2015 Yearbook

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

2O15 VOL. XLVI

Artwork by Jreem Abercrombie, 1st grade 3OO EAST SWISSVALE AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA 15218-1469 WWW.WPSD.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CEO CLASS OF 2O15 STUDENTS STAFF SPORTS CLUBS/ACTIVITIES SENIOR ADS

DONALD E. RHOTEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr. Rhoten with the Class of 2015

PREP FOR SUCCESS

Jaime Friday

Mark Greathouse

Andrew Weik

Destiny Slater

DeOntae White

SENIORS

Sarah

Bender What two or three things are most important to you?

The most important things to me are my future, family, and close friends!

What will you miss the most about WPSD? I will miss the teachers, going on trips and traveling in a different country.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

When I graduate from WPSD, I’m going to college for nursing with children and elders and also meet new people.

August 28, 1996 Connellsville, PA

Zodiac Sign: Virgo What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned? The most valuable thing I’ve ever learned is to get the support that I need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will become more successful.

Justin Mark Cristina What two or three things are most important to you?

My family and my hobbies.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? NYC trip, London trip, and sports.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? The mime show last year.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

I plan to stay for the 13th year and maybe to go to HGA. Zodiac Sign: Virgo What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

English and Math.

September 3, 1995 Sharpsburg, PA

Daniel

Bishop

What two or three things are most important to you?

Family, school, and friends.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? My friends and the Special Olympics.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Start working and go fishing with my dad.

Zodiac Sign: Cancer What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

Friends and family are important.

Hannah

January 5, 1997 Pittsburgh, PA

June 25, 1994 Thompsontown, PA

Fisher

What two or three things are most important to you?

Music, friends, and freedom.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Mostly friends and the awesome class trips we have such as London.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? Probably in Middle School, when I was at lunch with Mike and Alec. Mike was trying to gargle milk and Alec smacked Mike’s throat and all the milk came flying across the table. I couldn’t stop laughing.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Attend Gallaudet University to get a degree in Digital Arts and Photography. Also to travel as much as I can.

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

You get what you give.

Joshua

Geidel

What two or three things are most important to you?

Girls, trucks, and cars.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Jamie and making dog bones.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? Nick at lunch.

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

Cooking class and Amy’s yoga class.

November 6, 1993 Pittsburgh, PA

Madison Anne Kober What two or three things are most important to you?

I love and cherish my big family.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Staff, teachers, and friends.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? Linda M. joked around with me and acted like a clown. Also, when David Z. teased me much as possible before I graduated.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Find a job.

Zodiac Sign: Pisces (Fish) What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned? Many things.

February 22, 1995 Catasauqua, PA

Jalen Joseph Jenkins What two or three things are most important to you?

My family and finding a job.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Teachers and friends.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? Making everyone laugh and talking with them. Also, showing my teachers how to do a Michael Jackson dance.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Find a job and maybe clean with dad.

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio November 11, 1993 Monroeville, PA

What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

Laughing.

Megan

February 5, 1997 Plum, PA

Majocha

What two or three things are most important to you?

Commitment, positivity, and happiness.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Short walks to classes! I will definitely miss the atmosphere WPSD has that feels like home. Of course, my friends and teachers, too.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? There are so many of them, but I’ve picked the moment when I was at softball practice a few years ago. It was very muddy outside. My coach, Linda McKay, tried to show us the proper way to hit the ball with a bat. But the second she swung her arms, she fell sideways and got mud all over her and then one of us pushed her and she rolled on her back getting extra mud on her back! She had no spare clothes!

What are your plans or goals for the future? Attend Gallaudet University, then a medical school afterward. I want to do medical research as my career in the future.

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned? In order to achieve something, I have to face my failures and learn from them. That way, I can be better each time. Failures are good for us because without them, we won’t know what we need to improve on to become successful.

P h i a t

O u n n

What two or three things are most important to you?

Family, WPSD, and friends.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Camping, field trips, and Special Olympics.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? My teacher Kristie making me laugh.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Working in Lancaster.

December 1, 1994 Lancaster, PA

Zodiac Sign: Sagitarius

Janaya Danille Ray What two or three things are most important to you?

It’s most important to finish school, make my mom proud, and work with children.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? I will miss all of my friends, cheerleading, and riding the bus with Sarah.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

I plan on working or maybe own my own daycare. I also want to live on my own.

Zodiac Sign: Virgo What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

The most valuable thing I have learned is to always treat people with respect and I can be whatever I want to be.

September 18, 1996 Pittsburgh, PA

Adam Lawrence Rasbeck What two or three things are most important to you?

My technology skills, Bots IQ, my friends, school family, my family and my work.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Walking kids to school in the morning and helping kids at lunch.

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? Dorm things.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Go to HGA for small machine repair, warehousing, and building repair. Then RIT for Video Technology.

What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

Video technology, Bots IQ, and math.

September 4, 1995 Brownsdale, PA

Michael Joseph Weber

May 21, 1997 Westmoreland City, PA

What two or three things are most important to you?

Family is the most important to me. Without them, I wouldn’t have the great life that they gave me. Friends and love are other important things to me.

What will you miss the most about WPSD? Pretty much everything. I’ve attended WPSD since I was three.

WPSD is almost like my second home with my “second” family living there!

What is the funniest moment you have experienced at WPSD? The funniest moment I’ve experienced at WPSD for the past 15 years- I can’t even recall one of them because there are thousands of funny moments! Every funny moment I had will be cherished in my memories.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

Seek a higher education in college.

Zodiac Sign: Gemini What is the most valuable thing you have ever learned?

The most valuable thing I’ve ever learned is to put people who you really care about as a priority instead of yourself.

GUESS WHO? A B

C

D

E

(A) Sarah Bender (B) Megan Majocha (C) Hannah Fisher (D) Justin Cristina (E) Madison Kober (F) Joshua Geidel (G) Adam Rasbeck (H) Michael Weber (I) Jalen Jenkins (J) Janaya Ray (K) Phiat Ounn

J K H I F G

Congratulations Class of 2015!!

In honor of your graduation, we made these Lego bodies of you and your favorite things.

By: Xiaoli Carr and Destiny Slater

HIGH SCHOOL

Cristian Baang

Storm Betts

Carl Bradshaw

Dylan Craddock

Dajion Dixon

Travis Frye

Samantha Gibbs

Kathryn Holtzman

Alyssa Hulme

Kristal Lash

Kai Miller

Nicholas Miller

Emily Petrillo

Dae’Shawn Ray

Jia Fei Reeves

JUNIORS

Emily Reno

Rae-Quawn Simmons

Marisa Walworth

Jameel Smith

Cheyenne Solomon

Stefon Trowell

Nicholas Bertone

Jonathan Border

Shaun Fisher

Trenton LaRosa

Noah McAuley

Fauntaye Bryant

Isabella DiRenzo

Iris Hereford

Rain Kelly

Seth Reeves

Cheyenne Thompson

SOPHOMORES

Paola Camacho

Kyle D’Amore

Krista Foster

Cassie Friday

Montae Jackson

Emily Lamb

Tori Reeves

Alyssa Tavella

Justin Warke

Shania Williams

FRESHMEN

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Hannah Ahearn

Gage Arbuckle

David Breight

Chad D’ Amore

Nicholas Everett

Alexandra Francis

Katelyn Frenchak

Antoine Hunter

Kyle Keracher

Howard Lin

Colleen McHale

Kendrick Rivers

Cheyenne Sloan

Keith Strominger

Destiny Tanner

8TH GRADE

McKensy Therrien

James Carr

Derek Forrester

Jade Parker

Xiaoli Carr

Lara Geary

Rebekah Quinn

Amber Cherpak

Danielle Fisher

Emily Oesterling

Summer Olszewski

Rose Santucci

Dylan Zurawski

7TH GRADE

Ayesha Austin

Angelina Baker

Colton Bazalewski

Olivia Larson

Destiny Mendel

Victoria Pryor

6TH GRADE

Jenna D’Amore

Valerie DeVos

Wade Dunbar

Braden Elliott

Alyssa Goshaw

Caleb Hawkins

Daniel Kadlick

Faith Saulsberry

Blake Swayne

Maleek Washington

5TH GRADE

Daren Francisco

Amanda Nagy

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Zoe Austin

Bernie Elliott

Claudia Chiusano

Maggie Geary

Olivia Clinger

Makenna Hager

4TH GRADE

Bella Dunbar

Noah Weiner

Aniya Wilson

Sierra Woodford

4TH GRADE

Morkos Youssef

Amy Forrester

Kierra Oyler

Samantha Reno

Brandon Scholefield

Jared Price

3RD GRADE

Walker Remis

Gebreabzgi Helmstadter

Elsie Olwal

Isolde Rittenberger

3RD GRADE

Sarah Vogel

Spencer Ahearn

Laura Cottrell

Truly Austin

Christopher Brisach

Hunter Clinger

Dalton D’Angelo

Luel Helmstadter

Dante Merriman

2ND GRADE

Alexander Eichelberger

Marissa Murphy

Morgana Osburn

Tay-Von Reed

2ND GRADE

Aubrey Pettigrew

Jreem Abercrombie

Gabriel Bente

Dale D’Angelo

Elisha Querry

Royale Reno-Gaus

Kyrey Therrien

1ST GRADE

Abigail Iachini

CHILDREN'S CENTER

Isabella Barker

Camden Barkey

Jerrell Carr

Ada DiFranceso

Paityn Gajan

Mackenzie Hadix

Dominic Jetter

Zenaizj Jones

Natalia Zurita

KINDERGARTEN

Nawaf Alsaadi

Faith Lugaila

Jacob Brand

Abigail Gabriel

Gia Pinto

Alex Reno-Gaus

PRESCHOOL

Connor Hilligoss

Izabelle Austin

Kalilah D’Angelo

Jacob Gault

Jacob Knipp

Isabella Medaglio

Zack Yakubik

PRESCHOOL

A’nyis Jones

Grace Dudt-Mulzet

Jameson Iachini

Sonya Martin

Bella Mattucci

Avery Stevick

Zyler Terpak

Benedict Vinzani

Mason White

PRESCHOOL

STAFF

Dori Bachar Human Resources Director

Vicki Cherney Sarah Bartlebaugh Todd Behanna Kim Calloway Matthew Campion Marketing Director Marketing & Human Resources Senior Accountant Director of Development Specialist Institutional Administrative Assistant Advancement

Crystal Davis Registrar

Vickie Frost Human Resources Administrative Assistant

Barbara Hancock Martha Hutchinson Sandra Kitchen Accounting Clerk Administrative Administrative Assistant Assistant

Leslie Leary Payroll Clerk

Barbara Manning Chief Fiscal Officer

Donald Mazreku Elementary & Applied Studies Principal

Susan McAdoo Special Education Supervisor

Aaron Noschese Interim Chief Operating Officer

Carrie Rain Early Childhood Programs Director

Kathryn Stephan Receptionist

Jennifer Morris Dean & Director Administrative Assistant

Marybeth Lauderdale Director

Kevin McDonough Susan McDonough Middle & High Administrative School Principal Assistant

Judith Taslov Administrative Assistant

Sally Wellman Children’s Services Coordinator

ADMINISTRATION Rita Witt Receptionist

Valentine Wojton Lisa Yankoski Athletic Director Accounts Payable

Katrina Betz Speech/Language Pathologist

Patricia Greeno Teacher

Rosemarie Noschese Paraprofessional

Diane Pici Paraprofessional

Katherine Kolosky Teacher

Jennifer Stuber Teacher

Daniel McNamara Paraprofessional

Janine McTighe Speech/Language Pathologist

Anita Mitchell Paraprofessional

Michelle Zelei Teacher

CHILDREN'S CENTER Michelle Campbell Teacher

Tina Marshall Teacher

Gail McCall Teacher

Tara Nikou Teacher

Mary Jo Redfern Teacher

CHOICES FOR CHILDREN

Wendy Auden Teacher

Beth Carr Teacher

Sheri Morgan Teacher

Margaret Patton Teacher

Christie Homell Teacher

Linda Langer Paraprofessional

Maureen Reilly-Price Anthony Remis Teacher Paraprofessional

Gina Leskovic Speech/Language Pathologist

Pam Magness Teacher

Karen Roudybush Christy Shivley Reading Specialist Paraprofessional

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Anthony Dumblosky Paraprofessional

Mary Noschese Teacher

Gary Freilino Teacher

Deborah Remis Teacher

Shari Gerlach Teacher

Deborah Husar Teacher

Charleen Tasselli Teacher

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Joni Magill Speech/Language Pathologist

Joyce Maravich Teacher

Cassandra Beveridge Mary Agnes Teacher Connor Behanna Teacher

Wayne Kelly Teacher

Dana Dailey Teacher

Pauline Dunbar Sharon Fisher Paraprofessional Teacher

Donna Johnston Paraprofessional

Lyndsay Marx Erin McNeil-Mascaro Kristi Mosholder Julie Ann Mountain Carrie Poilucci Teacher Paraprofessional Speech/Language Teacher Teacher Pathologist

Michael Prezioso Thomas Sage Teacher Paraprofessional

Nicole Shaw Teacher

David Tasselli Paraprofessional

Jamie Wattick Paraprofessional

Amy Wing Teacher

HIGH SCHOOL Amy Alverson Teacher

Kathy Bartholow Teacher

Amy Dent Teacher

John Foust Teacher

John Gibson Teacher

VOCATIONAL Alice Mentzer Teacher

Sheree Peery Teacher

Michael Hand Teacher

Kathleen Betz Library Aide

Carolyn Kirkpatrick Library Services Coordinator

Mary Noe Administrative Assistant

B Day

LEARNING CENTER

R M

Linda Burik Learning Center Director

John Fisher Media &Technology Aide

Ellen Russell Technology Specialist

Brian Slavinsky Media Coordinator

TECHNOLOGY Dennis Barnett Security

Sean Belavic Security

Ro H

Michael DelCimmuto Security Supervisor

Charmaine Dunbar Security

Edward Halferty Security Guard

J Pri

Stephen Liptak Security

Edward Tissue Security

Gregory Valotta Security

SECURITY

William Willis Security

Robert Wilson Security

Wa Flee

Betty Baverso Day Team Leader

Owen Faulkner Housekeeper

William Funk Night Team Leader

Adam Jugan Housekeeper

Robert Maher Maintenance

Russell Marcase Maintenance

Roberta McCoy Housekeeper

James McMahon Maintenance

Rolland Spadacene Housekeeper

Paul Swiatek Maintenance

Terry Uzarski Plant Operations Coordinator

Thomas Walton Maintenance & Painter

Norman Kemerer Maintenance

Robert Kropp Maintenance Groundskeeper

John Noschese Housekeeper

Robert Noschese Maintenance

PLANT OPERATIONS PRINT SHOP Jason Ennis Print Production Assistant

Thomas Gentile Alan Majocha Print Shop Manager Printing/Production Coordinator

TRANSPORTATION Walter Czekanski Fleet Coordinator

Mark Kite Bus Driver

Barbara Kite Bus Aide

Louis Campero Bus Aide

Lori Cain Residential Supervisor

George D’Amore Residential Supervisor

Thomas DeFazio Residential Supervisor

Douglas Downes Residential Supervisor

Mary Ennis Dean of Girls

Jacob Gruseck Residential Supervisor

Thomas Halik Dean of Boys

Kristen Henry Residential Supervisor

Marjorie Hudson Residential Supervisor

Kelly Jezerski Residential Supervisor

Patricia Long Residential Supervisor

Angel Maher Residential Supervisor

Brandi McGowan Overnight Residential Supervisor

Linda McKay Residential Supervisor

Jarrett Mollenauer Residential Supervisor

James Raffle Residential Supervisor

Shawn Roberts Residential Supervisor

Venita Smith Residential Supervisor

Rebecca Taslov Residential Supervisor

Michelle Vigliotti Residential Supervisor

David Zurawski Residential Supervisor

RESIDENCE

Jennifer Craig Audiologist

Connie Elias Nurse

Helen May Nurse

Gina McDonald Nurse

Sharon Portser Nurse

Nancy Possumato Nurse Supervisor

HEALTH CENTER Tatiana Prezioso Audiologist

Tina Abraham Counselor

Fabrienne DeriseSpadacene Counselor

Anne FisherEvangelista Occupational Therapist

Joel Grover Frances Jolly Kristen Raether Evaluation & Guidance Counselor Physical Therapist Counseling Director

COUNSELING Jodi Reeves Job Coach Coordinator

Cathy Morgan Interpreter

Carol Riser Heather Stiff Vocational Evaluator Behavior Specialist

Joan Stone Interpreter

Donna Weiss Art Therapist

INTERPRETING

FIVE STARR SERVICES

Left to RIght- Dennis Francis, Charlene Halleran, Karen Carroll, Peggy Patterson, Tammy Insko, Angela Cristina, Mike Insko

Dick Starr

5 Starr Services Director

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S s

orie D m Me

AUTOGRAPHS

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S s

o em rie M

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FALL SPORTS

MIGHTY MITES' SOCCER

Front Row- Caleb Hawkins Middle Row- Lori Cain (Coach), Dalton D’Angelo, Dale D’Angelo, Hunter Clinger, Sierra Woodford, Elisha Querry, Jared Price, Amy Forrester, Brandon Scholefield, Spencer Ahearn Back Row- Tony Dumblosky (Asst. Coach), Valerie DeVos, Morkos Youssef, Wade Dunbar, Luel Helmstadter, Bella Dunbar, Gebreabzgi Helmstadter, Jamie Kitchen (Coach)

VARSITY SOCCER

Front Row- Justin Cristina Middle Row- Trenton LaRosa, Antoine Hunter, Dae’Shawn Ray, Travis Frye, Dajion Dixon, Michael Weber, Nicholas Miller, Chad D’Amore, Rae-Quawn Simmons Back Row- Valentine Wojton III (Coach), George D’Amore (Asst. Coach), Derek Forrester, Howard Lin, Shaun Fisher, Dylan Zurawski, Kyle D’Amore, Justin Warke, Seth Reeves, David Tasselli (Asst. Coach) Missing From Photo- Danielle Fisher

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Left to Right- Mary Agnes Connor Behanna (Asst. Coach), Katie Holtzman, Janaya Ray, Destiny Tanner, Tori Reeves, Megan Majocha, Kai Miller, Alyssa Hulme, Cassie Friday, Isabella DiRenzo, Hannah Fisher, Christie Homell (Coach) Missing From Photo- Emily Reno

SENIORS

Left- Megan Majocha Right- Janaya Ray

The Varsity volleyball team of 2014 had the most incredible season ever! The Lady Lions have a lot of be proud of! During the first two months of the school year, the Lady Lions played 36 matches. There were nine players selected to play on the Varsity team. They put in a lot of effort to make this season successful with 21 wins, 13 losses, and 2 ties.

In September, we were invited to a tournament at the Ohio School for the Deaf for their Homecoming. We also competed against St. Rita School for the Deaf. We won 1st place and 8 out of 8 sets competing against them.

In early October, we had our annual Homecoming weekend here at WPSD. The Lady Lions persevered with passion to stay in the match and compete with the Rochester School for the Deaf and Ohio School for the Deaf.

The Lady Lions earned first place with 3 wins and 1 loss.

The Lady Lions team qualified to compete in the SWCAC Division 11 tournament in late October. It was an intense tournament for us all. The girls played tirelessly against two competitive teams. During the last match, we played against the American Spirit team. The Lady Lions won the championship, beating them by 2 points, 26-24.

Towards the end of volleyball season, we traveled a long way to Hartford, Connecticut for the 34th ESDAA Volleyball tournament at the American School for the Deaf. Our matches against the other teams in the tournament were exceptionally challenging. The assistant coach and myself were very impressed with how the girls played with such passion, putting in a lot of energy and their best effort for the team! The Lady Lions were proud to win second place. Three Lady Lions received the All-Star Player Award - Megan Majocha, Kai Miller, and Alyssa Hulme. Megan Majocha and Kai Miller also received a Skills Competition (setting) Award for setting the ball back and forth over the net the most in one minute. Mary Agnes and I were so proud of our girls!!

Every year, we create a special motto. Our motto for this year was ‘POWER!’ To our seniors this year - good luck to you in the future and may you always have heartfelt memories of volleyball! -Christie Homell

JUNIOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Left to Right- Mary Agnes Connor Behanna (Coach), Katie Holtzman, Jade Parker, Xiaoli Carr, Rebekah Quinn, Krista Foster, McKensy Therrien, Paola Camacho, Emily Oesterling, Hannah Fisher, Christie Homell (Asst. Coach) Missing From Photo- Summer Olszewski, Cheyenne Sloan

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WINTER SPORTS

MIGHTY MITES' YOUNGER BASKETBALL

Front Row- Jreem Abercrombie, Elisha Querry, Isolde Rittenberger, Walker Remis, Kierra Oyler, Samantha Reno, Spencer Ahearn Back Row- Jacob Gruseck (Coach), Lori Cain (Coach)

MIGHTY MITES' OLDER BASKETBALL

Front Row- Maggie Geary, Sierra Woodford Back Row- Victoria Pryor, Destiny Mendel, Olivia Larson, Angelina Baker, Morkos Youssef, Tony Dumblosky (Coach)

MIGHTY MITES' BASKETBALL LITTLE CUBS' CHEERLEADING

Front Row- Valerie DeVos, Makenna Hager, Kyrey Therrien Middle Row- Maggie Geary, Sierra Woodford, Bernie Elliott, Zoe Austin, Olivia Clinger, Victoria Pryor Back Row- Venita Smith (Coach), Kristen Henry (Coach), Caleb Hawkins, Destiny Mendel, Colton Bazalewski, Morkos Youssef, Ayesha Austin, Olivia Larson, Braden Elliott, Tony Dumblosky (Asst. Coach)

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JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS' BASKETBALL

Front Row- Trenton LaRosa, Carl Bradshaw, James Carr, Derek Forrester, Justin Warke, Phiat Ounn Back Row- George D’Amore (Coach), Dylan Zurawski, Nick Miller, Dae’Shawn Ray, Chad D’Amore, Shaun Fisher, Nicholas Bertone Missing From Photo- Antoine Hunter, Montae Jackson

VARSITY BOYS' BASKETBALL

Front Row- Seth Reeves, Travis Frye Second Row- Justin Warke, Kyle D’Amore Third Row- George D’Amore (Asst. Coach), Adam Rasbeck, Dylan Zurawski, Nicholas Bertone, David Tasselli (Coach) Back Row- Dajion Dixon, Phiat Ounn, Mike Weber, Trenton LaRosa, Chad D’Amore

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VARSITY GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Front Row- Kai Miller, Alyssa Hulme Middle Row- Cassie Friday, Danielle Fisher, Tori Reeves, Isabella DiRenzo, Destiny Tanner Back Row- Michelle Vigliotti (Asst. Coach), Katie Holtzman, Amber Cherpak, Lara Geary, McKensy Therrien, Jade Parker, Emily Oesterling, Paola Camacho, Madison Kober, Kathy Bartholow (Coach) This year was a year to rebuild and we did just that. Our regular season did not show the hard work and dedication shown by the girls; however, when we traveled to TLC for the Girls’ ESDAA Basketball Tournament, WPSD faced ASD Friday evening. ASD started out hot, but WPSD fought back to a tough loss, 27 ASD - 22 WPSD. Saturday WPSD faced NYSD in an afternoon game. It was a slow starting game. In the end, the WPSD girls held out for the victory, 16-11. On Sunday, we faced off against NJSD. It was a close game through the first half. With a few minutes left, WPSD took the lead for the win, the final score: WPSD 24-NJSD 16. WPSD placed 5th in the tournament. Alyssa Hulme and Kai Miller were named to the tournament All-Stars. WPSD ended the season with a 4-25 record. I am very proud of the extra effort shown by the girls that weekend. With the continued commitment and hard work, I predict an ESDAA Championship in the near future.

Coach Kathy Bartholow​

MIGHTY MITES' CHEERLEADING

Left to Right- Venita Smith (Coach), Valerie DeVos, Makenna Hager, Kyrey Therrien

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

Front Row- Jia Fei Reeves, Megan Majocha, Janaya Ray, Krista Foster Back Row- Venita Smith (Asst. Coach), Colleen McHale, Katelyn Frenchak, Rain Kelly, Iris Hereford, Rebekah Quinn, Emily Reno, Linda Langer (Coach)

SENIORS

Left to Right- Megan Majocha, Janaya Ray

BOYS' SOFTBALL

Front Row- Rae-Quawn Simmons, Nicholas Bertone, Justin Cristina, Montae Jackson, Justin Warke, Carl Bradshaw, Dylan Zurawski, Derek Forrester, Phiat Ounn Back Row- Valentine Wojton III (Coach), Trenton LaRosa, Chad D’Amore, Michael Weber, Dajion Dixon, Adam Rasbeck, Nicholas Miller, Kyle D’Amore, Shaun Fisher, David Zurawski (Asst.

Coach) Missing from photo- Travis Frye, Antoine Hunter, Seth Reeves, Derek Forrester

GIRLS' SOFTBALL

Front Row- Emily Reno, Alyssa Hulme, Madison Kober, Megan Majocha, Kai Miller, Cassie Friday, Isabella DiRenzo Middle Row- Katelyn Frenchak, Alexandra Francis, Destiny Tanner, Danielle Fisher, Cheyenne Sloan, Summer Olszewski, Emily Oesterling Back Row- Linda McKay (Coach), Rose Santucci, Hannah Ahearn, McKensy Therrien, Jade Parker, Rebekah Quinn, Paola Camancho, Lara Geary, Amanda Kovacs (Asst. Coach) Missing from photo- Tori Reeves

CHESS CLUB

Front Row- James Carr, Carl Bradshaw, Seth Reeves Back Row- Cristian Baang, Michael Weber, Nicholas Miller, Montae Jackson, Noah McAuley Missing From Photo: Deborah Husar (Advisor)

Y E A R B O O K

1ST S E M E S T E R

Left to Right- Amy Dent (Advisor), Alyssa Hulme, Kathryn Holtzman, Dae’Shawn Ray, Nicholas Miller

Front Row- Amy Dent (Advisor), Alyssa Hulme, Rain Kelly Back Row- Dae’Shawn Ray, Nicholas Bertone, Nicholas Miller, Seth Reeves, Noah McAuley

2ND S E M E S T E R

GIRLS' ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Front Row- Alyssa Hulme (Vice President), Kai Miller (Treasurer) Back Row- Erin McNeil-Mascaro (Advisor), Janaya Ray (President), Megan Majocha (Sergeant of Arms), Hannah Fisher (Secretary), Kathy Bartholow (Advisor)

CLOSE-UP

Left to Right- Kathryn Holtzman, Mary Agnes Connor Behanna (Advisor), Kai Miller

S B G / J R . N A D

Front Row- Kai Miller (Vice President), Kathryn Holtzman (President) Back Row- Mary Agnes Connor Behanna (Advisor), Madison Kober (Treasurer), Dajion Dixon (Sergeant of Arms), Carolyn Kirkpatrick (Advisor) Missing From Photo: Fauntaye Bryant (Sergeant of Arms), Isabella DiRenzo (Secretary)

S I G N S H I N E

Front Row- Noah McAuley, Nicholas Bertone Back Row- Amy Dent (Advisor), Kathryn Holtzman, Rain Kelly, Faunatye Bryant, Alyssa Hulme, Cassie Beveridge (Advisor) Missing From Photo- Isabella DiRenzo

Front Row- Rain Kelly, Fauntaye Bryant Middle Row- Nicholas Bertone, Noah McAuley, Montae Jackson Back Row- Amy Dent (Advisor), Cheyenne Thompson, Isabella DiRenzo, Alyssa Hulme, Cassie Beveridge (Advisor)

1ST S E M E S T E R 2ND S E M E S T E R

VARSITY LETTER CLUB

Front row- Seth Reeves, Justin Cristina, Travis Frye Back row- Chad D’Amore, Dajion Dixon, Michael Weber, Kyle D’Amore Missing From Photo- George D’Amore (Advisor), David Tasselli (Advisor), Valentine Wojton III (Advisor)

MINI-SIGNSHINE

Front Row- Ayesha Austin, Jenna D’Amore, Destiny Tanner Middle Row- Derek Forrester, Xiaoli Carr, Summer Olszewski Back Row- Olivia Larson, James Carr, Katelyn Frenchak Missing From Photo- Deborah Remis (Advisor)

WALKING CLUB

Left to Right- Gina McDonald (Advisor), Keith Strominger, Kristal Lash, Alyssa Goshaw, Patrica Greeno (Advisor), Daniel Bishop, Thomas DeFazio (Advisor)

GIRL SCOUTS

Front Row - Laura Cottrell, Makenna Hager, Elsie Olwal, Sarah Vogel, Truly Austin, Isolde Rittenberger, Zoe Austin, Claudia Chiusano Back Row - Debbie DeFrancesco (Advisor), Valerie DeVos, Olivia Clinger, Destiny Mendel, Maureen Reilly-Price (Advisor)

BOY SCOUTS

Front Row- Caleb Hawkins, Maleek Washington, Wade Dunbar, Blake Swayne, Braden Elliott Middle Row- Kyle Keracher, James Carr Back Row- Chad D’Amore, Antoine Hunter, Gage Arbuckle Missing From Photo- Gary Freilino (Advisor), Nicholas Bertone (ASPL)

BATTLE BOTS

Front Row- Dylan Craddock, Justin Warke, Jonathan Border Back Row- Tony DiMenno (Advisor), Adam Rasbeck, Kyle D’Amore, Shaun Fisher, John Foust (Advisor)

POTTERY

CLUB

Left to Right- Samantha Gibbs, Donna Weiss (Advisor), Frances Jolly

(Advisor), Cheyenne Solomon, Angelina Baker, Hannah Fisher

CRAFT

CLUB

Front Row- Samantha Gibbs, Hannah Fisher Back Row- Daniel Bishop, Alyssa Goshaw, Keith Strominger

WPSD

NEWS

Left to Right- Seth Reeves, Fauntaye Bryant, Iris Hereford, Jonathan Border, Cheyenne Thompson, Isabella DiRenzo

PEER MENTORS

Front Row- Mary Ennis (Advisor), Samantha Gibbs, Alyssa Hulme, Emily Reno, Tom Halik (Advisor)

LANGUAGE LAB

Front Row- Dalton D’Angelo, Kierra Oyler, Isolde Rittenberger, Brandon Scholefield, Samantha Reno, Jreem Abercrombie, Elsie Olwal, Elisha Querry Back Row- Hunter Clinger, Olivia Clinger, Kyrey Therrien, Paityn Gajan, Sierra Woodford, Amy Forrester, Dale D’Angelo, Makenna Hager, Noah Weiner, Morkos Youssef, Patricia Greeno (Advisor), Rosie Noschese (Advisor)

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Left to Right- Venita Smith (Advisor), Carl Bradshaw, Jonathan Border, Katelyn Frenchak Missing From Photo: Phiat Ounn

RESIDENCE COUNCIL

Left to Right - Samantha Gibbs, Isabella DiRenzo, Shaun Fisher, Derek Forrester, Justin Warke, Emily Oesterling, Cassie Friday, Kai Miller

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

Front Row- Madison Kober, Kai Miller, Kathryn Holtzman Back Row-Adam Rasbeck, Dajion Dixon, Travis Frye Missing From Photo- Venita Smith (Advisor), David Zurawski (Advisor), Phiat Ounn

ACADEMIC BOWL

Front Row- Amy Wing (Advisor), Samantha Gibbs, Hannah Fisher, Julie Ann Mountain (Advisor) Back Row- Michael Weber, Noah McAuley

CLASS OF 2O17

Front Row- Cheyenne Thompson (Vice President), Iris Hereford (President), Shaun Fisher (Secretary) Back Row- Carolyn Kirkpatrick (Advisor), Nicholas Bertone (Treasurer), Noah McAuley (Sergeant at Arms), Tony Dumblosky (Advisor)

CLASS OF 2O16

Left to Right - Mary Agnes Connor Behanna (Advisor), Kai Miller (President), Alyssa Hulme (Treasurer), Cheyenne Solomon (Secretary), Travis Frye (Sergeant at Arms), Kathryn Holtzman (Vice President), Jodi Reeves (Advisor), Valentine Wojton III (Advisor)

CLASS OF 2O15

Left to Right Tom Sage (Advisor), Sarah Bender (Sergeant at Arms), Hannah Fisher (President), Janaya Ray (Secretary), Adam Rasbeck (Treasurer), Megan Majocha (Vice President), Pauline Dunbar (Advisor)

Signshine’s National Anthem!

Volleyball coaches’ suprise gift!

SPIRIT WEEK

Let’s go, Lions!

ESDAA at WPSD!

Wacky Day!

Blue and Gold Day!

Who is the Homecoming King and Queen?

2014-2015 Homecoming Court

DAN EMERICK WALK

Kathy and Michael’s Speech

In honor of Dan Emerick

What a beautiful day!

Making memories!

Smile!

On Thursday, October 9, 2014, WPSD hosted the annual Dan Emerick Fitness Walk​. Every year, physical education teachers everywhere encourage their schools to “Get Out and Walk.” We have established the Dan Emerick Fitness/Wellness Walk.

Dan was one of our former physical education teachers and always promoted fitness and wellness to his students. He was also a great advocate and supporter of WPSD. This walk was established to honor his memory and his genuine compassion for the students’ wellness. - Kathy Bartholow

What amazing spirit!

HALLOWEEN

Group hug!

Go Steelers!

Everyone gets treats!

Jaime and Andrew are the pumpkin smashing winners!

TRICK-OR-TREAT Ghouls, zombies, spirits, vampires, and witches created an amazing Halloween experience at W.P.S.D. this year! Children had the chance to Trick or Treat around the school and the high school students decorated the Children’s Village that scared a lot of them! What a Halloween - but it didn’t end! The seniors hosted a dance in the Lions’ Den Snackbar for the high school students. They transformed the room into a ghoulish and terrifying place, filled with fun, new memories, and delicious food! Everyone played games such as hot potato, teddy-bear hug, limbo, and more! The students scared many and asked others who they were. Seniors sure know how to throw a party!

Learning about the famous painter, Van Gogh!

NEW YORK TRIP

Make a memory!

Let’s take a selfie in New York City!

Take a nice tour!

Lights! Camera! Action! The New York City experience was amazing for the sophomores.

We saw the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, FAO Schwarz, Radio City Music Hall, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, and much more! We visited Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and skating rink. We went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Everybody loved the European paintings done by painters such as Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.

Some people liked the Egyptian and Greek arts as well. We even went to Times Square to eat at the Bubba Gump Restaurant . We did some fun shopping in Little Italy and Chinatown. It was a great cultural experience for all of us to learn many new things.

THE HOLIDAYS

Juniors threw this amazing party with tons of dancing.

Laughter and joy!

Christmas sparkled as greenery was hung, trees lit up, cookies eaten, and little children quietly sitting as they listened to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The teenagers also wanted to celebrate the holiday! The juniors worked hard to create a magical atmosphere and host a party fit enough for Christmas! People cheered, danced to the music, played teddy-bear hug, couples’ hot potato, and many more games. We enjoyed the delicious foods that was made by real elves. We must applaud their holiday joy - they truly captured the feeling of Christmas that night!

ARTISTS' SHOWCASE

Dale D’Angelo, 2nd Grader

Tori Reeves, 9th Grader

Jade Parker, 7th Grader Cassie Friday, 9th Grader

Fauntaye Bryant, 10th Grader

Shania Williams, 9th Grader Valerie DeVos, 5th Grader

Lara Geary, 7th Grader

Carl Bradshaw, 11th Grader

Destiny Mendel, 6th Grader

Left: Dajion, Justin and Shawn are waiting patiently for the guests to arrive!

VALENTINE'S DAY

Bottom: Rain is being silly and watching the food.

Top: Taking the special chair before someone else takes yours!

Bottom: Let me get a selfie first, before the guests come to get us.

Photobomb!

Love was everywhere when the sophomores hosted the “hearty” party for Valentine’s Day! Everybody was so thrilled to go and had tons of fun playing games and eating delicious food.

The songs blasted so loudly that our hearts beat along with them! We played teddy-bear hug and musical chairs with the men as chairs and the women competing for the victory! We had a lot of fun and delicious prizes were awarded to the lovebirds that shined the brightest! Cupid’s arrow definitely struck this party!

We created graffiti!

Visiting Harry Potter’s school, Hogwarts!

LONDON

Madison created her first graffiti!

Taking a break.

Hanging out with the Queen’s guard.

Oops! Someone tipped the boat.

From WPSD to Pittsburgh International Airport to Detroit, Michigan and finally to London Heathrow International, where we were kindly greeted by the Oaklodge School for the Deaf (OLSD). They transported us to our hotel to freshen up. We then took the train to the Waterloo Station in Central London in order to take in the sights of the London Eye, River Thames, ‘The Wobbling’ Bridge, Covent Garden shopping area, Piccadilly Circus, China Town and Trafalgar Square. Averaging 10 miles a day, we visited the Brighton Pier, Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, Parliament Square, Westminster Palace, Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Pudding Lane, Harry Potter Studios, Banksy Tunnel, and Camden Locks.

During our interactions with OLSD, we tried Tai Chi, kayaking, traditional London foods, and much more. London was such a cultural experience. We learned so much that will stay with us forever.

INTERMURAL VOLLEYBALL ACTIVITY

Keep calm and play!

First Place- Snow Warriors

Second PlaceRed Dragon Third PlaceBlue Power

Paying no attention to the game.

Teamwork and focus on the game.

Chit chatting with a friend while on break.

Justin, Congratulations to our wonderful, handsome son on your high school graduation!!! We feel so blessed to have you in our family. You are everything to us. Time has gone by quickly from kindergarten to your senior year, and now a new chapter in your life is about to begin. We wish you happiness, success, and love! We are very proud of you and your accomplishments and will always be there to support you. You have been an amazing brother to all your siblings and a very lovely son to us. Know that we will always be by your side where ever life leads you. May all your dreams become your future!

Mic Con won prou anyt Lov Hol

We love you with all of our hearts!

Love, Mom, Dad, Stephanie & Alan, Gerilee, and Marco

Justin, I am so happy for you on your graduation! It was an honor and a pleasure to be one of your teachers at Peebles Elementary School when you were just beginning your school days. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot from each other. I wish you much happiness and success in your future.

With much pride, Mrs. Cil Clemente

Con BE EVE Des

Michael, Congratulations. It’s been a pure blessing watching you bloom from a young quiet teen to wonderful young man that has so much to offer. You are a son that every mom dreams of. I am so proud of you with all you have become and achieved. Always remember two things, “You can do anything you put your mind to” & “Life is what you make it.”

Love always, Holly.

Michael, “Congratulations, proud of you, the generations of your grandfather and you are a Legacy for our Family…”

Love, Dad

Congratulations Michael!

BEST BROTHER EVER!!! Love Destiny and Isabella Michael J. Weber,

You began this life as a beautiful baby boy and grew up to be a handsome young man. I am very proud of everything that you have accomplished in these past 18 years.

You are truly an amazing son. I loved watching you play sports and become an amazing basketball player just like your grandfather, Joseph Miller. I believe that he would be so proud of you.

Congratulations on your 2015 WPSD High School graduation. After you graduate as you depart on your own path, just remember you are my special one in my heart. You’ve grown into an amazing young man. I couldn’t be prouder to call you my son. I love you.

Love you always, Mom, (proud of you-your spiritual Mom)

Bright, playful, happy, curious, goofy, caring, courageous, brave, and LOVED. How proud we are to have you as our daughter.

You are a gift to our lives and know you will be a blessing to many others.

Congratulations Madison.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next!

Love, Mom and Dad

Dear Son, Four years ago, you started on an adventure. It was scary, nerve racking and full of sleepless nights. But seeing how much you have grown and learned was worth every moment.

We are so proud of you, and we look forward to see what God’s plan is for your future. Love Dad, Mom, Ashley, Josiah

Hannah …since the day you were born you will always be our bundle of joy.

You will always be Hannah, our first our daughter and we will always love you no matter what. When you started to attend school we were excited and at the same time sad knowing you were growing up fast. You were so full of energy when you started school but you had changed so much as you grew. You had matured and became very calm as you got older. You had been labeled many things from hyperactive, rebellious to a very laid back and calm person. We always knew that you are a very special person and an intelligent individual with your own mind. You have accomplished many things and we are very proud of you. Now it is time for you to graduate and move on to the next journey in your life. We could not be more prouder than we are. We want you to know that we will always be there for you where ever your journey takes you to. We love you with all of our hearts.

Love, Mom and Dad

I have a lot of good memories with you while growing up. You and I are always there for each other no matter what. When you leave for college, I will miss making you laugh and picking on you. I will miss you dearly.

Love, Dani

Hannah, We celebrate with you in the achievement of the past and in the anticipation of what God has for you in the future.

Our love, Papa and Granny

Hannah.

You have grown up as fast. Congratulations!

Keep up the good work as you are prepared for your future. We are very proud of you and proud to be your grandparents. Good Luck for your future.

We love you, Grandma and Grandpa

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