NEWS
Weekly Message
Tom Smith, Principal and
Chief Administrative Officer

In his most recent Weekly Message, Tom Smith, Principal and CAO, walks Senior Hall and talks about the strong forward movement our students, teachers and families continue to make as we head into the 4th quarter. Sharing a message of hope and inspiration with the Class of 2020, he also reminds us of what it means to be a Crusher today and always.

Weekly messages are posted every Friday to our website and social media channels.
Staying Connected
McCort alumni celebrate friendship at last year's All-School Reunion (above) and at the Class of '74's 45th reunion in 2019 (below).
In recent days, Facebook has been full of people sharing their Senior portraits in a show of support for the Class of 2020. If this has you thinking back to your days at McCort, now's the perfect time to submit your current contact information on our Alumni page .

It only takes a few quick clicks to stay up-to-date on reunion activities and all the latest news. Questions? Email the Alumni Office or call 814-536-8991.
Our alumni are making a significant impact in our community, across the country and around the world. Each month, we introduce you to a Crusher whose experiences at Bishop McCort are among the reasons they're truly making a difference. Drop us a note at alumni@mccort.org to share your stories with us.
Matthew Perry, DO, FACOEP, FAAEM

Class of 1999



  • Emergency Medicine (EM) Physician; Program Director, EM Residency Program; Regional EM Medical Director, Conemaugh Health System

  • Virginia Tech University, with a BS in Biology

  • Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Fellow, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians and American Academy of Emergency Medicine

  • COVID-19 Leadership - "Coronavirus has been the biggest challenge that we have faced in modern healthcare and in our Emergency Department at Conemaugh. We are learning more about COVID-19 and adapting PPE and protocols daily. Emergency rooms are always the frontline of a hospital. However, COVID-19 gives 'frontline' a new meaning. Seeing patients quickly and efficiently, while maintaining personal protection in the face of a deadly virus is quite challenging and mentally exhausting. There is no playbook but our team's resilience, energy and commitment to the community and one another is truly inspiring. We are very appreciative of the community's overwhelming support, well wishes and donations."

  • Family: Wife Bristy and children Nolan, Harper and Charlotte

  • Words to live by: Every day is a big day.
Commitment + Flexibility = Innovative Learning
At Bishop McCort, the commitment of our teachers, students and families (and our IT team!) has kept learning on track and has opened up new virtual opportunities moving forward.

Collaborative resources like Zoom, Google Hangouts Meet and virtual field trips are playing a key role in keeping students engaged. For example, students in Mrs. Bradley's AP biology class recently toured the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and are scheduled to 'visit' the San Diego Zoo to study animal behavior and conservation.

Our team is also helping students stay focused on the future. Through our Guidance Department, students can take virtual college tours through our College Corner and become familiar with key milestones they should reach each year via our Class Guidance Timelines. Registration for 2020-21 classes is also underway. More info can be found here.

Our teachers and students are using video assignments and an array of other collaborative tools to keep learning fresh and engaging. In this short video submitted to science instructor Jen Bradley , junior Victoria Delich demonstrates how she extracted DNA from strawberries as part of an at-home lab assignment.
The Great McCort Auction is Back!
New Online Fundraiser May 1 - 8

This year only, we're moving our popular fundraiser online, with bidding from May 1-8 culminating in a live, interactive online auction on Friday, May 8 from 7pm - 9pm.

Proceeds directly benefit all student activities, from the arts and athletics to forensics, technology and all others. Bid on an array of items, including vacations; wine tastings; McCort, Divine Mercy and college scholarships; Crusher gear; and more.

"This is our most important fundraiser of the year," said Tom Smith. " Now more than ever, our students need your support . Look for updates on our social media channels and join us in May for this annual Crusher tradition."
Providing Spiritual Nourishment
The unwavering commitment of our local parishes to their congregations during this critical time is inspirational, hopeful and transformative. Most of all, it reminds us that God is always with us, no matter where we are. Here are links to a few area parishes that are streaming their services, offering interactive faith discussions and more. Please contact us here to share your parish information so that we can help spread the Good News.

ICYMI, here are a few recent stories from the local media and other sources:

BISHOP McCORT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL mccort.org (814) 536-8991