Alex Novak was a freshman at St. Francis High School in the fall of 2012 when he was tragically hit by a moving vehicle while riding his bicycle. The accident left Alex with severe brain injuries, and unfortunately, he was unable to return to our school as a student. Alex was involved in both band and football and had many hobbies and interests outside of school as well. He earned his black belt in karate, was a member of the Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus, and involved with his church as an alter server and eucharistic minister at St. John the Baptist. Alex also had a passion for aviation and had begun work on his pilot’s license. Alex was a talented young man who clearly was looking at giving back to his family and community.

Alex made it back to SFHS to participate in the marching band from 2017-2020. This was made possible thanks to the help of a fellow student, who pushed him in his wheelchair for performances.

Alex currently resides at the Marklund facility in Bloomingdale, IL. Alex and his parents, Larry and Donna, still make it back to SFHS at least once a year to take in the atmosphere of a home football game.

Additionally, every April, SFHS Band Director Bob Mamminga joins Alex’s family at Marklund’s annual “Run, Walk, and Roll.” In 2024, several members of the SFHS Band and Cross Country team also participated in the event.

The Alex Novak 2016 Scholarship supporting St. Francis High School

The Alex Novak 2016 Scholarship

The Alex Novak 2016 Scholarship supporting St. Francis High School