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Student Spotlight – Rhys Weber, Grade 6
Rhys Weber, Grade 6 Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish, Greensburg Parent: Deanna Weber Rhys is a remarkable young man who you would never know deals with vision problems. He suffers from a disease, and despite a recent surgery, he will eventually lose his eyesight. He is a student mentor and a member of the reading and basketball teams and makes morning announcements. He is a straight-A student and model and friend to all his classmates. We commend him for his strength and maturity while facing life’s obstacles.
Lifelong bonds, memories made
Caption: Joe and Kristen Mahoney and their four children. By Melissa Williams Brown Contributing Writer GREENSBURG — The Mahoney family’s roots run deep at Aquinas Academy. Joe Mahoney, 31, is a proud 2005 graduate of Aquinas Academy. His mother, Kate Mahoney, has taught fourth grade at the school since the mid-1990s and in the Diocese of Greensburg for nearly 35 years. His father, Dan Mahoney, is athletic director at Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, and was principal at the former St. Bruno, Greensburg, and Sacred Heart, Jeannette, schools, Aquinas Academy and Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School. The family
Student Spotlight – Mia Pascoe, Grade 6
Mia Pascoe, Grade 6 St. Aloysius Parish, Dunbar Parents: Chuck and Cindy Welling Mia is an excellent student, extremely conscientious with study habits that have earned her highest honors. She takes great pride in doing her best. Mia is always kind to everyone. She is quick to offer assistance wherever needed and shows a sincere enthusiasm in helping others. Mia ran cross country and has been involved in the Performing Arts Club since third grade. She enjoys helping the preschoolers at lunch. Mia enjoys making crafts, which are often gifted to others. She is truly a selfless person. Mia serves
Connellsville school’s graduates continue lives of service
Caption: Alan Colvin By Lori Padilla Contributing Writer CONNELLSVILLE — Conn-Area Catholic School has been shaping the lives of its students for over 50 years, always with the same goal — to instill and encourage a loving relationship with God that fosters the importance of service to others. Judy Parr Forsythe and her sister, the late Jeanie Parr Humbert, were products of Immaculate Conception High School. Upon retiring, Forsythe and Humbert became involved in cleaning up the garden area around Immaculate Conception Parish and its rectory. During that time, the Conn-Area Catholic School library became their passion. The sisters cleaned,
Student Spotlight – Margaret Krom, Grade 8
Margaret Krom, Grade 8 Holy Family Parish, Latrobe Parents: Dr. Michael and Jessica Krom The words that best describe Margaret are “humble servant.” While naturally quiet, she leads by example. Her kindness and generosity, in addition to her natural talents, represent the very best of what we hope for our students. Margaret is an exceptional student who never gives less than her best. She is also a gifted singer, writer and actress. She enjoys running and has been on the cross country team as well as doing several 5Ks. She is part of the student council prefect (governing) board of
Early school days still resonate in graduate’s personal, professional lives
Caption: Nicole Trainer By Chris Rodell Contributing Writer LATROBE — Nicole Trainer got so much more than a solid education during her years at Christ the Divine Teacher School. She got her whole life. It was there she met her future husband and the father of her two daughters. In the fourth grade! “You could say a big part of everything I have is in some way related to my years at Christ the Divine Teacher,” said Trainer, today a psychologist based in Latrobe. Of course, she and Jeremy weren’t a couple back then. They were playing the field, which
Student Spotlight – Jillian Balena, Grade 11
Jillian Balena, Grade 11 St. John the Evangelist Parish, Connellsville Parent: Lori Balena Jillian is involved in virtually every facet of our school, her community and parish while battling cystinuria, a chronic kidney disease that at times has debilitating symptoms. She continues her involvement in all phases of her life and does it with a great attitude. Jillian lists cheerleading, theater, chamber ensemble, Show Stoppers, Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society, 4.0 Penn State Club, Math League, Student Council, eucharistic ministry, youth ministry, dance and tutoring among her many activities. Jillian is a force of nature. No task is
Alumni grateful for time at school
By John Sacco Contributing Writer CONNELLSVILLE — Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School fostered a family feel and long-lasting relationships through shared faith and hard work, according to two alumni. Dave Koval, who lives in Florida with his wife Maryann, returned for his 50th class reunion in August. He is bursting with pride for his school. “I was the first in my family to go to college,” Koval said. “I’m retired now. I was fortunate to go to Geibel and feel glad to still have a relationship with my classmates.” After earning an economics degree and an MBA at Duquesne University,