Latest news with #St.FrancisHighSchool
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
East Northport's Preston Carey excited to play for Georgia with eyes on NFL future
Ask East Northport's Preston Carey how long he's loved football, and he'll tell you 'since the helmet weighed me down as a 4-year-old.' The no-nonsense, towering defensive lineman — he stands 6-foot-5 and weighs nearly 300 pounds — has been the talk of the sport after recently committing to the University of Georgia inside a wing of the North Shore's lavish Oheka Castle, filled to the brim with a few hundred of his diehard fans. Advertisement 'I had a full scholarship offer from Georgia since eighth grade — and I believe another five other schools at the time. I would go to college football camps at that point, and just dominate ninth- to 12th-grade talent,' the soon-to-be Bulldog told The Post. 'Georgia believed in me since Day 1. … I was looking for the next big step, and Georgia was 100 percent that next big step,' added the 18-year-old, who narrowed his 50-something offers to UGA, Florida, Auburn and Rutgers. The big man, who said his favorite part of football is 'the aggression … and dominating your opponent,' added that his life's M.O. is accomplishing challenge after challenge to reach that next level. Advertisement Carey started on varsity as a freshman for prestigious St. Anthony's High School and led the Friars to a 27-20 state-title win over Buffalo's St. Francis High School in 2022. He credits the strict but caring South Huntington Catholic academy for giving him 'a great base' of discipline and motivation both on and off the field, as St. Anthony's students are held to a higher standard than most. 'A passing grade there is a 75, not 65 — so you have to be locked in for every class,' Carey said. 4 Preston Carey helped lead St. Anthony's to a 27-20 state-title win over Buffalo's St. Francis High School in 2022. Preston Carey Advertisement 'It definitely builds callus.' Stunt on 'em After two years, Carey took his talents to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, which has produced NFL talent such as Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal and Jets safety Andre Cisco — a Long Islander who also played at St. Anthony's before transferring to the Sunshine State school. 'It was easy for me. I would pack a bag up and go anywhere if it was beneficial for my career,' said Carey, who considers himself a Friar alumnus after 'a great two years.' 4 Long Island-based high school football standout, Preston Carey, who recently committed to Georgia, works out at Peak Training on July 9, 2025, in Deer Park, NY. Corey Sipkin for New York Post Advertisement 'When that came about, it was just a 'yes' for me, no matter what. Thinking about who I was leaving behind, everything else was an afterthought. … It was a business decision.' Carey soon soared with the IMG national team and developed a strong social media presence with several thousand followers keeping tabs on the young man's belligerent style of play. He has one more fall season at IMG before redshirting for Georgia in December at playoff time. Throughout his recruiting process, Carey said he's been in constant communication with Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott, who has already been passing on advice to the youngster. 4 Preston Carey Preston Carey 'He keeps it real 100 percent through and through, and tells me what I do best and what I need to do better — and what it takes to get to that level of becoming one of those first-rounders,' Carey said. Got that dawg in him Like other years, Carey is spending his summer mornings — 6 a.m. sharp — at Peak Training System in Deer Park under the tutelage of Golden Ukonu, an offensive lineman who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2016. Advertisement After five hours in the take-no-prisoners gym he has trained at since middle school, Carey throws on gloves for MMA and boxing training. 4 Preston Carey Corey Sipkin for New York Post 'As a defensive lineman, you're basically boxing. You're using your hands to fight,' he said. 'Lots of hand-eye coordination, lots of quick feet.' Regarding mental preparation, Carey is keeping focused on being the best football player he can be, but is also enthusiastic about NIL opportunities — specifically as a way to give back to his family for its relentless support of his dream. Advertisement Still, the thought of prospectively appearing in the video game 'NCAA Football 27' puts a smile on his face. 'It's gonna be crazy,' Carey said. 'It's all a blessing.' He's looking to use his time in the SEC for an even bigger achievement in hearing his name called at the NFL draft some years from now. 'It's a goal, not a dream,' he said, 'because I'm working toward it every day.'
Dominion Post
01-06-2025
- General
- Dominion Post
Johanna Marie Caruso
Johanna Marie Caruso, 72, of Morgantown, WV, unexpectedly passed away at home last fall, October 13, 2024, from cardiac was a daughter of the late John A. and Marie C. was a 1970 graduate of Morgantown High School, as well as a graduate of West Virginia University with a BA, in German and Spanish and an MA and Ed.D in language education. She devoted her life to teaching for which she had a life-long a teacher at St. Francis High School, she was instrumental in obtaining a Blue Ribbon School award for St. Francis in 1994, where she and Sisters Patricia and Dorothy travelled to Washington D.C. to receive this distinctive honor from the President. She continued to teach Spanish and English at St. Francis High school and then St. Francis Central Catholic School until her retirement in 2019, whereby she continued her interests in substitute teaching for schools in the area. She taught for over forty years in public and private addition to her teaching, she cared deeply for animals in the area often who were rescues or strays, even providing shelter for is survived by her sister, Camille and brother-in-law, James Weiss of Salem, MA and her many wonderful friends and neighbors of whom her survivors are most appreciative.A memorial celebration of her life will be held at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 1 until the time of the service at 2:30 lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School, 41 Guthrie lane, Morgantown, WV 26508 and/or Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, Dellslow, WV 26531. Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
St. Francis baseball coach arrested, released from responsibilities
The Brief A St. Francis High School baseball coach was recently arrested. The coach has since been released from all coaching responsibilities. The superintendent confirmed to FOX6 News the investigation involves junior varsity coach Jeff Wuerl. ST. FRANCIS, Wis. - A St. Francis High School baseball coach, who was recently arrested, has been released from all coaching responsibilities, the school district announced on Wednesday. What we know In a letter sent to families on Tuesday, the St. Francis Public School District said the junior varsity baseball coach was released on bond. The school district later confirmed the coach was not a teacher at the school. The superintendent confirmed to FOX6 News the investigation involves junior varsity coach Jeff Wuerl. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said he was booked into the county jail on Sunday, May 25, and was brought in by the Milwaukee Police Department for accusations of repeated sexual assault of a child. He was released from custody the following morning, May 26, after posting $10,000 bail. Wuerl has not yet been charged with any crime. The letter to families continued: "Upon learning of the arrest, the District took immediate action and the individual has been released from all coaching responsibilities and provided notice of restricted areas on school property and at school-sponsored events. Our staff has been fully cooperative with law enforcement and related agencies throughout this process. The District continues to support the ongoing investigation and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and school community. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "The District understands that situations like this can be concerning. Please know the District will continue to monitor developments closely and provide any necessary support to our students and families." Local perspective Charlie Kuhn is a sophomore at the high school. She plays in the Wilson Premier Youth Baseball league and is acquainted with the coach from that organization. "We weren't really told anything why or what really happened. I didn't really know the guy well, but it's kind of shocking considering that a high school baseball coach was just, like, arrested," Kuhn said. "My mom, she sent me a screenshot of the email and she was like, 'do you know who the jv baseball coach is?' He's talked to me a few times from baseball and stuff, and was like, 'that was a great hit,' or whatever." The Source Information in this report is from the St. Francis Public School District and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.
Global News
01-05-2025
- Global News
Former Calgarian among victims of Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival tragedy
Her friends and family remember her as someone who would do anything to help others, filled with empathy and a desire to help the world. Jenifer Darbellay was one of 11 people killed Saturday night when an SUV plowed through a crowd of people at Vancouver's Filipino festival. Originally from Calgary, where she graduated from St. Francis High School and the Alberta College of Art and Design, Darbellay had lived in Vancouver for many years. An accomplished artist, she was attending the Lapu Lapu festival with her husband when she was killed, leaving behind two children, ages 15 and seven. View image in full screen Former Calgarian, Jenifer Darbellay, seen here with her husband Noel Johansen, has been identified as one of the people killed Saturday in the tragedy at Vancouver's Filipino festival. Courtesy: Marilyn Potts Speaking at a vigil for the victims on Monday, Darbellay's husband, who was injured in the attack and attended the vigil on crutches, fought back tears as he described his family's heartbreak. Story continues below advertisement 1:13 'She was larger than life': Husband of Vancouver Lapu Lapu festival victim pays moving tribute to wife 'What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what's inside my heart in broken — because my wife passed away behind me at the incident,' said Noel Johansen. View image in full screen Before moving to Vancouver, Jenifer Darbellay, worked in costume design with Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects. Courtesy: Marilyn Potts While she was still living in Calgary, Darbelly became good friends with St. Francis High School drama teacher Marilyn Potts, now retired, and a mentor to her students. Story continues below advertisement 'We were doing Fiddler on the Roof and I had hired Terry Gunberdahl, who was a local set designer, and our image was to have this play designed as a Chagall painting,' said Potts. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'So she came in and she was a little hesitant and Terry took a paintbrush and he cut it in half and he said just paint those costumes like Chagall, and she did and it was brilliant, it was one of the best things we ever did and visually it was stunning.' View image in full screen Former Calgarian, Jenifer Darbelly (right), who was one of the victims from Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Festival is seen in this photo with her friend, former St. Francis High School drama teacher, Marilyn Potts. Courtesy: Marilyn Potts Darbellay worked with both Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects before moving to Vancouver, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia. But she and Potts remained great friends and their families would visit each summer. 'She was … an old soul, she was so kind and so generous and so giving and such a team player and a fabulous teacher, so when she had her own family and she's a superb mother … and wife,' said Potts. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Former Calgarian Jenifer Darbellay was known as an accomplished artist and painter. Provided to Global News According to Darbellay's online bio she worked primarily in acrylics in her home studio and costume designs in watercolours. But she never forgot where she came from and often donated some of her works to help raise money for groups like Alberta Theatre Projects. 'She was so generous. She was kind to everybody. Everybody was her friend. She would do everything for people,' added Potts. Since the tragedy, Potts said she has been in touch with and received many messages from the students and others that Darbellay has helped over the years. 'Her parents are wonderful. Her husband is great. I feel very sad for everything that they are going through.' Marilyn Potts describes her friend, Jenifer Darbellay, who was was of the victims of Vancouver's Lapu Lapu tragedy, as 'as truly exceptional human being.' Courtesy: Marilyn Potts But despite the tragedy and the loss of her friend, Potts refuses to hold a grudge. Story continues below advertisement 'One of my former students and her friend sent me a writing that came from somewhere,' said Potts. 'Noel, her husband, said that they had been discussing the day before how in our world where there's so much trouble and so many people wanting revenge — that we need to learn compassion and we need to learn to forgive — and Noel said I want to hopefully be able to put that philosophy to work.' 'I think she'd be very happy with that,' said Potts, 'because I never heard her hold a grudge against anyone or say anything bad against anyone. She was so open to everyone, no matter what your religion, preferences, whatever. She was a truly an exceptional human being.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
It's happening here: when book bans hit home
Some titles banned from the St. Francis High School library by the St. Francis school board's right-wing scoring system. Photo courtesy of Ryan Fiereck. If you're a reader, a student of history, or a writer, it's been appalling to watch book bans proliferate across the nation. As The Reformer reported last month, St. Francis High School and Independent School District 15 recently adopted a policy that defers to Booklooks, a website linked to the far-right group Moms for Liberty when evaluating which books to purchase or pull from shelves. The result: Hundreds of books are now either banned outright or will likely be pulled from shelves in the near future; this includes classics like The Handmaid's Tale, The Bluest Eye, and soon, perhaps the likes of 'Night' by Elie Wiesel and 'Slaughterhouse Five' by Kurt Vonnegut and hundreds of others. I graduated from St. Francis High School in 2001. I owe much of my career as a writer — I've written ten books and edited many more — to one of the soon-to-banned books. It was 'Slaughterhouse Five.' It was the year 2000. Frosted tips and Billabong shirts were everywhere. I picked up the book from a spinner in my journalism class. (That teacher was the best teacher I ever had.) I absorbed it, and I proceeded to read every other book by Vonnegut on the spinner, and then Ray Bradbury; soon I was reading Sylvia Plath and Richard Wright. A good book is a springboard to others; the best books lead to a lifetime of a reading. Rather than trot out generic arguments about why book bans are ill-advised, I want to talk about 'Slaughterhouse Five.' It's a fictionalized story, that like all truly great fiction, is, at its heart, true. Vonnegut was a G.I. in World War II. He was in the 106th Infantry Division and was captured during the Battle of the Bulge. To put that another way: The St. Francis school board wants to ban a novel written by an American serviceman and a member of the Greatest Generation. Vonnegut was forced to do manual labor in Dresden, and he survived the firebombing of the city in February 1945 by the Royal Air Force and the U.S. 8th Air Force. The resulting firestorm killed perhaps 35,000 people. 'Slaughterhouse Five' is superficially science fiction, but it's really about the insanity of war, the absurdity of surviving one, and more than anything, PTSD. Vonnegut's writing will last forever because he's irreverent, funny, and accessible, but he's also honest and fundamentally decent. That's why Vonnegut appeals to younger readers; kids aren't just picky eaters; they are picky readers. You have to meet them where they are in terms of attitude, interest, and style. By removing some of the most popular books among young people — classics and newer books alike — the district is depriving students of great books but also the love of reading and learning itself. And as a rule, if you're banning books, you're afraid of ideas: The Soviets were afraid of capitalism, religion, and freedom of speech. The Nazis loathed the Jews, 'inferior' races, modernism in all its forms, and were racist to their core. The Inquisition banned or targeted works by Copernicus and Galileo and Giordano Bruno because they feared their monopoly on cosmology was at an end. The ideas that Booklooks, and by extension, The St. Francis School Board, fear are plain. Even the most cursory look at its anonymous 'ratings' (available on Internet Archive) shows that the books it targets are by or about women, LGBTQ folks, Black and brown folks, or people who have a 'different' point of view. Like any attempt at censorship, it's an exercise in erasure. But I can promise you this: It won't work. As the packed school board meetings, recent student protests, and a pair of newly filed lawsuits against the district make clear, people care about the freedom to read, the First Amendment, and the books and characters they love. This misguided policy has already been an expensive debacle, and the district has made statewide news in the most embarrassing way. If the policy remains in force, it will continue to hurt the district's own students by depriving them of great works of art, and worse, giving them an incomplete, myopic view of the world.
