Reunion Weekend ’23 Recap

In keeping with the event recaps, it’s time to recap an amazing Reunion Weekend celebrating our alumni, especially those with big reunion years whose graduating class years end in 3’s and 8’s.
Saturday began with our annual Scholars Brunch, which bridged the gap between the present and the past, as current scholarship winners were able to meet our alumni donors who fund our named scholarships, helping them to experience all of the joys of a St. Mary’s education.
Next up, the cast, crew, and orchestra of the 1976 performance of Fiddler on the Roof took their place among the best of the best in the St. Mary’s Performing Arts Hall of Fame.
The Athletics Hall of Fame also welcomed 5 new inductees, including Col. Louis Seelig ’60, Coach Angelo Sciandra, Kevin Burns ’00, Don Pieczynski, and the 2001 Women’s Volleyball Team.
The night was capped off with our Reunion Celebration and a performance by Michael Bly Santa-Maria ’92. Tours of the school, food, activities for the kids, and reuniting with old friends. Does it get any better than that?
We are always thrilled to welcome back alumni any day of the year! In from out of town? Just feel like swinging by for a literal walk down memory lane? We’ll be here! Reach out to Amy Kawa at akawa@smhlancers.org if you’d like to reconnect with your alma mater.

Lancer Gala ’23 Recap

It’s hard to believe that the Lancer Gala has come and gone! Thank you so much to everyone who came out that night as a guest, to volunteer, who bid on some amazing silent auction items from afar, and just everyone who helped make the night a success! A special thank you goes out to our Gala chaircouples Kevyn and Stacey Adams, Matt and Jen Ellis, and Brian and Harvest Gionta for their hard work throughout the entire planning process.
Everyone’s participation in St. Mary’s biggest fundraiser of the year directly supports St. Mary’s students and programs. We couldn’t do all of the amazing things we have going on around here without you.
Don’t forget to save the date for next year’s Lancer Gala on Saturday, March 16th. See you then!

Cafeteria Rennovations Coming Along

With the Lancer Gala and Reunion Weekend behind us, the summer season has started to set in on campus. Even with summer in full swing, many projects are continuing to ensure the St. Mary’s high school experience remains second to none, including the remodeling of our cafeteria, which we will have completed by the start of the school year.
Our legacy would not be sustainable without the consistent generosity of our Lancer alumni. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for supporting our students and The Lancer Fund.
Thank you for all you’ve done to help St. Mary’s thrive this fiscal year, and we look forward to an even stronger 2023-24! Go Lancers!

Senior Athletic Award Winners

On Wednesday, June 14th, we celebrated our End-of-Year Sports Banquet, honoring the senior athletes who earned the right to be represented in the St. Mary’s Athletics hallway as a winner. The following awards were given out at the ceremony:
– Fr. Dominic Giles Female Athlete of the Year – Isabella Becker
– Fr. Dominic Giles Male Athlete of the Year – Jacob Dantonio
– Dick Woj Award – Nasier Starks and William Lindstrom
– Varsity Club Harry Paul Memorial Award – Brayden Monk
– Joe Monin Hustle Award – Claire DeAngelis and Tyler Warmington
– Ken Jakubowski Award for Dedication in Sports – Elle Yuhas
As we wrap this year up, and move on to summer, let’s look back on some of the individual team awards from across the 2022-23 calendar of sports! You can view the slideshow of winners here.

Freshman Panella Lands Spot on Team USA

BIG NEWS ALERT! Freshman Michaela Panella has been selected by the U-15 US Youth National Team to travel overseas and earn her first National Team cap. She recently represented Team USA vs the Netherlands and Germany.
What an opportunity! Congratulations, Michaela! Doing your Lancer Family so proud!

College 101 Panel Welcomes Back Recent Grads

We recently welcomed back some young alumni to speak to current students and families about their college experiences at our annual College 101 panel. These former Lancers covered everything from time management, living on campus, and studying abroad to life as a student athlete, choosing a major, and advice they’d give to their high school selves.
We’re so appreciative of their time and words of wisdom!
The panel included (back row from left to right): Aidan Murty ’22 (University at Buffalo), Brendan Murty ’20 (Syracuse University), Katie Fahey ’21 (John Carroll University), Claire Fahey ’19 (Gannon University)
(Front row from left to right): Griffin Dempsey ’22 (Mercyhurst University), Dan May ’20 (Buffalo State University), Jordan Hummel ’22 (Davidson College), and Molly O’Connor ’22 (SUNY Cortland).

Commencement Speaker – Mrs. Mary Wilson

“Never underestimate the power of your actions, no matter how small they may seem. A kind word, a smile, a helping hand, or a supportive gesture can brighten someone’s day, boost their confidence, or even change the trajectory of their life. Be the person who lifts others up, who sees the potential in everyone, and who makes a positive difference wherever you go.” – Mary Wilson
St. Mary’s was honored to welcome Mary Wilson as the Commencement Speaker for the 119th Commencement Ceremonies.
Mary Wilson currently serves as one of the three Life Trustees appointed to guide Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, a grantmaking organization established by her late husband, Ralph Wilson. The Foundation, which began its grantmaking in 2015, is committed to improving the quality of life in its two regions by concentrating on Ralph Wilson’s hometown of Southeast Michigan and Western New York, the home of his beloved Buffalo Bills, the team he founded in 1959.
Mary has been an outspoken champion for the city of Buffalo ever since Ralph Wilson first brought her to the city in 1990 for the Bills’ home opener game. She fell in love with Buffalo, football, and Ralph!
During Ralph’s ownership of the Buffalo Bills, Mary worked to establish the Western New York Girls in Sports program in 2006 and continues to bring together more than 200 girls, ages 9-12, to participate in various sports taught by young athletes from local universities and sports clubs. Mary has always had a passion for sports participation, discovering her love of tennis at the age of 12. Mary holds a degree in physical education from Trinity University. She is a former board member of the USTA Tennis Foundation and played in the Wimbledon Championships in 1976. Mary was also a past President of the National Senior Women’s Tennis Association, playing in many international events and becoming ranked number one in the 60 and over.
Mary is extremely supportive of many different Buffalo organizations, including the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. Mary donated Ralph’s naval uniform and medals along with letters to his father while he was away in WWII. On this Memorial Day, we thank Mr. Wilson for his service to our country and Mrs. Wilson for her wise words and kindness on full display for all the members of the Class of 2023.

Graduation Is a Blast!

Congratulations, Class of 2023! May your journies onward be blessed. St. Mary and St. Francis, pray for them!
Stay tuned throughout the coming days for even more coverage from the 119th Commencement Ceremonies held at St. Mary’s High School, including the winner of the Marian Award and our keynote speaker, Mrs. Mary Wilson.
For even more photos, click here.

Senior Argentieri Signs with St. John Fisher

Senior Signing Alert!
David Argentieri will be continuing his education and track and field career at St. John Fisher University. David has been a valued member of the cross country and track and field teams at St. Mary’s for the past three years. David signed his letter of intent surrounded by his family, coaches, and members of the Men’s Track and Field Team.
Congratulations, David, and go Cardinals!

St. Mary’s Alum Now a Hall of Famer

We have some very exciting news from one of our most-decorated alumni!
St. Mary’s alumnus, Adam Page ’10, will be inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame this year.
Page is a three-time Gold medalist for Team USA Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. He is also the co-founder of the Sled Hockey Foundation, which provides individuals with impairments the opportunity to take part in para-ice hockey.
Page joins the likes of Buffalo Bills greats, Eric Moulds and Bobby Chandler, and former Sabres captain and GM, Gerry Meehan among many others in Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
The induction dinner will take place on a date to be announced in the future.
Congratulations, Adam!