“ These students are trailblazers ,” said Head of School & Chief Learning Officer Lisa Abel-Palmieri , Ph . D . “ They ’ ve been a part of Nazareth Prep since the beginning and have grown along with the school . It ’ s been a joy watching them find their voices and their passions , and I ’ m excited to see them tackle the next leg of their journeys . They ’ re ready .”
Throughout their time at Nazareth Prep , these students navigated personalized post-secondary pathways with the help of one-on-one mentorship and guidance . As their high school experience draws to a close , they ’ ve already been accepted into 38 different colleges and universities , trade schools , trade apprenticeships and direct career opportunities with companies like internship partner First National Bank .
“ Four years ago , we had a vision of a school that would prepare diverse young people for fulfilling , 21st-century careers ,” recalled Sister Linda Yankoski , President of the Nazareth Prep Board of Trustees . “ I am so proud to see that vision come to fruition with the ambitious , communityminded and exceptionally well-prepared class of 2018 .”
The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday , June 7 , at 6 p . m . in the courtyard of the Nazareth Prep campus in Emsworth , 8235 River Blvd . ( 15202 ).
Ashley Dengler ( left ); Jamie Lee Patterson ( right ); Stephen Liebrock ( standing ).
these folks ,” noted Gratton . “ We designed a whole evening that is completely carefree , so all they have to do is show up and party . And honestly , we couldn ’ t have done this without the support of the business community who donated so much to this event .”
Also helping to pull off the event are nearly 350 volunteers . Some of the volunteers help with things such as parking and registration , while others sign up as buddies for the guests . The buddies ’ job is simply to make sure that the guests are having fun . “ It ’ s a great opportunity for our guests and buddies to make new friendships ,” added Gratton . “ Anyone who has ever been a buddy has told us what an amazing experience this has been .”
This year ’ s main sponsors of “ A Night to Remember ” were Discovery Christian Church , Diehl Automotive and TrueSense Marketing .
A guest ’ s parents summed it up best : “ I hope the message of this event reaches beyond the families who were impacted personally , because it ’ s a lesson in humanity for all individuals . And hopefully everyone there learned something about themselves and each other .” n
6TH ANNUAL ‘ A NIGHT TO REMEMBER ’
On Sunday , May 6 , nearly 330 special needs teens and adults began Discovery Christian Church ’ s 6th annual “ A Night to Remember ” at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cranberry with a stroll down the red carpet at 6 p . m .
This is the sixth year Discovery Christian Church has organized this unique red carpet gala-type event for folks between the ages of 16 and 40 .
“ We really couldn ’ t be more excited about how this event has grown ,” said Bryan Gratton , Director , A Night to Remember . “ This is the time for these amazing teens and adults to have their moment to shine in the spotlight ! All of the year-long planning and organizing our team does always makes this a worthwhile event .”
Every guest who attends receives free formalwear , pre-dance primping from Paul Mitchell Academy , dinner , and a take-home gift bag . “ The last thing we want are finances to be a restriction for
RUDY ’ S SUBS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Since 1968 , Rudy ’ s Subs , in the heart of Monroeville , has become a local favorite of many and for good reason ! It has won The Readers ’ Choice Gold Award for the last four consecutive years for Best Hoagie in the East and Monroeville as well as an award from Pittsburgh Magazine for “ Best Italian Hoagie in Pittsburgh .”
Owner Rob Kalina credits that to a high standard of quality including fresh bread delivered seven days a week from Mancini ’ s Bakery , fresh produce , and meats and cheeses from Pennsylvania Macaroni Company , freshly cut daily . “ Our ground meat is a blend of brisket , short ribs and ground chuck , certified Angus ,” he noted . “ We also deliver to businesses Monday through Friday from 11 a . m . to 2 p . m .”
Kalina has owned Rudy ’ s since 2001 , having purchased the business from the original owner , Joe Bonacci . He is proud that it is truly a family business , including three generations of employees from the same family .
Rudy ’ s Subs is located at 3942 William Penn Highway and is open until 11 p . m . seven days a week . Check out the menu at www . rudyssubsmonroeville . com or call 412.372.9738 .
PHOTO BY MIKE SILVERT
MONROEVILLE ❘ FALL 2018 9