WHAT’ S NEWS IN HAMPTON
AQUINAS ACADEMY STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS AT LITFEST
Aquinas’ First Place Team of seventh graders with their teacher.( L to R:) Pere Casas Arnedos, Garvin Whetzel, Heather Flynn and Judah Hartle.
Aquinas’ First Place Team of eighth graders.( L to R:) Daniel Yuo, Jack Leyenaar and Jeremiah Koenig.
PHOTO BY LAURA MULLICAN( AQUINAS ENGLISH TEACHER)
In May, Aquinas Academy students earned top honors at the Diocese of Pittsburgh’ s LitFest. Twenty-eight students in grades 4 – 6 competed on seven teams— taking first place out of 86 teams— while 19 students in grades 7 and 8 competed on five teams, with two teams tying for first place and another placing second out of 18 teams.
The event featured trivia, a podcast performance, a puzzle relay and a drawing challenge, with guest author Antony Kolenc speaking about his writing process and the value of Catholic education.
Students prepared by reading assigned books, meeting with teams, and engaging in discussions that deepened their understanding of the texts.
9YARDS GOLF LOUNGE EXPANDS TO THE NORTH HILLS
Century Realty has announced the second location of 9Yards Golf Lounge opening at The Block Northway. It is on the shopping center’ s second floor next to Dave & Buster’ s. 9Yards features cuttingedge golf simulators, cocktails, food, and private event space.
THE BLOCK NORTHWAY HOSTS 7TH ANNUAL KIDS SAFETY EVENT, PLUS WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET
The Block Northway held its 7th annual Kids Safety Event on June 19.
Children were able to explore fire trucks, EMS and Ross Township Police vehicles, and safety equipment. Information was provided by a variety of organizations and attendees also enjoyed face painting, balloon art, Paint Monkey, a visit from K-9 Pluto of the Allegheny County Fire Marshall’ s office, a chance to win amazing prizes, and the popular Kiddie Caboose train ride.
Participating organizations included the Ross Township Police Department, Allegheny County Fire Marshall, Allegheny County Sheriff’ s Office, Be Smart, Berkeley Hills VFC, Every Child, Inc., Perrysville VFC, Ross / West View EMS, Passavant Hospital Foundation, Crisis Center North, AHN Pediatrics, Highmark Blue Cross Blue
Shield, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Holy Cross Academy, Key Bank and AHN West Penn Burn Center.
The Block Northway also hosts a weekly farmers market, produced in partnership with I Made It Market. Each day offers a diverse collection of local vendors with fresh, locally grown produce, fine spirits, flowers, unique handmade gifts, food trucks and much more. Adults and kids alike can enjoy shopping at this festive market.
Each Thursday through September, guests visiting the marketplace can expect to find small business vendors selling farmfresh goods, fresh cheeses, canned goods, local eggs, flowers, honey and other goodies.
The farmers market is sponsored by Jim Shorkey Mitsubishi, SSB Bank, Highmark, AHN and Key Bank.
MICHAEL SEXAUER NAMED CEO OF HOLY FAMILY INSTITUTE
Michael Sexauer, president of Holy Family Institute( HFI) since 2022, has been appointed chief executive officer, becoming the first lay leader in the organization’ s 125- year history.
He succeeds Sister Linda Yankoski, CSFN, who transitions to president emerita after more than 40 years of service.
Sexauer— who joined HFI in 2015— previously served as executive director of the Holy Family Foundation, and chief operating officer. He brings extensive leadership experience and a commitment to HFI’ s mission of supporting vulnerable members of the Pittsburgh community.
Sister Linda will continue as an advisor and ambassador for HFI and Nazareth Prep, a private Catholic high school.
The Holy Family Institute board of directors expressed both gratitude for Sister Linda’ s visionary leadership and confidence in Michael Sexauer’ s ability to guide the organization forward.
His focus is on expanding access to services, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting families’ longterm success. ■
6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com