The President’s Blog at NCHS

National Forensic League:
Ms. Beth Young has earned a third diamond degree of membership from the National Forensic League.  She will receive special recognition at the Lincoln Financial Group/NFL National Speech and Debate Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.  For more details please go to www.north-catholic.org.

NC Student inspired to aid Uganda’s youngsters:
Here is a link to the Tribune-Review article about MJ Wahl, a member of our Junior class.

Alumni – Marianist Celebration – Alumni, Parents, Faculty, Students, NC Nation!!
ALL are invited to help us celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Marianists in Pittsburgh and the Annual Alumni Remembrance Mass on November 8th at 10 AM in the Chapel.  Brunch will be served immediately after the liturgy.  Pls RSVP to Nick Tomasic 412-322-7129 or Jim Finn 412-486-4100 ext 203.

OPEN HOUSE:
North Catholic will hold Open House on Saturday, November 7th from 12-3 PM.  Please pass this information onto any parents or students considering attending North Catholic. Please come and see what really makes North special.  All grades are welcome.

Athletics:
Girls Volleyball:
The North Catholic Volleyball team suffered a tough loss last night against top-seeded West Shamokin.  After starting the match by winning the first two sets, the moment changed and West Shamokin picked up the last three sets to win the match 3-2.  The volleyball team finished the regular season with 14 wins and 0 losses as well as going 1 and 1 in the WPIAL playoffs.

Football:
The fourth seeded North Catholic football team gets set to play host to the Jefferson Morgan Rockets on Friday, November 6, 2009 at Lt. J.C. Stone Field.  Kickoff is at 7:30 PM.  Pre-sale tickets will be available starting Thursday and going thru Friday at 3:00 PM.  Tickets can be purchased from the Main Office or during school lunch periods.  Student tickets are $4.00 and adult tickets are $6.00.  There will be no student tickets sold at the gate so remember to buy your tickets early.  More proceeds benefit the school from pre-sale than the gate sale.

The Eastern Football Conference had their All-Conference team selections this past Sunday at Wilkinsburg High School.  Congratulations to the following players:

1st Team Offense:  Martin Long (QB), Julian Durden (RB), Matt Fedzen (WR), and Morgan Porter (K)
2nd Team Offense: Jacob Szramowski (OL)
1st Team Defense: Phil Jandrokovic (DL) and Jacob Szramowski (LB)
2nd Team Defense: Jim Snyder (DL) and Martin Long (DB)

Forever True!
Fortes in Fide!

PittsburghGives Match Day- Wednesday Oct. 28, 2009:
Have you made your gift to the 2009-10 NC Annual Fund?? Please think  about donating to North on Oct. 28th.  It is easy as 1, 2, 3! At 10 a.m. on Oct. 28th, log onto www.pittsburghgives.org, search “North Catholic”, and click on donate now!!
The Pittsburgh Foundation will match 50% all gifts made to North through www.pittsburghgives.org on Oct. 28, 2009.
Please log onto the site to check out our profile! For more information about Match Day…read on!
* The Pittsburgh Foundation will match money .50 on the $1.00 for
organizations  that are eligible for Unrestricted funding.
* The Pittsburgh Foundation will put up $200,000 in matching funds.  The Match Day will end when those funds are exhausted.
* Donations must be via credit card through the PittsburghGives site or TPF donor recommendation through the PittsburghGives site.  Donations will not be accepted via fax, phone or other means.
* Organizations will not be capped on the amount they can receive.
* Minimum donation is $50.

Senior night:
Trojans vs Avonworth – Friday at 7:30 PM at J.C. Stone field.  The
Trojans are undefeated in section play and look to claim sole section
Championship.  North has qualified for the WPIAL Class A playoffs again
this year.  We are expecting a BIG crowd to cheer our Trojans on to
victory.

Girls Volleyball:
The NC girls volleyball team finished the season as undefeated section
2-A champs.  They are set to play Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 6:00 PM
against South Side Beaver High School in Round 1 of the WPIAL playoffs.
The match will be held at West Allegheny High School.

Trojan Triumph/Auction:
Bishop David Zubik has confirmed his attendance at this years Trojan
Triumph in May .

Reunions:
Up dated Class Reunion schedule has been placed onto the North Catholic
web site.

Prayers:
Over the weekend Janet Lee Pschirer, wife of Jim Pschirer HOF and class
of 48, passed away.  Please pray for the Pschirer family.

Fortes in Fide!

OPEN HOUSE:
North Catholic will hold Open House on Saturday, November 7th from 12-3 PM.  Please pass this information onto any parents or students considering attending North Catholic. Please come ans see what really makes North special.  All grades are welcome.

Alumni – Marianist Celebration:
Alumni, Parents, Faculty, Students, NC Nation!!
ALL are invited to help us celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Marianists in Pittsburgh and the Annual Alumni Remembrance Mass on November 8th at 10 AM in the Chapel.  Brunch will be served immediately after the liturgy.  Pls RSVP to Nick Tomasic 412-322-7129 or Jim Finn 412-486-4100 ext 203.

CASH BASH:
Event date has been changed to Saturday, February 20th at North Catholic.  Please post this new date on your calendars.

Hall of Fame:
The HOF on October 4th was a great success!  Attendance (216) set a record high for the event.  Congratulations to Rev. Gabriel Smith ‘59, Mr. David Long ‘71, Mr. Frank Sands, Mr. Robert German ‘71, and Brother Edward Spang S.M..

NC Girls Volleyball:
With four section matches to go, the North Catholic Girls Volleyball team has already had their ticket punched for the post-season.  An overall record of 9 wins, 0 losses and a section record of 8 wins, 0 losses, the Trojanettes are currently looking to repeat as section champs and make a run at the WPIAL title.

NC Football:
The WPIAL #4 ranked Trojans (4-2, 4-0) will play host to Riverview (3-3, 3-1) this Friday 7:30 PM at J. C. Stone field..  To read today’s article in the PG North about the Trojans and Sophomore running back Julian Durden http://www.north-catholic.org/announcements/PG_North_101509.pdf .

Forever True!

I am trying to fill position at North Catholic and need your help.  The
position is Capital Campaign Coordinator which will be approximately 25
hours per weeks.  The key requirement is the need for a high level of
computer skills.  Our software is called Raisers Edge that we use for
the Campaign.  See below the job description. If you know of anyone that
may be interested please have them contact as soon as possible.  Thank
you for your help.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR
North Catholic High School, Inc

Proposed Services:
Coordinate and Assist in Development & Implementation of a Fund-Raising
Campaign

Position:  Capital Campaign Coordinator
Reports to: President

Job Overview:
Primary Role:
Evaluate past development strategies and fund-raising efforts and
monitor and implement Diocese of Pittsburgh and North Catholic High
School, Inc. strategic initiatives relative to the Capital Campaign.

Duties:

• Define and support the fund-raising roles for the Capital Campaign Board, Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers of North Catholic High School, Inc.
• Develop materials useful for the effective communication of the Campaign, including various versions of the Campaign Case Statement for mailing and solicitations
• Establish and Communicate realistic timetables for Campaign Activities
• Monitor the progress of the solicitations and provide up dated weekly reports of activities of all participants in Capital Campaign
• Conduct research on additional major funding sources
• Develop and implement public relations activities about North Catholic, Inc. relative to Mission and Funding needs
• Other needs of the Capital Campaign effort as defined by the President, Board of Trustees, or Diocese of  Pittsburgh

Forever True!

G20 Summit
North Catholic will have a half day of school on Wednesday September 23rd and the school will be closed Sept 24th and 25th.

Homecoming a GREAT success on and off field:
OFF the Field:
Record crowds attended the Homecoming gathering before the game and attendance at the game was the largest in 5 years.  Thanks to all who attended both events.
On the Field:
North Catholic beat Springdale 20-14 in a very exciting and hard fought game.  Thanks to all who voted for North Catholic to be the game of the week!

John Fedko attended the game (with three of his children) and you can see the various Photos and Video by clicking on the URL below.

http://www.wpxi.com/highschool/20377419/detail.html

Click on the link above and scroll down until you get to the “Week 3 Winner” information as seen below.

WEEK 3 WINNER: Springdale at North Catholic!
SLIDE SHOW: Fans, Fedko At The Game
VIDEO: Fan Game Of The Week: Springdale At North Catholic

Athletic Events are broadcast on the web:
Can’t make the game!!  You can follow the Football, Basketball teams and Baseball on North Catholic’s web page by clicking on the ICON for the broadcast.  All sporting event schedules are listed on the web page under Athletics pull down box.

AVI Food Service:
Alum/Reunions – if you are in need of someone to cater for your reunion or event please give Ryan Murphy of AVI (they are North Catholic’s food provider) a call at 412-321-4823.  He can provide any type kind of menu for your event either here at North Catholic or at another location.

Hall of Fame:
The event will be held October 4th at Shannopin CC at 1 PM.  Reservations are coming in and seats are filling up.  Please get your reservations in immediately if you wish to attend.  Please call Brittany Winkowski for information and reservations at 412-321-4823  ext 118.

Forest in Fide!
Forever True!

HOMECOMING – ALL ALUMNI REUNION
Reminder to all-NC will be holding the annual All – Alumni Reunion at
the Firehouse at JC Stone Field on 9/18/2009. The event will be held in
conjunction with the 5th Annual Military Night. The doors will open at 6
pm. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. The firehouse will close
for the night once the game starts. The NC Military Alumni will be
acknowledged in am on-field ceremony prior to kick-off. For more
information, please email Brittany Winkowski at
winkowskib@north-catholic.org.

2009 NC Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon – Register now – PLACES ARE
LIMITED!
The event will be held Sunday, Oct. 4th at Shannopin CC. The luncheon
will start at 12:30 pm with a cash bar.
Congratulations to 2009 Hall of Fame Class:
Rev. Gabriel Smith ‘59
Dave Long ‘70
Robert German ‘71
Frank Sands
Bro. Edward Spang, SM (Deceased)

New Additions to NC Faculty and Staff:
North catholic is pleased to announce the hiring of:
Mr. Robert Henderson -Chemistry/Physics Teacher
Mrs. Susan Cheplic – Campus Ministry
Mr. Brian Gager – Music

Volunteers Needed for Trojan Triumph – Auction May 7th
Volunteers would be very helpful in the following areas:
*  Sell raffle tickets (once printed, tickets will be available through
Development Office)
*  Secure sponsorship ads (donation forms available through Development
Office)
*  Secure auction items for both the live and silent auctions, i.e.,
products, gift certificates, cash donations, timeshare
weeks, hotel or airline points, etc.  (donation forms available
through Development Office)
*  Sell tickets to attend 2010 Trojan Triumph  –  this is a VERY
IMPORTANT piece as we need to increase our attendance
(once finalized and printed, formal invitations will be available
through Development Office)

American Heart Association – Current Magazine Features North Catholic
Leadership Program
The North Catholic Leadership program was featured in the Fall 2009
Current Intl Magazine.  Picture and full article will be on web site.

Alumni Mass & Marianist 150th Anniversary – Make your calendars
Sunday 10 AM November 8th at North Catholic Chapel there will be the
Annual Alumni Mass to remember of our deceased fellow Trojans and to
Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Marianists in the
city of Pittsburgh.  It will be followed with a brunch in the cafeteria.
Please contact Please RSVP if attending to Nick Tomasic at 412-322-7129
Or Jim Finn 412.486.4100 ext. 203

Fortes in Fide!
Forever True!

H1N1
Novel Influenza A (HIN1) continues to be a topic of immense importance
for all of us associated with the Catholic schools in the Diocese of
Pittsburgh. We want to assure everyone, however, that we continue to
monitor the situation very closely. We are communicating regularly about
the topic and we are developing plans to both prevent the spread of the
virus and to intervene properly during any anticipated spread of the
disease at the local school level. Throughout the past several months,
the Diocese has gathered information on a regular basis and we have been
provided appropriate updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health,
the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the Center for Disease
Control.

As the 2009-2010 school year begins, you may access the Department for
Catholic Schools website for more updated information. At the local
school level, each elementary and secondary principal will be providing
you with more information about our overall plans and the school’s
specific plans in assisting our families with any health¬related issues,
especially with the H1N1 virus.

As always, thank you for your support and cooperation.

Athletic Department
North Catholic is very pleased to announce the newest additions to the
Athletic Department.
Athletic Trainer: Ms Kate Lewandowski ‘03
Head Volleyball Coach: Steve McKinniss

Fall Sports Seasons
Opening days for the Winter Sports teams:
Football – Sept 4th @ Serra Catholic
Soccer – Sept 4th Southside Beaver Tourney
Girls Volleyball – Sept 5th NC Labor Day Tourney
Golf – Sept 2nd Keystone Oaks

Prayers requested for our deceased family members
Robert Deasey III ‘77
Dick Soisson ‘43
John Kubit ‘53
Hilary Criste Jr ‘54

Teacher Training
The Diocese of Pittsburgh has made available to North Catholic through
an AIU grant monies for teacher development training that will be used
for training in the technology field.

Homecoming
Please mark your calendar for September 18th at JC Stone field. More
information will follow and be provided on our web site.

NC – West Pointer
Art Victor – NC Class ‘72 & West Point Class of ‘76 – Director of
Operations for the City of Pgh was featured in an article in the
Pittsburgh Tribune Review “City & Region section Monday August 24th.

New Principal at North Catholic!!
I am very excited and pleased to announce that  Mr. Michael Pendred II is the new Principal at North Catholic High School.  Mr. Pendred II has Administration experience as Principal at Deer Lakes High School and Assistant Principal at Butler High School.  He spent this past week at MEC, Marianist Conference, getting familiar with the Marianist Charism and Characteristics.  For additional information please go to www.north-catholic.org.

Steeler Raffle Winner
Congratulations to John Whiteford ‘91 winner of the 2009 Steeler Raffle! Thank you to all who participated!

25th Annual Golf Outing
Was a great success – held last Monday at Wildwood CC. Thanks to all who attended. The weather was good, the golf was great, but the stories told and the friendships renewed were priceless. Special thanks to our sponsors but most of all THANKS to the EVENT sponsor Mr. Robert Glancy III ‘66. Who has been the event sponsor for the last three years!!

Alumni Mass & Marianist 150th Anniversary
Mark your calendars! Sunday 10 AM November 8th at North Catholic Chapel there will be the Annual Alumni Mass to remember of our deceased fellow Trojans and to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Marianists in the city of Pittsburgh. Further information will be coming.

Financial Aid – E.I.T.C. – PROTECT EITC FUNDING!
F a c t 1 : Every $1 cut from private EITC scholarships will cost PA citizens an additional $12 in taxes each year.
F a c t 2 : If all 44,000 students receiving EITC scholarships had to re-enter the public school system, it would cost PA taxpayers an additional $531.6 million per year.
All monies received go directly to financial aid to needy students at North Catholic. Anyone who knows of a company that would be willing help please contact Jim Rouda at 412-321-4823 Ext 119.

Spirit Wear
North Catholic spirit wear is available on our web site. Let’s make it a sea of RED for our sports teams and everyone to know “WE ARE NC”!!!

Reunion
Class of ‘54 reunion September 5th at Holiday Inn on McKnight
Class of ‘49 reunion September 17th

Fortes in Fide
Yearly hard copy of Alumni newsletter is out. It will be placed onto the web by early next week. Lots of information and pictures!!!

MSA announcer
We are in need of an adult announcer to broadcast and supervise our student broadcasters for our Football games on the internet. If you are interested please contact our Mr. Jason Lucia AD at 412-321-4823 Ext 125

Deaths
N. Michael “Bud” Markl ‘45
George H. Donnelly ‘45
Joseph F. Stehle ‘46
Jerome A. “Jerry” Flowers ‘50

Announcements coming
New Volleyball Head Coach
New Athletic Trainer
New Technology being used at North by teachers

Important Dates
September 1st – ALL school first day of classes
September 18th – Homecoming at J.C. Stone Field – reception prior to game at Firehouse on premises.
October 4th – Hall of Fame inductee luncheon – Shannopin CC
November 8th – Marianist 150 year in Pittsburgh celebrating and Alumni Mass at North Catholic – ALL are invited

Tribune Review Article:
Diocese considers high school in Cranberry
By Rick Wills TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Diocese of Pittsburgh has acquired an option to buy 71 acres in
Cranberry as a possible site for North Catholic High School.
The land is on the northern side of Route 228, across from St. Kilian
Elementary School and near the Westinghouse Electric Co. campus.
The option to buy lasts until the end of this year and was paid for
with a deposit, said the Rev. Ronald Lengwin, a spokesman for the
diocese. In the next six months, the diocese will determine whether the
property is suitable for a school.
“The people who have looked at it think it is a good location,” he
said.
The high school could someday accommodate 1,100 students or more.
The school and diocese announced in 2006 their intention to move from
Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood to the North Hills, largely because
of declining enrollment.
“There is a much smaller pool of students, not just in the city but in
the whole area. But the North Hills is one area that is growing and
where there is demand,” Lengwin said.
North Catholic opened in 1939 and enrollment peaked at about 1,200 in
the 1960s. Last year, 272 students attended the school. It counts some
well known people among its alumni, including Mayor Luke Ravenstahl,
Steelers owner Dan Rooney and the late Allegheny County Commissioner Tom
Foerster.
Until last school year, the Cranberry area had no parochial schools.
In September, St. Kilian School opened — the first school to open in
the diocese since 1964. Demand was immediate, and some parents slept in
cars to be first in line to enroll children in the school.
The cost of moving North Catholic is expected to total more than $22
million, Lengwin said.
So far, about $7 million has been raised, and the weak economy makes
fundraising more of a challenge, he said while offering some hope:
“There has been strong support for Catholic education in this area.”
About the writer
Rick Wills can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7944.

Coaching Openings:
North Catholic is looking for applications for the Head coaching
positions for Girls Volleyball and Boys Lacrosse.  If interested please
contact Athletic Director Jason Lucia at 412-321-4823 ext 125.

Bus Drivers needed:
We are in need iof bus drivers for our Athletic and activity bus trips.
If interested please contact Jason Lucia ext 125 or Joe Wilson ext
106.

Hall of Fame:
Nominations are being accepted for Class of 2010.  Please provide
detail letter and mail to Mr. Paul Stutz or Bill Linkenheimer at North
Catholic. This is YOUR opportunity to Honor worthy individuals.

Remember in your prayers fellow Trojans that have passed away:
Mike Wilson Class ‘78
Tomas Kutzer ‘53
Paul Kress’ 52
Joseph Bosco ‘47

Key Dates:
Trojan Open – Golf Outing – August 10th
Steeler Regular Season Ticket Raffle – June – August
Homecoming Football Game – September 18th
Hall of Fame – Oct 4th

Diocese of Pittsburgh Increased Support:
Reverend Kris D. Stubna, Secretary for Catholic Education, has given a VERY generous grant of $47,000 to North Catholic High School for payment on the NORESCO loan.  Earlier in the month Father Kris provided an additional $30,000 in Financial Aid that was given special needs circumstance families of North Catholic.  We deeply appreciate this additional financial support and say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!!!

North Catholic 25th Annual Golf Outing:
The 25th Annual Trojan Golf Outing is set for August 10th at Wildwood Country Club.  Please come and join us in a day of fun and support an important find-raiser for North.  The details are on the web site and reservations can be made by calling Brittany Winkowski on Ext 118.

Dean of Students:
I am pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Stutz will be our Dean of Students for the up coming school year.  Mr. Stutz has be a mainstay at North Catholic teaching and coaching over the years and we are very happy to have him accept this critical position.

Principal position:
The search committee will be interviewing candidates this coming week.  It is hoped that we will be able to make an announcement in July of the new Principal.

Important Dates:
Steeler Ticket Raffle – July/August
2009-2010 Student Class schedules will be mailed out in early August.
Fall Sports begin – August 17th
School Schedule 2009-2010 – 9th Graders August 27th – go to www.north-catholic.org  for complete school schedule
Homecoming Football Game – September 18th – ALL class reunion BEFORE game at North Park
Hall of Fame – Oct 4th