St. Frances dedicates basketball court to nun

Many high school basketball fans have crystallized the multi-championship, 1995-1996 season for St. Frances Academy’s boys basketball team into All-American Mark Karcher doing everything himself.

Oblate Sister of Providence John Francis Schilling knows differently. The president of the Baltimore City high school sat behind the bench for every game and can rattle off players who contributed mightily but received little fanfare.

She wants to lift up all students of the school founded in 1828 by Mother Mary Lange.

“I think it says a lot if you support them, not only in athletics, but at the plays or hearing the kids sing” Sister John Francis said. “Whatever the kids are doing, I think it’s important the teachers, the administration and the parents support the kids because there’s so much negativity and everybody’s there to point out when they get in trouble, but so many times we miss the good parts.”

The support she’s provided students since 1984 hasn’t gone unnoticed. The school community surprised Sister John Francis Oct. 7 when it dedicated its new court to her, complete with her initials on the side of the court.

She thought the court was going to be blessed.

“I didn’t have a clue,” she said. “I can’t believe they were able to keep it from me. It’s certainly an honor for me individually and I think it’s an honor for our community (the Oblate Sisters) and our dedication to the school.

The school’s principal, Deacon Curtis Turner, and athletic director Nicholas Myles conspired on the naming project.

Karcher, now St. Frances’ boys basketball coach, said the honor was “much overdue.”

“She fights for athletics and academics and supports all the kids, including the kids who are less fortunate,” Karcher said. “She’s like a grandmother to me, a mother, a friend, someone who I can always come to and talk about my problems.”

Sister John Francis once aspired to be a sportswriter and keeps statistics for boys and girls basketball games and maintains a blog. Like always, she shines the spotlight on participants.

Girls basketball coach Jerome Shelton said, “She makes a note to really spend time with our young ladies about a lot of things. They’ve had their personal struggles and she’s been there.”

Sister John Francis currently teaches a freshman honors English class and has a master’s degree in counseling, meeting with virtually every incoming student to get to know his or her background.

She has Lymphedema in her legs, which limits movement. She gets around the school via a seated scooter. Athletic director Nick Myles and Deacon Turner will take her to road games of all sports.

Deacon Turner said she is a trusted mentor and friend.

“We all love her very much,” Deacon Turner said.

Copyright © 2010 Catholic Review Media

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