Sewickley Speaking, Fall/Winter 2022

FALL/WINTER

School!

Grade 7 students Lisette Niepa and Francesca Pietragallo on the first day of the 2022-23 school year.

Crosby Harkins and Sam Birtwell on the first day of Kindergarten.

Ashley (Brown ’00) Birtwell, Head of School, and Chris Anderson, Associate Head of School, kicking off the 2022-23 school year on the steps of the Lower School.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

You’ll likely notice some differences in this issue of Sewickley Speaking. From aesthetics to content, the goal was to highlight some of the Academy’s distinguished alumni in various capacities, while also providing the Sewickley Academy community with an update on what has been taking place on campus. With a modern look and feel and new binding that I hope makes it easier to read and turn the pages, I am pleased with the end result. I welcome and encourage your feedback – this is your alma mater and your magazine.

I want to thank all of the alumni, parents, and students I have had the pleasure to meet and get to know this year. While I expected a community of individuals who are intelligent and driven, I am quite honestly most impressed by the kindness, character, and generosity that I have witnessed. As we are “Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders,” I have no doubt that the many students who are walking the corridors and across campus today are leaders in their own way with the potential to make a significant impact in the future. I am excited to follow each graduating class, as well as learn of and share your achievements in upcoming issues of Sewickley Speaking

Happy reading!

Jennifer Donovan Communications Manager

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Donovan Communications Manager Design Direct Axis Creative, LLC Contributors Dr. Ashley Birtwell Head of School

Carey Byrnes Annual Giving Officer

Derek Chimner Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Clay Deutsch Alumni Engagement Officer

Jennifer Donovan Communications Manager

Dave Fortna Chief External Relations Officer

Dr. Susan Sour Alumni Relations Associate

Brittani Spencer Major Gifts Officer

Class Notes are submitted by alumni.

Class of 2022 Graduation Photos courtesy of Michael Will Photographers. Additional photos provided by SA faculty and staff except where noted.

Sewickley Speaking is published twice a year in the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter for the alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Sewickley Academy by the Office of External Relations, 315 Academy Avenue, Sewickley, PA 15143. www.sewickley.org

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Sewickley Academy Community,

Part of being Pittsburgh’s oldest co-educational, college-preparatory, independent day school is having a rich, 184-year history and legacy on which to reflect. During our opening ceremony for this school year, I reminded the students that it is actually possible that their great, great, great, great, great, great grandparents attended Sewickley Academy. I also pointed out that when the Academy was established in 1838, people did not have cell phones like so many of our students do today. In fact, people were just starting to use telegraphs and Morse Code. This certainly gave today’s students some perspective and appreciation for the legacy for which they are a part.

I am particularly excited about this issue of Sewickley Speaking because of the history contained in its pages. You will see a feature on the recently released book, The First 50 Years: A History of Sewickley Academy Senior School, that was crafted by our Alumni Relations Associate, Dr. Susan (Ratcliffe ’55) Sour. It is a beautiful compilation of the Senior School past to present. I have found such joy in perusing the photos and reminiscing, and I hope that you do the same.

It is the relationships and memories formed between faculty, staff, and students that I love most about working in education. Yet, these are not the only relationships formed by students during their days at the Academy. This issue includes a dedication to first loves and partnerships that found their roots in a common bond of Sewickley Academy. The couples in the Panther Partners feature go as far back as the 1970s and up to a couple who is currently counting the days until they say, “I do.” Whether you found your significant other or some lifelong friends at the Academy, I hope that you, too, have memories that bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Two alumni of great significance are featured within this issue. Mr. Jeremy Warren ’68 was kind enough to share his background as the Academy’s first African American student at the height of our nation’s Civil Rights movement. Each time that I read his words, I am astonished by his life experiences and heartened that he has such pride in being an Academy graduate. You will also meet Mr. David Nimick ’39, one of SA’s oldest living alumni, as he shows how the hobby that

During our opening ceremony for this school year, I reminded the students that it is actually possible that their great, great, great, great, great, great grandparents attended Sewickley Academy.”

he picked up in his 50s has produced more than 40 years of incredibly detailed needlepoint art.

The Class Notes, reunion recap, list of honorary alumni, and evidence of the ongoing generosity of our donors also all paint a clear picture of what it means, and has meant for 184 years, to be a Sewickley Academy Panther. As Head of School, I do not take lightly the responsibility that has been entrusted in me to maintain this legacy. To do so, I look to our history and the examples set by leaders who came before me, and I look to the future to ensure that we continue to offer our students the skills and education that will allow them to achieve success in college and beyond. By focusing on STEM through enhanced computer science and robotics, encouraging the arts to flourish, and supporting the athletic training, health, and wellness of our student body, I believe that we are solidifying bright, infallible futures for our upcoming graduates. As our new tagline states, we are “Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Sewickley Speaking, and I encourage you to keep us abreast as to how Sewickley Academy has contributed to your personal journey.

Warm Regards,

Ashley

(Brown ’00) Birtwell, PhD Head

of School

PANTHER

partners!

Everyone’s connection to Academy Avenue includes a powerful backstory. These Panther Partner tales are as unique and individual as each of the students who grace the halls of the Academy. The three couples featured here were happy to share the twists of fate that initiated their lasting bonds. Relationships, whether friendships or something more, are the ties that bind the Academy to the heart and build the hope of bright futures for every student who graduates as a Panther.

Mark ’74 and Janet (Chesky ’74) Scholl

Mark and Jan met during their junior year at Sewickley Academy, but their first date did not occur until the last month of their senior year. The couple’s initial friendship grew during lacrosse season – Mark was a starting defensemen on the team and Jan was one of the team’s managers. Since Coach Dick Webster and his assistant, Rev. Hastings, believed in the mantra “look good-play good,” the players would drop off their helmets prior to a game for inspection by the managers. Jan and her co-manager diligently touched up the nicks and scratches on the helmets with black and crimson paint. This was often a challenging task as Coach Webster ran tough practices and the helmets frequently looked like they had been through a war zone. It was at those moments, when Mark handed his helmet to Jan, that the relationship sparks were ignited.

The couple continued dating in college where they also continued to be Panthers at the University of Pittsburgh.

They were married in April 1976. Jan went on to Duquesne University School of Law and worked in various legal roles including law clerk, assistant district attorney, and attorney for KidsVoice. Mark joined Parker/Hunter, Inc. in 1983 as a financial advisor and remained with the firm as it transitioned to Janney Montgomery Scott, a financial consulting company. He

is currently with Janney in the Sewickley office as First Vice President.

During their 46 years of marriage, Mark and Jan had three children: Erin, a registered nurse, Laura, a PhD married to Stephen Daniel, and Jonathan, an MD. They have been further blessed with four grandchildren ranging in age from 9 to 18 years.

Walter ’10 and Marielle (Hampe ’10) Nogay

In February 2008, during a rehearsal for the Senior School musical, Guys and Dolls, Walter Nogay ’10 gave Marielle (Hampe ’10) Nogay a bouquet of tulips and a hand-written Valentine’s Day card. The card ended with a question: “Will you be my Valentine?” Marielle’s response began their nearly 15-year love story.

After graduating from Sewickley Academy, both Walter and Marielle attended the University of Notre Dame. Both graduated in 2014; Walter with a B.S. in physics and Marielle with a B.A. in English. During the holiday break of their junior year at Notre Dame, Walter popped “The Question” at PPG Square under the Christmas tree. The newly engaged couple then embarked on a semester abroad together in London.

Married in 2015, Walter and Marielle took photos at Melodia Plaza and nearby Way Park between their church ceremony and the reception at the Edgeworth Club. The two locations commemorated their journey from high school sweethearts to husband and wife.

After three years of working and

completing graduate school in Washington, DC, the couple moved back to Pittsburgh and currently live in Wexford with their threeyear-old son, Tristan, and one-yearold daughter, Genevieve. Walter is in his ninth year as teacher of physics and chemistry. Before becoming a mom, Marielle worked as an English language arts teacher. Now, she provides writing training and one-on-one coaching as an instructor at Bold Type, a writing consultation company. Both Walter and Marielle were inspired to become educators by the remarkable teachers who touched their hearts and minds at Sewickley Academy.

As former Head of School Mr. O’Connor foretold in his annual opening of school remarks, Walter and Marielle’s journey has been full of adventure, full of discovery. “We hope our Ithaka is still far off on the horizon; that the journey lasts for years,” said Marielle. “We have loved where we have been, and we look forward to all to come.”

Thomas Mulholland ’15 and Katarzyna Goebel ’15

Kat and Thomas met in Grade 2 when Thomas first joined Sewickley Academy. Kat was a lifer, having attended the Academy since kindergarten. After leaving chocolate in Kat’s locker for two years in Middle School, Thomas finally found the courage to ask Kat on their first date in their freshman year of high school. They attended a Steelers game, and that excellent first date led to a relationship that lasted throughout high school. Thomas and Kat continued to date throughout college and law school and will soon be wed on December 3, 2022.

Kat graduated from Virginia Tech in 2018 and the University of Virginia School of Law in 2021. Thomas graduated from the University of Virginia in 2019 and the University of Michigan Law School in 2022. He currently works as the Legal Operations Manager for the real estate startup, Pacaso.

Photo credit: John Doucette Photography

We hope our Ithaka is still far off on the horizon; that the journey lasts for years. We have loved where we have been, and we look forward to all to come.”

Alumnus Spends Life and Career Advancing Diversity

By Jennifer Donovan

Several months in development, this article began with an email from the proud daughter of an alumnus. Teryl Warren reached out to share the story of her father, Jeremy Warren ’68. In the midst of a turbulent moment in Sewickley Academy’s recent history Ms. Warren felt it was important to remind the community that Sewickley Academy has a long history of prioritizing both academic excellence and societal progress.

Mr. Warren remains proud to be a graduate of Sewickley Academy. Photo credit: KLJ Studios

Considered a pioneer of his times, Jeremy Warren began his academic studies with Sewickley Academy in 1965, during the height of the Civil Rights movement in this country. He was the first African American student to enroll in the Academy and did so when the late James E. Cavalier was Senior School Director. In fact, a favorite story of Jeremy’s is that Mr. Cavalier often referred to Jeremy as his “Little Pioneer.”

Attending Quaker Valley School District, a teenage Jeremy was encouraged by several members of his community to consider private school. A neighbor, who originated from Boston, gave him pamphlets for schools in Exeter and Andover, and he was drawn to the collegiate aspect of these schools. Then his scout master, who had connections with Sewickley Academy, recommended the school to Jeremy. SA was seeking to open its enrollment to African American students and had determined that a male student had the greatest likelihood for initial success. As Jeremy had originally been the only Black scout in his troop, his leader was confident that this was a challenge Jeremy could handle. He ended up taking entrance exams for Shady Side Academy as well as Sewickley Academy, but it was the warmth and influence of Mr. Cavalier, and the fact that Jeremy already knew many of the students from playing sports in the community, that led him to choose to become a Panther.

SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY AT SEWICKLEY ACADEMY

Jeremy enrolled at SA as a sophomore, along with a few other students from Quaker Valley. This

year was also significant as the class of 1966 would be the first graduating senior class – the Senior School had just opened two years prior. Though entering as the only African American student, Jeremy recalls that the transition was not difficult because he already knew approximately 20 of the students in the Senior School. He added, “I was in academic classes, always in the top of my grade, so I always felt very secure of myself in terms of my academic performance and ability. I never had any real qualms.”

Though he was an academically gifted student, he noticed a difference in the Academy students versus those in public school. “Everyone in the room was smart, so that pushes you to study and prepare more for class,” he said.

He went on to share the impact of several faculty members. “We had tremendous faculty at that time. My favorite teacher that I’ve ever had in life was Dr. (Mary Cooper) Robb. She was the first person that gave me the confidence that I could write. Math, I could knock it out, and the sciences were not a problem, but as far as writing, I didn’t get the feeling that I could write until she encouraged me to write an article for the Tentative Essential magazine. I wrote an article, and people really liked it. That gave me some confidence around my writing.”

Outside of his classes, Jeremy was involved in baseball, wrestling, dramatic arts, chorus, and speech, and was a member of a popular local band, The Tempos, that performed at the senior prom. Many of his fondest memories center around those extracurricular activities.

We had tremendous faculty at that time. My favorite teacher that I’ve ever had in life was Dr. (Mary Cooper) Robb. She was the first person that gave me the confidence that I could write.”

“We got into a battle of the bands contest at the Joseph Horne’s department store, and Mr. Cavalier agreed that I could get out of school for the competition. Afterward, I remember coming into school and Mr. Cavalier walking toward me asking how we did. I told him we won and he jumped up and down and said, ‘I knew you would.’”

During his junior year, Jeremy got involved with the debate team, becoming team captain in his senior year. “Mr. Scott Carter (science faculty and debate sponsor) drilled me in preparation for the Pennsylvania High School Speech League tournament, and I won second place in the state,” Jeremy recalled. “It was a big deal for Sewickley to get into the competition and it has served me well. Everything I’ve done as a professional has involved public speaking so that experience was a great foundation.”

Growing up, Jeremy was active in football, which SA didn’t offer, but he continued to play baseball for the school and was encouraged to try wrestling. “I loved it and the coach,

Jeremy Warren’s senior portrait, 1968.

Mr. (Ronald) Craig taught me so much about wrestling and life in general,” said Jeremy. “He, like so many other faculty, knew their subject, but was also very good at supporting you as you developed as a person.”

CHALLENGES OF A YOUNG BLACK MAN

While Jeremy’s overall experience at Sewickley Academy was positive, there were certainly points when the culture of the times was evident both at the Academy and later in life. For instance, speaking about the African Americans in his neighborhood, Jeremy said, “The thing that was difficult was that so many of the older people in the community were not interested in how I was doing, but would always ask ‘Hey Jeremy, how’s the Academy?’ I recognize the sense of pride they had that one of their own had gotten into the Academy, but it was unnerving that they didn’t inquire about me.”

On campus, he recalls that “Academy kids would have parties on the weekends, and never invite me, but come in on Monday and talk about the parties. That was the way it was. At the same time, when I hung out with my friends from Quaker Valley that I’d grown up with, I didn’t talk

about it [going to school at Sewickley Academy]. It was kind of like living in two different worlds at the same time.” He also remembered that the Black community could not go to the local YMCA, but instead visited the community center which happened to be built next to a sewage treatment plant.

His education in the late 1960s and ’70s was at the height of the civil rights struggle. “I remember the night Martin Luther King was killed,” said Jeremy. “The next day, people were talking about it a little bit. I wanted to talk about Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, and all of my classmates were talking about the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War wasn’t as real to me as what was going on with civil rights.”

was married with a baby on the way. I worked full time at night, took care of the baby in the mornings while my wife was at work, and then I’d go to class. I did this for a year and a half before starting graduate school.” He added that his father was his role model having worked two full-time jobs for 30 years and instilling in Jeremy the value and importance of working to achieve something.

CAREER DEFINING PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

Academy kids would have parties on the weekends, and never invite me, but come in on Monday and talk about the parties. That was the way it was. At the same time, when I hung out with my friends from Quaker Valley that I’d grown up with, I didn’t talk about it [going to school at Sewickley Academy]. It was kind of like living in two different worlds at the same time.”

Upon graduating from Sewickley Academy in 1968, Jeremy went on to Washington & Jefferson College (W&J), which he primarily chose because it was close to home and allowed him to play with his band that typically had gigs every weekend at colleges around the tri-state area. However, he was disillusioned at W&J because of the 1,000 male students, only 12 were Black. He remembered, “We were very isolated. Only two fraternities welcomed Black students.”

While he played baseball and stayed at W&J for a few years, he ultimately transferred to the University of Pittsburgh. Of his experience at Pitt, Jeremy said, “It wasn’t quite what I would’ve liked, but at that point I

After college, Jeremy began his career working in law enforcement. “Probation officer, social worker, and school teacher were the jobs that Black kids took after college,” Jeremy explained. “That was where we fit in. Those were the jobs that were offered to us because we were Black.” Always a hard worker, Jeremy strove to make a difference as a probation officer. “I started with 100 kids and after two and a half years, I had the caseload down to 20. That was me getting involved with them and keeping them away from stealing in stores and cars. I worked with the judges to get them sentences that would get them home detention instead of [the juvenile detention center]. It was what needed to be done. I wasn’t a great martyr, but these were kids that I liked and most didn’t have fathers at home to guide them. I would be right there with them at tough times, like in court. They knew I could be compassionate but tough, and they appreciated that because a lot of them didn’t have that.”

The Tempos, Jeremy Warren’s band, performing at the 1968 Sewickley Academy Prom at Allegheny Country Club.

After serving as a probation officer, Jeremy was hired on the production floor of the Corning Glass Works plant in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, where he was eventually promoted into human resources. At the time, the plant employed approximately 2,000 people, 60-70 of whom were managers or supervisors, and of those managers, approximately five were Black. It was the late 1970s, and Jeremy was requested to speak with the plant manager who had received a letter from employees who were “tired of all the Blacks in management.” That evening, a friend and coworker returned home to find a cross burning in his Washington, Pennsylvania yard. Though Jeremy did not have a similar experience, the

plant manager assigned guards to their homes for a week.

Jeremy moved on in early 1981 to work as human resources manager for Levi Strauss & Company in Jackson, Mississippi. At the time, he was the only Black manager in the plant and was sometimes shocked by what he heard at work and in the community. When he inquired with senior management, he was told, “that’s just the way we talk down here.” He also recalls seeing highway signs featuring racial slurs.

THE RIGHT TIME TO SHARE HIS EXPERIENCE

In 1992, Jeremy launched his own company to benefit others with his knowledge and experience. Specializing in strategic planning, organizational change, work restructure, and people development, he supported major organizations such as Shell, UC Berkley, and UC San Francisco, among others, until his retirement.

We have not always valued differences and people in this country are finally beginning to understand that it’s necessary, but it takes time because you’re dealing with people’s values.”

After three years, Jeremy was promoted within Levi Strauss and moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was a human resource development consultant. He mostly traveled throughout the state as well as through Georgia, Virginia, and Texas in order to train managers in change management, effective meetings, team development, and facilitating conflict resolution.

That experience led Jeremy to California in 1998 working for Stanford University as the Manager of Training and Development. He recalls that they were “very sophisticated with their racism.” When the school was in need of a new human resources director, Jeremy filled the position for approximately eight months during the hiring process. While meeting with the provost, he was asked why he hadn’t applied for the role as he was doing a great job at the time. “I told the provost that, to be honest, I didn’t believe that Stanford was ready for a Black HR director,” Jeremy said. “I explained that we’d had Black people make application for the job who were better qualified than I was and the committee just tossed them aside. I didn’t need to see any more than that.” Though the provost was shocked, he thanked him for his honesty.

Jeremy Warren as a Senior, taken from p. 26 of the Sewickley Academy yearbook, Volume XII, 1968.

Jeremy even spent an additional 12 years with Levi Strauss as a consultant where he was heavily involved in facilitating diversity work. “It’s amazing how it has evolved,” Jeremy recalled of his consulting experience. “When I first started getting involved with affirmative action it was more or less sensitivity training, and then people began to recognize that there was more to it. So it evolved into management of diversity and valuing differences. We have not always valued differences and people in this country are finally beginning to understand that it’s necessary, but it takes time because you’re dealing with people’s values.”

Perhaps the encouragement and compassion Jeremy felt as a new student at Sewickley Academy set him on a path to turn his challenges into learning opportunities for others. He has learned to value the significance of what is happening in the world in general, and while we can all play a part, we need to understand where we fit in. “If you’re singing baritone, you’re not going to be singing lead.” It is the leaders who need to support and spread the message of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Mr. Warren knows that the leaders of tomorrow just may be originating from Sewickley Academy. “What SA does is a tremendous job of educating kids,” he proudly said. “I can remember so many experiences that I had that really helped make me who I am today.”

ON THE NEEDLEPOINT ART of David Nimick

’39

David Nimick ’39 welcomed fellow alumnus and current Senior School Art History teacher and Alumni Engagement Officer, Clayton Deutsch ’99, into his home to discuss needlepointing and to share some of his work. The following article is a result of their meeting.

It was the task of creating a textilebased birthday present for his sister Eleanor ’35 that first piqued David Nimick’s interest in the fabric arts.

David recalls that his younger daughter, Carol ’69, proposed in 1978 that family members each produce a square for her aunt’s 60th birthday quilt. With some persuasion on Carol’s part, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, and even a friend or two volunteered to produce fabric squares in time for the project’s completion deadline of Leap Day 1980.

David was somewhat at a loss for how he might create his contribution to the quilt. In seventh grade, he had learned the basics of knitting while recovering from a bout with anemia, but that was the extent of his training. And, he says, “my interest in art per se, except for paintings I can understand, was, and still is, pretty nil.” As he shared in 40 Years of

Opposite page, top row: The colorful covering of one of 38 wooden stools David has had Santom’s, a local furniture repair/ refinishing shop, fabricate for him.

One of three “Christopher Robin and Friends” stools. Two have been gifted and one remains in David’s home collection.

A David Nimick original on a stool currently displayed in the SA’s Alumni Art Exhibition.

Middle row: A stool with a David-stitched needlepoint cover in his home collection.

A David Nimick original framed needlepoint. Currently on display in SA’s Alumni Art Exhibition.

“Seabirds” 38” x 50,” framed in David’s collection at home. Original artist unknown.

Bottom row: A custom-designed cover on a stool completed in 2021. Most of his 17” x 17” stitched canvases include his initials and the year the canvas was completed.

“Noah’s Ark” wall hanging currently on display in SA’s Alumni Art Exhibition

A pillow in David’s personal collection with a custom designed cover.

Needlepointing, a one-page bio that accompanied his works in a Masonic Village Art Studio window display in 2021, “At the time, his wife June was occasionally needlepointing. He asked her ‘How ’bout I needlepoint my square?’ Receiving an ‘If you think it is suitable for the proposed quilt, I can show you how to stitch’ reply, he betook himself to THE PORCUPINE, the needlepoint shop since 1972 in Sewickley, and asked if they had an artist who could paint a meaningfulto-his-sister image on a piece of needlepoint canvas.”

Stitching the painted “Red Owl’’ square for the quilt grew into something of an addiction for David. Now in his 99th year, David is SA’s 3rd oldest living alumnus and an enthusiastic “Practitioner of Fiber Arts,” an epithet suggested by a friend some years ago.

For the past few years, he estimates that he has spent an average of two hours per day needlepointing, but this was not always the case. For instance, in the 1980s and ’90s, when demands of his day job did not leave much free time, he’d try to squeeze 30 minutes before weekday bedtimes whenever

possible in order to relax with a needlepoint project. He recalled, “In early 1984, June suggested that if I was looking for things to stitch, there were 8 chairs in the dining room that could have new needlepoint seat covers. That took care of 1984-1986!” A 38” x 50” painted canvas of seabirds required much of 1993-1995 to complete. It was then that he moved his self-employed asset management business from a Pittsburgh office to his home, opening up more time for stitching.

For David, needlepoint has been both relaxing and a great form of double-tasking. Over the years, his projects have accompanied him at airports and doctors’ offices and while listening to music, watching sports on TV, and other activities.

David and his wife, June, in July 2021.

The 12 years spent serving on the Quaker Valley School Board and more than 40 years as a lead trustee of two 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting QV students inspired David with “the idea to put a stitched canvas on a wooden frame with a two-inch foam cushion” as a classroom teaching aid. Having observed teachers in the lower elementary grades sitting on classroom floors with their students, he took it upon himself to gift his first needlepoint stool to a 2nd grade classroom at the Edgeworth School in 2007. And while he anticipated that the teacher might be more comfortable using the stool, he later learned that “teachers have found permitting students to sit on the stools as a special reward works well.” In the years

that followed, David contributed 18 stools and 5 Winnie-the-Pooh wall hangings to the public library and the two elementary buildings.

David’s work unites the disparate qualities of visual appeal, practicality, and suitability for both children and adults –qualities which rarely all cohere in one object.

Whether needlepointing supplements to functional objects like mirrors, trays, stools, and pillows, or crafting small decorative rugs and wall hangings, he is careful to draw a distinction between his original works and those that involve a pre-painted canvas by another artist. Painted canvases vary in the care the artist has taken in painting and can create stitching dilemmas if a dot of paint is

Top: Framed needlepoint of Eeyore’s house at Pooh Corner. One was gifted to the Sewickley Public Library’s Children’s Department, and one remains in David’s home collection.

Left: David standing with two of his stools currently on display in the Campbell Art Gallery as part of the Alumni Art Show.

not exactly placed or is omitted on a thread crossing. David spends considerable time inspecting “the accuracy with which a canvas is painted” prior to purchasing. “Wellpainted canvases are expensive, but generally worth the cost,” he says.

Working with a blank canvas provides David an opportunity to be what he refers to as a “true artist.” When creating an original work, he frequently starts in the center by stitching a colored thread that he likes or considers to be unusual. From there, he says, “there’s no secret to my geometric creations. It’s all counting and moving as the spirit moves me.” To date, all of his original work has been on 20” x 20” #13 canvas with the stitching covering 17” x 17” of the piece for two reasons:

1) David prefers “an edge” to hold on to when nearing the border, and 2) he

needs that area stitched completely to cover all of the cushion on his stools. This particular size also fits nicely into an 18” x 18” frame such as the two works which are displayed in the Alumni Art Exhibition in Sewickley Academy’s Campbell Art Gallery through December 16, 2022.

To truly appreciate David’s needlepoint artwork, one must understand that a single finished canvas for one of his stools requires approximately 50,000 stitches and 240 hours, a figure which is often exceeded in the case of more complex designs.

David’s collection of needlepoint projects display tactile brilliance, inventiveness, and verve that are equaled only by the amount of time and effort involved. It is safe to say that words can never do justice to the experience of viewing one of David’s needlepoint works in person.

David Nimick is one of six children, all of whom graduated from SA. His father was an Academy board member during the Great Depression years of the 1930s. As SA had only 10 grades in his era, he and his four brothers all completed grades 11 and 12 at Philips Exeter Academy (David was a member of the class of 1942) and then matriculated at Princeton. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in December 1942, and on July 1, 1943, reported to Cornell in the Navy’s V-12 college training program. In 1945, he received a degree in Electrical Engineering, and, in 1947, an MBA from Harvard. He served in the Navy until 1954, after the Korean War had ended, attaining the rank of LT(SC)USN. His marriage to June in September 1948 is considered his life’s highlight.

but we are offering the paver to you at a special discounted price of $500!

All proceeds support the SA Fund. Pavers are placed in Melodia Plaza located in front of Nichols Snyder School Center as a permanent tribute to our SA community.

Orders placed by December 1, 2022, will be installed in Spring 2023. You will be notified when your paver is installed.

To purchase, please contact Carey Byrnes, Annual Giving Officer, at cbyrnes@sewickley.org or 412-741-2230 ext. 3629

THE RETURN of the SA Alumni Council

On July 5, 2022, SA’s Alumni Office initiated the revival of the Alumni Council. Alumni were invited to nominate themselves or others, and a nomination committee voted on the initial council members to create a well-balanced group reflective of SA’s diverse alumni community.

Many thanks to everyone who submitted nominations. The hope is to include all nominees in outreach efforts, including as class agents and a speakers’ bureau. The Council held its first organizational meeting in September and established its mission and responsibilities.

Responsibilities of Alumni Council Members

• Participate in evening meetings 4-5 times per year in person or via Zoom.

• Serve in one of the following roles: Chair, Co-Chair, Outreach Coordinator, Events Coordinator, Communication Coordinator, or Volunteer Coordinator.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Alumni Council is to support Sewickley Academy’s mission and core values by cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship between the school and the alumni community. The Council’s purpose is to cultivate and strengthen the connection between alumni and Sewickley Academy; foster alumni engagement and giving; act as a channel of communication between alumni and the school; provide opportunities for alumni to participate actively in the life of the school; connect with current students in order to enrich their Sewickley Academy experience.

• Support the SA Fund – no matter how large or small a gift – and help educate classmates about the importance of philanthropy at Sewickley Academy.

• Work with the SA Alumni office to help coordinate and plan for class milestone reunions and other Alumni Weekend events.

• President/Chair will update the alumni community during Alumni Weekend.

• Assist the Advancement Office with class solicitations.

• Local alumni also are expected to attend important alumni events, such as Reunion Weekend and Alumni Holiday Party.

The Alumni Council Members for 2022-2023 include:

Ian Carroll ’11

While at SA, Ian Carrol ’11 was captain of the track and cross country teams, member of Cum Laude Society, cast as Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, and served as spotlight operator for theater productions.

In 2015, Ian completed a B.S. in chemistry, with minors in German and theater, at Brandeis University. In 2018, he obtained a master’s in higher education administration from Boston College. Ian now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his partner,

Tucker, and works at the University of South Florida as the Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Ethical Development.

Logan Cole ’16

Logan Cole ’16 joined Sewickley Academy in middle school, spent time studying abroad in Belize and Spain, participated in sports and many social justice clubs on campus, and was heavily involved in musical theater. She graduated from Duquesne in 2020 with a B.A. in international

relations. Currently, Logan is a Juris Doctor candidate at Barry Law in Orlando, Florida. She is dedicated to being a change agent in our criminal justice system and advocating for others. Logan aspires to become a Supreme Court Justice.

Ciara Donohue ’17

Ciara Donohue ’17 attended SA for 13 years and graduated from Bucknell University in 2021 with a B.A. in economics, minoring in legal studies. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and

works as a cybersecurity consultant. In her free time, Ciara enjoys sailing and spending time with her five siblings.

Meredith Doyle ’12

Meredith Doyle ’12 is both a Sewickley Academy legacy and lifer. She was heavily involved in theater and visual arts as a student and went on to be a professional actor and personal stylist. She now lives in Sewickley with her husband, Alex, and is excited to help grow and foster the art community at her Alma Mater.

Virginia (Nimick ’00) Elliott

Virginia (Nimick ’00) Elliott enrolled in Sewickley Academy in 1987. She captained the varsity girls soccer and lacrosse teams, leading both to WPIAL and state titles. She attended Davidson College where she continued to play lacrosse, and graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 2007. Virginia spent four years as a Senior Trial Attorney specializing in federal civil rights litigation for the City of New York and the New York City Police Department. She now works as a Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice. She lives in Sewickley with her husband and two children.

Clayton Morris ’11

Clayton Morris ’11 is part of the second generation at Sampson Morris Group and serves as Vice President of Development & Leasing. His responsibilities focus on enhancing the value of the portfolio through leasing, marketing, asset management, development, and acquisitions.

Clayton is a graduate of Katz School of Business with an MBA in finance and business strategy and earned a B.A. in managerial economics from Allegheny College with a minor in astronomy/astrophysics. An avid kitesurfer and inventor, he designed and patented a practical, adjustablesize kite and collaborated to start “Guzt, a kitesurfing innovation company,” which makes high performance kite surfboards.

Willie Paul ’16

Willie Paul ’16 is an SA lifer, served as a tour guide, and was captain of the varsity hockey team during his junior and senior years. After graduating from Sewickley Academy, Willie attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, completing a political science degree. He then returned to Pittsburgh to work for Deckman Company, a third-generation family business

focusing on the commercial HVAC construction industry. Willie enjoys golfing, skiing, and skeet shooting.

Dr. Todd Thompson ’85

Dr. Todd Thompson ’85 remembers the Academy as a pivotal hub of friendship, learning and development. After more than 20 years as a neurosurgeon, he joined Medtronic as a Sr. Director for Patient Safety. He and his wife, Di, work remotely from Colorado Springs, Telluride, and Honolulu. Their favored pursuits include mountain biking, hiking, skiing, surfing and general aviation.

Anna Zappala ’07

Anna Zappala ’07 resides in Sewickley with her husband, Patrick, as a stay-at-home-mom to their son, Graham. Previously, Anna worked for eight years in Media Relations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. An SA lifer, she went on to major in communications/public relations at College of Charleston and Robert Morris University. Combining her love for travel and tennis, she completed the Grand Slam (as an attendee) with Wimbledon this past summer.

Jason Fincke ’93 and Henry Shenk ’74 are also Alumni Council members.

Ian Carroll ’11

Logan Cole ’16

Clayton Morris ’11

Meredith Doyle ’12

Dr. Todd Thompson ’85

Virginia (Nimick ’00) Elliott

Anna Zappala ’07

Ciara Donohue ’17

Willie Paul ’16 SEWICKLEY

Fifty Years of Senior School

Are you in Cum Laude? Did you receive a graduation award? Who was your favorite teacher? This book includes more than 850 members of the SA community by name, quotation, or photo! You may just find yourself inside!

The First Fifty Years: A History of the Sewickley Academy Senior School

First opening its doors to students in 1963, the history of Sewickley Academy’s senior school has been carefully and beautifully chronicled in this book by Dr. Susan (Ratcliffe ’55) Sour whose involvement with the Academy includes time as a student, administrator, staff member, and parent.

The book was crafted with gratitude to all those who laid the foundation, formed the fabric, and continue to honor the mission of Sewickley Academy and its promises. Within its pages, readers will discover names, quotes, and photos for more than 650 faculty, staff, and alumni as well as an additional 200 members of the Cum Laude Society and graduation award winners. It’s a trip down memory lane that will fill the hearts of everyone who has an affiliation with Sewickley Academy.

ABOUT DR. SOUR

Susan (Ratcliffe ’55) Sour came to Sewickley Academy in Grade 6 and immersed herself in every available opportunity through Grade 9 – as far as a student could go with SA at the time. Her enthusiastic nature encouraged then Headmaster Cliff Nichols to include her among seven students kept on for a special tenth grade year as he worked toward creating a complete high school for the Academy. She is one of eighteen family members across three

generations to have attended Sewickley Academy, including three of her children.

Susan completed her high school career at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, before enrolling in Vassar College where she majored in Latin and minored in French and Greek. She then earned master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.

After holding various administrative and teaching positions at five other high schools, she returned to Sewickley Academy in 2001, serving in several administrative positions over the following twenty+ years. Currently SA’s Alumni Relations Associate, Susan is affectionately recognized as the Academy’s historian, sharing her office with countless boxes of artifacts, photographs, and documents along with more than six decades of yearbooks.

A complete biography of Dr. Sour is available in her book, The First Fifty Years: A History of Sewickley Academy Senior School. To purchase, scan the QR code above or contact ssour@sewickley.org or at 412-741-2230 ext. 3047.

ORDER YOURS!

Annual Clothesline Sale is in the Bag

The Home & School Association’s annual Clothesline Sale achieved the second highest sales total in the last five years, exceeding $105,000 in gross sales! This is a 2.2% increase over last year. Thanks to the generosity of all those who contributed, shoppers were able to purchase more than 14,000 items and additional donations were made to Girls Hope, Adoption Connection in Beaver, Genesis of Pittsburgh, St. Vincent de Paul, Coach Al’s Gear Up Segou organization, and more.

Home & School President Stephanie Menzock could not say enough about her appreciation for all of the dedicated volunteers who have contributed their time and resources year after year to the event, many of whom are alumni, parents of alumni, students, and teachers. “I want to share the success of the sale with the community, and thank them for their donations and service,” she said. “It’s also so important to thank and publicly acknowledge our dedicated Clothesline Committee members – a team of nine individuals who accounted for approximately 1,400 of the more than 1,800 volunteer hours between August 15 and the end of the sale.”

This year’s committee members [and the graduation year(s) of their child(ren)] were: Susan Cable (’20, ’23), Debbie Capito (’18, ’20, ’23), Dawn Jardini (’21, ’23, ’27), Laura Jenkins ’81 (’23), Kim Krysinski (’23), Stephanie Menzock (’19, ’22, ’27), Ridgely Quigley (’23, ’24, ’29), Kristine Smith (’20, ’23), and Amy Thimons (’29). Additional volunteers

who reached more than 20 hours of service were: Annie Batyko (’34), Mary Hertzberg* (’18), Eszter Jacobs (’33), Alyson Korman ’82, Laura Kronk* (’12), Kathy Kross (’23), Annie Mancos (’30, ’33), Naomi Marshall (’31), JoAnn Matten* (’14, ’16), and Christine Olson (’29, ’30, ’35).

Volunteers and donations are always welcome. Contact hsa@sewickley. org if you’d like to help. A reunion of prior committee members and volunteers is also in development. Interested participants should reach out to hsa@sewickley.org

A portion of the proceeds from the Clothesline sales go toward the Home & School Association’s Above & Beyond Grants. The goal of these grants is to improve productivity, faculty enrichment, educational enhancement, and student wellness and community beyond what is already provided through the Academy’s budget. Requests may be submitted by any student, parent, teacher, staff, or administrator

Items at the Clothesline Sale are grouped and organized for the shoppers’ convenience.

associated with SA. Last year’s granted requests included a Gaga Ball pit and equipment, five pedal sets for the Lower School Library, two iPad Pros, playground equipment to enhance the Early Childhood ravine area, mindfulness room accessories for Senior School students, and classroom books and equipment for ceramics, circuits, and music.

*indicates prior Clothesline Committee member

The 2022 volunteers at the annual luncheon for volunteers with 20+ hours of service. Traditionally, everyone wears items that have been purchased at a Clothesline Sale and a fashion show ensues.

SEWICKLEY SPEAKING | The Magazine of Sewickley Academy

The summer and fall of 2022 has been a busy time on SA’s campus, and we have been pleased to welcome the following new faces to our team of remarkable faculty and staff.

Chris Anderson

Associate Head of School

Chris graciously accepted this position in late April, spending the months before her July start preparing for her return to SA. If you were part of the community prior to 2011, you may remember Chris as a mathematics teacher and department

chair in the Senior School at SA. She has since been with Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, PA, spending the last five years as the Academic Dean for Pre-K through Grade 12.

Jonas Ankrom

Senior School Math Teacher

Since graduating from Bethany College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, Jonas has been teaching mathematics, including algebra, probability and statistics, and precalculus, and coaching basketball

for the Rappahannock County Public Schools in Warsaw, VA. As a Canonsburg native, Jonas is excited to return closer to home.

Kelly Beatty

Executive Assistant, Head of School Suite

Kelly brings an extensive background in executive and client assistance having worked with PNC Wealth Management, PNC Bank, and RRZ Investment Management, Inc. She studied communications at Slippery Rock University. In her role at SA, she is managing scheduling for the Head

Chris Anderson

Jonas Ankrom Kelly Beatty

Sol Boucher

Samantha Bycura

of School and Associate Head of School. She will also provide support for key Head of School activities and events, including in-service days, graduations, hiring, and the master calendar, in addition to other responsibilities.

Sol Boucher Senior/Middle School Computer Science Teacher

Sol recently completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University where he also taught topics such as data structures and computer systems. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Rochester Institute of Technology, where he was named RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar, and has a Master of Science in Computer Science from CMU. He has taught at both Shady Side Academy and, most recently, Mt. Lebanon High School.

Samantha Bycura Senior School Registrar & Testing Coordinator

Prior to SA, Samantha was the assistant registrar at Point Park University followed by the role of registrar at Pittsburgh Technical College for four years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in information sciences from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in adult learning and training at Point Park University. Her pastimes include baking, hiking, and watching Pittsburgh sports teams.

Carey Byrnes

Annual Giving Officer

Carey started with SA at the end

of May, coming to us from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where she was the Senior Development Associate coordinating event sponsorships and planned gifts. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, Carey also spent over a decade working with the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Kelly Carioto

Assistant Athletic Director for Programs

Kelly comes to SA from Hathaway Brown, an all girls independent school in Cleveland, Ohio, where she was Assistant AD and a coach. She grew up in the Pittsburgh area, graduating from North Allegheny High School, before enrolling at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in history and minored in secondary education. She then earned a master’s degree in education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Her career began in college athletics as a track coach at Washington & Jefferson College. In the past, Kelly has competed in bodybuilding shows and was a national Physique athlete.

Joan Castillo Senior/Middle School World Language Teacher

Joan joins the SA community from Saint Joseph High School in Natrona Heights, where she taught Spanish. She was previously a student teacher at Highland High School while simultaneously earning her Master of Arts in Teaching at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to teaching, Joan spent nearly 30 years in international banking, where her focus was on global markets currency trading. Her

career in banking took her to Spanishspeaking countries all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

Marzia Cozzolini

Senior School History

Teacher

Marzia taught history and social studies at SA during the 2019-20 academic year, and we’re happy she chose to rejoin us this past March. A published author and researcher, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Psychology from the Universita’ di Bologna in Italy where she attended on a full academic merit scholarship. She has a master’s degree in Italian Language and Literature and a Ph.D. in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education, both from the University of Pittsburgh.

Larry Dine

Band Teacher (Part-Time)

Having served as SA’s Assistant Band Director in 2021-22, Larry’s background includes performing with the River City Brass, National Orchestral Institute, Philadelphia International Music Festival Orchestra, and the symphony orchestras in Charleston, WV, and Johnstown, PA, among others. He has also spent more than a decade in schools as an instructor and band director. Larry has a bachelor’s in music performance from Capital University Conservatory of Music, a master’s in tuba performance and literature from Eastman School of Music, a doctor of musical arts degree from West Virginia University, and earned an associate degree in tuba performance from Duquesne University last year.

Carey Byrnes

Kelly Carioto Joan Castillo Marzia Cozzolini Larry Dine

Sam Futrovsky Sports and Wellness Performance Coach

A graduate of Saint Vincent College with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Concordia University with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Sam has taught and coached in Philadelphia and throughout Maryland, most recently with Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, MD. A member of the Slovak National Lacrosse Team, he played in the World Games in 2014 and 2018, as well as the 2016 Euro Games and 2017 Euro Box Games. He is a certified personal trainer and USA weightlifting certified sports performance coach.

Dale

Giovengo

Girls Soccer Coach

Former head coach for Aquinas Academy’s girls soccer team and the father of two collegiate soccer players, Dale is a nationally certified coach with the United States Youth Soccer Association. Dale’s career began as a high school-aged clerk with Giant Eagle where he eventually directed human resources at the corporate level. He then went on to work for the US Department of State, serving in France, Kuwait, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Iraq before retiring as a Diplomat in Residence. He taught Practices of Diplomacy at Allegheny College, spent a decade as the Mars Area School District head girls soccer coach, and coaches soccer camps at La Roche University. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s in leadership and business

ethics from Duquesne University.

Andrew Korzeniewski AP Latin Teacher

An experienced and published educator in Latin, Greek, Roman Civilization, and more, Andy has spent the past 17 years at the University of Pittsburgh where he has been awarded and recognized for his teaching. He has a bachelor’s degree in classics and political science and a master’s in teaching, both from Villanova University. Andy also completed a post-baccalaureate program in classics at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a PhD in classics through the University of Pittsburgh.

Mikaela Lesh Associate Director of College Counseling

Mikaela brings a wealth of experience from her independent school college counseling role at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, TX, and her background in college admissions from Catholic University, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland. She grew up north of Harrisburg, PA and is a graduate of Susquehanna University.

Camryn Miller

Marketing & Branding Specialist

Before joining SA’s External Relations team, Camryn wore many hats as the Marketing Specialist at Pittsburgh’s Holy Cross Academy. A 2021 graduate of Robert Morris University, with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Camryn gained marketing, sales, and social media experience through internships with Schwebel Baking Company, Ten Four Social, and

Cowden Creek Realty. A resident of Moon Township, she loves being just across the river at SA and working with the range of students from Pre-K through Grade 12.

Al Mitchell

Campus

Security Guard

Al started with SA in October 2022 after spending the past six years as a patrol officer for the Edgeworth Police Department. His familiarity with SA’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as the school’s reputation, prompted him to make the move. Earlier in his career he worked as a police officer, supervisor, detective, motorcycle officer, and plain clothes patrol officer. He is also a certified instructor for various topics in law enforcement, fire service, HAZMAT, and homeland security, and serves as a deputy chief and training officer for the Allegheny County HAZMAT team. Al holds an associate degree in administration of justice along with numerous certifications and law enforcement training classes.

Lacy Montelione Senior School Math Teacher

A 14-year veteran teacher, Lacy taught advanced mathematics at Seton La Salle High School prior to joining Pittsburgh Public Schools where her focus has been on algebra and statistics. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Secondary Teacher Education from University of Phoenix.

Jamie Nestor

Head of Senior School

Jamie accepted the role of Head of Senior School in January 2022 and

Sam Futrovsky

Dale Giovengo

Andrew Korzeniewski Mikaela Lesh

Camryn Miller

NEW FACES ON CAMPUS

Delaney Beaver

Interim Summer & After School Program Director, formerly Lower School Specialist and After Ours Coordinator

Delaney started with SA as a substitute teacher before joining us full-time last year as an atelierista in the Early Childhood building and directing the after-school program, “After Ours.” She has a bachelor’s degree in interior design from LaRoche College as well as a bachelor’s in visual arts education from Chatham University. She has had a great impact on the lives of our Early Childhood students and their families, and we’re excited to have her spread her talents in further developing our summer and after school programming.

Mike Cesario

Manager of Special Projects, formerly Interim Head of Senior School

After serving SA as a teacher and as Interim Head of Senior School, Mike is now supporting the school in implementing special projects, identifying and monitoring metrics associated with key priorities, and creating strategic plans for a growing list of initiatives. He will be involved with launching new programs and establishing external partnerships as well as evaluating and managing the implementation of new opportunities for the Academy and our community.

Mike has an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and will rely on his years of experience as a consultant with SAP Ariba where he developed broad and deep sourcing expertise in numerous relevant categories.

Derek Chimner ’04

Continuing as Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Derek has graciously and eagerly agreed to carry on as the Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the 2022-23 academic year. As it is essential to offer stability, particularly to our students, and establish and maintain trust, we are excited to have Derek work with the administration and the DEI Task Force to institute a vision and foundation for the success of an ongoing DEI Director. It is not unusual for searches such as these to take time and, as a result, our search will continue into the 2022-23 academic year.

Clay Deutsch ’99

Alumni Engagement Officer, continuing as Senior School Art History Teacher, Campbell Art Gallery Manager, and Boys Lacrosse Coach

After graduating from SA in 1999, Clay matriculated to Yale University, earning a B.A. in art. He then completed a post-baccalaureate program in studio art at Brandeis University prior to completing his M.F.A. in painting from Colombia University. Over the years, Clay has exhibited his own art as well as served as a gallery director in Miami and LA. Clay began volunteering with SA’s boys varsity lacrosse team in 2019 and became head coach in 2021 before returning to the Academy full time as a studio art and art history teacher as well as the Campbell Art Gallery Manager. He is now serving as our Alumni Engagement Officer building connections with our alumni and revitalizing our Alumni Council.

Dave DeNardo

Chief Financial & Operations Officer, formerly Director of Finance & Operations

Dave has been with us for a year, and though his role is not changing, his title has been revised to suit our naming conventions going forward. Dave oversees our financials, facilities, human resources, and technology. Most recently, he’s been drawing on his many years of experience in higher education overseeing construction projects as we invest in our campus spaces.

Karen DiMaio Grade 2 faculty, formerly Kindergarten faculty

This year is a big change for Karen after teaching Kindergarten for 28 years at SA as well as earlier in her career in Greenwich, CT. She is excited to work with the second graders as she enjoys their senses of humor, curious nature, and developing reading skills. In her time with SA, she has directed summer programs, served as Early Childhood curriculum leader, worked in Admissions, and traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy for professional development. She currently leads the Garden Committee and serves on the NEMP Steering Committee. Karen earned a bachelor’s in early childhood/elementary education from Connecticut College and a master’s in early childhood reading from Fordham University. She is the mother of twin 15-year-old girls.

Delaney Beaver Mike Cesario

Derek Chimner ’04 Clay Deutsch ’99 Dave DeNardo

FAMILIAR FACES IN NEW PLACES

Dave Fortna

Chief External Relations Officer, formerly Director of Enrollment Management

Going forward, Dave will more fully utilize his skill set by overseeing Advancement, Communications/ Marketing, and Admissions. Prior to joining SA in January, Dave worked with institutional advancement developing sponsorship programs at the University of Pittsburgh, managed the marketing of 13 programs within Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, and implemented communications strategies and marketing plans, including social media tactics, for seven of the nine schools at Duquesne University. Dave’s master’s thesis focused on alumni council building. He is currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership.

Carrie Lanza

Lower School Learning Specialist, formerly Grade 2 faculty

After 12 years teaching Grade 2 at SA, Carrie accepted the role as learning specialist providing support for small groups throughout the Lower School

in reading and math as well as math enrichment. She came to SA after teaching for four years in Maryland. Carrie earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Slippery Rock University and a master’s in education and reading specialist certification from Edinboro University. When she’s not in the classroom she enjoys experimenting with new recipes, bike riding with her family, and taking her dog on adventures.

Matt Michaels

Coordinator

of Data Analytics, continuing as Senior School Mathematics Teacher

In this new role, Matt will identify key areas of data analysis and report gains, losses, and patterns to the SA administration. He will also work with teachers and department chairs in tracking essential data. Matt will continue to teach but will have one less class in order to allow time for these additional responsibilities. He was selected for this position given his experience and expertise in analyzing data and using it to answer questions and solve problems. He has taught AP Statistics and taken students to compete in the Big Data Jam where they researched and analyzed large data sets. Additionally, he is pursuing an online Data Analyst certification offered by Johns Hopkins University.

Christy Mulhollem

Coordinator of Professional Learning, continuing as Middle School History Teacher

Though she will continue to teach, Christy will have one less

class in order to take on the new responsibilities of serving as the Global Online Academy site coordinator and assisting in the development and coordination of all in-house faculty professional learning experiences. Christy has served in many capacities outside of the classroom, including Grade Dean, Department Chair, Varsity Coach, and currently Director of the New Employee Mentoring Program. She believes strongly in the tremendous value of professional development and is eager to promote GOA as an enrollment driver for SA. She is currently pursuing doctoral work with Vanderbilt University in Leadership and Learning in Organizations.

Jessica Ohr

Kindergarten faculty, formerly Grade 3 faculty

Jessica earned a degree in elementary and special education from St. Joseph University and a master’s degree in education from Robert Morris University. Early in her career, she worked as an emotional support teacher then eventually taught preschool for many years. She first came to SA as a long-term substitute in Grade 4, then Grade 1, before being hired full-time in Grade 3. With the kindergartners this year, she is particularly enjoying their enthusiasm and teaching them to read. Outside of the classroom, Jessica is a fanatic for Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Halloween. Her son is a recent SA graduate and her daughter is a junior.

Karen DiMaio

Jessica Ohr

Dave Fortna

Carrie Lanza Matt Michaels

Christy Mulhollem

REUNION WEEKEND 2022 CELEBRATIONS

The weekend of October 7 and 8, 2022, saw numerous SA alumni, from as far back as 1939 through the most recent Class of 2022, return to Sewickley for campus visits and weekend festivities.

A cocktail reception on Friday evening, October 7, was held at Allegheny Country Club for all graduating classes. The following evening featured a shared celebration of the classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 for their 50th reunions, also at ACC – 1970 and 1971 had been previously postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Thoroughly enjoyable cross-grade conversations and renewal of relationships resulted.

The Class of 1972 had the highest turnout, thanks to an active steering group who encouraged classmates to attend. Meghan (Fawcett ’72) Wise put together a reunion booklet chronicling the lives of classmates since their SA days.

Additional class gatherings on Saturday included the Class of 1967 hosted by Melinda Roberts at Gladmore Farm, Class of 1982 hosted by Alyson (Barker) Korman and Kate (Poppenberg) Pigman at the Edgeworth Club, and the classes of 1997 and 2002 hosted by Jennifer (Park) D’Antonio and Laura (Park) Furlong at the D’Antonio’s home. We are very grateful to these gracious hosts for their generous hospitality!

Below: Class of 1967

From Top: Classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1982, 1997 and 2002.

ALUMNI ART EXHIBIT

Planned around this year’s reunion theme, “Celebrate the Arts,” the Alumni Art Exhibition opened during Reunion Weekend and is currently on view in the Campbell Art Gallery outside of the Rea Auditorium on SA’s campus. The exhibition will run through December 16, 2022, and features the work of nine Sewickley Academy alumni spanning 19392016. An opening reception for the exhibition was held the morning of Saturday, October 8, and was immediately followed by a panel discussion on the arts in Gregg Theater.

The Alumni Art Exhibition features the work of the following artists:

John T. Barr ’69, Clayton Deutsch ’99, Larry Garber ’66, Isabella Maroon ’13, David Nimick ’39, Andrew Nimick ’78, Jackson O’Neill ’16, Anna Singer ’76, and Jerome Watts ’13.

This is the first alumni art exhibition at SA in several decades. The works on display represent a wide range of styles, approaches, and mediums. The Sewickley Academy community thanks these alumni artists for their devotion to the daily practice and independent pursuit of art, and for the lengths they undertook to get their work to SA.

ARTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

Reunion weekend activities included the October 7, 2022, induction of three new members in the SA Arts Hall of Fame, which occurs every four years. Hall of Fame honorees are individuals who have distinguished themselves in the visual or performing arts while at SA and have gone on to further distinction in higher education and beyond. The newest inductees were:

John Barr ’69, an awardwinning, cover and feature story photojournalist, was introduced at

the assembly by classmate Cherry (Semple ’69) White. John got his start at Sewickley Academy as “the kid with the camera” taking photographs for the Seventh Pillar and the yearbook, plus frequent assignments for the Sewickley Herald At age 15, he started covering the Pittsburgh Pirates games at Forbes Field for the Pittsburgh Press and Post-Gazette.

At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), John was a photo and graphics major and journalism minor, finishing his bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four, while covering weekly news, features, and sports assignments for United Press International (UPI).

. Pam began her career at eight years old when she enrolled in the Floris Walton School of Drama. “Mrs. Walton was the most influential woman, theatrically speaking, in my life,” she recalls. Her studies there continued through high school.

Brian Hutchison ’89, an awardwinning actor, was introduced by classmate Brad Busatto ’88. Brian graduated from Lafayette College with a B.A. in English and M.F.A. in dramatic arts from University of San Diego/Old Globe Theater Graduate Acting Program, where he played lead roles in several productions including The Hostage and All My Sons. He has appeared in countless theater productions on and off Broadway, most notably as Alan in the Tony Award-winning, 2018 revival of The Boys in the Band, as well as in the 2020 Netflix movie adaptation.

John’s 35-year career as a photojournalist included staff photographer for UPI, the Los Angeles Times, Gamma Presse Images (Paris), and USA Today. He also served as contributing photographer to the Washington Post, special correspondent to the New York Times, and contract photographer to Time Life publications with assignments mostly for Time and People magazines.

John had many cover photographs including US presidential portraits and major news stories such as the riots in Los Angeles following the death of Rodney King. He has covered California wildfires, an earthquake in Mexico, the volcanic eruption of Mount Saint Helens, and celebrities like Robin Williams, Sylvester Stallone, and Tom Selleck.

While majoring in acting at Emerson College, Pam decided that rather than act professionally, she desired to become “a Mrs. Walton” to other young people. Following college, she taught speech and drama and directed the plays at Fox Chapel High School. She has been director/ consultant for 46 years of Child Health Shows, directed 8:40 Theater productions and children’s Christmas shows at the Edgeworth Club, and founded her own Attic Workshop.

At Sewickley Academy, she collaborated with teacher Joan James to direct a series of student productions for Black History Month, most notably a celebration of Gordon Parks’ life, heightened by his personal appearance. Her friendship with the “phenomenal” Mario Melodia led to her co-founding the Performing Arts Camp (PAC) in 1988 from which hundreds of SA students have benefited. Seventy years of children and adults thank her for introducing them to the joys of acting and the thrill of applause!

Additional Broadway credits for Brian include Man and Boy (with Frank Langella and Adam Driver), Looped (with Valerie Harper), Exit the King (with Susan Sarandon and Geoffrey Rush), Proof, and The Invention of Love. Off-Broadway credits include How to Transcend a Happy Marriage (with Marisa Tomei), Smokefall, and Go Back to Where You Are

His television credits include HBO’s The Gilded Age, FBI, The Sinner, Stephen King’s Lisey’s Story, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Law and Order, Blue Bloods, and many others.

Brian has written, produced, and recorded an original serial podcast I Still Think About You. He has also recorded hundreds of audiobooks, and is a professional portrait photographer.

During his visit to the Academy, he met with interested students for a Q and A session.

Pam Gregg, theater director, was introduced by former student Julia (Bevevino ’99) Fulesday

FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS

Senior School Math Teacher

Named the 20th Clark Faculty Chair

During the Academy’s annual opening assembly on September 2, 2022, John Basinger, Senior School mathematics teacher and math department chair, was named the 20th Clark Faculty Chair by the Board of Trustees and Dr. Ashley Birtwell, Head of School.

The Clark Faculty Chair was established in 2003 by Sewickley Academy’s Board of Trustees in honor of Ham Clark’s 15-year tenure as Headmaster of Sewickley Academy and his wife, Ceci Clark’s, many contributions to the life of the school. Each year, the Board seeks nominations from the faculty, staff, parents, and alumni for a deserving candidate. A nominated teacher has earned the respect of colleagues and the community as a subject matter master who displays a love of teaching with energy and enthusiasm. This person must regularly seek professional growth opportunities and be engaged in Academy life.

As part of the Academy’s annual opening assembly on September 2, 2022, John Basinger, Senior School math teacher, was named the 20th Clark Faculty Chair. Shown here with Associate Head of School Chris Anderson, Chair of the Board of Trustees Kate (Poppenberg ’82) Pigman, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Brad Busatto ’88, Head of School Ashley (Brown ’00) Birtwell, and Dr. Susan Zawacky.

John exemplifies all that the Clark Faculty Chair stands for,” said Associate Head of School Chris Anderson. “His devotion to the students is evident in each of his daily interactions and his students speak highly of his engaging classes and remarkably effective teaching techniques.”

When asked about Mr. Basinger, a group of senior boys including Hudson Colletti, Nick Madison, Lucas Mendonca, Garrett Smith, Bennett Spencer, and Jonathan and Thomas Varghese enthusiastically responded, “He is the most intelligent teacher. He’s the smartest guy I’ve ever met. He’s always very jolly and stays positive. He’s never in a bad mood and includes good jokes in his teaching. He is so passionate about what he teaches, and his style really works for us. We spend time practicing what we learn in class instead of struggling with it at home.”

Mr. Basinger earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Penn State and went on to receive a master’s in applied mathematics from WVU. This is his 23rd year with Sewickley Academy, and he has been teaching in high schools and colleges since 1996. In his years with SA, he has assisted in numerous extracurricular roles including Middle School soccer coach, African

American Awareness sponsor, admissions committee member, and house dean. He has also served as an Advanced Placement Grader for the BC Calculus exam since 2008 and is a GeoSketchpad instructor. As a teacher, John regularly encourages his students to stretch, grow, and reach for their dreams.

Regarding what he likes most about teaching, Mr. Basinger said, “Working with young people and helping them get excited about math. I really love it when they see the joy in math.”

The Elizabeth Bishop Martin ’79 Faculty Award

Mary Jo Shine, Senior School Physics

This award was established to recognize a teacher at Sewickley Academy who has made a significant contribution to advancing the mission of the school. The award winner is added to the Selection Committee each year and receives a cash award of $1,000.

The Jerry Smith Award for Outstanding Service

Terry Canonge, Buildings & Grounds

This award was created in honor of Jerry Smith who began his long career at Sewickley Academy as a French teacher in the Middle and Senior schools. He moved into the Technology Department where he provided support to faculty and staff school-wide and implemented new technology throughout the school.

In 2022, four new awards were established for faculty and staff to nominate those individuals who have gone above and beyond their roles on campus. These awards include:

SA Community Award

Derek Chimner ’04, Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This award was designed to recognize a faculty or staff member who has had a positive impact on all parts of the SA community including students, faculty, staff, parents, and/or alumni.

Honorary Alumni

On August 25, 2022, the first day all faculty returned to campus for the 2022-23 academic year, a special, surprise ceremony was held to honor all faculty and staff who have dedicated ten years or more to Sewickley Academy. These 57 individuals were named Honorary Alumni of Sewickley Academy. Each Spring going forward, employees who have reached ten years of service will receive this recognition.

The first class of Honorary Alumni of Sewickley Academy includes:

Ellen Martin, 42 years

Lori Sherry, 35 years

Pam Scott, 34 years

Kevin Gazda, 33 years Keith Siebert, 32

Leslie Levine-James, 30 Dania Paul, 29

Cheryl Ann Lassen, 28 Jay Brown, 27

Unsung Hero Award

Nate Bell, Arts Department Technical Director

This award was created to recognize a faculty or staff member who works hard behind-the-scenes to make SA a welcoming environment for the whole community.

Innovation Award

Erin Whitaker, Educational Technology Coordinator and Computer Science/Technology Teacher

The purpose of this award is to recognize a faculty or staff member who has contributed a new idea, initiative, or process that has positively affected the SA community.

Service to Students Award

Beth Brown, School Nurse

This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on the overall student body of SA.

Jessica Peluso, 25 Julia Tebbets, 25 David Lalomia, 24 Frederick Moreno, 24 Suzi Peluso, 24 John Basinger, 22 Jennifer Brown, 22 Pascale Spinelli, 22 Crista Pryor, 22 Heather Border, 21 Michael Elson, 21 Win Palmer, 21 Jayne Parker, 21 Cindy Bevevino, 20 Holly Haddad, 20

Cristy McCloskey, 20

Vanessa Villalobos, 20 Sally Weir, 20

Marina Buratti, 19 David Maloney, 19 Debbie Mankowski, 19

Shannon Mulholland, 19 Casey Calland, 19 Edward Taylor, 18

Stephanie Latusick, 17 Chris Anderson, 16 Wendy Berns, 16

For 2022-23, SA initiated schoolwide department chair roles. Serving in these positions along with their classroom responsibilities are:

John Basinger Math Chair

Jennifer Brown World Languages Chair

David Lalomia Visual Arts Chair

Alicia Latte English Chair

Kate Lukaszewicz History & Social Science Chair

Cristy McCloskey Computer Science Chair

Ruth Neely Libraries Chair

Pam Scott Performing Arts Chair

Ben Spicer Science Chair

Christopher Carney, 16 Ben Spicer, 15 Celeste Antill, 14 Karen DiMaio, 14 Matt Michaels, 14 Jayme Thompson, 14 Kalyn Whelan, 14 Terry Canonge, 13 John Riddle, 13 Shan Callaghan, 12 Michael Cesario, 12 Jessica Hecht, 12 Carrie Lanza, 12 Jing Zhou, 12 Joe Borzacchiello, 11 Ron Kinser, 11

Nataliya Di Domenico, 10 Tim Heavner, 10 Christy Mulhollem, 10 Lisa Plassio, 10 Shannon Rankin, 10

This list does not include faculty and staff who are Sewickley Academy graduates and have worked for the Academy for ten or more years.

MARY-JO SHINE RETIRES AFTER 17 YEARS WITH SA

Mary-Jo Shine joined the Academy’s science department at the beginning of the 2005-06 academic year. In the 17 years that led up to her retirement with the conclusion of the 2021-22 academic year, she was a mentor, friend, and model teacher, never letting the complexities of teaching challenging subjects to teenagers overshadow the importance of play in the learning process. Her labs were always equipped with gizmos and gadgets to illustrate concepts and inspire awe from her students.

Colleague Ben Spicer stated, “Sometimes students just need to play to find out where they are headed. Mary-Jo never forgot that, and her students will be forever grateful for the time they had in her classroom, playing and learning.”

On a personal note, he added, “Over the years, I have been the fortunate half of a great partnership in teaching.

I was nearly a kid when I first met her. As I have grown up in this profession, she listened to every wild idea I proposed. I am going to miss her more than I have yet to realize.”

Mary-Jo offered unconditional support to her peers and served as an inspiration to those who needed to raise their voice and be heard for the collective good. Sewickley Academy benefited greatly from her years of service, diligence in her practice, collaboration with her colleagues, and desire to support the students.

On her last official workday with the Academy, Mary-Jo was honored as the recipient of the 2022

contribution to advancing the mission of the school. Particularly noted were her subject mastery and dedication to her students, and ability to make the right decisions even when that required following the more difficult path.

The faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Sewickley Academy wish her many years of joy and good health in retirement.

Elizabeth Bishop Martin Faculty Award recognizing her significant

WORLDTeacher Day

To: Howard Shockey, Mathematics

Thank you for appreciating the ways my brain unraveled proofs. You always made me feel smart and interesting! I loved that there was more than one way to the proof, and that you looked forward to the different way I would get there. I think that was the last time I felt personally appreciated as a thinker.

– Kimberly (Burnworth ’83)

To: Marina Buratti, Italian

Walker-Gonçalves

Wednesday, October 5, 2022, was World Teacher Day and several alumni reached out to share their thoughts and memories of the very special faculty who influenced their education and futures. Here are just a few. If you’d like to extend your appreciation to any SA faculty, you don’t have to wait until World Teacher Day 2023, simply send an email to advancement@sewickley.org

To: Cristy McCloskey, Computer Science

Grazie di tutto! Grazie per aver ispirato i tuoi studenti!! My high school experience would not have been the same without my Italian classes each year and without the valuable knowledge you imparted us with. Grazie mille per il mio amore per Italia e Italiano.

– Clare Chiusano ’21

To: Alden H.J. Sector, History

Dear Mr. Sector,

Hi, Mrs. McCloskey. I hope that this note finds you in good spirits. I just wanted to say a quick thank you for all that you have done for me over the past four years. You have truly helped me build a strong foundation for my studies in computer science, and if I ever become a teacher someday, I hope to be able to convey ideas to my students as clearly as you did to my peers and I. Anyways, I wish you all the best for this school year and beyond, Mrs. McCloskey.

– Gary Peng ’22

If you were here, I’d tell you how important you have been to me not just back in the 1980s when you taught History in the Middle School at Sewickley Academy but now, so many years later. I’d tell you how you made me feel included and important, intelligent and capable. I’d tell you that your ability to be both dignified and proper and also, approachable with a sprinkle of dry wit and humor was a shining example of what an adult can be (how I wanted to be). I’d tell you how much you commanded respect and how I wanted to earn your respect in return. I’d tell you the lessons you taught went beyond world history and into the very core of who I am today. Those lessons have kept me strong when I needed it most.

I can’t begin to find the right words to express the gratitude I feel still for your influence on my life. I will end this message simply by saying, if you were here, Mr. Sector, I would say thank you for all that you were and still are to me.

Sincerely, Jennifer (Clement ’86) Kelley

To: Louise Bassett (Weir), Physical Education

Thank you for coaching and teaching me. So glad we have reconnected when we are both grown-ups.

– Marion (Nimick ’72) Silbert

SA Welcomes Three New Members to the Board of Trustees

Robert A. James ’85

A Sewickley Academy lifer, Robert played baseball and was active on the Curriculum, Activities, and Fundraising committees. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Boston College before completing a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He then pursued dual Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

A leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as corporate strategy, Robert has been Vice President for Allegheny Health Network/Highmark Health since January 2021. He had previously spent five years as Supplier Diversity Program Director with Highmark Health during which the program was recognized with the Procurement Leaders Americas Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Award. He has also worked as a practicing lawyer for more than 20 years, general counsel for a physicians’ practice, and as an advisor with the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion in the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission.

Robert is on PA Governor Wolf’s Advisory Council for Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities and a board member with the Three Rivers Chapter of the National Association for Corporate Directors, Riverside Center for Innovation, Pittsburgh Opera, and Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation. He has received DiversityPlus Magazine’s Top 30 Champion of Diversity Award and the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Men of Excellence Award, among others.

He has completed Northwestern University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) certificate program, Highmark Health’s Higher Mark leadership development program, and the Executive Leadership Academy through Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business/The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI).

Rodney L. Smith

Currently CEO of Advanced Environmental Monitoring (AEM) in Pittsburgh, Rodney began his career in Washington, DC, with Andersen Consulting, where he focused on IT and management solutions for Fortune 500 clients, primarily in telecommunications. In less than a decade, he had moved on to CFO of Krone Global (the Communications Segment of GenTek) in Denver, CO. He later served as president of several divisions within Thermo Fisher Scientific, including four years leading their global Environmental & Process Instruments division from its headquarters located in Shanghai, China.

In addition to his work with AEM, a private-equity-backed roll-up focused on helping companies facing escalating environmental risks, Rodney is currently an independent director on the board of PharmaJet Inc., an advisory board member at the McGowan Institute within UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, and also works as a private investor.

Rodney attended Cornell University earning a bachelor’s degree in operations research and industrial engineering. He also achieved a master’s of engineering from Cornell and an MBA from Harvard Business

School. He now lives in Sewickley Heights with his wife, Kristene, and their two children, Kylie ’20 and Garrett ’23.

Joseph J. Zaluski

Joe served Sewickley Academy from 1988 through 2005 as Head of Lower School, Assistant Head of School, and Interim Head of School. In 1998, he was part of the strategic plan that resulted in building both the Early Childhood and Middle School buildings as well as renovating the Lower and Senior schools.

Joe began his career as a teacher and naturalist at an outdoor education center in Ohio before moving on to teach Grade 6 with The Miami Valley School, an independent PreK - Grade 12 school where he subsequently served as Head of Lower School for nine years before joining Sewickley Academy. From 2005 until his retirement in 2019, Joe was Head of School at the Gulf Stream School in Florida during which the school’s endowment grew 350% and enrollment grew nearly 20%, capped by an agreement with the town where the school is located. While in Florida, he also spent eight years on the Board of Trustees at the Benjamin School, an independent school with 1,100 students.

Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from the University of Dayton as well as a master’s degree in administration. He and his wife, Sally, have two children, Zachary ’00 and Katelin ’02 Joe and Sally live outside Columbus, Ohio, where Joe volunteers at The Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

CONGRATS

The accomplishments of Sewickley Academy’s Class of 2022 are many, and it will be exciting to see who they will become. It was the pleasure of the Academy’s faculty and staff to support and aid them as they honed the skills that will carry them through a lifetime as Sewickley Academy alumni.

SEWICKLEY SPEAKING | The Magazine of Sewickley Academy

20% 34%

are members of the Sewickley Academy Chapter of the Cum Laude Society are “lifers” who attended SA from PreK, K or Grade 1 through Grade 12 2022 GRAD STATS AND FACTS

A ending 45 colleges in 19 states plus Washington, D.C. participated in SA athletics and helped 3 SA athletic teams win 3 league championships

earned SA’s Global Studies Certificate in addition to their diploma

participated in Advanced Placement courses

a ending college out of state

COMMENCEMENT Awards

The Class of 2022 was honored with a commencement ceremony in the school’s Events Center on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 6 pm. Four graduates received special recognition for their achievements prior to the presentation of diplomas.

Ashley Glabicki received the Faculty Award for consistently displaying a cheerful and mature attitude, unselfish service to the entire school community, and a sincere concern for others.

Rohan Shah was honored with the Academy Award which is given by the Board of Trustees to recognize a senior who exemplifies the distinguishing qualities of moral goodness and perseverance, and who has shown a sincere commitment to academic pursuits throughout his time at Sewickley Academy.

Brooke Kries was awarded the Head of School Award which recognizes a senior whose service and accomplishments in academic, athletic, and/or extracurricular activities have made a significant contribution to the life of the school and who best exemplifies the ideals and spirit of Sewickley Academy.

Gary Peng earned the Cavalier Cup for distinguishing himself as best all-around graduate by achieving a record of combined excellence in scholarship, sportsmanship, and citizenship in the estimation of the school’s faculty.

Attendees of the ceremony were treated to musical performances from the Academy’s Senior School orchestra, string orchestra, and chorus, all under the direction of Mr. Brian Buckley. Rohan Shah, Class of 2022 Senior School President, delivered a music-themed student address. Ms. Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, addressed the graduating class and guests, while Head of School Dr. Ashley Birtwell concluded the evening with final remarks.

Son the ROAD

SA alumni from the Greater Pittsburgh area gathered on Thursday, June 16, 2022, for an evening of fun and fellowship. While the weather didn’t cooperate for a rooftop party at the Cinderlands Warehouse in the city’s Strip District neighborhood, everyone enjoyed food, beverages, and games indoors while the city treated us all to a spectacular cloud cover called mammatus clouds. Alumni also had the chance to view renderings of new campus facilities projects planned for their alma mater including the Panthers Performance Center, Admissions suite, and robotics labs.

SA is expecting to be on the road again in Spring 2023. Would you like to have an alumni event in your city? Contact alumni@sewickley.org.

Pete Schramm ’10 takes a selfie with the crowd at the Cinderlands.

Dr. Leah (Henderson ’01) Kanner and Head of School Ashley (Brown ’00) Birtwell

Nicole (Pessolano ’99) Kopel, Julie (Bevevino ’99) Fulesday, Nina Barbuto ’02, and Alumni Associate Susan (Ratcliffe ’55) Sour

Mammatus clouds above the Cinderlands Warehouse

Dave Groetsch ’18, Chris Groetsch ’17, Assistant Athletic Director Heather Border, former Alumni Director Kait Long, and Ryan Brown ’17

Karl Rosario ’10, Associate Director of Admissions and Family Experience Jayme Thompson, and Pete Schramm ’10

Carrie (Zuberbuhler ’86) Kennedy, Kevin Kennedy, Lee Stember ’86, and teacher Lori Sherry

CLASS NOTES

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

Submit a class note for the next issue of Sewickley Speaking by visiting our website. If you have a digital photo to share, please send it to alumni@sewickley. org with a note identifying the people in the photo.

1950s

1955

Susan Ratcliffe Sour recently completed researching and writing

The First Fifty Years: A History of Sewickley Academy Senior School. It chronicles the story of headmaster Cliff Nichols hiring the young Jim Cavalier to build a high school and all the major events in school life thereafter. Over 850 faculty, staff, and alumni are included by name, quotation, or photo in the book.

The Class of 1955 became a pilot Grade 10 class – not the first one, since there had been others in the 1930s and early 1940s – but the last one before a true high school became viable.

1970s

1972

1974

Henry Shenk shares: “For the past 2.5 years Mark and I have endeavored to restore a big old house in Pittsburgh’s East End. Constructed in 1906 by my great, great grandfather’s firm, The Henry Shenk Co., it was built for the Berger family of New Castle. Situated on almost 2 acres, it has been slowly decaying for quite a few years. But, through dreaming, perseverance and sinew, she is slowly being returned to her gracious self. I say this as I contemplate the planting of two thousand daffodils, much like the Oliver tract along Blackburn, in what was a wildflower garden leading from the front terrace to Fifth Avenue. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier or in better physical shape, thanks to this piece of Pittsburgh’s glorious past.”

1974

1978

Chip Carton was honored to cut the ribbon for the 30th year of the Pittsburgh Walk to Defeat ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). He was grateful to those who were able to support this important effort to aid this difficult disease.

1955 The Grade 10 class in 1955-56, left to right: Wynnkie Paffard, Joan Foesdisch, Carolyn Malone, Pat Graham, Susan (Dorothy) Ratcliffe, Sue Wheeler, and Sibby Hull. A lasting legacy for Sibby Hull is the Hull Room given by her family in SA’s Lower School.

The century-old planters at the entrance to Henry ’74 Shenk’s house were saved by Mary Odom ’76 when the Rea estate in Sewickley was torn down.

1972 Left to right: John Wise ’72, Meghan (Fawcett ’72) Wise, Michael Jackson ’07, and Mike Raftis ’07 enjoyed the Dave Matthews Band concert in Washington state. See more in 2007.

CLASS NOTES

1980s

1983

1983 Knox Thompson ’83 and his brother, Todd ’85, met in Yaak, Montana, for a week of hunting and fishing this October.

1985

Will Potter’s son Theodore Ellis was born on May 14 at 1:30 a.m. and weighed in at 6.5 lbs. Theodore is a smiley chatterbox who loves laughing, especially when one is pulling on the Halloween witch’s springy legs on the refrigerator and watching

them bounce back. He loves meeting people and is fascinated by listening to conversations and joining in. Theo gets Mandarin lessons from his Grandma every morning for 30 minutes.

For Christmas, Dad is setting up his vintage train set in Mommy’s living room on a 5’ x 10’ plywood base which will be decorated with 20 or so buildings from the “Plasticville” line. Multiple orders for additional rolling stock have been placed on Ebay. Daddy is very excited. Mommy is getting nervous it might never get taken down. Baby can hardly wait!!

Todd Thompson joined Medtronic this year as a director for medical safety after 20 years of clinical practice. “I never thought that I

1985 Will ’85 Potter’s son, Theo

1985 Todd ’85 and Di Thompson with their dogs Telli and Hoss.

would have a remote job! I continue to apply my neurosurgical skills, in a very different role.” Read more about Todd and his family in his Alumni Council bio on page 17.

1990s 1999

Clay Deutsch shared, “In 2017, after many quixotic attempts at fame, the most promising of which was a band formed with alums Gaetan Pettigrew ’99 and Tommy Deutsch ’01 (there have recently been talks about a major network ‘Behind the Music’ documentary as well as a reunion show perhaps at a Reunion?? If only we had an in with the booking agent!), I followed in the footsteps of my sister, Eleanore ’03, and her family and relocated from Los Angeles, California, to Sewickley. We were happily shortly joined by our brother, Tommy ’01, who, not wanting to miss out on the fun, moved back with his family from New York (Julia [Deutsch ’04], Julia, come in Julia!).

“In 2019, my brother and I did what any middle-aged adults with a surfeit of lacrosse knowledge and a plus-10second 40-yard dash time would do. We decided to put this knowledge to good use as volunteer coaches on SA’s boys lacrosse team. I’d like to use this page to encourage others to do the same. It’s rewarding! I then began teaching at the Academy in 2021 in the Arts Department and have since become the Alumni Engagement Officer and Director of the Campbell Art Gallery. It has been a tremendous joy and privilege to be back at SA. Hello to the class of ’99! I miss you all and hope you are doing great! Please reach out, come visit any time, and send in your class notes!”

2000s

2000

Virginia (Nimick) Elliott moved back to Sewickley in 2019 with her husband, Brent, and two children, Charley and Griggs. She continues to work as a Trial Attorney with the Department of Justice. After more than 15 years in New York City and Washington, D.C., they are enjoying the slower pace of suburban life. She writes, “It has been wonderful (and weird!) to have my kids become friends with the children of so many

other SA alumni. I’m looking at you Molly (Ruscitti ’97) Howard, Katie (Straka ’97) Arbogast, Eleanore (Deutsch ’03) Hodzic, and Emilie (Smith ’04) Rubin!”

2001

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra (Greensburg, PA) has named Natalie Ann Kasievich as its new executive director. She is the former board president of the Edgewood Symphony, a community orchestra of volunteer musicians, and former executive director of the Portiuncula Foundation of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neuma, both based in Pittsburgh. A lifelong musician, she began studying the violin at age four and began playing orchestral music at nine with Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra Symphonette. She continues to play locally as a freelance violinist and with the Edgewood Symphony.

Natalie has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Wheeling Jesuit University and a master’s degree in public management from the H. John Heinz III College at Carnegie Mellon University. She previously worked

as an engagement leader for Thrivent Financial.

In a press release, she said, “When I worked on the board of the Edgewood Symphony, I had fallen in love with arts management, so this is the perfect opportunity to combine my passions for orchestral music and management!”

2003

After living in Europe and the U.K. for a while, Mary Grace (Mock) Holt and her husband, Andy, are settled back home in New York City. They welcomed their first child, Hugo Edward Holt, on May 1. He is named after his two grandfathers.

In 2015, Spencer Nimick graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a master’s in data science and an MBA with a concentration in marketing. He now works as a data science manager at McAfee. He recently became engaged to Susan Duncan. They are planning a March

2003 Spencer Nimick ’03 with his fiance, Susan Duncan.

2001 Natalie Kasievich ’01

wedding, and look forward to seeing 2003 classmates Brandon Means, Travis Modic, Kelsey Pegden, as well as Nick Batyko ’00

2006

Parry Macdonald Kietzman sent this update: “I am currently a bee specialist on a research team at Virginia Tech, where we are

working on a multiyear sustainable agriculture project to create pollinator habitat in cattle pastures in Virginia and Tennessee. We refer to it as the “Bee-friendly Beef” project, and more information can be found at our website, beesandbeef. spes.vt.edu. We are collaborating with researchers at the University of Tennessee and the Smithsonian’s nonprofit, Virginia Working Landscapes. Although my appointment at Virginia Tech is research-focused, I was given the opportunity to teach a course called Ecological Agriculture, and I am loving being in the classroom. My husband and I also welcomed our daughter, Flora, to the family on January 24th of this year. She joins big brother, Hal (aged almost 5), and is a wonderful addition!”

2007

Mike Raftis ’07 and Michael Jackson ’07 visited John ’72 and Meghan (Fawcett ’72) Wise

2007 Mike Raftis ’07 and Michael Jackson ’07 at the summit of Mt. Spokane in Washington.

at Wise Acres Farm in Green Bluff, Washington, over Labor Day weekend to mark the 13th anniversary of Colin ’07 Wise’s death. They all went to a Dave Matthews Band concert, and the two 2007 classmates hiked Mt. Spokane during their stay.

Anna Zappala and her husband, Patrick Auth, were married in Tuscany, Italy, in June 2018. The couple now resides in Sewickley with their son, Graham, who was born in April 2021. Graham is already very fond of Sewickley Academy’s campus.

2010s

2010

Mac Nimick graduated from the University of Richmond in 2014, and obtained a master’s degree in counseling from George Washington University in 2020. He now lives in Denton, Texas, where he works as a Licensed Professional Counselor, focusing on childhood and family issues.

2010 Mac Nimick ’10

2006 Flora Kietzman, daughter of Parry (Macdonald ’06) Kietzman

2014

Bard College at Simon’s Rock alumna Chazlee Myers was awarded an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grant by the US-Italy Fulbright Commission to provide assistance to local English teachers in Italy and act as a cultural ambassador for the U.S from October 2022 to June 2023. Chazlee is one of only ten ETA grant awardees for Italy. As part of her thesis, Chazlee had already created a four-week language learning lesson plan for middle school students in three languages, German, Italian, and Spanish. She chose to focus on middle school since many students stop their language studies around that time in their education, often because there’s not enough cultural immersion. Her lesson plans included a strong emphasis on the cultural components of learning a second language.

Although she majored in German Studies and Photography at Simon’s Rock, she selected Italy for her

Fulbright. She found during her prior study abroad in Germany at the University of Marburg, that German schools already emphasize teaching English as a second language, whereas the emphasis is different in Italy. Additionally, she saw and connected with how Italy took a leadership position in addressing rising migratory conflicts and advocating for the voiceless. Her focus will be on working with at-risk populations, especially young African women and young refugees.

2016

Logan Cole reported, “I am finally living out my wildest dreams and pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at Barry University’s D’Wayne O. Andreas School of Law. While in law school, I have the privilege of working at a criminal defense and immigration law firm. Although there are many aspects of my job that are interesting, the most exciting part of my duties as a legal assistant include preparing the argumentation for asylum applications. My interest in law stems from my desire to advocate for those who don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves and to represent Women of Color in law, as the first lawyer of my family!

Logan served as the Pittsburgh Fellow with IGNITE National, a nonpartisan organization that empowers young women to harness their political powers and trains them to run for public offices. She hosted a virtual event last May about the school-to-prison pipeline, which is affecting Pittsburgh area schools at

an alarming rate. She hosted two experts from the Just Discipline Project. Read more about Logan in her Alumni Council bio on page 16.

2017

Sterling Myers, who was a FAME Scholar, Poise Scholar, and Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, graduated as valedictorian of the Kiski School Class of 2017. He went on to graduate from Harvard University, Class of 2021, with degrees in biomedical engineering and Mandarin Chinese. Sterling is currently applying to law school.

2018

Emmy Rose Francek graduated with a BS in biomedical engineering from the University of Oklahoma with an impressive list of special honors:

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude, President’s Honor List all 4 years

• Awarded Outstanding Senior for the College of Engineering, Class of 2022 (700 graduates)

• Awarded Outstanding Senior for Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2022 (49 graduates)

• Letzeiser Award Winner (citizenship and achievement)

• Campus Life Award (volunteerism and participation)

• Cited in 5 published articles in the field of Nanomedicine

2007 Graham, son of Anna Zappala ’07 and Patrick Auth, enjoys the soft grass on SA’s campus.

2014 Chazlee Myers ’14

SEWICKLEY

Sewickley Academy

CLASS NOTES

On May 14, 2022, she culminated her four years by leading the procession and carrying the flag for the OU College of Engineering class of 2022 in the graduation ceremony. Emmy will remain at the University of Oklahoma for one more year to complete her master’s in biomedical engineering.

2020s

2020

Alexis Barlock was crowned Miss Pennsylvania International 2022 at the Blair County Convention Center (PA). The pageant is for “communityminded, accomplished women ages 19 - 30” and provides “each contestant the opportunity to learn about customs and family life in other countries along with the chance to share her platform efforts.”

As an SA student, Alexis was a four-

year starter on the softball team. A powerful and successful pitcher, she was named Athlete of the Week by the Sewickley Herald in her junior year. She signed to play softball for the University of Mount Union where she finished her sophomore year studying political science. She hopes to come back on SA’s campus for a visit in her official capacity as Miss Pennsylvania International 2022.

Eiley Doyle is a student at Wesleyan University and recently started her own online pottery business eileyspottery.com. She found her love of pottery through Mr. Lalomia at SA and built on those skills through her sculpture classes at Wesleyan. She also worked as an apprentice for a pottery studio in Park City, Utah, where she lived with her brother Todd Doyle ’16 for a season as ski instructors.

Alexis Barlock ’20

2020

ALUMNI

EDITH ANNE (BINNEY ’45) METCALF

Anne Metcalf died at home in Sewickley surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. She was the beloved wife for 45 years of the late William B. Metcalf III; mother of Edith (Metcalf ’72) Gingras, Kathleen ’73, Christine ’74, Mary ’76, Brooks ’86, and the late William B. Metcalf IV ’80. She is also survived by nine grandchildren.

VIRGINIA (SNYDER ’48) CITRON

Virginia Citron passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at the age of 89. She died peacefully at home in Delray, Florida, surrounded by her family. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, raised in Sewickley, attended Sewickley Academy, went on to graduate from The Masters School, known to many as “Dobbs,” and continued her education at Briarcliff College.

Her parents were William Cordes Snyder, Jr., President and CEO of Blaw-Knox Steel Corporation, and Virginia Harper Snyder, and she had a younger brother, William Cordes Snyder III ’50 (deceased). She was married to James H. McGraw III from 1952 to 1976. In 1993, Ginny married Thomas Citron. She leaves behind four children, Virginia S. McGraw, James H. McGraw IV (Jane Love), W. Scott McGraw (Catherine Delahunt), and David D. McGraw (Elizabeth Frank). She was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

CHARLOTTE (O’NEIL ’51) OLIVER

Charlotte Oliver passed peacefully at her home in Vero Beach, Florida, in June just shy of her 86th birthday. She was surrounded by her three sons, Edward (Ted) of Victor, Idaho; Stoddard (Stoddy) of Bedford Hills, New York; George (Geep) of Sewickley; and her beloved miniature dachshunds, Tulip and Taffy. She was the only child of Edward and Lydia O’Neil.

Affectionately known as “Cha Cha,” she was born in Pittsburgh on June 3, 1936, and was raised in Sewickley, attending Sewickley Academy.

Charlotte was also an alumna of Garrison Forest School in Baltimore, Maryland, and Bennett College in Millbrook, New York. She spent much of her life in Wilson, Wyoming.

In addition to Charlotte’s sons and stepdaughters, she is survived by daughter in-law, Catherine E. Oliver (Stoddard); grandchildren John Morgan Oliver, Edward O’Neil Oliver, Jr., George Potter Oliver, Jr., Lydia Harper Oliver, Henry Morgan Oliver, Felix Augustus Oliver; step-grandson, William Gray DeTeso; and greatgrandson, Xander Oliver.

SARAH RACHEL BROOKS (COOKE ’66) THORN

Sarah “Brooks” Thorn died in her sleep on Sunday, October 2, 2022, in Charlottesville, Virginia, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on May 20, 1947, the daughter of Horace Brooks Cooke, Jr. and Rosella Wendt Cooke. Her grandparents, who raised her, were Horace Brooks Cooke and Elizabeth Cooke of Alexandria, Virginia.

Brooks attended Sewickley Academy, St. Agnes School in Alexandria, and Virginia Commonwealth University. She is survived by her husband, Arthur K. Thorn of Silver City, New Mexico; her stepdaughter, Allison Sedwick of Washington, D.C.; brothers, Roland Brooks Cooke of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Skip Noyes of Rancho Cordova, California; and her sister, Robin Threlkeld of Rancho Cordova, California.

SCOTT MONTGOMERY FERGUSON ’70

Scott Ferguson passed away on February 19, 2022, at age 69, from complications due to COVID. He is survived by his wife, Emiko; his two children, Caer (Sam McCracken) and Niall; his granddaughter, Kimiko; his siblings Jeanne (Ferguson ’72)

Fansler (Thomas), Alan Ferguson ’74, and Robert Ferguson (Jayme Brown), nieces, nephews, cousins, and many extended family members and friends.

A longtime resident of Santa Monica, California, Scott worked in and supported the arts, a passion that was rooted in his first band at SA, The Jades (with original founding bandmates Doug Rice ’70, Tom Stinson ’70, and Jeff Gray ’70).

While he spent the bulk of his career producing music for others, he never created an album of his own works.

As a tribute to Scott, Caer, Niall and Emiko put together a sampling of Scott’s original tunes as well as a few covers. You may listen to his first solo album, Blackjack Daisy, released posthumously, at scottmferguson. bandcamp.com.

DAVID ALAN GRIFFIN, SR. ’71 David Griffin, Sr., lost his brief battle with pancreatic cancer at Transitions HospiceCare in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at age 61. David was born August 14, 1953, in Sewickley to Percy Ward and Nell Reinken Griffin. He graduated from Roanoke College in Virginia in 1975, and on August 2, 1980, he married Mary Frances Clark in Greenwich, Connecticut.

David is survived by his wife; son, David Griffin (Katie) of New York, New York; daughter, Margaret Griffin of Durham, North Carolina; sisters, Barbara Wiltshire ’66 (Richard) of Richmond, Virginia, and Jane DeMatteis (Denny) of Raleigh; uncle, Dean Griffin (Etta Ray); and aunt, Sarah Marks (William) of Westminster, Maryland; and many loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

JAMES E. SCIOSCIA ’83

James E. Scioscia passed away on August 26, 2022, surrounded by family, after battling a long difficult neurodegenerative disease. He was the son of the late Dalia Jean and the late Joseph A. Scioscia, Sr; brother of Joseph A. Scioscia, Jr. ’74 (Alisa), Oreste Scioscia ’77 (Clotilde),

Bridget (Scioscia ’78) Scherder (Philip), Stephen Scioscia ’79 (Stephanie), and Christine (Scioscia ’86) McLean; and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Known as Jim - Jimbo - Chet to family and friends, he was a graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in business administration.

JOHN CHRISTIAN DAVID LECORNU ’08

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, John Christian David LeCornu passed away at the age of 31. He was born at Sewickley Valley Hospital on August 18, 1990. After graduating from Sewickley Academy, he received his bachelor’s degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. He lived in Austin, Texas, for the past nine years working as a Senior Strategist at Shareability.

Christian (aka Chricky, Tinky, Soup) is preceded in death by his Grandma Jane, Uncle Tony, and Aunt Sue. He leaves behind his dad, John, and mom, Susan, sisters, Amanda and Justine, and brother, Josh, as well as grandparents, AJ Williams, Jr, Claudia and Martin LeCornu, and aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephews. The family are asking that those who knew him well would share written remembrances and pictures with amanda.lecornu@gmail. com

FAMILY OF ALUMNI

MARGARET ORR CHILDS, mother of Margot (Childs ’60) Cheel, Christine (Childs ’66) Palmer, Tom Childs ’70, and Isabel Childs ’76

SUSAN CRAIG, wife of George Craig ’59, mother of Nancy (Craig ’84) Garvey, and Jim Craig ’86

BEVERLY ANNE POLING

CUMMINS, mother of Marina Anne ’05 and Michael Kalis ’07, stepmother of Daniel ’01 and Ian Cummins ’05

R. JACKSON FRY, father of Charles Fry ’77

CORA ALICE GEBHARDT, mother of Lisa (Gebhardt ’79) Turner, Ronald

Evans Gebhart, Jr. ’80, and Joy Gebhardt ’91

SUSAN R. KOPF, mother of Rob Kopf ’84, Tom Kopf ’88, and Maggie (Kopf ’91) Standish; grandmother of RY ’12, Max ’27, Jarrod, and Silas Kopf

MARTHA SHORTER “MIMI” STEVENS LANIER, mother of Monro Lanier ’76 and Martha-Shorter (Lanier ’81) Dougherty

JOEL L. LENNEN, father of Kerry Lennen ’12 and Molly Lennen ’15

MARY LHERON MEANS, mother of Lela Means ’89 and Pitt Means ’93

JOSEPH WILLIAM PAUL, JR., husband of former faculty Dolly Paul, father of Joseph Paul, III ’82 and Greg Paul ’88

JULIAN W. PROCTOR, M.D., father of Danielle Proctor ’92 and Owen Proctor ’10

JEAN CARLISLE ACKERMAN ROBINSON, wife of Brooks Robinson ’47

JOHN A. “JACK” SHOENER, M.D., father of Jackie Shoener ’72, Judy (Shoener ’73) Semple, Jim Shoener ’75, and Jeff Shoener ’78

FORMER FACULTY

MARION KAY BRIGGS (formerly Hessinger)

Marion Kay Briggs of Escondido, California, formerly of Sewickley, passed away at home on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at age 84. She was born in Jamesburg, New Jersey, to the late George W. and Louise Gelbach Briggs. Ms. Briggs earned a B.S. in mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University and enjoyed a 22-year career teaching math at Sewickley Academy, where she was a dedicated and supportive educator. Ms. Briggs is survived by her children, Beth Stobbs (Gregory), Robert Hessinger (Rebecca), and Lynne Cooley (Bradford), as well as her five grandchildren.

MARGARET ROSE “JUDY”

(SKEEHAN) LACKNER

Margaret Rose “Judy” (Skeehan) Lackner of Sheraden, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022, at age 98. Judy grew up in Baden, Pennsylvania, graduated as valedictorian from Sewickley High School, attended Seton Hill College (now University) for a year in the footsteps of her sisters, and graduated in December 1943 from Margaret Morrison College (Carnegie Tech). She married the late Vincent F. Lackner, Sr. on September 13, 1947, and they eventually returned to Pittsburgh, settling in a house she occupied for over 72 years.

Judy was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). She rose to Lieutenant and was stationed in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. As Headmaster Clifford Nichols, her later boss at Sewickley Academy, once said, “Judy could have organized D Day!”

A life-long learner, Judy entered the University of Pittsburgh graduate School of Library Science after her youngest child started school, and received her master’s degree in 1965. In 1966, she started work as Senior School Librarian at Sewickley Academy, where she stayed for 22 years. She was also faculty advisor to the school newspaper, The Seventh Pillar, which won countless awards during her tenure.

Judy is survived by her children, Margaret Anne of Boston, Vincent Jr. (Anne Billiet Lackner) of Rosslyn Farms, and David ’75 (Lynn Steffan) of Gibsonia; and grandchildren, Christiana (Nicolas Perez) of San Francisco; Katarina ’05 (Alex Foss) of Franconia, New Hampshire; Ashley Cortright (Jimmy, and their daughter Chloe) of San Diego; Kyle ’00 (Leyla, and their daughter Beatrice) of Berlin; Jordan of Gibsonia; and Abigail (Maany Peyvan) of Washington, D.C. She was preceded in death by infant daughter Rosemary (1950) and son John ’72 (2020).