Winter 2019
A Magazine for the Constituents of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School
Greetings from OLSH!
I
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Ben Becze, CFRE Jessica Cerchiaro Kim Corrado Terry Donoghue Phoebe Kristek ‘13 Patricia Krueger Robin Prevade
t is with great excitement that we unveil the 2019-2023 OLSH Strategic Plan: Positioning OLSH for Prominence, Performance and Permanence i n t h e W i n t e r e d i t i o n o f OLSHighlights magazine. Having assembled the new plan at the same time that we were conducting our most recent Middle States Association self-study for accreditation, we believe that it reflects goals that will enable OLSH to gain even greater momentum in fulfilling its mission, increasing the quality and quantity of offerings for students, and cementing its spot in the future as a Catholic educational leader of excellence in our region. Speaking of Middle States, by the way, I am pleased to report that OLSH is fully accredited for the next seven years! The realization of the goals included in our new strategic plan will be dependent on a number of key factors, including continuing leadership, creativity and dedication on the part of our administration, faculty and staff; the formation of new collaborative partnerships; the identification of necessary financial and other resources; and an unwavering focus on and commitment to our mission. We are blessed by a firm foundation of solidarity and support in each of these critical areas. I sincerely hope that you will be as excited as I am about all of the other great news contained in this edition of OLSHighlights. From academic achievement to athletic accomplishment -spotlights on service and special commendations for our alumni -- there are more reasons than ever to celebrate the vibrancy and vitality of OLSH!
PHOTOGRAPHY Harry Giglio Productions, Inc. Carolyn McAndrews ‘20 Luke Travis ‘15 OLSH Yearbook DESIGN Michael J. Cerchiaro '96 PRINTING Multi Print Media
“...goals that will enable OLSH to gain even greater momentum in fulfilling its mission, increasing the quality and quantity of offerings for students, and cementing its spot in the future as a Catholic educational leader of excellence in our region.”
We are deeply grateful for the mission-critical role benefactors like you have played in the success we have achieved at OLSH, and we look forward to a continuing partnership that affords new heights of excellence and opportunity in the years to come, forging a bright future for our ministry of the Felician Sisters! May God’s blessings surround and sustain you in 2019 and always. Sincerely,
Terry O’Rourke Donoghue
EDITOR Jessica Cerchiaro, Director of Marketing & Communications
SPECIAL THANKS Felician Sisters 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. Contributions to Alumni News & Notes and address changes may be sent to: OLSH Alumni Office 1504 Woodcrest Avenue Coraopolis, PA 15108 (412) 424-4610 · alumni@olsh.org
Table of CONTENTS Winter 2019
www.olsh.org
FEATURES 2
WPIAL 1A Champions
4
Distinguished Alumni Honorees Reflect on OLSH’s Influence
7
The Tisch Family Library: A Hub of Student Learning
8
Seeds of Hope
10 OLSH Celebrates Academic Achievement 11 Continuing a Legacy: Phoebe Kristek ‘13 12 Alumni Living Out Core Values
4
13 Teaching Children about God through Art: OLSH Creator Camp
2
8
14 Positioning for Prominence, Performance, & Permanence: The 2019-2023 Strategic Plan for OLSH 17 Technology Initiatives and Upgrades at OLSH 18 New faculty bring fresh perspectives and expertise
Summer 2018
A Magazine for the Constituents of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School
10
17
IN EVERY ISSUE 19 Semester in Review 26 Alumni News and Notes 28 In Memorium
ON THE COVER: Richard Banks ’19 carries the OLSH flag on to the field at the start of the WPIAL 1A Football Championship game at Heinz Field on November 17, 2018. Photo by Luke Travis ‘15
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
#OLSHChargers 1
W
hen the OLSH Chargers football team took the field for the first time ever on Saturday, September 11, 2010, there was no way to predict that just eight years (and two months) later the team would be stepping onto Heinz Field to play for – and win – the WPIAL 1A Championship game. For a program that had the mercy rule invoked in the majority of its games just three years ago, earning the title of WPIAL Champion seemed out of reach. But with a combination of hard work, tenacity, and talent among the players, and a solid strategy for success on the part of their coaches, the Chargers turned a dream into a reality. Throughout the 2018 season, the Chargers took down one opponent after the next, winning all but one regular season game against defending state champion Jeannette in a nonconference match-up. Throughout the season the local sports media sang the praises of the talented Chargers squad, and with sixteen seniors on the team, there was plenty to talk about. Quarterback Tyler Bradley ‘19 ended his high school career with 8,346 passing yards – the fourth best in WPIAL history. He reached that feat by having solid offensive line protection and a wealth of receivers to target including Austin Wigley ’19, Richard Banks ’19, Sig Saftner ’19, and Andrew Schnarre ’19. The Chargers defense including linebackers Matthew Gauntner ’19 and Ryan Parry ’19 and defensive linemen Brock Saftner ’20, Eric Olexa ’19, and Noah Campalong ’19, consistently did its job, earning the nickname “Purple Reign” from fans and the OLSH Sports Network broadcasters. On November 17, the Chargers suited up at Heinz Field, ready to take on the Rochester Rams for the second time this season. OLSH dominated in the first half, starting with Eric Olexa
2
‘19 forcing a turnover on Rochester’s first offensive play. The game remained scoreless and focused on defense as the teams’ offensive strategies proved unsuccessful. Tyler Bradley ’19 ran the ball in for the first touchdown of the game and then threw a perfect pass to Andrew Schnarre ‘19 for the second TD. Ryan Gehring ‘22 was solid with both extra points, and the Chargers led 14-0 at halftime. The Rams scored a touchdown in the 3rd quarter to make it 14-6, but that is as close as it would get. Sig Saftner ’19 and Richard Banks ’19 each scored touchdowns in the fourth quarter, taking the score to 28-6. Bobby Brazell ‘21’s interception with 4:27 left in the fourth quarter ended a Rochester drive and gave the Chargers control at the end of the game. The team and fans celebrated as team captains accepted the WPIAL trophy, representing OLSH’s first WPIAL Football Championship in school history and only the second WPIAL team championship for the school (Boys Cross Country won the WPIAL title in 2012). The celebration continued as the Coraopolis and Neville Island Volunteer Fire Departments escorted the team back to campus and the school celebrated the victory with a pep rally Monday morning. But, the excitement had to be contained as the team would continue on into the PIAA playoffs. Ironically the historic 2018 Chargers football season began and ended in the same place – Slippery Rock University. The team attended camp together there in August. The foundation laid at the training camp at SRU surely paid dividends throughout the season, which came to an end on November 30 when the Farrell Steelers defeated our Chargers in the PIAA 1A Semifinal game played at Slippery Rock University. While the team’s hope of a state championship was not realized, the players, fans, parents, alumni, and coaches are all proud of the team’s outstanding and historic run.
www.olsh.org
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
3
Distinguished Alumni Honorees REFLECT ON OLSH’S INFLUENCE
On Sunday, October 1, OLSH family members and friends gathered to enjoy a festive brunch and celebrate the accomplishments of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School alumni spanning several generations. The 2018 OLSH Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to a campus minister, a lawyer, an EMS professional, and a scientist. In addition, the large crowd in attendance recognized the members of the OLSH Class of 1968 who were on hand to celebrate their 50th class reunion.
Each of the four Distinguished Alumni shared brief remarks and reflected on the impact OLSH had on their lives. SANDY (CAHALAN) MERRILL ’11, recipient of the Young Alumnus Award, is pursuing her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at Loyola University of Maryland after spending three years as Women’s Mission Leader with University Christian Outreach at the University of Maryland. She was introduced by her brother Joe Cahalan ’03 who recognized his parents (and all OLSH parents) for their sacrifices that provided an OLSH education for him and his siblings. Sandy reflected on how the ideas she is charged with carrying out as a minister – to reach, call, form, and send – were essentially instilled in her during her time at OLSH. Through her time in ministry, she has learned the importance of kindness and encouraged everyone to “Keep choosing love; that small act can and will change the world.” WILLIAM STICKMAN IV ’98, recipient of the Alumnus with Heart Award, is an accomplished attorney who has maintained strong ties to OLSH throughout his career. He was introduced by an individual Bill considers to be one of the two best teachers he has had in his entire life, OLSH English teacher, Mrs. Barbara Desman. “Besides my family and the way they raised me”, Bill shared, “there is no question that OLSH had the greatest impact on who I am today.” Bill reflected on the idea of success and noted that success is more about the person you are rather than the job, money, or other status symbols you may have. He credits much of his success to OLSH, because of the school’s ability to nurture students into the best versions of themselves. “Places like OLSH give a spark of Christian spirit, what is good, truthful, and beautiful, and encourage you to take that spark into your family, the community and the world, and share the light with others. So from OLSH goes forth a stream of sparks, of light.” Genevieve (Klein) Rosselot ’99 introduced her sister, AMANDA (KLEIN) GONZALEZ ’02, the Christian Leadership Award honoree. Amanda is a member of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff and a nationally registered paramedic in New Orleans, LA. She is an active 4
www.olsh.org
2018 HONOREES PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE Dr. Andrea Mastro ’62 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP Amanda (Klein) Gonzalez ’02 YOUNG ALUMNUS Sandy (Cahalan) Merrill ’11 ALUMNUS WITH HEART William Stickman IV ’98
PREVIOUS HONOREES board member for Help the Heroes, a nonprofit that assists injured and fallen first responders and their families. Genevieve referenced Fr. Sam Esposito’s homily from Mass that morning, in which he spoke about how it’s not how loudly we proclaim our Christianity, but rather it’s our actions that are important, and she noted how this idea exemplifies her sister, Amanda. Amanda is struck by how close everyone was at OLSH during her time there and how connected people remain after graduating. She noted, “You can’t teach empathy, you embrace it – and OLSH does that.” She is able to put this into practice as a medical professional, helping to heal her patients with more than just medicine. Sr. M. Alexander Klawinski had the honor of introducing her former student, DR. ANDREA MASTRO ’62, as the recipient of the Professional Excellence Award, commenting that Andrea was a woman ahead of her time. Andrea, in turn, credited Sr. M. Pulcheria Saukaitis ’39 for playing an important role in her choice to pursue science at a time when women were severely underrepresented in the field. Sr. Pulcheria entered many OLSH students in area science BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE Christy (Tancraitor) Uffelman '95 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP James Rosenwald '84 YOUNG ALUMNUS Alexander Vallejo '11 ALUMNUS WITH HEART Michael Cerchiaro '96 Christine (Plucinski) Glatz '78 Theresa Long '86 Jennifer Reilly-McCardell '92
5
competitions, which they frequently won. Andrea has been blessed to be involved in several organizations that support women in science and has been able to make connections across the globe as she completes her research. She has done extensive cancer research, prompting Sr. Alexander to remark that when a cure for cancer is discovered, she is sure Dr. Mastro’s research will have played a role. Andrea currently serves as Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Cell Biology at Penn State, and she has traveled the globe as she published 149 papers, and 212 abstracts and letters, and mentored 185 students, assistants, and fellows. She accepted the award on behalf of all of her classmates. “We did it all,” she said. “There were only 20 of us and we became teachers, nurses, religious, entrepreneurs, and business owners. I love them.”
After the awards ceremony came to a close, OLSH principal Tim Plocinik shared congratulatory remarks with the Class of ’68. He noted that while much has changed at OLSH in the last 50 years, “personal characteristics among students such as character, spirituality, scholarship, creativity and service (as listed in the Class of 1968 Canvas yearbook) remain at the forefront of student life here at OLSH as it did when you walked the halls 50-years ago.” The event concluded with a singing of the OLSH alma mater, led by Sr. M. Francine Horos, member of the class of 1968, former principal, and current math department chair at OLSH.
OLSH Class of 1968
6
www.olsh.org
The Tisch Family Library: A Hub of Student Learning
O
ver the past four years, librarian Bethany Cvitkovic has been working to reinvigorate the Tisch Family Library. “I see the library as a hub of the school,” she says, “a place where students can come together and learn in many different ways.” Bethany recently finished the genrefication of the nonfiction section of the library. Genrefication is a method of organizing books by genre, rather than the Dewey decimal system of traditional libraries. It has been found to be more userfriendly, helping students find more books to read that match their interests, and providing classroom teachers access to more resources on specific topics. OLSH’s 10,000 volume collection features current fiction and non-fiction
titles, as well as various magazines and newspapers available for personal reading. The space also stays up to date, offering modern online research tools. POWER Library provides access to educational resources like eBooks, primary source digitized materials, e-resources, and the statewide catalog of materials in libraries throughout Pennsylvania. Other online resources include MackinVia audiobooks and eBooks, Culturegrams, NoodleTools, Gale e-resources, and World Book online. Bethany’s goal is to keep the library ava i l a b l e a s a s p a ce fo r s t u d e n t s beyond the traditional reading and
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
research. She has worked to make it a space where students can de-stress while still using problem-solving and other critical thinking skills, offering jigsaw puzzles, coloring pages, board games, and video games. There is even a Makerspace that is updated regularly with new and seasonal materials for students to express their creativity and explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics). The Tisch Family Library is an active, exciting space at OLSH that is constantly evolving to preserve tradition, encourage learning, and support the educational process.
7
Each summer the Felician Sisters sponsor a leadership experience for teenage girls, called Seeds of Hope. Young women from each of the Felician-sponsored high schools are invited to attend the program, which is based in Holly Michigan. Participants are take part in a week of prayer, service, and activity designed to help strengthen their individual relationships with God and to help them grow as Christian leaders. Five young women from OLSH attended in June 2018: Chapel Fauser ’20, Grace Gartley ’21, Sydney Komoroski ’21, Allison Popp ’21, and Marissa Trocchio ’20. The girls who attend the experience were asked to take a project home with them to share with their classmates and school community, and to serve others. This year the attendees learned how to make sleeping mats for the homeless out of “plarn” – plastic grocery bags woven into yarn. The OLSH contingent brought back their new skill and now lead the Heartstrings activity, which meets during activity period, during which time members create mats that will be sent to Felician ministries and outreach centers across North America. Sr. M. Francine Horos ’68 serves on the coordinating team for the Seeds of Hope program and helps the attendees from OLSH to implement their project in school. “We wanted something that could unite the girls all over North America; a project everyone could do,” she explained. With all of the young women taking the same project back to their respective schools, they could have a bigger impact with their project, and receive support from across the country. “We’ve sent bags to Texas,” Sr. Francine noted, “and we’ll send completed mats to ministries in California and Haiti.” The girls who attended enjoyed their experience and were excited to work with other classmates on the mats.
8
www.olsh.org
Marissa Trocchio
Chapel Fauser
When I first heard about Seeds of Hope, in the assembly with Sister Mary Beth and Sister Desiré my freshman year, I didn’t think twice about going. In the months after that, I debated about going and suddenly, only a few weeks before, had an urge to go. And so on June 18th, I drove down with my friend, Chapel, who was also attending. We were scared and nervous, because we had no idea what to expect. Now, I am so thankful I went and truly believe my spiritual life has been changed in the best way after Seeds of Hope.
and ate there. This day made me realize how grateful I am to have all I have in life, and how I should start dedicating more time to help people w h o h ave n o t h i n g . M y favorite activity was a prayer service held on one of the last nights, followed by confession. The prayer service was about “pouring your problems out to God,” which made it a very emotional time. After everything I had felt like a weight had been lifted off of me. Not everything was serious there, we had a cookout one night, volleyball tournaments, and times when they would let us put on music and dance around, which was fun!
O v e r t h e s u m m e r, I participated in the Felician Sister's Seeds of Hope summer camp in Holly, Michigan. The counselors and Sisters were caring and welcoming and it was a great experience to meet girls from all over the country. I knew from the moment I arrived that I would leave a changed person. Throughout the camp, we listened to guest speakers who talked about the importance of leadership and living in our faith. The talks were interesting and informative and steered me not only into learning more about my faith on this retreat, but also learning more about myself.
Overall, I am so grateful I went to Seeds of Hope. I feel like I was so spiritually changed while I was there. I also met a lot of girls there that I developed friendships w i th, and sti l l keep in touch with. The Sisters were not only inspiring, but also were so funny and fun t o b e around . I rec ommend g oing t o any girl that was like me, debating on even trying to go. I am so thankful for my time at Seeds of Hope, and it will be an experience I’ll remember forever.
My favorite part of the retreat was when we traveled to Detroit, Michigan to perform service to those in need. We went to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to talk to the homeless people who were there for food. It was very compelling to
SEEDS OF HOPE REFLECTION:
Each day we had a specific schedule, which always started at around 8am, and ended at 9pm. The day consisted of m o r n i n g p r a y e r, t a l k s and activities, night Mass and prayer, and of course, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There was also always time in the schedule for down time, in case you wanted to take a walk, or take a nap. My favorite talk had to be with one Sister who came and talked about her life before becoming a Sister. It was very emotional, but inspiring and I liked hearing about it. One day of the week, we had a service day where you served at a local clothing store, garden, or soup kitchen in Detroit. I was put at the clothing store, and for a few hours I organized clothes while people shopped. Then we all went to a soup kitchen
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
SEEDS OF HOPE REFLECTION
hear the people’s stories about how they became homeless and how they l i ve d t h e i r d ay t o d ay l i ve s . We e n c o u ra g e d them with our words and by letting them know that God is everywhere and is looking down on them. Serving in this was was an eye opening experience for me and it made me realize how blessed and fortunate that I am. It also made me want to continue to serve in that way on a more regular basis with the hope that o n e d ay I c a n h e l p t o raise some awareness and support for those in need in my community. The Seeds of Hope mission trip definitely transformed me in many ways: I made new friends and formed strong bonds; I grew deeper in my faith and in my relationship with God; and I gained a renewed sense of passion, peace, and respect for the Felician Core Values, all things that will continue to grow and last a lifetime.
9
OLSH Celebrates Academic Achievement
O
LSH students are accustomed to heading to the AAC for pep rallies to kick off each athletic season and to celebrate athletic achievements; however, on the morning of December 6, students, faculty, staff, administration and parents gathered to celebrate a different kind of success – academic achievement. Last year teachers and students in AP English, Computer Science, Physics, Calculus, and World History participated in the AP Teacher Investment Program (AP-TIP IN) with the University of Notre Dame. OLSH teachers attended summer institutes, Notre Dame professionals visited OLSH, and our students had the opportunity to take a scored practice exam. The combination of resources, training, and practice paid off, literally, as students who earned qualifying scores of 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams included in the program received financial incentives for their achievements. Mr. Tim Plocinik, school principal, described the assembly as an opportunity to celebrate the school’s “academic muscle” as opposed to its “athletic muscle” for a change. The assembly kicked off with music from the OLSH pep band and the singing of the National Anthem by Maria Yarsky ’19. Mrs. Terry Donoghue, school president welcomed everyone and congratulated all students who have participated in and/ or are currently enrolled in AP courses at OLSH. By virtue of their involvement, these students will benefit immensely in post-secondary studies. Then Mrs. Karen Morris, program director for AP-TIP IN at the University of Notre Dame shared
10
some remarks with students, highlighting the high level of success reached by OLSH in the first year of its involvement in the program. After this first year, there was an increase in qualifying scores by 42%, a significant number demonstrating the program’s success. Morris encouraged all students to consider enrolling in an AP course, citing its benefits to all students whether looking at a 4-year or 2-year college or university or a trade or technical school, or the military. Morris was excited to participate in the presentation of checks to students and faculty members who participated in the AP-TIP IN program at OLSH and who received qualifying scores on AP exams. Made possible by a grant, the AP-TIP IN program awarded $12,200 to the following students, alumni, and teachers: Brendan Burke ’18, Dom Cook ’19, Emily Halbedl ’18, Andrew Heller ’18, Maddie Hoff ’19, Kevin Jones ’19, Krista Kim ’19, Christopher Kocent ’18, Rebekah Kohser ’19, Grace Lipscomb ’18, Ryan Massengill ’19, Ben McAdams ’18, Kevin Meurer ’18, Ashley Norling ’19, Ella Ondercin ’20, Kate Penn ’19, Ian Polidora ’18, Alex Rudock ’19, Luke Saftner ’19, Julia Sarnowski ’19, Andrew Schnarre ’19, Lindsey Shema ’19, Bethany Smith ’19, Rebecca Voss ’19, and Mrs. Erica Hollabaugh ’04, AP English teacher, Mrs. Paula Vigrass, AP Computer Science teacher, Mr. Mike Schuster, AP Calculus teacher, and Mrs. Andrea Bagnell, AP World History teacher.
www.olsh.org
Continuing a Legacy:
Phoebe Kristek ’13 is OLSH’s Manager of Alumni & Parent Engagement
W
hen the 2018-2019 school year started, OLSH science teacher Meredith Rieseck-Terracio (commonly known as Mrs. RT) quipped, “It just doesn’t feel right without a Kristek in my classroom!” When Celeste Kristek ‘18 graduated in June, it marked the end of an era at OLSH - the Kristek family had a student enrolled at OLSH for 20 consecutive years! Samantha (Kristek) Lesak ‘02 enrolled at OLSH in 1998. She was followed by her seven siblings - Eli ‘04, Zeke ‘06, Jordan ‘09, Caleb ‘11, Phoebe ‘13, Malachi ‘16, and Celeste ‘18. Fortunately for OLSH (and for Mrs. RT), the streak would only remain broken for a few months! In November, Phoebe Kristek ‘13 accepted the position of Manager of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Phoebe actually learned of the position from her sister-in-law, another OLSH alum, Caitie (Bonner) Kristek ‘04, who encouraged Phoebe to apply. Since she “basically grew up at OLSH”, working at the school felt comfortable. Her unique “history” with OLSH made her a perfect fit for the position, which works to engage alumni and current parents. Phoebe recalls attending OLSH bowling matches and the OLSH Christmas plays as a young girl, and
Phoebe Kristek '13
play my senior year and I got to play Ernie,” Phoebe recalled. While she has a lot of memories like that to draw upon, perhaps her favorite memory as a student would be the Honors Chorus trip to Walt Disney World in her junior year. “It was my first trip to Disney and we got to sing in the Candlelight P ro ce s s i o n a l i n E p co t r i gh t a f te r Thanksgiving,” she noted. The many opportunities available to OLSH students is one thing Phoebe l ove d a b o u t t h e school as a student h e r s e l f, a n d t h e close bonds formed between students and teachers is another. While a few things may have changed since she was a student, like the bell schedule and the now cashless cafeteria, Phoebe was happy to find that the essence of OLSH that she loved still remained. She is excited to reacquaint herself with some of her former classmates, as well as friends and classmates of her siblings in her new role. “It’s great to have my family connections as a starting point when reaching out to alumni for updates and inviting them to events,” Phoebe
It’s great to have my family connections as a “ starting point when reaching out to alumni for updates and to invite them to events. ” she was always excited for her turn to join in all of the opportunities at the school. While a student, Phoebe was on the bowling team and was an active member of the theatre and music departments, performing in spring musicals, Christmas plays, and concerts. “I remember the OLSH Christmas Play when they performed A Muppet Family Christmas and my sister, Sam, played Gobo the Fraggle. I was only 6 years old at the time. We did the same
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
remarked. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the current students and connecting with them so that once they graduate they will hopefully feel comfortable re-connecting with their school.” Phoebe has already jumped full swing into the world of alumni and parents at OLSH, attending a First Friday Parent Social and planning the Alumni Family Christmas Party. She is looking forward to attending school events and activities and immersing herself back into the culture of the school as she works to engage parents and alumni in the OLSH community.
The Kristek family attends a bowling match for Eli and Zeke (not pictured: Samantha).
11
Alumni Living Out Core Values
T
he Our Lady of the Sacred Heart community maintains a commitment to living by the core values set forth by the Felician Sisters. The five Felician Core Values that we honor are Respect for Human Dignity, Compassion, Transformation, Solidarity with the Poor, and Justice & Peace. Students spend time each year in their classes and at school events putting these values into practice so that they may go on to lead by example after graduating from OLSH. Alumni live out the core values in a myriad of ways each and every day. Here, we take the opportunity to shine a light on the important work that several OLSH alumni are doing to live out the Felician Core Values. At Gannon University, Sara Oros ‘16, Maria Lohmann ‘17, Rachel Kuchnicki
’17, and Kathryn Dickey ’18 make up part of the Catholic Relief Services University Ambassador program. This program allows students who are passionate about social justice issues and their advocacy to be socially responsible global citizens by organizing events and initiatives to promote the idea that everyone is connected. They follow the campaign, “I am the cause, and I am the solution,” with a focus on “I am human trafficking,” “I am climate change,” “I am global hunger,” and “I am migration.” Sara Oros, a political science major in her junior year at Gannon, serves as the President of the school’s CRS University Ambassadors. When she heard about the opportunity to explore social justice issues in relation to her faith, she couldn’t pass it up. “I wanted to gain a better understanding of poverty issues in regards to the Catholic Social Teaching and how all of the issues are interconnected with each other. CRS is one of the most efficient and effective organizations in the world, and being able to represent them and share their mission has been a blessing.” While the group certainly does touch upon each of the five Felician Core Values, their work mostly coincides with Justice & Peace and Solidarity with the Poor. “Since CRS Ambassadors is mostly centered around education and advocacy, we pride ourselves in seeking justice for people whose voices have been silenced through systems,” remarks Oros. The Ambassadors take part in numerous initiatives throughout the year to live out their mission. They hosted a Fair Trade Coffeehouse, where they served fair trade coffee alongside an acoustic performance on campus, while providing information to students on how and where to obtain ethically traded products in the area.
12
Erie, Pennsylvania is a sanctuary city where families come for refuge. Most families arrive unprepared, not knowing what lies ahead in an Erie winter. Through the Basket of Blessing program, University Ambassadors are able to host one of these refugee families, buying them winter gear and school supplies to make their transition to living in the United States a smooth one. During the season of Lent, they take part in the Lenten Rice Bowl/Break Fast campaign to collect donations for people in underdeveloped countries. At the end of the season, the students donate their meal swipes for a day to participate in a fast in solidarity with the poor, and host a speaker on campus to discuss global hunger and poverty issues. In addition to these programs, the CRS University Ambassadors take part in the S.O.A.P project to fight human trafficking, they meet with district and state representatives, and they maintain a presence on social media to promote awareness of their “I am” statements. So, how can others get involved? Oros has a few ideas. Consider attending the programs that they put on, become an ambassador on your own campus, or simply follow CRS on social media. You may even consider attending a weekly Mass at Gannon, where 1/3 of the offerings during the collection goes to Catholic Relief Services. And remember to always keep in mind: “I am the cause, and I am the solution.”
www.olsh.org
Teaching Children about God through Art: OLSH Creator Camp
F
or the past several years, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School ( O L S H ) h a s o f f e re d a va r i e t y of camps for children in grades K-8 each summer, ranging from theatre to sports to STEM. A new camp this year welcomed the school’s youngest campers to date, aged 5-8, to a weeklong program that combined theology lessons with art, celebrating God’s creations by creating! Mallory Hurley '07, an OLSH alumnus and former art teacher who owns Sacred Art + Wellness and serves as a SoulCore instructor, approached Kate Kelly, OLSH theology teacher, about offering a summer camp for young children that combined art and faith. “At first I wasn’t sure about the age range, since I didn’t have much experience, but then thought it might be really fun!” commented Kelly, who teaches theology to 9th and 10th graders at OLSH and emcees the region’s annual Catholic Women’s Fellowship Conference. “We came up with the name Creator Camp because of its play on the word Creator. The whole week was focused on God as our Creator and the children as mini creators through art. Our phrase for the week was ‘God created ________ and it was GOOD!’ We would fill in the blank with whatever a s p e c t o f G o d ’s c re a t i o n we we re discussing that day and the kids would always shout the ‘good’,” Kelly explained. Each day of the camp featured time to sketch in a journal, pray at various statues and other religious spots on campus, work on two larger art projects, and enjoy story time, snacks, and active games. Every session ended with a visit to the OLSH Chapel, where the children were invited to talk with Jesus. Children molded with clay and painted their creations, tie dyed t-shirts, created
shadow puppets, baked and decorated cookies, planted seeds, and painted and drew on canvas and in sketchbooks. “Creator Camp was a blessing for our family. Our son was engaged in both outdoor explorations of God’s creation and indoor activities that fostered his own creativity,” shared parent Elena D o n o s o B row n , wh o s e s o n , Eva n , attended the camp. “His favorite part, though, was story and snack time. He had a blast!” Other parents agreed with Brown’s evaluation, noting the joy their children experienced throughout the week. Kelly found the experience positive for herself, as well, noting “For me, the most rewarding part of the camp was how excited these kids were about everything, especially Jesus. Everything becomes so common place and mundane for us, but for them, it was all amazing. Every day at the end of the day we would bring them right up to the tabernacle to talk to Jesus and they took it so seriously. They would say things like, ‘Jesus, you’re the best Jesus there ever was’ or ‘Jesus, I’m so glad you’re my God, you’re awesome!’ As cute as it was, it was just so honest and heartfelt. They meant it. I thought to myself, ‘Why don’t I talk to Jesus like that more often?’ Just be thankful and tell Him how much I love Him.” The experience Kelly and Hurley had this summer will certainly translate as they work with individuals of all ages, in the classroom at OLSH, at SoulCore prayer sessions, and at the Catholic Women’s Fellowship Conference.
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
OLSH hosts a variety of summer camps for students in grades K-8. Camp topics include STEM, academics, sports, theatre, art, and faith. Summer 2019 camps are being planned now and more information will be available soon at www.olsh.org/summercamps/ 13
POSITIONING FOR
PROMINENCE, PERFORMANCE, & PERMANENCE The 2019-2023 Strategic Plan for OLSH
Over the course of the past five years, OLSH has experienced a steep trajectory of growth and advancement. Building upon the momentum that has been achieved, our school’s next strategic plan is primarily focused upon further elevating our status; developing in-depth plans, structure and systems; measuring our performance and outcomes; and strengthening our short and long-term financial position. The Plan focuses on seven main strategic goals, addresses needs and suggests new initiatives to not only sustain the school, but allow it to continue to advance and progress to meet student needs. Here you’ll find an overview of the Strategic Goals and Initiatives in the Plan. In future issues of this publication, we will share progress and outcomes.
Bolstering Academic Excellence, Student Outcomes and College Readiness Initiatives supporting the first new strategic goal include the development of a Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Plan and a long-range Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Plan. The OLSH curriculum will be aligned vertically and horizontally and will include courses that provide students with greater exposure to global cultures. Options for dual credit enrollment with area colleges and universities, as well as AP course offerings, will be expanded. OLSH will be readily recognized and highly regarded for integrating the Catholic Church’s teachings throughout the disciplines included in its curriculum, and will continue to enhance its 21st century learning environment through collaborations with an increasing number of community-based, national, and international partners. OLSH students will have access to Naviance, a comprehensive college and career readiness solution that helps to align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals. This program will improve student outcomes and provide a better resource for tracking and reporting these outcomes. An increasing number of OLSH students will gain acceptance to the nation’s top tier colleges and universities.
Articulating and Advancing the OLSH Mission and Brand To achieve this goal, initiatives include the development of content that effectively encapsulates the OLSH brand and value proposition, and the creation of a Comprehensive Strategic Marketing and Communications Plan, which will guide outreach to internal constituents, as well as targeted external constituents and markets, including new community partners. OLSH will explore collaborative and innovative relationships with elementary schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions. Greater efforts will be made to increase knowledge of and participation in mission integration activities and initiatives, and OLSH will continue to provide formation for faculty, staff, and coaches/ moderators in order to deepen its Felician-Franciscan tradition. OLSH will demonstrate excellence in mission by deepening its relationship and level of collaboration with other Felician-Sponsored Ministries, locally and across North America.
14
www.olsh.org
Positioning OLSH as a Premium High School Choice for Students OLSH will increase its communication of “OLSH stories”, student outcomes, and family satisfaction levels to targeted internal and external constituencies, and utilize student and parent satisfaction surveys to demonstrate increased engagement in and passion for an OLSH education. An expanded slate of activities and programs will be created in order to effectively engage greater numbers of prospective students at OLSH, from before their birth, through middle school.
Positioning OLSH as a Premier Place of Employment As its financial position gains strength, OLSH will provide an enhanced compensation program to the members of its workforce that includes rewards for exceptional performance. OLSH will professionalize and systematize its Human Resources function in order to advance its employee recruitment, orientation, development, review, recognition and retention efforts. OLSH will foster professional excellence for its faculty and staff through expanded professional development programming onsite, and provide ongoing support for relevant offsite learning and skills enhancement. OLSH will utilize faculty and staff satisfaction surveys to demonstrate increased engagement in and passion for an OLSH education, and create new forums for sharing and collaboration.
Ensuring Appropriate Facilities and Infrastructure OLSH will craft a Strategic Facility Plan that includes an in-depth analysis of existing school facilities in terms of utilization, capability and condition; a schedule for repairs and major maintenance activities; and a vision for how the school’s facilities can be adapted in the future in order to best meet the teaching and learning needs of faculty and students. OLSH will create a Strategic Technology Plan that effectively addresses the school’s teaching, learning, business operational and security needs. A component of the OLSH Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Long-range Plan will include the longer term capital needs associated with the Angela Activities Center, as well as the burgeoning needs of the school’s athletic programs. OLSH will continue to pursue safety and security-related professional development for its faculty and staff, and enhance protocols and systems that ensure the safety of all who work and learn at the school.
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
15
Enhancing OLSH’s Financial Position A Comprehensive Advancement Strategic Plan for OLSH will result in new donors, a 100% increase in the OLSH endowment, and steady gains in restricted/unrestricted funding. OLSH will explore viable non-tuition revenue streams and appropriate banking measures that will afford greater financial stability. OLSH will also seek partnerships and other affiliations that offset operational expenses. A comprehensive Student Admissions and Retention Plan will be formed to support the maximization and stabilization of enrollment at OLSH.
Adding Depth and Clarity to Governance, Leadership and Operations The OLSH Board will diversify its membership, expand participation in each of its committees, and seek expertise beyond the OLSH family. The OLSH Board will use survey results to increase opportunities for strategic governance. Ongoing formation and orientation will familiarize Board members with their responsibilities to a FelicianSponsored Ministry and add depth to the quality of their experience. OLSH will determine its capacity to meet future obligations relative to ministry financial, insurance, maintenance and other matters of importance. OLSH will evaluate its staffing, structure, job descriptions and key responsibilities in light of goals and objectives included in 2019920233 strategic plan and make changes as necessary to ensure the plan’s success. The school will monitor, report and celebrate progress made in fulfilling Strategic Plan and Middle States goals, as well as annual departmental goals.
While the newly approved OLSH Strategic Plan is “officially” slated to begin in 2019, many initiatives are already underway to fulfill the goals included therein as 2018 comes to a close. OLSH remains a “school on the move”, filled with vision and vitality, and committed to continued forward momentum. We celebrate our ability to offer a premier Catholic Felician-Franciscan high school education to those throughout our region who desire it, and are deeply grateful to our faculty, staff members, Felician Sisters and other generous benefactors who ensure that the uniquely transformative OLSH educational experience remains like no other!
16
www.olsh.org
Technology Initiatives and Upgrades at OLSH
O
LSH Director of Technology Patricia Krueger has made great strides in achieving goals and initiatives that are detailed in the new OLSH Strategic Plan. A recent grant from the Diocese of Pittsburgh supported a three-part plan to update and increase technology tools, hardware, and software.
These projects address the strategic goal of reviewing technology in the school to ensure the school’s teaching, learning, operational, and security needs are met.
Thirty new MacBook Pro computers were purchased to increase technology available to classroom teachers, along with a new mobile cart to house them. The computers are used primarily for the Technology and Online Information Literacy (TOIL) course required for all freshmen, but are available to other classroom teachers for use as needed. Part In addition to the grant-funded initiatives detailed above, two of the plan focuses on the maintenance and updating other projects included a full integration of Google for of school-wide software. A new content filter, SecURLy, has Education, as well as new computers for staff and the library. been installed and serves as a profile based content filter, After attending a workshop on virtual reality (VR) and ways allowing for reporting by user id and is linked to student (and to utilize it in the classroom, 10 iPod Touch devices and employee) Gmail accounts. SecURLy has a variety of features, 3D viewers were purchased for use by teachers who wish including the ability to monitor to incorporate VR into their student activity and be proactive lessons. “I enjoy seeing what new in noticing trends in search ideas teachers come up with now history and sites visited. It also that they have access to so many includes an anonymous tipline different types of technology that can be used by students for the classroom,” commented or parents to report bullying principal Tim Plocinik. “We or other concerns. The tipline are also working to provide and monitoring are managed our teachers with professional by SecURLy professionals who development on new apps, easy -Tim Plocinik, Principal are trained in what to look for to use technology enhancements and will notify the school of any for projects, and online flagged behavior. SecURLy also offers a unique component that presentation tools.” Part of a recent in-service day included a will be rolled out in 2019, which will allow parents to track the session called “Filling Your Toolbox” and was led by Patricia, internet activity of their children when they use their school librarian Bethany Cvitkovic, and teacher Kayla Madler. accounts. Additionally, the school’s antivirus software was Time will be set aside during future in-service days to continue recently upgraded to a cloud-based system and licenses were sharing new ideas and resources, as well as to provide training renewed for WCHR (OLSH TV studio) broadcast software as on the use of new tools. well as the cashless cafeteria system software. To continue to increase physical security for students, security cameras were installed throughout the library and in the AAC.
seeing what new ideas teachers “comeI enjoyup with now that they have access to so many different types of technology for the classroom.
”
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
17
New faculty bring fresh perspectives and expertise
E
leven new faculty members joined the halls of OLSH this semester, supporting each of the school’s academic departments. This group of individuals includes f irst-year teachers, teaching veterans, and OLSH alumni and many of them are also serving as coaches or activity moderators. The social studies department welcomed Mr. Eric Carothers, a Pittsburgh native who returned to the area after teaching in the south for the past several years. Eric also joined the OLSH coaching staff as the head boys soccer coach. Mr. Kevin Joyce also became an instructor in the social studies department. He recently served as a long-term substitute in the South Fayette School District where he taught honors and AP social studies courses. OLSH’s newest school counselor is Mrs. Darcy Pihlblad. She brought experience as a school counselor for students at all grade levels to OLSH, and most recently worked with middle school (grades 7-9) students in West Virginia. Two new teachers joined the science department this semester. Mr. Chase Feher teaches biology. He completed his studentteaching at Franklin Regional High School and outside of teaching is very active in a variety of service activities. Miss Emily Raker teaches physics. She has taught physics and other science courses at all academic levels and has also served as a physics tutor at the university level.
have rejoined the school community. Mrs. Emily Sgrignoli is OLSH’s new art teacher. She came to OLSH after spending the last two years teaching AP Studio Art at Asia Pacif ic International School in Seoul, Korea. Mrs. Caitlin (Neary) Snatchko ’10 returned to her alma mater to teach theology and ser ve as campus minister. She previously worked as youth minister, catechist, and director of religious education at St. Bede Parish in Pittsburgh. This group’s mix of unique work and life experiences coupled with their excellent teaching credentials bring fresh perspectives, talents, and expertise to the OLSH community.
DID YOU GET YOUR PIN YET? Anyone making a gift of $32 or more to The OLSH Fund will receive a collectible OLSH pin. Give online at www.olsh.org/giving/ or contact OLSH Advancement at 412-264-4082.
Miss Alyson Nolte ‘09 is an OLSH alumna who is teaching Spanish at OLSH this year. She recently returned to the Pittsburgh area after having spent the last year teaching Spanish in Australia. The math department gained Mr. Patrick O’Brien, who is a familiar face at the school, having previously served as a substitute teacher. Miss Paige Petroval teaches freshman math courses and co-teaches the TOIL (Technology and Online Information Literacy) class. She previously served as a substitute teacher in the West Allegheny School District. Mr. Tyler Rodgers returned to OLSH to serve as the OWL Center Instructor and to teach selected OLSH English courses. He previously taught at OLSH for several years and is happy to
18
www.olsh.org
Read more about many of these activities and events on the OLSH website at www.olsh.org/news/
ACADEMIC Dr. Robert Purdy from Duquesne University presented a workshop and training session to student writing tutors. These students were selected by teachers to serve as peer writing tutors in the OWL Center (OLSH Writing & Learning Center). Seven OLSH students were recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board for demonstrating achievement in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Special recognition went to Ian Polidora ’18 and Luke Saftner ’19 who earned top scores of 5 on each of the spring AP tests they took. Emily Halbedl ’18 and Lindsey Shema ’19 earned scores of 3 or higher on 5 or more exams. Brendan Burke ’18, Jacob DuBois ’18, Alex Rudock ’19, and Luke Saftner ’19 earned a 3 or higher on three or more exams. Congratulations to all on a job well done!
Six OLSH teachers traveled to South Bend, Indiana for the AP Summer Institute at the University of Notre Dame as part of OLSH’s involvement in the Notre Dame AP Teacher Investment Program (AP TIP). They had the opportunity to network with other AP course teachers and Notre Dame professionals as they gathered resources to bring back to their own courses at OLSH. The ND AP TIP faculty came to OLSH in October to work in the classrooms with OLSH teachers, helping them to incorporate AP strategies in their instructional practices, thus better preparing students for AP course work.
OLSH donated over 30 gently used PCs and Mac computers to Computer Reach, an organization whose mission is to make technology available to people most in need through refurbished equipment, computer literacy, training, and support. Pictured are OLSH’s Director of Technology Patricia Krueger with founder and Executive Director of Computer Reach, Dave Sevick. Principal Tim Plocinik and Director of Technology Patricia Krueger attended PowerSchool University in Chicago this summer. They learned about new features and ways for OLSH to customize PowerSchool. Krueger and librarian Bethany Cvitkovic attended the Three Rivers Education Technology Conference (TRETC) at Baldwin High School in November and learned more about technology education for the classroom. The two presented what they learned to the OLSH faculty during an inservice in December.
Dom Cook ’19, Rebecca Voss ’19, Julia Sarnowski ’19, Alex Rudock ’19, and Luke Saftner ’19 represented OLSH in KDKA’s Hometown High Q academic quiz game show. The team, coached by history teacher Andrea Bagnell, held the lead through most of the episode but lost to Frazier in a sudden-death tiebreaker at the end of the game.
Bethany Smith ‘19 received an Honorable Mention from the National Merit Scholarship Competition for her scores on the PSAT-NMSQT test last fall.
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
Rebecca Voss ’19 attended an ASM International summer camp at Materials Park, Ohio. The camp focused on materials science and engineering.
19
FAITH & SERVICE OLSH students were involved in a variety of activities for Mission & Heritage Week in October in conjunction with the Felician Sisters across North America. 35 students and 3 teachers slept outside to experience what it means to be homeless, and brought in over $2,200 in donations for the Felician Center in Kingstree, SC. They also cut and tied plastic bags into “yarn” which will be used to crochet sleeping mats for the homeless. Students also prayed decades of the rosary at the Sisters’ cemetery on campus in honor of the Sisters who lived and served at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Convent. Another group of students spent the day with the TOR Sisters working at the Samaritan House thrift store in Steubenville, OH. The school community also collected nonperishable foods for Our Lady’s Pantry.
Michael Rykaceski ’19 completed a renovation of the courtyard space outside the OLSH cafeteria as his Eagle Scout project, updating the space with new plants and a statue of St. Francis. “I selected St. Francis because of his love of animals and the outdoors,” explained Michael. Michael also buried a time capsule to be opened in 25 years.
OLSH Mission Leader, Mr. Jeff Hulbert and three other adults took a group of 10 OLSH students on a mission trip to Frenchville, PA for a week in July. Partnering with the ministry Young People Who Care, the OLSH group helped clean out barns and houses, poured concrete, repaired roofs, and forged relationships with the people of Frenchville. The group was encouraged to go out and continue to do God’s work and “find their own Frenchville.” OLSH welcomes Fr. Bill Dorner as the school's new chaplain. Fr. Bill also serves as chaplain at La Roche College and Nazareth Prep, as well as a Tribunal Consultant for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Fr. Dorner celebrates school Masses and regularly spends one day a week in the building.
20
The second annual Catholic Women’s Fellowship Conference was held in October and welcomed women from around the area to learn, worship, and pray together. OLSH theology teacher Kate Kelly emceed the event and several other OLSH women served on the conference team, including theology teacher Nancy Jarocki and alumnae Erin (Donoghue) Stuvek ’07, Theresa (Valenty) Buettner ‘04, Elizabeth Jarocki ‘06, and Merritt Donoghue ’13.
www.olsh.org
Thirty years ago, on October 2, 1988, the Felician Sisters dedicated their grounds as an official Peace Site. A plaque at the foot of the base of the St. Francis Statue outdoors marked the Sisters commitment to work for peace.
The annual Eucharistic Procession was celebrated this fall as an opening to the school year and a reminder of the Felician Sisters’ dedication to the Eucharist. Throughout the morning, art and theology students decorated the sidewalks with chalk drawings of religious symbols. Fr. Bill Dorner, OLSH’s chaplain, led the event which began with prayer and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the OLSH Chapel. Local Knights of Columbus helped to lead the procession out of the Chapel and OLSH student leaders had the honor of serving as flag bearers. The Procession wound through campus while the bells tolled, then paused at the statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart for Benediction and a blessing of the four corners. Throughout the celebration, Fr. Bill reminded the students of the importance of the real presence of Jesus in their midst.
As part of Vocations Week, Felician Sister Desiré Anne-Marie Findlay spoke to the girls and diocesan priest Fr. Michael Ackerman spoke to the boys about their respective vocation stories.
Kate Penn ’19 and Lucy Sweeney ’19 received the St. Joan of Arc Medallion at the 55th annual St. Lucy’s Auxiliary Medallion Ball. They were recognized for their commitment to service throughout their high school years.
The Class of 2019 participated in the annual Senior Service Day in October. The class was broken up into smaller groups and completed service projects at Global Links, World Vision, Pittsburgh Area Foodbank, and McGuire Memorial Home.
The Class of 2020 celebrated the annual Ring Day Mass and ceremony in November. A treasured OLSH tradition, Ring Day symbolizes class unity and the transition from underclassmen to upperclassmen. Legacy families are honored in a special way at Ring Day. Parents of current OLSH students who are OLSH alumni are recognized and help to present their children's rings. This year Conor Stull ’20 and his parents Alicia (Wrabley) ’89 and Dennis ’89 Stull, Ella Ondercin ’20 and her father Paul Ondercin ’88, Cole Moorman ’20 and his father Roger Moorman ’87, and Haley Hamilton ’20 and her mother Denise (Gross) Hamilton ’89 were honored.
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
21
ADVANCEMENT More than 20 parents of OLSH students gathered for the Parent Social at the Core Group/Sesco Test Kitchen hosted by the OLSH Parent Ambassadors and current parent Mike Rykaceski. “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for OLSH parents to gather together for a casual and fun evening, all while enjoying a wonderful meal in a unique setting,” said Parent Ambassadors Laurie Kanoza and Mary Kim. For more details on upcoming parent events, like the OLSH Parent Happy Hour on January 16, visit www.olsh.org/parents/. Parents of alumni are always welcome at parent social events, too!
A Yamaha disk lavier baby grand piano was donated to the school by Moon Township neighbor Darlene Evancho. The piano will be used by the music department for concerts. OLSH celebrated 35 years as a member of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce in December. Chamber ambassador and OLSH alumni parent Terry Chesky and Chamber president Chris Heck presented OLSH with a plaque commemorating the anniversary.
STUDENT LIFE
The senior boys won basketball and dodgeball during fall intramurals. Senior girls won basketball and junior girls won dodgeball. It was a fun day of competition to end the first academic quarter.
This summer a group of students, parents, and teachers traveled to Italy on a trip with EF Tours, featuring stops in Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri, Florence, Assisi, and Rome.
22
The Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game returned in November, this year raising funds for the OLSH Prom. The faculty took home the title and entertained the fans at half-time with a special performance. After the third period the Pie Ploz raffle was drawn, giving three individuals the chance to pie the principal! It was a great night celebrating OLSH spirit and next year’s event is already being planned for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving!
Maggie Dulac ’19 and Alexei Allison ’19 were named 2018 Homecoming Queen and King at the Homecoming game on September 29.
The annual Powder Puff game pitting the junior and senior girls against each other in flag football was held in September and also served as a fun back to school event for all students at Youthtowne.
On August 19 the newest OLSH students enjoyed Freshman Foundations Day (OLSH’s orientation program for new students) and were officially welcomed as the OLSH Class of 2022 with the Matriculation Ceremony and Welcome Mass and Dinner.
OLSH has officially been reaccredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools until December 2025. The official notice of reaccreditation was the culmination of the seven-year cycle of planning, setting goals, and carrying out action plans. OLSH has entered the next protocol for the Middle States Accreditation process, Excellence by Design, and is already working to develop new goals and action plans to ensure continuing growth and improvement as a school.
www.olsh.org
ARTS
The OLSH Theatre Department presented “The Insanity of Mary Girard” in October in conjunction with Haunted Hallways. The play, based on a true story, featured Margaret Matous ’19 and Sophia Blake ’19 sharing the lead role.
OLSH art students Chloe Walz ’22, Camillia Senvisky ’19, Rebekah Kohser ’19, Shannon Massengill ’22, Sydney Grimes ’19, Grace Gartley ’21, Sydney Komoroski ’20, and Nicholas Tarquinio created two gingerbread houses that were displayed in the PPG Place Wintergarden in Pittsburgh.
Sophia Blake ’19 performed at the Robinson Farmer’s Market at Holy Trinity, sharing some of her original music, as well as covers of some favorite songs.
Several OLSH students had their artwork selected for display at the annual St. Philip Art Show which features artwork by students in Catholic schools.
Caroline Friend ’20 performed with the prestigious Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh for the second year in their fall concert “Dreams and Dances”.
SAVE THE DATE! 2019 OLSH Spring Musical
Once Upon a Mattress March 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9, 2019 OLSH Auditorium
The annual Christmas concert and art show featured performances by the band, chorus, show choir, and individual students. Art work was displayed gallery-style in the Hall of Community.
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
23
ATHLETICS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Girls volleyball avenged last year’s loss to Bishop Canevin in the WPIAL finals during the 2018 regular season, but came up short in the playoffs, losing in the first round to Deer Lakes. The team ended the season, in which they played up a classification, with a record of 13-3. Sabrina Skukalek, Katie Tarasovich ‘19, Gianna Platt ‘20, Ashley Norling ‘19, Hayley O'Neil ‘19, and Maddie Hoff ‘19 were selected for the first, second, and third team All-Section lists for Section 2A.
GOLF Colin Kyle ’19 advanced to the PIAA Individual Boys Division 2 Championship. He is just the second OLSH golfer to represent OLSH at this level; the first was Jack Tipton ’00. Colin’s score of 167 earned him a tie for 25th place overall. The golf team ended its season 6-6.
BOYS SOCCER New head coach Eric Carothers led the boys soccer team to the first round of WPIAL playoffs. The team lost to Winchester Thurston in overtime and ended the season with a 11-4-1 record overall.
GIRLS SOCCER Led by new head coach Tom Dongilli, the girls soccer team advanced to the elite eight in WPIAL playoffs, losing to defending champion Greensburg Central Catholic, following a commanding performance in the first round winning 6-0 against Beth-Center. The first round game featured a hat trick from Francesca Taylor ’20 and goals from Mia Crisci ’20, Meghan McCoy ’22, and Ella Wrabley ’21. Julia Sarnowski ’19, Francesca Taylor ’20, and Julia Centofanti ’21 were named All-Section. Francesca Taylor ’20 was also named to the All-WPIAL team.
24
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY The boys cross country team won its section for the first time since 2004. Two runners’ placements at the WPIAL Championship – Finn Sweeney ’21 (17th place) and Matt Rees ’21 (26th place) qualified them to compete at the PIAA Championship in Hershey, PA. At the state meet, Finn placed 91st and Matt placed 87th.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY After battling bursitis and infection throughout the season, Haley Hamilton ’20 finished 8th in the WPIAL, unable to defend her title. Haley’s finish did qualify her to compete at the PIAA Championship, where she placed 7th and medaled.
www.olsh.org
CHEERLEADING The OLSH cheerleaders supported the football team throughout its winning season. The girls participated in several service projects, raising funds for OLSH’s Susan Fahey Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship which honors a beloved OLSH Spanish teacher who lost her battle with breast cancer, as part of the Pink Out efforts. They also filled shoeboxes with gifts for children for Operation Christmas Child.
Jake Gartley '20, Haley Hamilton '20, Jake Kocent '20, Gianna Platt '20, Matt Rees '20, and Brock Saftner '20 represented OLSH at the WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit at the Heinz History Center in November. FOOTBALL The team’s historic run saw several players named all-section. Tyler Bradley ’19 ended his high school career as the fourth overall all-time passer in the WPIAL and was named athlete of the week by the PG and one of the Trib's Top 25.
ARE YOU A CHARGER FAN? Support OLSH Athletics with a personal or business sponsorship today! Naming rights are available. Contact Ben Becze, CFRE, Director of Advancement at (412) 269-7726 or bbecze@olsh.org Visit the new home of OLSH Athletics - www. olshathletics.org - for schedules, rosters, scores and news about OLSH Chargers athletics programs. Limited sponsorship/advertising opportunities exist. Contact Ben Becze at bbecze@olsh.org to reserve a spot.
Each athletic season coaches, student-athletes, and their families are invited to Sunday Mass in the OLSH Chapel with the Felician Sisters and the students receive a special blessing.
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
25
ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES 1968
Members of the OLSH Class of 1968 gathered over Homecoming Weekend to celebrate their 50-year reunion. Sr. M Francine Horos and Sr. M. Christine Sinkovich celebrated their 50th Jubilee of Consecrated Life on July 7, 2018.
2005
Shelly Kocsuta married Daryl Polydor on August 18, 2018.
David Lesondak has authored “Fascia: What it is and Why it Matters”, published by Handspring Publishing, Scotland. Currently in its 3rd printing, it is also being translated into 7 languages. He is following it up with a medical/healthcare textbook on fascia for CRC Press, scheduled for release in early 2020.
Sara Thimons married Joseph Markl on October 13, 2018 at Assumption Church, Bellevue. Fr. Dan Waruszewski ‘05 concelebrated the wedding. Amy (Thimons) Spontak ‘06, Tom Thimons ‘03, Katie (Thimons) VanLieshout ‘08, Mike Thimons ‘10, Lisa Thimons ‘12, and Theresa Thimons ‘15 joined in celebrating. Sara enjoys her work as Activity Manager at Vincentian Personal Care in the North Hills, where she is blessed to have volunteers from her very own OLSH family!
1993
2008
1982
Bryce Walat has begun a Technical Writer position with Highmark in downtown Pittsburgh.
2000
Allison Hannon married William Dodds on July 14, 2018.
Jason Smida and his wife, Deylin, welcomed their daughter, Serafina Grace, on November 26, 2018.
2004
Megan (Podsiadly) Stephens and her husband, Josh, welcomed their daughter, Carly Grace, on June 13, 2018. Carly joins big brother Carter.
Vito Romantine welcomed a son, Anthony Jobe, on November 6, 2018.
Justin Zerishnek married Medina Menozzi on November 17, 2018. Lauren (Feeley) Vietmeier recently became a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care.
26
2010
Caitlin (Neary) Snatchko and her husband, Joshua, welcomed their second child, Mary Thérèse, on November 1st, 2018. She joins her big brother, Patrick Joseph.
2011
Danielle Banas’ debut novel, The Supervillain and Me, was published on July 10, 2018, by Swoon Reads and Macmillan. The young adult fiction story is about a non-powered girl who teams up with a fledgling vigilante to uncover a nefarious plot in their city. The Supervillain and Me is available in stores and online wherever books are sold. Sandra Cahalan married Jerel Merrill on July 6, 2018. Rachel Cahalan ’14 and Katherine Dorman ’09 served as bridesmaids.
Luke Collier finished his first year in the PhD program in Psychology (with a 4.0 GPA) at Chatham University and works in Chatham’s Admissions Office. Antonio Corona was nominated for three Emmys in the Mid-Atlantic region for his editing and camera work with WQED Pittsburgh. Jullian Falascino graduated from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Training Academy on October 26, 2018 after completing 32 weeks of extensive training to earn multiple certifications. He is now stationed at 13 Engine and Truck in the Hazelwood area.
www.olsh.org
Alexander Vallejo married Catherine Burke on July 7, 2018. Anna Vallejo ’17 served as a bridesmaid.
2012
Jessica LaBuda and Timothy Johnson were married on November 17, 2018. Casey LaBuda ’13 served as Maid of Honor and Amy Johnson ’05 and Eileen (Johnson) Kravitz ‘07 served as bridesmaids. Thomas Johnson ’09 served as the Best Man. Vinnie Smith recently performed the role of Eddie in the North Shore Music Theater production of Mamma Mia. Tom Stewart placed 2nd at the MidAmerica Oireachtas in Louisville, Kentucky in November 2018.
Tamara Swoager is serving as a houseparent with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans, providing support and opportunities in academics, faith, and service that underserved youth may not otherwise have.
2013
Maria Bosetti married Zach Goughler on October 13, 2018. Jillian Iurlano ’13 and Gabriella Giglio ‘13 served as bridesmaids.
Samantha Davis married Kevin Brenneman on December 1, 2018.
Joe Goltz presented work from his research in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s 3rd Annual Med Ed Day. His research is meant to increase knowledge of diabetes technology and empathy for patients among medical trainees by having them wear and use insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Rachel Rattay represented Microsoft at the Society of Women Engineers Conference to give a presentation on “The Reality of Mixed Reality” on October 18, 2018.
2014
Meghan Bayer recently had an article published in the summer 2018 issue of Hearing Health: https://view.publitas. com/p222-4764/hearing-healthsummer-2018-issue/page/18-19. Swift Water Rescue Team members, Gunnar Dorrenbacher ‘14, Thomas
DeAngelis ‘16, and Joseph DeAngelis ’17, were honored with the Team Life Saving Award for their actions during storm responses on June 20, 2018. Brian Hammel graduated Summa Cum Laude from Otterbein University and was named a 2018 Gold Key honoree by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The award, the highest individual honor bestowed upon PRSSA members, recognizes students who excel in their studies, pursue ambitious professional development opportunities, and prove themselves as leaders. He currently works at Fahlgren Mortine, supporting a variety of local, national and international brands. Holly Lisco was among over 250 students whose exceptional academic work was showcased during Baldwin Wallace University’s Ovation Festival 2018. Lisco, who is majoring in national security and political science, presented a poster titled “National Parks.” Holly was also inducted into Baldwin Wallace University’s Alpha Mu chapter of Sigma Iota Rho (SIR), Honor Society for International Studies, and Mu Zeta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (PSA), the National Political Science Honor Society, in the spring 2018 semester.
2015
Emily Davis was a recipient of the John J. Kopchick Molecular and Cellular Biology/ Translational Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Student Support Fund. Only 15 Ohio University students were selected for the prestigious award to
Congratulations to the following OLSH alumni on being named to the spring 2018 Dean’s List: Sarah Pace ’13 University of Dayton
Kathryn Daniels ’14 University of Dayton
Genevieve Kastronis ’16 University of Delaware
Leyla Turcios ’14 Coastal Carolina University
Lauren Harrison ’15 Mercyhurst University
Ivy Nowakowski ’16 Grove City College
Nicholas Kocent ’14 University of Dayton
Emily Schnarre ’15 University of Alabama
Amy Nardozzi ’16 Grove City College
Ruthie Dubois ’14 John Carroll University
Samantha Spencer ’15 John Carroll University
Mara Mercadante ’17 Duquesne University
Joshua Earley ’15 John Carroll University
Kristian Biega ’16 Mercyhurst University
BE KNOWN. BE TRANSFORMED. BE INSPIRED.
27
fund translational medical research and scholarly activities. Lauren Harrison was awarded the Academic Excellence Award for superior academic achievement from Mercyhurst University on October 8, 2018. She was named to the Dean’s List in both the Fall ’17 and Spring ’18 semesters. Amy Kayser graduated Magna Cum Laude from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health in May 2018. She will continue at Slippery Rock as a graduate student to pursue a Master of Public Health, and will work as a graduate assistant in SRU’s enrollment management office.
Dominique Murray recently had her photography featured in Inspiring Lives magazine.
Micarah Young was named to the President’s List at Georgia State University during the spring semester of 2018.
2016
Kacie Lach was named USCAA Player of the Week for her performance on the volleyball court with the Carlow Celtics for the week of October 16, 2018. Sarah Shaheen was among 27 students who participated in Baldwin Wallace University’s “Coaching or Teaching in Ireland” study abroad program, a transformative learning experience in collaboration with University College Cork, during the Spring 2018 semester.
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.
In Memorium David D. Carroll ‘90 July 1, 2018 Shannon Britzki ‘01 July 10, 2018 Carmella Yaksick Mother of Fr. Michael Yaksick ‘86 August 23, 2018
28
Thomas Goodwin, Jr. Father of Tom '92, Victor '94, and Tony '02 Goodwin. Uncle of Michael Cerchiaro '96 and Jamie (Smith) Hopkins '03 September 15, 2018
Steven Sienicki ‘85 October 14, 2018 Connie (Amerando) Dame ‘68 October 25, 2018
Rose Scappe Mother in Law of Cynthia Rebeck ’86 Grandmother of Vincent ’08 and Anthony ’09 Scappe October 9, 2018
Marie (Rosner) Nickles Mother of Suzann (Nickles) Snyder ‘79 Grandmother of Heather (Ferguson) Ochman ‘92 December 4, 2018
www.olsh.org
Securing your legacy
PLANNED GIVING SUSTAINS OLSH
THE BLESSED ANGELA SOCIETY The Blessed Angela Society was established to recognize and honor those who choose to support OLSH through an estate or planned gift. To ensure OLSH can fulfill its mission to educate and transform each student for a life of exceptional Christian leadership, stewardship and service to all, we invite you to consider joining the Blessed Angela Society by communicating with us your planned gift arrangements. Regardless of the amount or type of gift, generations of OLSH students will be blessed by your generosity.
MAKING YOUR GIFT Including OLSH in your will or estate planning is one of the easiest gifts you can make to significantly support the mission of OLSH. Your attorney can include a provision in your will which will allow you to leave a lasting gift to OLSH. Your bequest could be a gift of a specific assets (such as real estate, a vehicle or artwork), a specific dollar amount, or even a percentage of your estate.
TO SECURE YOUR LEGACY AND THAT OF OLSH: JOIN THE BLESSED ANGELA SOCIETY CONTACT: Ben Becze, CFRE Director of Advancement (412) 269-7726 • bbecze@olsh.org
1504 Woodcrest Avenue • Coraopolis, PA 15108-3054
the Heart - Large Ad.pdf 1 12/14/2018 2:09:37 AM
PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If your publication is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify us so we can update his/her mailing address.
RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
Give your copy to a neighbor who is in grade school and help spread the word about OLSH.
ONLINE AUCTION: FEBRUARY 3-15, 2019 AUCTION CELEBRATION EVENT AT MONTOUR HEIGHTS COUNTRY CLUB: FEBRUARY 15, 2019 6:30PM
Premier sponsor of the 2019 Auction for OLSH
