Trojan News 7/16/09

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

Trojan News 6/26/09

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

Trojan News 6/19/09

Help!!!!

We are in a very critical time.  Please do all you can to pressure your
state representatives to support equitable state funding for non-public schools.

Negotiations for the state budget are in full swing here in Harrisburg.
We need to encourage our state legislators to stand up for non-public
school students as their leaders decide who gets state funding and who
does not.  Please e-mail, fax or mail these three letters to your state
senator and representative with the following message:

“Dear Representative _________________: The hundreds of non-public
school students who live in your district need your help.  Please tell
your party’s leaders to be fair when negotiating funding programs that
benefit non-public schoolchildren.  Please send these three letters to
leadership (Culcus & Appropriation Chairman) asking for fairness for
non-public students in the state budget.  These kids deserve equal
access to the textbooks, auxiliary services and technology programs that
will prepare them for the future.”

You can look up contact information for your state representative on our
website:

Trojan News 6/16/09

Commencement:
This years graduating class of 77 seniors has received over $1M in financial
aid for their continuing education.  The Commencement program is available
for review on the North Catholic website.

Reunions:
The class of ‘59 recently had their 50th reunion.  During their weekend a
check of over $80,000 was given to North Catholic for financial aid to
future students.  There will be a plaque proudly displayed at North Catholic
to honor the class of ‘59 for their wonderful donation.  Bill Hollein was
given a plaque for his leadership in raising the monies.  North also
received a picture of the first undefeated football team in school history
for display at North.

Class of ‘57 will have a reunion this Saturday June 20th at North Park Grant
Grove.

Class of ‘47 will have a reunion at Carmody’s this Thursday June 18th.

Class of ‘49 will hold their reunion at Chadwick on Sept 17th.

Many classes are in the planning stages and we would love to help and hear
from you.  Pls contact Brittany Winkowski at 412-321-4823  ext 18.

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

Have a GREAT summer!!

Trojan News 5/28/09

Principal Lazzaro Resigns:
It is with a very sad heart that I announce to you that Principal Lazzaro
has resigned his position at North Catholic for health reasons.  He will be
greatly missed and we are deeply appreciative of what he has accomplished at
North Catholic.  He will forever be part of our family.

The position of Principal of North Catholic High School has been opened for
the 2009/10 school year.

Interested candidates must be certified in Pennsylvania as a Principal or
have extensive administrative experience in an educational environment with
Act 34, Act 151 and FBI clearances secured.  Candidates should be practicing
Catholics in good standing with their parishes.

Please send resumes and copies of clearances to:
Mr. Donald A. Teti
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools
Diocese of Pittsburgh
111 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Baseball Team Finishes 2nd in WPIAL Playoffs:
The NC Baseball team lost this past Wednesday to Shady Side Academy 3-2 in
the WPIAL Championship game.  They will continue in the PIAA playoffs next
Monday.

Congratulations to the NC Hall of Fame Class of 2009.
Rev. Gabriel Smith-Class of 1959
David Long-Class of 1970
Robert German-Class of 1971
Bro. Edward Spang, SM (deceased)
Frank Sands

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2009 at
Shannopin CC.

Diocese of Pittsburgh provides additional tuition aid:
GREAT NEWS!!!  North Catholic has received from the Diocese of Pittsburgh an
additional grant of $30,000 for tuition aid to help
families in need this year.  The families are in the process of being
notified.  North is grateful for the support from the Diocese given to these
needy families.

Congratulations to Father James Wehner ‘86
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced today that the Rev. James A.
Wehner, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Bethel Park, and former rector of
St. Paul Seminary, Pittsburgh, has been appointed rector and president of
the Pontifical College Josephinum, in Worthington, Ohio, near Columbus. The
Pontifical College Josephinum is operated under the authority of the Holy
See through the Congregation of Catholic Education. It is the only seminary
outside of Italy under the direct authority of the Holy See, according to a
news release. The assignment begins July 1.

Obituary:
Robert F. O’Keefe ‘68 died last Friday of cancer at his home in Ross.  For
complete obituary go to  here.

Teens at North teach CPR!

We Need Your Help

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!
Alert – Action

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program is being
threatened.  This would be totally detrimental to our school.
North Catholic families receive over $100,000 in financial aid through this program.

Please read the easy directions below to send messages to your legislators.

ALLIANCE ACTION ALERT

Use the Legislative Action Center Today to Send Your Letter!

How do you write a letter to your legislator in a few easy steps?

The Legislative Action Center
*    To send a letter to your legislator, visit www.paschoolchoice.org.
Click on the “contact your legislator” function.
*    The Grassroots Legislative Action Center will appear. Choose the
applicable letter that you wish to send to your elected official.
*    After clicking on your chosen letter, a “take action” button
will appear. Click on that button.
*    If you are a new user, you are given the opportunity to
register. If you are a returning user, just enter your information. You must give your
home address so     the appropriate legislator is contacted.
*    Then, you are shown your state representative or senator.  You
are also given the option of sending an email, fax or a letter. At this
stage, you can make any changes to the letter written for you or you can
create your own letter of support. (TIP: Legislators receive hundreds of
letters every term. Personal ones are more likely to be noticed.)
*    When you have made the appropriate changes, click the “send
message” button.
Your letter will automatically be sent to your state legislator.
Be sure to send a
copy to yourself for your records.

Now is a critical time for our voices to be heard!  Please get this
information out to as many people as possible; parent and student
letters could be an invaluable tool to us.  Get this information to
parents and students before school lets out for the summer!

Please help us protect the EITC Program.

Profile of a Graduate

PROFILE OF A GRADUATE
OF A
MARIANIST SPONSORED SCHOOL

The Society of Mary (Marianists) embraces five Characteristics of Marianist Education. These characteristics are:

• formation in faith
• integral, quality education
• family spirit
• service, justice and peace
• adaptation and change

While all these characteristics are fundamental to the tradition of Marianist education, the concept of “formation in faith” takes priority. For Marianist educators, students, and parents, Mary is the example for us of a faith filled life dedicated to following the example of Jesus. “Marianist education aims to sow, cultivate, and bring to fruition the Christian spirit in the human race. For this reason, in all our education institutions, formation in faith and animating of Christian communities are truly our priorities.” (Marianist RULE OF LIFE)

Imbued with the Charism of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, a Marianist sponsored school strives to form the whole person. The graduate of a Marianist sponsored school must be a faith-filled and well-rounded individual. The person should be capable of integrating faith and culture ultimately leading to a community that is able profess to its faith and make connections to others in meaningful ways to spread the Gospel message.

Formation in Faith

• exhibits Christian attitudes and behaviors towards others
• exhibits the virtues of integrity, honesty, fortitude, and justice in personal and community living
• has a basic understanding of the tenets of the Catholic faith
• looks to Mary as a model of faithful discipleship
• understands the role and importance of Mary in the life of Christ and the Church
• uses prayer in daily life
• possesses a rightly formed conscience

Family Spirit

• learning to develop personal relationships
• understands the importance of community—personal and global
• understands and assimilates the Marianist charism of “family” and all that it implies
• understands and appreciates the centrality of Jesus in all relationships
• realizes the importance of community in ongoing personal development
• appreciates the value of “family” in life and in society

Integral, Quality Education

• is able to be involved in a dialogue between faith and culture
• understands and appreciates the interconnectedness of the various academic areas of study
• is proficient in basic academic disciplines
• is continually developing critical thinking skills
• possesses the skills to become a leader in family, church, and society
• appreciates the value of education and the acquisition of knowledge
• understands and has the ability to be a life-long learner

Service, Justice, and Peace

• exhibits and understanding of the concept of Christian service and promotes the virtue of justice in personal, family, and public arenas
• is capable of identifying with those whose suffering from injustice in the world and works to alleviate the injustice
• has a global awareness of structures that cause injustice
• demonstrates a willingness to work with others to build a just society
• has the ability to resolve personal and societal conflict in a peaceful manner
• is willing to share self and material possessions with others

Adaptation and Change

• leadership skills to lead a collaborative effort for positive changes in society and the church
• has the ability to critically evaluate change
• exhibits an openness to necessary changes in personal life and in community
• has the ability to adapt to societal and technological changes
• shows flexibility in attitudes and dispositions
• ongoing awareness of the ‘signs of the times’

Thank you to Jim Gerker (Chaminade College Preparatory), Gloria Ramos (Chaminade-Madonna High School), and Blane Collison (Archbishop Moeller High School)

Trojan News 5/12/09

NC Boys Baseball and Girls Softball teams make WPIAL Playoffs: The Boys baseball team finished the season as Sectional Co-Champs.  They will play Burgettstown tonight at 6:30 Pm at Burkett field.  They have received a #2 ranking in the settings. The Girls Softball team played in their WPIAL playoffs earlier this week and lost 4-2.

Cyber Safety Microsoft offers a terrific and FREE content filtering and contact monitoring software for parents.  It can be installed on many computers, but monitored by the parent from home or elsewhere like the office.  With Family Safety, you decide how your kids experience the Internet. You can limit searches, block or allow websites, decide who your kids can communicate with when they’re using Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail, or Spaces and monitor what websites they’re visiting. Here is the link.

NC Family has new addition; Mrs. Miller, NC Spanish teacher, has added a baby girl to her family.  Mom and daughter are doing well.

NC Family morns the loss of family members: Robert Crumbo ‘55 – who died last week in California. Kelly Harrington ‘71 died this past Monday.  Viewing will be this Thursday 1-9 PM at Devlin Funeral Home.  Mass will be Friday at Noon at St. Alexis Church Wexford. I had the pleasure of teaching and coaching Kelly at North.

Student Marianist Award Winners: North Catholic will be presenting the following Marianist awards tonight at the Arts and Activities night to:

Educate for formation in faith – The Adele Award for missionary spirit to Jenn Dulski

Educate for integral, quality education — The Lalanne Award for outstanding student to Lexie DeRiggi

Educate in family spirit — The Family of Mary Award for generosity and hospitality to John Klocko

Educate for service, justice, and peace — The Lamourous Award for other-centered outreach to Jess Hartman

Educate for adaptation and change — The Chaminade Award for improvement/coping with adversity to Matt Puwalowski.

North Catholic Crew earns two Medals at the Midwest Championships: Stephanie Kuntz, a senior won Gold in the Varsity Womens Single and Kara Carson, a junior and Julie Miller , a sophomore won Silver in the Varsity Womens Pair at the 2009 Midwest Scholastic Championships on Mothers Day , May 10, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stephanie has qualified to compete in the Scholastic Nationals,  May 23,2009 in Princeton New Jersey and the Youth Grand Nationals, June 12, 2009 in Cincinnati where she will compete against the best High School and Club Rowers in the country. Stephanie will be attending Cornel University in the fall, where she will continue her rowing for The Big Red. The North Catholic Crew team will complete its regular season this weekend while competing in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia, PA.  This is the largest High School sporting event in the nation, where 5,000 to 6,000 rowers will compete.

NC Family,
It is with deep sadness that I pass onto you the passing of our dear friend and NC Hall of Famer – Jack Emersits Class of ‘54. Jack was out Saturday hitting golf balls when he died. There will be a memorial service at the Yale Campus on June 27th. Mrs. Emersits will let me know the particulars once they have been finalized. Those of you that have had the pleasure of knowing him will understand that when talking to Jack about the moving of North Catholic his words of guidance were” Get it right”!
Fortes in Fide!
Forever True!

Trojan News 5/6/09

President’s Blog:

Today, May 6,  we have launched the President’s Blog as a means of communication to the NC Family.  The purpose of the Blog is to create better interaction with YOU and obtain comments and suggestions concerning topics of interest.  I began this blog by posting a library of what you are now reading– my Trojan News email bulletin.  I have added the areas of Internet Safety, Health, and Technology Initiatives to the blog as well.    This site is NOT about the running of the school.  Rather, it provides a means to communicate in more detail on the significant programs and  initiatives that are ongoing at North Catholic High School.  Please take a moment to visit the blog and give me your feedback.  This is one of many areas that North Catholic, at the recommendation of our Technology Committee, will be moving forward in the use of technology and school communications enhancements.  Future possible blogs include those in the area of : Alumni, Athletics and Activities, Guidance &  Parent Information.

CREW:
This past weekend at the Pittsburgh Scholastic Sprints Championship at Moraine State Park.
Senior Stephanie Kuntz took the Gold in the Womens Varsity single. The Mens JV 4+ won a bronze , beating all of the local High Schools and Clubs. The boat contains Ryan Kuntz , stroke, Aaron Krueger, 3, Derrick Woodard 2 , John Hanna , bow and Laura Sterzinger, coxswain.  Congratulations to the entire Crew team for their good showing at the Pittsburgh Sprints and Good luck to them this weekend 5-9-09 as they travel to Cincinnati, OH to compete in the Midwest Championships and to Philadelphia, PA on 5-14-09 to row in The Stotesbury Cup Regatta.

Ordination Anniversaries:
Congratulations to Father James P. McDonough, NC Class of ‘75, on his 25th anniversary of ordination.  Also to Father James L. Bruney, Pastor at St. Cyril of Alexandria, will be celebrating his anniversary of ordination.  God Bless them for all the do to further the work of the Lord.

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUND RAISER AT MOST HOLY NAME
Keep open Friday, May 29th. and help support the Special Needs Program at Troy Hill’s Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish.
Enjoy dinner between 4:00 P. M. and 7:00 P. M. Stop on your way home from work or school!
Menu includes:
Spaghetti (choice of sauce) -Tossed garden salad – Dessert and beverage
Get your ticket at the door or call Cathy Baysek 412.303.3768 for a pre-sale ticket for $7.00.
Lay Marianists from Pittsburgh will meet at 4:00 p.m. in the school meeting room.
All welcome!

Trojan News 4/30/09

North Catholic Crew Team:
Invites you to join them at 2009 Pittsburgh Scholastic Sprints. Come
and support Graduating Seniors Jamie Witsch, Josh Carson and Stephanie
Kuntz And A Glimmer of Hope which raises money for Breast Cancer
Research.
When: Sunday May 3rd 2009, the first race begins at 8 am but races last
all day. For specific race times visit www.regattacentral.com regattas,
scholastic sprints, heat sheet.
Where: Moraine State Park – Directions can be found using address 225
Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051-2031
The race is on the South Shore past the park office.

North Catholic is racing in  Women’s Varsity Single- Stephanie Kuntz
Women’s JV 4 – Emily Opperman, Hayley Sullivan, Kara Carson, Julie
Miller and Jamie Witsch Men’sJV 4  John Hanna, Derick Woodard, Aaron
Krueger, Ryan Kuntz and Laura Sterzinger Men’s Novice 4
MJ Wahl, Adam Ledgerberger, AJ Weinel, Aiden Littlefield and Nikki
Stark

Look for our Tent where there will be free food and drinks.  Bring a
chair, friends and family to enjoy the races and cheer on our team.

North Catholic Athletic Department announces:
Stephanie Kuntz’s  decision to attend Cornell University in the fall
of 2009 as a recruited athlete for rowing. She is enrolled in The School
of  Hotel Administration.  For more information please go to
www.north-catholic.org

Pray for:
The grand mother of Senior Maria Kasun passed away yesterday.  Please
pray for their family during this difficult time.

American Heart Association Press Release about NC Leadership Team:
Local students take lead to help save lives in Pittsburgh Students aim
to train 20,000 in CPR

(PITTSBURGH)- This year, more than 10,000 Pittsburghers will learn how
to potentially save a life, thanks to the North Catholic Leadership
Team’s “Heart Ready Schools Program.”  Each member will train 10
family members and friends to reach the goal of having 20,000 new CPR
providers by 2011.

“The NC Leadership Team was appalled by the local and national
statistics regarding the number of CPR providers in our large cities.
It was important to them that more people learned CPR,” said Pamela
Connolly, North Catholic biology teacher and mentor of the North
Catholic Leadership Team.  “The Team decided to address this problem
and take responsibility to help increase the number of people with the
skills to save a life. I am very proud of these young men and women.”

Under Connolly’s leadership, these young students will teach CPR in
living rooms, church halls, and other community settings to help save
the lives of people they know and love; and even to those they don’t
know.

“We’ve already received such positive feed back.  Parents,
teachers, and principals have sent emails congratulating my students on
this project. Everyone involved is pleased with the potential outcome of
this project,” Connolly said.

The North Catholic Leadership Team’s “Heart Ready Schools Program
is funded by Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation and Medtronic
Charitable Foundation.

For full Press Release please go to www.north-catholic.org

Fallen Hero Award:
In honor of Mark Melcher, a 1989  North Catholic graduate who was
killed in Iraq in April 2006, Senior Kevin Cottington was awarded  Let
Us Never Forget Scholarship.

Coming Soon:
Spring Musical Kelly Awards – May
Trojan triumph – May 9th
Arts & Activity Night – May 13th
Prom – May 20th
CCB/ACC Mtg – May 20th
Baccalaureate Mass – May 28th
Commencement – May 30th
President’s Blog – May