In the Pursuit of Passion

When Nick Yurchak graduated from Chartiers Valley High School in 2000, he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do. Nick tried several careers – he worked for an HVAC wholesale company, drove a home delivery truck for FedEx and even became a lawn care specialist – but he wasn’t passionate about any of them.

Wanting more out of life and his career, Nick began to think about what he truly loved in life. 

“I love all things Pittsburgh, art, fashion, music, sports, my family, and my friends,” said Nick. “I was born and raised in Bridgeville, I bleed black and gold and I’m a CV Colt for life!” 

That’s when Nick decided to take a risk and pursue something he was really passionate about. He selected a path that combines his love of Pittsburgh, art, fashion and more.

Nick Yurchak

“In 2011 I decided I wanted to start working really hard on my art and designing,” said Nick. “[I decided] to pursue my dream and attempt to design, develop and operate my Pittsburgh-themed clothing line/brand that was different, creative and appealing to the fine people of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas!” 

After months of designing, erasing and redesigning, Nick came up with a logo and settled on a few designs. He started selling t-shirts locally and using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to reach even more consumers. His designs were really starting to catch on when a local celebrity took notice.

“Last summer Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitcher James McDonald complimented and endorsed my shirts on Twitter,” explained Nick. “I really felt like I had a solid product that the people of Pittsburgh would love and be proud to wear.” 

And that was just the beginning. 

Today Nick owns his own business called Steel City S.W.A.G. – swag being short for Sports Wear Apparel ‘n Gear. Steel City Swag is Nick’s first business adventure and he’s loving every minute of it. His goal is to create a successful and reputable clothing line through hard work and dedication.

According to Nick, it was his High School art classes with Mr. Barzan that really motivated him to pursue his dream. 

“Mr. Barzan was a great teacher and I really learned a lot from him – from painting and sketching techniques to making pottery and jewelry in class!” 

“I give Chartiers Valley and all of my teachers a lot of credit for where I am today – and for putting up with me,” Nick added with a smile. “The School District was outstanding and a great experience all around.”

Nick also has some advice for current students. 

“I know it sounds a bit cliché, but find what it is you do best – what makes you happy – and pursue your dreams!” Nick said. “If you’re passionate about what you love to do, get up, get out and make it happen. You have to be your own biggest supporter.”

“Don’t be afraid to dream big. It’s a big world out there and the sky is the limit!” 

Visit Steel City Swag>>

A Head Start on College

Jillian Zinski, Chartiers Valley Class of 2012

Imagine stepping foot on campus for your first day of college and you’re already ahead of the game. For many Chartiers Valley alumni, it’s a realistic situation. 

Take Jillian Zinski. Jillian graduated from Chartiers Valley in June 2012 and began at Slippery Rock University in the fall with 20 credits already under her belt – thanks to Advanced Placement (AP) and College in High School (CIHS) classes. 

According to Jillian, there are several benefits to taking advanced courses in high school – college credit included. Jillian entered college as a second semester freshman. 

“I can worry less about my basic requirements and focus more on my major classes,” said Jillian.

Jillian is pursuing a dual major in early childhood education and special education, which often takes an extra semester to complete.  

“Since I had one semester technically complete before I even started school, I might be able to finish the program in four years,” said Jillian. 

Jillian compared the AP classes she took at Chartiers Valley to her college courses. Like a college course, an AP course is fast-paced and a student’s success often depends on them keeping up with the readings and homework. Another similarity is how much material is covered in class versus what students must learn outside of the classroom.

“Most of the time, everything would not be covered in class, but all of the resources would be provided, so that all of the material could be learned by the student, with or without the teacher,” explained Jillian. “In a lot of ways, AP courses are preparation for college.” 

While college preparation can be a benefit, it can also be a challenge. 

“It is an adjustment to go from a normal high school class where everything is taught and handed to you, to a more independent style of learning,” said Jillian. “What used to be considered “good” could easily be considered mediocre in AP or College In High School.”

Despite the challenges, Jillian recommends taking advanced classes. 

“Don’t be afraid of AP and College In High School (CIHS) courses,” advised Jillian. “They may be considered advanced, but they are good prep for college. The credits will be worth all the hard work in the end!”

“Lastly, enjoy high school! Four years goes by very fast, but the memories stay forever,” she said.

Gregory Markiw, also a 2012 CV alum, agrees. 

Gregory Markiw, Chartiers Valley Class of 2012

“Enjoy your time at CV! It is truly the best all-around school to go to,” said Gregory. “Also, take advantage of CIHS credits, especially if you know you’ll be going to school in the Pittsburgh area.”

Gregory certainly took his own advice. He began at the University of Pittsburgh with 27 college credits – a combination of AP and CIHS classes. 

According to Gregory, the AP and CIHS classes were definitely more challenging compared to other classes offered at Chartiers Valley, but they were worth it. In addition to advance classes preparing Gregory for his college course load, Chartiers Valley also helped prepare him for his life after high school. 

“Chartiers Valley helped me to develop the necessary social skills to function on my own in an environment drastically more diverse than in high school,” said Gregory. “Also, getting involved in as many different extracurricular activities as I could in high school set a good habit when I got to college. I’ve had no problem working with others and getting involved in various campus organizations.”

If you'd like more information about AP or CIHS courses at Chartiers Valley, contact our Student Services Department.  


Related Links:

Student Services website | More about CIHS

Alumni Advice

Chartiers Valley hosted our second annual alumni advisory luncheon on Dec. 19, 2012. The entire CV class of 2012 was invited back and 25 alumni attended.

 

In addition to catching up with their classmates, teachers and principals, the alums shared valuable feedback regarding how well Chartiers Valley prepared them for their lives after high school. They also took some time to share their advice with current students. Here's what they had to say:

 

• Take as many College in High School and AP classes as possible – especially the ones that have to do with your major.
• Challenge yourself in high school and take the harder courses.
• Overall, it’s not about the GPA. Many students took easier courses to get a higher GPA, but the harder courses better prepare students for college.
• Don’t procrastinate.
• Don’t be afraid to use your school counselor.
• Use your teachers as resources.
• Make sure you do all of your reading. Set a schedule for yourself.
• Pay attention to the syllabus. It comes in handy.
• Plan ahead – start thinking about your future freshman year. Focus your last years in high school on preparing for college.
• Balance work time and play time. Learn time management.
• Take it seriously and get good grades. High school is not a joke.
• Take advantage of the arts in high school.
• When you have a deadline for an assignment – meet it. Don’t ask for extensions, you won’t get them in college.
• Enjoy your time in high school, college is much harder.

P.S. Current seniors -- we want to hear from you next year. Check back here or visit  www.cvsd.net around Thanksgiving 2013 for information about the Class of 2013 alumni advisory luncheon.

Welcome home, Ross Ventrone!

Chartiers Valley alum, Ross Ventrone, was added to the Pittsburgh Steelers offseason roster. Welcome home, Ross!

Read the Trib Total Media story>>

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!

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.

View “Below Average Genius” on Amazon>>  

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.”