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Post-Gazette's All-Star Achievers for West
Wednesday, April 04, 2001
It was another banner year for achievements by students in academics, extracurricular activities and volunteerism. Some spent hours raising money, helping the needy and doing good works in their communities.
They advanced their skills in sports, theater, music and writing, and in the classroom. Of the many nominees, the staff of PG West chose 10 who represent the highest levels of achievement. Each student also wrote an essay about an inspirational teacher, excerpts of which appear with the teacher's picture.
Marissa Gallagher
A member of the National Honor Society. Volunteer with Salvation Army; Toys for Tots; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and visited nursing homes. Actor in church plays; member of Cornell's Drama Club. Will major in education at Duquesne University.
Donna Belas
"Mrs. Belas is very dedicated to helping and teaching all of the students at Cornell. She is the sponsor of the Hilltop Newspaper and the Reflections Yearbook. Mrs. Belas would do anything for any one of her students and she is greatly respected by all of the students at Cornell High School."
Michael Greer
Plans to study musical theater at Carnegie Mellon University. Enrolled in honors courses; received National Merit awards in biology, Algebra II and anatomy. Received a scholarship from American Movie Classics for writing, producing and starring in a video.
Kevin Maurer
"My choral director Kevin Maurer has helped me on endless occasions and always encourages me to go the extra mile to pursue . . . my goals. He has immeasurable confidence in me....With his help and constant faith in me, I have grown and developed into [a] mature and dedicated person."
Dana Havey
Member of and award-winner in DECA, an association of marketing students. Has been vice president of DECA's Aliquippa chapter and state secretary. Distinguished Honor Roll student, president of the senior class. Lettered in both softball and volleyball.
Lon F. Hogue
"Mr. Lon F. Hogue is my marketing teacher, DECA advisor, and Senior Project mentor. Mr. Hogue has sacrificed much of his time during the school year and summer to accompany me to DECA's State and National Conferences, as well as to the Officer Training and State Conference Planning Session."
Christin Jamery
Editor-in-chief of school newspaper, Student Council president for three years. Organized a "Senior Citizens Day," for music and dancing for the elderly in the community. Honor roll student. Plans to attend Pitt to study political science and law.
Ivan FrankDennis DeAngelis
"Mr. DeAngelis, my newspaper/journalism teacher, has encouraged our staff to work together as a team, meet deadlines, and strive for quality work. He has helped to personally to develop my writing skills, to become independent and responsible, and has been a trustworthy friend and mentor for the past three years."
Deana Jirak
Accomplished pianist, published poet. Recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Studied journalism, photography and page design. Vice president of the Rotary Interact Club. Plans a career in magazine publishing and will study communication design.
Maggi Mishkin
"Since a very young age, Mrs. Mishkin has been a huge influence in my life. I am motivated by her encouraging words and I feel that she knows me almost as well as my own parents."
Doug Kramer
First in his class; highest honor roll; D.A.R.E.; Role Model Student. Lettered in soccer, was co-captain and MVP. Escorted disabled students to football games. Student representative to the school board. Will study criminal justice at Gannon University.
Nancy Hartman
"Mrs. Hartman helped me decide my future plans by teaching me about criminal justice and laws. She provided hands-on experience through the Law Enforcement Apprentice Program which she helped establish. She is always willing to sit down, listen, talk and advise me with any situation I might have."
Roy Ludwick
Student in Montour's gifted program. Plans to major in bio-medical engineering. Placed first in experimental design at Science Olympics. Member of champion math team. Active at Holy Trinity Catholic Church; works at soup kitchens and nursing home.
William Dines
"Mr. Dines has not so much taught me this past year, as he has piqued a curiosity in me to learn and understand. Only now am I realizing how his teaching style leads me to study and see what conclusions I can draw on my own."
Vincente Tennerelli
Member of Quigley's mock trial team; voted best witness and best advocate. Placed first in state and third nationally in the VFW Voice of Democracy contest. Works with ministry for the sick and elderly. Will major in political science and government.
Timothy Waxenfelter
"Mr. Wax was the first person to interest me in mock trial and forensics. He recruited me for extemporaneous speaking in my freshman year, which began my interest in politics that continues to this day. He is the heart of the mock trial and forensics teams, a constant motivator and inspiration."
Christopher Tokarczyk
Plans to study computer science at CMU. Co-captain of football team. AP scholar; led Science Bowl team to the finals in a U.S. Department of Energy competition. Worked on Web site design for UPMC. Plays guitar. Does volunteer work with the elderly.
Ted Kallet
"Although one of my newer teachers, Mr. Kallet has impacted the way I see literature and education. Being more of a math/science oriented person, I really never gave much thought to literature besides what I personally read. Fortunately, he gave me an opportunity to explore what I've been missing."
Jeremy Vallimont
Captain of Moon swim team who overcame asthma to participate in athletics. Finalist in the National Merit Program and school newspaper reporter. Volunteer lifeguard at Camp Breathe EZ for children with asthma. Plans a major in physics and medical career.
Shawn Welsh
"Mr. Shawn Welsh teaches difficult subjects well -- Honors Physics II and CHS Physics. In fact, he has inprired me to major in 'his' subject in college. Academically strict, but fair and friendly, Mr. Welsh anticipates questions, communicates reasons behind the concept, and makes us all want to be scientists!"
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