Alumni Association

Forever True

July, 2024

Dates to Remember

Teutonia Mannerchor Alumni Luncheon

The next alumni luncheon will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. NOTE: the cost of the luncheon is now $17 which is payable at the door. Beer and soft drinks cost extra. You can call Jim Eberz (412) 445-4446 or Don Gruber (412) 874-2906 for more information.

There were 49 alums in attendance last month. Many regular attendees were on vacation.

The Class of 1967 regained the attendance championship trophy with a strong

showing. Future North Catholic student Cora Bobro is seated in front of her

great grandfather Dave Kopp (Note 2 classmates were camera shy and skipped

out before the photo). Cora was also the winner of the 50/50 raffle.

As always, a good time was had by all.

Trojan Open Golf Outing

Plans are in full swing for the North Catholic Bill Ryan Trojan Open Golf Outing. Limited spaces are available. Cost includes golf, lunch, and dinner.  

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

July

All of You

During the school year we feature alums who answer various questions about their time in the Halls of Troy. For the next two months, we want all of you to answer one of the questions. This month's question is

Who were your favorite teachers/coaches and classes?

Last month's featured alum, Steve Vance, said, "Band director Bob Haberman and history teacher Martin Gaughan were my favorite teachers while history and English were .my favorite classes."

SO .... Who were your favorites?

Send us your answer here.

EITC

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



Charles Hayes from the Class of 1971 is in need of a kidney. Please keep him in your prayers. Click here to read his letter asking for help in finding a living donor. 

MARIANIST WOMEN'S MINISTRY- Prayer Committee

The Marianist Women's Ministry would like to offer alumni and the entire North Catholic community a chance to pray for you and your intentions. The MWM gathers weekly to pray the rosary. Please click this link if you have a prayer request. While they would love to have a first name for each prayer request to make the prayers more personal, it's completely understood if you wish to keep them anonymous.

Flashback Photo

Last Month's Flashback

This is a picture from the 1999 yearbook. It was taken in the school's TV studio on the third floor. In spring of 1994 Whittle communications installed televisions in homerooms at North as well as all the other high schools in the Diocese. In November of 1994, with the school's PA system down, Todd Crusham ('94) suggested using the the closed circuit TVs as a way to get the morning announcements to the school. From that day NCTV began to broadcast each morning. From a simple one camera operation, the morning announcements became more elaborate with multiple cameras, teleprompters, and special programing under the direction of student production teams.

With Mr. Walt Quinn as moderator, students created public service announcements, sports programs, and student interviews. This also lead to the creation of video production and video editing classes as school electives, as well as internet broadcasting of athletic events.

We got a few responses to this flashback. Phil Balestrieri ('99) said, "That is Steven Balsomico in the AV room doing what looks like morning announcements. Many a fun time had in the AV room!" Tara Pagone Boyers ('02) added, "That’s the AV room!! Lived there most of my senior year!! It was a safe space! That’s Stevie B!! Morning announcements were the best! Thanks for the memories Quinn!" Shout to Jan Rittle ('73) for his wild guess.



This Month's Flashback

So what's going on in this flashback photo? Can you name the location for the photo? How about the names of the guys and gals in the photo? 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 1957

It was a great gathering as the Class of ’57 celebrated their 67^th Reunion at Roma Restaurant in the North Hills.  

Class of 1959

A good turnout and a great time had by all.  The Class of ’59 marked their 65^th Reunion with a fun weekend and picnic at North Park. Here's the entire group as well as some candid shots 

Class of 1965

Sal Marsico and his wife celebrate with their granddaughter at her graduation.

A mini reunion at the Oakmont Bakery. Bob Colbert called it "a bunch of ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out)."

Class of 1966

Before their helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, Jeff Witherel and wife Linda pose for a picture.

Class of 1974

Doug Swierczynski takes in a Bucco game along with his son and granddaughter.

Kevin Rowlands sent us this picture. They met up with Motown legend Smokey Robinson on the golf course. It's the Rowland brothers: (l-r) Jim ('69), Smokey Robinson, Kevin, and Tom ('68). Smokey was not part of their foursome but did spend time speaking with them.

Class of 1975

Paul Schacht is with his daughter at a family outing.

David Borgese and Medio Monti cycled 310 miles fundraising for the Veterans Leadership Program of western Pennsylvania.

Class of 1979

That's Kevin Trybalski working at the US Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Field.

Class of 1981

Jim Burn celebrates a hole in one.

There was another informal gathering of the class at Mike's Beer Bar. While the turnout was smaller than usual, a good time was had by everyone.

Class of 1984

Brucie Croft Bolar and her son Greg ('08) at a baby shower/picnic.

Class of 1986

Father Michael Caridi, pastor of St Paul of the Cross Parish in Castle Shannon celebrated the 30th anniversary of his ordination.

Class of 1987

John Mudrany gets a surprise Fathers Day visit from his daughter.

Class of 1991

Kristin Curtin and her son are crossing the bridge and heading to the Arts Festival.

Class of 1992

Jen Violi strikes a pose with a giant garden gnome.

Everyone loves the drummer as Matt Muckle can attest.

Class of 1993

John Nicotra and his wife pose with daughter Emma at her North Catolic graduation.

Class of 1994

That's Geoff Quinn and his son on Father's Day.

Class of 1995

Renee Klaas Piatt and her husband enjoy some time together on a California trip.

Class of 1996

April Lutz celebrates the end of the school year.

Jamie Leonardo Ranalli and her husband pose for a picture.

Class of 1997

When you work at a zoo, your favorite musical has to be The Lion King. That's why Nikki Hildebrand Smith and her family are in the audience.

The Carr siblings got together for a family reunion. Here they are with most of their children. There's Dan and his sisters - Kathleen Carr Tedford ('01) and Susan Carr Giddings ('04).

Class of 1998

Leigh Ann Sobehart Wojciechowski and her husband celebrate their son's high school graduation.

Jon McLean and his wife get ready to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water.

Class of 2000

Teddy Sweeney and his wife Katie Kutschbach Sweeney ('99) are the proud parents of their eldest as she is an honored graduate.

Class of 2001

Joey Spehar knows that if you go to Maine on vacation, you have to eat lobster.

Class of 2002

Annie Claffey and family celebrate Fathers Day.

Autumn Keller Townsend and her family get raady for a dance recital.

Class of 2003

Stephanie Mignella Petitta and her husband would like to introduce the new dog.

Class of 2009

It's a great first Fathers Day for Zach Feith.

Class of 2011

Erin DiSanti gets ready to welcome guests to her baby shower.

Carly Leffakis Shawley and her husband cuddle with their latest family member.

Class of 2012

Zack Miller relaxes with his best friend on a warm summer day.

Lauren Bates Battocchi enjoys a refreshing drink during a night out.

Class of 2013

Natalie Nyman Pietrone and husband Nick are tailgating before Kenny Chesney.

And it's Kenny Chesney time for Steph Craig and her special guy.

Class of 2014

Paige Kizior grabs a selfie with her cute pup.

Michael Blackwell and Dylan Grieco and their better halves find a way to cool off in the heat wave.

Class of 2020

There were a number of college graduations this year. We will spotlight them over the next month or so. Belle O'Hara graduated from Pitt and is taking a position with PNC with their Product Development Innovation Team.

Jessica Schad is now a Flyer after graduating from the University of Dayton.

Ryan Fezcko proudly displays his diploma from Davidson College.

Congratulations to Lizzie Ochs on her graduation from Penn State.

Congratulations to Mickey Koenig on his graduation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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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 Kevin Colbert ('75), Doug Swierczynski ('74), Dan Wolovich ('65), Kevin Rowlands (??), Dennis Ranelli ('64), Shari Brown Butler ('84), Jim Yoest ('57), Ron Meeder ('14), Medio Monti('75), Susan Carr Gidding ('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!

Reunion News

NC Class of 1959

The 65th class reunion was held on Saturday, June 8, at the ”Cabin” shelter at North Park. Attendees reported that the food was great but the comaraderie was even greater. Thanks to all who planned this wonderful event.

NC Class of 1964

The milestone 60th Class Reunion is planned for Friday, September 13, 2024, at the North Park Skating Rink and Saturday, September 14, 2024. Spouses are invited to attend the dinner on Saturday, which will start at 5pm, location to be determined. Transportation by an NC bus will be available for anyone wishing to attend the North Catholic football game at J.C. Stone Field on Friday. The class will be honored at the game, and our champion "63" football team members will be recognized. More details to be announced.

NC Class of 1965

Planning has begun on the 60th class reunion. Bob Colbert will be leading the committee. Like the 50th reunion, the party will be held at North Catholic on Saturday, June 7, 2025, which marks the date of graduation back in 65. Bob wants you to save that date and look for more information here as details become available. If you are interested in helping with any of the details, you can contact Bob at bobcolbert@comcast.net.

NC Class of 1966

If you want a comprehensive resource organizing any reunion especially a 50th: 

           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 can help and is available at robertcgierl@gmail.com.

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

NC Class of 1969

Mark your calendar for a great time with old friends! A 55th Reunion is scheduled for Sunday August 11, 2024, from 3 pm to 7 pm at The Magnolia & Pine Restaurant (5018 Bakerstown Rd. Gibsonia, PA 15044, https://magnoliapine.net//). The venue has indoor and outdoor spaces so we will be all set rain or shine. Cost is $25 per person (please bring cash), including gratuity, and there will be a cash bar. Cost includes a nice selection of appetizers. Thanks to Bill Stout, Ed Porter, and Len Stidle for making suggestions and scouting out venues. Please email Joe Bradley ASAP (joe_bradley1@comcast.net) if you plan to attend or not, so he can provide a head count to the venue by Aug 1, along with any dietary restrictions so he can inform the restaurant. Spread the word to any and all NC69 classmates you stay in touch with. Feel free to bring guests; the more the merrier!

NC Class of 1974

The 50th class reunion is set for October 26, 2024. The location will be at North Catholic High School.

Ed Ober has all the information. forms, websites that you will need by clicking here.   

Additionally, Class of ‘74 Golf Event is planned for Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9AM, at North Park Golf Course. Golfers and non-golfers are welcome to participate. 18-hole scramble, $30 per person due at the course (for golfers and non-golfers). If you can’t join us on the course, stop by the golf course pavilion around 2pm for a beer and an opportunity to catch up with NC Classmates. Food and beverages can be purchased at the course concession (air-conditioned seating available). Response is needed by July 20th, 2024. Prizes will be handed out. Contact Tom for more info:Tom_radz@yahoo.com or 412-680-1954 (call or text).  

NC Class of 1984

Plans are underway for the 40th reunion. Save the date for Saturday November 23, 2024, 7pm-10 pm in the North Catholic Cafeteria. For more information, contact John “Jack” Adlesic at (412) 290-3316 or by emailing umpirejack@yahoo.com

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 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.

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 fund now stands at about $50,000 and growing.



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. Big Shout Out to classmates, JOE MCKELVEY and Bill GUBANIC for their recent contribution. Joe and Bill as well as 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 May there is $50,000 in our endowment.

We are happy to announce that this year's Legacy Scholarships for this school year have been awarded to junior 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). Senior DONNIE SCHUBERT is a basketball player and made the high honor roll with a 3.9 GPA.  

As we begin planning for our 60th class reunion, we are looking for classmates to step and make a contribution to the scholarship fund.

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 third scholarship recipient, Maddie Stillwagon ('28). Maddie, Dom Dixon ('27) 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 (4.3 GPA) 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.

North Catholic has hired a new Principal. Read the announcement here.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

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Bishop David Zubik honored the winners of the Golden Apple Awards for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Among these distinguished winners was North's dedicated math teacher, Mrs. Susan Profeta. This award celebrates teachers and administrators who exemplify professional development, commitment to students and school, leadership, service to church and community, teaching skills, and being a role model as a Catholic educator.

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North Catholic students competed in the State Competition of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at Penn State University a few weeks ago. David Thomas '24 and Elena Esposito '26 took first place. Brodie Martin '25, Bianca Udrea '25, and Ethan Lu '25 placed second.

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At the Senior Class Mothers Day Tea, we inadvertently left out the names of the six moms in attendance who were also graduates of North Catholic. They are Monica Gregorio Koman ('89), Rachel Retlinger ('94), Tasha Stefko Wheeler ('89), Michelle Bove Hicks ('92), Susan Lah Lewis ('93), and Amy Certo Caligiuri ('88). Our apologies for our "senior" moment.

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Trojan Sports

Winter Sports

The WPIAL did some realigning of winter sports that affect North:

Swimming - the team swimms in section 3 of class 2A along with Deer Lakes, Freeport, Hampton, Highlands, Knoch, Northgate, and Shady Side Academy.

Wrestling - the Northern section of Class 2A is comprised of Ellwood City, Knoch, Laurel, North, and Summit Academy.

Boys Basketball - the Trojans will compete in Class 4A, section 1 against Burrell, Deer Lakes, Freeport, Highland, Knoch, and Valley.

Girls Basketball - the Trojanettes are in Class 4A, section 1 along with Burrell, Derry, Freeport, Highlands, Knoch, Oakland Catholic, and Valley.

Fall Sports

The Trojan golf team drops to Class 2A and competes in section 9 against Aquinas Academy, Eden Christian Academy, Hoprewell, Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy.

North Catholic has added a girls golf team to their roster of sports. The Trojanette golf team will compete in Class 2A.

Girls Volleyball moves up from 3A to 4A and will play in section 2 with Butler, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine Richland, and Seneca Valley.

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Baseball

Two members of the WPIAL championship team were recognized for their season: Tommy Schafale and Blake Primrose were named 4A co-players of the year by the High School Sports Network. After leading the WPIAL in homeruns, Blake Primrose was named to the PG's All Area Baseball Team.

Congratulations to Blake Primrose, Tommy Koroly, Ryan Shantz, Anthony Sewecke, and Tommy Schafale who were named to the Class4A, Section4 All Section Team.

Two Trojans were named to the Pa State Coaches Association all state team. Blake Primrose was named to the first team 4A squad, while Tommy Schafale was named to the second team.

Softball

Congratulations to Liliana Koller who was named to the Class 4A, Section 3 All Section Team.

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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.