Class of 2018!

The Class of 2018 entered Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School in August 2014 from 28 elementary schools and 22 different zip codes. In June 2018, the class became the 84th to graduate from OLSH. This year the Baccalaureate Mass was held on Thursday, May 31 in the OLSH Chapel. OLSH Chaplain Fr. Frank Kurimsky was the celebrant, and during his homily he encouraged the students to be kind, decent people and to build Christian culture wherever they go. On Sunday, June 3, the class participated in the traditional commencement ceremony in the AAC.

This spring, OLSH co-Valedictorian Emily Halbedl ’18 received some great news. Not only had she been accepted to her school of choice, but she also received a significant scholarship to make enrolling at the University of Notre Dame a reality for her. “I always wanted to go to Notre Dame, even though originally my parents thought it was too far,” she said. “It’s the best Catholic college and I wanted to go to a Catholic college.” When Emily steps foot on campus in the fall, however, it won’t exactly be her first experience with the university. Emily took AP Physics I and AP Calculus BC during her senior year, two courses that are led by OLSH teachers trained by the Notre Dame Teacher Investment Program. The program, which was developed by the University of Notre Dame and recently implemented at OLSH, provides resources and other support to teachers of AP courses. Emily found great value in the emphasis on critical thinking in those courses, and knows it will benefit her as she begins to pursue a career in actuarial science next year. In addition to her academic pursuits, Emily served as a leader in many different ways at OLSH. She was a Student Ambassador, was president of National Honor Society and the Class of 2018 and was captain of the cheerleading squad and the softball team. Her example helps to remind her classmates to do their best and to be grateful for opportunities presented to them.

Co-valedictorian Alexis Moskala ’18 took the advice of many when it came to an important aspect of high school – get involved! In addition to being a strong academic student, Alexis shared her gifts and talents with the OLSH community in a variety of ways. She served as a Student Ambassador, was vice president of National Honor Society, historian for the class of 2018, an anchor on WCHR, and a member of the Hometown High Q team. Additionally she was a member of the bowling and track & field teams. But it was her involvement in theatre that was most extensive, as she performed on stage in the spring musical, Christmas play, and fall play. Getting so involved certainly has its benefits. “I have the support of the teachers, my friends, and the whole OLSH community to help me reach my goals,” she reflected. Alexis also was recognized for her community service with the OLSH Spirit of Caring Award. She recorded over 870 hours of service over the last four years. Alexis will join Emily at the University of Notre Dame via the Holy Cross Gateway Scholar program.

Serving others seemed to come naturally to salutatorian Jennie Falgione ’18. In addition to her involvement in Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society (of which she was treasurer), and OWL Center Writing tutors, Jennie supported a variety of projects at her parish, St. Malachy. She also volunteered with United Way of Pittsburgh and organized Hoodies for the Holidays, a sweatshirt drive for underprivileged middle school students. Jennie was one of several students who made the pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland for World Youth Day in the summer of 2016. She shared her experiences with fellow students encouraging them to attend future WYD events. Jennie’s example helps to inspire other students to live out the OLSH mission to serve others. In her salutatory address, Jennie referenced the song “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw. She said, “I feel that it acts as a reminder for the positive and compassionate attitude we should possess as humans, more specifically as Christians.” Next year Jennie will study biological science at the University of Pittsburgh.

Katie Dickey '18 has been competing in forensics since she was in middle school, and all of that hard work has paid off for her this year. In addition to qualifying to compete in two national tournaments, she was named the Pittsburgh District Student of the Year. Always up for a new challenge, Katie originally joined the forensics team because she saw it as an opportunity “to be heard.” She found her niche in original oratory, saying, “There is something magical about standing up in front of people and getting to speak, in your own words, about things that matter to you. I truly cannot wait to bring my message to people from around the United States at these national tournaments. I am really looking forward to seeing so many kids who are all so passionate about speech and debate come together to compete.” Katie finished in the top 100 at the Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament and competed in the National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament in June. Next year Katie will enroll at Gannon University where she will study social work.

Christopher Kocent '18 is described by Principal Tim Plocinik as “an unassuming young man who leads more by example than by boisterous words . . . Chris is one of the humblest young men I’ve known in my 33 years at OLSH.” These words were included in OLSH’s nomination of Chris for the WPIAL Jim Collins Scholar Athlete Award. Chris was one of 20 recipients from across southwest PA to be selected for the award and accompanying $1,000 scholarship. After placing 17th at the PIAA Cross Country Championships, the highest place achieved by a male runner at OLSH and mirroring his father’s 1971 17th place finish, Chris went on to run in the 800 and 1600 at the PIAA Track Championships in the spring, narrowly missing a spot in the finals. Track coach Andy Shirlow remarked, “Chris is one of the hardest workers I have ever come across in my 20 plus years of coaching. He has character and leadership skills beyond his years.” Chris has lettered in cross country and track & field for the last four years and has been a three-time captain and MVP of the boys cross country team. He was one of the top ten graduates, a consistent Highest Honor Roll student, a leader in Student Government, and a member of the National Honor Society. He also served his parish as an altar server and volunteer. Chris will attend Villanova University in the fall and plans to study economics.

The Class of 2018...

»» included 5 Legacy Students who have at least one parent who also graduated from OLSH

»» recorded 1,726.5 service hours this year »» will attend 31 colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions in 6 states and Canada

»» 30% will attend a Catholic institution

»» 76% will attend a school in Pennsylvania

»» has earned over $5,520,200 in documented scholarships and grants Future areas of study:

»» 58% will go on to study a STEM or medical-related field

»» 4 will study science

»» 5 will study computer science

»» 4 will study engineering

»» 1 will study pharmacy

»» 5 will study nursing

»» 7 will study health sciences

»» 6 will study education

»» 10 plan to pursue a liberal arts major

»» 12 will study business

»» 2 will study arts

»» 6 are undecided

»» 3 will pursue a trade

»» 1 is enlisting in the Air Force