Sullivan '11
• Elaine (Brinker) Wingbermuehle ’68

Ex Officio members:

• Matt Schutte, President of St. Francis Borgia High School
• Pam (Ruether) Tholen '02, Principal
• Julie Soffner, President of the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education and Formation

The Endowment Board: Ensuring Financial Stability

In addition to the School Board, the Endowment Board plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term financial health of St. Francis Borgia High School. This board manages the school's endowment fund, which provides critical support for tuition assistance, program development, and operational and facility needs.

The Endowment Board leaders:

• L.B. Eckelkamp ’61 (Chair)
• Msgr. Ted Wojcicki (Chair)

Additional members:

• Fr. Mike Boehm
• Mike Dempsey
• Annette (Parmentier) Eckerle ’80
• Rob Halsted
• Gene Koebbe
• Mike Marquart '76
• David Politte '90 (School Board Liaison)
• Arnie Sallaberry
• Fr. Kevin Schmittgens
• Msgr. Mike Turek
• Collene (Connor) Unerstall ’87
• Kurt Unnerstall '82
• Ellen Vossbrink '06

Ex Officio member:

• Matt Schutte, President of St. Francis Borgia High School

Renewed Commitment to Excellence

The resurrection of the School Board as a Board of Limited Jurisdiction and the continued leadership of the Endowment Board mark a new era of strategic growth and sustainability for St. Francis Borgia High School. Together, these boards ensure that our school remains a place where faith, education, and community thrive for future generations.

We are deeply grateful for these individuals' dedication and commitment to advancing St. Francis Borgia High School's mission.

St. Francis Borgia High School's Community Partners program provides a strategic platform for businesses to gain valuable marketing exposure while directly supporting the success of our students. This program is designed to offer significant marketing value throughout diverse multi-platform media channels, ensuring businesses receive authentic and compelling advertising opportunities. Through various sponsorship tiers, Borgia proudly provides local businesses with multiple advertising options.

Businesses participating in the Community Partners Program benefit in the following ways:

• Supporting the mission of St. Francis Borgia High School
• Gaining substantial exposure for their company or organization
• Enjoying a simplified, once-a-year sponsorship process
• Accessing exclusive perks, such as VIP event tickets

This sponsorship program connects businesses to a broad in-person and online network, reaching thousands within the Borgia community and beyond.

St. Francis Borgia High School is dedicated to making Catholic education accessible to all. However, the actual cost exceeds tuition by $3,092 per student with 62% of our students receiving tuition assistance. The support of our donors and business partners is essential in bridging the $1.367 million budget gap.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2024-2025 Community Partners for their generous support and commitment to our school.

For more information, please contact Donna Grahl, Director of Advancement, at donna.grahl@borgia.com.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for Borgia Ladies Golf Day on Monday, June 9, 2025! Gather your friends and join us for a day of fun, fellowship, and golf in support of the St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association. Stay tuned for more details—we can't wait to see you on the course! 

Lindsey Bender, SFBHS Class of 2022, has been making waves as the Sports Photography Intern for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Men’s Soccer team since August 2024. This role has given Lindsey the unique opportunity to merge her passion for visual storytelling with the intensity of collegiate athletics, bringing the SIUE Men’s Soccer journey to life through her camera.

Lindsey’s responsibilities include capturing every aspect of the team’s story, from the quiet moments of preparation at practice to the high-energy intensity of game days. Each of her images contributes to a visual archive that celebrates the players’ dedication, hard work, and spirit, offering fans and followers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the season. Beyond photography, Lindsey also crafts game-day content for social media, designing graphics using the BOXOUT program to elevate the team’s online presence and deepen its connection with the community.

One of the standout moments of Lindsey’s internship was covering the renowned Bronze Boot match held at STL City Park this season. This annual rivalry game between SIUE and Saint Louis University is one of the region’s most anticipated sports events, drawing a vibrant crowd and creating an electrifying atmosphere. Being on the field for such a prestigious event was both a personal milestone and a testament to Lindsey’s ability to excel in high-pressure environments. Capturing the spirit and energy of the Bronze Boot in real time pushed her skills to new heights and provided invaluable experience in event photography.

Beyond refining her technical expertise, Lindsey has gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed as a photographer in the sports industry. From action-packed game shots to post-game player portraits, her work has shown how photography plays a critical role in sports marketing and storytelling. Each project adds to her growing portfolio and reinforces her commitment to capturing authentic, resonant moments.

Lindsey’s experience with SIUE Men’s Soccer has not only enhanced her technical skills but also opened doors for future career growth in sports media. Each game, practice, and project has brought new challenges and rewards, demonstrating her adaptability and dedication. This internship marks a significant step in Lindsey’s professional development, offering a fulfilling journey through the exciting world of collegiate athletics.

Lindsey Bender’s dedication to showcasing the heart and determination of SIUE Men’s Soccer has made her an integral part of the team’s success this season. St. Francis Borgia High School is proud to celebrate her accomplishments and looks forward to seeing where her talents will take her next.

Sara Newbanks '09

and Micah McConchie

November 9, 2024

Congratulations to our recently married alumni! We are thrilled to celebrate this joyous milestone with you. May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and countless blessings. The Borgia Family wishes you a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories!

Claire Alfermann '10 and Patrick Judge

November 9, 2024

Sending our warmest congratulations to our newlywed alumni! As you begin this exciting chapter in your lives, may the love and faith that brought you together continue to guide you. Your Borgia Family is proud to celebrate with you!

Bill Morgan '16

and Mikala Harmen

November 23, 2024

Cheers to the newlyweds! We love celebrating the special moments in the lives of our alumni. To those who have recently tied the knot, may your marriage be a beautiful adventure full of joy, love, and God’s blessings. Once a Knight, always a Knight—your Borgia Family is here to celebrate you!

We’re excited to share moments from four recent class reunions! Alumni from across the decades gathered to reminisce, reconnect, and celebrate their time at Borgia. From laughter-filled stories to new memories made, each reunion was a testament to the lifelong bonds formed here. Enjoy the photos capturing the joy and camaraderie of our Borgia family coming together once again!

At St. Francis Borgia High School, the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff remain a top priority. With the guidance of the School Board's Safety and Security Subcommittee, we are pleased to announce the installation of higher-quality, shatter-resistant window film on all glass doors and any windows where an intruder might attempt to gain access to our building.

While this window film is not designed to completely prevent entry, it is a critical enhancement to our security measures. The film significantly slows down the process of breaching glass, providing valuable time for those inside the building to lock down safely. This delay also allows law enforcement additional time to respond to any potential threat.

We remain committed to continually evaluating and improving our security protocols to ensure the safety of everyone on our campus. This latest initiative is a testament to our ongoing dedication to fostering a secure learning environment for our students.

Your support and trust in our mission allow us to make these critical advancements. Together, we can continue to prioritize the well-being of our community while providing a safe space for academic and spiritual growth.