26th Annual Excellence

in Education May 2020

Honored StudentsGreater Latrobe School District

Derry Area School District

Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center

Dr. Robert Ketterer Charter School

Distinguished Teachers

Ella HillSophia HochJulia HuczkoJonah Lotz

Emily Mondock

Zachary BuergerAnna Doelling

Kayla FretzRachel Harter

Cameron Hayes

Rachel NewillBenjamin TakitchKatelin Templeton

Keeley ThomasMatthew Voloshin

Anna Witte

Allison BaumLissette FosterKelsey Geary

Anthony GrayJenna Kuba

Keely McKlveen

Danielle MullenAmber Sterrett

DerryMatthew Gruska

Djay Williams

LatrobeIsabelle KaecherEddie Thompson

Nevaeh Lopez

Mr. Gene BrisbaneMr. Brian ClawsonMs. Heather Doyle

Mr. Ian DunlapMr. Robert Fetter

Ms. Ruth Ann GrantMrs. Charla Huber

Mrs. Ashley KemmererMrs. Lynn Keyser

Mrs. Colleen KinkeadMr. Tyler Kolar

Mrs. Linda KubusMs. Jennifer LeVan

Mr. Casey LongMr. Jeff Mori

Mr. Ken PedderMr. Tom Perry

Mrs. Brooke Pierce

Hakeem Williams

Greensburg Central Catholic High SchoolEthan Boyle Patrick Brewer Kennedy Szekely

Mrs. Liz PradyMr. Tom Pratt

Mr. Scott ReaughMrs. Nikki ShannonMrs. Leanne ShawDr. Rebecca Snyder

Mrs. Linda TempletonMr. Mike Weinell

Mrs. Jennifer Welty

Please join us in congratulating the top 5% of graduating seniors from Derry Area, Greater Latrobe,

and Greensburg Central Catholic High Schools; Dr. Robert Ketterer Charter School; and Eastern

Westmoreland Career & Technology Center for their diligence and hard work.

This time has presented unusual challenges for our schools as they work to continue the important job of education and for the seniors. They finished their time in high school without experiencing the rites

of passage that commemorate their graduation and journey towards life afterwards. We hope that

recognizing the tremendous effort put forth by these seniors will make a difference in some small way.

Welcome

Get to know the students: Greater Latrobe Senior High School

Zachary BuergerZachary involved himself in his passions joining several clubs and groups such as the SADD club, chamber choir, drama club, chain reaction contraption, quiz league, and boys tennis teams. He also took leadership, becoming vice president of the choir council and science club as well as becoming president mathletes and chess club. Zachary would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Ms. Doyle.

Anna DoellingAnna has been a member of the Colorguard for 4 years,

while holding captain her senior year. She also was a member of the Chamber Choir for 3 years and chosen to be the Jazz Band vocalist. She’s participated in 3 fall

plays and 4 spring musicals. She volunteers at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital and as a cantor and altar server

at Saint Vincent Basilica Parish. She will attend Saint Vincent College to major in biology and hopefully minor

in music. Anna would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Ms. LeVan.

Kayla FretzKayla was a football manager for the past 3 years, and it gave her some of the best friends and memories she’s made all throughout high school. Outside of school she had been riding horses for 14 years and she plans to continue riding on Pitt’s equestrian team. Her future plans are to attend the University of Pittsburgh, main campus, on a Chemistry degree on a pre med track with the hope of becoming an anesthesiologist. Kayla would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Reaugh.

Rachel HarterRachel participated in XC, Track & Field, and NHS

throughout her high school career. She will attend PSU Schreyer’s Honors for Microbiology and Spanish in the fall. She hopes to someday attend medical school and

become a Medical Scientist. Rachel would like to extend a special thanks to her kindergarten teacher.

Ella HillElla is the 2020 class historian and is a part of many clubs

and organizations. Along with National Honor Society, she is also a member, and the treasurer, of National

German Honor Society. She has been volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters for three years. She is looking forward

to attending Penn State University for Architectural Engineering this coming year. Ella would like to extend a

special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Reaugh.

Cameron HayesCameron is president of French Club, co-president of choir, and secretary of National Honors Society. He also does musicals, marching band, recycling, and Science Olympiad. Out of school, his hobbies include reading, gardening, and going on walks. Cameron is attending The George Washington University in the fall to major in Environmental Sciences and to minor in French. Cameron would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Mrs. Kubus.

Sophia HochSophia has been a member of Student Council at Greater Latrobe since elementary school and is now the senior Class Secretary, a School Board Student Representative, Link Crew Leader, and German National Honor Society Secretary. She has been a competitive dancer at Seton Hill University Dance Academy for as long as she can remember. Sophia would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Reaugh.

Julia HuczkoJulia played varsity tennis for three years, she has been in every senior high spring musical, is a member of the

school’s prestigious chamber choir, and is a big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greensburg. She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh- Pittsburgh Campus

for Biology in the fall. After college, she hopes to receive her PhD in biology and go into field research. Julia would

like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mrs. Shannon.

Benjamin TakitchBenjamin is the vice president of NHS, treasurer of the

drama club, and a member of GLSD’s Chamber Choir. He had had roles in a multitude of Greater Latrobe’s

musicals and plays; music and acting have had a profound impact on his life. His favorite hobby is playing the piano,

alongside making any form of music. This fall, he plans on going to the University of Pittsburgh to work towards a

Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Rachel NewillRachel has been involved in Link Crew for two years at Greater Latrobe as well as a year round dancer at Laurel Valley Academy of Dance. She has been inducted into Spanish National Honor Society and National Honor Society and is very grateful for the past almost four years at GLSD. She will be attending Seton Hill University for their five year accelerated Physician Assistant Program. Rachel would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Reaugh.

Emily MondockEmily has been involved in 3 years of varsity tennis, the music department, and multiple clubs. She was on the

Science Bowl team, a student council representative, a member of the Chamber Choir, and participant in four GLHS musicals. She is Secretary of Drama Club

and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. Next year, she will be attending the University of Pittsburgh as a

Neuroscience major. Her uture aspirations are to pursue research. Emily would like to extend a special thanks to

her teacher, Mr. Pratt.

Jonah LotzJonah is involved in Science Olympiad, Quiz League, National Honor Society, Chess Club (Treasurer), Mu Alpha Theta (Treasurer), and Physics Olympiad (President). Outside of school, he enjoys reading comic books and science fiction novels, playing board, card, and video games, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. After high school, he will be attending the University of Arizona honors college as an astronomy major. Jonah would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Ms. Doyle.

Katelin TempletonKatelin is a member of the National Honor Society, National German Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Link Crew, Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She is also the president of the German Club and treasurer of Interact Club. She is currently working as a barista at Starbucks, and next year she plans to attend a six-year program for a degree in Pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh. Katelin would like to extend a special thanks to her mother, Mrs. Templeton.

Keeley ThomasKeely participates in clubs such as Student Council

and Interact Club. She is Co-President of the Greater Latrobe Choir Association and has participated in the

Drama Club for four years. She is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and

International Thespian Society. She loves to read, write, and sing with her friends. Keeley would like to extend a

special thanks to her teacher, Mrs. Prady.

Matthew VoloshinMatthew has been a Link Crew Leader for the past two years, a member of both German National Honor Society and National Honor Society, and a Mathlete. This past year, he worked with Ms. Doyle to set up a Latrobe Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the Math National Honor Society. He plans to attend Villanova University in the Fall to study Computer Engineering. Matthew would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Mrs. Keyser.

Anna WitteAnna’s key qualities are that she always tries to challenge

herself and tries new things. Her favorite subjects are chemistry and math, and she is in the Mathletes club.

She is going to Duquesne University next year to major in chemistry. Some of her interests include photography,

traveling, being outdoors, and listening to music. Anna would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Dr.

Snyder.

Get to know the students: Derry Area High School

Allison BaumAllison Baum is vice president of the French club, monogram club, National French honor society, mu alpha theta, and interact. She is also a member of the girls varsity softball team, and was on the varsity girls swim team. She plans on attending Westmoreland County Community College for nursing to earn an associated degree in nursing, and then transferring to a university to eventually become a nurse anesthetist. Allison would like to extend a special thanks to her teachers, Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Huber.

Lissette FosterLissette Foster is an officer of the Interact club, and is involved in many other activities including mock

trial, Mu Alpha Theta, volleyball, and Spanish Honors Society. Over the past four years, she has accumulated over 500 community service hours through her efforts

in the community. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Virginia with an intended major in

Commerce with a focus on Marketing. Lissette would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mrs.

Kemmerer.

Kelsey GearyKelsey Geary is actively involved in Derry Area’s musicals and all-class plays as both cast and director, and has been honored at the Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Competition three times. She was recently nominated for the WCT Achievement in the Arts award for Theatre. Kelsey is the captain of Derry’s WIRC team as well as the president of Derry’s French Club. Kelsey would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mrs. Welty.

Anthony GrayAnthony Gray is deeply interested in Technology and

Chemistry. He has assisted in the production of Derry’s High School Musicals for three years. Anthony will be

participating in a part-time job with Derry Area School District as part of the IT Department. He has participated

in WIRC, the Catapult Competition, and the Academic Quiz Team. Anthony would like to extend a special thanks

to his teacher, Mr. Clawson.

Jenna KubaJenna Kuba is treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta. In addition, she participated in World Language Honor Society as well as Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy and various other clubs. She was on the grant writing team for Chick-Fil-A, where they placed first nationally for their Impact Project. She will be attending the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg this fall to pursue a career in Elementary Education. Jenna would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Clawson.

Keely McKlveenKeely McKlveen is secretary of the Class of 2020, Vice

President of the National Business Honors Society, and leader of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. She plans on attending Grove City College where she’ll earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Physics and minor in

Medical Physics. After earning her degree she wants to attend medical school to become a Radiologist. Keely

would like to extend a special thanks to the school principal, Mr. Long.

Danielle MullenDanielle was a member of the varsity basketball team, Interact, Bachelor Auction Committee, Mu Alpha Theta, World Language Honor Society, and Monogram club. She will be attending University of Miami in the fall, majoring in Biology on a pre-med track. Danielle would like to extend a special thanks to her basketball coach, Mr. Brisbane.

Amber SterrettAmber Sterrett was captain of the tennis and

cheerleading team and belongs to many clubs, such as Interact, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Spanish

Language Honor Society. In the fall she plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a major

in applied mathematics. Amber would like to extend a special thanks to her tennis coach, Mr. Perry.

Get to know the students: Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center

Latrobe

Derry

Matthew GruskaMatthew started the Automotive Cluster in 9th grade, and as part of the Automotive Cluster, he learned various skills

such as welding, basic fluid maintenance, painting process, detailing and fabricating patch panels. He has earned

several certifications over the past 4 years at EWCTC as well as upholding his honor roll status. Matthew would like to

extend a special thanks to his teacher, Mr. Weinell.

Isabelle KaecherIsabelle is a three-year student in the Machine Tool Technology program. In the fall, she will be attending Penn State Behrend and majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Secretary of SkillsUSA, district competitor/winner for SkillsUSA in Machine Tool and Senior Class President at EWCTC. Isabelle would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Pedder.

Djay WilliamsDjay is a three-year student in the Computer Science program. He attended SkillsUSA and was amazed that, as a freshman, he was able to share the experience with the seniors. He plans to continue his education in the field of Computer Science at Edinboro University. Djay would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Mr. Dunlap.

Eddie ThompsonEddie was the NTHS president and Battle Bots captain for the

2019-20 school year. He also enjoyed playing the trumpet in the Latrobe marching band. Moving forward, he intends

on studying Electrical Engineering at Penn State Main. Eddie would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Mr.

Mori.

Get to know the students: Greensburg Central Catholic High School

Ethan BoyleEthan is a graduating senior at Greensburg Central Catholic. He played soccer, basketball, and baseball for his school and was a member of student council. He plans on attending the Notre Dame Holy Cross Gateway Program and major in Neuroscience and Behavior. Ethan would like to extend a special thanks to his teacher, Mrs. Kinkead.

Kennedy SzekelyKennedy has been on the Highest Honor Roll all four years. She also received Seton Hill’s Women in Science award for biology. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina where she will be majoring in biology. Kennedy will be a member of the Capstone scholars program and will receive and Excellence Award Scholarship. Kennedy would like to extend a special thanks to her lacrosse coach, Ms. Grant.

Patrick BrewerPatrick is a National Merit Commended Scholar, Trib Total

Media Outstanding Young Citizen, AP Scholar, WPIAL Scholar-Athlete, Commonwealth of PA Merit Award, 3-Sport WPIAL medalist (Soccer-1st, Pole Vault 2nd, Wrestling 6th). He plans to run track for Cornell University as a decathlete

and study Biology & Psychology. Patrick would like to extend a special thanks to his pole vault coach, Mr. Kolar.

Get to know the students: Dr. Robert Ketterer Charter School

Hakeem WilliamsHakeem is a graduating student from Dr. Robert Ketterer Charter School. Some of his accomplishments include Distinguished honors, Certificate of Technical grinding/electrical, CPR Certificate,EMR/Career Readiness Certificate, and Stop the bleeding Certificate. He plans on working after graduation and then going on to College. Hakeem would like to extend a special thanks to the school principal, Mrs. Pierce.

Nevaeh LopezNevaeh is a graduating student from Dr. Robert Ketterer

Charter School. Her family moved to Pennsylvania where she enrolled in the Charter School for about three

and a half years. Here she began enjoying school and wanting to better herself. She was provided one-on-one assistance and eventually her grades started to improve

tremendously. Nevaeh would like to extend a special thanks to her teacher, Mr. Fetter.

Thank You to our SponsorsCommercial Bank & Trust of PA

Gibson Thomas Engineering Co, Inc.

Reparex Fabricated Systems, Inc

Around Latrobe Magazine

Carclo Technical Plastics

Cathi L. Gerhard, Professor of English & Professional Writing, Penn State University

Donna Tidwell-Vernon Realty Services

Elizabeth Carbide Components

Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation

Greater Latrobe School District

Kattan Ferretti Insurance

Kelly, Sparber, White & Associates, LLC

Latrobe Printing and Publishing Co., Inc.

Mains Chiropractic

Randy Redinger & Sons Auto Service

TSI Titanium, Tech Spec Inc.

Tim Bates

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer

yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know

what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...”

- Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!