Mystery Classmate 097

Congratulations to Helene Palmer Bour, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Pam Van Cara Collis, Donna Andreas Copley, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Mike Bernstein, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Greg Markantone, Leslie Rush Cuda, Linda Wolff, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Karen Maderas Turner, Joann Kassalen Reisch, Amy Baer Davie, Melissa Blagovich Miller, Ellen Lin, Karen Campbell Ricci, Lori Haas Baccari, John Plack, Katherine Burkett Curry, and Lynn Abt LeBlanc, all of whom correctly identified Michele Sherer (’84) as Mystery Classmate #97 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Michele Sherer Ancheta moved to Los Angeles following graduation from the University of Michigan in 1988. After working in television production and development for six years, she went to Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Michele is a union-side labor law attorney who is currently playing the role of stay-at-home mom to her two children, Ella, 5 and Jeremy, 2. She has been married for 10 years to Bernie Ancheta (also pictured), a television writer, and lives in Pasadena, California.

Several classmates had fond memories of Michele. No fewer than 15 of you remarked that she looks exactly the same and/or great. Pam Van Cara Collis admired Michele’s dress, while Lynn Abt LeBlanc remembered that Michele always had a great smile.

Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson wrote, “I probably should not be allowed to guess this one since Michele is a close friend, but I can not believe how little she has changed since high school!”

Linda Wolff added, “I really like Michele and her family. Her kids are really beautiful. I hope to see Michele and her family soon.”

Amy Baer Davie says “hi!”

Leann Impavido Mendenhall was tempted to guess Sue Coyne, but then decided that she (Michele) must be from a younger class.

Some classmates couldn’t resist the temptation to guess on Michele’s husband. Donna Andreas Copley thought he looked like her brother’s brother-in-law, Howard Shear. Paul Rodgers guessed Greg Gumbel. Mark Koutavas guessed Donnie Iris.

Mystery Classmate 096

Congratulations to Donna Andreas Copley, Greg Markantone, Amy Gongaware Senkow, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Rick “Kitch” Senkow (’81) as Mystery Classmate #96 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Rick and his wife and Classmate Amy Gongaware Senkow are the parents of three children - Matt 9, Julie 6, and Tim 2 1/2. Two summers ago the Senkows moved to Penn Trafford to live with Amy's aunt on the family homestead on Gongaware Road. Wife Amy reports that Rick “has been the best Mr. Mom, which is now his full time job. He is clearing the land to build a house - a dream of his.

“He still likes to hunt and fish, but complains about how much it costs. He hangs out at Tugboats from time to time or the BH fire hall. Other than that, he is still cheap, eats only pizza and plain McDonald's hamburgers, and gives everyone a hard time.”

Karen Campbell Ricci added, “Rick can fix just about anything. As you know he is kind of indescribable to anyone that doesn't know him. I could go on for hours - I will just leave it that he is a wonderful guy!”

Rick is pictured with Jerry Copley, husband of Donna Andreas Copley. The truck is Jerry’s and although several Classmates have inquired it is not for sale.

Linda Wolff didn’t guess, but wondered why it is so easy for guys to stay thin. Linda, it's easy - we eat nothing but pizza and McDonald's hamburgers.

Gary Lehman guessed Dennis “Goose” Antonisio. Ted Smith guessed Craig Davis. Milton Koutavas guessed Eric “Walnuts” Kostic.

Scott Silverman guessed Michael Bachman. Mark Koutavas guessed John Bosak and Marty Miller.

Mystery Classmate 095

Congratulations to Milton Koutavas, Paula Recchio Joseph, Mike Williams, Amy Petrina Tarantini, Beth Chufo Nichols, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Scott Silverman, Greg Markantone, Paul Rodgers, Tommy West, Bill Stout, Betsy Raible Ford, Jim Thompson, Megan Mahoney, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Karen “Scottie” Campbell Ricci, and Jeff Buchanan, all of whom correctly identified Barbara Bender (’87) as Mystery Classmate #95 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Barbara Bender Pietro lives in Columbus, Ohio and has been married to her husband Joe for seven years. She holds a Ph.D. from Ohio University, was previously Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at Franklin University (Home of the Fightin’ Clock Towers), left that post to have her twin sons Nick (l) and Alex (r), and is now an adjunct professor at Franklin teaching Global Cultures.

Thanks to Mary Bender Knight for taking the photo.

Many classmates had fond memories and nice comments about Barbara.

Amy Petrina Tarantini wrote that Barbara is very nice and her babies are cute. Lori Haas Baccari didn’t recognize Barbara but thought that the babies were absolutely beautiful. Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Ann Broadberry Johnson, and Karen “Scottie” Campbell Ricci all agreed that her twins are adorable.

Mike Williams disagreed, writing, “Wow! Those boys are Benders through and through.”

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “I loved getting Barbara to laugh (which was usually very easy to do) and she would often get to the point of tears!! That was hysterical.”

Jim Thompson remembered that Barbara always used to wear her cardigan sweaters backwards. Jim added, “She probably doesn't do that anymore.”

Ann Broadberry Johnson wrote, “Barbara was one of my very first friends -- we grew up just a few streets away and our moms were in the Bryn Mawr Mothers’ Club together. When we were about 9, I brought her a souvenir bracelet back from a beach vacation engraved with her name. The engraver was probably a hungover college student. Much to my dismay, it looked like it read "Barfra." I gave it to her anyway, after all, it's the thought that counts. I don't believe she ever wore it.”

Megan Mahoney shared a poignant story: “When we were still at Woodside Barbara’s mom and mine were our Brownie Troop leaders. We went to an overnight camp somewhere and it was my very first time sleeping anywhere but at home. I was very frightened and began to cry lying there in the dark. Barb, who was in the cot directly across from mine, heard me so she went and got her mom. She came and sat on the edge of my bed and stroked my back and talked to me until I fell asleep. It was mortifying and comforting at the same time. Nobody said anything to me about it the next morning as I recall, and I was so relieved. Now almost 30 years later I'm not sure if I ever thanked Mrs. Bender, but still count it as one of my most vivid Woodside School memories. So, be sure to forward this to her with my very belated thank you!”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Karen Bonvalot. Jennifer Buchanan Machovec guessed Mary Comtois. Mark Koutavas guessed Stephanie Kartsonas, noting that she is of Greek descent.

Stu Cohen didn’t remember Barbara, nor did he remember Suhail Baloch for that matter, and isn’t sure where he went to high school.

Mystery Classmate 094

Congratulations to Karen Campbell Ricci and Lisa Smith, both of whom correctly identified Suhail Baloch (’83) as Mystery Classmate #94 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Suhail is the Technology Coordinator for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and/or Thomas Jefferson High School, he used to work at Winchester Thurston School, and coached cross-country at Sewickley Academy. He an avid member of the Three Rivers Paddling Club and has an interesting sense of humor.

Lisa Smith noted, “I know Suhail as a fellow whitewater kayaker, not as a Churchill graduate. He and I have paddled on the lower Yough together. Suhail is a great paddler and loves to dance...the girls love to watch him on the dance floor!!!”

Scott Silverman complained about water on the lens and guessed Dennis Koutavas. Donna “Spaz” Andreas Copley guessed John Minnaji, whom she knows from St. Maurice Church. Leann Impavido Mendenhall guessed Greg Markantone. Mark Koutavas guessed George Kountouris, noting that he looks of Greek descent.

Mystery Classmate 093

Congratulations to Beth Chufo Nichols, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, and Tabitha Husted Riggio, all of whom correctly identified John Hsu (’84) as Mystery Classmate #93 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, John is the Managing Partner, Technical Direction, Product Management for SurfMerchants, a Boston-based company which develops custom web systems for independent businesses. John’s bio on the SurfMerchants website reveals a few of his attributes, which include:

Super Powers: Product Strategy, PHP/MySQL database programming, Interface Design, and the ability to communicate telepathically with my pug dogs (all they ever say is "Daddy, you RULE!!").

Dark Secret: While attending medical school, I dissected a human cadaver and can attest to the fact that NOTHING in there looks anything like what you saw in your high school bio books.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Edward Scissorhands, Blade Runner, Prince, Lyle Lovett, Pedro Martinez, creme brulee, Slate.com, seeing corporate weasels go to the slammer and watching my baby daughter Neva play guitar (with her feet, mostly).Official

Motto: "Our life is our art" - John Lennon

Several classmates had fond memories of John. Tabitha Husted Riggio thought that John was an easy guess, noting that “I have albums of pictures of him. He is my first love, pen pal, and best friend.”

Beth Chufo Nichols remembered that John “was in all my Academic classes and he was really smart.”

Leann Impavido Mendenhall exclaimed, “That's also who was missing from Tabitha (Husted)'s party (as pictured in Mystery Classmate #92) - he attended last year with his wife and baby, Geneva!” Leann added, “Thank you IMMENSELY to Colleen O'Connor Casey for the guess of me being Georgette Reisch! I found some recent pictures of her and think she's just gorgeous! Bill Stout - you can certainly BORROW my kids if you ain't up to claiming them!”

Greg Markantone guessed Chad Scott. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Kai Lin. Mark Koutavas guessed Wayne Wu, or Alan Seid.

Paul Rodgers guessed ring announcer Michael Buffer.

Mystery Classmates 092

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Pam Van Cara Collis, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Beth Chufo Nichols, Jesse Milton, Staci Blagovich Dunbar, Megan Mahoney, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Tracey Schneider McDonough, Bill Stout, Donna Andreas Copley, Greg Markantone, Amy Baer Davie, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Kimberly Hall, Steph Siuda Dickens, Lisa Smith, Amy Gongaware Senkow, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified one or more Mystery Classmates #92 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

The Mystery Classmates, clockwise from from back left:

Leann Impavido ('84), identified by Pam, Sharon, Donna, Amy B., Maria, Lisa, and Ellen;

Dave Holmes ('85), identified by Colleen, Jesse, Tracey, and Maria;

Cornell Owesny ('84), identified by Paula, Pam, Beth, and Staci;

Tabitha Husted ('85), identified by Paula, Pam, Colleen, Jesse, Megan, Tracey, Bill, Greg, Maria, Steph, Amy G., and Ellen;

Monica Keane ('83), identified by Kimberly, and;

Pam Matthews ('85), identified by Paula, Colleen, Jesse, Tracey, Maria, and Amy G.

In case you were wondering, Leann Impavido Mendenhall works in occupational therapy sometimes, but mostly in retail. She enjoys keeping VERY busy with her three kids' activities! Even though she resides in Ohio, her heart still belongs in Da ‘Burgh (and that's where her hubby's from, too)!

Dave and Pam married (each other) in 1992, as prophesized by Mr. Nelson. Both are encumbered by degrees in library science, one of them (Dave's) brand new. They are living outside of Akron, Ohio and enjoying the wonderful benefits of snow belt living.

Cornell graduated with an MA in Classics from Fordham University in 1992. He is currently residing in New York City, completing his dissertation for his PhD in Classics at Fordham University, and developing curriculum for Kaplan Test Prep. He also tutors Latin and Greek to the stars (well, the wife of one star--Charles Osgood of CBS Sunday Morning; it's every bit as glamorous as it sounds).

Tabitha Husted Riggio graduated from Duquesne University with a BS in chemistry and an MBA. She works part-time at Bayer Material Science in sales support. She resides in Murrysville with her husband and two daughters.

Monica Keane Sauk graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an MSW. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. She resides in Murrysville with her husband, daughter, and two sons.

The photo was taken at the group's annual holiday gathering, which was also attended by classmate Heather Karsten.

Several classmates had nice things to say about our group.

Beth Chufo Nichols wrote, “I definitely recognize Cornell 'Corny' Owesny from CCD class at St. John Fisher and family camping trips at Pymatuning with the Sylvan Canoe Club with his family and the (Todd and Beth) Schryers.”

Donna “Spaz” Andreas Copley wrote, “I remember when Leann, Sharon Wasko,and myself all got the Women's Club award... just what is Leann up to these days!!!”

Maria Wojtaszek Hughes wrote, “Don't know how many remember this but David was my husband most of our high school years!”

Jesse Milton wrote that Dave, Pam and Tabitha haven’t changed a bit. Lisa Smith wrote that Leann hasn’t changed a bit. Steph Siuda Dickens couldn’t believe that some of the Classmates looked so young.

Colleen O’Connor Casey wrote, “Hello to Pam Matthews. Hope you are doing well.”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Pam Rodgers instead of Pam Matthews. Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Georgette Reisch instead of Leann Impavido and another Pam instead of Monica Keane. Mark Koutavas guessed Christina Noggle, Tommy Alioto, David Crisanti, Cindy Kodman, Dana Mariani, and Tracey Swackhammer.

Bill Stout guessed Marie Aquino, but I don’t know for whom. He added that none of the children are his!

Mystery Classmate 091

Congratulations to Ted Showers, Bob Smith, Scott Silverman, Mike Williams, Dave Weidenhamer, Jim Thompson, Brian “S.D” Stevenson, Jim “Kwee” Kwiecinski, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Tom Mezyk ('87) as Mystery Classmate #91 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Tom and his wife Carol live in Houston, Texas with their kids Ashley and Mitchell. They are restoring a 1967 Firebird convertible, but as of June 2004 were not finished. Tom works in IT support and uses his Blackberry to access valuable resources.

Several classmates had fond memories of Tom.

Dave Weidenhamer called him a “fun-loving role model.”

Mike Williams attested, “Tom was the guy that always got you to do things you ordinarily wouldn't - like steal a case of Genny Cream Ale from the football team at (Ray) Yun's party, go roof surfing, or driving the family jalopy underage. For the record,Tom's parents now know that I wrecked the Volare, even though it was Craig Harris' fault! Although Craig got his when Tom walked to Showcase and waited inside Craig's car waiting (to scare) us after (we had seen the movie) Friday the 13th. Nice one Tom!”

Jim Kwiecinski added, “I remember Tom being one of the hardest working, big hearted people I have ever met. I remember the Volare going from parts to whole in no time. I saw him and his family a couple of years ago dawn the Sousside 'nat. I am glad to see he is doing well, but sad to see another great person from Pgh living elsewhere. Where is a Caligiuri when we need one to make this place enticing again?”

Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Mike Bernstein. Amy Petrina Tarantini complained about the picture quality and guessed Tony Briggs. Donna Andreas Copley also complained about the picture quality, but did not guess.

Dave Holmes guessed himself, but didn’t remember posing for the picture. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Mark Koutavas. Mark Koutavas guessed Suhail Baloch.

Tom Mezyk wrote, “It has to be one of the Koutavases but due to the grainy picture I just can not tell which one.”

Mystery Classmate 090

Congratulations to Laura Murton O’Hara, Beth Chufo Nichols, Mike Williams, Amy Chufo Prezelski, John Plack, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Becky Gongaware Hannon, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Leslie Rush Cuda, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Lauren Hoener Nace, Amy Baer Davie, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Linda Wolff, Bill Stout, Kimberly Hall, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Stephanie Siuda Dickens, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Donna Andreas ('84) as Mystery Classmate #90 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Donna Andreas Copley is an engineer at Dupont in Richmond, Virginia. Karen Campbell Ricci reports that Donna and her husband Jerry just built a huge house and she begs Karen and friends to visit every time Donna communicates with any one of the ole gang. The Newport Road chums had a great time on their group vacation last August. Donna has two kids, Christopher and Kirsten, and they are very active with baseball, cheerleading, etc. Donna also helps coach a running team in the Richmond area. Karen adds, “She is just the same old goofy Donna...”

Several classmates had nice things to say about Donna. Laura Murton, Nancy Ondick Hahn, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher thought that Donna looks exactly the same. Leslie Rush Cuda thought that Donna looks exactly the same, but with longer hair.

Becky Gongaware Hannon called Donna a spaz. Her sister Amy Gongaware Senkow added that Donna is “otherwise known as Spaz and Heavage. Truly one of my oldest, dearest, best friends. She can make a mean pepperoni bread. She always was good for making us food and then going out for a five mile run, leaving us alone at her house. Love ya Donna.”

Amy Chufo Prezelski remembered, “Donna was such a great mentor for me as a freshman swimmer. She always kept me up and positive.” Bill Stout remembered Donna from cross-country.

Sharon Wasko Skoff reported, “Donna and I go way back to 7th grade science, Ms. Leibert's class. The best thing is that we live near each other in Virginia.”

Milton Koutavas guessed Holly Kothmann. Mark Koutavas guessed Charla Tate.

Mystery Classmate 089

Congratulations to Amy Chufo Prezelski, Bob Silverman, Megan Mahoney, Michele McClelland, Mike Williams, Tom West, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Amy Petrina Tarantini, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, Barbara Bender Pietro, Dave Weidenhamer, Ken Van Cara, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified Monte Moreschi ('87) as Mystery Classmate #89 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Monte is a Project Engineer for Koontz-Bryant, P.C., based in Richmond, VA and Greensboro, NC. Monte recently became a LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL. Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a national consensus-based, market-driven building rating system designed to accelerate the development and implementation of green building practices. In short, it is a leading-edge system for designing, constructing and certifying the world’s greenest and best buildings.

Several classmates had nice things to say about Monte.

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “How I loved hanging with him and going to parties. He kept a smile on my face with his goofy antics along with Eric Nicholas and Nick Krusinski. I remember reuniting and going to Kennywood with him, Shannon Boyle and Kim Kost once we were all off to college. Definitely a very memorable occasion! Looks exactly the same - god bless him! My sister loved his dad as a teacher.”

Amy Petrina Tarantini wrote, “He is a great guy. We had lots of fun walking to school together.”

Tom West noted, “That kid doesn’t age!”

Barbara Bender Pietro had fond memories of waiting for the bus with Monte. Both Maribeth Mahoney Misitis and Megan Mahoney remembered that Monte used to frequent the Forest Hills pool. Dave Weidenhamer noted that Monte’s school spirit was absolutely indefatigable.

Dave Holmes is good at this. He wrote, “Is that Joe Spadaro? Mike Spadaro? A Spadaro? How tall is he?”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Evan Zanic. Paul Rodgers guessed Scotty Rosenfeld. Mark Koutavas guessed Bill Flucker.

Mystery Classmate 088

Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Paula Recchio Joseph, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Becky Gongaware Hannon, all of whom correctly identified Eric “Dilo” DiLucente ('83) as Mystery Classmate #88 (right), and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Eric lives in the Pittsburgh area and works in the film industry. He recently co-produced the independent film Speilburgh, which also featured John “Spiney” Williams (Mystery Classmate #75).

"Our movie is about a 30-year-old movie usher who never got to make his movie," said Dilo in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He's got a bad job; his girlfriend wants to leave him; his co-workers are completely inept. Then a case of drugs ends up at his doorstep and he has to try and figure out what's going on. Before he knows it, his boss is dead, the mob wants their money and his girlfriend is kidnapped."

Eric’s other film credits include work on Dogma, Night of the Living Dead, Passed Away, and many television productions.

Several classmates had nice things to say about Eric.

Karen Campbell Ricci thought Eric looked like Quentin Tarantino and is glad he is doing well. Becky Gongaware Hannon liked his glasses.

Colleen O’Connor Casey noted, “Funny, I just ran into him at our hairdresser’s last night. I have not seen him for years. The tattoo also gives him away. Fun guy. love ya Dilo.”

Mary Bender Knight guessed Mike Steranko, or Bono. Dave Weidenhamer also guessed Bono. Tom Mezyk guessed Paul Rodgers, or Disco Stu.

Paul Rodgers guessed Tommy West. Mark Koutavas guessed Bill Blake, Bob Burt, or Brian Behler.