GCC senior prepares for seminary

By Melissa Williams Brown

Contributing Writer

LATROBE – Thomas Oldenburg’s principal at Christ the Divine Teacher School, Teresa Tallarico, who was also his kindergarten teacher, saw something special in him early on. She describes him as a good student with a big heart. She’s not one bit surprised that he is discerning the priesthood.

“The respect he has for his peers and adults and the love he has for his religion and Jesus comes out,” said Tallarico.

Oldenburg, a senior at Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, is applying to enter the seminary for priesthood. If accepted, he’ll attend St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia this summer.

Oldenburg credits Father Tyler J. Bandura, Director for the Office of Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Greensburg, for introducing him to Diocesan Quo Vadis discernment retreats. Attending one as a junior was a turning point for him.
“I don’t think I would be entering the seminary if I didn’t attend the seminars. They helped with my decision,” he said.

Also key is the support of his family, friends and Diocesan priests. He is a son of Jennifer and Christopher Oldenburg and has four siblings; they are parishioners of Holy Family Parish, Latrobe.

Oldenburg is a member of Columbian Squires, an international youth organization arm of the Knights of Columbus. He does service activities and helps serve lunch after the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg.

Adele Kelly, Grade 8

St. Florian Parish, United

Parents: Aaron and Mandy Kelly

Adele is a dedicated, hard-working student who always strive to do her very best. Her humble disposition epitomizes that of a Catholic school student. Adele strives for perfection in all her endeavors, both academic and those outside the classroom. A greater definition of her character is that she is a kind, talented and helpful young lady. Her many talents are shown through her special gifts that she has received from God and her ability to share them with all of us.

She serves as a cantor and/or instrumentalist for school Masses, prayer services, pep rallies, concerts and recitals, was chosen for the Seton Hill University Youth Honors Band and WCMEA Chorus Festivals, is a cantor and/or instrumentalist at her parish and St. Vincent Basilica Parish, Latrobe, and is in the Diocesan Youth Choir. She performed in the school play and performs in community musical productions. At school, she is a member of student government and the cross country team and serves as a volunteer at the End Hunger Café and on other school-sponsored trips.

Classical curriculum sets Christ the Divine Teacher School apart

By Melissa Williams Brown

Contributing Writer

LATROBE – Christ the Divine Teacher School Principal Teresa Tallarico says she’s often told that the school’s students stand out. There’s just something about their mannerisms that catch the attention of others.

“I’ve heard from other teachers at Greensburg Central Catholic High School about our students, that they see something different in them. They are used to standing up and talking in front of others, looking others in the eye, and have the ability to easily write an essay and articulate,” said Tallarico, who taught kindergarten at the school for 30 years and was named principal in 2021.

The school is continuing to grow, with a 20% enrollment hike over the past two years. Seven years ago, the school instituted a classical education curriculum, which sets it apart from others.

Tallarico said the curriculum teaches students to speak and think well and has a focus on history.

“Everything comes from history as the basis. Children have taken Latin since it is the root of not only our language but many other languages,” she said.
The school is separated into lower grammar for prekindergarten through second grade, upper grammar for third through fifth grade, and logic school for sixth through eighth grade. Students study history, literature, nature, grammar, religion, Latin, logic and math. They are immersed in hands-on learning experiences, student-led dialogues and creative opportunities which offer ways to explore and strengthen their spirituality and relationships with God. Rigorous academics paired with an engaging, religious learning environment prepare students for the 21st century.

Students are engaged and communicate well with others. Once they graduate, they leave as confident young individuals ready for the next step, Tallarico.
“Our students and families are amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better faculty. I’m very proud of our school, and how we’ve helped create well-rounded students,” she said. “Once they graduate, they aren’t fearful of speaking in front of a large group.”