Alumni Association

Forever True

October, 2022

Teutonia Mannerchor Alumni Luncheon

There will not be a luncheon in November. The next alumni luncheon will be the Christmas Party on December 13, 2022.

Here are the details for the alumni Christmas party: The cost of the luncheon is $25 which is payable in advance. The cost covers the buffet and the 50/50 raffle door. Send your check to James Eberz, 103 Schendley Road , Pittsburgh, PA 15217. The reservation cut off date is Tuesday, December 6th. NO SEATING ON DECEMBER 13TH WITHOUT A RESERVATION and NO REFUNDS. Doors will open at 11:00 and lunch will be at noon.

There were 55 people in attendance at the October luncheon.

Here are some random pictures.

The class of 1973 had five members attending. They are (l-r): Dave Ebert, Tom Jacoby, Joe Scott, Bill Radocaj, and Joe Koch. Bill Radocaj and Dave Ebert were in attendance for the first time, and Joe Koch lead the group in the alma mater to end the luncheon.

The class of '59 is always well represented. There were ten members of the class in attendance.

Congratulations to the 2022 Trojan Hall of Fame inductees! From left to right: Fred Galovich ’58, Bob Meinert ’57 accepting on behalf of Dr. Michael McCarthy ’57, Joseph Nowak ’49, Ken Sinagra ’73, and Col. Medio Monti ’75 standing in for John “Jack” Bushofsky ’55.



John “Jack” Bushofksy graduated from North Catholic in 1955.  He was a stand-out athlete and one of eleven players from the 1953 North Catholic Championship Team to receive a football scholarship. Jack entered the U.S. Marines, played football in college, and went on to coach at the high school and college levels. He had a successful career with the NFL as a Pro Scouting Director, working with teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts, and the Carolina Panthers.

Michael “Mike” McCarthy graduated from North Catholic in 1957 and played football, known for his speed. After graduation, he was commissioned a medical officer in the United States Navy, serving nearly 25 years.  He went on to become a renowned doctor, specializing in urology, was an excellent surgeon, patient advocate, and teacher. He received numerous awards in his career. Mike passed away after an illness just two weeks before being inducted into the Trojan Hall of Fame.

Fred Galovich graduated from North Catholic High School in 1958 and is one of the greatest athletes in NC’s history. Fred played fullback, was nominated as an All-American High School fullback, named to the New World Sports All-Catholic First Team All-America High School Football team, and named Most Valuable Player for High School Football Catholic League in 1957. He pursued a career as a financial advisor, and remains active at North and at his church.

Kenneth Sinagra graduated from North Catholic in 1973 and spent his career advocating for Catholic education. He taught at local Catholic schools including North Catholic, Central Catholic, and Bishop Canevin High School where he served as Principal for several years before retiring in 2018. Under his leadership, Ken implemented several programs that led to an increase in enrollment and was praised by staff for his love of learning and teaching and sharing the Catholic faith. 

Alumni Spotlight

Noreen Scanlon Daniello

Class of 1994

Noreen is the youngest of the Scanlon family to graduate from North, following in the footsteps of her brother, Dennis ('87) and sister, Kerry ('88). She and her husband, James, have four children.

Bring us up to date on your life since graduation

I graduated from Villanova with a degree in secondary education. I taught middle school and directed the theatre program at Summit Middle School in Summit New Jersey. In 1999, I married my college sweetheart, James Daniello. In 2002 we moved back to Pittsburgh, where I continued my teaching career at Quaker Valley Middle School, teaching eighth grade Language Arts and Quaker Valley High School, teaching ninth grade English and twelfth grade Honors English. I was also the National Honors Society Moderator. With the arrival of our fourth child, I decided to leave teaching and focus on raising my family. In 2013, I began directing the musicals at Pine Richland Middle School. Our shows, which were inclusive to students of all abilities, involved over one hundred students. Today with three very active high schoolers and a husband with a job that requires regular travel, I am busy supporting their needs and dreams. As my children grow older, I am considering returning to teaching.

Favorite Memories of NC

Some kids in high school are "one hundred penny" kind of kids, meaning they have a huge group of friends. I was definitely a "four quarter" kind of gal. I had a small group of friends, and they comprise many of my fondest memories.

Other great memories include Forensic tournaments: Ms. Young preparing me for my original Oratory piece, giving me walking lessons as I literally had had to learn how to thoughtfully and deliberately walk during my presentation. Musicals: Junior year we did Pippin in the auditorium attached to the Heinz Factory. However there was something magical about transforming our high school gym into an auditorium. Mr. Naderhoff's AP European History Class- having to write JMJ on all headings.

Favorite Class and Teacher

Without question English, Junior English changed my life. I have vivid memories of reading Canterbury Tales and then writing my own version of a Canterbury Tale. Working through Beowulf felt like such an accomplishment. Reading The Handmaid's Tale for summer reading was life changing.

I have absolutely no doubt that if it weren't for Mr. Quinn, I would have never chosen to be a high school teacher. Mr. Quinn literally changed my life and led me to a career that I loved so much.

Memories of Graduation Day

My fondest memory of graduation was singing at the ceremony. It was a beautiful day that I faced with intention, knowing that it would be the last time I would be in the company of many of my classmates.

Flashback Photo

Last Month's Flashback

This is a picture from the 2013 yearbook of religion teacher, Mr Greg Evans getting ready to balance his podium on his chin. Evans would do this occasionally In his junior and senior religion classes to entertain students. As far as we know he never failed to balance the podium to the delight (or dismay) of his students.

We got a good many responses on this photo. Kim Yanicko ('07) said "This month's photo is Mr. Evans balancing his podium on his chin during religion class. He didn't do it often, but would surprise a class every so often if we were good!" Kennadee Williams ('13) added, "In the picture you posted, that’s Mr.Evans! He used to Balance it on his chin for our amusement!" Tara Pagone Boyers ('02), Neil Shuey

('08), Erik Hood ('05), Jen Boehm ('05), and retired North Catholic teacher, Ms. Beth Young also identified Mr. Greg Evans and his renowned balancing act.

This Month's Flashback

So here's a crazy yearbook picture. Can you tell us what this is all about and why are they all holding up money? It would also be great if you could help us to identify the people in the picture.

Send your guesses to us here.

Class Notes

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 1948

Thanks to Harmer Weichel who served in the Peace Corps and sent in a reflection from his time volunteering for 2 years in Liberia, West Africa from 1961 to 1963.  Harmer lived in a palm thatch hut in Zorzor with no electricity. He says it was a tough 2 years of physical, cultural, and mental adjustments and challenges. Harmer helped build and teach in a mud block school and was able to get a life-saving CARE food program started in their school. He said that after a month of steady food, the kids showed more energy and sores disappeared. Diseases were prevalent, and deadly, venomous snakes were a danger. Despite the conditions, Harmer said the village folks were friendly.  He encourages all students to study hard and do what you can to help other people.

Class of 1949

This is a photo taken at Rico’s Restaurant on Sat. Oct. 15, 2022, of those Class members from the Class of 1949. It was their 73^rd year for a reunion. First row seated from the left are John R. Kardos, Robert G. Kuntz, Clinton Bleil.  Second row standing are George V. Bauer, Joseph J. Nowak, Clyde C. Rombach, Jr. and James R. Sismour, Sr.    George Bauer added, "None of us fell off the temporary platform that was constructed to allow this photo to be taken from on top of trees."

Class of 1960

Two pictures from Karl Schmitt. The first is Karl and wife Peg in 1971. The second is Karl and his wife (far right) along with their two daughters, their husbands and all of their grandchildren.

Class of 1972

Gary Gaertner ('72) and Christine Cipriani recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary during a trip to southern Italy. Christine is a sister of Alfred Cipriani ('65) and the late Russ Cipriani ('73). During the trip, they visited Oriolo, the town in Calabria where Christine's paternal grandmother was born.

Class of 1975

Medio Monti, Kevin Colbert, and Joe Cieply were representing the class at the Hall of Fame dinner.

Class of 1979

Ellen Matschner Kline is with her husband enjoying the Poconos.

Class of 1980

It's the Ogden brothers: (l-r) Dan ('80), Mike ('75), Glen ('78), and Tim ('79).

Class of 1981

Joe Connolly proudly displays the catch of the day.

Class of 1982

Rich Bagnato and wife Kelly Kappel Bagnato and their kids recently opened Severina, a restaurant, in West View. You can read the story here.

Class of 1984

Susan Popek Roethlein takes a selfie during a walk in the woods.

Class of 1987

That's Eric Zettelmeyer and his group the Blues Drivers as they performed at the first ever Cooper's Lake Brews and Blues Festival. 

Class of 1991

Leslie DelCimmuto-Bouldin has strapped on the pads and is ready for some playing time.

Class of 1992

Myles Rooney and his son pose for a picture before his son heads off to homecoming.

Ann McSorley Hollis is the proud mother on Senior Night.

Class of 1993

Madeline Wahl and her husband are at an outdoor wedding.

Class of 1995

Ryan Porco and his wife celebrate at the LeMont Restaurant

Renee Klaas Piatt and her husband are on vacation.

Here's Bob Sobehart standing proudly after making his first hole-in-one at Sewickley Heights Country Club on the 7th hole..

Class of 1996

Dennis Payne is a little bleary eyed as he has just returned from another long day of work at his restaurant and bar.

Jamie Leonardo Raineri celebrates with her daughters.

Class of 1997

Christian Reid is with his son who seems to be enjoying his blue ice ball.

That's Jason Mertz and his kids who all ready for the hockey season.

Class of 1998

Dan Barr and his wife take a selfie before the puck drops at the Penguin game.

Class of 1999

Christian Sprung and his family use the Pittsburgh skyline as a backgound for this family portrait.

Class of 2001

Courtney Zedreck Proie is with her two future Trojans at a North game.

It's a good thing Mary Long Muffy isn't in hiding because this photo gives away her hiding place. Actually, she's there on business.

Class of 2002

Michelle Novak and her family pose for this autumn photo.

Adam Schmitt and his wife gives us a hint as to where their baby's loyalty lies.

Tony Grego and his fiance aren't the only love birds in the photo.

Class of 2003

Allison Conway Mercer is in Lichtenstein while her husband Joe is in Switzerland proving love has no borders. 

Chelsea Feigel Bennardo and her family are nothing but smiles in this fall photo. 

Emily Booz looks cheerful as she sets off to work.

Class of 2004

Jason Casavale can do nothing but smile with this little one.

Susan Carr Giddings send this along to us. "Cassius John Giddings was born 12 weeks premature on 7/20/22 and spent 57 days in the NICU. He graduated on 9/15/22 and moved in with his mom and dad :) My husband, James, and I are so overjoyed to have him home!"

The Sieber sisters - Jamie and Diana ('10) are happy to see each other again.

Ian McMeans shows who he' rooting for before the Alabama Tennessee kickoff.

Class of 2005

Erik Hood and his wife are enjoying a quick fall getaway.

Congratulations to Jeanine Vento McGuire who was named Manager of Account Management at LINQ. 

Class of 2007

Maria Nist Baker and family pose for this fall harvest photo. 

Class of 2008

The Sweeney family: Kelsey DiSanti Sweeney and Kerrigan and the kids are having a family night out.

Jerry Dorsch carries away his pumpkin and is ready to start carving.

Class of 2010

Tyler Feith and his wife enjoy the weather on a visit to the pumpkin patch.

Tina Jablonski is awaiting the tricker or treaters.

Class of 2011

It's Marina Rutherford Trotta and her little skeleton getting ready for Halloween.

Class of 2012

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh and Amber Stark Peters and her husband are there for all the action.

Angela Nowacki is with her nephew in the pumpkin Patch.

Mark Dovi shows off his recent purchase - a new truck. 

Tina Ferrari and Sarah Reichle take in a Steeler game.

Class of 2013

Zach Rothwell and his lady are out for a fun evening. 

That's Mackenzie Knapp at her baby shower with good friend Katie McGuire ('12).

Sam Brophy always finds the biggest pumpkin around.

That's the newlyweds: Natalie Nyman Pietrone and her husband Nick.

Brian Miller and his special lady are dressed for the part as they celebrate Octoberfest. 

Class of 2014

Sarah Sterzinger and her beau enjoy a Canadian getaway.

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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. Just send it here.

Thanks to Al Young (67), Ray Vinson ('47), Carmen DiGiacomo ('59), Joe Cieply ('75), Susan Carr Giddings ('04), Karl Schmitt ('60), Harmer Weichel ('48), Gary Gaertner ('72), Carl Rectenwald ('62), George Bauer ('49), Joe Romano ('70), Mike Bezilla ('75), Gloria Ogden Wainwright ('90), 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!

NC Class of 1967

The class of 1967 held their 55th class reunion at Silvioni's. We are hoping to have pictures for next moth's newsletter.

NC Class of 1972

Here's the latest information on the class reunion:

North Catholic Class of ‘72 Reunion:

• Saturday, December 10, 2022
• Meet at 5 p.m. at North Catholic for a tour of the new school
• Dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. at Bravo! in Cranberry, just a short drive from North
• Graduates only--a time for us to gather
• Cost: around $50--a buck for each year!
• Cash bar--choose your own beverage (unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks provided with the meal)

If you have questions, contact Paul Laquatra: 412-480-3753 (palaqutra@gmail.com) or Don Feitl: 412-742-6689 (dlmajdf@verizon.net).

NC Class of 1973

Chuck Bauer writes, "We are still in the general gathering phase. We have close to 40 now in our group.  The contact email info and to get updates is Northcatholic1973@gmail.com."

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 1992

If you are planning to attend the 30th reunion, please submit your payment by November 11, 2022. Information on submitting payment and reunion details below.

NC Class of 1996

Lori Munsch Klein and Chrissy Shraeder are trying to get a 25th reunion together. Unfortunately the response has been slow. They have set up a form you can link to here. Also you can can email them information and questions here.

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.

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 we have raised over $30,000 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

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(joeyblitz@aol.com), Dick Halleran (rhalleran@verizon.net), or Mike Conroy (conroy1603@gmail.com).

Class of 1965 Legacy Scholarship

The Class of 1965 Legacy Scholarship award for the 2022-2023 school year was made to senior Kaitlyn Kenaan. She is the daughter of NC alum Dan Kenaan ('91). Kaitlyn received $1,000 to help with tuition. She is an the honor roll student. Thomas Zizan, the son of Julie (Rogalla) Zizan ('87) graduated this past June. We will award two scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year next summer.

While the Legacy Scholarship continues to grow, we do need the help of our classmates to increase the scholarship fund. When we were at North, almost all of the tuition was paid by our parishes, now the burden has fallen on the parents. Catholic education is not cheap and in order to help parents provide the great education 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, TOM HENCHER and FRANK DEUTSCH for their recent contributions. If you have questions, feel free to contact Bob Colbert (bobcolbert@comcast.net) or Walt Quinn (quinn.walter@comcast.net)

Some of our classmates are committing to making a small (read $10, $15) monthly donation via their credit card. It's a painless way to contribute and Bob Colbert and others have been doing so for a while. 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.

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.

North Catholic National Honor Society hosted a Trunk or Treat, and it was a huge success! With over 160 kids registered, it made for a fun-filled afternoon involving costumes, crafts, and A LOT of treats.

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Congratulations to John Lamb, Allison Feczko, Katherine Riley, and Owen Schessler who were recognized recently as Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented by Principal Mike Palcsey to these scholastically talented seniors.

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The North Catholic Robotics Team, 5740, recently partnered up with the Marianist Women's Ministry to provide a meal for those in need in our community. The meal and the conversations were much appreciated by all those who attended.

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The North Catholic Cheer Team hosted a “Cheer With Us” event last night at a recent home football game. There were 30 girls from local schools (grades 1-8) who joined in the action.

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Members of the NC Boys Soccer team are pictured here after recently volunteering and participating in UNcathlon events.

What is the UNcathlon you might ask? UNcathlon is a UNique team challenge that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power of teamwork, bringing awareness to Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA).

Classroom News

Ms. Miller's biology students are pictured here sharpening the lab skills they will use for the rest of the year. Students are (1) identifying lab equipment, (2) practicing precise measurements with a graduated cylinder, (3) following directions as they are written, and (4) practicing lab safety procedures.

The overarching goal on this given day was to mix different amounts of red, yellow, and blue solutions to make the colors of the rainbow using different test tubes.

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The p4 Visual Arts class just finished up a ceramics project making clay pumpkins. These are a fun and seasonal project, but the main goal was to learn two different ways to hand-build with clay (pinch and coil construction).

They also learned how to glaze our pumpkins and had the opportunity to study the process clay goes through from fresh and moldable greenware to hardened and glossy glaze-ware after being fired in the kiln.

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Twenty NCHS students from Mr. Dougherty’s Astronomy class traveled to Saint Vincent College on Thursday, 10/13/22 and had an opportunity to visit the Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit on campus. Students participated in an interactive planetarium show learning about the night sky, constellations, planets, and view a presentation on black holes.

NC students also received a campus tour followed by an Admission presentation, and later ate lunch in the college cafeteria.

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Students in Mrs. Makar and Mrs. Bucci's classes made their annual visit to Inventionland, a Pittsburgh-based immersive work environment and idea incubator where projects are brought to life through creativity and innovation.

Students were given a tour of the facility and given the opportunity to become a product designer by fusing two unlikely elements into a new prototype. They were also able to meet and take a photograph with Mr. George Davison, the founder of Inventionland and host of TV show, Tomorrows World Today.

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Drama Department

Congratulations to the students and members of the staff for the performances of the one act plays. Four plays were presented all directed by students.

Trojan Sports

Football

The Trojans move to 4A this year brought tough going in the Greater Allegheny Conference. The team suffered their third conference loss as they bowed to Mars 21-14.The loss put them into a three way tie with Hampton and Mars. Unfortunately, the tiebreakers dropped the Trojans out of the playoffs for the first time since the school moved to Cranberry. This was also the final game for Trojan head coach Pat O'Shea who announced his retirement before the start of the season.

A side note to the season, Rylee Kumer, the goalkeeper for the girls soccer team, was the placekicker for the Trojans and will be the first girl to win a varsity letter in football.

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Girls Soccer

The top seeded Trojanettes (14-1) got a hat trick from Lauren MacDonald and two goals from Simone Sharpless to beat No. 16 Valley (7-10) in the opening round of the Class 2A playoffs. After defeating Beaver 2-1 in the quarter finals, they will take on Avonworth in the semifinals.

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Boys Soccer

The Trojans entered the Class 3A playoffs as the 15th seed and were eliminated in the first round by the 2nd seed, Plum 6-2. The Trojans finished with a record of 7-7-3.

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Girls Volleyball

The 2A champions defeated Moon 3 sets to none. They will take on Thomas Jefferson in the semifinals.

Girls Basketball

Alayne Rocco, player of the year last season, has already made a verbal commitment for her future. You can read it here.  

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 in the Development/Alumni Office at 412-321-4823, x 529 or amorrison@northcatholic.org

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.