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
P W
S s
orie D m Me
AUTOGRAPHS
P W
S s
o em rie M
D
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
LL
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)
L G
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
L
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
P W
S s
orie D m Me
AUTOGRAPHS
P W
S s
o em rie M
D
P W
S s
orie D m Me
AUTOGRAPHS
P W
S s
o em rie M
D