IN Canon-Mac Fall 2019 | Page 33

INDUSTRY INSIGHT EDUCATION SPONSORED CONTENT Melding of academics and values at Our Lady of Grace form tomorrow’s leaders H ow do Our Lady of Grace students achieve after leaving our building is a question often asked by prospective families. Some have concerns as their child moves from the smaller environment of a Catholic grade school to the larger public or private Catholic high school. These questions are difficult to answer with empirical data. Alumni parents and students as well as higher education teachers and administrators at both public and private schools tell us our students are exceptionally prepared both academically and socially. A search of any of the public or private school websites and social media pages will find our students excelling and participating in academic clubs and honor rolls, sports, theater, art, outreach programs, and music, to name a few. Not only do they transition well, they become leaders in their new schools! These schools include Chartiers Valley, Bishop Canevin, South Fayette, Canon-McMillan, Upper St. Clair, Seton LaSalle, Mt. Lebanon, Central Catholic, Oakland Catholic and more. The combination of strong Catholic values, work ethic, and academics taught at Our Lady of Grace is a recipe for success as students move on to higher education. Anthony and Jody Centore are the proud parents of four exceptional children: Michael, Class of 2007; Vincent, Class of 2008; Joshua, Class of 2010; and Sarah, Class of 2014. They chose to send their children to Canon-McMillan High School, and among them are a salutatorian and a valedictorian. All three of the boys attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Michael and Vincent have chosen careers in medicine, attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Joshua is currently in the Pathology doctorate program at Case Western Reserve University. While their QPAs, research work, publications, and awards illustrate outstanding academic achievement, perhaps what distinguishes them even more is their foundation of values and commitment to serving the community. Their service includes volunteering for the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Clinic, Meals on Wheels, UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Washington County Juvenile Probation, and Campus Ministry. Most notable among the many awards is that Sarah, Joshua, and Vincent were named Fred Rogers Scholars at St. Vincent’s “OLG presented to us the most amazing experience in education. We were introduced to a school whose approach involved our family, not just our students. They presented them structure and expectations, and challenged them to achieve. They did not hold them back or teach to the average because they knew the students were capable of far more.” —Anthony Centore College. This award is given to students to pursue endeavors to help children become confident, competent, and caring human beings. Another OLG alumna, from the Class of 2007, working at DSM Biomedical as a continuous improvement engineer saw her calling to have a positive impact on the lives of many people. Marissa Seybert chose a major of mechanical engineering. It was seeing the work of the biomedical industry that called her to a vocation that ensures a better quality of life for thousands of people. In addition to her work, she mentors young girls and is an active member in the Society of Women Engineers. Her volunteer work inspires girls to be confident in their abilities to effect positive change in the world. The melding of Catholic values with academics sets Our Lady of Grace students apart and teaches them to rise above challenges. Every day, elementary- age students are faced with difficult choices. Every lesson taught in every discipline at Our Lady of Grace is rooted in making choices based on strong Catholic values. OLG students carry these values with them forever, and combined with their talents, OLG alumni are making a true difference in society. Success begins at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School! Invest in your child’s future-for information or to schedule a tour call: 412.279.6611 1734 Bower Hill Rd. Pittsburgh.PA.15243 • www.olgscott.net CANON-MAC ❘ FALL 2019 31