St. Ursula Alumni News
Last Update
6/23/08
If
you have news about a St. Ursula grad and would like to include it on the
website, please send an email to:
StUalumni@zoominternet.net.
Alumni Quotes
Alumni Updates
“The direction in which education starts a man will
determine his future life” - Plato (427 BC - 347 BC), The
Republic
St. Ursula is extremely proud of its alumni. From doctors and nurses, video
game designers, fighter pilots, meteorologists, accountants, and lawyers, we
have seen our children grow to become intelligent, successful and active
participants in their communities. In the summer of 2006 we surveyed our
alumni, asking them questions about their memories of St. Ursula and most
importantly the value they found in their educational experience. Below are
just some of the results and highlights.
Highlights
• Over 75% of alumni respondents said they were better prepared academically
for their high school curriculum than most of their high school peers in all
subject areas.
• Over 85% of alumni respondents still attend mass on a regular basis.
• Many alumni are currently serving in various ministries within their
parishes including cantors, altar servers, and rosary groups.
Read how some of our alumni finished the following quote.
“My most memorable experience or favorite memory
of St. Ursula School was”:
…the friendships I made that will last for
years to come. Maria Marchionna - 2001
…impossible to choose! My fondest memories are of
soccer and basketball. We all LOVED the co-ed soccer team, and our basketball
team got really close through the years. Musicals were another memorable
thing. My favorite was "HONK." Kim Spohn - 2005
…most definitely the teachers. To me, they were not
just teachers, they were friends and role models. Now that I have been out of
St. Ursula School for 4 years, I am still an active alumna and go back and
visit the school whenever I get a chance. The teachers always were willing to
give an extra helping hand when in need to make sure the students were
grasping the material. St. Ursula School is a wonderful school and I am proud
to be an alumni. Chris Churilla - 2002
…my class. Because of the small class sizes at St.
Ursula, the members of each class would normally, become more like a
close-knit family than a group of peers. It was nice growing up with the
others in my own class, watching the way each changed and matured throughout
our many years at the school.
Ellen Hoffman - 2000
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Alumni Updates
The following
was posted
June 2008
Lauren
McQuaid - 2004
Lauren received a High Honor Award and was a Senior Scholar in the Hampton High School Class of 2008. She also was a member of
the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and received a Carnegie
Mellon Academic Scholarship. Lauren will study AstroPhysics at CMU this fall.
Sean Berger
- 2007
Sean was on High Honor Roll all year at North Catholic. He participated
in both the Fall and Spring Musicals with major parts in both. He was awarded
the Lamourous Award for Other-Centered Outreach. This award is for volunteers
in areas that promote the Marianist's spirit of Justice. This is one of five
awards given throughout the entire student body at North Catholic High School.
Jason Berger
- 2004
Jason graduated from North Catholic High School with Honors, and had
High Honor or Honor all four years of high school . He also medaled four
times for the North Catholic Crew Team. He was given the Big Dog award by his
Coach for leadership and talent in the sport of crew.
Kim Spohn -
2005
Kim was recently named President of The National Honor Society at Pine
Richland High School for the 2008-2009 school year. Kim will also be the Drum
Major of the Pine Richland High School band for the 2008-2009 school year.
Emily Wolff
- 2000
Emily attended St. Ursula School K thru 8th grade and graduated in 2004
from Hampton High School. She attended Washington & Lee University,
Lexington, VA and graduated in with the Class of 2008. Emily’s honors include:
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Bio-Chemistry; Alpha Epsilon Delta
Premedical Honor Society 2006 to 2008; Old Dominion Athletic Conference
Scholar Athlete Award 2006, 2007 & 2008. Emily travel to India to study with
the Dhvanyaloka Center for International Studies, Mysore, India from April
through June 2007 where she studied Ayurvedic medicine while immersed in the
Indian culture. She was also on the Washington & Lee Woman’s Basketball Team
2004-2008 where she was a four year letter winner, three year starter and team
captain as a senior.
Emily’s volunteer achievements include: New Vision City
of Refuge Free Clinic, Christiana, Jamaica, 2006, 2007 & 2008; Young
Christians Short Term Mission trip, Catadupa, Jamaica 2004; Rockbridge County,
VA Free Clinic; Senior Member of Lexington, VA Emergency Medical Service;
Children’s Contact Chair for Rockbridge County, VA, Nabors Service League.
Emily is currently employed as a Medical Assistant at
the Dermatology Practice of Dr. Lynn Klein, Wynnewood, PA to accumulate direct
patient care hours required for post-graduate studies. She plans to pursue a
Physician’s Assistant Degree at Wake Forest or Duke starting fall of ’09.
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The following
was posted
March 2008
Ellen
Hoffman - 2000
Ellen is in her 4th year at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg. She
will graduate with a double major in December 2008-Anthropology/Archeology,
minor in French. Ellen received the DaVinci Scholarship for the 2006-2007
academic year. This is UPG's highest honor. From January 2007 through August
2007, Ellen resided in Aix-En-Provence, France where she studied for a
semester. She traveled to Turkey, Spain, Ireland, and Germany during her stay.
Following her semester Ellen worked for a couple who are restoring a 14th
century French Chateau and also for a couple who run Le Distillerie which is a
vacation/convention center specializing in an organic and rejuvenation
atmosphere. The previous summer Ellen and 4 of he peers backpacked throughout
Europe. Their travels began in Greece and continued to Italy, Switzerland, and
France. Needless to say her desire to return to Europe after graduation is
very strong.
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Anne Hoffman
– 2001
Anne is in her 3rd year in Boston at Berklee College of Music. She
entered as a Bass Major and earned recognition from her department during her
1st year for her talent and outstanding academic achievement. Annie applied
and was accepted into Berklee's Music, Production, and Engineering program.
Her band "This is How Rumors Get Started" toured last summer throughout the
East Coast, the Midwest, and Canada. Their 2nd CD is to be released this
month. "Rumors" has been selected from 200 bands to showcase with 4 other
bands at Emerson College. Always the musician, Annie play bass for Carl
Iezzi's North Suburban Jazz Band when she is in Pittsburgh. Her
Pittsburgh-based band "Lumberghost" is on hiatus while all the members are
pursuing their respective post-high school endeavors. Annie's career path will
more than likely send her to the West Coast or New York.
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Sarah
Hoffman - 2003
Sarah began her studies and training at the Beaver County Police
Academy in January 2008. Her ultimate goal is to become a K-9 officer, work
for the DEA, the Secret Service, or relocate to an area that utilizes horses
in their police department. Although Sarah was offered a fabulous enticement
to study at Virginia Intermont College and ride for their equestrian team, her
desire to become a police officer negated that offer. Sarah continues to
compete with her horse Spirit in the various genres of Dressage,
Cross-country, and Jumping. She currently works at an Equestrian Center in
Valencia where she also trains Spirit.
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Colin Brazeau
Colin attended St. Ursula from K-7 before moving to Oswego Il. He is currently
a senior at Oswego High School and plays on the soccer team and volleyball
team. He is a member of the OHS Wind Symphony Band as well as the Marching
Band and marched in the 2005 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasendina Cal. Colin helped
found the Oswego and Oswego East FIRST Robotics Team, which competed at the
2008 Midwest Regional and qualified to compete at the 2008 Championship Event
in Atlanta Ga. He is a member of the National Honor Society and plans on
attending either Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or the Milwuakee School
of Engineering (accepted to both, just deciding on which) studying Computer
Engineering.
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The following
was posted
February 2008
Virginia
Nagy Esq. – 1989
Virginia served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, earning a
master’s degree in public health and attending law school. She was admitted to
the Pennsylvania Bar in December 2006. While a Peace Corps volunteer, Virginia
wrote letters to Mrs. Davis’ 3rd grade class about her experiences there, and
when she returned she returned to St. Ursula for a visit and had the pleasure
of meeting the third grade in person. Virginia currently work for the
Secretary of Health in Washington, D.C. as an international health analyst,
writing policy for global health issues. She comments, “I think that the
values I learned at St. Ursula gave given me a strong foundation on which to
build a skill set that prepared me for the rest of my life, and I look back
fondly on the times I spent there.”
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The following
was posted
January 2008
Sean
McQuaide – 2002
Sean is a sophomore at Indiana University of PA studying business,
concentrating in marketing. For the past two summers he has run his own
landscaping business doing various jobs for a group of regular clients. He
spends his spare time participating in intramural sports.
Lauren
McQuaide -2004
Lauren is a senior at
Hampton High School. She has made high honors all four years. She is a member
of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She participated
in the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute. She has played in the Marching
Band all four years, and also Jazz Band this year. She is a member of the
Balmoral Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band. She has helped Mrs. Heyl with the
Science Olympiad and helped coach JV Boys soccer. She plans on majoring in
Astrophysics in college.
The following
was posted
October 2007
Rachel Houpt
Rachel was recently accepted into the four year, Doctor of
Pharmacy program at the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel’s parents commented
“St. Ursula provided Rachel with excellent academics and a nurturing
environment. She was well prepared for Deer Lakes HS and Deer Lakes’ faculty
did an excellent job preparing her for college. Rachel started music lessons
at St. Ursula, continued in band through DL and for 2 years she was in Pitt's
varsity marching band. Rachel had an excellent education at St. Ursula's under
Sr. Joanita’s watch.”
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The following
was posted
May
2007
Gina
Florentine – 2004
Gina is in her 3rd year in the North Allegheny Marching
Band. She
just returned home from a trip to The Virginia Beach Music
Festival. They participated in several competitions.
North Allegheny came home with 13 awards. The Marching Band and Wind Ensemble,
that Gina participates, placed 1st! The bands were in competition against a
national standard of musical excellence. These two groups along with Jazz
Ensemble, Dance Team, Majorette Squad and Flag team all received SUPERIOR
RATINGS(90-100%)! This means that these groups are among the top 10% of all
bands/auxiliaries in the Country!
NASH Wind Ensemble was also awarded First place and judged to be
SUPERIOR in the level 6 music division, the highest and most difficult
division. They were judged to be the Most Outstanding Concert group in the
festival.
Gina and her family wanted to extend a big thank you to Mrs.
Chambers, for the great beginnings she has given so many children at St Ursula
from the 4th grade and up! They know there are many other Alumni out there who
have similar stories to share and hope the young musicians at St Ursula can
use these examples to look forward to in High School!
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From
Sally Schneider:
Over the years that my children were at St. Ursula, the parents of
younger students often wondered if our children were being properly prepared
to meet the demands of high school, academically athletically, socially, etc.
Well, my oldest just graduated from high school and I thought that you might
want to share some of the accomplishments of St. Ursula's Class of 2002 - five
years later. The information that I have listed is not the result of a formal
survey, but the observations of a mother watching her child's friends and
talking to parents of other classmates and hearing plans and accomplishments
of the kids with whom Theresa graduated. Reading it might lay to rest
someone's concerns about whether or not St. Ursula graduates are well prepared
to meet and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
ST. URSULA CLASS OF 2002 Five Years Later Includes someone who:
- Graduated from the following High Schools: Central Catholic,
Deer Lakes, Hampton, North Catholic, Shaler, Vincentian.
- Participated in the following Varsity Sports: Volleyball,
Soccer, La Crosse, Crew, Cheerleading.
- Was named WPIAL First Team, All Section.
- Received the St. Timothy Award for Outstanding Young Christian
Adult.
- Received the Tribune Review Award for Outstanding Young Citizen.
- Received American Legion Youth Achievement Award
- Received Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award in
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and the Girl Scout Gold Award.
- Was a Student Council Representative.
- Was a Rotary Scholarship Recipient.
- Was inducted into the National Honors Society.
- Received Academic High Honor Award.
- Was a Senior Scholar.
- Received Award for Outstanding English Graduate/ Outstanding
French Graduate
- Received a Commendation for Outstanding PSAT Scores – top 10%.
- Was recognized for Outstanding SAT Scores – top 5000 in
Pennsylvania.
- Was a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction
- Participated in PMEA Band/Tri-M Music Honor Society and Honors
Choir.
- Received United States Marines Semper Fidelis Award for Musical
Excellence
- Received the Triple Crown Award for 100% participation in all
Dramatic Productions for four Years of High School, including Best Musical for
2006.
- Is attending the following colleges: Allegheny, American,
Chatham, Duquesne, Gannon, Grove City, IUP, La Roche, St. Joseph, University
of Michigan.
- Is studying: Business, English, International Studies, Nursing,
Pre-Law,
Pre-Med, Spanish, Sports Medicine.
Jessica
Hartman – 2005
Jessica earned 7th place in dramatic interpretation NFL
qualifiers and earned a 12th in the state in prose reading. This summer she
plans on doing an internship with CLO Academy. She made the honor roll at
North Catholic High School and played Fastrada in North Catholic's Production
of Pippin this Spring. She also got a call back for the Pennsylvania's
Governors School of the Arts for acting.
Joseph
Polito -2005
Joe is now a sophomore at North Catholic High School. He continues
to be an altar server for his parish. He is involved in symphony band,
marching band, and stage crew.
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The following
was posted April
2007
Kristin Lakatos - 2002
Kristin attended Hampton High School upon her graduation from St. Ursula. At
Hampton, she enjoyed various activities including being a Student Council
class representative, a member of the newspaper and yearbook staffs, a member
of the Hampton Marching Band, and a Hampton cheerleader as well as
cheerleading Captain for a year. She also continued dance lessons throughout
high school and was a member of the St. Ursula Youth Group for all four years
of high school. She was
inducted into the National Honors Society and graduated with High Honors.
Kristin is currently attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and is
majoring in Nursing. She volunteers at a local Ann Arbor preschool twice a
week with Project Outreach and is active in the National Student Nurses
Association, the Michigan Nursing Mentorship Program, and a campus group
"Invisible Children" which works to promote awareness of the war in Uganda and
to promote peace in all of Sudan. She also participates in Cancer Awareness
Week on campus. She will be inducted into the Michigan Chapter of the National
Collegiate Scholars this fall and will be starting her first clinical rotation
fall
semester.
Jessica Hartman - 2005
Jess Hartman will represent North Catholic in the state forensics
competition on March 24 & 25, 2007! She will compete in prose and read a piece
from Speak.
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The following
was posted February
2007
Michael
Pasterick - 1997
Michael Pasterick attended Pine Richland High School upon graduation
from St. Ursula. Michael was involved in marching band throughout high school
and was Pine Richland's Drum Major in his senior year, as well as captain of
the track and cross-country teams. He attended Penn State University where he
spent 2 summers on internship in Germany. Michael graduated in 2005 with
degrees in Business Economics and Professional German and was employed by
Market Insight, an international medical market research firm until the Fall
of 2006 when he accepted a position with Benefits Network Inc. as a
prospecting specialist and account producer. Michael recently passed his
Series 6 Licensing Examine and is looking forward to a company-sponsored trip
to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany in the Fall of 2007
Ryan Brown -
2003
Ryan Brown is a Senior at Pine-Richland High School. He has played on
the Pine-Richland Basketball team since his sophomore year. Ryan plans to
attend Clarion University in the fall majoring in education.
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The following
was posted
January 2007
Kim Spohn -
2005
Kim is currently attending Pine Richland High School as a sophomore
taking four honors classes. She is holding a 4.1 GPA and is on Highest Honor
Roll. Kim is involved in Key Club, marching band and wind ensemble. She plays
JV lacrosse and intramural basketball. This winter Kim returned to St. Ursula
as assistant coach of the St. Ursula JV Girls basketball team and is hoping to
help carry the program forward.
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The following
was posted November 2006
Jessica Hartman (2005)
Jessica Hartman is a sophomore at North Catholic and currently a cantor
at all school masses at North Catholic. After participating in a competitive
audition, Jessica was recently selected as 5th chair Alto II for District
Honors Chorus for the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association). The
concert at Moon High School was held Nov.4, 2006. Jess will be performing as
Mother Noah in North Catholic's production of "Children of Eden" which is the
fall musical on 11/10-12/06.
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The following
was posted July 2006
Stefany Feldbusch (Maiden Name: Stefany Smoley) - 1996
Upon graduating from Vincentian Academy in 2000 Stefany attended
Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During her schooling at the university she
worked as a Chemistry Supplemental Instruction Leader and upheld a National
Science Foundation scholarship specifically offered to students studying to be
teachers in the area of science and/or mathematics. In May 2004 she graduated
with a 4.0 GPA.
With a B.S. in Elementary Education and minor in mathematics she quickly found
a job as a 6th grade mathematics teacher in Darlington County, South Carolina.
As a result, immediately after getting married she moved to Hartsville, South
Carolina. Stefany received the honor as an “Outstanding First Year Teacher” at
St. John’s Elementary School, the 900 student public school in which she
taught.
Because of her husband’s job relocation she has been teaching at Guardian
Angel Regional Catholic School in Staunton, Virginia this past year. Stefany
currently works as a first grade and 8th/9th grade algebra teacher at the
parochial school.
This summer Stefany and her husband will relocate to Front Royal, Virginia to
accommodate her husband’s change of jobs. They are in the process of
purchasing their first home and Stefany has signed a contract to teach in Page
County, Virginia this fall as a 6th grade mathematics teacher.
Jessica Hartman - 2005
Jessica Hartman is currently a sophomore at North Catholic High School.
During her years there she has been featured in the fall play, the fall
musical and the spring musical. North Catholic won "Best Musical" for their
performance of "The Wiz." She has appeared and performed with the Pittsburgh
Opera and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. She is also an honor student,
vice-president of student council, a cheerleader and member of concert choir,
forensics and drama club. During her sophomore year she will also be on the
leadership team and will be a cantor for services conducted at North.
This summer Jessica has sung the national anthem for the Altoona Curve and
Washington Wildthings baseball games.
Other artistic events include having gotten the lead of Horton in Act One's
production of "Seussical," and the lead of Meg in "Damn Yankees" with
Spotlight for Performing Arts. This show is at the Kean Theater August 4 and
5, 2006.
Finally, in an effort to serve her parish, Jessica is a cantor for St. Ursula
parish
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The following
was posted May 2006
Nicholas Burnett - 2000
Nicholas enlisted in the US Navy in January of 2006. He will attend Boot Camp
in Great Lakes, Illinois and move to Pensicola, Florida for additional
schooling. Nicholas is scheduled for two tours of service in the Pacific on
the Air Force Carrier, "Dwight D. Eisenhower."
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The following
was posted April 2006
Joel Dausch - 1995
Since leaving St. Ursula's in 1995, Joel graduated from Hampton High
School and went on to attend college at John Carroll University in University
Heights, OH. He graduated in 2003 with a degree in Marketing and Logistics. He
was a Cum Laude graduate and was also honored as the Marketing and Logistics
student of the year in the Boler Business School. Shortly after graduation, he
began a full time job with Exel, a Supply Chain Management company. Joel
currently works for Exel on site at Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Akron, OH
developing transportation solutions. Since being hired in May, 2003, he has
received two promotions and currently supervises a staff of 24 as a
Transportation Supervisor. Outside of work, Joel has taken a two week vacation
to Ireland, hiking trips on the Appalachian trail and a cruise to the Western
Caribbean. He visits Pittsburgh quite frequently to see his parents, family,
friends and sisters Gretchen and Hanna, who are now 11 and 8.
Ellen Hoffman - 2000
Ellen attended Hampton High School and was involved in stage crew and
track, and received an award for perfect attendance during the academic year.
She competed on the swim team during her senior year. Ellen was part of the
marching band and made the honor roll all four years of high school. During
the summers of 2001 and
2002, she volunteered at the toddler unit of Girl Scouts Day Camp. In the
summer of 2003, she volunteered at an English summer writing program for
talented children. Ellen is currently enrolled as a sophomore at the
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg where she plans to major in cultural
anthropology and minor in archaeology and physical anthropology. During her
freshman year of college, she ran cross country, made the Dean's List for two
years in a row and is receiving an academic award on March 31st, 2006 for her
GPA. Ellen participates in Amnesty International (a human rights
organization), Environmental Club, Lingua Franca (a linguistics club), and the
Coffeehouse Committee. She also works at the campus coffeehouse and tutors
French at the Learning Center. Through a college sociology class Ellen has
also been mentoring students from Hempfield High School that are on probation.
Lynne Marie Marmo-Farina -2001
Lynne Marie is currently attending the University of Pittsburgh at
Greensburg as a Freshman. She plans to stay there for 4 years and then
transfer to Pitt Main to obtain her Masters and P.H.D for Developmental
Psychology. She is currently on the dean's list and is the leader of the Big
Brother/ Big sister organization on campus.
Jessica Hartman - 2005
Jess recently auditioned to sing the national anthem for the Altoona
Curve Minor League Baseball Team. Approximately 150 people auditioned and Jess
was one of the few chosen to sing at an upcoming game.
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The following
was posted March 2006
Julie Wally- 1985
Julie graduated Cum Laude from Penn State University with a Bachelor's
Degree in Secondary Education- English. She taught sixth grade language arts
for seven years at Pine Grove Middle School in Baltimore County, Maryland.
While in Maryland, she received her Master's of Education in Reading at Loyola
College. Julie and her husband Randy met at Penn State in 1993 and were
married in June of 1997. They moved back to Pittsburgh in 2002 and now have
two children. Brenton is two years old, and Jacob is three months old as of
February 2006. Julie currently works part-time as a reading/writing tutor at
Huntington Learning Center in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Her husband works
as a middle school guidance counselor for Freedom Area School District.
Jason Kustra - 1998
Jason attended North Hills High School. He is currently a senior Sport
Management Major at California University of Pennsylvania. At this time, he is
doing his internship at La Roche College where he is working as the assistant
to the Sports Information Director. He is also a member of a successful
DekHockey team that includes St. Ursula graduates Dave DiSanti (1998) and
Steve Kustra (2001). For more information regarding the team you can visit
their website at
http://www.geocities.com/anarchydekhockey
Maria Marchionna - 2001
Maria attended Hampton High School, where she was active in Student
Council, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Marching/Symphonic band, and
spring musicals. In June of 2005, she graduated with high honors. She is
currently studying at Duquesne University, majoring in Spanish and
Secondary Education.
Chris Churilla - 2002
Chris Churilla is currently finishing his senior year at North Catholic
High School. At North Catholic he is the Spanish Club President, Stage Crew
Manager for the spring musical, and also a leader of the Campus Ministry team
and LIFE (Living In Faith Experience) Group. Next fall he will be attending La
Roche College where he received an $8,000 annual scholarship for academics. As
the end of the first grading period came, he was on the Honor Roll and has
been continuously throughout his four years. Chris Churilla works part time at
the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in the Visitor Services Department where he
helps supervise the department, is an engineer on the trains on the zoo
railroad, and also is a receptionist during the winter months. He is beginning
his 5th year at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium where he hopes to someday
land a life long career. Other plans for Chris in college are to study Spanish
Education, Public Relations, and Graphic Arts. Every year Chris looks forward
to returning to St. Ursula School as a volunteer with the Pot Of Gold auction.
Anna Spirk - 2005
Anna Spirk is a freshman at Saint Joseph's High School. Anna is on the
Varsity Bowling team and freshman editor for the yearbook. Anna made the Honor
roll for the first quarter of school. She is also freshman student ambassador
for her class.
Jessica Hartman - 2005
Jessica is the singer of the National Anthem at North Catholic Varsity
Girls and Boys Basketball games. You can hear her singing by going to
www.msasportsnetwork.com and then clicking on North Catholic High School.
Choose a Home game (since she only sings at the home events) and sit back and
enjoy! Jess is the Vice President of her class and is going to perform in
North Catholic’s production of The Wiz. Jess is also a most gracious volunteer
for St. Ursula’s Pot O’ Gold Dinner and Auction.
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The following
was posted January 2006
Julia Simonovitch - 1996
Julia graduated from Pitt last June with a Master's in Education in
Special Education. That is also where she received her undergraduate degree.
She is currently a full time teacher at Beaver Area High School teaching LS
Bio, History, English and Reading. She is also a TSS with the Wesley Institute
which serves children with autism. She has recently started classes at Pitt to
begin working on a Reading Specialist Certificate and towards a Master's in
Administration
Madeline Baldizar - 1997
Madeline attended Pine-Richland High School and graduated with honors
in 2001. She received two scholarships to attend Clarion University of
Pennsylvania as an Elementary Education major. In the spring of 2005, Madeline
received an Outstanding Student Teacher Award as a result of her exceptional
achievement during her student teaching placements. She graduated Summa Cum
Laude and is currently working as a substitute teacher until she is able to
obtain a full time teaching position in the Pittsburgh area.
Ashlynn Petett – 2003
Ashlynn is currently a junior at City Charter High School. She has just
completed an internship at the Allegheny County Coroners office, and has been
on Student Government since freshman year.
Joseph Polito – 2005
Joe is in the symphony band and is the only freshmen playing second
clarinet. He attends North Catholic High School and serves as an altar server.
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The following
was posted December 2005
Daniel Flatley-1995
Dan graduated from St. Ursula in 1995, after spending first through
eighth grades there. He then attended Central Catholic High School and
graduated in 1999. He graduated from Bucknell University with majors in
psychology and economics in May, 2003. In October, 2003 he graduated from the
United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a
Second Lieutenant on December 12, 2003. He graduated from The Basic School in
July, 2004 and trained in Pensacola, FL to be a Marine pilot.
Dan is currently stationed in Kingsville, TX where he is training to fly jets
for the USMC. He recently was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant.
Lorelei Lamperski - 1995
Lorelei attended Mt. Alvernia High School and graduated Salutatorian in 1999.
She received a scholarship to attend Duquesne University and eventually
transferred to University of Pittsburgh to pursue English and writing as a
major. She graduated with honors in December 2003 and was married two weeks
later to James Bleil. They live in Stroudsburg, PA and are expecting a child
in April 2006. Lorelei is a published artist and sells originals and prints of
her work on the Internet.
Justin Lamperski-1996
Justin attended North Catholic High School. After graduation he attended La
Roche University and completed a degree in Graphic Design. While attending
school he competed in many design contests and won first place at a local
radio station and had t-shirts representing the radio station printed and sold
at an annual music concert. He won map design contests at various Internet
game sites. He works in Menlo Park, CA as a video game artist and is in the
final stages of designing the latest Tomb Raider PC game.
Philip Lamperski-1998
Philip attended North Catholic High School and was active in Lacrosse
and Leadership Team. He is a senior at University of Pittsburgh and plans to
study a fifth year completing a music major. He is part of the Guitar Ensemble
under the direction of Carnegie Mellon University professors and has performed
in public.
Dan Pontoriero-1999
Dan is attending Penn State University, studying meteorology, with a minor in
information technology. He was one of 10 students selected from Penn State to
attend the American Meteorology Society annual convention in Atlanta in
January. He plays percussion in the campus orchestra.
Carolyn Lamperski-2000
Carolyn attended North Catholic High School and was active in the Cross
Country team. She took honors courses and graduated in 2004. She is a
sophomore attending La Roche University studying biology and photography
maintaining a 4.0. She enjoys nature and baking with her five year old brother
Joey.
Steven J. Flatley-2001
Steven graduated from St. Ursula School in 2001. He attended the school from
kindergarten through eighth grade. He graduated from Hampton High School in
June, 2005. He is now attending Denison University, Granville, OH as a
freshman.
Eva Pontoriero-2004
Eva is currently a sophomore at North Catholic High School. She recently took
first place in the teen division at the North Hills Art Center student show
for her painting titled “Jamaica Night”.
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The following was posted November 2005
Nicole Walley - 1996
Nicole attended Vincentian Academy-Duquesne University upon graduation from
St. Ursula. An honor roll student, and captain of the soccer and basketball
teams in high school, Nicole graduated with high honors and an International
Baccalaureate Diploma. She went on to complete her undergraduate education at
Villanova University. Majoring in Biology and Spanish, she participated in
several community service projects and also worked as a biology tutor for
three years. Nicole graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000 with a BS in Biology and
a BA in Spanish. After graduation, she moved to England for a year to attend
University College London and begin research towards a PhD in pharmacogenetics.
Nicole returned to the States in the summer of 2005 and is currently
continuing genetic research working towards her doctorate degree at Duke
University in Durham, North Carolina. Her current projects are focused on
genetic contributions to and determinants of variable response and adverse
reactions to antipsychotic and antiepileptic drugs.
Elizabeth Walley – 1998
Elizabeth attended Vincentian Academy upon graduation from St. Ursula. She
played lacrosse and field hockey in high school. She graduated in 2002 with an
IB Diploma and highest honors Elizabeth is currently a senior at Georgetown
University. She has held leadership positions in Alpha Phi Omega, a national
coed community service fraternity, and Hoyathon, a 24 hour dance marathon that
raises money for Children's National Medical Center. Elizabeth was awarded the
Lena Landegger Award for Outstanding Community Service in May 2005. She will
graduate in May 2006 with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Georgetown.
Elizabeth is planning to stay in the Washington D.C. area and start her
nursing career in the ICU before returning to graduate school.
Jason Berger - 2005
Jason made the high honor roll at North Catholic High School and
participated on the soccer and crew teams. He also serves as an alter server
at St. Ursula Parish.
Christina Bordini – 2005
Christina made the honor roll during the first 9 weeks at Pine Richland
High School.
Nancy Conicella - 2005
Nancy made highest honor roll in the first quarter at Oakland Catholic
She is a member of the cheerleading squad, which has participated in two
competitions, winning a second-place and first-place trophy. Nancy will
perform during half time at the Capital One Bowl Game in Orlando on Jan.2.
Jessica Hartman - 2005
Jess is a varsity cheerleader, involved in forensics, drama club, SADD,
leadership and student council at North Catholic High School. Recently she was
cast in the school production of Honk. Other St. Ursula Alums performing with
Jessica in Honk include Theresea Schnider and Chirstina Schmidt. Jessica also
played a lead roll in the schools one act plays and can also be heard
cantering for Mass at St. Ursula.
Joseph Matvya - 2005
Joe is currently attending Central Catholic High School taking honors
algebra and honors biology. He made the honor roll during the first 9 weeks of
freshman year. He played Goalie for the freshman soccer team, is a member of
the chess club and is considering joining forensics and the Lasallian youth
clubs.
“The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie
in good education.” - Plutarch (46 AD - 120 AD), Morals
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