Volume 83 May 2023

Trojan Alumni Newsletter



Alumni Association

Forever True

May, 2023


We Remember

Their Sacrifice

Dates to Remember

Teutonia Mannerchor Alumni Luncheon


The next alumni luncheon will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. You can call Jim Eberz (412)-445-4446 or Don Gruber (412)-874-2906. The cost of the luncheon is $15 which is payable at the door. Soft drinks and beer cost extra.


The April luncheon drew a crowd of over 50 alums and guests. Once again Jim Eberz ('64) with help from his wife, Sarah, and Don Gruber ('71) made everything ran smoothly. Here are some photos starting with the class of 1959 who had the largest number of attendees..

Paul Kress, ('54) proudly shows off his North Catholic swimming and diving sweatshirt. His grandson Jackson Kress ('23), a member of the North Catholic swim team, won WPIAL gold for relay competition.

Some first time attendees, (l-r): Bob Payer ('60), Richard Ranker ('66), and Don Donatelli ('53)

Trojan Triumph Auction


Last chance to purchase tickets for the Annual Trojan Triumph Auction – Denim & Diamonds: celebrating 50 years of co-ed at North Catholic! The Auction is North Catholic’s largest fundraiser that benefits the entire school. Every ticket purchase includes all you can eat food stations, 2 drink tickets, and 3 chances to win doorprizes. Tickets are $100 per person or $700 for a table of 8. Grab your friends, name a horse, and sport your best denim, finest diamonds, or anything in between. Don’t miss out--join us for North’s biggest party of the year. Night includes silent auction, raffles, and horse betting!  Click here to purchase tickets! 

Can't attend but want to support...?


Check out the Trojan Triumph website! Need a spa day? Want to golf at some of the best courses in the area? Looking to get away to Tuscany, Spain, or Greece? Check out all the amazing deals up for bid in our silent auction before they’re going, going, gone!



Also, Dena Koenig (NC '87) is offering a special raffle from her business, Dena Koenig Photography. Between now and May 6, with a $125 donation to the North Catholic Trojan Triumph Auction, you will receive a complimentary photography session. This represents a savings of more than $85 off the normal $199 session fee (with tax). 


In addition to the discounted session fee, all families who participate in this offer will be entered into a special drawing for a $200 credit for Wall Art (11x14 or larger = $200 value). And if 10 or more families participate, the prize will include the Custom Wall Art and a 20-image digital album (retail value = $499). 


Winner will be chosen on May 6 at the auction. (Winner need not be present. $125 donation must be complete on or before May 6.)  


Please contact Dena Koenig at [email protected] for complete promotion details and/or to schedule your session.

Nominations are open for the Hall of Fame Class of 2023


The Hall of Fame is always seeking nominations for induction. Do you know a classmate who has done charitable works that deserves recognition? Someone who is worthy of accolades for their service in the community? Someone who has done a lot for North Catholic?


We know there are distinguished graduates who deserve a place in the school's Hall of Fame. Please nominate them. Remember that this is not just a sports hall of fame. You can go to the school website for complete details. If you have questions, contact us here and we will pass it along to the committee. Please note that nominations are only good for three years, but they can be renewed. Nominate someone today.


Note: Nominations received after May 1st will be considered for the 2024 induction class.


Alumni Spotlight

Prom

Season

That's the prom ticket from 1959

Here's a dance card from the 1943 senior prom.

A North Catholic tradition is the prom. Whether it's a junior/senior prom or just a senior prom, North Catholic has had a prom in every year (except for the COVID shutdown) since it opened in 1939. Whether students go with their date or with a group of friends, it's always a special event. Everyone goes all out to make it the most memorable night of the school year. This year the prom will be held at the Cranberry Marriott. Attendees will have a sit-down dinner and will dance the night away to music provided by First Class Entertainment. In addition to a professional photographer, students will have the opportunity to have their caricature done and unlimited digital pictures from an on-site photo booth. When the evening comes to an end, each student will be given a souvenir glass to remember the night. The theme of the 2023 prom is One Glamorous Night and the cost for this event is $100 per person.


We thought it would be interesting to see what proms were like from the past. Lots of alums have sent us photos as well as information about their prom experience. Carman DiGiacomo ('59) didn't have a photo but sent a picture of the ticket for the 1959 senior prom. The prom was held at Churchill Country Club and dinner and dancing was covered in the cost of the ticket. The $6 ticket then is worth $62 today.


We also received photos of a dance card from the 1943 prom held at the William Penn hotel as well as a photo of champagne flutes from various proms.


Here is our alumni promenade.

That's Al Young and Judy Zibrat at the 1967 senior prom. They would marry four years later.



Mallory Florijan and Mike Ackerman were dates at the senior prom in 2003. The theme was "Here's to the Night." Mike is now Father Mike and pastor of a church in the South Hills.


Donna Howe Afforder and her date, Dan Helt ('79) at the 1978 senior prom.



Rita Zettlemeyer McConnell and her date posed for this photo at the 1980 senior prom.



Seniors Kathy Hickey and Medio Monti smile in this picture from the 1975 senior prom. These high school sweethearts would later marry.


John Adelesic and his date at the 1984 senior prom.



Bob Gierl was looking good with his date at the senior prom of 1966.



Joe DeRiso and his date smile for this 1968 prom picture.



This is Lauren Kamninski and Paul Bonner at the 2002 senior prom.



Joyce Velardita poses with her date for this 1977 prom picture.



Jeff Lehren and his date are ready for the 1968 senior prom.

This picture of Linda Maloney Shindler and her future husband Jim from the 1978 prom. The theme was "Always and Forever."

Barry Hartman and his date in a picture from the 1973 senior prom held at the Holiday House in Monroeville.


In this photo is from the 1983 senior prom Laurie Santa and classmate George Masur smile for the camera.


Mike Bezilla is at the 1975 prom with his date and future wife, Karen. They have been married for 47 years.

This is from Junior Prom of 1990. That's Melissa Rauhecker with John Gill who is now her husband.

Here's a candid picture of Katy Kutschbach and Teddy Sweeney at the 1998 Junior prom.



At the Junior Prom of 1980 Sandy Comport and John Vaughan smile for the camera. John says that Sandy dumped him shortly after. We are happy to report that years later they got back together and are happily married.


This is Bob Rittle and his date at the 1969 senior prom.

Barry Hartman ('73) on the right also sent this picture of Jan Rittle ('73) and him on their way to pick up their dates for the 1972 junior prom.

On the left is Ralph Angelo's date Karen who would later become his wife and on the right is Jack Perkowski and his date at the junior prom in 1965.


We also received a lot of candid photos of prom attendees.

1999 senior prom: Katy Delaney and Jess Beu.



2007 senior prom: Nikki Surmacy and prom queen Carey Szymczak.


1990 Senior Prom: Shelley Dutzik, Amy Vidra, and Jen Rodak.

2005 Senior Prom: Caitlin Docherty and Nicole Aguglia.



Senior Prom 2007: Andy Fill and Katie Mitchell, Nick Witkowski and Becky Yoest, And Brittany Rickard

with her date.



Living up to the theme of the 2000 prom "Wonderful Tonight," are Matt Zilenski, Mick OConnor, Brendan Mack, Matt Cantrell, Nathan Beatty, and John Levy.



Senior Prom 2002: Bonnie Wissner and Tara Pagone in the front, Laura Sestric, Leah McCauley, Erin O'Donnell.

Prom Queen Morgan Hackett and Prom King Kevin Miller at the 2006 Senior Prom.

In my 44 years of teaching at North, I probably have chaperoned at least 35 proms and I have been asked to be photographed with students more times than I can count. So I thought I should include one of those photos that was sent to me. This is Barb Stephens and Denise Wunderlin and me at the 1990 senior prom. Their email reads "with our favorite teacher."

Interested in being a featured alum in the coming months? Just let us know by clicking here.


Alumni News

Transcript Information

Alums who need a high school transcript should note that the process has changed.

Alumni from 1939-2013 should contact Diocesan Archives at (412) 456-3158 for a copy of your transcript.

Alumni from 2014-present should go to northcatholic.org under the Alumni tab and download the request form.

Memories Available

The alumni office has some past editions of the yearbooks. If you can't find yours from senior year, we may be able to help. Not all years are available and supply is limited. Contact us here for information. NOTE: while there is no charge for the yearbook, we do ask that you make a donation to the school.

Some people who have requested yearbooks in the past year have never followed up when informed that a book was available. Those books have gone back into the archives. If you were one of those people, you will have to ask us to pull it back out of the archives.


Facebook

You can stay on top of what's going on at your alma mater by following North Catholic on Facebook - www.facebook.com/NCForeverTrue.


Engagements




Births

Congratulations to Kristen Simon Marsh ('11) and her husband on the birth of their son Noah James.



Rest in Peace

Jack Horgan- class of 1968

Ron Wittig - class of 1954

Fred Kotorozo - class of 1958

John Miller - class of 1944

John Colligan - class of 1946


Colligan

Horgan

Ko

Wittig


Request for Prayers

Continued prayers for the following alumni:

Ken Marx ('59)

Denise Enzerra ('82)

Bob Rathke ('59)

Bill Niederst ('59)

Gary Tevis ('68)

Joe Hepburn ('62)

Bill Biel ('70)

Don Lewis ('57)

Fr. Bill Seifert ('57)

Harmer Weichel ('48)

Brooke Sturgis ('20)

Bill Niederst ('59)

William McDonough ('47) and his wife

Bruce Miller ('54)

Chuck Merry ('88)

Kim Altman Girty ('88)

Santo Pino (59)

Alfred Camus '57

Art Heiles ('64)

Frank Mayer ('44)

Stanley Lozowski ('53)

Dave McNally ('81)

General Michael Hayden ('63)

James Brennan ('46)

Merl Bell ('52)

Dave Bauer ('57)

Francis "Fran" Janaszek ('56)

Dan Haefele ('76)

Paul Platek ('59)

Bob Meinert ('57)

Richard Gross ('57)

Charles Cook ('54) and his wife

Rich Bowers ('57)

Tom Neusch ('62)

Antonela Kasic ('15)

Dan Salak ('69) and his wife

Art Costa ('60) & wife, Sandy



Let us know of any alumni who should be included in our prayers by clicking here.

MARIANIST WOMEN'S MINISTRY- Prayer Committee
The Marianist Women's Ministry would like to offer alumni and the entire North Catholic community a chance to pray for you and your intentions. The MWM gathers weekly to pray the rosary every Wednesday at 2pm. During seasonal weather, they gather outside in the grotto. When the weather turns, they pray in the Chapel. All are welcome.

Please click this link if you have a prayer request. While they would love to have a first name for each prayer request to make the prayers more personal, it's completely understood if you wish to keep them anonymous.

Flashback Photo


Last Month's Flashback


This is a picture from the1983 yearbook and pictures Tom Leen and Amy Palmer as Lil Abner and Daisy Mae in North's production of "Lil Abner."

A few people commented on the photo. Matt Messina ('86) identified Tom Leen and Amy Larkin, but said it was from Fiddler on the Roof. Megan Palmer Waskiewicz ('86) knew the players and said, "Lol Tommy Leen and Amy Larkin Palmer, the musical was Lil Abner. We were subjected to Amy's singing for weeks beforehand." Maura Parks DiRiggi ('84), Michelle Schmidt Bulger ('83), Laurie Santa Williamson ('83) and Marty Caridi ('83) were all spot on in identifing the photo with Marty adding, " Tommy was sporting a pretty nice shiner at the time." Apparently it involved either a baseball or basketball.


This Month's Flashback

This one is for those who graduated after 1980. Who are these young ladies? What is so unique about this photo? Can you guess the year it was taken?



Send your guesses to us here.




The display case just inside the entrance to the school houses memorabilia from the school's history. There is also North Catholic apparel available.


You can check out the NC gear in the spirit shop by clicking here.

Class of 1954

Jack Docherty and his brother Jim ('62) met up with Kevin Colbert ('75) at the Heritage Golf Classic for this picture.

Class of 1961

Ed Byrne has this question, "what was the first year North Catholic had a football team?"

Class of 1973

Jan Rittle is all smiles but without a popsicle as he enjoys time with his grandkids.

Class of 1987

John Mudrany and his wife enjoy the warm weather and sunset.

Class of 1991

Janet Eiler Mundy and family attend the 2023 Commencement Ceremonies at Pitt to celebrate son Andrew's graduation. Missing from the photo is Carys Mundy (NC'22) who was taking final exams to complete her freshmen year at the University of Kentucky.


Ralph Fischer planned a Happy Hour with alums while visiting Florida.  From left to right: Paul Shannon ('59),  Jim Kraus ('66), Ralph, Bob Mill (65), David Eisenreich ('66), Ed Thaner ('66), and Ernie Skultety ('59) standing.


Class of 1992

That's Ann McSorley Hollis (in the center) and her family rooting for the Pirates at the game in Denver.


Class of 1994

Jacque Morrow and his wife were on a delayed honeymoon in Grand Cayman.


Noreen Scanlon Daniello spends some quality time with her daughter on a visit to Disney World.

Class of 1995

Ryan Porco can only smile as his daughter hugs him.


It's an Easter Sunday picture of Lamar Calhoun and his family.

Looks like Dave Karem and his family are getting ready to sail.


Class of 1997

Dan Carr, his wife, and son have come to the end of another season.


Class of 1999

Is Cody Walters posing or taking a selfie? You decide.


Andy Jacobs gives us his professional casual pose.

Class of 2000

It's another date night for Russ Hartzell and his wife Laura Bogosto Hartzell ('99)


Dave Breit and his wife are on vacation.

Class of 2001

Maggie Weber Boucher celebrates the 1st anniversary of her 39th birthday.

Class of 2002

It's an Easter photo of Fran Lamb Urmann and her family.

Class of 2003

That's Cheese Chester with Beth Rittle and her nephew at a recent Pirate game.

Class of 2004

Jaclyn Miller-Mihm sends us an Easter photo with her youngest.

Ashley Mazur Binford says that she and her husband are "Par-TEE-ing" at Pinehurst, NC

Class of 2005

Ali Rittle Rosenberg and her family just home from Easter mass.


Cody Kishur stops for an adult beverage while he's walking his dogs.


Kurt Steigerwald and his family head out on Easter Sunday


Matt Musial and his family and Elmo enjoy their day.

Erik Hood and his family pose for a picture on a warm Easter Sunday.


Class of 2006

Mandy Coniglio and her husband are honeymooning at NamibRand Nature Reserve

Class of 2007

It's a first birthday celebration for Aaron Smetanka and Courtney Simon Smetanka's youngest.

Reilly O'Connor Goldberg enjoys every minute she spends with her favorite friend.

Class of 2008

Ivy Bestic is in Florida and ready to attend a bachelorette party.


You can tell just by looking that Sara Harper is going to be the cool aunt.

Class of 2009

It's Pup Night at PNC for Gavin Virag and his wife along with their dog.


Class of 2010

Aaron Kreuger and his family are all smiles in this Easter photo.

Class of 2011

Claire Lamperski Klasnick and her family enjoy the warm weather on Easter Sunday.

Carly Leffakis Shawley and her husband proudly show off their first born.


Jodi Mueller Nocleg poses for this "Baby's First Bucco Game" photo.

Class of 2012

Katie Mae McGuire and her beau enjoy a tasting at the winery.

Bob Tacey is looking as handsome as ever in this photo with his lady friend.

Class of 2013

Sam Brophy is caught on camera looking over the flowers.


Shawn Tunstall shows off his catch of the day.


Mackenzie Knapp Noftz smiles along with her baby,

Class of 2014

Emily Notaro helps celebrate her friend's bridal shower.

Hershey was the spot for this photo of Karly Smrekar and her beau.

Class of 2015

Isabella Dohanics poses during a friend's wedding reception.

Class of 2016

Tyler Zahurak (right) is with his mom Heather Zahurak Malloy ('97) and her husband for this photo

Class of 2017

Sam Breen continues to pull in the accolades. After averaging 17.3 points per game as well as 10.1 rebounds per game, Sam Was named Eastern College Athletic Conference Division 1 woman's Basketball player of the year. She was also named 2023 Becky Hammon Mid Major Player of the year.


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If you know an alum who doesn't get the newsletter and would like to receive it, send us their email address and we will add them to the distribution list.


Thanks to Tatyana Cook Dietzel ('16), Joe Bradley ('69), Dick Michels ('62), Carmen DiGiacomo ('59), Dave Thomas ('72), Carl Rectenwald ('62), Bob Gaertner ('57), Tom Winner ('75), Beth Rittle ('03), Sherri Brown Butler ('82), Tim Rooney ('59), and Jim Eberz ('64) for sending information and pictures to us.


If you have news/photos you want to share with classmates, send them to alumni news.

Reunions

ALL reunion updates will ALSO be available on the school's website, northcatholic.org or by clicking here!




NC Class of 1957


The class of 1957 is planning their 66th reunion. It will be held on June 14th at Roma Restaurant Banquet Room located at 8350 Perry Highway in the North Hills.

If you have any questions, contact Larry Mull at [email protected] or Bob Gaertner at [email protected]



 NC Class of 1958


Save the Weekend! The Class of 1958 will hold its 65th reunion on the weekend of September 8, 9, and 10, 2023. There will be a buffet dinner on Friday evening the 8th, a stag gathering in the evening on the 9th, followed by Mass and brunch on Sunday the 10th. Additional details will follow in subsequent issues of the Alumni News and on the school website.


NC Class of 1966


The Class of ’66 has its own ‘Reunion Book!’ To view the Reunion Book: 

           Go to YouTube on any browser

           Put “North Catholic Reunion Book” on Search bar.

Slides are shown on a 7 second interval automatically or you can scan forward using the scanning bar on the lower left, 



NC Class of 1973


Plans are in the works for a 50th Reunion to be held on October 14, 2023, at North Catholic. Final details are being handled by the reunion committee. Bill Murtha is the contact and can be reached at [email protected] or  412-327-4567. You can also email [email protected] for more info on what they have planned so far.



NC Class of 1978


The 45th class reunion will be held on September 2, 2023, at The Cabin in North Park. More details to follow. Any questions, please call Joyce Velardita Rouda at 412-322-8337 or Linda Maloney Schindler at 412-526-5763.


NC Class of 1990


Martin Miller and Leah Vaughan Quigley are still hoping to organize a class reunion. Keep an eye out for some news

NC Class of 1997


The class of 1997 will celebrate their 25th reunion this year. Let us know about reunion plans so we can spread the word.



NC Class of 2003


"Save the Date" for the 2003 20-year reunion. It will be held at a location to be determined on Saturday, October 7th. There is a class of 2003 Facebook page. Beth Rittle will be providing more information later.


NC Class of 2013


We haven't received any information about a 10 year reunion. If one is in the works, let us know.

Scholarship News

Military Legacy Scholarship

North Catholic has a Military Legacy Scholarship in honor of all alumni who have served in our nation’s military forces. The goal is to provide a $1,000.00 scholarship annually. To date, over $30,000 has been raised to fund this annual scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to the student provided certain benchmarks are met. Every 4 years (or sooner) it is awarded to an incoming 9th grade student. Molly Burke ('24) is the recipient of the scholarship.


If you wish, you may make a contribution in someone's honor/memory. Donations can be made by sending checks payable to North Catholic, write "North Catholic Military Scholarship" in the memo, and mail to: 


North Catholic High School

1617 Route 228

Cranberry Township, PA 16066

ATTN: Development Office



A kiosk with the names of all alumni who have served in the military stands in the main hallway of the school. Thank you for your service.


The John Latulippe Memorial Scholarship

The John Latuilippe Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Gabriel Grindstaff NC class of 2024. Thank you to all who have donated. 


Class of 1959 Scholarship

The NCHS Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund has awarded $5,200 Scholarships for the 2022-23 School Year to Brianna Venturella and Shamus Straub.


The Fund has awarded scholarships totaling $93,200 to ten recipients since the inception of the Fund. Contributions to the Fund can be made at any time and should be sent to the North Catholic Foundation, North Catholic High School, ATTN: Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.


If you would like more information about the Fund, please contact Joe Blitzko([email protected]), Dick Halleran ([email protected]), or Mike Conroy ([email protected]).




Class of 1965 Legacy Scholarship

The Legacy Scholarship was set up as part of our 50th class reunion by Dan Wolovich and Wayne Young and has been under the direction of Bob Colbert and Walt Quinn for the past few years.

The scholarship has helped students with the ever increasing cost of Catholic education. When we were at North, almost all of the tuition was paid by our parishes (remember having to face your pastor as he reviewed your report card?) Now the cost of tuition has fallen completely on the parents.

In order to help parents provide the great education that we received all those years ago, we need more of our classmates to step up and help keep our legacy scholarship fund growing. No contribution is too small. Thanks to classmates, BILL GUBANIC and JOE MCKELVEY for their recent contributions. Bill and Joe continue to make contributions periodically through out the year. Other classmates have continued to make small monthly contributions by setting up a monthly credit card donation (read $10 to $25). The great thing about that is it's painless and adds to the scholarship fund which continues to grow. As of the beginning of April there is $45,000 in our endowment.


This year's Legacy Scholarship for this school year was awarded to senior Kaitlyn Kenaan. She is the daughter of NC alum Dan Kenaan ('91). Kaitlyn is an honor student. We typically award a $1,000 scholarship to a boy and a girl. Thomas Zizan, son of Julie (Rogalia) Zizan ('87) graduated; so the committee decided to award just the one scholarship for this school year. We will award two scholarships for the 2023-24 school year.  


Consider making a donation to the fund today!


You can send your check to the school with a notation that it's for the '65 scholarship fund; or If you would like to contribute a small monthly amount via your credit card, contact Amber Nicotra Morrison to set it up.



If you have questions about our efforts, feel free to contact Bob Colbert ([email protected]) or Walt Quinn ([email protected])


Special Shoutout

John Mikulan is also donating 20% of the royalties from his book, The Bark of the Day to the fund.


Class of 1966 Scholarship

The Class of ’66, is proud to announce the selection of their first scholarship recipient, Andrew Scears ('26). The committee, under the leadership of Tom Balestreire, is well on its way to funding its goal of $100,000 for the Class of ’66 Scholarship Fund. The Fund will be administered by the Class in conjunction with the school. We, Tom Maier, Jim Beran, Hank Marziale, Paul Ladish, and Bob Gierl have contacted many but if you or someone you know is wishing to be included, contact Tommy, 404.358.4864, text or call.

Kathy Monti Memorial Scholarship
Special thanks to all who donated to the Kathy Hickey Monti (’75) scholarship.  More than $20,000 has been raised to help provide financial support for a young woman who possesses the same leadership qualities that Kathy demonstrated in her life.   A member of the first co-ed class at North, Kathy was a leader among her peers, becoming the first captain of North's first women's basketball team.  Later she was named Assistant Basketball Coach, who along with Coach Don Barth (’51), led the Trojanettes to win multiple state championships. In 2017, just before her death, Kathy was voted unanimously into the North Catholic Hall of Fame. Kathy will long be remembered for her impact on hundreds of lives as a teacher, an assistant basketball coach and female role model for girls. If you'd like to donate, please click here or checks can be sent payable to North Catholic with "Kathy Monti Scholarship Fund" in the Memo and mailed to North Catholic High School, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.

NC Class of 1953 Scholarship

Thank you to all who have contributed to the North Catholic Class of 1953 Scholarship Fund (“the Fund”). More than $28,000.00 has been raised. Senior Brock Varley received a one-time award of $1,000. The Fund was proposed by Reg Urschler in the Spring of 2021, and an ad hoc committee was established, comprised of Reg, Charley Goetz, Bob Muth, and Vince Brogan. Excellent letters were prepared, describing the Fund, and soliciting donations which include outright gifts, donations in honor of living and deceased classmates, as well as donations suggested in obituaries in lieu of flowers. The amounts of individual donations have ranged from under $100 to over $11,700. Most gifts are in the $100 to $500 range.


The ad hoc committee urges all classmates to make new or continuing contributions to the Fund. Checks should be made payable to the “NC Class of 1953 Scholarship Fund”and sent to the attention of: Amber MorrisonNorth Catholic High School, 1617 Route 228Cranberry Township, Pa 16066.


How fortunate we were to have had the benefit of the education afforded us. What a wonderful opportunity this provides to all of us and the remaining families to "invest" in a "guaranteed return on that investment" by providing a similar opportunity to current students' futures.

Military Alumni

Thanks to many of you, our list of alumni who have served in our nation's military services has grown to almost 1,500. We thank all of you who have taken the time to help us with this endeavor. If you know of someone who should be on the list, please let us know. We will always appreciate your efforts to help us update this honor roll of our alumni.



To view our Military page on the school’s website, please click here


Additionally, a kiosk listing the names of all alumni who have served in the military stands in the main hallway of the school.


Thank you to all of our alumni for their service to our country!



NCHS News

School News

Ethan Lu ('25), was recently selected as a 2023 Carson Scholar! With only 500 students in the nation to get nominated for this award, it's a testament to Ethan's academic excellence and humanitarian efforts.

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The Marianist LIFE took students to All Saints Parish in Butler to volunteer for their fish fry. It was a great opportunity to serve the community and grow together in fellowship.

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Members from the Marianist LIFE group went to the Chrism Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral with Bishop Zubik.

Principal, Mike Palcsey, campus ministry director, Chris Bayardi, and chaplains, Fr. Jeff and Fr. D.J., were also able to meet up with the students as well.

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Members of North Catholic’s Environmental Club competed this week at the Butler County Envirothon—a team-oriented competition in five key areas of environmental awareness (forestry, soil, aquatics, wildlife, and current events). Ten teams from local school districts competed, and in a tight finish that came down to the tie breaker, North Catholic’s “Team Alpha” came out on top! Not only that, but they had a stand out score in forestry, and earned a special award from the Butler County Forestry Commission.

By coming in first place, "Team Alpha" students have qualified to compete at the State Envirothon Competition.

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North Catholic High School established its first DECA club this past school year. DECA encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions.

Juniors Luke Rinker and Robert Staresinic competed at both District and State competitions earlier this year and were invited to be one of the teams from Pennsylvania to compete at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, where over 22,000 students from around the globe competed. This is an amazing feat for a first-year team. Luke and Robert competed in the Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making event.


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NC students recently participated in the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

John O'Toole, NC '23, won first place in the Earth and Environment division on his original research PREEN Part VII: Trifluralin Migration Through the Soil Matrix

David Thomas, NC '24, won first place in the Biology division for his original research on Improving Cockroach Memory

Bianca Udrea, NC '25, presented her original research titled Danio Rerio Fin Regeneration Post Exposure to Red Dye.

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North Catholic's Robotics team 5740 recently completed their competition season. The Trojanators finished on the 5th placed alliance after playoffs. Individual congratulations go to Bridget Culley who won the prestigious Dean's List Finalist award at the Buckeye Regional at Cleveland State University. During the 2023 season, the team accomplished their mission, "building students of creativity leadership and professionalism..."

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The NC National Honor Society is holding a fundraiser. Details can be found in the flyer below.

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Classroom News

Students in Mr. Dougherty’s Astronomy and Environmental Science classes, and Mrs. Murray’s Anatomy classes, had an opportunity to travel to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe to participate in the College’s STEM Day for high school students, sponsored by the Boyer School of Science. There students got to experience an interactive planetarium star show, as well as an opportunity to participate in an anatomy activity featuring the college’s Anatomage table. Students also got a chance to participate in a student-led forum all about college life.

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Drama

Congratulations to the drama department on their successful performances of "Cinderella."

As part of the performance of the spring musical, a special Saturday matinee was held the featured pre performance activities: crafts, storytime, interaction with the cast.


Trojan Sports

Girls Basketball

Congratulations to Alayna Rocco who was named to the Trib's "Terrific 10" as well as named the top player in Class 4A. Alayna was also named to the PG's Class 4A Fab 5 as well as Class 4A player of the year.


Congratulations to seniors Tori Drevna, Dacia Lewandowski, and Anna Waskiewicz who were named to the Class 4A 2023 Roundball Classic.


Alayna Rocco was named to the first team All-State team, and Dacia Lewandowski was named to the second team All-State team.

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Boys Basketball

Congratulations to junior Max Hurray who was named to the Class 4A, section 2 all section team.


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Boys Volleyball

The Trojans volleyball had a big section win against Ambridge this past week They are now tied for first in the section and ranked 4th in class 2A.

The three members of the team have been named players of the week this season: Lucas Gunther, Luke Ball, and Ro Alessandro.

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Hockey

Congratulations to to sophomore John Mooney on being named to the elite US under-17 team. Read his story here.

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Baseball

Weather has been a big factor in the season as the team stands at .500 overall; however their 6-2 section record puts them in playoff contention.

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Boys Tennis

Congratulations to the boys tennis team on winning the section championship.

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Girls Lacrosse

Annie Schleppy, NC '24, a midfielder on the lacrosse team, scored her 100th goal yesterday in the game against Moon

Annie has been an impact player from the moment she stepped on the field as a freshman at NC. Annie, a 2-time WPIAL 1st team all section player, serves as junior captain.

Track

At the Butler County Classic, the track team won five 1st place medals. Jack Fennell won the 100 meter dash on the boys side while, Seava Cresta did it on the girls side. Grace Lazzara won medals in the 800 and 1600 meter races, and Julia Zalenski took the gold in the 3200. Other results on the boys side: Kobe Dave finished 4th in the 200; Giacomo Lepore finished 6th in the 1600; Owen Schessler was 3rd and Joe Harmon finished 6th in the 3200 and Gavin Kamody finished 6th in the long jump. On the girls side: Sunni Love finished second in 100; Seava Cresta was 2nd and Sunni Love 4th in the 200; Natalie Weiland finished 3rd in the 400; Tessa Driehorst was 6th in the 800; Sydney Dunn was 5th in the 3200, and Michaela Butler finished 3rd in the discus.


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Remember that you can follow the teams and enjoy the sports podcasts by visiting the website northcatholicathletics.org

Planned Giving

Planned giving is a wonderful way to prepare for the day we depart this life and enter into God's kingdom. By planning ahead, you can provide opportunities to young men and women by supporting North Catholic. Planned giving allows us to help continue the work of Christ and pass on our traditions and Catholic Marianist values. Gifts can be specified in one's will as either a dollar amount of a stated percentage of one's estate. A growing number of alumni have taken this step and discovered a great sense of joy and satisfaction that they are helping families. If you are interested in finding out more, please click here or contact Amber Nicotra Morrison in the Development Office at [email protected].

   

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  

Luke 12:34

Donating Made Easy

Online giving to North Catholic is fast, secure and easy! 
 
Because tuition alone does not fully cover the cost of educating our students, we are grateful for every gift made to the Annual Fund, Capital Campaign, Scholarships and various fundraisers. Every gift benefits our students and stays at North Catholic. 
 
Please accept our deepest gratitude on behalf of the young men and women who will benefit most from your generosity. 

EVERY gift stays at North Catholic. 

To make a donation please click here
 
To make a donation from your DONOR ADVISED FUND please click here

EITC Contributions

SEND YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO NORTH CATHOLIC INSTEAD OF HARRISBURG!


Taxpayers can opt to have 90% of their tax liability given to North Catholic High School or the private school of their choice through the EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) Program. Funds directed to North Catholic from this program directly support scholarships for students. 

 

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) are two programs that can make it possible for many students to receive a Catholic education.


Interested in more information? Contact NC President Joe Wilson ('91) at [email protected] or by calling (412) 321-4823.


Watch this short video to learn more how easy it really is!


Click here to watch the short video!


Many thanks to our generous EITC contributors:

COZZA ENTERPRISES

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PA

FRANK'S PIZZERIA

GRANT STREET GROUP

HAND & SHOULDER CENTER

HUNTINGTON BANK

THE LYNCH LAW GROUP, LLC

MAHER DUESSEL

NEXTIER BANK

POINT SPRING & DRIVESHAFT CO.

Keep in Touch

With over 14,000 graduates world-wide, we strive to spread as much news as we can! If you have personal news, accomplishments, ideas about topics, articles, stories or alumni profiles for our newsletter, please reach out to Newsletter Editor Walter Quinn, NC '65 at [email protected] or share them with us at [email protected].
 
  
 North Catholic High School
1617 Route 228 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Thank you for your continued support!