Thursday, November 29, 2012

Class of 2012 Alumni Advisory Luncheon

The Chartiers Valley Class of 2012 is invited to participate in our annual Alumni Advisory Luncheon.

We want to know how well Chartiers Valley School District prepared you for your life after high school. Your feedback is important and will help us improve our instructional programs for current and future students. Please join us!

December 19, 2012
Chartiers Valley High School
LGI Room
Noon - 2 p.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to catch up with your classmates and teachers. Lunch will be provided. We hope to see you there.

Please RSVP by December 4. RSVP online at bit.ly/alumniRSVP or by calling 412-429-2390.

Happy Holidays!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Below Average Genius



The first time Mike Buzzelli ever performed in front of an audience was when he was in High School at Chartiers Valley. As a class assignment Mike, Chartiers Valley Class of 1981, performed a Shakespearean play with his friend Heidi. The duo managed to make the whole class laugh – sparking Mike’s interest in performing.  

“It was so much fun,” explained Mike. “I got genuine laughs from the class which made me thrive. I’ve been seeking laughs ever since.”

Today Mike is a comedian and writer. He wrote “Below Average Genius” – a nonfiction collection of brisk, humorous tales collected from his weekly humor column at the Washington Observer-Reporter. Each narrative essay explores the ridiculousness in an otherwise normal situation in roughly 500 words or less. 

For example, “It’s a Blurry, Blurry World” chronicles Mike’s inability to snap a decent photograph at Disneyland, while “Come on, Come on to My House” explores the dynamic of watching a movie or television show at another person's home.

“We all have a lot going on. Everybody has so much stress,” said Mike. “If I can make people laugh, then I’m doing my job.” 

“And if I can make money doing that, all the better,” he added.

Years ago, Mike took a chance and followed his dream – all the way to Los Angeles – where he pursued his writing and comedy career for ten years. Although Mike was nervous and intimated when he first arrived in LA, he soon became confident and excelled in his new environment. 

“I would tell all students today to keep doing what they love and never be afraid to go somewhere or try something new,” said Mike. “I’ve found that the only person who can hold you back is you!”

Today Mike is back in Pittsburgh – Scott Township, to be exact – and he’s still pursuing his dreams.

Mike said his time at Chartiers Valley helped prepare him for his life after high school – from his first live performance when he decided to become a comedian, to his time writing for the CharValiant, which guided him toward his writing career. 

“I had an amazing journalism teacher at Chartiers Valley,” said Mike. “He was instrumental in helping me decide to pursue a journalism career and move forward with writing.”

In addition to his book, Mike writes for the Washington Observer-Reporter and the Chartiers Valley Patch. He also does stand-up comedy and has been the Master of Ceremonies at many events.




Thursday, October 18, 2012

For the Love of the Law



After graduating from Chartiers Valley High School in 1978, Stacey Vernallis – then Stacey Fleckenstein – knew she wanted to pursue a law career. 

“Mr. Oliverio was my homeroom teacher at Chartiers Valley and every morning I would challenge him on some point,” said Stacey. “After four years of homeroom, he said that I was getting so good at defending my points, I should consider going to law school.” 

Taking Mr. Oliverio’s advice to heart, Stacey went to Penn State where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science. After that she went to law school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated on law review in 1985. Today, Stacey is a shareholder at Goehring Rutter & Boehm and manages the litigation practice. 

“After graduation I started working and haven’t stopped since,” said Stacey, who specializes in product liability defense work.

Stacey formulates trail and defense strategies as well as writes product warnings on behalf of the manufacturer. Currently, Stacey is heavily involved in the helmet industry and creates the warnings based on data and feedback from UPMC Sports Medicine to help prevent athletic related head injuries such as concussions. 

“I really enjoy working with helmet manufacturers to keep athletes – many of whom are in high school – safe,” said Stacey. 

But Stacey says her favorite part of the job is teaching young lawyers how to think – a skill she first learned at Chartiers Valley.

“Mr. Sopko and Miss Hannon (later known as Dr. Gori) taught history and English. They taught me how to think and how to write,” explained Stacey. “Then Miss Lutz made sure my grammar and syntax were excellent. I came out of CV with exceptionally strong skills.”

“The other extraordinary thing about Chartiers Valley is that there were extensive leadership opportunities,” said Stacey. “I took advantage of as many of those opportunities as possible.”

Stacey is also grateful for the strong role models she found in many of the Chartiers Valley teachers who were working mothers. 

“As a young woman in the 70s, you might not have unified support when you told people you wanted to be a lawyer,” said Stacey. “But the working mothers who were teachers at CV assured me I could – and should – pursue my dreams.”

Friday, September 21, 2012

Chartiers Valley Reunion Honoring the Classes of 1973-1982

A reunion for the Chartiers Valley Classes of 1973-1982 will be held at Nevillewood on Saturday, November 24, 2012.

The Club at Nevillewood 
Saturday, November 24, 2012
6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Join your classmates for dinner, dancing, prizes and more. 

The cost for the reunion is $45/person until September 30th. 
As of October 1st, the price will be $50/person. 

Send checks to:
CV Class of 77
c/o Tony Williams
1 Elwyn Avenue
Carnegie, PA  15106

Accommodations

Rooms have been blocked at the Courtyard Marriott for the night of November 24 at $119 + tax. They have a shuttle that will take all guests to and from Nevillewood, but it stops running at 11 pm. It can be reserved for a $100 fee.

If you plan to reserve a room at the Marriott, please let Marcia Thomas know. She will block additional rooms, if needed. 


If you have any questions, contact Marcia Thomas at 412-762-3710 or marcia.thomas@pnc.com

The 25th Anniversary Reunion is sponsored by the Class of 1977 Committee: Tony Williams, Pres. (412) 638-4790 and Marcia Thomas, V.P.

Sergeant Ron Strang

Sergeant Ron Strang, Chartiers Valley Class of 2003, has been through a lot since graduation. His remarkable story of dedication and perseverance recently made national headlines.

Read the New York Times story>>

Read the ABC News story>>

Read the Evansville Courier & Press story>>

Watch the KDKA story>>

"I am so proud to have taught this young man," said Mrs. Sally Shollenberger. "He is truly a Chartiers Valley hero."

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

From Colt Country to Steeler Nation

After graduating from Chartiers Valley in 2006, Ryan Quinn went on to study film and video production at Penn State. He now works for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Producer/Director of the “Live @4” show.

Check out some of the feature videos that Ryan has filmed and edited.






Tuesday, September 11, 2012

A Fulbright Winner



When Rachel Robinson and her friends were lip-synching to “Stop, In the Name of Love” during the Chartiers Valley talent show her senior year, she wasn’t sure where life would take her after high school. But she knew one thing for sure – the Chartiers Valley social study teachers were behind her. Literally. Mr. Rodrigues, Mr. Copetas, Mr. Switala and Mr. Harhai were the group’s back-up dancers for their act. 

“I do believe that it is safe to say we were quite a hit,” said Rachel, who graduated from Chartiers Valley in 2006. 

After graduation, Rachel went to Duquesne University where she studied psychology. In 2008, she spent a semester abroad in Rome at the Duquesne Italian campus. While abroad, Rachel did community service teaching English as a second language to refugees.  

“Upon return home from Rome, I sought out a work study position in the ESL Department – a job I absolutely loved,” said Rachel. 

After graduating from Duquesne with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in German, Rachel decided to pursue work in the field of international education. 

“My eventual goal is to work in a university office assisting American students who wish to study abroad and helping international students who are studying in America,” said Rachel.

Since the industry is so competitive, Rachel began networking and seeking out any help and advice she could find. Last fall, she met with a woman at Duquesne’s study abroad office who recommended the Fulbright Program to her. 

Rachel agreed that it would be a good match for her, so she applied and was accepted into the prestigious program. Her Fulbright is an ETA scholarship which runs from September 10, 2012 through June 20, 2013. During that time, Rachel will be assisting the English teacher in the classroom of a German high school. She will also spend time conducting yoga and dance classes as her community service proposal. 

“I expect to experience cultural shock and homesickness, but I know the pros will outweigh the cons tenfold,” said Rachel. “I am very excited to refine my German language skills, to express positive aspects of American culture to my German students, and to help these students in any way I can!”

Rachel believes Chartiers Valley helped prepare her for everything she’s accomplished since high school. 

“The years I spent at CV really helped me to refine my interests,” explained Rachel. “I discovered my strengths and weaknesses in terms of which subjects I preferred to study and what I would be most willing to do for a long-term career.”

Although High School is where Rachel took her first psychology and German class, which eventually became her major and minor respectively, she admits it took her time to figure out exactly which career path she wanted to follow.

Her advice to Chartiers Valley students?

“Don’t feel pressure to have your life figured out yet,” said Rachel. “It took me years to have any sort of inkling as to what career I wanted.”

“I had interests, but could not for the life of me figure out how to entwine those interest into a full-time, fulfilling job. It was within my seeking these answers that I discovered the Fulbright Program and am off to this new adventure.”

Learn more about the Fulbright Program>>

Friday, September 7, 2012

Chartiers Valley Class of 1992 Reunion Weekend


Friday, October 5, 2012
CV Home Football game vs. Montour

Saturday, October 6
Papa J's
200 E. Main St.
Carnegie, PA
www.Papajs.com
$35 per person

Sunday, October 7
Steelers Tailgate

Contact Keri Campbell for more information and RSV -- keri.campbell@comcast.net or 770-324-2470

Or visit the Chartiers Valley Class of 1992 Facebook page for additional information and updates to the events.

Hope to see you there!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Jamie Bruno Band



A Chartiers Valley alum Jamie Bruno will be performing at Collier Park Pavilion from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. Admission is free to the public. 

As an emerging country singer and songwriter, Jamie has opened for a number of country stars, including Heidi Newfield, Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith, Keith Anderson, Phil Vasser and Gloriana.


The Jamie Bruno Band
Sunday, July 29
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Collier Township Parks & Recreation
2418 Hilltop Road,
Presto, PA 15142
412.279.2525 


www.jamiebruno.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

Making Dreams Come True




With the world eagerly awaiting the 2012 Summer Olympics, Mike LaMarca’s mind is already on 2016.  LaMarca, a 2005 Chartiers Valley graduate, hopes to participate in the next Paralympic Games.

As he pursues his own dream of competing in the Paralympics and having a professional racing career, he’s also on a mission to help others along the way.

“Right now I’m in the process of starting a charity to raise money for people with disabilities who would like to participate in wheel chair sports,” says LaMarca.

LaMarca hopes “The Michael LaMarca Racing Fund” – the charity he’s in the process of creating – will support young people who have sustained life altering injuries.  As part of his charity, LaMarca is envisioning what he calls the “Get Up and Move” campaign. His goal is to visit places like the Squirrel Hill Rehabilitation Institute and reach kids who are just coming out of surgeries.

“Just because you’re in a wheel chair doesn’t mean you have limitations in life,” says LaMarca. “You don’t have to sit in front of a TV all day. You still have a lot to offer the world.”

While the mission of his charity is to help young people with disabilities reach their potential, he’s also trying to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. LaMarca’s own life changed forever when he was five years old and involved in a serious bike accident.

“My accident was really an eye opener to helmet safety and the laws in Pennsylvania,” explained LaMarca.

In Pennsylvania, children are only required to wear a helmet until they are 12 years of age. Nearly everywhere else in the country requires the use of helmets until children are at least 16 – with many laws extending the age requirement beyond that.

“I want to raise awareness of bike and scooter safety and the importance of helmets,” says LaMarca. “I want to teach kids that they’re not invincible.”

As LaMarca puts the pieces of his charity in place while pursuing his own dream of racing, he’s also focused on school. Now a graduating senior at California State University of Pennsylvania, LaMarca plans to attend law school or business school after he completes his undergrad degree in December.

Interested in supporting The Michael LaMarca Racing Fund? Email us at publicrelations@cvsd.net and we’ll put you in touch with Mike.


Pictured above: Mike LaMarca (front) with Tom Bradley (R), Officer Bill Oslick and Oslick's daughters. All were at Chartiers Valley in May to help with the Life Skills Prom.




Thursday, June 28, 2012

Leaders of Tomorrow

The Leadership Assistant Program at Chartiers Valley offers seniors a unique opportunity to step into the real world without stepping out of the high school.

Students assist a teacher in a classroom setting on a daily basis, giving them the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. In addition, the program reinforces responsibility while enabling students to strengthen their organizational and interpersonal skills.

Once students are accepted into the program, their duties may include:
  • Assisting in classroom or project set-up
  • Remediation
  • In-class tutoring
  • Concept explanation or reinforcement
  • Planning and coordinating individual or group activities
Brittany King, Chartiers Valley Class of 2012, said the Leadership Assistant program helped her figure out what she wants to do. Brittany worked as an assistant in a special education classroom and now plans to study special education at West Virginia University this fall.

Brittany was recently featured in "District Administration" -- a national education magazine -- for her involvement in Chartiers Valley's Leadership Assistant Program.

Read the story in District Administration>>

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

And They're Off

Congratulations to the Chartiers Valley Class of 2012. Check out the map to find out where our graduates are headed after high school.


View Chartiers Valley Class of 2012 in a larger map.

Hats Off to the Graduates

On June 7, 260 graduates processed onto the field at Chartiers Valley High School to receive their diplomas at the 52nd Annual Commencement ceremony.

Student speakers Grace Moraca, Samuel Rubenstein and Brendan Steinbock all had a meaningful final message for their peers before they officially joined the ranks of CV alumni.

Co-Principal Mr. Tom Samosky and Superintendent Dr. Brian White also addressed the graduates. Mr. Samosky told the graduates that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react. He urged them to remember that ratio as they go throughout life.

Dr. White began by having a little fun with the graduates, who were popping up out of their seats every time the “Class of 2012” was mentioned.

“It is my pleasure and distinct honor to welcome all parents, family, friends, faculty, board members, distinguished guests and, of course, the class of 2012… the class of 2012… the class of 2012… to the 52nd commencement exercise at Chartiers Valley High School,” began Dr. White as the students popped up and down.

After the speeches, the graduates received their diplomas before leaving the field and beginning the next chapter of their lives.

What to know where the Class of 2012 is headed next? View their class map.

View photos of graduation on Flickr: From the ground | From the stands