Alumni Association

Forever True

February, 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. NOTE: the cost of the luncheon is now $17.

Trojan Triumph Auction

Join us on Friday, April 19, 2024, as we move the Trojan Triumph Auction to the Pittsburgh Marriott North.  To celebrate North Catholic’s 85^th Anniversary, we are giving away more than $8500 in prizes!  In addition to the silent auction, we will have a live band “Brother Time”  (8-piece dance band playing favorite hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s), and several cash raffles where someone will win $5,000.  Although winner does not need to be present to win the cash, there will be several door prizes for those in attendance.

To purchase tickets for the event, ($100 per person/$900 for a table of 10) click here or scan the QR code below.

To take part in the cash raffle ($10 per chance), click here.

Stay tuned as we release more information including exciting prizes and details!

We are always in need of sponsors and donations.  If you can help with the auction, North's largest event fundraiser of the year, please contact Amber Nicotra Morrison (NC ’94) or Amy (Certo) Caligiuri (NC ’88) at auction@northcatholic.org

Please help spread the word and join us for a fun night!



Don Graham Classic

Thanks to all who braved the snow and cold to attend the Don Graham classic on Saturday, Jan. 6. It was a successful day for the teams.  The Trojanettes dominated Greensburg Central Catholic with a final score of 62-35.  The Trojans crushed Penn Hills, final score 60-45. 

Senior Alayna Rocco receives the Don Barth MVP Award from Don Graham (75).

Charles "Boats" Gabos ('65) presents Senior John Caligiuri with The Boats Gabos Award for Sportsmanship in Boys Basketball.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

MIDTERM EXAMS

CAN YOU NAME THESE FACULTY MEMBERS?

Our annual midterm exam always draws a big response and this year was no different. Every one of the faculty members was identified at least once. Some people added some interesting information as well. Joe Zeis ('70) was one of many who identified Dave Lyons ('62) (he was identified the most). Doctor Karl Schmitt identied Bill Garvey and sent along a picture from his yearbook showing Mr. Garvey along with his inscription "Be a great doctor-you can't miss." Dave Thomas ('72) only knew Lyons and Brother Paul Zozak. Following along with Thomas, Kevin Quinn ('74) added Brother Bill Deanhofer and Sal Mascari which gave Quinn the early lead with five. Carl Deutsch ('72) only knew Deanhofer and said this, "Brother Bill used to open the school for me on the weekends when closed to use the darkroom." Courtney Zedrek Proie ('01) knew Lyons, Mr. Evans, and Mrs. Lanna. Former guidance counselor, Brother Jack Dempsey, was able to identify 8 of the people including Rich Lynch, Tom Murtaugh, Dr. James DeTrude, and Fr. Lee Sciarotta. However the winner of this year's exam is Dr Ed Scheid ('69) who identified 10 and edged out Brother Jack by identifying Kellie Makar who is still on staff at North. Scheid added this about Paul Kozak, "He taught me freshmen religion in 1965. By 1980, he was a priest and officiated my wedding that year. The last I heard he was a married man with a family lining in Huntington, Pa." At this point no one has identified the extra credit although Scheid said he may have a late guess. Ed's son, Mike Scheid ('04), said, "A - Mr. Lyons (obviously, everyone that's gone to NC in the past 50 years knows who he is, right?) D- Mr. Evans E - Mrs. Lanna. 

No clue who the other ones are because I don't think they taught at NC when I was there. But I'm sure that my dad knows most (if not all) of them."

Lyons

Garvey

Lynch

Evans

Lanna

Murtaugh

Kozak

DeTrude

Deanhofer

Sciarrotta

Makar

Mascari

EXTRA CREDIT PHOTO

This is Mrs. Beverly Bracken.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

February

Robert "Hutch" Bailie

Class of 2008

Hutch is a Lieutenant in the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire as well as Captain for the US Army Reserve Psychological Operations. Here's what he had to say.

Bring us up to date on your life since graduation

"After high school, I did what most of my peers did and went to college. I attended Hiram College where I played football, lacrosse, and rugby. I graduated from Hiram College/John Carroll University with a Bachelor's in social science while commissioning as a second Lieutenant in the Army. I did not really know what I wanted to be after college so I did what any sane person would do and signed up for the fire department. Little did I know I just hit the lottery. I have been serving the city of Pittsburgh since about 2015, and believe me, it truly is the best job in the world. I am married to the love of my life, Bethany Bailie, and have 3 wonderful children with her. As of now I am planning on sending each one of my kids to North Catholic."

Who were your favorite teachers/coaches?

"Honestly, I loved most of the teachers at North, but I do still run into Mr. And Mrs. Militello and love to catch up when I do. Obviously, Mr. Quinn is another favorite because only he could make English fun for me (Beowulf and the Odyssey were some of the best times in English.)

I have a special place in my heart for coaches Baggs, Ravenstahl, Smyers, and Delaplane. Those guys took care of me and kept me on the right path when my dad was deployed to Iraq my senior year, and I truly am grateful for them."

Favorite Memories of NC

"My favorite times at North were Friday night lights at J.C. Stone Field, the feeling was always electric, and I loved playing football with my boys. I would go back in a heartbeat. Also, I think my favorite event was dressing up like cheerleaders for a girls basketball game. I don’t think I still have the picture but it was me, Kerrigan Sweeney, and Josh “Ish” Wentz in wigs and skirts."

What did North mean to you?

"NC was my 3^rd high school I attended. I went to Central my freshman year, Seton La Salle, then ended up at North the end of my sophomore year. From the first day I knew it was home, from the staff to the students, everyone there was welcoming, and the teachers were invested in their students. It was such a privilege to go to North Catholic and be able to still represent it today. I truly believe that I would not be the man I am today without all the help I received at North Catholic."

Memories of Graduation Day?

"I remember everyone being so excited and ready for the next chapter but deep down we were probably all terrified of having to be an adult one day."

Anything else you want to add?

"I just want to bring up the memory of one of our classmates and my best friend Joshua “Turk” Turowski. He passed away around 2016. He and I went to Central together then both came up with the idea to transfer to North where we both graduated. He was an amazing guy and even better friend. RIP brother, Forever True !" 

EITC

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



Flashback Photo

Last Month's Flashback

This is a picture from the 2003 yearbook. The caption reads "Communication came out in a new form this year. Instead of just talking to each other, juniors Aarick Fondrk and Erika Utz talk to people they cannot even see." The yearbook editors also made the following observation, " ... soon, it will be inevitable to not see a student without a cell phone."

Twenty years later, the cell phone is a part of a student necessity like a backpack or a pen. The cell phone has been both a boon and a bane to education. At North, students must turn off their phone and place it in pouches which hang on the door of every classroom. Cell phones can only be used in study halls and during lunch. Mr Benzing noted that the policy has greatly reduced student traffic in the hallways during class.

We got a few reIated answers to the picture. Barry Hartman ('73) simply said, first cel phones. Mike Scheid added, "two of my fellow classmates - Erica Utz and Aarick Fondrick... I don't have a clue what club/class they're in or what they are doing."



This Month's Flashback

This flashback photo is a group of seniors. the question is who are they and why are they grouped together? 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 1964

Jim Eberz and his wife celebrate their anniversary

Class of 1969

Ed Scheid and his wife and grand children enjoy a light meal with son Mike ('04) during a holiday visit to Nashville.

Class of 1979

Mike Kukawa and his wife enjoy the flower show at Phipps.

Class of 1981

Dale Mangold celebrates his son's birthday. He's a musician just like his father

Jim Burn is with newly reelected President of Allegheny County Council, Patrick Catena.

Class of 1982

That's Steve Swethoa with his son in a selfie taken at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

Class of 1984

Danny Schell is a new grandfather holding his granddaughter.

Class of 1988

Paul Morris is on the left and Larry Schell ('78) is on the right as they get ready for the Polar Bear Ride on New Years Day.

Class of 1992

Matt Muckle and his lady get ready to bring in the new year.

Anne McSorley Hollis is with her sons as they get ready for a game of knockerball. She thought it would be fun to play with her sons, but she believes her son's got revenge for all the times she "wronged" them. Her back also tells her that her knockerball days are over.

Myles Rooney and his fiance relax as they get ready for "The Boys in the Boat."

Class of 1993

Here's a group photo of the class at a recent reunion.

Class of 1994

Neil Gregorio and his family on a trip to Aruba enjoy the warmth and sunset.

Class of 1995

Congratulations to Robb Duty who was promoted by City Charter High School to expert level. Robb is a technology teacher there.

Julie Lenzner and her husband are out and about in snowy Brussels.

Class of 1998

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh for Brian Wissner and his kids.

Class of 1999

Kim Jacobs looks as lovely as ever.

Christian Sprung and his wife bring in the new year at Raymond James Stadium.

Brian Papinchak is the proud father of his honor student son.

Class of 2002

Bet you can guess where Tony Grego is and who he and his wife are rooting for.

Class of 2004

Brooke Dumont and her son strike a pose with Goofy while on a vacation trip to Disney World.

Mike Scheid sends along this family Christmas photo.

Class of 2006

Liz Rettger Buckley sips on a refreshing beverage.

Class of 2008

Kelsey DiSanti Sweeney, her husband Kerrigan and the kids celebrate her birthday.

Class of 2011

That's Phil Jandrokovic and his family celebrating Phil becoming a Pittsburgh firefighter

Claire Lamperski Heinl is in the middle of two of her favorite people - her brother Vince ('08) and her "young and restless" man Jack Abbott.

Class of 2012

Jake Miller helps celebrate his father's birthday.

Tina Ferrari is the center of attention at her baby shower.

Class of 2017

Sam Breen, after being named the Becky Hammon Player of the Year as the best player in the nation at a mid major university, graduated with a masters degree and two certifictes from the Universirty of Massachusetts. She continues to play professional basketball in Vempeli. Finland. She leads the country in scoring and rebounding as the team drives toward a playoff run.

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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 Chuck Collins ('58), Paul Morris ('88), Al Young ('67), Mike Scheid ('04), 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 1969

Talks are underway to hold a 55th reunion later this year. We will share details when we hear more.

NC Class of 1974

The 50th class reunion is in the works. We will let you know if and when we get details.

NC Class of 1984

The class will celebrate their 40th reunion this year. Let us know about reunion plans so we can spread the word.

NC Class of 1994

Plans are in the works for a 30th reunion this fall. Stay tuned for more details.

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NC Class of 1999

There may be plans in the works for a 25 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, JOE MCKELVEY, and JOCKO ILCISIN for their recent contributions. Also a donation was made in honor of classmate BILL GUBANIC. Joe 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. The first semester honor roll was recently posted. Madison is an honors roll student with a GPA of 3.9 and is the daughter of NC alum, Leslie Filip ('89). Junior DONNIE SCHUBERT is a basketball player and made the high honor roll with 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 $150,000 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) Award. Each year the award is presented to a young woman who possesses the same leadership qualities that Kathy demonstrated in her life.   Congratulations to recipients Ava Walker (4.1 GPA), Sara Loughry (4.0 GPA) and Joleen Condle (4.7 GPA).  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 $31,000 has been raised. Freshman Gianna Fuller was awarded the scholarship for 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 last week of January is Catholic Schools week. The week celebrates Catholic Education throughout the US. It is filled with prayer, reflection, fun activities, and a sweet or two (or three). The week began with students celebrating with doughnuts and comfortable clothing.

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Two alumni returned to North Catholic to present from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Alexis Caprio, ('19), and Tyler Zahurak, ('16), in the lab coats, guided current Trojans through a simulation using their program's SimMan, aka REX. Students were able to use the state-of-the-art program to diagnose and treat a patient with a suspected heart attack. Dr. Culley was on hand to speak about her career in the Pharmacy and academia.

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Mr. Walt Quinn, former North Catholic teacher, handed out prom tickets to three seniors who were the winners in his Christmas writing contest. He liked Luke Rinker's the best, but decided to also give prom tickets to Jaci Gardiner and Katie Parenti for their creativity as well.

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Classroom News

Ms. Coley’s CHS (College in High School) class, students designed and implemented an experiment to see how far a person could walk in a straight line without a visual reference. They then completed calculations to create confidence intervals for the average distance a person can walk. Principal Mike Palcsey and Assistant Principal John Benzing were two volunteers.

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These photos are part of a Macro or "Close Up" Photography assignment from Mrs. Bucci's Digital Arts 1 class. 

The images were taken around NC, and the objective was to zoom in and notice small details in the lines, shapes, and textures that you might not from far away.

Trojan Sports

North Catholic's newest team

North Catholic is now a part of WPIAL Unified Bocce Ball. The team plays their matches in the gym on a portable floor which they also use when practicing.

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PIAA Champions

North Catholic had two athletes win State Championships in 2023 - Maggie Foley was the 2A diving champion and Madeline Meeuf was the girls 2A cross country champion.

Hoops

The Trojanettes enter the final week of January with an 12-5 record and a 10-0 section record. A recent defeat of Derry 69-12 was the 100 consecutive section win for the Trojanettes who are ranked 4th in the state and have clinched a spot in the WPIAL playoffs.

The Trojans are in the hunt for a playoff spot and are second to Lincoln Park in the section with a 6-2 record. Overall the team stands at 10-6.

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Crew

Here's a local news article about Emma Nicotra, daughter of John Nicotra ('93) and her successful career.

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Cross Country

Congratulations Gracie Plastino who was named PIAA Freshman of the Year. Gracie was also named to the 3rd team All State Cross Country team.

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Competitive Cheer

The North Catholic competitive cheer team will compete in Nationals at Walt Disney World this month.

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Hockey

The Trojan Icemen have an 11-3-1 record as the month comes to a close. They are ranked #4 in Class 1A.

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Crew

The NC Crew Team won seven medals in the TRRA ERG race. Winning medalists are Gold: Emma Nicotra, Abigal Dudkowski, and Valerie Begis; Silver: Margaret Totin, Anna Pohl; Bronze: Alice Sommers, Lillian Best.Pictured below are Coach Sands an the crew team and the medalists including Emma Nicotra on the right.

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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.