Just in time for the holidays, the Official Mystery Classmate Store is open for business!
The store features unique and exciting items that reflect the Churchill High School and Mystery Classmate experience.
Loaded with great gifts and offering special deals on shipping, the Mystery Classmate Store is the one-stop solution for all of your holiday giving needs.
Congratulations to Helene Bour Palmer, Karen LaFace, Laura Murton O’Hara, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Lisa Callender Mitchell, Leslie Rush Cuda, Michele Sherer Ancheta, and Lynn Abt LeBlanc, all of whom correctly identified Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson (’84) as Mystery Classmate #100, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.
In case you were wondering, Celesta sent a brief bio to me, but I misplaced it, so instead here’s what some of her classmates had to share.
Karen LaFace: “Celesta ran her first marathon last year (sub 4 hours) and is into triathlons. She is an interior designer and has 3 rugrats (kids).”
It may have been someone else's, but this quote was attributed to Laura Murton O'Hara: “Celesta and I both live in Seattle and did a triathalon together a couple of summers ago. I'm pretty sure that's her running a marathon in the picture. Celesta, you've come a long way from running down Greensburg Pike in your flimsy canvas Tretorn tennis shoes!”
Michele Sherer Ancheta: “This is Celesta running the marathon! Look at those arm muscles and that form! Celesta and I are still close and are meeting in Pittsburgh for the reunion! She's got three adorable kids that are clones of her, especially the two girls.”
Ted Showers and Paul Rodgers guessed Lisa Smith. Scott Silverman guessed Vicki Falvo. Judith Kwiecinski Fisher guessed Amy Adams. Jerry Koutavas guessed Heather Bruwelheide.
Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified Mary Cvetan (’83) as Mystery Classmate #99. In addition, Jerry wishes a happy Greek Independence Day to all of his fellow Classmates of Greek descent.
In case you were wondering, Mary Cvetan is principal of Cvetan Communications, a Pittsburgh-based marketing, public relations and writing firm. Mary lives in Penn Hills with her rabbits Zsa-Zsa and Bradley, and is an advocate for rabbit adoption. She recently created an awareness poster for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society featuring Mr. Ed, a spotted bunny who became homeless after being purchased for a child who stopped taking care of him.
Mary would like all of us to know that rabbits generally aren't good pets for most children, who would prefer a companion they can hold, carry and cuddle, according to a news release from the House Rabbit Society. Rabbits, however, are ground-loving creatures who may quickly learn to nip and scratch when they are carried around by kids. Additionally, rabbits are easily frightened by loud noises. It is unreasonable to expect a small child to make a 10-year commitment to taking care of a rabbit. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.
Lisa Smith guessed Tracey Filler. Mike Williams guessed Rebecca Emtage. Bill Stout guessed Sharon Dollard. Donna Andreas Copley thought it might have been herself, except thinner.
Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Chad Calabria, and Stu Cohen, all of whom correctly identified Drew Topping (’86) as Mystery Classmate #98, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.
In case you were wondering, Drew is happily married to his wife Jennifer (pictured), and their daughter Nicollette is almost 2. Drew devotes whatever free time he has to his bar and restaurant, Piper’s Pub, which he opened six years ago at 1828 East Carson Street on the Southside.
Chad Calabria, who tends bar at Piper’s, reports that Drew is still a gearhead and loves his old style automobiles, especially the fixer-uppers.
Dave Holmes guessed Tim Pease. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Danny Kun. Jerry Koutavas guessed Joe Strednak, accompanied by Kelly Wilson. Paul Rodgers guessed John Plack, or Denis Leary.
Ted Showers guessed Steve Watson, host of the Discovery Channel’s “Monster House.” Ted’s TV viewing habits have taken a real hit with the NHL lockout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Just in time for the holidays, the Official Mystery Classmate Store is open for business!
Congratulations to Helene Bour Palmer, Karen LaFace, Laura Murton O’Hara, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Lisa Callender Mitchell, Leslie Rush Cuda, Michele Sherer Ancheta, and Lynn Abt LeBlanc, all of whom correctly identified Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson (’84) as Mystery Classmate #100, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.
Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified Mary Cvetan (’83) as Mystery Classmate #99. In addition, Jerry wishes a happy Greek Independence Day to all of his fellow Classmates of Greek descent.
Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Chad Calabria, and Stu Cohen, all of whom correctly identified Drew Topping (’86) as Mystery Classmate #98, and are listed in the order that their responses were received.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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