Winter 2014
A Magazine for the Constituents of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School
Be Known Be Transformed Be Inspired
Greetings from OLSH!
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PRESIDENT Terry O'Rourke Donoghue DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & CONSTITUENT RELATIONS Jessica Cerchiaro
t was very exciting to begin the 2014-2015 school year at OLSH with a new tagline in place: Be Known ∙ Be Transformed ∙ Be Inspired.
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Jenna Sheetz '07 ALUMNI AND PARENT RELATIONS MANAGER Deena Swank '92
While every student’s experience at OLSH is unique by design, I believe that these three simple statements effectively represent the collective feeling about the authentic, warm, welcoming, personalized and enriching culture and environment in place at our school – as well as the expectations we set for each student based upon their individual abilities and aspirations. Several weeks after classes began, our excitement reached new heights as we received word that Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School was named a 2014 Catholic Education Honor Roll School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society. This affirmation of the educational experience our students enjoy places OLSH among the top five percent of Catholic high schools in the United States. While congratulatory letters and notes from across the globe soon followed the announcement, the card we received from the Felician Sisters who reside in the Coraopolis Convent, bearing their individual signatures, was a gift beyond words that we plan to display proudly in a frame for years to come. The Sisters’ prayers and support sustain us each day, and it means so much to us to let the world know that the school they founded over 80 years ago is relevant, excellent and committed to continued growth and advancement. Please join us in celebrating Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School’s important place in this world, manifested in so many ways by the efforts of our faculty, students, alumni and other champions of OLSH. We are excited to share their news, accomplishments and stories in this rousing issue of OLSHighlights!
ADVANCEMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER Kim Corrado
"This affirmation of the educational experience our students enjoy places OLSH among the top five percent of Catholic high schools in the United States."
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Ryder Ballou '15 Autumn Cejer '15 Jessica Cerchiaro Katie Daniels '15 Taylor DiPerna '15 Rebecca Ferraro '07 Cedric Gray '15 Noah Ingram '17 Mary Kohser '16 Erin Kregar Theresa Long '86 Jackie Mathews '15 Téa Miksch '15 Collin Neville '16 Damea Pham '16 Santino Platt '15 Tyler Rodgers Rachael Sarnowski '16 Emily Schnarre '15 Dan Shahen '15 Jenna Sheetz '07 Deena Swank '92 DESIGNER Michael J. Cerchiaro '96 PHOTOGRAPHY Harry Giglio Productions OLSH Archives OLSH Family & Friends Charles LeClaire OLSH Yearbook PRINTING Multi Print Media
May God’s blessings surround and sustain you.
SPECIAL THANKS Felician Sisters
Sincerely,
OLSHighlights is published by the Advancement Office of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School and mailed free of charge to alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, and friends of OLSH.
Terry O’Rourke Donoghue President
#OLSHChargers
Contributions to Alumni News & Notes and address changes may be sent to: OLSH Advancement Office 1504 Woodcrest Avenue Coraopolis, PA 15108 (412) 264-4082 · alumni@olsh.org
Table of CONTENTS Fall 2014
www.olsh.org
FEATURES 2
OLSH Logo Receives an Update
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A Legacy of Innovation and Influence
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Homecoming 2014
12 Summer Experiences Promote Justice and Peace
11 Dynamic Duo Brings Friendship to Fundraising
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14 OLSH Europe Trip: Summer 2014
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SPOTLIGHTS
IN EVERY ISSUE
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Alex Vallejo '11 Drive Makes the Difference on the Road to Success
10 OLSH Advancement News
Micarah Young '15 Driven to Succeed
18 What's Happening Around OLSH
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Christy (Tancraitor) Uffleman '95 Identifying a Need and Taking it On
22 Alumni News and Notes
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Compassion and Expertise Perfect Blend for Nursing Careers
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15 What’s Happening Around OLSH Athletics 21 OLSH News and Notes 24 In Memorium 25 Where In The World
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 1
Receives an Update
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logo is meant to serve as a symbol fo r i t s o r g a n i z a t i o n : s o m et h i n g simple, yet memorable, unique yet timeless. OLSH’s logo has gone through a few makeovers in its history. Looking back at old photos reveals logos and crests that take elements from the Felician Sisters logo. Starting in the 1950s the image with the letters OLSH staggered and interlocked appeared on school uniforms. As the need to reproduce the logo for different mediums increased, so did the n e e d to u p da te th a t image. Holding a great deal of symbolism, the image was complex. In early 2011, a totally redesigned logo was introduced, described as a “succinct way of defining us.” Af ter hearing feedback from alumni and other constituencies, the current administration decided the project needed to be revisited. President Terry O’Rourke Donoghue and Director of Communications Jessica Cerchiaro approached graphic designer Kris Praskovich, who is also an alumni parent. They tasked her with developing an update of the original OLSH logo, something that was simple, yet maintained the integrity and symbolism of the original. The logo design process was an interesting one. Praskovich was presented with historical versions of the logo, the school seal and the
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Felician Sisters logo and she got to work. Over the next few months, the design was refined and resulted in the final image now seen on school publications, letterhead, and other materials. The logo contains the key elements of the original: the heart shape which doubles as a symbol for St. Francis’ shield of virtue, the piercing sword and flame serving as a symbol for the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the hands of Christ and St. Francis form the base of the heart, and the center, representing the Eucharist, is symbolic of the Felicians’ spirit and devotion to the Eucharist. In an effort to further strengthen the identity of the school, particularly its public profile, the Advancement team developed a tagline or positioning statement for the school. Be Known · Be Transformed · Be Inspired illustrates the path a student takes at OLSH. Students at OLSH are more than just numbers, they are known and can find their niche; they are transformed through their experiences at OLSH as they grow and learn; and they are inspired to be contributors to society as our promised in the mission statement that “OLSH educates and transforms each student for a life of exceptional Christian leadership, stewardship, and service to all.”
SPOTLIGHT: ALEX VALLEJO '11
Drive Makes the Difference on the Road to Success
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any of us have, at one time or another, looked at a computer and wondered how it worked. A young Alex Vallejo '11 asked himself that question, then took matters into his own hands. He spent much of his time taking apart computers and “messing around” with the hardware. As he grew up, his curiosity led him to study computer engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, and after his graduation in the spring, that kid who tinkered with computer parts will be a software development engineer for Microsoft. In high school, Vallejo’s interest in co m p u te r s l e d h i m to t a ke b o t h computer programming courses that OLSH offered at the time. In his opinion, these courses, which were taught by Mr. Jack Mihaloew, were essential to his success in college. “Most students don’t have any coding background whatsoever so I was miles above [them], not because of unusual intelligence, but because of diligent instruction.” Vallejo built on the foundation in programming he got from OLSH and decided to pursue a degree in computer engineering. Last fall, when Microsoft visited Pitt for a career fair, Vallejo had a screening interview. During the interview, he was required to answer difficult technical
Alex Vallejo '11
questions and demonstrate his problem solving skills to a series of interviewers. Throughout this grueling process, Vallejo persevered. He actually credits his experiences on the volleyball court with Coach Mac with helping him handle the situation. “Coach Mac taught me how to be competitive and how to succeed in high pressure situations,” he says. “This certainly helped me while going through the initial application process with my fellow 80,000 applicants.” Once Vallejo passed the first step in the interview process, he f lew to Seattle for an 8-hour interview and was hired for a summer internship. While at Microsoft this summer, Vallejo worked as a software engineer with the Applications and Services Group, the division responsible for software and programs like Office, Bing, and Skype. He was tasked with implementing a new feature on OneDrive. The code he wrote is run 3.5 million times a day, or about 1000 times a second. Vallejo sees the opportunity to work on that project as a privilege, explaining, “Most interns my age - both at Microsoft and especially at other companies - don’t get the chance to work on a project that affects so many customers.”
as a software development engineer. After graduation, he will work with the same team and perform many of the same duties he completed over the summer, namely coding new features and testing them. Software engineering can be competitive, but Vallejo has surely found his niche in this field. He has been able to take his interest in computers and turn it into a career that he finds to be both challenging and rewarding. “ D e ve l o p i n g s o f t w a r e e m p owe r s i n d i v i d u a l s t o b e m o re e f f i c i e n t and accomplish more,” he shares, “Overhearing someone talk about the product you build and how much they love it is a uniquely satisfying feeling.” Vallejo aspires to be a VP of engineering at a software company like Microsoft. He knows that ambition is what sets people apart in industries like software. “There are a lot of smart people out there and inherent intelligence only gets one so far. After a certain point an individual’s drive will make the difference.” It is clear that Vallejo’s drive and his commitment to lifelong learning, which was inspired by Mr. M, have served him well so far and will continue to do so in the future.
Be Known
Vallejo’s hard work and success during his internship led Microsoft to hire him
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 3
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r. Mary Pulcheria Saukaitis '39 has many affiliations with OLSH: student, alumna, teacher, principal, and friend. She holds a special place in the hearts of many of her former students, and her impact on the history and continued success of OLSH cannot be denied. In 1964, after teaching science for many years, Sr. Pulcheria became the principal of OLSH. Much as she saw the potential in her students and nurtured it, Sr. Pulcheria also saw the potential of OLSH. Faced with the seemingly imminent closure of the school, Sr. Pulcheria exhibited commendable foresight and took a risk that would change OLSH forever. She was instrumental in the decision to make OLSH a co-educational school in the early 1970s, a decision that likely saved the school. Sr. Pulcheria’s innovative spirit helped to ensure the continuation of the Felician Sisters’ tradition of educational excellence.
Inspired by Sr. Pulcheria’s passion and commitment, a group of alumni has come forward in an effort to continue her legacy at OLSH through the creation of the Sister Mary Pulcheria Saukaitis Scholarship. RoGene (Falbo) Clark '63, who started the scholarship, and many of her fellow alumni, envision the scholarship growing in order to last in perpetuity to honor their teacher and her dedication to OLSH. Donations to the scholarship fund will be invested to fund what will become an endowed scholarship for OLSH students. The Sister Mary Pulcheria Saukaitis Scholarship is an expression of the love and respect of the alumni of OLSH for their former teacher, principal, and mentor. For more information on how you can invest in the legacy of Sr. Mary Pulcheria, please contact Jenna Sheetz '07, Director of Advancement, at (412) 269-7726 or jzyroll@olsh.org.
“We should give back to those from whom we have received to show our gratitude. Our education from OLSH has helped to shape our lives. We are here on earth to share our talents with our fellow members. Let OLSH spread its good news for many more generations.” SR. M. PULCHERIA SAUKAITIS '39
“I was by far one of Sister Pulcheria’s ‘non-committed’ science students in The Class of ‘64. However, Sister Pulcheria greatly influenced my science teaching as an elementary teacher. Though a far cry from biology and chemistry, I enjoyed the teaching of science to my second graders. With each class I taught, I would actually think, ‘Sister Pulcheria would be proud if she could see me now!’.”
“Having a vision and then having the determination and inner strength to achieve it is remarkable and praiseworthy. This is why the scholarship in Sister Mary Pulcheria’s name has been established. Sister celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in June, and although her prayers and accomplishments are many, the fact that OLSH flourishes today is because of her vision of the future. Sister was the Principal and the leader in directing and presenting OLSH as a co-educational high school. Probably not too many besides Sister, the Felician Community and Diocesan representatives know the extent of her tireless efforts to promote and change OLSH. Today the school continues to grow in population and size. We should all be inspired and encouraged by what Sister has done. We’re asking for your support in funding this scholarship in Sister Pulcheria’s name so that OLSH continues to be a premier goal for students who want a great education.”
PAMELA JUBERA LIMBRUNER '64
ROGENE (FALBO) CLARK '63
Sr. Mary Pulcheria’s influence at OLSH did not end with her retirement. She continues to invest in the advancement of OLSH through her donation of handmade blankets to the Legacy Gala. The “Blanketed in Blessings” raffle has raised thousands of dollars that directly support tuition assistance and student programs at OLSH.
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SPOTLIGHT: MICARAH YOUNG '15
Driven to Succeed
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riven is a word that only begins to describe Micarah Young '15. This young woman refuses to allow herself to fall short of her potential and knows that if she is going to be successful she needs to work hard to achieve her goals and take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. Micarah has dreams of becoming a doctor one day – a pulmonologist to be exact. “I want to be a doctor because I like to help people. You can get great satisfaction out of helping others and if you’re good at what you do, you’re going to have a good outcome,” she shared. She knew that she needed to work hard and take tough science courses to be prepared and that was when she started to learn how much people at OLSH cared. “Miss Runtich really cared about helping me do well in her class. She knew I wanted to be a doctor, so she stayed after school to help me understand the material.” When Micarah heard about the University of Pittsburgh’s Cancer Institute Summer Academy, she knew she had to apply. She was accepted and spent the majority of her summer, from mid-June through early August, attending lectures, studying, taking tests and doing real cancer research under the guidance of a Pitt professor and mentor. She even got to observe in the operating room and watched a DaVinci robot complete a thyroid removal. Under the direction of Dr. Allan Tsung, Micarah studied the role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the development and progression of cancer, a topic she selected. She experimented with lab mice with colon cancer, treating the disease with DNase. She spent a great deal of time in the lab, sometimes even heading back after dinner to complete an experiment or record results. As part of the program, she completed a poster, wrote an abstract and presented her findings. “It’s like I learned a whole new language,” she said. “If I would have read my abstract before this summer, I wouldn’t have understood it at all.”
Micarah Young '15
Admittedly, when she first came to OLSH as a sophomore transfer student, Micarah was, in her words, “closed minded with a bad attitude.” She was apprehensive about how she could relate as a non-Catholic in a Catholic school. It was conversations with Mr. Brasko that changed her mind and helped her to realize that the experience would help her to be a more diverse person and give her opportunities to be a leader. When Mr. Plocinik sought her out to congratulate her on an accomplishment, s h e s t a r te d to t r y to c h a n ge h e r perspective and turned her opinion around. “At other schools you only see the principal if you’re in trouble. I’ve never had an administrator care that much; they have so much else on their plate, but still remember you.” She now tries to help younger students learn that same lesson. “I try to help students be okay with being in the minority at OLSH. I try to get them to realize that being open-minded and looking at things from different
perspectives can make you a better person and can really benefit you in life.” She tries to get people to make the most of the resources offered at OLSH and to see how great an opportunity it is to be able to integrate your faith and your education. She wants her fellow classmates to appreciate that OLSH is small enough that everyone knows you and cares about you, but big enough that people can connect you with what you want and need to know for your future. It may have taken some time, but Micarah has certainly made the most of her experience at OLSH. Reflecting on her time here, she says, “I never really thought I would get to this moment, but I really do want to thank everyone at OLSH. I really do like it and have met some of my best friends and some of the best adults here.”
Be Transformed Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 5
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND OLSH HOMECOMING 2014
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LSH Homecoming 2014 kicked off with an alumni pregame party at Robert Morris University’s Joe Walton Stadium. Over 100 people attended, and at least 19 graduating classes were represented. The OLSH football team provided an exciting first half, holding the Bishop Canevin Crusaders scoreless. At halftime, the Homecoming Court was introduced and Katie Daniels '15 and Ryder Ballou '15 were crowned Homecoming Queen and King. In the end, the Chargers gave OLSH a victory, winning the game 4221. School pride was running high as the crowd rushed the field to congratulate the boys on their win. On Sunday, OLSH students attended the annual homecoming dance at Shadow Lakes Country Club. It was a great weekend of Charger pride and spirit!
President Terry O’Rourke Donoghue and Dr. Felicia Cianciarulo '80 catch up before the game.
The ladies of the Class of 1979 proudly show off their new OLSH Alumni t-shirts.
Charger fans rush the field to celebrate the victory over Bishop Canevin.
Michael Cerchiaro '96 and Deena (Newsom) Swank '92 were at the registration table to greet alumni.
NEWEST CLASS OF OLSH ALUMNI TAKE THE NEXT STEP
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n June 1, the Class of 2014 graduated from OLSH. The class of 85 listened to addresses from class president Zane Travis, salutatorian Shaughn McDonald, valedictorian Cam Johnson, president Terry O’Rourke Donoghue, principal Tim Plocinik, and guest speaker Dr. Larry Tomei of Robert Morris University. The graduates plan to attend a wide range of colleges and universities to study a variety of subjects in preparation for their future.
Education Science & Engineering Fine Arts Undecided
Business Nursing /Health Sciences Liberal Arts
Class of 2014 College Majors
Education Science & Engineering Fine Arts Undecided
Business Nursing /Health Sciences Liberal Arts
WHERE IS THE CLASS OF 2014? The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Baldwin Wallace University Bethany College Butler County Community College California University of Pennsylvania Carlow University Chatham University Community College of Allegheny County Community College of Beaver County Duquesne University D’Youville College
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Eastern Kentucky University Edinboro University Eugene Lang College Florida International University George Washington University Golf Academy of America Grove City College High Point University Houston Community College Indiana University of Pennsylvania John Carroll University LaRoche College Mercy Hospital School of
Nursing Mercyhurst University Mission Trip to Glasgow, Scotland Moravian College Otterbein University Penn State University (Beaver) Penn State University (Behrend) Penn State University (Main) Point Park University Purdue University Robert Morris University Saint Francis University Saint Vincent College
Slippery Rock University The Ohio State University Thiel College United States Army Reserve University of Arkansas University of Dayton University of Kentucky University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh (Greensburg) Washington & Jefferson College Waynesburg University West Virginia University Westminster College
SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTY UFFELMAN '95
Identifying a Need and Taking it on
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fter missteps and false starts in her own professional life, Christy (Tancraitor) Uffelman '95 was inspired to help others follow a smoother path. As an executive coach and a mentor, she guides young professionals as they find their niche in the corporate world. Christy started her career on the fast track. After graduating from Duquesne University with a B.A. in Business Psychology and Corporate Communications in just 3 years, Christy got a job in surgical sales at Johnson & Johnson. Shortly after and eager to continue climbing the corporate ladder, she was hired as a sales manager at Bayer, but she quickly found herself f loundering. Her passion, confidence, and ambition could not compensate for a lack of experience and expertise. Christy went back to school to pursue her M.B.A., but in her zest to progress in the corporate world, her personal life suffered. Divorced and a single parent, she returned to work. Christy identifies herself as a Millennial, a member of a generation who grew up in a world where research is done on a computer rather than in a library; where classrooms are organized into cooperative peer learning groups; and where Google provides immediate answers. Christy found herself in a dilemma she believes to be common to young professionals. For much of her career, her focus had been on personal achievement; however, her advancement had outpaced her training and she craved the advice of those who had the experience that she lacked. A problem-
solver by nature, once she had identified the need, she set out to find a solution. Christy’s first company, Red Zebra Consulting, was born out of her desire to coach mid-career professionals. In 2007, Christy was hired by Mascaro Construction and she created a coaching and mentoring program f o r t h e m , s o m e t h i n g ra re i n t h e construction industry. With Christy’s guidance, Mascaro won awards for their development models and began mentoring other construction companies. Christy had found her passion, but she felt a lingering need for guidance. She joined professional groups, but they ultimately left her unfulfilled. S h e wa n te d a co h o r t , a g ro u p o f peers providing support, advice, and accountability. Unable to find the model she wanted, Christy created it, founding Empower, a cohort of working mothers. Each meeting followed the same model: share a success, discuss a challenge, and describe the need for support. Christy ’s second cohort, Circle of Trust, was made up of emerging female leaders. At 31, she was the matriarch of the group, and found that the other members looked to her for the answers. Recognizing that she didn’t have the answers, Christy sought out mentors who did. Unfortunately, each time she approached someone with her request, the response was that there wasn’t time. Christy had identified an inherent problem with peer mentoring. She needed to tap into the experience of mentors who had no time to mentor. Drawing on her sales skills, Christy went back to the potential mentors with a new proposal. She asked each of them to commit to just one 90-minute meeting per year with the cohort. There would be no prep, no PowerPoint - just a sharing of information. Before long, she
Christy Uffelman '95
had 75 executives signed on to be guest mentors. Christy explained, “I met with my cohort to ask them what they most wanted to learn, and then I would connect the dots between the needs of the cohort and the guest mentors best suited to address those topics.” The model was so successful that in 2012 Christy won the Athena Young Professional Award and the YWCA Young Leader Award. With the assistance of one of her own mentors, Mary Shippy, Christy cofounded Align Leadership, a consulting firm that has developed cohorts for several local corporations, including Co n s o l E n e rg y. W h i l e a c h i e v i n g professional success, Christy has not lost her philanthropic passion. In 2011, she created the Strong Leaders Program for the national program Strong Women, Strong Girls, designed to match young women with a network of mentors. Christy has learned the importance of resilience. She met each obstacle head on and adapted her goals and tactics as necessary. “I’ve learned to trust and pivot when things don’t turn out as you want them to,” she says, and she hopes to pass that lesson on to her peers and to future generations of professionals.
Be Inspired
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 7
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ursing is a demanding career that requires not only extensive knowledge and training but also dedication and compassion. In a hospital setting, nurses are often the main caretakers of patients. They are the men and women who decode the medical jargon of the doctors, offer suppor t during medical testing and procedures, and comfort patients and their families through difficult times. Those who are called to a career in nursing face intellectual and emotional demands that few others experience. Lauren (Feeley) Vietmeier '08 and Kirsten Ott '07 are just two of the many OLSH graduates who have proven to be up to the challenge. K i r s te n O t t b e g a n h e r education in healthcare w h i l e s h e wa s s t i l l a t OLSH. In addition to spending half of her day a t O L S H , K i r s te n to o k advantage of the Beaver County Area Vocational Technical School for Health Occupations. She says, “I really feel like this helped catapult me into the healthcare field.” By the time she graduated from high school, she was able to work as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
After working as a CNA for a while, Kirsten enrolled in the Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing. By the end of 2011, she was working as a nurse in the UPMC Passavant Medical/ Surgical Unit, but her ultimate goal was to work in an ICU. After about a year, she transferred to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit, and in April 2014, she took a position at Heritage Valley Medical Center in their Open Hear t Unit. “I love being in the ICU,” she says, “and more importantly an ICU that gets patients immediately after open heart surgery. It’s a very crucial time to take care of them, and it is my passion.” Kirsten thrived in the ICU, but she was ready for something new. She decided to
become a traveling nurse, a position that would keep her moving to dif ferent cities and hospitals every couple of months. Her first and current assignment is at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut in their Cardiothoracic ICU. She will spend the next 3 months there and then will have the option to move on to another hospital in a new city. While working as a traveling nurse comes with inherent challenges, such as familiarizing herself with different hospital policies and p ro c e d u r e s , K i r s te n b e l i eve s that the benefits will ultimately outweigh them. “Every hospital does things differently…and it is allowing me to become a more versatile nurse,” she says. Nursing is a calling for Kirsten, and she believes it was a calling she began to discern while at OLSH. “Nursing requires compassion,” she says. “I think OLSH showed me what it is to care for people and to love others. For a long time I wondered what my purpose was on earth, and it dawned on me: I am here to care for people. OLSH showed me what it is to do God’s work and to spread His good word. I have prayed with Kirsten Ott '07
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary and Acute Care. “I love that I have a career where you never stop learning,” she says, “and there are always oppor tunities to grow.”
families before their loved one has gone in for emergent surgery, held patients’ hands while they are dying…I know I am doing what I was called to do, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.” Another OLSH graduate who has found her purpose in nursing is Lauren (Feeley) Vietmeier ’08. She also developed an interest in nursing while she was at OLSH. During her senior year, one of her basketball teammates became ill and was hospitalized. When she had recovered, her friend told stories of the wonderful nurses who had cared for and supported her. “The notion that a nurse could impact a patient’s life in such a great way was the reason I decided to become a nurse,” Lauren said. “My goal was to one day have a patient or family speak about me the way my teammate had spoken about her nurses.”
Pediatric nursing felt like a natural fit for Lauren. “I have always loved children,” Lauren says. “Every job I have ever had has involved children, from day camps to daycares. I love the innocence, joy, and love that children bring into every aspect of life. Every sick child I have ever met was resilient and strong. They refused to let their illness define them and they never let their medical problems hold them back. The kids I have met at Children’s Hospital are the strongest individuals I know. They inspire me every day!” Though watching children struggle and even suffer often proves to be difficult, Lauren finds strength in her dedication to her patients and her faith in God. “A
nurse has many difficult days where he/she may witness the end and the beginning of life all in one shift; a nurse has to have strong faith. Nursing can be an emotional rollercoaster and if one cannot stay grounded in their faith it can be a very difficult journey, ” she says. During a recent visit to OLSH, Lauren met with a group of students to talk about nursing careers. She spoke about the demands of working in a hospital, which often includes late night shifts and working on weekends and holidays. While she acknowledged that losing holidays could be difficult, she also told a story about spending Christmas Eve on the night shift in the NICU. After the parents had left for the night, the nurses dressed the babies in Christmas onesies, a doctor dressed up like Santa, and they took pictures of each baby. On Christmas morning, the parents returned to find that Santa had found a way to visit their children on their first Christmases. That experience was a gift for the staff as well as the parents. Lauren believes that OLSH helped to foster the faith that gives her the strength to face the challenges before her. “OLSH helped me prepare academically for the vigorous course load in nursing school. Even more importantly, OLSH taught me how to be compassionate and preserve my faith even through difficult times.” Nurses must be strong and resilient, but the potential rewards are great. As future generations of OLSH graduates consider a career in nursing, Lauren would like to offer them this advice: “Stay strong in your faith and you will persevere… There will come a day when you discharge the patient you have watched fight for their life. This patient will tearfully hug you, thank you, and tell you how much of an impact you have had on his life. In this moment, all the trials and tribulations you have endured will have been worth it. Nursing will provide you with some of the most amazing and fulfilling emotions you will ever experience.”
Af ter graduating from OLSH, Lauren entered the Duquesne University School of Nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2012 and became a Registered Nurse at West Penn Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In February of 2014, she took a job as a Registered Nurse in the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Radiology Department, and she is currently pursuing her Lauren (Feeley) Vietmeier '08
OLSH ADVANCEMENT NEWS PLC RECEPTION
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resident Terry O’Rourke Donoghue hosted the 2014 President’s Leadership Council (PLC) Reception on September 12 in celebration of OLSH’s lead partners during the 20132014 school year. The event was held at RMU’s Joe Walton Stadium, where alumni, current and alumni parents and friends cheered on the OLSH Chargers football team as they took on the Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Trojans. Membership in the PLC is open to all individuals, families, businesses, foundations and alumni who make a gift of $1,000 or more during the fiscal year. The Young Alumni Council is a branch of the PLC recognizing alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years who make a gift of $250 or more during the fiscal year. Each year OLSH is blessed by the leadership of this group in providing program enhancements and tuition assistance.
Guests mingle in the president’s box before the game.
Rick and Lisa Platt talk with Tim O’Sullivan.
Jenna (Zyroll) Sheetz '07 poses with classmates and members of the Young Alumni Council Jillian (Babish) Zentko '07 and Kirsten Ott '07.
Jen Reilly-McCardell '92 and husband Sean catch up with Sr. M. Christopher Moore '63, Provincial Minister of the Felician Sisters and Sr. M. Francine Horos '68.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
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he kick-off to the 2014-2015 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)/ Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) Program has begun with much success as community partners have contributed over $100,000 in scholarship monies. 100% of funds contributed by OLSH community partners will provide tuition assistance for OLSH students during the 2015-2016 school year. There’s still time to participate! For information on ways to support OLSH tuition assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program, contact Jenna Sheetz '07 at (412) 269-7726 or jsheetz@olsh.org
Thank you to our 2014-2015 EITC/OSTC Partners Allegra/Image 360 Copeland Funeral & Cremation Services First National Bank Greater Pittsburgh Surgical Alliance, P.C.
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JSA Associates, L.P., DiCicco Development Group Rohrich Automotive UPMC Health Plan Waste Management
ADOPT-A-STUDENT
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eeping an OLSH education accessible to a socially and economically diverse student body is part of the mission of the Felician Sisters and the OLSH community. The cost to educate a student is significantly higher than actual annual tuition, with Advancement efforts working to “fund the gap”. However, many OLSH families need additional financial support. Gifts to the OLSH Adopt-A-Student Program enable talented students to earn an OLSH education and prepare to leave their mark on the world. The generosity of alumni, current parents, OLSH faculty and staff and friends has already made a difference in providing scholarship dollars to students identified with significant financial need. Commitments can range from partial to full scholarships for students most in need of additional financial support. Your commitment can give a student the chance to have an OLSH education. Contact Jenna Sheetz '07 to make your gift to the Adopt-A-Student Program at (412) 269-7726 or jsheetz@ olsh.org.
DYNAMIC DUO Brings Friendship to Fundraising
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hen Pam Roberts moved across the street from Lori Heller during the summer of 1999, she didn’t realize that she was about to make one of the most important friendships of her life. Her family had just moved back to the States from an Air Force assignment in England, and her husband was frequently traveling. She found herself in unfamiliar territor y, with two small boys, and little support. As luck would have it, Pam met Lori, another mother of two young boys, and a friendship was formed. “Lori adopted my family,” says Pam. “It was just one of the biggest blessings of my life.” They supported each other and raised their kids together. When they decided to move, they built their houses down the street from one another. They both sent, and continue to send, their children to OLSH, and they are an invaluable asset to the OLSH Legacy Gala team. This dynamic duo started working with the gala as part of the setup crew. Once they were involved, however, they recognized areas where they felt as though they really could contribute. “When we learned how much the Gala helps benefit every student,” says Lori, “we had to get involved.” They started to help solicit donation of items for auction prizes, and they now chair the Auction Committee. Motivated by the belief that they can make a difference in the lives of OLSH students, Pam and Lori come back every year, enthusiastic and full of new ideas. While many people might find it daunting to walk into a business and ask for donations, Pam and Lori make it fun. They head out as a team and come back with an eclectic collection of treasures. The OLSH Legacy Gala is not exclusively a fundraiser. In Lori’s words, it is a “community building event.” It is an
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opportunity to get to know other families and to share a fun night out with friends, all while supporting OLSH and its students. The 2015 OLSH Legacy Gala: A Time to Flourish, will be held on Saturday, April 11th, at the Pittsburgh Aiport Hyatt Regency. The night will have a garden party theme and will include dinner, music, and cocktails. There will be a live auction, as well as a silent auction and ticket auction. Several small games of chance and the $10,000 Grand Giveaway Raffle offer more opportunities for fun and prizes. There will be lots to do and a chance for ever yone to participate. Pam, Lori, and the entire Advancement Team would like to invite any parent, alumnus, or friend of OLSH who would like to volunteer to help with the 2015 Legacy Gala to contact Deena Swank '92, Alumni and Par ent Relations Manager, at dswank@olsh.org or (412) 424-4610.
GALA GRAND GIVEAWAY
$10,000 RAFFLE Don’t miss your chance to win $10,000! Proceeds from the Grand Giveaway support OLSH students, with a percentage of the sales going directly into each class treasury! If you would like a packet of tickets to sell or buy, you can use our convenient online ticket request form at www.olsh.org/ legacy-gala or contact Deena Swank '92 at (412) 424-4610 or dswank@olsh.org.
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 11
Summer Experiences Promote Justice and Peace
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he Felician Core Value of Justice & Peace is described as “forging right relationships, re-creating a sustainable environment, promoting the common good, all in the pursuit of peace.” This summer OLSH students, alumni and faculty participated in a variety of experiences that directly relate to this core value. OLSH students h ave a tte n d e d the ND Vision program held at Notre Dame University for the past several years. This weeklong program for high school students emphasizes Christian leadership and encourages students to share their gifts. The
Felician Sisters of North America sponsored the inaugural Seeds of Hope program this summer. This new program invited girls from Felician-sponsored high schools for a week of leadership, faith and service activities. The OLSH Mission Trip headed to West Virginia in its second year. This trip, led by Mission Leader Jeff Hulbert, exposed students to environmental issues in coal mining towns. Following are ref lections from attendees of these three impactful summer programs.
“Acommunity spirit does not just happen of itself. It flows from people who share a common tradition and strive for a common goal outside themselves.” – Blessed Mary Angela
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ission Trip is meant to be a life-altering experience but what happened in the hills of Appalachia this year changed my perspective in startling and unexpected ways. Heading into coal country with plans to visit a mountain-topping site, I did my research. I was enlightened by details about old wood forests, biodiversity and coal’s historic impact, but also a bit disturbed by the blatant destruction and apparent corruption associated with mining in the region.
met many people whole-heartedly proud of the history and heritage of coal, and utterly at the mercy of it. The people we served had worked their entire lives for the coal companies whose mountaintop mine site caused the flood that washed away their life’s work. Despite their loss and its cause, coal miners and drivers continue to work because there is little else to do in coal country. I was impressed by these pleasant and personable people, whose pride and faith enable them to persevere in an inexplicably difficult condition.
Our group toured Kayford Mountain on the first day, learning the history and seeing the effects of mountain-topping firsthand. As shocking as the missing mountains may have been, it was what I saw the next day that really touched me.
Although the trip was a success on many levels, I am now aware that much more than porches and plumbing is needed to resolve issues in the region. Appalachia is a complicated and precarious situation with potential global impact but until genuine concern for people and planet becomes a priority, little will change in West Virginia.
I saw the destruction of land and landscape; I saw the effects of clearing, blasting, valley fills, slurry injection, and sludge ponds; I saw streams run orange, rusty and rotting; I saw property and possession washed away by flash flood; and I
-Theresa Long '86
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ver the summer, I attended a five day retreat at the University of Notre Dame called Notre Dame Vision. The purpose of this retreat was to help improve your ‘vision’ towards your faith in Christ. The retreat included high school students from around the country and maybe even the world. Including our group of 16 from OLSH, there were over 300 attendees. During our session we were able to explore the campus while coming face to face with who we were as members of the Catholic Church and find a new meaning to what it means to be a witness to Jesus Christ and His teachings. I got to meet all of these people from all over and the cool thing was that even though we lived all over the place, we were all connected through our religion.
-Damea Pham '16
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eeds of Hope was one of the best experiences I have ever enjoyed. We grew as leaders, but also we also grew spiritually. During our time in Michigan, we spent time with students from three other Felician schools as well as Sisters from various parts of the world. We also went to Detroit where the entire group worked at a Capuchin Food and Clothing Distribution Center. We also ate at a soup kitchen with people who need the help the kitchen offers. I celebrated my 16th birthday during our time in Michigan, and it was the best birthday ever! I was surprised the day of my birthday with a card that everyone signed. I made wonderful new friends, and I have kept in touch with several of the girls that I met. Seeds of Hope will be something that I will remember for a long time!
-Rachael Sarnowski '16
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participated in both NDVision and Seeds of Hope. Both experiences were life-changing and each holds special memories.
At Seeds of Hope, we got to know girls from other Felician Schools. We also got to meet several of the Felician Sisters. While at the Maryville Retreat Center in Michigan, we listened to talk about how to be strong Franciscan leaders. After each talk, we split into groups and discussed what stood out to us and how we could implement it into our lives. In between talks, group sessions, and meals was when the real fun happened. It was during this time that I really got to bond with the other girls. During the breaks, we had time to have the occasional dance party with the Sisters, play a game of soccer (which the Sisters won), and take part in the 1st annual Felician Olympics. This retreat also focused on making us spiritually ready for being leaders. This included Mass every day, Eucharistic adoration, and the chance to go to confession. We learned that to be a good leader means to serve the less fortunate. To stress this we went to work at a Capuchin soup kitchen. I
helped organize clothes and help people find the clothes they needed. Afterward, we had lunch with those people and I met some amazing people. NDVision was similar to Seeds of Hope. There are memories from this trip that I will never forget. My mentors in faith helped mold my small group into a family. Now we really are like brothers and sisters. Every night we had dinner together, and most of us had lunch together as well. NDVision helped me strengthen my faith in more ways than I can count. I loved being able to go to the grotto to say the rosary or just to pray and spend time with God. I also loved the atmosphere of prayer that surrounded us while there. My mentors helped me find ways to implement what we heard in the speeches and lectures into my life. I especially liked Mike Patin. His lecture made me think. I also liked how he explained that God stood for “Gifts, Offer, Do something.” Both of these trips helped me learn to let God tell me what to do, because so often we try to reorder the world into the way we think it should be and that is not possible.
-Mary Kohser '16
OLSH Tours Europe
Summer 2014 Foreign Language Department Trip “My favorite part of the whole trip was spending a day in Cassis, a port town on the Mediterranean Sea that was breathtakingly beautiful and unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. The trip to Europe opened my eyes to other cultures and even different ways of life. It was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had.”
“Paris was the city aspect of France, whil e Provence was more countryside and relaxed. Barc elona had a lot of culture and Madrid shared a lot of history. The sights we visited were a once in a lifetime experiences….Even the small things like eating with my friends in a cafe or sitting on the beach of Cassis with my friends are unforgettable mem ories.” -Aleyna Yilmaz '16
-Cara Gregorius '16
e that xperienc e g in z a d as an am . If I ha pe trip w of my life t s e The Euro r e e r th mp on th ember fo I would ju in I will rem a g a is th ce to do the chan hite '15 -Aidan W ity.” n tu r o p p o
“I had a grea t time with my all of m Europe, and y friends in I became fr ie nds with pe never really ople that I talked to be fo re th e tr ip….The sigh were beauti ful and the ts activities w ere a lot of the food was fun, also very de licious.” -Zack Mixte r '16 e and went to some “We had a fantastic tour guid before. I got to eat places that I had never been heard of!” foods that I had never even -Brieanna Liberto '15
“Sharing this experience with my students was truly unforgettable. Watching the language & culture come to life for them was so rewarding! There’s nothing like seeing their eyes light up as they bought a crepe in French for the first time (and succeeded) or navigated their way through the city without getting lost. I know these students have become lifelong travelers!” -Erin Kregar, Spanish Teacher
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND OLSH ATHLETICS
Athletes, Advocates, & Lifelong Fans OLSH Athletic Hall of Fame 2014
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he 2014 OLSH Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, hosted by the OLSH Charger Champions Athletic Boosters Organization, was held on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Edgeworth Club to honor its 9th class of Inductees. Over 130 Charger supporters including coaches, alumni, faculty, staff and students joined together to celebrate the evening’s honorees: Michael Ayers '99, The Felician Sisters, Sr. M. Francine Horos '68 and Jack Hinds. The 2014
Hall of Fame Class represented a unique mix of athletes, advocates and lifelong fans of Chargers Athletics. Guests joined presenters in celebrating the role inductees have played in the growth and sustainability of athletics programs and the enhancement of the OLSH school community. The OLSH Athletics Hall of Fame honors individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication, success and commitment
Sr. M. Francine Horos '68 accepts her plaque from Coach Mike “Mac” McDonald.
Jack Hinds was introduced by his two children, Haley (Hinds) Barran '04 and Jordan Hinds '02, a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame himself.
to the development of OLSH student athletes. These achievements are exemplified by a dedication to health and physical fitness, sportsmanship, an understanding of the importance of winning and losing graciously, and the thrill of team spirit and loyalty. If you would like to nominate someone to the OLSH Athletics Hall of Fame, download the nomination form from www.olsh.org/ athletics/hall-of-fame.
Sr. M. Alexander Klawinski and Sr. M. Cabrini Procopio '59 accept the honor on behalf of The Felician Sisters from principal Tim Plocinik.
Mike Ayers '99 is honored by his family who came to celebrate his induction.
Charger Champions Athletic Boosters Organization
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he OLSH athletic program is a source of pride for the school’s students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff. Our program remains competitive with much larger schools with much larger populations and budgets. Our studentathletes go on to play successfully on college teams and are even scouted by Division I schools. OLSH is committed to the continued excellence of its athletic programs and recognizes that this tradition cannot continue without support. In response to this need, the Charger Champions, a rebirth of the former OLSH Athletic Boosters, has
been formed. Under the leadership of alumni parent and OLSH board member Jack Hinds, Charger Champions will formally address the needs of our student-athletes. Please rally behind our student-athletes and support the fundraising efforts of the Charger Champions. If you would like to join the Charger Champions, please contact Jack Hinds at (412) 527-2280 or Jenna Sheetz at (412) 269-7726 or jsheetz@olsh.org or visit www.olsh.org/athletics/chargerchampions/. OLSH parents, alumni parents, alumni, and friends of OLSH are all invited and encouraged to join.
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 15
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND OLSH ATHLETICS TRACK & FIELD BASEBALL SOFTBALL The baseball team played a challenging season with a record of 14-6 and made it to the second round of WPIAL playoffs. Nick Kocent '14, Kyle Seamon '14, Dan Bechek '14, and Billy Mulcahey '14 were team captains. A highlight of the season was beating rival Vincentian at their field. While the team is losing four starting seniors, they have a skilled group of underclassmen who hope to be successful this spring.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL Boys volleyball, led by captains Shaughn McDonald '14 and Alex Ritter '14, had a successful season, placing 3rd in WPIAL playoffs and making it to the first round of PIAA playoffs. The team faces a rebuilding year this spring with no returning seniors.
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The girls made WPIAL playoffs last spring, with a record of 14-6, led by captains Emily Duerr '14 and Natalie Pollack '14. Several individuals on the team were recognized for their achievements, including Duerr, Pollack, Natalie Graff '17 and Taylor DiPerna '15. The team hopes to make the playoffs again this season.
The boys and girls track and field teams sent the girls and boys 4x800 meter relay teams to WPIALs. In addition, Tara Richardson '17 and Courtney Alexander '16 qualified to WPIALs. The boys relay team, Richardson, and Alexander also qualified to PIAA championships. The team was proud of their strong showing at WPIALs and hopes the young team continues to do well this year.
FOOTBALL
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
It was a challenging and disappointing season for Chargers football led by captains Joe Sebes '14 and Eric Hall '14. While their record wasn’t what they hoped for, the team worked hard and never gave up, making at least one touchdown in all but one game. The highlight of the season was beating Bishop Canevin for the first time in school history. The team hopes to take advantage of the off season for conditioning to prepare for next fall.
Team captains Jackie Mathews '15, Sam Spencer '15 and Meghan Taylor '15 led the girls volleyball team to a 16-2 record, making it to the second round of WPIAL playoffs. A highlight of the season was beating Eden Christian Academy after 5 games with close scores, ending with OLSH winning game five 15-13. Courtney Alexander '16 was named an athlete of the week by the Allegheny Times and has the potential to be the stand-out player next season.
GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY
BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY
The girls had an exciting season with a record of 8-1. Led by captains Autumn Cejer '15 and Bailey Kocent '16 the girls placed 3rd at WPIALs and qualified to states. At the PIAA championships the girls placed 8th – their highest finish in school history! The team will lose two seniors, Cejer and Madison Pashke '15, but have many other strong runners who regularly placed in the top 5, making their prospects for next season look good.
The boys grew very close as a team this season, led by captains Ryder Ballou '15 and Noah Dawgiello '15. With a record of 5-4, the boys had high hopes of making it to states, but unfortunately fell short, placing 4th at the WPIAL meet. Ballou and Chris Kocent '18 qualified to states as individuals. A highlight of the season was sweeping the Catholic Schools Championship with the OLSH Girls.
BOYS SOCCER GIRLS SOCCER The girls were led by captains Emma Balouch '15, Tea Miksch '15, and Bella Marra '16. While the season overall was disappointing, the girls beat Seton LaSalle, a first place ranked team, by coming together and playing hard. Marra was recognized as all-section.
Dan Shahen '15 and Liam Ward '15 led the boys soccer team through a 10-9-1 record, meeting some of the top teams in Class A. The team made it to the second round of WPIAL playoffs. A highlight of the season was the Carlynton game where the Chargers were down 4-1, but came back to win in double overtime. The whole defense and central mids will return next year to a team with a lot of chemistry and high hopes for another post-season run.
GOLF The team started the season with a new coach, new players and a new home course. Coach Ron Lucas led the young, developing team to a 5-7 record. Noah Ingram '17, Brigham Karlik '17 and Dylan Osheka '17 served as team captains and hope to continue to improve with the entire team returning next year.
CHEERLEADING Katie Daniels '15 and Dana Fiola '15 led a squad with many new freshmen with strong talent. The girls were able to increase difficulty and try new stunts. The girls continued their efforts to raise money for Hair Peace Charities, donating over $2,200 this year. They look forward to basketball season, when they hope to see large crowds in the AAC to cheer on the Chargers.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND OLSH CAREER SPEAKERS PROGRAM
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his year, the OLSH Guidance Department is implementing a new program to help support students as they begin to research potential career paths. The Career Speakers Program brings in alumni to discuss their jobs with students. Each month, a different field is highlighted.
In coming months, more career speakers will be visiting OLSH. Students in all grades are encouraged to sign up for speaker sessions with Mrs. Pontiere in the Guidance Suite.
In October, the focus was on Healthcare Careers. Lauren (Feeley) Vietmeier '08, a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and Caitlin Feth '07, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, both came to speak with the students. They answered questions about coursework, training, areas of specialty, and challenges and rewards of a job in healthcare.
November: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) December: Hospitality and Tourism January: Human Services February: Fine Arts March: Marketing April: Finance May: Government/Public Administration
Below is a list of the career fields to be highlighted for the coming months. These are subject to change due to speaker availability.
HOMETOWN HIGH Q
POLITICS
The OLSH team made up of Noah Dawgiello '15, Jacob Dickey '16, Theresa Thimons '15, and alternate Ashley Sitarik '15 and led by Mr. Bob Brasko won the first round of KDKA’s Hometown High Q academic quiz show. The team moves on to the next round of competition in February.
Mr. Scott DeVivo was instrumental in bringing Congressman Tim Murphy back to OLSH for a second year to talk with seniors about the importance of getting involved in government. Senator Matt Smith visited OLSH and participated in the annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony and spoke with senior government students.
SPEECH & DEBATE Jacob Dickey '16, Katie Dickey '18, and Sam Huddleston '16 got the OLSH forensics team off to a successful start with first and second place finishes at Erie’s M&M Invitational Tournament. Preston Roczko '18 continued the success, placing in the top 5 at the Quigley tournament the following weekend.
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If you would like to speak to students about your career, or if you know of someone who would be willing to be a speaker, please contact Guidance Counselor Stephanie Nese at snese@ olsh.org.
THEATRE The theatre department presented a summer showcase, featuring individual student performances and a group performance of selections from “Into the Woods”. This year’s fall play joined forces with the annual Haunted Hallways with “Varney the Vampire”.
NEW TEACHERS AT OLSH
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he OLSH family added some new faces and new talents this year. Our faculty now includes a Campus Minister with a law degree, two professional engineers, a bass-playing music teacher, and a volleyball coaching science teacher. DANIEL “MONTY” MONTGOMERY Mr. “Monty” Montgomery holds a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) from Washington & Lee School of Law and a B.A. from Ave Maria University, but his heart is in teaching. He says, “I enjoy the opportunity to engage students in the most fundamental questions about our existence – why are we here? Where do we come from? Where are we going? What is the point of all this? Leading students to ask these questions and helping them to answer them through logic, reason, and revelation is incredibly rewarding and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity.” As he settles into his OLSH home, he says, “I like its welcoming atmosphere; I like the intelligence of its students; I like the students’ openness to new people and new ideas; I like the students’ respectfulness; I like the teachers’ competence.” MICHAEL NYPAVER Michael Nypaver has a B.S. and a Masters in Education from Duquesne University. Mr. Nypaver has spent the last three years subbing in New Castle High School, North Allegheny, and Beaver High School. He also has coached volleyball for Fox Chapel, Pine Richland, Pittsburgh Volleyball Club, Pitt Elite, and Duquesne. He enjoys the variety that comes with teaching, saying, “Every day and every year is different. It is always something new.” Though he was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Mr. Nypaver has set a
personal goal of trying to visit all 50 states. “I am over half way there,” he says. ALLAN PONTIERE Mr. Allan Pontiere holds a B.S. in Music Education from Edinboro University and an M.S. in Education from Duquesne University. Before coming to OLSH, he was a music instructor in the Montour School District for 34 years. As he joins the OLSH faculty, he is excited to be back in the classroom, saying, “Very simply, I love working with kids, which is why I am thrilled to be back in education once again.” In addition to being a teacher, Mr. Pontiere has also been performing professionally for over 30 years. Currently, he plays the trumpet in the Ohio Valley Community Band and is the bass player and lead vocalist for a dance band called Night Life. One of his goals for the OLSH music program is “to continue to expand the band program and the choral program and to perform as much as possible.”
Pittsburgh.
PAULA VIGRASS Mrs. Paula Vigrass has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Grove City College and MBA from the University of
Mrs. Vigrass comes from a family of teachers, and now that she is teaching, she says: “I enjoy the interaction with the students and love learning new things. Both of my parents were teachers and it’s great to be able to continue this family tradition.” She is settling in nicely at her new OLSH home, saying, “Everyone is very friendly and welcoming here. I don’t really feel like a new teacher.” SUSAN RUSNAK Mrs. Susan Rusnak holds an M.A. in Education from Slippery Rock University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Penn State University. Before working at OLSH, she was a long-term sub at North Allegheny, Seneca Valley, Pine Richland, and Mars High Schools. She says, “I like working with teens – just when I think I have mastered the lesson, their curious minds will ask questions that I’m not prepared for. I try to keep one step ahead, but it is a great learning environment when students realize that learning is on-going, even for the teacher.” Mrs. Rusnak has also served in the U.S. Army and was at the Brandenburg Gate when President Reagan said “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
SPEAKER SERIES The OLSH Ministry Team’s Speaker Series: Catholic Conversations kicked off in October with Dave Van Vickle’s presentation of “The Catholic Truth about Angels, Demons, Ghosts, Exorcisms and Hauntings.” The series continues this winter with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, presenting “Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles with Jesus” on January 27 and Emily Stimpson presenting “The Sexualization of Today’s Children” on April 28. All talks are free and open to the public.
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 19
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND OLSH THE OWL CENTER: A Unique New Resource for OLSH Students
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his fall the OWL (OLSH Writing and Learning) Center opened at OLSH. While writing and learning centers are extremely popular at the collegiate level, they are scarce among high schools. OLSH is the only Pittsburgh area Catholic high school to have a resource of this nature in place. The OWL Center is directed by Mrs. Barbara Desman, English Department Chair, who long dreamed of a writing/ learning center at OLSH. Mr. Tyler Rodgers, who teaches senior World Literature, works alongside Mrs. Desman as the OWL Instructor, and trained student peer tutors, coordinated by Miss Erin Kregar, Spanish teacher and National Honor Society moderator, also provide support. The OWL Center actually includes two separate “centers” in the same space. The Writing Center is used for writing conferences: one-on-one sessions that help students from the brainstorming process through editing their work for grammar and spelling errors. Writing feedback and critiques are some of the most important steps in a young writer’s journey into truly finding their voice. The OWL Center provides students a comfortable place in which to share their work with other aspiring writers and to have an extra pair of expert “owl” eyes reviewing their work. The Learning Center invites students to meet with trained NHS peer tutors or with Mrs. Desman or Mr. Rodgers for help for a specific subject or for general study skills, including note taking, and organization tips. The OWL Center is open to all OLSH students and provides a place for students to receive extra help in a relaxing and quiet space, away from daily classroom rigors, on the second floor library reading porch. Students can stop by during study halls or at the start of the day to schedule an appointment in the Center. Additionally, teachers, guidance staff, and parents can request
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meetings for specific students, allowing for 360 degrees of support. A building is only as strong as its foundation, and the OWL Center is concretely reinforced with input, advocacy and assistance from two well-known leaders in higher education. Dr. James Purdy, the Director of the Duquesne University Writing Center and a published author, will mentor and provide consultation for the OWL Center on an ongoing basis. Dr. Purdy recently conducted an on-site training session for the peer writing tutors, and has advised OLSH on the selection of online scheduling software. Dr. Christine Abbott, the Director of the La Roche College Writing Center and a professor of English, served as an advisor in the creation and development of the OWL Center, building on a 15-year collaboration with Mrs. Desman through the Scholar World Literature course. This important and distinctive new addition will improve and enhance students’ skills and provide an additional layer of preparation and support for college and university study and success for years to come, further increasing the value and quality of an OLSH education. For more information about the OWL Center, visit the OLSH website or send an email to owl@olsh.org.
When asked why the OLSH Writing and Learning Center had been a dream of hers, Mrs. Desman explained: “I have been conducting writing conferences for over 25 years with students in my English classes. Without fail, when students completed these conferences they were empowered to write their own ideas in a well-structured essay. They understood that they had something to say and were now able to write it. Graduates came back year after year to thank me and say how much they had learned about the process of how to write a paper. I dreamed of a Writing Center because I wanted this experience for every student at OLSH, and not just with their English papers but with essays of any kind, in any subject. Once a student learns how to write, the student has that ability not for a class but for a lifetime! Alumni repeatedly shared with the administration the value of what they had learned at OLSH, and they made the case for creating a formal space. We mobilized the resources we already had available and connected with important people to make it happen. When a student is tutored individually, and taught at his or her own pace, the student leaves with the confidence that he or she can succeed. OLSH students will flourish because they will come to the OWL Center whenever they need to strengthen their knowledge, and reach a higher level than they had before. The potential outcome of having a Writing and Learning Center is enrichment for lifelong learning. We enrich every subject in our curriculum and every student at OLSH so that they can enter college with the experience and personal training for college and beyond.”
OLSH NEWS AND NOTES Students
Chris DeSalle '17 & Brody Connor '17 filmed a promotional video for St. Malachy School that will be shared on the St. Malachy website when editing is complete. Adam Gaupp '15 and Heidi Langhorst '15 participated in a program with the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center this summer, completing research and presenting findings alongside college students. Adam worked on the creation of a 3D model of a sunflower plant and Heidi worked with 3D models of bones. Adam Goliwas '15 earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He built a timber-framed fire pit for a campground at Moraine State Park. Anthony Hugney '15 has been accepted into the US Navy’s Nuclear Engineering program. After scoring exceedingly well on the entry test, he was auto-qualified for this program. In addition he will enter the ROTC program to prepare to be an officer. As part of her Felician Core Values Fulfilled seminar requirements, Ashley Sitarik '15 shadowed meteorologist Dennis Bowman at KDKA to discover justice and peace at work in the studio. Taylor DiPerna '15 signed a national letter of intent, accepting an athletic scholarship to play softball at Wheeling Jesuit University.
Molly Welsh '15 also signed a national letter of intent, accepting an athletic scholarship to play softball at Wheeling Jesuit University.
Emily Schnarre '15 ran the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon at Disney World in Florida and set a new personal record.
Faculty & Staff Meredith Rieseck-Terracio and Brian Molka attended a workshop entitled “Innovative Approaches to STEM Education” this summer.
Principal Tim Plocinik and guidance counselor Susan McDonald attended a two-day conference regarding the Felician Educational Consortium at Felician-sponsored Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, NJ. The goal of the Consortium is to create a model of educational innovation and impact for Felician colleges and high schools and it will provide online courses for college credit to high school students at a reduced cost.
Courtney Melgares and husband Brandon welcomed daughter Emery Vida on June 15, 2014. Emery Vida was 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce. Religion teachers Nancy Jarocki, Phil McCarren, and Erin Stuvek '07 attended the St. Don Bosco Conference for Religious Educators at Franciscan University of Steubenville this summer. Mission Leader Jeff Hulbert, campus minister Monty Montgomery and religion teachers Nancy Jarocki, Phil McCarren, and Erin Stuvek '07 attended a presentation by Sherry Weddell on Forming Intentional Disciples in October. Bob Brasko attended the 2014 Sociology for Social Studies Workshop hosted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Education in October. The two-day workshop featured information on approaches to teaching sociology and resources available to teachers. Mallory Hurley '07 attended the Pennsylvania Arts Educators Association Conference held at Seven Springs this fall. While there she learned about 3D printing, visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, and learned ways to incorporate nature into lesson plans.
Kristi Vent, English teacher was nominated by Zach Heller '13 to participate in the Excellence in Teaching Conference at Notre Dame University this fall. Ms. Vent reflected on her experience, sharing, “Each of the sessions at the conference discussed new research and techniques to use in the classroom, especially in regards to helping students prepare for college and the future. It also gave me the opportunity to interact with teachers from across the country and to compare strategies and ideas in regards to technology, assessment, and classroom management. It was a wonderful experience, and I am grateful to the Pittsburgh chapter of the Notre Dame Alumni Association and especially the Heller family for giving me this opportunity!”
Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 21
OLSH & ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES 1973
Christine (Lamark) Papapietro is “living in and loving San Diego!” She is planning to travel to Spain in December to cheer on her daughter’s college soccer team.
1977
Kenneth Tustin completed his 33rd year in Pharmaceutical Sales this past May. He continues to serve in his role as District Sales Manager.
1987
Lisa Kutrufis married Chuck Russell on August 1, 2014. She also opened her own catering business, Simply Delicious Catering, on October 1, 2014.
1988
Shawn McMinn and his wife, Ellen (Muchika), welcomed their son, Ethan James, on June 29, 2014. Shawn currently serves as a police officer in the Borough of Aspinwall. Raquel (Roney) Sanders welcomed a granddaughter, Kennedy Nicole Furmage.
1989
Dean Poloka was recently named to the list of 2014 Master Artists and Tradition Bearers by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation. He was listed as a “master choreographer and ethnic researcher of traditional Carpatho-Rusyn music, song, and dance,” and was honored at a reception on October 29, 2014.
1995
Regina (Lieb) Woynar and her husband, Jason, welcomed their third child, Cullen John, on July 15, 2014. Cullen has two big sisters, Delaney (age 10), and Malley (age 6).
1997
Becky Bozym, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at LaRoche College, was the recipient of the 2012-2013 Brother Gregory Nugent Award for Excellence in Teaching, an award given to only one professor each year. Becky was recently inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Circle of La Roche College and was awarded an equipment grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.
1984
On August 9, 2014, the OLSH Class of 1984 celebr by Shelley Monto and Tom Reinsel, was held on th Pittsburgh.
1999
Dr. Samuel Urick, III, and his wife, Dana, welcomed their first child, Lily Rose on August 30, 2014. Lily was 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20.5 inches long. In September, Sam was a keynote speaker for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine white coat ceremonies.
2001
Dan Praskovich married Jessica Henschen on July 5 at the Church of the Good Shepherd. A reception followed at historic Primrose Cottage in Roswell, GA. The couple currently resides in Roswell and is excitedly expecting their first child at the end of April 2015.
1982
In July, several members of the Class of 1982 gathered to celebrate their 50th birthday. Pictured left to right are: Joe Farley, Valerie (Kapela) Zanotti, Valerie (Wilczynski) LeMunyon, Mike Meisberger, Debbie (Wilczynski) Havey, Karen (Puglielli) Watts, Anna (DeChellis) Marks, Roseann (DePace) Carlson, Cathy (Hisle) Floyd.
22 • www.olsh.org
Things have changed since 1932!
We're sure you have too! Send your news to alumni@olsh. org or visit the alumni section of the OLSH website to submit online.
Bridgette (Wright) Trunzo and her husband, Jarod, welcomed a new little girl into their family on May 9, 2014, Avila Caternia Trunzo. Big sisters Gianna and Sophia are very happy to have a new little sister.
2005
rated their 30th reunion. The event, organized he rooftop deck at Blue Line Grille in downtown
Benjamin Johns and Lauren Kristynik exchanged vows on October 4, 2014, in Austin, Texas. David Kaczmarek '01 served as a groomsman. The couple spent eight days honeymooning on the beautiful island of Grenada before returning to their home in Austin, TX. Ben is currently employed as a Patrol Officer for the City of San Antonio Police Department.
2002
2003
Erin (Rodgers) Behrman and her husband, Rob, welcomed their first child, Victor William, on September 14, 2014.
After 6 years in parish ministry, Jason Gawaldo is currently helping Catholic families plan for the future as a field agent for Catholic Value Insurance.
Alexander Hays and Christina Roseto were married on October 11, 2014, at St. Malachy Church. Several OLSH alumni were in the wedding party, including: Sarah Spardy '03, Catherine Roseto '10, and Shawn Wilkinson '05. Alex is a Senior Client Services Manager for Highmark and Christina is an Operations Analyst Officer with PNC Bank’s Merchant Services division, and assistant volleyball coach at OLSH. In December 2013, Kelli Bagatini graduated from St. Vincent College with a Master of Health Science in Anesthesia and is currently working at Monongalia General Hospital. Jackie (Beerhalter) Atkins received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Edinboro University in May 2009 and her master’s degree in Special Education from Shippensburg University in December 2012. She is currently a 5th and 6th grade Emotional Support Teacher at Spring Grove Area school district in York, PA.
2006
Donna (Dubois) Heisler and her husband, John, welcomed their first child, John William “Jack”, on September 13, 2014.
Adam Scheletsky recently spent 2 years living in Bozeman, MT, working as a Ski Patroller at Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, MT. After graduating from Penn State in 2010, he decided to go back to school. He is a certified EMT and is taking pre-requisite courses at Montana State University to enter the medical field. This past summer, he moved to Ithaca, New York, and taught Wilderness Medicine Classes in New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania for Aerie Search & Rescue. In August, he participated in a mountain bike trip along the Continental Divide from Banff, Alberta, in Canada to the Mexico border.
2007
Bob Waruszewski and his wife, Caitlyn, welcomed their first child, Lucy Benedicta, on May 31. The family resides in Bellevue. Christy Burik graduated from Duquesne Law School in June 2014.
Jillian (Babish) Zentko married Shawn Zentko on May 24, 2014 in Pittsburgh. Ky Plocinik made the 2015 USA Women’s Street Hockey Team.
Have you downloaded the OLSH app yet?
This free app was developed to serve as a tool for parents, students, alumni, prospective families and friends. Visit itunes or the google play store and download the OLSH app today! Be Known | Be Transformed | Be Inspired • 23
ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES 2008
Lauren (Feeley) Vietmeier married Daniel Vietmeier in May 2014. The couple recently purchased a house in Robinson Township, PA, and adopted a golden retriever named Cruz. Lauren, who is a registered nurse at Children’s Hospital, is currently enrolled in a pediatric acute and primary care nurse practitioner program at Drexel University Online.
2009
Rebecca Secula is starting her second year as an Admissions Counselor/ Recruiter for Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA. Caitlin O’Connor graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Special Education.
Alfred G. Toperine '74 February 18, 2014 Saverio J. “Babe” Depace May 2, 2014 Father of Jane DePace '61 Jamie Louise Wolfe '99 May 4, 2014 Jon L. Pentland June 26, 2014 Father of Michael '76, Mark '77, Vic '81, and Cynthia (Pentland) Post '87 Father in law of Elaine (Mihalov) Pentland '77 Grandfather of Keith '09 and Erika Pentland '11 Anthony “Tony” DeSalle July 6, 2014 Husband of Rosanna (Pitassi) DeSalle '78 Father of David '05, Andrew '08, Dominic '13, and Christopher '17 Kurt Mihalov July 26, 2014 Brother of Elaine (Mihalov) Pentland '77 and Dale Mihalov '74
24 • www.olsh.org
2010
Annie Collier graduated summa cum laude from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, this past spring. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Tri-Beta (national biology honor society) and the national social sciences honor society. She also received the class biology award for best original research and thesis. This fall she matriculated to the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine.
2011
Luke Collier is currently a senior at Wooster College in Ohio. He is working on his independent study project and thesis in psychology. In addition to volunteering as a tutor and soccer coach in the community, he has played varsity soccer for four years and is now captain of the Wooster College soccer team.
In Memorium William P. “Bill” Harkins August 4, 2014 Father of Tamara (Harkins) Waggoner '88 Robert D. Warner August 16, 2014 Father of Jaclyn Warner '14 Edward Michael Goetz September 3, 2014 OLSH Development Director and Boys Basketball Coach from 1992-1995 Marilyn Rak September 5, 2014 Mother of Frederick, Jr. '77, Michael '95, and Rita (Rak) Masi '82 Grandmother of Nicole Rak '06 Renee Glatz September 22, 2014 Mother-in-law of Christine (Plucinski) Glatz '78 JoAnn R. Chesick September 29, 2014 Mother of Eugene “Rege” Chesick '79
He hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Grace Jancart was named to the Dean’s List for Spring 2014 at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Annie Kayser was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Ohio State.
2013
Casey LaBuda and Rachel Rattay were named to the Dean’s List in Spring 2014 at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Isiah Neely was named a 2013-14 PSAC Scholar-Athlete at Slippery Rock University, an honor given to athletes maintaining a 3.25 GPA or higher.
Arthur J. Caraher October 3, 2014 Father-in-law of Dr. Neal Fanelli '77 Robert J. Synowiec October 5, 2014 Father of Robert '97 and David Synowiec '99 Mario Fratangeli October 8, 2014 Father of Maria Fratangeli '86 Mary Kennedy Bellotti October 13, 2014 Mother of Janet Puppo, former OLSH Religion teacher Grandmother of Joseph Puppo '97, Annamaria (Puppo) Acree '99, and Gina Puppo '02 Sister Mary Irene Grabowicz '35 October 27, 2014 Michaeleh Jones November 2, 2014 Sister of Megan Jones '02
O
ver the years, OLSHighlights has traveled across the globe. The question is: where in the world can you take OLSHighlights? Our readers live and travel across the country and around the world. Now it’s your chance to show us the places you live, work, and visit. Send a photo of yourself holding your OLSHighlights and a description of the location and why you are there to alumni@olsh.org. We can’t wait to see all the places you’ve been!
Maddie Grimes '14, Holly Lisco '14, Cora Saftner '15, and Matt Mezzio '15 visited Colonial Williamsburg this summer. Here they are pictured in front of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the firsr building at the College of William and Mary and the oldest college building in the United States.
Amanda Carmichael '12 poses in front of the Temple of Apollo in Greece during a College of Wooster summer study abroad program. She spent 3 weeks traveling and studying ancient Greek medicine and science.
Hannah Devlin '12 spent a month studying anthropology and the native Kichwa language and culture in Ecuador for a University of Pittsburgh study abroad program. This is a picture of Hannah at the Iyarina Field School on the Napo River, near Tena, Ecuador.
Jacki Weaver '09 took her OLSHighlights along when visiting Alyson Nolte '09 in Avila, Spain. Alyson has been living and teaching in Avila for the past year. They are pictured here in front of the historic Walls of Avila with the Cathedral in the background.
The group on the Europe trip remembered to take along a copy of OLSHighlights for a photo in front of the Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace) in Avignon, France.
Jenna (Zyroll) Sheetz '07 and Jessica (Zerishnek) Sellman '02 pose with OLSHighlights before heading off on a harbor cruise during the Partners in Mission National Advancement and Enrollment Management Conference for Catholic Schools in Boston, MA.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 1983
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School 1504 Woodcrest Avenue Coraopolis, PA 15108-3054
Upcoming Events JANUARY 2015 1-2 Christmas Break 5 Classes Resume 12-15 Midterm Exams 22 March for Life 25-30 Catholic Schools Week 27 Speaker Series: Fr. Dave Pivonka “Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles with Jesus” FEBRUARY 2015 10 OLSH Day of Giving 25 FAFSA Completion Night
MARCH 2015 6-8 Spring Musical: The Addams Family 13-14 Spring Musical: The Addams Family APRIL 2015 1-6 Easter Break 7 Classes Resume 11 2015 Legacy Gala: A Time to Flourish 28 Speaker Series: Emily Stimpso n “The Sexualization of Today’s Children”
For more information on these, or other upcoming events, visit www.olsh.org
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