Alumni Association

Forever True

January, 2024

Dates to Remember

Teutonia Mannerchor Alumni Luncheon

There are no alumni luncheons in January or February because of the cold weather. The next alumni luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

The Christmas Party was held on Tuesday, December 12th. There were over 110 alums and guests in attendance. Thanks to Jim Eberz ('64), his wife Sarah, and Don Gruber ('71) everything ran smoothly.

Donnie Gruber met up with a friend and Father Bryce ('52) lead us in prayer. There were Santas, Prizes, Food, and of course, a roaring fire.

Don Graham Classic

The Don Graham Classic will be held this Saturday, January 6, 2024, at North Catholic High School. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. The game schedule is as follows:

12:30pm - JV Girls vs Greensburg Central Catholic

2:00pm - V Girls vs Greensburg Central Catholic

3:30pm – V Boys vs Penn Hills

5:00pm - JV Boys vs Penn Hills





ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

MID TERM EXAMS

CAN YOU NAME THESE FACULTY MEMBERS?

It's time for our annual mid term exam. Below are pictures of men and women who have been part of the North Catholic family from the mid 50's through today. Some will be easy; some will be difficult; and maybe one or two impossible. So, pick up your pencils and write down the names of these teachers. Don't be afraid to guess - you will not lose any points for an incorrect guess. If we get a big response, we may even have a prize or two to give away.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

EXTRA CREDIT PHOTO

This is the hardest one of all. Who is this and an extra extra point if you know what she taught.

EITC

Scroll down to learn more about the program and see the businesses taking part in this great opportunity!



Last month we inadvertently published the wrong graduation year for Dan Davison Here is his senior picture from the 1968 yearbook.

Davison

Flashback Photo

Last Month's Flashback

In keeping with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of coed education at North, this is photo from the 1974 Trojan yearbook. It is a photo of the student council executive committee. There were actually two committees: one from North and one from Domenec.

We got quite a few responses on the photo. Carl Apel ('74) said, "Easy Peezy! It's the 1974 student council:Front Row Ed Schneider Treasurer, Julius Thompson President, Kenny Muckle. Back Row Joann Schneider, Carl Apel, Parliamentarian, Ruth Steinmiller VP, George Cibulius VP, Colleen Dugan President, Jackie Miller, now Jackie Mihm. We had duplicate officers since this was the first year of the school being co Ed. It worked out well."

Mary Zeis ('74) said "The picture is the Executive Officers of the Student Council in the 1973-74 school year, the first year girls were admitted to North Catholic.

This was a unique year as it was decided that the Domenec girls and the North Catholic boys would each have a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer that year. (We Domenec girls appreciated having that representation!)" She also pointed that while there were a boy and a girl for each executive office, Carl Apel was the only Parliamentarian.

Terry Keelan ('74) identified everyone saying, "I had help from Tom Winner (’75) because he could find the yearbook and I couldn’t."

Doug Swierczynski ('74) jumped in with "These are the class officers for 1974."

And finally, Linda Thompson Rocha ('75) identified her brother as well as the rest of the executive council.



This Month's Flashback

This flashback photo is a bit different. What's going on in this photograph? Can you identify the people in it? What is so significant about the photo that the yearbook staff commented about its significance. So send us what you know/guess about this photo.



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.

Alumni Class Notes

Class of 1962

Frank Naderhoff celebrates a birthday. 

Class of 1964

That's Jim Eberz and his wife at the alumni Christmas party.

Class of 1965

Walt Quinn and his son Mike ('95) continue a Quinn family tradition - egg nog on Christmas Eve.

Class of 1979

Ellen Matschner Kline knows that celebrating with little ones makes for a perfect Christmas.

Class of 1981

Tom Leyland and his family in a Christmas photo.

Class of 1982

Shari Brown Butler sent this photo of some ladies December/Christmas birthdays. L-R: Kimmie Tyler, Mary Jean Tyler Botula, Mary Jean Komorowski, Kelly Kappel Bagnato, Naomi Yeskey, Peggy Borza Petrie.

Class of 1983

The bright lights of Las Vegas serve as the background for Cindy Medfish and her fella.

Class of 1984

John Adlesic and his wife are dressed and ready for a holiday celebration.

Class of 1985

Treating herself to an early Christmas gift, Kim Hemke-Cochin attended the U2 show at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Class of 1990

Dave Mazza and sister Becky ('87) help celebrate their father's birthday.

Class of 1991

Congratulations to Vernard Alexander on being named Director of the Community Engagement Center in Homewood. The Center is part of the University of Pittsburgh's Neighborhood Commitments program.

Leslie DelCimmuto Bouldin and her daughter attend American Girl LIVE.

Class of 1994

Geoff Quinn is with his kids on Christmas morning.

Rachel Reitlinger is with her daughter at her final Christmas concert at North.

It's the Pagone siblings: Jamie and Tara ('02)

Class of 1995

Melissa Takacs Jones and her husband celebrate his Grinchy birthday.

Class of 1996

Lamar Calhoun cerebrates with his daughter as she was named team MVP.

April Lutz Nicotero and her husband get ready to enjoy Mariah Carey's Christmas concert.

Lori Munsch Klein is all smiles with this little one.

Class of 1997

Gerald Stevens is looking as dapper as ever.

Heather Zahurak Malloy and her husband are ready for the new year.

This is Lyndsay Jessop Stuja and her family at home.

Jameise Smith is ready to face the crowds at the mall.

Class of 1998

Dan Barr and his wife are all smiles this time of year.

Juliane Kania Hedgepeth and her family pose for this Christmas picture.

Class of 2000

It's a winter photograph of Dave Naberezny and his family.

Lynne Funk knows the best Christmas is Christmas with a little one.

Dave Breit and his boys smile in this Christmas morning picture.

Class of 2001

Nora Flaherty and her family in front of the ice rink in PPG plaza.

Awaiting the arrival of Santa: Greg Hamilton and his family.

Courtney Zedrick Proie and her daughter are at the Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One and All concert.

Class of 2002

Michelle Novak smiles as she spends time with her daughters.

Autumn Keller and her family are in this winter photo.

Annie Claffey and her family smile for the camera in a Christmas day photo.

Class of 2003

Chelsea Feigel Bennardo and her kids are excited for the holiday.

Class of 2004

Nick Stehle and his wife are hoping Rudolph can save the season.

Ashley Mazur Binford, her husband, and daughters are ready and waiting for Santa.

Paul Gerbeschacht and family are eager for some Christmas goodies.

Class of 2005

Matt Musial and his new daughter - a really great Christmas gift.

Erik Hood and his wife enjoy a holiday libation.

Jessica Platek Clark and her husband are all smiles because they know that this time next year Christmas will be so much different.

Class of 2007

It's the Smetanka family at Christmas: Aaron, his kids and wife Courtney Simon Smetanka.

Andrew Dashner wears his Christmas tie as he sets off for Christmas Mass.

Reilly O'Connor Goldberg, her family, Elf, and the dog are getting ready to hang their stockings.

Class of 2008

It's a Disney World for Kristy Pietrone and her niece.

Class of 2009

John Morgan and his family visit Santa Claus.

Gavin Virag is with his wife and little one for a Christmas picture.

Class of 2010

The Nocleg men: Tim, Dave ('08), and Randy ('04)

As you can see from their faces, Dom Massimiani and his family are excited for Christmas.

Kory Gribbin and his family enjoy the season.

Matt Fedzen is surrounded by his dogs and special lady this season.

Class of 2011

Clare Lamperski Heinl and her little boy on Christmas morning after mass.

Class of 2012

Looking great for their Christmas card photo: Cassie Hollihan and her family.

The Tunstalls visit Santa: Shawn ('13), the kids, Santa and Lynzi Mueller Tunstall.

Class of 2013

Congratulations to Nick Najanick who has been promoted to project manager for Shelton Design and Build.



Class of 2014

Annette Faith Cashdollar and her husband have picked out their tree.

Ally Herbert and her kids enjoy some outdoor time before winter sets in.

Bailie Synan and his special lady are ready for 2024.

Jarred Fragapane enjoys time with his special lady.

Class of 2020

Tess Myers set a Duquesne program record with 11 3-pointers as she scored 35 points against Longwood. The 11 3-pointers is an A-10 record and is the most by a D1 basketball this year.

Carson Primrose was named second team all-Northeast Conference defense for the second year. Carson entered the transfer portal and will now play for Richmond, co-champions of the CAA.

****

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 Dave Briggs ('58), Kevin Colbert ('75), Dave Lobasco('92), Shari Brown Butler ('82)), Nick Najanick ('12), Jim Pieffer ('61), Kim Hemke-Cochin ('85), Carmen DiGiacomo ('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.

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

Want to make sure you get the details for your class reunion?  

Update your contact information HERE!

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, 

Bob Gierl says the 60th class reunion will be October 15, 2025!

NC Class of 1993

The Class of 1993 is having their 30 year reunion on January 12th from 6:30 - 9:30 at the North Park Lounge, 20810 Route 19, Cranberry Township. The cost is $25 per person which includes a buffet dinner. There will be a cash bar. More details will be forthcoming on the North Catholic Class of 1993 Facebook page.

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 1998

Plans are in the works for a 25th reunion this fall. Stay tuned for more details.

,

NC Class of 2013

There may be plans in the works for a 10 year reunion. We will share details when we hear more

As we move to 2024, the classes of 1974, 1984, 1994, 1999, and 2014 are ready for reunions. Don't forget to let us know if you have details that we can post.

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 9^th 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 2023-24 School Year to Mary Narvett and Mary Taggart-Snyder.

The Fund has awarded scholarships totaling $103,600 to twelve 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(joeyblitz@aol.com), Dick Halleran (rhalleran@verizon.net), or Mike Conroy (conroy1603@gmail.com).

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, ED KOSS, TIM MCMAHON, and JOCKO ILCISIN for their recent contributions. Art and Jocko and many others 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 September there is $48,000 in our endowment.

We are happy to announce that this year's Legacy Scholarships for this school year have been awarded to sophomore MADISON SERETTI. Madison is an honors student with a GPA of 3.9 and is the daughter of NC alum, Leslie Filip ('89) The second recipient is junior DONNIE SCHUBERT, a graduate of Blessed Trinity Academy. Donnie is a basketball player and carries a 3.9 GPA.  

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 (bobcolbert@comcast.net) or Walt Quinn (quinn.walter@comcast.net)

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 second scholarship recipient, Dom Dixon ('27). Dom and and Andrew Scears ('26) were selected by the committee, under the leadership of Tom Balestreire. The committee 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 donated to the North Catholic Class of 1953 Scholarship Fund.  More than $29,000 has been raised.  The ad-hoc committee is pleased to announce that incoming freshman Gianna Fuller has been awarded the scholarship starting in the 2023-2024 school year. 

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.

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 Morrison, North Catholic High School, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry 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.

The NC Robotics Team, 5740, demonstrated their robot at the 2nd Annual Pittsburgh Robotics Network Discovery Day. Students were able to network with 100+ industry professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and more.

In addition, students engaged the community in a variety of ways and helped PRN advance their goal of making Pittsburgh the robotics capital of the world.

****

In honor of Children's Grief Awareness Day on November 16th, students in Active Minds worked to build a memory wall in honor of loved ones who have passed. Students could also leave notes of encouragement and private intentions which were prayed for at Mass the following week.

****

Students in the Rosedale Tech Trades Survey class recently took a trip to Steam Fitters in Zelienople.

Students were exposed to their apprenticeship programs and potential career paths in the trades, specifically pipe fitting. Accepted applicants will attend class every other Monday for 5 years while demanding competitive wages during their apprenticeship.

****

Mr. Walt Quinn, former beloved North Catholic teacher, came in to visit Mrs. Boyer's US Government classes to offer the students a chance to win a free prom ticket!

He talked about his time at North as an English teacher (44 years!), alumni accomplishments, and introduced a writing prompt for the students to complete. Mr. Quinn will read all anonymous submissions, choose the best one from his creative writing teaching experience, and award the winner a FREE ticket to the 2024 Prom.

****

The DECA team competed at North Allegheny in the District Competition.

Twenty NC students will be moving to the STATE competition in February.

****

CHRISTMAS ON TROY HILL

North Catholic's 10th annual Christmas on Troy Hill was on Sunday, December 10th.

Once again, It was a huge success. The annual event continues to grow and the North Catholic Community is glad for the opportunity to celebrate with our Troy Hill families once again. Here are some photos of the preperation that went into the event.

****

Classroom News

Applying classroom learning to their everyday lives, freshmen honors biology students performed a lab to determine what macromolecules were found in everyday foods.

****

In the spirit of the season, students in the forensics science class made Christmas themed crime scenes. They had to solve each other's crime scenes by collecting evidence to learn about the gingerbread murder victim.

****

Forensics News

Members of the forensic team participated in five competitions throughout the month of December, one of which was the 49^th Annual North Catholic Invitational. Over that time individual students won various awards, and the full team also received recognition for its efforts.

While these successes are far too many to list individually, it should be noted that awards were received in storytelling, the pro-con challenge, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, programmed interpretation, and impromptu speaking, with awards being presented to 38 individuals at the first four of the five tournaments.

Team awards included the top two or three speech sweepstakes and overall sweepstakes at the various tournaments. And three students (Maddie Hurray, poetry; Maryshawntel Obilor, poetry; Lucy Miller, prose) have already been so successful that they have earned a full bid to the PHSSL state tournament in March. 

The forensic team also welcomed back some of its alumni to help prepare for the tournament, to work at the tournament, and to judge. Thanks to Ms. Julie Zizan, Mrs. Joyce Osborne-Fischer, Mr. Keith Zielen, Ms. Alexandra Freyvogel, Ms. Jess Cerchiaro, and Ms. Nadia Vargo. And of course, thanks to all of the parents, including parent alumni Tim Parker, Scott Hardy, and Matt Hurray.

Here's the team at the North Catholic Invitational.

Trojan Sports

North Catholic's newest team

North Catholic is now a part of WPIAL Unified Bocce Ball this winter. The school is proud to team up with the St. Anthony's Program and kickstart this new sport available within the athletic department. Points are kept each match, and the championship is determined by a final count of points at season's end.

****

Hoops

The Trojanettes are ranked #2 Class 4A. As month ends the team has a record of 3-4.

The Trojans are unranked in the Class 4A polls. The team ended the month with a loss to Chaminade (NY) dropping their record to 4-5.

****

Volleyball

Congratulations to the following girls who were named to the Volleyball Coaches All State Team - Class 3A: Senior Alex Sepcic, libero, and Junior Ella Koziara, outside hitter.

****

Football

Congratulations to the following players who were named to the Greater Allegheny All Conference team: on offense, Jack Fennell rb and Brady O'Hara te. On defense, Dan Franco ilb and Gavin Kamody s.

****

Competitive Cheer

The North Catholic competitive cheer team competed at UCA Regionals in Johnstown recently, and they finished in the top 10 and earned a bid to attend Nationals at Walt Disney World in February.

****

Hockey

Heading into the Christmas break, the Trojans have a record of 8-3-1 and tied for third place in the Gold Division of Class A.

****

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 amorrison@northcatholic.org.

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

Luke 12:34

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 Amber Morrison at amorrison@northcatholic.org 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

ECKLES CONSTRUCTION

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.