Geibel Catholic grads happy to have children attend school

By John Sacco

Contributing Writer

Connellsville – Of all they learned at Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, the thing that stands out most for Nicole and John Holonich is faith.

“Obviously, to learn about our faith was so important but to also learn about others and the different ideas,” Nicole said.
“We were exposed to a lot of faith then,” John added. “And learn about several ideas.”

The Holoniches, who graduated in 1994, met at Geibel Catholic. Nicole is the owner of RENEW Counseling Services and John is a pharmacist in Connellsville.

Their daughter Audra graduated from Geibel Catholic last spring, and daughter Gianna is a current student.
Nicole was a member of the band, and John was the band manager and a member of the ski club.

“I loved my time at Geibel,” Nicole said. “I enjoyed everything I was exposed to and really like how as a parent we have a say in the education and can, without worry or concern, can ask a question or shoot an email to a teacher or administrator.
“We wanted to send our kids to Geibel because of the great experiences we had there,” she added. “Because of what we were exposed to in school, we were confident our girls would get the same exposure in their school days.”

She said she was impressed with how Geibel Catholic handled the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Geibel was prepared to educate our children virtually and that was a huge advantage for our children in continue to learn,” she said. “That was a tough time and we had to wait it out. But our kids never lost or didn’t have the ability to continue to learn. It was because Geibel had everything in place to teach virtually.”

Maia Stevenson, Grade 12

St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Uniontown

Maia’s obvious talents and qualifications far exceed what can be seen on a resume. She is a three-dimensional person who cannot be fully appreciated unless you experience her personally. Maia’s personable demeanor demonstrates a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and maturity beyond her years.

Academically, Maia embraces every opportunity presented to her. She is president of the National Honor Society and vice president of both Student Council and French National Honor Society. She participates in Math League competitions and was a first-place winner with her botany project for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition.
Maia has served as student director of Geibel Catholic’s musicals and is captain of three varsity sports. Maia was chosen as GATOR student of the month by her classmates and teachers in recognition of her Generous, Academic, Tenacious, Organized, and Respectful demeanor. Based on her love for her school and admiration from her peers, Maia was chosen as Geibel Catholic’s 2022 homecoming queen.

Maia spends countless hours volunteering in the community and at school. She has served numerous years as a Geibel Catholic student ambassador, assists with liturgical duties at the school, plans community outreach projects, assists with Conn Area Catholic School’s Performing Arts Club, and serves as a CYO volleyball referee. This fall, she helped plant trees in East End Park in Connellsville with the Shade Tree Commission.

Maia is fiercely strong and approachable at the same time. Her wisdom, solid moral character and willingness to serve makes her an outstanding leader. She is everything that represents Geibel Catholic and the excellence that is provided through Catholic education.