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AA  Alumni Association |
Forever True
Newsletter August, 2020
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 | DATES TO REMEMBER
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Teutonia Mannerchor Club Alumni Luncheon
Important Announcement:
While the Teutonia has reopened, seating is limited to 25 people and there is no buffet. They can accommodate up to 50 people outside, but there is no buffet and social distancing would be difficult. With this in mind along with the fact that the majority of alums who attend fall into the at risk category, the alumni luncheons are cancelled for the next four months. We are hoping that we can have our Christmas luncheon in December, but nothing is guaranteed. We will keep you informed.
TROJAN OPEN GOLF OUTING
The 36th Annual Trojan Open Golf Outing is set for Monday, Aug. 31, 2020!
Come out and join us for a day of fun in the sun at Olde Stonewall Golf Club for the annual Shotgun Four Person Scramble. Proceeds benefit the tuition assistance program at North Catholic.
Registration and Breakfast at 8AM, Shotgun Start at at 9:30AM followed by lunch at 1:30PM.
Prizes, Sponsorships and advertisement opportunities available.
Interested in signing up or have questions? Contact Amber in the alumni office for more details at [email protected]
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Here's a request from Jen Parsons, Career Development Manager:
Hello NC Alumni!
We would love to have your help this year as we head into uncharted territory of education during COVID. As many of you know, we love to bring in career speakers (especially alumni!) throughout the year to talk about their professions and career journey with our students. This year is clearly going to be different, so we are trying to make the best of it. That being said, while there are many "career videos" out there for students to find on their own, we prefer to showcase careers with a personal and local connection and if they are North Catholic Alumni, even better! So, I wanted to reach out to our alumni network! If you would be willing to be a Virtual Speaker for our new school year of CAP (Calling and Purpose) Talks or possibly be interviewed with career questions (either video or podcast style), that would be great! If you happen to be a business owner or have permission to provide us a video "tour" and explain your business, that would be awesome!! Our speakers tend to have a very strong impact on our students as they make decisions about their future and by sharing your story, it really means a lot. Please contact Jen Parsons [email protected] if you can help!
To learn more about our program, please visit our website and go to Career Development at North Catholic , where you can also view our latest newsletter in which we showcased alumni, Nick Navari, Vice President at Federated, who gave our last in-person CAP Talk back in March!
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Nominations are open now for the Hall of Fame Class of 2021
Do you know a classmate who has done some charitable work that deserves recognition? Someone who is worthy of accolades for their work in the community? Someone who has done a lot for North Catholic?
The Hall of Fame is always seeking nominations for induction. We know that there are distinguished graduates, who deserve a place in the school's hall of fame. If you know of someone from your class or anyone who should be recognized for their accomplishments, please nominate them. Remember this 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 your message to the Hall of Fame Committee. Please note that nominations are only good for three years, but they can be renewed. Nominate someone today. The committee will be meeting in January to begin the review process for this year's class. Note: nominations that come in after May 15th will be considered for the 2022 induction class.
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Here are two contrasting pictures. Many of you got the one on the right, but how many of got one on the left? Send us your bluie story or your perfect conduct story. What crazy antics got you a trip to detention? How close did you come to missing out on that plaque? Drop us a line here and let us hear that tale of woe or joy.
 
We will be returning to featured alumni in the fall newsletter. If you would like to be a featured alum let us know by clicking here.
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Transcript Information
Alums who need a copy of their high school transcript for a new employer should note that the process has changed, so please note:
NCHS Alumni (1939-2013): Please contact the Diocesan Archives
at (412) 456-3158 for a copy of your transcript or for a new
employer education verification.
NCHS Alumni (2014 - present): Please go to northcatholic.org, under the Alumni Tab, click on Transcript Request (located in the red box) and download the online 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. If you own a yearbook and want to donate it to the school, let us know! Contact us here for information and availability.
Facebook
Births
Congratulations to Ian McMeans ('04) and his wife on the birth of their daughter, Margaret Carol.
Weddings
Congratulations to Mike Sukitch ('81) and Anita Malone on their recent marriage.
Congratulations to Collin Gefert ('12) and Nicole Matschner ('12) on their nuptials.
Congratulations to Dom Robb ('14) and his wife, Megan on their recent wedding.
Congratulations to Tony Beatty ('02) on his marriage to Emily Schaffer.
Rest in Peace
Know someone who is an alum but doesn't get the newsletter? Send us their email address and we will add them to the list. Sign them up here.
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| Class Notes | | | |
The display case just inside the entrance to the school houses North Catholic memorabilia, as well as some of the apparel available in the school's Spirit Shop.
You can check out the NC gear by clicking here
Class of 1964
Richard Domencic and his family pose for the camera in St Mark's Square, Venice, Italy.
Class of 1965
Pat O'Brien, Jim Vogeley
('64), and Kirk Vogeley ('56 ) got together in March for a pre Covid-19 golf outing in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Class of 1966
Bob Gierl sent along these photos and story about classmate Artie Laughlin
Class of 1971
Check out the story about the 1970 Catholic League Championship game in the school news section at the end of this newsletter.
Class of 1975
David Borgese and Medio Monti raised funds and awareness for the Veterans Leadership Program by organizing a group ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland MD and back. The total distance was 300 miles in 4 days along the Great Allegheny Passage.
Class of 1979
DeeDee Reukauf Yoest (81) enjoys a ice ball with her sister Michele.
Bill Gerst and his wife Terry celebrate their 40th anniversary on a Grand European Tour.
Class of 1982
Jim Mushinsky looking to reel in the big one while on vacation.
Class of 1987
Fran Sweeney enjoys a July 4th picnic with his special someone.
Class of 1989
Congratulations to W Scott Hardy on his confirmation by the US Senate as a judge on the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. You can read the story here.
Kathleen Strahler Manno posted this July 4th picture.
Class of 1992
Jody Fulton Alexander and family celebrate Tyler's NC graduation.
Susan Tate Hiser and her family are all smiles in this July 4th photo.
Matt Muckle is in a pensive mood.
Congratulations to Chris Carmody who has been appointed to he Westminster College Board of Trustees for a four year term.
Anne McSorley Hollis gets ready for Bradley University Orientation 2020.
Class of 1993
John Nicotra celebrates his oldest son's graduation from North Catholic at the beach with alumni and current NC students. From left to right: Zoe Stauber Flaherty ('93), Bill Flaherty ('93), Johnny Nicotra ('20), John Nicotra ('93), Emma Nicotra ('24), Eddie Nicotra ('21), Chase Aguglia ('24), Tim Aguglia ('93), and Gianna Aguglia ('23).
Class of 1994
Natalie Sargant Rodina poses with her daughter for a First Communion Photo.
Carolee Shearer rests after a long bike ride.
Jeff Kim navigates the waters on the July 4th holiday.
Lamar Calhoun visits with Rich Lane ('77), his basketball coach at North
Steve Rennebeck poses with his family.
Class of 1997
Nikki Hildebrand Smith smiles as her daughter shows off her braces-free smile.
Jameis Smith is ready for a wedding.
Sarah Cain Spannagel enjoys a Fourth of July backyard picnic with her family.
Elizabeth Murphy shows off her great catch. Leigh Ann Sobehart-Wojciechowski shows off her quarantine hair style.
Class of 1999
Bob Spehar is all smiles when he is with his niece.
Brian Conway and his Jennifer (left) and Allison Conway Mercer ('03) spend time honoring their grandfather on his 95 birthday.
Christian Sprung and his family enjoy a day in the city.
Lynne Funk has written an article about the US rating in the bond market that you can read here.
Justin Vogini and his wife spend time on the water.
Marty Nasiadka and his family celebrate a beach vacation.
Erin O'Donnell McKenna and her husband celebrate a Mickey Mouse birthday for their son
Stephanie Trovato Pauley and her family are ready for a Fourth of July celebration.
Maggie Kutschbach Bailey gets ready to take her family on a "See America" vacation.
Scott Hopkinson reels in another one.
Nick Stehle celebrates his son's "John Deere" first birthday.
Jackie Capazzi enjoys the day with her special someone.
Geoff Trees and his family enjoy a walk on the beach during a family vacation.
Jeanine Vento McGuire was featured in Pitt Portraits 2020 She sent along this picture.
The Keeton sisters, Candace and Courtney ('04) pose for a picture with their cousin on her visit to Pittsburgh.
Matt Musial and his best lady and a four legged friend are enjoying the heat.
Alan Harper (with the dog) and his sister Sara ('08) help celebrate her Pap"s 90th birthday.
Melanie Malloy is with her son on the day of his first communion.
Marc Gonzales and his family are in the backyard celebrating.
Theresa Schneider is ready for another day of work.
Brian Kuhn wants you to know that this place is hot!
Class of 2009
Henry Pwano discusses his overseas professional basketball career in an article you can read here.
Shayla Mitrik celebrates the Fourth of July with her beau.
Collin Keller enjoys some pizza with his nephew.
Alyssa Knieram laughs at something her fiancé says.
Reed McLaughlin shows off a winning smile.
Class of 2011
Shannon Haskins, Hayley Sullivan ('12), Kendall Hoffman Long, and Megan Prybyl ('12) reunite for Kendall's baby shower.
Class of 2012
Nicole Matschner and Collin Gefert had a beach side wedding.
Tina Ferrari kicks back and beats the summer heat with an adult beverage.
Emily Opperman shows off her new car.
Class of 2013
Tina Sahr and her special guy celebrate the fourth.
Shawn Tunstall and his wife Lynzi Mueller Tunstall ('12) enjoy a vacation and announce their family will be adding a little one later this year.
Class of 2014
If you are into video gaming, you can check out this video of Ben Klimko's set up. His setup is the fourth one in the sequence. It's on YouTube called "Room Tour Project 219."
Rachel Jackson, Karly Smrekar, Ally Herbert, Teresa Yanicko, and Liz Leonard gather to celebrate Ally's bridal shower.
Class of 2015
Mia Palmer-Gribbin is a proud mother on the day of her daughter's baptism.
Mae Haggerty (r) joins with Shane ('13), her mom and dad to celebrate Brendan ('20) on his graduation from North.
Class of 2020
Amy Larkin Palmer ('83) and her husband pose with their daughter Gabby at the NC outdoor graduation.
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Thanks to Carmen DiGiacomo ('59), Chris Carmody ('92), Bob Parey ('83), Bob Gierl ('66), Pat O'Brien ('65), Dan Salac ('69), Richard Domencic ('64), Bill Gerst ('79), Lynne Funk ('00), Jeanine Vento McGuire ('05), Dan Klimko ('72), and Joe Kuhn ('54) for sending information and pictures to us.
If you have news/photos you want to share with classmates send them to alumni news.
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| Flashback Photo | | |
While the front page of The Trojan News from April of 1963 showed that there was a lot happening at North, there was also a
controversy going on among the student body over what many students and faculty deemed a radical change in tradition. What was that radical change? Here's the answer.
Underclassman wanted a different class ring.
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|  | | 1964 class ring | |
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| | 1965 class ring |
The class rings have changed greatly over the past 80 years. Here two others that Bob Parey ('83) sent us. Bob works for Josten's who is the maker of the school's class rings.
As Bob points out his ring from 1983 is the traditional design with the Trojan mascot and the school crest. Bob's daughter's ring is a non traditional design but still has some of the same designs. Bob points out that students now have many different designs they can choose that still have school information but are not the traditional design. Bob says the average cost of a class ring is now around $275. In 1964 the class ring cost about $25. Interestingly, that translates into $272.50 in 2020 dollars.
We had a few people take a guess. One guess said "admitting girls to NC." Girls were first admitted to North in school year 1973-74. Another guess said "boys no longer were required to wear sports coats." The sport coat requirement ended with school year 1968-69. A final guess said "freshman no longer had to wear beanies." Ron Kocian ('65) sent this note, "I remember that we (somewhat) lobbied the powers-that-were for a change in the class ring design because the rings were so blah. There wasn't really much in the way of controversy about the ring, but most of us were pleasantly surprised when the change was announced and then made. Only two things happening at North Catholic were of earth shattering consequence in '63, the tearing down of most of old St. Joe's orphanage and the class ring; so logic told me it was the class ring." Thanks to Jerry Sestric ('80), Katie Roos ('13), and Joe Z ('70) for participating.
Here are two pictures for the 1970-71 football team. Both are from the North-Central Program of November 1970.
Have some memories of that North-Central game? Send them to us here.
We will be featuring photos from North Catholic's history over the next few months. We hope you enjoy reliving pieces of the school's 80 year history.
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| Request for Prayers | |
Your prayers have been requested for
Please keep Joe Bradley ('69) in your prayers as he recovers from some significant surgery. We have had an urgent request for prayers for Joesph Bauer ('49). Prayers have been requested for Gary Tevis ('68) who has been struggling with some health issues. Continue to keep Denise Enzerra ('82) in your prayers.
Connie Cahill ('59) needs our prayers as he recovers from a stroke.
Your prayers are requested for Michael (Mickey) Kavanaugh ('59) who is in poor health.
Continued prayers for Bob Rathke ('59).
General Michael Hayden ('63) continues his recovery from a stroke. Please keep him in your prayers.
Prayers have been requested for Andrew Mager ('53)
Please pray for Fred Arden ('59) and his wife Mary.
A request for prayers for Bill Niederst ('59) as he continues to struggle with illness has been made by classmate Ken Rozycki.
Let us know of any alumni who should be included in our prayers by sending us an email by clicking here.
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Stay up to date on current news and events at North Catholic, follow us on:
www.facebook.com/nc1939
nc1939
@NC1939
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| | Military Legacy Scholarship
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The school has initiated a Military Legacy Scholarship in honor of all alumni who have served in our nation's military forces. The goal is to raise over $30,000 and to provide a $1,000 scholarship annually. The scholarship will be awarded annually to the student provided certain benchmarks are met. Every four years (or sooner) it will be awarded to another incoming 9th grade student. Congratulations to this year's recipient, Douglas Joseph.
The military legacy scholarship fund has passed the $28,000 mark. Recent contributions received that made that happen were from Regis Urschler '53, Robert Sinagra '70, Michael Conroy '59, Michael D. Herman '75, The Class of 1954 and The Class of 1989 in memory of Mark Melcher. A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to this scholarship fund since its inception
All money will be used to provide educational opportunities to a student. To honor those who served, please consider a contribution in any amount to the new Military Legacy 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
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| | Kathy Monti Memorial Scholarship
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 Kathy Hickey Monti's limitless love and passion for helping others was apparent to everybody she met. Her pride for North Catholic began in 1973, when her high school closed and she enrolled in the first co-ed class at North as a junior. Kathy led the charge to keep her school's basketball team together. As a standout guard and the very first team captain of North's first women's basketball program, Kathy and her fellow Trojanettes began a women's basketball dynasty that is alive and continues to thrive today. Following her graduation from North in 1975, Kathy played basketball in college and served as team captain and leader. Soon, she was recruited to come back to North and take on the role of Assistant Basketball Coach for the girl's team and with Coach Don Barth, her mentor, friend and former coach, led them to win multiple state championships. When North opened in Cranberry Township, Kathy continued to volunteer her time at the new school that she loved so dearly until her last breath. 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 in athletics.
To continue Kathy's legacy and mission in life of helping others, a scholarship has been established in her name. More than $20,000 has already been raised. The purpose of the Kathy Monti Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial support for a young woman who possesses the same leadership qualities that Kathy demonstrated in her life. In order to finance this scholarship and celebrate Kathy's life, we hope you can join us by donating. 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.
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| | The John Latulippe Memorial Scholarship
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The John Latuilippe Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to
Gabriel Grindstaff - NC class of 2024. Thank you to all who have donated.
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| | Class of 1959 Scholarship
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The NCHS Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund has not yet been awarded for the 2020-2021 school year. It will be awarded in early August.
The Fund has awarded scholarships totaling $63,800 to seven 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]).
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| | Class of 1965 Legacy Scholarship
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The Class of 1965 Legacy Scholarship continues to grow. To date, our classmates have raised over $32,000 in donations and pledges. Special shout out goes to ART MURPHY for his recent donation of $10,000. The award for the 2020-2021 school year will be made in mid-August.
We need the help of our classmates to grow the scholarship fund. Classmates wishing to contribute can contact Walt Quinn ([email protected]) or Bob Colbert ([email protected]). If we can get more of our classmates to step up and help keep our legacy scholarship fund growing, there is no end to what the money can do to help a student to get the great education that North provided to us and continues to do so today. No contribution is too small.
We will soon be sending out a letter asking for your help in making this scholarship fund grow.
Thanks also to TOM HENCHAR and BILL GUBANIC for their recent donations and to WAYNE YOUNG, WALT QUINN. and BOB COLBERT
for
their continued monthly donations. Bob Colbert has been making a small monthly donation for the past three years that is put on his credit card. As Bob said, "it's less that the cost of a bottle of wine." If you would like to contribute a small monthly amount via your credit card, contact Amber Nicotra Morrison
to set it up.
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| | Class of 1969 Scholarship
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At our 50th reunion on September 14, 2019, the Class of '69 pledged to raise $10,000 to show our support and appreciation for North Catholic's continuing work of educating young men and women.
Joe Bradley reports that as of mid-January, we have raised over $6,000. Fourteen (14) classmates have already contributed. The fact that you contribute says that you stand with the Class of '69 and that is more important than the amount. Please help our class meet this very worthy goal and show the NC community that the Class of '69 remains "Forever True."
When you donate (online or check) please indicate Class of 1969 with your gift. If you need more information, please feel free to contact Joe Bradley
Thank you for your continued support and generosity!
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| | Military Alumni
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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. Perhaps you have noticed that recently an asterisk has been added next to name of more than two dozen individuals on the list. This indicates the individual died while in the military, either Killed in Action or a non-battle death. There may be more alumni who died while serving. If you know of someone that should have the asterisk added next to their name please let us know. We will always appreciate your efforts to help us update this honor roll of our alumni.
Thank you to all of our alumni for their service to our country!
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| | Planned Giving
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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, 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
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Reunions
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ALL reunion updates will ALSO be available on the school's website, northcatholic.org or by clicking here!
The class of 1965 has postponed a picnic which was planned in June of 2020 to mark the 55th anniversary of our graduation from North. We are hoping to make it happen in 2021 Save the date in early June of next year and look for further news.
The class began plans for a 50th reunion, but those plans have been put on hold until things can be clarified regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The classes of 2010, 2000, 1995, 1990, and 1980 will celebrate their 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th, and 40th reunions. Let us know about reunion plans so that we can spread the word.
Check out the latest school news a few pages down!
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Shop Amazon and support NORTH!
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Please consider supporting North students while shopping online!
North Catholic High School
is now fully registered and eligible for your
support through AMAZON!
Just follow the link below and choose
North Catholic High School
to receive the .5% donation on all of your
Amazon purchases.
As always, thank you for your continued support!
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SUPPORT CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Our children are worth it...Our future depends on it!
Do you have a business that pays corporate taxes in Pennsylvania? You could be be eligible to apply for tax credits and help with tuition assistance for families and children wishing to attend Catholic schools, like North Catholic High School. And another benefit? There is little or no cost to your company. The EITC program allows business owners to divert state tax dollars to support our school. This means the money you are obligated to pay in state taxes can go directly to provide student scholarships and financial aid to help students.
For more information on how you can help children receive a quality education, please visit this website or call 412-456-3085. The website has everything you need including the state application, answers to frequently asked questions and a calculator to estimate your cost and tax credit.
Many thanks to our generous EITC contributors:
FLYNN'S TIRE GROUP
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF PA
GILMICHER GROUP
GRANT STREET GROUP
HAND & UPPER EX CENTER
HUNTINGTON BANK
THE LYNCH LAW GROUP, LLC
MAHER DUESSEL
MONARK STUDENT TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
THERMOFLO EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
WRIGHT HYUNDAI, INC
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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.
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North in the News
School News
The school held the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 recently. Here are some pictures.
A group of students made 50 tie dye shirts for the staff at Sherwood Oaks (pictured below) to thank them for being essential workers and to keep them motivated during troubling times.
Christina Eid ('22) came up with a plan to utilize the school's 3-D printers to make face shields to help alleviate a shortage during the pandemic. With the help of NC's STEMM coordinator, Mr David Yackuboskey, and Christine's sister, Maya, the face shields were well received by many health care facilities in Pittsburgh and Stanford Medicine in California.
North Catholic Sports won this year's Trib-Cup in 3A. Read the Trib article here.
The PIAA board approved fall sports to return with guidelines. The most important of which will not allow fans to attend any contest.
Trojan Football
In Post-Gazette story celebrating Three Rivers Stadium and high school highlights there, the following news brief appeared, "The first football championship played at Three Rivers Stadium was the 1970 Catholic League Championship on the first Friday of November. North Catholic crushed Central Catholic 33-7, in front of 10,800 fans. Fred Zangaro ran for 134 yards in the game and set a North Catholic record for single-season rushing wit 1,078 yards."
North Catholic's Nick Maher, a wide receiver and line backer has drawn a Division I offer from the University of Dayton. He led the Trojans with 46 receptions for 853 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Trojanette Soccer
Jayden Sharpless has made a verbal commitment to Georgia State and you can read it here.
Trojanette Basketball
The team celebrated their seniors and all of their successes over the past four years with an outdoor banquet. Six of the nine seniors (pictured below) will play basketball in college.
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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!
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