Bishop McCort Catholic

Recognizing BMCHS Alumnus, Tom Bradley '74

A Benefit for the BMCHS Lift Scholarship Program
hosted by Mark Pasquerilla at his home

Saturday, June 23, 2012
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tickets on Sale NOW!
Recognizing BMCHS Alumnus, Tom Bradley, Class of 1974
for 37 years of service at Penn State University

$100/ticket (100% tax deductable)
All proceeds benefit the BMCHS Lift Scholarship Program

Limited tickets available. To purchase tickets call 814.248.3867

Sponsored by: Interstate Insurance Management

Bishop’s Night for Vocations award winners

The annual Bishop’s Night for Vocations was held in April in Loretto at Our Lady of Loretto Community Hall. Students throughout the Altoona-Johnstown diocese submitted poems, essays and posters. This year’s theme was “As I Walk and Talk with Jesus, What Is He Guiding Me to Do?” BMCHS students took home most of the awards.

Those presented with awards for posters were: Caitlin Stiffler, first prize; Pauline Johncola, second prize; Jessica Schulte, honorable mention.

Winners in the category of essay were: Lauren Woznick, first prize; Justin Vardian, honorable mention.

Students receiving awards in the area of poetry were: Mary Woloschuk – first prize; Lucas Walkowski, second prize; Shannon O’Reilly and Elizabeth Hamonko, honorable mention.

Pictured (top left-right): Lucas Walkowski, Jessica Schulte, Caitlin Stiffler, Lauren Woznick, Justin Vardian, Elizabeth Hamonko, Mary Woloschuk, Shannon O'Reilly

Seniors receive Rotary recognition

The Johnstown Rotary Club recently awarded scholarship funds to graduating seniors at the 28th annual Salute to Area Scholars. Eight BMCHS students received recognition.

Scholarship recipient
Mary Woloschuk, $500 Service Above Self scholarship

Academic achievement recognition
Larissa Cooley, Mary Woloschuk, Halee Karashin, Brian Woznick, Lisa Vatavuk, Lauren Woznick, Carissa Vyhonsky and Lucas Walkowski.

Service Above Self nominees
Halee Karashin and Lucas Walkowski

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Pictured Bottom (l-r):Larissa Cooley, Lauren Woznick, Halee Karashin, Carissa Vyhonsky Top: Brian Woznick, Lisa Vatavuk, Mary Woloschuk, Lucas Walkowski

Concerts at BMCHS

Bishop McCort Catholic High School Spring Concert
Sunday, May 20 at 7 p.m.

This concert will feature the talents of our high school chorus and acapella chorus under the direction of Mrs. Susan Pearce. The high school string orchestra will be under the direction of Mrs. Sarah Smitherman. The high school concert band and jazz ensemble will be led by Mr. Keith Kuckenbrod. Each group will be performing a mix of timeless classics and contemporary works suited for all musical tastes. We will close the concert with Alleluia and Hymn, which will combine the talents of the massed choir and full orchestra.

Side-by-Side Concert
Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. with Pizza Party (students only) at 4:30 PM

This concert will feature the talents of our four Catholic elementary schools combined with their respective high school ensemble. The combined string ensemble will feature 62 of our very talented string musicians and will perform The Square Dance, God Bless America, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The combined concert band will boast an impressive 99 member ensemble and will perform Afterburn, Chorale Prelude, and Firework. The concert will be short and sweet and is meant to give our elementary musicians the chance to play side-by-side with our older high school musicians. It benefits both elementary and high school ensembles by giving them a large ensemble experience that they do not have at each of their schools.

Signing Day

Four Bishop McCort Students made commitments to continue their athletic careers in college. Pictured l-r: Christian Leech, son of Bernard and Cynthia Leech, will be playing baseball at Washington & Jefferson; Jesse Cooper, son of James and Francine Cooper, will be playing baseball at Seton Hill; Meredith Mishler, daughter Dale and Erin Mishler, of will be playing soccer at Westminster; and Jill Kegg, daughter of Thomas and Vicki Kegg, will be playing basketball St. Vincent College.

'81 Alumnus Receives Award

Stephen J. Czech ('81) was honored with the Miracle Maker Leadership Award Steve Czech_1.jpg at the 2012 Expect Miracles Awards. Mr. Czech will deliver the Commencement Address at Graduation to the Class of 2012.

BMCHS Senior featured in Johnstown Magazine

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BMCHS Senior Olivia Leventry, is featured in the May edition of Johnstown Magazine as one of the Most Beautiful People! Olivia will enter Washington & Jefferson College this fall as a Pre-Med student. She is the daughter of Richard Leventry and Amy Leventry of Johnstown. Find out more about her story and others at www.johnstownmagazine.com.

The Second Annual Gene Schultz Memorial Baseball Tournament

2nd ANNUAL GENE SCHULTZ WHITE.jpg The Second Annual Gene Schultz Memorial Baseball Tournament will take place at Point Stadium today and tomorrow: Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28.

The tournament was created to honor Mr. Gene Schultz, the legendary baseball coach and teacher at Bishop McCort, who presided over the third base coaching box for twenty-six years. During his time leading the Crushers, Coach Schultz accumulated 225 wins and earned the respect of countless young men that he worked with on a daily basis. His #24 still hangs in the hallway of the school as a tribute to one of the all- time great coaches of Catholic High.

The pairings for the opening round of the tournament on Friday April 27^th will have Westmont vs. Conemaugh Township at 4:00 p.m. and Bishop McCort vs. Bishop Carroll in the 7:00 p.m. game. Saturday will feature the Consolation game at 1:00 p.m. and the Championship game 4:00 p.m. All games will be played at the Point Stadium. The Crushers won the inaugural tournament last season with a 3-2 win over Bishop Carroll.

The Crushers two games will be broadcasted via the Crusher Sports USTREAM Page at: http://www.ustream.tv/user/crushersports

A Busy Friday at BMCHS!

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Thank you to all the students and adult donors who donated. 88 pints were collected to make the drive a success! Pictured: Blood drop, Dog, and Junior Collin Imler.

Environmental Science Class
Enviromental Science Class.jpg Under the guidance of faculty member Mark Anderson, the kids spent the day performing the annual cleanup of the railroad embankment. Pictured: (l-r) Mark Anderson, Brayanna Lightfoot, Ashley Stephens, Larissa Brown, McKenna Smouse, Dan Layton, and Jeremy Adams.

Genesis Club
The club spend the day weeding and planting flowers around the school. The club is lead by faculty member, Jen Bradley. Pictured: (l-r) Nate Herdman, Joseph Daley, Beau Rigby, Jordan Salvia, Kayla Wallace, Laura Lenhart, Mary Woloschuk. Seated: Nicolette Diehl, Katie Cook, and Rebecca Price.

BMCHS Marching Band Fundraiser

Seven local bands are coming together to raise money for the Bishop McCort Marching Band. Admission is $5.

The show will take place from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 in the Guzzi Performing Arts Center.

The five-hour show will span a musical palate from pop punk to classic rock to metal, showcasing some of the area's freshest music talent.

The bands scheduled to play are Saving Elizabeth, Kids These Days, Springloaded, A Faster Ride, Dark Krome, Fifteen Year Vendetta, and Fore Day Creep.

The event is being organized by Senior, James Kirwan.

Tickets for the show can be purchased at the door or at the school office.

Beginnings Donation

Conner Hagins (center) founder Cuddles for Kids, along with classmates (l-r) Patrick McKinney, Katie Hagins 2.JPG Kovacic, and Lucas Walkowski, recently presented Paula Eppley-Newman, Executive Director of Beginnings Inc., with toys, books and stuffed animals. Hagins 1.JPG

Spring blood drive hosted by The National Honor Society

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BMCHS gym

7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Our goal is ninety pints of blood!

Adults- to reserve an appointment time to make sure you are in and out and back to work...send an email to: mpiatak@mccort.org. We'll reserve your time to expedite your visit.

* Please remember to bring your blood donor card and photo ID/driver's license.

A bacon and egg breakfast will be provided for all donors.

An EasterBlessing

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BMCHS Senior in the Spotlight

Jill Kegg was selected as a member of the North squad in the Annual AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase. The event was held Easter weekend at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center. Read more.

Masses of Remembrance

A Mass of Remembrance for Mrs. Joyce Mae Diebert will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Bishop McCort Catholic High School in the Chapel at 7:30 a.m. Open to the community.

A Mass of Remembrance for Mrs. Louise Bulka will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Bishop McCort Catholic High School in the Chapel at 7:30 a.m. Open to the community.

American Red Cross Award

BMCHS received plaques from the American Red Cross designating BMCHS as Everyday Hero Status for making 115% of our blood drive goal at our January 2012 Blood Drive. Bishop McCort will also be cited in an upcoming issue of the USA Today for making over 110% o Red Cross Photo smaller.jpg f our goal.

Pictured: (L-R) Back: Jesse Cooper, Meredith Mishler, Mary Clare Piatak (faculty), Cassie Pleskovic, Jenna Kutchman, and Brian Woznick. Front: Cristy Flynn, Lauren Woznick, Kaylee Neff, and Katie Kovacic.

Our next blood drive will be held Friday, April 20, 2012 in the BMCHS Gymnasium.

St. Patrick's Day celebration

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, BMCHS held an All-School Mass celebrated by Very Rev. Daniel J. O'Neill. The acoustic folk band, Dead Irish Blues, played during both Band crop.jpg lunch periods. Special desserts (donated by Galliker's and Cookies 'N More) were served to the students by the faculty.

For the third consecutive year, 'green' t-shirts with an Irish prayer printed on the back, were sold to benefit the Paul Hollern Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mr. Hollern was a beloved Social Studies teacher at Lunch crop.jpg Bishop McCort for 43 years. In 2008, he passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. Every year students continue to honor Mr. Hollern's legacy by carrying on his St. Patrick's Day traditions, which he so enthusiastically celebrated.

The 2012 Senior class- the last class taught by Mr. Hollern

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Birthright of Johnstown, Inc. check presentation

Bishop McCort Catholic High School students Dennis Sebetich, Aubrey Flynn, Taylor Shaffer, Stephen Koval, Kelsey Illuzzi, Tara Shaffer, and Nick Gehlmann presented Mary Kay Clark, Executive Director, Birthright of Johnstown, Inc., with a $1,000 donation check. The funds were raised from a dress down day held in honor of The Right to Life program. These students represent some of the 70 from Bishop McCort that attended the March for Life Rally in Washington, D.C. in January 2012.

Evening of Prayer & Reflection

McCort Evening Mass & Reflection.jpg Representative Mike Turzai, 28th Legislative District, Pennsylvania State House Majority Leader was the featured speaker last night for the Evening of Prayer & Reflection. The evening began with Mass at 6:30 p.m. celebrated by Rev. Dennis Kurdziel.

The evening was sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank.

Pictured, Rep. Mike Turzai, (students) Beth Sheridan and Stephanie Hrbal, and BMCHS Principal, Ken Salem.

Click here for more photos of the evening.
Click here to read more about Representative Turzai.

2011 Pat Tillman Award

2012 Tillman Award.jpg BMCHS special team coordinator, Dan Santoro presents the 2011 Pat Tillman Award to senior wide receiver and defensive back, Jerqual Wilson. Click here to read more.

3 SOLD OUT SHOWS!

The Wizard of Oz

Thank you to all who attended the 3 SOLD OUT Shows.
The performances were amazing!

Congratulations to all involved!

Click here for:
NEW Photos
Cast list

Rosary Club Thank You

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s Volunteer Services Department recently stopped by Bishop McCort Catholic High School to thank the Rosary Club. The Rosary Club makes and donates Rosaries to be distributed ‘free of charge’ to patients.

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Pictured: Front row: Annu Suresh, Jessica Schulte, Mary Woloschuk, Emily Metzgar, Lauren Wilson, Kelsey Hartwiger, Molly Thomson; Sister Carol Ann Ziecina, Staff Chaplain, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Back row: Rosary Club Advisors: Marge Blough and Anne Majcher; Pauline Johncola; Karlene Koh; Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s Volunteer Coordinator, Rose Selfridge; Helene Gleason, Director of Volunteer Services; Bruce Griffith, Manager of Spiritual Care, all from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center; Lauren Grasser; Courtney Leech; and Aaron Hochstein

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP Basket Party

A Basket Party for “NOW IS THE TIME” GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP
Sunday, March 4, 2012
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Laurel View Village
2000 Cambridge Drive
Davidsville, PA 15928

Donation $10.00- includes 25 Chances, Door Prize Ticket/Lunch & Dessert, Coffee or Punch

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

Proceeds will benefit BMCHS graduates going: Shannon O’Leary, Jessica Vamos, Kristen Wood, Nate Moot, Emily Basile, Maranda McIntosh, Brittany Boyd, and Suzanne Brett

Good Friends and Neighbors Day

Bishop McCort Catholic High School will honor residents from Valley Pike Manor and Lochnar Plaza Wednesday, February 1, 2012, during the 18th annual celebration of Good Friends and Neighbors Day. The festivities will begin at 1 p.m.

More than 50 residents from both facilities will attend a luncheon in Bishop McCort’s cafeteria. Entertainment will be provided by the band and chorus. The day will conclude with bingo, door prizes, and a gift bag for each resident.

Good Friends and Neighbors Day is sponsored by Bishop McCort Catholic High School’s Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) and Key Club. Mu Alpha Theta/Key Club moderator and faculty member, Carol Grove, started the tradition 18 years ago. She commented, "It’s a nice day to invite our neighbors over. Everyone really seems to enjoy their time here. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community."

Praise and Worship/Eucharistic Adoration Day for Teens with Bishop Mark

Why not start your Lenten Journey with an afternoon of music and reflection?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
1:00 PM
Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Loretto

All high school students in Grades 9-12 are invited to join Bishop Mark Bartchak for Praise, Worship Music, and Eucharistic Adoration. There will also be an opportunity for confession.

There will also be a 4:00 p.m. Liturgy that would meet your Sunday obligation.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND!
For more information or a registration form, contact your Parish Director of Religious Education, your elementary school principal, or the Youth Ministry Office at (814)693-1401

Information is also online at www.ajdiocese.org/youth-ministry.

Open enrollment continues

Bishop McCort Catholic High School

If you were unable to attend the Open House, call the school to schedule a personal appointment at 814-536-8991.

Learn more about our academic program that incorporates character education and critical thinking skills throughout the college preparatory curriculum.

70 McCort Students Attend March for Life Rally in Washington, D.C.

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Our goal this year was to fill one bus with students to attend the 39th Annual March for Life Rally, but so many students felt called to attend that we had to find room on two other local buses! In all, 70 students and 6 faculty/chaperones attended. One group left at 2:30 a.m. in order to arrive in time to attend Mass at the Verizon center, and the other two groups (one of which is pictured here) left later and went right to the Rally. We are so proud of these students and their commitment to a person's right-to-life! Since it is not possible for all students and faculty to attend the March for Life, at 1:30 p.m., those at school joined together to say a special Prayer for Life.

Taylor Akers, Class of 2013, Competes for PA State Fair Queen

Taylor Akers.jpg Good luck to McCort junior, Taylor Akers, who will compete this weekend, January 21-22, in the 2012 PA State Fair Queen Contest being held in Hershey. Taylor was crowned the 2011 Cambria County Fair Queen this past August. Click here for more information about Taylor and her Cambria County Fair Queen title.

Alumni- Tell Us Your News!

BMCHS will publish a National Tradition in March. Please share your accomplishments, marriage, births and more! Share your new under Our Alumni: News & Notes by clicking here.

Driver Education Program offered to ALL area teens

BMCHS is offering Driver Education Classroom Instruction and Behind-the-Wheel Education to ALL area teens preparing for their PA Driver's License. Registration Deadline is Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Click here for more information.

Christmas Family Project

On Tuesday, December 20th, we concluded our Christmas Family Project for this year. Through this project, students and faculty at Bishop McCort "adopted" 16 families who were in need of assistance this Christmas. In total, over $8,000.00 worth of presents and food will be distributed to these families, helping to make it a Merry Christmas for 43 children and their families. Below left, Student Council members load items for delivery as three freshmen boys work together to wrap specially selected gifts. For more photos of this event, please click here.

Christmas Family 2011. Christmas Family 2011 2.

Announcing our first Excellence in Action Award Winners

Earlier this month, we recognized 5 McCort students and 2 faculty/staff members for their commitment to serving others in the school and/or community. Student recipients included, Sam Pesto, Alyssa Irwin, Nicolette & Lauren Harper, and Madeline Dom (pictured below with principal, Ken Salem). Biology teacher, Jennifer Bradley, and administrative assistant Mary Luna (below right) were the first faculty/staff recipients. Click here to nominate someone for the Excellence in Action Award.

BMCHS presents $3,300 check to WRI

WRI Check Presentation small 2.jpg Bishop McCort Catholic High School (BMCHS) students presented a $3,300 check to Windber Research Institute. The money was raised during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Students completed various projects during the month to raise awareness and money.

•Students created a banner with their own handprints in pink and held a PINK OUT day in school. All students donating $2 could wear pink to school for that day.

•Pink rosaries, made by students, were sent to Breast Cancer patients.

Pictured (front left) Spencer Yingling; Jenna Kutchman; Cara Vizzini;(back left) Tom Kurtz, President/CEO Windber Research Institute; Beth Sheridan; Brenda Deyarmin, Research Associate Windber Research Institute; and Kenneth S. Salem, Principal, Bishop McCort Catholic High School.

Christmas Family Light-up Night at BMCHS

Thank you to all who were able to be part of our special event! The evening began with a nativity blessing followed by the lighting of the courtyard and Santa’s arrival! Kids enjoyed activities, refreshments, face painting from Lady Clarabelle the clown and more!

Click here for more photos of the evening!

"Une Soiree de Noel"
Join the French classes on Tuesday, December 20th, for"Une Soiree de Noel" - a French Christmas Dinner. Click here for details.

90th Anniversary Celebration Committee Volunteers Needed

Are you an alum or a friend of Bishop McCort Catholic High School? McCort will celebrate its 90th Anniversary in 2012. We are extending an open invitation to anyone who is interested in being on the planning committee and event sub committees. The celebration of multiple events will begin in July 2012 and continue through May 2013. Please contact Renee Shaw at 814.248.3865 or via email at rshaw@mccort.org for more information.

The Tradition

View the latest Tradition here!

Tradition Highlights:

McCort Cares
BMCHS Ministers of the Eucharist
Biology Program
90th Anniversary Committee
Calendar of Events....and more!

Bishop Mark & BMCHS students attend National Catholic Youth Conference

Click here to read more about the Conference.
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Students remembering our Military during the holidays

Click here to read more.
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Cuddles for Kids

State Representative Bryan Barbin, center, joined in the kick-off of the sixth annual Cuddles for Kids (CFK) Toy Drive at Bishop McCort Catholic High School.

Students pictured with Rep. Barbin are: Nick Mastovich, Conner Hagins (founder CFK), Pat McKinney, Lacey Krouse, Julia Korenoski, Lucas Walkowski, and Emily Metzgar. Faculty, staff, and the student body, donated more than 400 stuffed animals and toys along with $900 in cash donations that will directly benefit the program.

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McCort Alum, USNA Midshipman Kara Yingling Addresses Students before Mass with Bishop Mark

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MIDN 1/c Kara Lynn Yingling, a 2008 BMCHS graduate currently in her fourth year at the USNA, addressed the student body on Monday, November 21st at 9:30 a.m. Kara shared her experiences in Annapolis and offered some motivational words to students.

Kara's presentation was followed by an All School Mass at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartchak.

For more information please click here.

Alumni Notes: Andrew Hawkins ('04) Has Steelers Buzzing

Click here to read more NFL news about Andrew Hawkins, BMCHS grad of 2004.

Christmas Concert

Join Bishop McCort Catholic High School for a magical evening, Sunday, December 18 at 7 p.m. in the Guzzi Performing Arts Center.

An Evening of Prayer & Reflection

More than 150 people attended "An Evening of Prayer & Reflection" on Wednesday, November 2 at Bishop McCort Catholic High School. The evening began with a celebration of Mass by Father Mark Reid followed by fellowship and guest speaker, The Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming, Court of Common Pleas of Cambria County. Admission was complimentary and open to the community. The evening was sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank.

Evening of Prayer Flemming 2011.jpg

Photo (R-L): Lucas Walkowski, John Valinsky, Kevin Tomkowski, Adam Wood, Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming, Kenneth Salem, Principal BMCHS; Samantha Slezak, Emma Thomson, and Katie Kovacic.

The Canterville Ghost

Canterville Ghost_11042011DSC_9824.jpg Congratulations to the BMCHS Drama Club for successful presentations of The Canterville Ghost at the Guzzi Performing Arts Center. Click here to see photos of the performances.

BMCHS Cheerleaders need your vote!

BMCHS Cheerleaders will go to the UCA High School National Competition in February. The Cheerleaders put together a :60 second commercial for Playtex Sport. They need your votes to be in the TOP 5 where they have a chance to win $20,000 towards their trip! You can vote daily- voting ends at the end of the month! Show your support now- Click here to cast your vote and view their video!

The Canterville Ghost

An Evening of Prayer & Reflection

Join us for An Evening of Prayer & Reflection
(formerly known as the Women’s Day of Prayer)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Guest Speaker Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming, Court of Common Pleas of Cambria County

Please join us for an evening of prayer and fellowship. The evening will begin with a celebration of Mass at 6:30 p.m. followed by refreshments and featured speaker.

Please RSVP to reserve your seat: 814.536.8991
Admission is complimentary and open to the community. Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank

Named Scholarship Program

Last Friday Bishop McCort Catholic High School celebrated the thirteenth anniversary of the Named Scholarship Program with a luncheon in the high school. Named Scholarships, as well as endowment funds, were recognized. Benefactors had the opportunity to meet their scholarship recipient(s). It also provided students with an opportunity to personally thank the individual or family for their generous support. There are now over 70 Named Scholarships and 25 endowment funds which help more than 170 students. All funds directly assist students with tuition.

20th Annual Great McCort Benefit Auction

Special thanks to everyone who attended or donated to the Great McCort Benefit Auction. The evening was a great success. We appreciate your continued support of McCort Arts & Athletics!

BMCHS Pink Out Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Bishop McCort students, faculty, & staff "PINK OUT" Friday afternoon to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

Powder Puff for a Cause Several McCort and Westmont students joined forces to fight Breast Cancer in a charity Powder Puff football game on Saturday afternoon. Although Westmont girls won 12-0, everyone involved walked away a winner. Pictured below is the McCort team and their coaches. Stay tuned for additional pictures from this game.

Homecoming Victory

Bishop McCort football celebrated a win Friday night, defeating Westmont 24-10. Before the game, Howdy Sherman (Class of 1938) was honored for his long time dedication to Bishop McCort. In addition, congratulations to the 2011-2012 Bishop McCort Homecoming Court! From left to right below are: Spencer Yingling, Sam Slezak, Jordan Wade, Beth Sheridan, and Julia Korenoski. Beth Sheridan was crowned the 2011 Homecoming Queen during a halftime ceremony.

Sandyvale Fall Cleanup

Bishop McCort Catholic High School students teamed up with the Sandyvale Cemetery Association, Inc. and the Garden Club of Johnstown to assist with the annual fall cleanup of the historic Sandyvale Cemetery.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Bishop McCort has partnered with the Laurel Auto Group in their dedication to fighting Ovarian Cancer. Throughout the month of September we will hold various activities to spread awareness about this deadly disease.

Awareness of symptoms is critical for early detection. Fewer than 20 percent of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed early. There is no reliable screening test to detect Ovarian Cancer.

“BEAT” this disease by recognizing the signs…

Bloating that is persistent

Eating less and feeling fuller

Abdominal pain

Trouble with your bladder

If any symptoms continue for 2-3 weeks, tell your doctor!

Click here to learn more.

Many thanks to Em's Subs

Em's Subs is the proud sponsor of Bishop McCort's 2011-12 Student Planners. This year, every BMHS student received a planner filled with school information, academic, nutritional, health and fitness tips. They can also track their assignments. The planner also contains a discount coupon from Em's that students can use at every visit to any of Em's 4 locations; downtown Johnstown, Goucher Street, Richland, or Somerset.

Pictured (l-r) Patrick McKinney, Dr. D.A. Gardill, Assistant Principal; Mr. Bill Beckner, Em's Owner; Claire Thompson, Mrs. Melanie Beckner, Em's Owner; Zheru Liu, Mr. Ken Salem, Principal; Song Lu and Lucas Walkowski.

20th Great McCort Auction

Reserve your seats!

Saturday, October 22

Sunnehanna Country Club

Silent Auction/Cocktail Hour 5:30

Dinner 7:30

Live Auction to follow dinner

$50 Donation

For tickets contact Pamela Crooks, Director of Alumni Relations and Communications at 814.248.3867 or pcrooks@mccort.org.

SHYCON 2011

Join in the Faith, Fun, and Friendship at SHYCON 2011. The event will be held on Sunday, October 23 at the Stokes Center at St. Francis University, Loretto. It will feature nationally known Catholic speaker and musician, Cooper Ray and a Mass with Bishop Mark Bartchak. If you are interested in attending, contact Sister Veronica at 248-3412.

8/31/11 Newly Furnished Courtyard Greets Students on 1st Day

BMCHS students started the new school year with a newly furnished courtyard. Students will be able to enjoy the courtyard during their lunch on nice days throughout the fall and spring. We would like to thank the 2011 CYO Tournament Committee and The Boulevard Grill for their generous support in making this possible.

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Pirates Tickets for Students!

Students, your invited to be a guest at PNC Park with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Click here for a complimentary ticket.

Welcome Back

Today Bishop McCort Catholic High School welcomed the Class of 2015 to campus. The class of 102 students boasts a strong academic record and participates in a variety of extracurricular activities. We wish all of our incoming and returning students a safe and successful school year.

The Tradition: August

Bishop McCort Students earn AP Scholar Awards...Tee off for Great Causes...The Lift Johnstown Scholarship Challenge and more! Click here to see all the stories!

Annual All School Picnic & Reunion 2011

Class of 34. From the Class of 1934 to the Class of 2011 hundreds of people turned out for a night of fun and entertainment at the Annual Johnstown Catholic/Bishop McCort Catholic High School Annual All School Picnic & Reunion 2011 last Friday, July 1, at St. Mary's Pavilion in Cambria City.

Click here to see all the photos!

McCort grad advanced to College World Series

Bishop McCort graduate Colin Harrington (2009), a member of the Virginia Cavaliers baseball team that advanced to the College World Series, had his season end last week with South Carolina’s 3-2 victory.

Harrington, who had two hits in the loss, reached on an infield single in the top of the 13th, which gave Virginia runners at first and second. COLIN 1.jpg Virginia was ranked #1 in the nation heading into the World Series.

Colin, a red-shirt freshman, is hitting .356 with 10 runs scored and seven RBI's. He has been in the starting lineup in two games during the NCAA Tournament.

Colin helped lead the Bishop McCort Crushers to the 2009 District VI title and an appearance in the State Semifinals. He also was the Valedictorian of the Class of 2009. He currently is majoring in Chemistry and plans to attend medical school to be an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Colin is the son of Diane Harrington.

South Carolina went on to win the College World Series.

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Congratulations 2011 Graduates!

Ninety-seven students graduated Friday, May 27 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartchak.

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Mason del Rosario was the class valedictorian. The class of 2011 was offered more than $5.6 million in merit-based scholarships. Collaboratively they performed over 21,000 service hours for the community and their churches over the past four years. For more photos from graduation click here.

Senior Awards 2011

Senior Awards were announced Thursday May 19 at the Guzzi Performing Arts Center. Fifty-two awards were distributed.

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Click here to view the list of awards and recipients.
Click here for more photos.

Lift Johnstown Scholarship Challenge

Bishop McCort Catholic High School is proud to announce the Lift Johnstown Scholarship Challenge. This challenge will provide 20 incoming high school freshmen from the Johnstown area a scholarship of almost 90% tuition assistance to attend Bishop McCort Catholic School for four years, from 2011– 2015. Click here for application information.

5/9/11 Scholastic Quiz Students finish 10th in State

Congratulations to the Scholastic Quiz team of Mark Pesto (front left), Julia Korenoski, Mason del Rosario, (back left) Taylor Swick, James Kirwan, and Bill Adamy for their 10th place finish last week in the 19th Annual Pennsylvania Academic Competition in Harrisburg. Many thanks also go to Fran Pozun and Nancy Pesto for their hard work in working with these students. There are more than 528 Scholastic Quiz teams in Pennsylvania.

5/6/11 Ken Salem Honored

Ken Salem, Principal, Bishop McCort Catholic High School was honored Tuesday night with The Seventh Annual Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award at Saint Francis University. The award is presented each spring by the University to a deserving elementary or secondary teacher or administrator.

Pittsburgh Pirates recognize students

The Pittsburgh Pirates are please to recognize the hard work of Bishop McCort Catholic High School Students for their success with the 2011 Scholastic Achievement Program. Students are invited to be the a guest at PNC park. Students can click here to receive a complimentary outfield box ticket and a great deal for their family.

5/2/11 NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, & Spanish NHS Inductions 2011

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Inductions were held last week for the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the Spanish National Honor Society. Click here for more photos and a list of students who received these honors.

4/19/11 McCort Students Win Contests

Pesto gets Honorable Mention in DNA Day Essay Contest
Congratulations to McCort senior, Mark Pesto, who won Honorable Mention for his essay submitted to the American Society of Human Genetics 2011 DNA Day Essay Contest. This year more than 700 essays were submitted from 45 states in the U.S., as well as from Canada, Colombia, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. To read Mark's essay, click here. To read more about the contest and all the winners, go to www.ashg.org/education/dnaday_winners_2011.shtml.

Diocesan Vocation Contest Winners
The following students are winners of this year's diocesan vocation contest sponsored by the Sierra Club. Students entered either a poster, poem, or essay to the contest.
     Freshman: Ryan King - 2nd Place
     Sophomore: Gap Barbin - 2nd Place
                      John Woloschuk - Honorable Mention
     Junior: Lisa Vatavuk - 1st Place
     Senior: Chad King - Honorable Mention
                 Sara Middler- Honorable Mention
These students will be recognized at a dinner in Loretto on May 11th. Bishop Bartchak will be present for the award dinner.

4/19/11 Check Presentations Help Scholarships and Those in Need

Catholic Schools reach out to help with fuel bills
Last month, each of the Johnstown Catholic Schools held fundraisers for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Students collected $1,633, which was donated to help those who need assistance with fuel bills.

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Pictured r-l: Adam Seitz, Senior Bishop McCort Catholic High School; Savannah Reitz, 4th grade Cathedral Catholic Academy; (front center) Bristol Nace, 2nd grade St. Benedict; (back center) Shannon Booth, 5th grade St. Andrew; Kate Morrell, 2nd grade Our Mother of Sorrows, and Carl Schultz, Catholic Charities.

Scholarship Donations
Earlier this month The Bridge Educational Foundation, through the support of AWI Distributors, CSX Transportation, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Williams-Transco Pipeline, donated scholarship money made possible through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program to the families of Cambria County. Recipients included students from Bishop Carroll, Bishop McCort, Faith Christian Academy, St. Andrew’s, St. Benedict’s, and The Learning Lamp.

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Pictured r-l; front row: Ryan Siwy, Alena Stevens, Austin Birus, Zane Dudinak, Joshua Stem and Chad King. Second Row: Olivia Engelman, AWI Distrbutors; Representative Tim Burns; Heather Cianfrocco and Missy Jakup, United HealthCare; Michelle Leyo, Leyo’s Market; Sue Leyo; Peter Gleason, Chair of Bridge Education Foundation and Ken Salem, Principal Bishop McCort High School. Third Row: Representative Brian Barbin; Leah Spangler, Executive Director, The Learning Lamp; Duane Nizinski, AWI Distributors; Senator John Wozniak; Jay Smithmeyer, Smithmeyer’s Market; Laurie Smithmeyer; Joe Layo, Cecilia Houser, Director of Development, Bishop Carroll High School; Tim Lucko, Principal Bishop Carroll High School and Joe Gerdes, Bridge Education Foundation. Pictured Speaking: Victoria Delich, St. Andrew School.

4/4/11 Bye Bye Birdie Photos

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Congratulations to the cast & crew of Bye Bye Birdie! It was a wonderful production full of talent. To see photos from the shows, click here.

3/28/11 McCort Alumni Newsletter "The Tradition"

Click here to view the current alumni newsletter.

3/24/11 St. Patrick's Day @ McCort

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Click here to view photos from our St. Patrick's Day celebration.

3/8/11 McCort Alumni Newsletter "The Tradition"

Click here to view the current alumni newsletter.

3/3/11 St. Patrick's Day Legacy T-shirt Sale

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Click here for more information and how to order.

2/20/11 February-March 2011 Bishop McCort School Newsletter

Click here to view the current school newsletter.

02/16/2011

ALUMNI NOTES: Artrell Hawkins ('94) will be the featured speaker at the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce Dinner on March 10, 2011

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce at 814.536.5107

02/13/2011 Bishop McCort Cheerleaders capture second place at UCA National Championships in Orlando, FL.

Lady Crushers will be honored at halftime of Tuesday's boys basketball game vs Westmont.

02/12/2011 OMOS Wins Mathcounts Competition at Pitt-Johnstown

Team members include Brett Diehl (1st individual), Noah Huffman, Patrick Unger, and Nathan Kindya. Karch Helsel (St. Benedict's) top ten individual.

2/9/11 Support School Choice

Call your senator to support Senate Bill 1.

Click here for more information.

02/05/2011 ALUMNI NOTES: John Murphy ('05) joins Steelers for the Super Bowl

Click here for Tribune-Democrat article.

02/04/2011 Girls' Basketball Reunion '85, '86, '88

Click here for images of girls' and boys' basketball reunions.

02/04/2011 18th Annual "Good Friends and Neighbors Day"

The 18th Annual "Good Friends and Neighbors Day" was held in the Bishop McCort High School Cafeteria. Residents of Valley Pike Manor and Loughner Plaza in Johnstown's 8th Ward were invited for lunch, entertainment and prizes. This event is a part of Catholic Schools Week and is sponsored by Mu Alpha Theta and Key Club.

Monsignor Mark L. Bartchak is Named Eighth Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown

Bishop Joseph's Statement
Bishop-Elect Bartchak's Statement

Many Working Together To Strengthen Johnstown Area Catholic Schools

Click the link below for the article.

The Catholic Register

Bishop McCort Catholic High School is recipient of GenOnEnergy Educational Improvement Tax Credit Scholarship

Bishop McCort Catholic High School (BMCHS) Principal Kenneth Salem during a luncheon held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 received an Educational Improvement Tax Credit scholarship check for $7,500 from GenOn, Energy, Inc. GenOn Energy, Inc. (NYSE: GEN) is one of the largest competitive generators of wholesale electricity in the United States.

The Educational Tax Credit Program was initiated by Governor Tom Ridge and on May 7, 2001 was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority to become the first state to pass an education tax credit aimed at corporations. EITC provides companies such as GenOn with a 75% tax credit for donations to a non-profit scholarship or educational improvement organization. The tax credit increases to 90% if the company commits to making the same donation for two consecutive years.

Bishop McCort students raise $3,500 for Windber Research Institute

McCort Cares Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Throughout the month of October, students and faculty of Bishop McCort Catholic High School participated in a variety of activities to increase breast cancer awareness and raise money for the Windber Research Institute. Students from the Key Club sold specially designed pink t-shirts; the girls’ volleyball participated with the team from Somerset in a match which included special awareness events; the Rosary Club made special pink rosaries which were distributed to breast cancer patients; McCort cheerleaders took time from cheering during the Homecoming game against Johnstown to collect donations from fans; and several students participated in the Human Pink Ribbon event held at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Overall, the McCort Cares efforts raised over $3,300 for the Windber Research Institute.

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Bishop McCort Senior Earns National Recognition

Bishop McCort student Mark Pesto is one of only 26 students out of 1.5 million seniors in the country to score 236 or higher out of 240 on the PSAT exam he took last fall.