OC Eagles - OAKLAND CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | SUMMER 2022
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OA K L A N D C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L | SUMMER 2022
OC Eagles
ha r ks!
S
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 AT 6PM
ACRISURE STADIUM (FORMERLY HEINZ FIELD) • PNC CHAMPIONS CLUB
All Sacred Heart, Cathedral, Mt. Mercy, and Oakland Catholic
alumnae from the milestone graduation years between 1942–2017
are invited to join us for dinner, dancing, and more at the OC Gala!
INCLUDING GRADUATION YEARS: 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967,
1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017
Celebrate your milestone reunion with memorable classmates and treasured friends!
We do all of the planning for you so you just need to show up ready for fun! Simply contact Diane
Totten, Director of Constituent Relations, at dtotten@oaklandcatholic.org or 412-682-6633
ext. 1263 to confirm your reunion and special milestone price at the 2022 OC Gala!
Not an alumna of a milestone year? Join us for a fun evening while supporting Oakland Catholic!
For more information, visit www.oaklandcatholic.org/gala.
OA K L A N D C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L | SUMMER 2022
IN THIS ISSUE PA G E 2
Message from the
President
PAGE 4 PA G E 3
OC EAGLES SHARKS! President’s Corner
A group of students from Mr. Steve PA G E 1 8
Graner’s E.P.I.C. engineering class Around OC
marched into the classroom and made
PA G E 2 5 4
their pitch. It was March. Their goal: Student Events
build, launch, and track a weather
balloon that would record images from PA G E 2 6
above. The project would be fully The Arts at OC
executed before the end of the school
PA G E 2 8
year. They had done their research,
Student Accomplishments
made connections with different
organizations, and were confident in PA G E 3 1
their proposal, BUT....they needed the Campus Ministry
approval of administration...and some
funding from the school.
PA G E 3 4
Athletics
PA G E 3 8
Admissions
PAGE 9 PA G E 4 6
Advancement
CLASS OF 2022
Families and friends were invited to PA G E 5 3
Alumnae News
celebrate the 33rd graduating class of
Oakland Catholic High School from PA G E 6 5
home and around the world! Annual Impact Report 9
OUR MISSION
Oakland Catholic High School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory
school for young women of diverse backgrounds. The Oakland Catholic
community is committed to an environment that promotes spiritual
formation, excellence in education, a wide range of activities and athletics,
and service to others.
Formed under the patronage of St. Joan of Arc, Oakland Catholic is
dedicated to teaching young women to lead lives of faith, courage and
commitment as they lay the foundation for their future as responsible
and respected global leaders.
P H OTO S I N T H I S P U B L I C AT I O N A R E C O U R T E SY O F S I M P LY S I S T E R S
P H OTO G R A P H Y, U N L E S S OT H E R W I S E N OT E D. G R A P H I C D E S I G N BY
J E N D E L M O N AC O, C P I C R E AT I V E . P R I N T I N G C O O R D I N AT E D BY J O E
L A PAG L I A , R A F F P R I N T I N G .
SUMMER 2022 1
34
A MESSAGE FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
Change is one of the seven necessary components
of life. In order for an organism to qualify as “living”, it
OC REVIEW EDITOR IN CHIEF
must exhibit environmental responses, cells, change and KAREN MARNER
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
growth, reproduction, complex chemistry, homeostasis
and energy processing. Change and growth are right
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
smack in the middle of these requirements. MARY CLAIRE KASUNIC
PRESIDENT
LYNN BROWN
Change and growth. The only attribute described ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
in this cause-and-effect manner. To be alive is to be in
a constant state of change. To grow necessitates an ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
KAREN MARNER
openness to the uncertainty and disruption of change. VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
We welcome and even rejoice in the disruption of KAREN FERRARI
positive changes to our lives, yet frequently recoil ADVANCEMENT & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
from and resist changes that force us to struggle or THERESA HILL
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID
reconsider decisions and previously held notions.
JENNY LIU
ADVANCEMENT DATABASE MANAGER
What we cannot ignore is that change and growth PATRICIA MONROE
WELCOME CENTER COORDINATOR
are inextricable from one another. As living creatures
COURTNEY MURCKO
of God, we are called to embrace and celebrate the gift ADMISSIONS OFFICER
of life, and by default, the transformative biological LAUREN ROBINSON
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST
attribute of change and growth.
DIANE TOTTEN
DIRECTOR OF CONSTITUENT RELATIONS
As we enjoy the warmth of a waning summer,
anticipate a new school year, contemplate goals BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KELLY MCDONNELL, CHAIR
achieved or objectives left to wither, and prepare for SABRINA SAUNDERS MOSBY, VICE CHAIR
the near and distant future, let us recall the gift of life JOHN LEWIS, SECRETARY
bestowed on us and rejoice in all the changes—big, THOMAS H. AYOOB III, ESQ., TREASURER
small, joyful, troubling, challenging, and smooth— MICHAEL ANSELMO
that will manifest themselves in the coming ERIC CAMPBELL
school year. TRACEY DEANGELO
WILLIAM GARRISON
MARY CLAIRE KASUNIC
PETER P. LEONE, JR.
ELLEN MADY
MARY CLAIRE KASUNIC KELLEY COOPER MILLER, ESQ.
PRESIDENT
RHODORA FREYVOGEL NOETHLING
JENNIFER SMITH PANNILL
NICOLE POWELL
CHRISTINA RICHARD
Oakland Catholic High School | 144 North Craig Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412.682.6633 | oaklandcatholic.org ROBYN SHEPHERD
2 OC REVIEW
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
B E LOW A R E J U ST A F E W AC T I V I T I E S O R E V E N TS
IN WHICH PRESIDENT MARY CLAIRE KASUNIC HAS
PA R T I C I PAT E D S I N C E O U R L A S T O C R E V I E W.
BAGEL BREAKFAST
WITH THE PRESIDENT
On April 5, President Kasunic
hosted a thank you bagel breakfast
in the Auxiliary Gym for the Class
of 2023 and the class of 2025
who met the challenge for their
respective classes on OC Give Day.
All classes were challenged to
surpass the goal of 80%—the class
of 2023 had 83% and the class of 2025 had 94% participation in a $3.00
dress down day for the benefit of OC Give Day on March 10 to receive a
bagel breakfast!
30TH ANNIVERSARY
WPIAL HALL OF FAME CROSSROADS DINNER
DINNER President Kasunic attended the Crossroads
President Mary Claire Kasunic, 30th Year Anniversary Dinner on April 27
Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hall, and saw Tiffany Burnett and Raenelle
and OC Ambassador George Spencer Hundley at the dinner held for their
Rudolph celebrated the induction graduating scholars. Tiffany and Raenelle
of Brianne O’Rourke Kelly OCHS’05, were from the first graduating class of
for basketball and Mallory Dietrich Crossroads seniors when they graduated
OCHS’06, for swimming at the from Oakland Catholic in 1992.
WPIAL Hall of Fame dinner on
May 27.
HILL DANCE ACADEMY
THEATRE (HDAT) SPRING
CONCERT VIP EVENT
On May 19, President Kasunic ran into
Bria Goldsmith OCHS’18 at the Spring
Concert at HDAT Theatre which is run by
another alumna of OC, Ayisha Morgan-Lee
OCHS’01 in her role as CEO and Founder
of HDAT.
DINNER WITH YOLANDA YANG COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
President Kasunic joined senior Yolanda President Kasunic engaged with the
Yang and her mother for dinner on 2022 Commencement Speaker Sarah
May 31. Yolanda shared, “I’m going to Vagley Middleton OCHS’97 at the
miss OC so much.” May 25 graduation.
SUMMER 2022 3
4 OC REVIEW
A recording of the popular Shark Tank television
series music played on a nearby laptop. Physics teacher
and Department Chair, Mr. Steve Graner, sat near the panel
of administrators lined up at three desks in the center of the
classroom. A group of students from his E.P.I.C. engineering
class (Engineering Principles Including Challenges―named at
the time of its establishment by teachers who participated
in an educators’ research class/learning opportunity presented
by Pitt and the Human Engineering Research Lab) marched
into the classroom and made their pitch.
It was March. Their goal: build, launch, and track a
weather balloon that would record images from above. The
project would be fully executed before the end of the school
year. They had done their research, made connections with
different organizations, and were confident in their proposal,
BUT....they needed the approval of administration...
and some funding from the school.
SUMMER 2022 5
The presentation...
President Mary Claire Kasunic, Principal Nicole Powell, and President Kasunic was concerned about the capacity of
Assistant Principal Sarah Butterfield Kumar listened, jotted down the camera they chose to employ. It seemed penny-wise and
notes, and asked questions. The presentation was professional pound-foolish to go with an inferior camera after all this work;
and polished. A Powerpoint outlined their research, calculations, the launch and recovery might be a success, only to find the
costs, and hypotheses. The eight future scientists/engineers camera was incapable of transmitting photos or not structurally
mapped out Team Aquila’s plan. “Aquila” means “Eagle” in Greek. sound enough to survive the launch. Questions were answered
with additional research. Conferences occurred as the team asked
If approved, the class would secure supplies, construct a for some time to consult and some additions were made.
secure payload housing cameras and a GPS system for tracking,
and receive photos and video transmitted from high above the The panel of administrators conferred and a decision was
atmosphere. The Styrofoam container carrying the cameras rendered: The offer was accepted with one adjustment―refigure
needed to be secure enough to weather both the launch and costs with the addition of a second camera, an upgrade to both
a crash landing. There was no certainty of success and even cameras and materials, and the price of helium in case the
more doubt with regard to recovering the payload two to three donation from Pitt fell through. A cheer went up from Team
hours post launch, but optimism ran high and plans for tracking Aquila! The launch was a go!
and retrieving the payload were part of the pitch.
Despite the many variables associated with a launch of “Despite all our work, from the
this nature, if calculations were accurate and the build strong,
Oakland Catholic’s Team Aquila could succeed; thousands of research, to design, to planning,
pictures and videos of the world from above would serve as proof
of their achievement. What a coup for Oakland Catholic as we
I still had my fears about it all
make a name for the school as a leader in STEM! What a great failing. But once the weather
way to support the creative academic endeavors of the students!
What a terrific marketing tool to project photos of space taken by balloon left my fingers and I saw it
a satellite built and launched by OC Scholars? More questions
followed, but as questions became more specific to materials
enter the clouds, I could only smile
being used and how variables would be addressed, it seemed at our success. All my worries
that the pitch was heading in a good direction. And it was!
dissipated. I never felt more proud
The original request was for $500 and 100% equity in the
project. This was a generous offer in the eyes of Principal Powell.
and ecstatic then when we
Assistant Principal Kumar questioned if this was enough money retrieved the payload!”
to achieve what they hoped to accomplish. The team was
confident in the potential assistance with helium from the
―Jaylee Witcher OCHS‘23
University of Pittsburgh.
6 OC REVIEW
THe launch...
Numbers were crunched; construction began; Pitt provided the
helium. After one cancellation due to poor weather, Launch Day
arrived and Team Aquila, Mr. Graner, and Mrs. Kasunic found
themselves on Observatory Hill on a clear, but chilly morning
on May 23. With guidance from Mr. Louis Coban who serves as
Director and Electronics Technician for the Allegheny Observatory,
a brief panic over some loose wires, and a heavy concentration
of neon pink and orange masking tape, cameras and GPS were
positioned, the payload was tightly taped, the delicate weather
balloon was carefully unfolded, and the styrofoam cooler was
attached.
This was the moment. Anything could go wrong―a slight
tear in the balloon, a jostling of the cooler that disconnects Filled a
wires, an accidental relaxation and early balloon release―but nd read
y to laun
nothing did. The balloon filled to capacity and the payload ch
was quickly secured. The energy was palpable as Team Aquila
watched it disappear from sight, veering off to the east, amidst
nervous and relieved shouts and exclamations. One small step
remained―retrieval of the payload.
“This was my favorite class at
OC this year. Although I had some
doubts during the process, seeing
ccess!
the balloon take off and the it was a su
pictures from its trip was both
exciting and rewarding.”
―Maura Schorr OCHS‘23
After a celebration meal at a nearby Chick-Fil-A, Mr. Graner
returned the students to school (minus recent graduate Josephine
Richardson who headed home). Then, he and his wife took off
rom
to track the payload. Several hours later, they found it intact, pink
The view fe
outer spac
and orange duct tape reflecting the sun, on an Amish/Mennonite
farm near Punxsutawney, PA. Luckily, it was only about 40 feet from
the road. A total success on many fronts! Thousands of photos and
hours of video were conveyed, studied, and analyzed by the class
over the next few weeks.
As noted by Mr. Graner, “This project was awesome from start to
finish. It allowed me to challenge my students with a real-life design
challenge. We ran into more problems than anticipated, but each
time, the class took ownership and figured out a solution. In the
end, it was their attention to detail and triumph over these minor
challenges that led to our success. I am extremely proud of the
students for accomplishing their goal and executing my favorite
EPIC project thus far!”
The impact of this learning experience will endure for years,
and Oakland Catholic looks forward to future projects from our
Findin
OC Scholars in STEM. g the
payloa
d SUMMER 2022 7
Congratulations to Department Chair Steve Graner and the members
of Team Aquila: Erin Estocin OCHS’22, Madelinn Kubiska OCHS‘23, Ava Maglin
OCHS‘23, Haylee O’Hara OCHS‘23, Josephine Richardson OCHS‘22, Maura Schorr
OCHS‘23, Bridget Shaver OCHS’23 and Jaylee Witcher OCHS‘23.
To view additional photos
and some video taken from
the payload during the
launch and descent, simply
scan this code.
8 OC REVIEWINTRODUCING THE
CLASS OF 2022
H O N O R S C O N V O C AT I O N
The annual Oakland Catholic Honors Convocation took place on April 26, 2022 in the Donahue Pavilion. The convocation
was held to recognize students who have distinguished themselves through hard work and achievement during the 2021-2022
school year. The event acknowledged the initiative, determination, and sacrifice these students made to demonstrate their
knowledge, leadership, and overall excellence. Congratulations to all our honorees. Major awards noted in this magazine.
For a complete list of awards and honorees, please visit our website at OaklandCatholic.org.
P R E S I D E N T ’ S AWA R D
The President’s Award is given to a senior whose life reflects Christian 2018–2022
values. Rachel Sweeny is a young woman who gives of herself in service TIME AT OC
to others in the school, church, and community. She is an individual who
leads positively by example.
126
STUDENTS
P R I N C I PA L ’ S AWA R D
Jaidyn Jiles is the recipient of the Principal’s Award for displaying a BLUE
consistent academic effort, respect for others, service toward the common CLASS COLOR
good of others, and devotion and loyalty to Oakland Catholic High School.
3
ATHLETIC
O A K L A N D C AT H O L I C AWA R D
Lily Giovannelli is the recipient of the Oakland Catholic High School Award.
COMMITMENTS
This award goes to a senior who strives for excellence on an intellectual, moral,
physical, emotional and spiritual level. 1
PANDEMIC
T H O M A S J . M . F R E Y V O G E L AWA R D
Cameron Kulbieda is the recipient of the Thomas M. J. Freyvogel
$26,000,000+
Award for displaying an overall positive attitude, kindness, and
IN COLLEGE
dedication to service. SCHOLARSHIPS
EARNED
C I N DY M C N U LT Y G L O B A L C I T I Z E N AWA R D CONGRATULATIONS
Zixuan (Yolanda) Yang is the recipient of the Cindy McNulty Global CLASS OF 2022!
Citizen Award for her outstanding work in the OC Global Competence
Initiative.
SUMMER 2022 9VA L E D I C T O R I A N A N D S A L U TAT O R I A N
The 2022 Valedictorian is Elizabeth “Ella” Maier. Ella is much more than a scholar, she is a leader in
our community. She is a Cross Country runner, Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic Marching/Concert band
member and section leader, Speech and Debate Team leader, member of the Girls of Steel Robotics Team,
and Global Competence Initiative, and is a Joan of Arc Scholar. Throughout her time at Oakland Catholic,
she has found a passion and love for all things science and would like to continue her studies in STEM
after graduation. Ella will be attending the University of Notre Dame in the fall.
The 2022 Salutatorian is Nora Brennan. She is devoted to her OC community and has dedicated
countless hours as a student ambassador, National Honor Society tutor, Joan of Arc Scholar and participant
in the Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic Marching/Concert band. The past four years have nurtured her
love of science and math, culminating in her pursuit of a career in engineering that will incorporate the
elements of biology, chemistry, and physics. Nora will attend Northeastern University in the fall.
J OA N O F A R C S O C I E T Y O F S C H O L A R S
The following graduates have demonstrated academic excellence by fulfilling all criteria necessary for the Joan of Arc
Society of Scholars throughout all four years of their Oakland Catholic High School education. They are to be commended
for their pursuit of additional credits, their strong performance in the most rigorous courses available, and their attendance
at various summer seminars, lectures, and other intellectual experiences.
AVA BARKICH LILY GIOVANELLI ELLA MAIER AUDREY POHLOD PHOEBE TEBBS
NORA BRENNAN NAOMI JESIONOWSKI BROOKE MLECKO CAROLINE SARNESO MIA VERDINI
AVA DUFAULT CAMERON KULBEIDA VAYDA PASCARELLA ALISON SINICKI CATHERINE WEBER
AUDREY FLANAGAN ISABELLA LIU-LOPEZ JANE PAWLOWICZ BRYNN SULLIVAN ZIXUAN (YOLANDA)
YANG
ELIZABETH FORD ELLA LOGAN CAROLA PETRUCCI RACHEL SWEENY
G L O B A L C O M P E T E N C E I N I T I AT I V E S C H O L A R S
Having fulfilled academic and participation requirements, the following students are awarded a Certificate in Global
Competence, recognizing their completion of the program and their dedication to becoming responsible and respected
global leaders. Global Competence Initiative Scholars wore green honor cords at Commencement.
BRIANA CALDWELL AUDREY FLANAGAN ELLA MAIER SOFIA PORCO CATHERINE WEBER
BRIANNA CALDWELL OLIVIA KRUMMERT BROOKE MLECKO KELLY PRUNZIK ZIXUAN (YOLANDA)
YANG
ELIZA COSTA CAMERON KULBIEDA VANESSA MOATS GIANNA SACCO
CHLOE COX ISABELLA LIU-LOPEZ HANNAH NIKLASON ALISON SINICKI
VIVIAN DIDOMENICO ELLA LOGAN JANE PAWLOWICZ MIA VERDINI
10 OC REVIEWSENIOR HUDDLE
Decorated uniform skirts, a final V-I-C-T-O-R-Y
cheer huddle, and sharing memories marked the
final day of school for the Class of 2022!
C O L L E G E D E C I S I O N D AY,
M AY 1 , WA S C E L E B R AT E D I N
THE COLLEGE COUNSELING
CENTER
S E N I O R S U P E R L AT I V E S A N N O U N C E D
DURING SPIRIT WEEK IN MARCH
SENIORS TRANSFORMED
T H E C O U R T YA R D T O T H E O C
B E A C H O N M AY 1 2
SUMMER 2022 1112 OC REVIEW
S E N I O R FA R E W E L L L I T U R G Y & L U N C H E O N
On Wednesday, April 27, Oakland Catholic held its annual Senior Farewell Liturgy &
Luncheon. It was the first of several activities to celebrate the Class of 2022. The day
began with a Mass for all students, faculty, and staff at St. Paul Cathedral. During this
liturgy, the graduating seniors were inducted into the Oakland Catholic Alumnae
Association by President Kasunic. They also received gifts from the underclassmen as
a special send-off from OC.
Following Mass, various sessions were planned including a presentation about
OaklandCatholicConnect.org, our alumnae platform for mentoring/connecting, and
how to become a member of the From Day One Club. They decorated a “living yearbook”
on the scrolled papers in the Aux Gym, and where they also played corn hole and hula
hoop games.
A new addition to this traditional day, a digital photo booth, was a BIG hit as seniors
eagerly posed with their friends. A spontaneous dance session popped up as the music
filled the gym with some popular jams.
Finally, a nostalgic gathering where classmates, teachers, and administrators shared
sincere messages closed the event. A delicious lunch from Piada Street Market was
served and the girls created their own ice cream sundaes for dessert.
B A C C A L A U R E AT E M A S S & C O M M E N C E M E N T
On May 23, the Class of 2022 gathered for a final time as a class in St. Paul Cathedral for their Baccalaureate Mass. After
a beautiful violin prelude performed by Zixuan (Yolanda) Yang OCHS’22, graduates experienced a traditional Mass where
God was thanked and praised for the blessings bestowed upon the graduates. The 2021-2022 President of Student Council
Lily Giovannelli happily welcomed everyone.
The liturgy was beautifully executed by our guest celebrant Reverend Joseph Mele, pastor of St. Jude Parish, and
concelebrated by OC Chaplain, Reverend Joseph Freedy, with the support of many graduating seniors who shared their
talents. (A thank you to Isabella Viator, Flayre Farina, Makenna Kemper, Haley Moreland, Caroline O’Connor, and Carola
Petrucci for their musical gifts; to Shea Deasy, Haley Moreland, and Audrey Flanagan for their readings; and to gonfalon
bearers, flag bearers and gift bearers Erin Estocin, Toluwani Ogunyemi, Rachel Sweeny, Jaidyn Jiles, Cameron Kulbieda,
Ava Barkich, Claire Coldren, Olivia Krummert, Hannah Niklason, Sofia Porco and Kelly Prunzik for their participation.)
Class President Jane Pawlowicz closed the beautiful ceremony with poignant remarks.
Two days later, in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, 126 graduates gathered for their Commencement Exercises where
excitement and happiness for this momentous occasion were palpable.
SUMMER 2022 13After a beautiful responsorial psalm performed
by graduate Isabella Viator, Salutatorian Nora
Brennan, welcomed everyone with her thoughts
on gratitude, community, and the many ways the
Class of 2022 had experienced growth and forged
friendships despite the challenges of a pandemic.
She reflected that her high school experience,
especially the last two years, had taught her one
extremely important lesson: slow down.
Her words encouraged everyone present,
especially at their commencement ceremony that
night when she said, “because although there is
always uncertainty about what the future holds,
our graduation is an occasion to remember and
to celebrate.”
OCHS Alumna from the Class of 1997, Sarah
Vagley Middleton, then delivered the
Commencement Address. The Founder, President
and CEO of Mission Up in California, Sarah spoke
eloquently about how her Oakland Catholic
education and experience shaped her both as a
leader and as an individual committed to serving
the world, with faith in all that she endeavors.
President Kasunic reflected that “Sarah was an
enthusiastic OC Eagle, a student who fully
embraced an educational experience grounded
in Spirituality, Scholarship, and Service, and
someone OC always knew would make a
difference in this world.”
Her inspiring message to the Class of 2022 of
what is possible, as they begin their new journey,
validated President Kasunic’s reflections.
The big moment finally arrived as Assistant
Principal Sarah Butterfield Kumar OCHS’11 called
the individual name of each graduate so that she
could receive her diploma from Principal Nicole
Powell, and be congratulated by President Mary
Claire Kasunic...all to the resounding applause of
those in the hall as well as those who had the
opportunity to watch the livestream from home.
Valedictorian Elizabeth “Ella” Maier, offered
a sincere farewell address to her classmates.
She reflected on how their Oakland Catholic
education had taught their class to glean wisdom
from all around them. She shared the following in
her remarks, “a great quote from Shrek: ‘Ogres
are like onions. Ogres have layers, onions have
layers.’ Now none of us here are ogres. But if
ogres are like onions, then people are like onions
too. As we have grown as people together, the
layers of our onion from these years will always
have the scent and undertones of OC. Our
common experiences, the momentous and the
mundane, have united us to become one
whole family.”
14 OC REVIEWSUMMER 2022 15
She went on to share a powerful message for them as Like an onion, a person is made of layers of growth...If you
new alumnae, “So we are about to graduate as part of a strip away all the layers of the onion, you can never come to
historical legacy of powerful women, having added those a center, which is the epitome of an onion. The secret is that
OC layers to our onion, and go celebrate, together. The the onion is the layers, all of them, from the tiniest inner layer
legacy of our school also functions as an onion, with each to the crusty outer peel. And so are we.”
class growing its own layer and passing traditions and
wisdom along to the next generation. Well, we too, in that President Kasunic closed the exercises, reflecting on
tradition of strong and powerful women, have been shaped their commencement. She shared a story of when she
by and have shaped the OC community. From as far back as and others visit her father in Philadelphia. More often
1913, students at OC and the sister schools Sacred Heart, than not, while pulling away from the curb in front of the
Cathedral High School, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, house, they will hear him call out a parting message—
have passed on traditions, mentored younger students, and “keep the faith!” President Kasunic left the graduates with
cared for each other, just like we have and just like we do. the same message, encouraging them to “keep the faith”
They built the community that taught us how to become throughout the many adventures and challenges that lie
the powerful people we are today.” ahead of them.
Ella concluded with an interesting message. “Because The impressive ceremony ended with a blessing from our
Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh, and everyone always comes back, Chaplain Father Joe Freedy and the traditional recessional.
both my mother and I attended this school and shared that As is the custom, faculty formed a corridor outside the hall
common experience. Thirty-seven years ago, my mother so that the newest Oakland Catholic Alumnae could process
delivered her own graduation address, from a school that through, be photographed tossing their caps into the air, and
became this school a few short years later. And, because of feel the love of all who congratulate them as they move
the amazing record-keeping skills of my grandmother, I have forward in their journeys of Spirituality, Scholarship, and
access to that very speech. So, in the spirit of understanding Service.
and honoring where we come from, let me leave you with the
words she crafted all those years ago when she said, “Our
lives are processes of decision-making…of building ourselves
into the people that we are.
16 OC REVIEWC L A S S O F 2 0 2 2 A C C E P TA N C E S
Oakland Catholic High School proudly announces that the members of the Class of 2022 have been accepted at the
following colleges and universities:
Alabama A&M University Dickinson College Marietta College School of the Art Institute University of Maryland
of Chicago (College Park)
Albany State University Drexel University Marquette University
School of Visual Arts University of Maryland
Albright College Duquesne University McGill University
(Eastern Shore)
Seton Hall University
Allegheny College East Stroudsburg University Mercyhurst University
University of Massachusetts
of Pennsylvania Seton Hill University
Alvernia University Miami University (Oxford) (Amherst)
Edinboro University of Shaw University
American University Michigan State University University of Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Shippensburg University (Boston)
Arizona State University Millersville University of
Elon University of Pennsylvania
(Downtown Phoenix) Pennsylvania University of Miami
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Siena College
Arizona State University Molloy College University of New Mexico
University (Daytona Beach)
(Main Campus) Simmons University (Main Campus)
Monmouth University
Emerson College
Auburn University Slippery Rock University of University of North Carolina
Morgan State University
Emmanuel College Pennsylvania Wilmington
Ave Maria University
Mount Holyoke College
Emory University Spelman College University of North Florida
Averett University
New Jersey City University
Fairfield University St. Bonaventure University University of Notre Dame
Baldwin Wallace University
New York University
Fashion Institute of St. John’s University University of Oregon
Ball State University
Technology Niagara University (New York)
University of Pittsburgh
Barry University
Fisk University Norfolk State University Stetson University (Bradford)
Bentley University
Florida Southern College North Carolina Central Stevens Institute of University of Pittsburgh
Bethune-Cookman University University Technology (Greensburg)
Fordham University
Bloomsburg University of North Carolina State Suffolk University University of Pittsburgh
Franciscan University of
Pennsylvania University (Johnstown)
Steubenville SUNY at Binghamton
Boston College Northeastern University University of Pittsburgh
Gannon University SUNY College at Geneseo
(Main Campus)
Boston University Nova Southeastern University
Geneva College Susquehanna University
University of Rochester
Bowling Green State Ohio University
George Washington Syracuse University
University (Main Campus) (Main Campus) University of San Diego
University
Temple University
Brandeis University Pace University University of Scranton
Georgetown University
(New York City) Tennessee State University
Bucknell University University of South Carolina
Georgia State University
Palm Beach Atlantic The College of Wooster
Butler University University of South Dakota
Gettysburg College University
The New School
California University of University of Toledo
Grove City College Parsons Paris at The New
Pennsylvania The Ohio State University
School University of Toronto
Hampton University (Main Campus)
Calvin University
Pennsylvania State University University of Tulsa
High Point University The University of Alabama
Canisius College (Altoona)
University of Vermont
Hobart and William Smith The University of Edinburgh
Carlow University Pennsylvania State University
Colleges University of Virginia
(Beaver) The University of Tampa
Carnegie Mellon University (Main Campus)
Hofstra University
Pennsylvania State University Thiel College
Case Western Reserve University of Washington
Howard University (Behrend)
University University of Akron (Seattle Campus)
Indiana University Pennsylvania State University (Main Campus)
Castleton University University of Wisconsin
(Bloomington) (Greater Allegheny)
University of Arizona (Madison)
Catholic University of
Indiana University of Pennsylvania State University
America University of California Villanova University
Pennsylvania (Main Campus) (Main Campus)
(Davis)
Chaminade University of Virginia Commonwealth
Indiana University-Purdue Pennsylvania State University
Honolulu University of California
(New Kensington) University
University Indianapolis (Irvine)
Champlain College
Pepperdine University Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Ithaca College University of California
Chatham University and State University
Point Park University (Riverside)
James Madison University
Clarion University of Virginia State University
Purdue University University of California
Pennsylvania John Carroll University
(Main Campus) (Santa Cruz) Virginia Union University
Clark Atlanta University Juniata College
Reed College University of Central Florida Wake Forest University
Clemson University Keiser University
Rensselaer Polytechnic University of Cincinnati Washington & Jefferson
Cleveland State University Kent State University Institute (Main Campus) College
Coastal Carolina University Kenyon College Ringling College of Art University of Colorado Waynesburg University
and Design Boulder
College of Charleston King’s College London West Chester University of
Robert Morris University University of Connecticut Pennsylvania
Colorado State University La Roche University
(Fort Collins) Rochester Institute of University of Dayton West Virginia State
La Salle University
Technology University
Columbus College of Art University of Delaware
Lehigh University
and Design Rutgers University West Virginia University
University of Georgia
Lincoln University (New Brunswick)
Community College of Westminster College
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Allegheny County Lock Haven University Saint Joseph’s University
Wilberforce University
University of Illinois
Coppin State University Loyola University Chicago Saint Leo University
at Chicago Xavier University
Delaware State University Loyola University Maryland Saint Louis University
University of Illinois at Xavier University of
Denison University Loyola University Saint Vincent College Urbana-Champaign Louisiana
New Orleans
DePaul University Salve Regina University University of Kentucky Youngstown State University
Manhattan College
DeSales University Savannah College of Art University of Maine
and Design
SUMMER 2022 17AROUND 18 OC REVIEW
FRICK MUSEUM FIELD TRIP
OC students and two Central Catholic students from the French CE and
AP classes had a great day at The Frick Museum. For some, it was their first
high school field trip!
G I R L S O F ST E E L R O B OT I C S T E A M
OC members of the CMU Girls of Steel robotics team competed at
the Greater Pittsburgh Regional at Cal U this spring where they won the
“Engineering Inspiration” award, qualifying the team for the FIRST World
Championship in Houston in April. The team was also awarded the
Chairman's award in the Buckeye Regional competition. We’re pleased
to recognize Girls of Steel and the team's OC members: Madeleine Ng
OCHS’24, Mary Zagrocki OCHS’23, Susanna Getty OCHS’23, Mia Maurizio
OCHS’24, and Ella Maier OCHS’22.
Special accolades to Ella Maier OCHS’22, on her work, achievements, and
notoriety with Girls of Steel! Ella was ecstatic that her robot could finally do
a pull-up. “Oh, that’s so exciting,” she said, as her robot latched on to a bar
at the team's practice facility and hoisted itself to the second rung. “I’m in
charge of that subsystem, and I’m really pleased it worked. There’s always a
fear that it might not perform. There are no guarantees on this stuff, ever.”
Maier's drive to troubleshoot and celebrate when an adjustment works out
helped keep the team reaching their goals.
BRASKEM
Ten students participated in Braskem’s “Tour Your Future” virtual field
trip. The presentation included a virtual tour of their facility and new 3D
printing center, conversations with female employees explaining how they
ended up in STEM careers at Braskem, and a discussion on sustainability
and recycling.
B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y AT O C
W I T H FAT H E R M AT T H E W
Father Matthew Hawkins spoke with students this spring during Religion
classes about building community at OC by engaging in authentic dialogue
and conversation with each other. He stressed the importance of active
listening, understanding others’ experiences and embracing the dignity
of the human person.
C R O S S R OA D S
Juel Thomas-Smith, Associate Dean of Allied Health & Sciences at CCAC
shared that she was blessed with the opportunity to speak with this year’s
Crossroads incoming Freshman class at Oakland Catholic High School
during summer sessions. She commented that she saw them as an amazing
group of students who will do phenomenal things during their time in
high school.
V I S I T TO P O M P E I I
OC Latin students visited the Carnegie Science Center’s special exhibit on
Pompeii. The students watched a short film, browsed the recreated Roman
homes, watched a 4-D movie and explored the items of the marketplace and
the forum, seeing artifacts which they have studied in class.
SUMMER 2022 19E 3 L E A D E R S H I P I N I T I AT I V E L A U N C H E D AT O C
A new leadership initiative called E3: Engaged, Empowered, Empowering was launched In March when the inaugural cohort
met for team building activities and plans put underway for the first E3 leadership week experience which was held in June.
E3, welcomed Joanie Baucum-Robinson from On Purpose Planning and Consulting as a guest speaker. She was able to share
insight on leadership, personal accountability and growth, and mindset. The presentation allowed our OC leaders to listen,
self-reflect, and share ideas within their cohort.
Rising juniors in our Leadership Certificate Program, completed a week-long retreat in June at Outdoor Odyssey. It was a
transformative experience for many of the participants as they pushed through challenges demonstrating determination, team
spirit, and resilience.
20 OC REVIEWOC CAREER SYMPOSIUM
We had an impressive, diverse line-up of industry leaders at OC Career Symposium
2022! This dynamic event connects female leaders from various industries with our
students. Keynote Speaker and Alumna Meghan Rafferty OCHS’03 joined us virtually
to deliver a riveting presentation about her path from CNN to NBC while working with
Soledad O’Brien, Christiane Amanpour, and Wolf Blitzer, in varying roles which have
culminated to her current position as Executive Producer of NBC Nightly News with
Lester Holt. Meghan has an Emmy and a Peabody for her previous work. Her message
of participating in as much as you can, learning from each opportunity, and
challenging yourself along the way was well received. OUR TALENTED
CONTRIBUTING SPEAKERS
INCLUDED:
Messages of finding passion in your work, recognizing failure as part of the
Meghan Rafferty OCHS’03
journey, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, resonated across Keynote Speaker
sessions. An impressive array of national talent came back to OC—the launchpad
of so many amazing careers.
Dr. Wendy Coates SHHS’77
Professor of Emergency Medicine
and National Leader in the Field of
Medical Education
Gina Cercone OCHS’10
Costume Concept Artist
Dr. Kelly Collins OCHS’01
Assistant Professor of Pediatric
Neurological Surgery
Lindsay Derda OCHS’08
Director of Corporate Marketing
Rachel Dzombak OCHS’08
Head of Digital Transformation
Lynne Hayes-Freeland CHS’73
Reporter/Producer/Talk Show Host
Lisa Macioce SHHS’88
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Lisa MacPhail OCHS’07
Associate Dentist
Julie Malingowski OCHS’03
Emergency Response Meteorologist
Sarah Zajko Marche OCHS’94
Senior VP Pharmacy and
Clinical Market Strategy
Sabrina Saunders Mosby OCHS’99
President and CEO
Robyn Shepherd OCHS’97
Partner and Head of Corporate
Engagement
Kiya Tomlin
Founder/Designer
Jennifer Tuscano
Associate Athletic Director
SUMMER 2022 21S PA N I S H C L A S S AT P I T T
Location is one of many great attributes of the Oakland Catholic
educational experience. The College-Equivalency Spanish class walked
to Pitt one day this semester to tour campus (parts in Spanish) and
explore college life with their teacher Gretchen Anselmo.
CASA SAN JOSÉ
Three senior students at Oakland Catholic High School - Nora Brennan,
Vivian Didomenico, and Caroline Sarneso - launched a collection drive to
support the children of recent immigrants served by Casa San José (CSJ).
Knowing that CSJ conducts a summer camp for youth, the collection drive
sought to meet the needs for summer safety when visiting pools, water
parks, and other swimming destinations by collecting items such as towels,
sunscreen, goggles, flip flops, pool/drawstring bags, and reusable water
bottles. Nearly 200 items were donated by the OC student body throughout
the Lenten season this spring as part of the collection.
They were assisted by ten junior year classmates in their College
Equivalency Spanish class - Charlotte Devlin, Jillian Gallo, Katie Helwich,
Olivia Jana, Briella Lucadamo, Elena Mazariegos, Peyton McHugh,
Marigrace Murphy, Alaina Nuzzo, and Hannah Werner and guided by
faculty members Spanish teacher Gretchen Anselmo and Director of
Mission Integration Dorrie Donahue.
D R . H OW I E C H OS E T V I S I TS O C
Students enjoyed an engaging presentation by Dr. Howie Choset,
a professor at CMU and renowned roboticist, on January 26 when he
visited OC and spoke to students about the incredible role Pittsburgh
and CMU play in this innovative field. He highlighted the impressive
work of his team on snake robots used in fields from search and rescue
to space/planet exploration, and the positive impact these inventions
are already having on life.
B L AC K ST U D E N T U N I O N V I S I TS
T H E H E I N Z H I STO RY C E N T E R
On March 2, in honor of the conclusion of Black History Month and the
start of Women’s History Month, Mrs. Nikki Richardson OCHS’95 and OC
Alumna Savanna Edmunds OCHS’15, moderator of BSU, took 15 members
of OC’s Black Student Union to tour the Heinz History Center. The week of
March 9, BSU seniors presented what they learned during a CCW session.
B L AC K ST U D E N T U N I O N
Congratulations to the BSU Executive Board for
the 2022–2023 school year. DaLynn Moore OCHS’23,
President, Tian LeGrande OCHS’23, Vice President,
Sydney Platt OCHS’23, Secretary, Jaylee Witcher
OCHS’23, Treasurer, and Indya Sapp OCHS’23, Public
Relations. They are looking forward to working together
in the new school year as OC BSU leaders.
22 OC REVIEWO C W O R L D FA I R G R O W S I N S I Z E
A N D E D U C AT I O N A L I M PA C T
Oakland Catholic takes its mission and Catholic identity very
seriously. Each program, each event, each endeavor is an outgrowth
of our call to be responsible, informed, and understanding members
of our community. This is part of embracing the gospel teachings.
This is one of the purposes of education. The OC World Fair, under
the coordination of Latin Teacher Heather Day, manifests the
school’s commitment to global competence and understanding.
It is a morning where students, faculty, community members,
and outside scholars come together to share their knowledge
of and experiences from around the world.
What started decades ago as a Language Fair has now
expanded into a forum across campus where visiting scholars
from the University of Pittsburgh present lecture sessions; students
set up booths that test attendees’ acumen regarding international
trends and issues that range from the environment to language
preferences; and parents and alumnae share their international
cultures and experiences at tables set up in both gymnasiums.
Throw in some game tables, chariot races in the hall, and plenty
of interactive booths to test your calligraphy and other skills...
and you get a glimpse of all the activity taking place
across campus that morning.
This past year included more parents, the presence of the
University of Pittsburgh and the Director of the Global Studies
Center, Sacred Heart Alumna Veronica Dristas, and “passports”
that each student used to get stamps for visiting different booths,
demonstrations, and lectures. With a vision to return to a vibrant,
in-person, engaging event, Ms. Day started in January to prepare for
the April event. Her efforts paid off. The first time she held the
event, there were 12 tables to visit; this year, there were 53!
In her opinion, “this was the best OC World Fair so far.
The lecture opportunity was a missing component in years
past and definitely elevated the event this year. No one was
able to visit every single booth, but that’s okay. It leaves you
with wanting more and everyone is excited for the fair
when the next year rolls around.”
SUMMER 2022 23PITTSBURGH REGIONAL SCIENCE &
E N G I N E E R I N G FA I R ( P R S E F ) C O M P E T I T I O N
Congratulations to the students who competed in March at PRSEF which was hosted by
the Carnegie Science Center—Charlotte Devlin OCHS’23, Gianna Kennelly OCHS’25, Briella
Lucadamo OCHS’23, Regina Palladino OCHS’23, Olivia Pretto OCHS’23.
Olivia Pretto came in fourth place for the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh for her presentation—The Effect
of Glucocorticoids on Inflammation in a Lung Cell Line and Regina Palladino received a Junior Scientist Perseverance Award
for her submission—Down The Drain: Evaluating Cosmetics in Groundwater (The Environmental Impact of Cosmetics in
Groundwater). OC is proud of our budding Science and Engineering participants.
A S U C C E S S F U L Y E A R F O R O C AT T H E R E G I O N A L
A N D S TAT E P E N N S Y LVA N I A J U N I O R A C A D E M Y O F
S C I E N C E ( PJ A S ) C O M P E T I T I O N S
The 2022 Regional PJAS competition is in the books! Similar to last year, the fair was
held virtually. OC had 13 participants submit projects. They conducted their research at
various sites including here on OC’s campus, Central Catholic, university labs, and at
home, then prepared a virtual presentation of their findings. Oakland Catholic earned
eight first places, four second places, and one third place across six different categories
(botany, chemistry, microbiology, earth and space, physics, and biology)! Students who
earned a first place award earned the opportunity to compete in the State Competition
in State College.
Congratulations to all of our amazing, driven PJAS students who placed regionally! First
Place—Charlotte Devlin OCHS’23, Gianna Kennelly OCHS’25, Korina Mikhonin OCHS’23,
Regina Palladino OCHS’23, Olivia Pretto OCHS’23, Erin Price OCHS’24, Gretchen
Waruszewski OCHS’25, Isabella White OCHS’23; Second Place—Briella Lucadamo OCHS’23,
Vega Mani OCHS’25, Vanella Moats OCHS’22, Sydney Sword OCHS’24; Third Place—
Soldae Givens OCHS’25.
Eight Oakland Catholic students placed at the statewide Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition, with
three students receiving first place awards. In addition to navigating Penn State’s campus, sleeping in the dorms, and
visiting the Berkey Creamery, students delivered their formal presentations to panels of judges and fielded technical
questions about their experiments.
As chemistry teacher and PJAS moderator, Amanda Skoner Sforza OCHS’08, described, “Our PJAS States trip was a
LOT—a lot of fun, a lot of excitement, a lot of science, a lot of walking, a lot of ice cream, and a lot of accomplishments!”
Congratulations to all our junior scientists for their outstanding work!
Charlotte Devlin OCHS’23—first place in microbiology, Gianna Kennelly OCHS’24—second place in chemistry,
Korina Mikhonin OCHS’23—second place in microbiology, Gina Palladino OCHS’23—second place in chemistry, Olivia
Pretto OCHS’23—third place in biology, Erin Price OCHS’24—first place in physics, Gretchen Waruszewski OCHS’25—
first place in microbiology, and Isabella White OC’23—second place in chemistry.
T H E W E S T E R N P E N N S Y LVA N I A C O U N C I L O F
T E AC H E R S O F E N G L I S H ( W P C T E )
Oakland Catholic students and English teacher Dr. Theresa Doerfler attended the WPCTE English Festival on May 11 at
LaRoche College. Local author Marie Benedict spoke. Students met book lovers from across the region and competed in
trivia and talk-show style competitions.
24 OC REVIEWSTUDENT EVENTS
WINTER SEMI-FORMAL
After a rescheduled event from the December date,
the Winter Semi-Formal was held on February 26, 2022
at Oakland Catholic High School. Student Council
decorated the auxiliary gym and planned a special event
for guests to enjoy the OC loves NYC theme!
OC SPIRIT WEEK
Spirit Week opened on Monday, March 21 with an
International Mass celebrated in the Donahue Pavilion.
Classes decorated school entrances, and celebrated
the week with various dress down days—decades,
412 pride, circle of life and class colors.
OC students also enjoyed participating in different
sports activities, a talent show, and competing in friendly
competitions throughout the week! It was a spirit filled
week for OC.
JUNIOR SENIOR PROM
The Junior Senior Prom was held on April 29 at the
LeMont Restaurant. The Prom Committee decorated the
ballroom for guests to enjoy an evening themed “Be Our
Guest” and enjoyed a night overlooking the city skyline
from the LeMont venue.
SUMMER 2022 25THE ARTS AT
EMPTY BOWL SPRING BAND MADELINE NG FINE ART
FUNDRAISER CONCERT SHOW AWARDS & POETRY
OC Pottery Students created The spring Band Concert was RECOGNITION
and donated bowls for the annual held in the McGonigle Theatre at Congratulations to Maddy Ng
Empty Bowls fundraiser held at Central Catholic on May 18. OCHS’24 on her art and poetry
Rodef Shalom temple on March 27, submissions to the Scholastic
for the benefit of Just Harvest Oakland Catholic and Central Art and Writing Awards!
and the Greater Pittsburgh Catholic band members performed
Food Bank. at the concert as well as the A Celebrating Art—Maddy’s
Cappella group that consists of artwork “The Girls in the Boat”
Lily Smith OCHS’22 and Wema students from both schools. was chosen to be published in
Shitambasi OCHS’22 created many the fall 2021 art contest book.
of the donated bowls. Scholastic Awards—Maddy won
a gold key for both art
submissions and a silver key
for her poetry submission. The
ceremony for the Scholastic
Art Awards was held on March 19
at Seneca Valley High School.
She has also been recognized as
the second-place winner for her
poetry submission “Smothering a
Child’s Spark” for the Pittsburgh
Chapter of the Links, Incorporated
Young Master Writers Competition.
In honor of National Poetry Month,
Maddie was presented with a
certificate of recognition and a
monetary prize.
LITTLE RED RIDING SPRING ART & MUSIC
HOOD FESTIVAL Maddy also won a Silver Key in
The OC Theatre Group Presented The spring Art and Music poetry for “The Lone Traveler” and
Little Red Riding Hood on March 31 Festival was held on April 21 at Janise Zenmon OCHS’22 won a
and April 1. Oakland Catholic. Art teacher, Gold Key in poetry for “My Life
Meg Koroly displayed various Time.”
Shout out to a great production art pieces and Music teacher,
of Little Red Riding Hood (and The Therese Engelhardt led the
Power Mutants) in the JOA Theater. music performance.
Playwright Ed Monk joined the cast The talent was impressive on
in the photo. all fronts!
26 OC REVIEWMASQUE
On March 25-27, the McGonigle Theatre hosted the Central Catholic/Oakland Catholic Masque performance of “Me and
My Girl”—an old-fashioned musical set in 1930s England.
Part music hall frolic, part class-warfare comedy in a Downton Abbey setting, “Me and My Girl” is a fast-paced comedy,
packed with memorable characters and music, including the famous first act finale that launched a dance craze in 1930s
war-torn Europe—“The Lambeth Walk!”
G E N E K E L LY AWA R D S
Ella Jo Reinhart OCHS’22 and Xavier Ramirez OCHS’24 were semi-finalists for the leading actor/actress nominations in the
Gene Kelly Awards. Although neither were nominated, they both performed in the opening number at the Gene Kelly Award
Ceremony on Saturday, May 28 at the Benedum Center.
MASQUE CAST AND CREW
CAST CHRISTOPHER KUSK SYDNEY SHERMAN CAROLINE MCELROY
MADISON ADAMS SPENCER LEHRIAN DOMINIC SPINO CECELIA MILLER
LUCA ASSANDRI ROBBY MALNIGHT CHRISTINE URSINY AOI MIYAKI
ANTHONY ARSHOUN MIA MAURIZIO FRANCESCA VEONI KIERSTEN OLESINSKI
CHLOE BAKER MORGAN MCCRAY ISABELLA VIATOR MARTONE OLSAVSKY
AIDAN BRADY RAMON MILAND ANDREW WALLANDER DANICA PEIRCE
CASSIDY BYRNE VANESSA MOATS KAYLEE WISER JOSEPHINE RICHARDSON
MIA CROFFORD KAITLYN NACE MARLEY SAAL
LUKA DEPASQUALE AIDAN NICHOLAS CREW BAYLIE SHROPSHIRE
KEZBAN DUZENLI-CETIN LEAH OLSON CARENA ALLEN LINDSEY SMATHERS
MATTHEW EVANS NORA OTTIE ETHAN BELL AVERY STEPHENS
HEATHER HELWICK GINA PALLADINO VIVIAN BUI AMELIA STIPANOVIC
FRANCESCA HOH CAROLA PETRUCCI BRIANNA CALDWELL FRANCESCA VEONI
COLIN HOLLIHAN ALLIE PRICE MICHAEL CHRISTLIEB MICHAELA WEISMANTLE
LOUISA JEN ROWEN MAIA RAMIREZ ALANNAH ENFIELD KAITLYN WHITE
KAUTTER MAKENNA XAVIER RAMIREZ JOHN FLAHERTY ISABELLA WHITE
KEMPER GIANNA KENNELLY ELLA-JO REINHART FIDELIA FRIMPONG-ANANI KENDRA WILMER
NICK KEPPERLING TSEHAYNESH RIGOTTI CHRISTINA LEE
MIKAYLA KEYES MADELINE SCLICHTER CALEB LEWIS
MARIA KOLTAS WILLIAM SCOTT SOPHIA LOPRESTI
SUMMER 2022 27ACCOMPLISHMENTS
STANFORD SUMMER GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
SESSION GLOBAL & INTERNATIONAL 18 UNDER 18
Congratulations to Kezban Duzenli- STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY Junior Achievement’s inaugural
Cetin OCHS’23 who was accepted
OF PITTSBURGH 18 Under Eighteen, presented by
to attend an eight-week Stanford Elena Esquivel OCHS’23 was NexTier Bank, celebrated eighteen
Summer Session: the Fourth selected to participate in this extraordinary students, including
Academic Quarter. Kezban was summer’s Governor’s School for Morgan McCray OCHS’25, who are
awarded several opportunities to Global and International Studies defining their generation through
pursue her academic interests this at the University of Pittsburgh! their entrepreneurial spirit,
summer that included the Governor’s leadership, and service to their
School for Global & International This is quite an honor for Elena communities!
Studies, Solving Global Challenges and for Oakland Catholic, as this is
Session of Yale Young Global a very selective program and was Congratulations Morgan! We are
Scholars, Hoya Summer Sessions at open to students from around the proud to have your leadership
Georgetown University, but chose nation and the globe. here at OC!
the summer at Stanford.
HARVARD PRE-COLLEGE OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN NSLI-Y PROGRAM
PROGRAM PHILANTHROPY AWARD Congratulations to GCI member
Congratulations to Michaela Congratulations to Maeve Lauren Rajasenan OCHS’24 for
William OCHS’24 on being accepted Shaughnessy OCHS’24 for being completing the National Security
to, and attending, Harvard recognized by the Association of Language Initiative for Youth
University’s Pre-College Program Fundraising Professionals (AFP) (NSLI-Y) Winter Program, a highly
in July. and receiving the Outstanding Youth selective 10-week intensive
in Philanthropy Award for her language program of the U.S.
Along with being challenged by Ivy tremendous work done with her Department of State’s Bureau of
League scholars, this program also friend Sydney on behalf of those Educational and Cultural Affairs.
allows students to participate in suffering from ALS. Lauren studied Hindi.
creative and social activities.
28 OC REVIEWCORNELL SCHOLASTIC ART & TRIB OUTSTANDING
CONGRATULATIONS! WRITING AWARDS YOUNG CITIZENS AWARD
OC Junior Jaylee Witcher Three Oakland Catholic Senior Vivian Didomenico
OCHS’23 was accepted to the students received recognition by OCHS’22 was named a Top Ten
CURIE Academy at Cornell the Pittsburgh Region in the 2022 recipient of the Trib Outstanding
University this summer. Selecting Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Young Citizens Award along
from “an extensive pool of with ten other OCHS students—
outstanding applicants,” the CURIE Gina Palladino OCHS’23 received Charlotte Devlin OCHS’23, Erin
Academy invites high school girls Honorable Mention in personal Estocin OCHS’22, Jillian Gallo
who excel in math and science to essay/memoir for “Memories and OCHS’23, Erin Gurtner OCHS’23,
explore engineering in an Music,” and in journalism for “Russia’s Colleen Kirkpatrick OCHS’23,
interactive atmosphere. As her Role in the Current Ukrainian Crisis”, Cameron Kulbieda OCHS’23, Mia
mother, Jordan Doctor, enthused, Madeleine Ng OCHS’24 won a Silver Lowry, OCHS’23, Madison Mock,
“She continues to amaze me Key in poetry for “The Lone Traveler” OCHS’22, and Zixuan (Yolanda)
every day!” and Janise Zenmon OCHS’22 won Yang OCHS’22—recognized for
a Gold Key in poetry for “My Life their “exemplary character and
Time”. leadership.”
MWRI INTERNSHIP NCWIT RISING STAR SPEECH AND DEBATE
Kudos to Meghan Pohl OCHS’23 AWARD Briella Lucadamo OCHS’23
who was accepted into the Congratulations to Alana Fantini and Madeline Sclichter OCHS’23
Magee-Womens Research Institute OCHS’23 who was nominated by represented OC’s Speech &
2022 summer internship program. her computer teacher, Amy Debate team at the PHSSL State
Blackmond, and awarded the Championships in March. In
This program provides current National Center for Women & Lincoln-Douglas debate, Briella
high school juniors and seniors Information Technology (NCWIT) advanced all the way to the
with the opportunity to 2022 Western Pennsylvania quarterfinals. In Dramatic
participate in basic science or Affiliate Rising Star Award. This Interpretation, Madeline competed
clinical research projects with the award is based on demonstrating in the final round and won 5th
goal of interesting students in aspirations in computing and place in the state.
biomedical research as a potential technology.
career. Congratulations, Briella and
Madeline!
SUMMER 2022 29You can also read
