St. John Neumann Regional Academy

Thewww.sjnra.org Neumann ShieldOctober 2010 • Volume 5 • Issue 1

St. John Neumann Regional Academy Celebrates Nine AP Scholars INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Nine students from St. John Neumann Regional Academy an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and have earned AP Scholar Awards by the College Board grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. St. John Neumann Regional Academy in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the Forquer was the salutatorian of his class, and is the son Celebrates Nine AP Scholars ­­­­ . . 1 - 2 college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Program Exams. of Thomas and Adele Forquer. He is currently studying civil engineering at The George Washington University, Elementary Campus Launches The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program Washington, DC. Accelerator Program ...... 2 provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level At St. John Neumann Regional Academy, seven students SJNRA OotM Team Victorious at World courses while still in high school, and to earn college qualified for the AP Scholar Award in addition tothe Finals ...... 2 credit, advanced placement, or both for successful per- two previously named, by completing three or more formance on the AP exams. About 18% of the 1.8 million AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. The following 2010 New Faces at SJNRA ...... 3 students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a graduates are AP Scholars: sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award. The Neumann Grad Inducted into Society 3 College Board recognizes several levels of achievement • Danielle Byrne, daughter of Kenneth and based on students’ performance on AP exams. Adrienne Haas, is attending St. Vincent’s College in SJNRA Endowment Fund Established 3 Latrobe and studying voice performance. St. John Neumann 2010 graduate Adam Bahr qualified • Allison Cheatle, daughter of Matthew and Reason to Cheer: SJNRA Celebrates for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an Patricia Cheatle, is attending Towson University in 135th Anniversary ...... 4 - 5 average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and Maryland and studying political science. scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. • Kahlie DeHotman, daughter of Joseph and SJNRA News Highlights ...... 6 Bahr was the valedictorian of his class, and is the son of Tracie Bem, is attending Messiah College in Grantham, Pete and Kathy Bahr. He is currently studying electrical PA and studying theatre. SJNRA Seniors Commended By engineering at Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, • Conor Norris, son of Christopher and Sueanne National Merit Scholarship University Park, PA. Norris, is studying mathematics/history at St. Francis Program ...... 6 University, Loretto, PA. St. John Neumann 2010 graduate Neil Forquer quali- • Elaina Stone, daughter of Pam Gill, is attending SJNRA Auction Raises fied for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA and studying anthropol- Record Amount ...... 6 - 7 ogy and archaeology.

Join Us for Mass ...... 7 Current SJNRA seniors Hannah Facey, daughter of Peter and Mindy Facey, and Hannah Harris, daughter of In Their Own Words: Neumann Grads David and Janet Harris, were also named AP Scholars. Reflect on their Catholic Education: Jim Creeley, SJNRA Class of 2009 . . 7 Through more than 30 different college-level courses Phillip Trometter, and exams, AP provides motivated and academically SJNRA Class of 2010 ...... 7 Adam Neil Danielle prepared students with the opportunity to earn college Bahr Forquer Byrne credit or advanced placement and stand out in the Ring in the Holidays with the SJNRA college admissions process. Each exam is developed Gift Card/Tuition Voucher Program . . 8 by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that the exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. AP is accepted by more than 3,600 colleges and universities worldwide for college credit, advanced The Path to a Allison Kahlie Conor Cheatle DeHotman Norris placement, or both on the basis of successful AP Exam grades. This includes more than 90 percent of four-year Higher Education institutions in the . Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.

SJNRA AP SCHOLARS Elaina Hannah Hannah Stone Facey Harris Continued on Page 2

- 1 - SJNRA Celebrates Nine AP Scholars (Continued from Page 1) St. John Neumann St. John Neumann High School principal, Denise M. Tobin, remarked, “Academic Excellence is one Odyssey of the Mind Team of the pillars of the Catholic education that St. John Neumann Regional Academy High School provides. We strive to maintain rigorous and Victorious at World Finals relevant coursework that will easily transition our young men and women to undergraduate work The 31st annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals was held in May at Michigan State University. St. at a college or university. The three levels of AP John Neumann sent three qualifying teams to the final level of competition for the 2009-10 school Scholars recently awarded to our students is con- year. The teams finished as follows: firmation that our curriculum challenges students and that our faculty encourages students to do Nature Trail’R, Division I: 14th place out of 50 teams the very best they can. Congratulations to all of Food Court, Divison I: 15th place out of 70 teams our Neumann Scholars!” Return to the Gift of Flight, Division III: 3rd place- bronze medals- out of 39 teams

St. John Neumann Regional Academy challenges The SJNRA OotM teams enjoyed meeting Odyssey team participants from across the country and and inspires children in preschool through 12th around the world. For our two Division I teams, it was their first experience at World Finals, and they grade to reach their full potential. SJNRA is the did exceptionally well. Our Division III team is an experienced team, which has a long history of suc- only private school in the greater Lycoming County cess at World Finals. They rose to the occasion once again in Michigan, and captured bronze medals area to offer an extensive AP Program. This school for their school and their team. SJNRA has an impressive record at World Finals, sending qualified year, SJNRA is marking its 135th Anniversary – teams to the worldwide event eight of the past nine years. celebrating the excellence of Catholic Education in Lycoming County. In addition, the Division III team also won the prestigious “Ranatra Fusca” award at the State Tournament in April. The Ranatra Fusca Award is the most coveted award in the Odyssey of the Mind program. It allows the team that wins it to move on to the next level of competition, regardless Elementary Campus Launches of their scores. This award is only given out in circumstances of exceptional creativity. This is the first time in our school’s 20+ year history in OotM that they have attained the Ranatra Fusca Award. Accelerator Program Congratulations to the team for securing this important recognition!

St. John Neumann is proud to offer a new Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving op- program at our Elementary Campus, the portunities for students from kindergarten through college. Kids apply their creativity to solve problems “SJNRA Accelerator Program”. The Accelerator that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. Program will be offered to students in Grades They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams 1-6. Acceptance into the Accelerator Program from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program. is based on academic achievement. Prospective Accelerator students are referred to the program by their teacher. The group will be divided into two groups: Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6. Each group will meet at a convenient time outside of the normal school day.

Mrs. Susan Kaiser, SJNRA System Director and Elementary Principal, will be the instructor for this gifted program. According to Mrs. Kaiser, “I am delighted that we are able to offer this program to our elementary students. I will challenge the students in a variety of ways to go above the “normal” curriculum for their current grade level.” Division I Food Court Team Division I Nature Trail’R “The Accelerator Program is designed to (L to R): Ryenn Yearick, Coach Denise Southard, (L to R): David Montis, Natalie Kolczynski, challenge the children and give them a nurturing Jessica Mattiace, Marilyn Hiller, Christine Adriana Barone, Bridget Foresman, Kendra environment in which they can explore and excel. McFadden, Amanda Southard, Coach Bret Snyder, Bianca Lilley and Adali Matz. Coaches This program will allow our students to “step out Southard, Emily Walter and Shayna McNamee. are Kathy Bahr and Keith Bauer. of the box” and challenge them to become more creative and excited about learning. It will allow those students who are working above their grade level to have an added challenge outside of Division III Return to the Gift of Flight the rigors of their normal classroom setting,” said Mrs. Kaiser. The program will include book clubs, Sitting (L to R): Coaches Jeff Trometter, Kathy computer programs, advanced art projects, and Bahr and Keith Bauer. many other academic and creative outlets for the children. Kneeling (L to R): John Mattiace, Phillip Trometter, Adam Bahr and Doug Hasko. Mrs. Kaiser took a graduate course on the Gifted Learner this summer and she is a certified Standing (L to R): Katie Bahr, JoAnne Murphy teacher. She holds two Masters Degrees. and Lakeisha James.

- 2 - St. John Neumann NEW Endowment Fund Faces at SJNRA Established The Administration and Governance Board of St. John Neumann Regional Academy is pleased to announce the following changes and additions to the staff of the Academy for the 2010-2011 What started out as a wish by family members school year in support of our mission and our to remember their wife and mother has four pillars of excellence: ACADEMICS, FAITH, blossomed into a gift that will have a positive SERVICE and LEADERSHIP, supporting our mis- • Mrs. Theresa Beiter, Mrs. Stacey French impact on Catholic education for generations sion of providing a superior Catholic Education and Mrs. Brandi Hurne join our staff as to come. in the development of the entire child-- mind, full-time aides. body and spirit. Upon the untimely passing of Mary Lou Beiter • Mrs. Beth Lazorka joins in March 2010, the Beiter family desired to • Ms. Abby Brown is the our Elementary staff as a part-time establish an endowment fund in Mary Lou’s new full-time guidance counselor, remedial reading specialist. She memory which would provide support to St. serving students in grades PreK-12. holds a Para-Professional Certificate John Neumann Regional Academy. They were Ms. Brown has a BA in International from BLaST and is certified in CPR, overwhelmed with the donations received in Studies from Lock Haven University, First Aid and CPI (Crisis Prevention memory of Mrs. Beiter. and a MSW (Master of Social Intervention). Work) from Marywood University. Another long-time Catholic school supporter, She comes to us with 14 years experience from • Mrs. Kristin Fisher joins Monsignor Francis J. Castellano, passed away Tressler/Diakon Lutheran Services, where she our Early Childhood staff as the in June 2010. Prior to his passing, Monsignor served the Williamsport and Jersey Shore school music teacher, as Mr. Richard Castellano made it clear that he wished districts as a School-Based Counselor. Cummings has been appointed St. John Neumann Regional Academy be music teacher, drama coordinator remembered in any memorial contributions • Mrs. Ali Taylor joins the and computer technology specialist made in his name. Academy staff as an Art teacher for at the high school. Mrs. Fisher is a Grades 4-12. She has a Bachelor graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Monies from these two funds were merged. of Fine Arts degree in Fine Arts Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Secondary Throughout the summer months, members & Crafts and Printmaking, with a English Education. She and her husband, Don, of the Beiter family, and the Endowment minor in Art History from Edinboro have been the leaders of the Contemporary Committee which they organized, met University, and a Masters of Music Ensemble of St. Boniface since 2003. Mrs. with representatives from the Williamsport Education degree in Art Education Fisher is also a local recording artist and has four Lycoming Community Foundation in order to from Mansfield University. She has seven years music CDs. deposit the funds with the First Community of experience teaching art. Foundation Partnership. Last month, the details were finalized and the fund is now • Mr. Kyle Murphy joins the in place. The fund has a value in excess of High School faculty in a part time Neumann Grad $26,000. position as our new French teacher. He has a BS degree in Secondary Inducted into Society Funds generated from the St. John Neumann Education/French and a BA in Endowment Fund will be used to embark Theatre. on capital improvements to our school Daniel S. Sholder, SJNRA Class of buildings, provide technological upgrades in 2009 graduate, and a sopho- • Mrs. Karen Welshans joins our classrooms, or any other project that the more pre-med major at Villanova the staff as an Accounting Clerk. committee deems worthy. She has an Associate’s Degree in University, recently was inducted into the Villanova Chapter of the Business Administration. Donations may be made at any time to the National Society of Collegiate St. John Neumann Endowment Fund. Please Scholars (NSCS). consider naming the St. John Neumann • Endowment Fund in your will, and give a NSCS is the only national honor society Mrs. Kelli Neece and meaningful gift that will last for generations recognizing outstanding academic achievement Ms. Sylvia Fagnano to come. For more information on planned among first- and second-year college students. are the new secretaries giving opportunities, please contact SJNRA Membership is by invitation only to those at the High School Development Director, Kathy Bahr, at 323- students who carry a 3.4 grade point average or Campus Office and 9953, ext. 205 or via email at [email protected]. come to us with great higher and rank in the top 20 percent of their work experience and exuberant energy. class.

Sholder is the son of Steve and Diane Sholder, Williamsport, and was the Salutatorian of the SJNRA Class of 2009.

- 3 - Catholic worship in Williamsport Reason to Cheer: up to 1865. The first pastor was Rev. George Gostenschnigg, of St. St. John Neumann Regional Joseph’s Church, Milton, who, up until 1857, visited Williamsport twice a month to celebrate Mass Academy Celebrates 135th and preach the Gospel to the little flock. The first resident pastor was Rev. John B. Bach, who took Anniversary Milestone charge of the congregation in St. John Neumann January 1857, and served until September 1861. He preached alternately in German, English and These first settlers of Cascade proved themselves French. He made an addition to the church of 22 Clearly, there will be no one that disputes the honorable, talented, progressive, and worthy x 22 feet, and opened a small . 135th Anniversary Celebration. But there are citizens. St. Mary’s was the Records show that Bishop John Neumann many facts that may lead people to believe that only church in the township. As early as 1848, passed through this area and on his horse this anniversary celebration could be a 155th Catholic services were held in the houses of bowed down to God in honor of the efforts Anniversary Celebration. Let’s travel back into Michael Kelly and John Keefer by Fathers of those early settlers in our region. In 1859, history to 1875 and as far back as 1840, when O’Keefe, Hannigan, and others. Nearly all the Bach laid out a cemetery on Wyoming Street, there were no automobiles, and the majority of first settlers of the township were members containing about two acres. Rev. Philip Woerner travel was conducted by horseback. of this faith, and attended Mass whenever the became pastor in September 1861, and remained opportunity was offered. In 1854, a small frame until March 1862, when he was succeeded by The people of this great Lycoming County / building was erected on the farm of Patrick Rev. James A. Moschal. Susquehanna Valley were real pioneers. Many Kinney, who donated land for a church and people were immigrants from Europe, traveling cemetery. It stood a couple of miles southwest Rev. John Koeper became pastor of St. Bonifacius to a land that was unknown to them, but would of Kellysburg, and served the congregation congregation in August 1869. In November offer hope and allow them many freedoms. One until the erection of the St. Mary’s Church. The 1872, the old church was removed to the rear of the biggest of all reasons to come to this area church embraced seventy-five families, and was of the lot to make room for the church that was was for family life and for families to be able to the only congregation and house of worship in eventually destroyed by fire in the early 1970s, practice their religious freedom. Let’s review just the township. The Mulvey and Flanagan families which was a substantial edifice. The corner stone a few regions of our County where some of the were connected with St. Mary’s Catholic Church was laid on June 22, 1873, and the building was earliest Catholics settled. of Cascade township, of which both families dedicated to the service of God on September 19, were pioneer members. 1875. It was a brick structure of Gothic architec- Cascade Township was formed from territory ture, and was 65 x 145 feet in dimensions. The taken from Hepburn and Plunkett’s on August 9, Bastress Township was formed from part auditorium was 46 x 99 feet and had a seating 1843. It was named for the many little cascades of Susquehanna Township on December 13, capacity of 800. The windows were of richly and waterfalls found in its dashing streams and 1854 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. stained glass, and the interior, like the exterior, murmuring rivulets. There were many good and The township is named in honor of Solomon was of pure Gothic design. well-cultivated farms in the township. One of the Bastress, of Jersey Shore, who was a former first settlers was Michael Kelly. He penetrated member of the legislature and an associate In March 1870, the parochial school was the forests at the head of Wallis Run in July 1843. judge. The first settlers were German Roman reorganized, with Charles Cremer as teacher. He cut a road through the woods from DuBois’ Catholic farmers. They migrated to the area In June 1874, four Sisters of Christian Charity, saw mill to the present Kellysburg, six miles, beginning in 1837 under the leadership of Father banished from Germany by the new Prussian so that he could get an ox team and wagon Nicholas Steinbacher. Together, they established church laws, took charge of the parochial school. through. This was the first road in this part of the the of the Church of the Immaculate Their number eventually increased to six. county and over it Mr. Kelly hauled the lumber Conception in 1840. The original log church was used in the construction of his log house, and replaced by a stone structure in 1853. The Church of the Annunciation was organized also moved his family in by the same means. in the autumn of 1865 by Rev. P. F. Sullivan, with In October of the same year, he was followed The first free public school was taught by about sixty English speaking families previously by a Mr. Lang, of , who purchased Michael Myers in 1840, where the post office connected with St. Bonifacius Church, since property and erected the buildings sold to Peter is now situated. In 1891, it was reported that which time the latter organization had been O’Connor. The next few years, he was followed there was only one school conducted under the a purely German Catholic body. Rev. John by Patrick Cummings, Bernard, Thomas, Patrick, free school system, and the report shows that Lenfert, of St. Mary’s Church, Bastress township, and Edward Norton, Lawrence Ging, Michael six months of school were taught in 1891. The succeeded Father Moschal in October 1865, and Kehoe, Jeremiah and James Lee, John Smith, teacher, a male, was paid $30 a month, and there visited the congregation once a month up until Thomas Noon, Michael Cox, William McEnarney, were seventeen male and six female scholars. 1869. During his administration, a lot 52 x 208 George Nevell, William and John Davis, Henry There are other reports that show a Catholic feet east of the church was purchased. Riley, Samuel Stall, James Condon, John and School existed prior to this. Joseph Keefer, Thomas Logue, Patrick Flanagan, In December 1871, Rev. Eugene A. Garvey took Thomas and Patrick Kinney, Michael Barry, The City of Williamsport’s first trace of Catholic charge of the parish, and though he found it in John and Patrick Davis, Matthias McDonald, religion dates to the 1850s. St. Bonifacius Church a chaotic condition, he went vigorously to work. William O’Brien, Peter O’Connor, Richard Farrell, was organized in 1853 with about thirty families, Under his wise and judicious management, and others. Each purchased a property and who were principally Germans. On the 23rd of the congregation was wonderfully prosperous. erected buildings. The settlement founded by January, 1854, a lot 52 x 208 feet, located on Garvey soon paid off the debt on the church Michael Kelly is now Cascade, and some of his Washington Street, was purchased. In the sum- property left by his predecessor, and commenced descendants still reside there. mer of 1854, a frame church, 24 x 48 feet in size, a series of improvements continued through was erected thereon. This was the only place of the passing years in keeping with the growth and prosperity of the church. He first built the

- 4 - parochial residence on Walnut Street, then the Creek (Lancaster), Clarence, Batavia, Transit while out on errands in the mid-afternoon, he two-story brick school house on Edwin Street, (Swormville), Tonawanda, Canal Settlement suffered an apoplectic stroke (heart attack) and containing six rooms. He placed the Sisters of (Pendleton), Alden, Bennington, Niagara Falls, died. His funeral on January 8, 1860 attracted the Immaculate Heart of Mary as teachers, and Buffalo Plains and Black Rock. When the Sisters throngs of silent people along the streets. And enrollment was 380 pupils. He then erected of St. Francis came to Buffalo, they would go he was buried in St. Peter Redemptorist Church in the convent on Edwin Street, wherein eleven to many of these same places served by the Philadelphia where his body still lies. sisters resided, and to which advanced pupils circuit-riding/walking missionary priest. of the parochial schools were admitted for After his death, favors through intercession graduation. The foundation was commenced the The Gangloff family history indicates that Father to him were reported. In December 1896, the following spring, and on Sunday, July 11, 1886, Neumann came to Cheektowaga to bless the cause for his and were the cornerstone of the new church was laid by home of Joseph and Barbara Batt, the family introduced in Rome. In October 1963, Pope Paul Bishop O’Hara with imposing ceremonies and that made an 1837 voyage over the ocean and VI declared John Neumann blessed. On June 19, in the presence of an immense audience. Within promised to build a Maria Hilf shrine for a safe 1977, John Neumann was canonized as a the sanctuary were also Most Rev. P. J. Ryan, passage. One of the Batt daughters, Mary Ann, of the church and many Sisters of St. Francis Archbishop of Philadelphia, Rt. Rev. Thomas married to Franz Joseph Gangloff, also made attended the ceremony. McGovern, Bishop of Harrisburg, and a large this journey. There are baptismal records at SS. number of priests. Peter & Paul which show the Father Neumann presided at the weddings and of As we celebrate the 135th Anniversary The faithful presences of the Sisters of Christian several Batt and Gangloff children. Maria Hilf of Catholic Schools in Lycoming County, Charity and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart Shrine in Cheektowaga remained a mission of SS. we know change, we accept change, we of Mary have had a significant presence in our Peter and Paul Parish until 1890 when it became embrace a system rooted in faith and God schools over these years. We are very grateful Our Lady Help of Christians Parish. In the 1830s, and we embrace excellence in all facets of for their service to our area. Father Neumann made his way to the German Catholic Education. Tradition, hard work Catholics in maple sugar-time, mud-time, and an unparalleled desire to succeed is The Life of St. John Neumann: mosquito-time, much as the Sisters of St. Francis the DNA make up of our System. We are John Nepomucene Neumann, born in Prachatitz did in the 1860s. Father Neumann’s brother, thankful to our parishes, our Catholic in (Czechoslovakia / ) Wenzel, joined him at the North Bush settlement followers, our community, our Bishops and on March 28, 1811, was baptized on the same and together they provided school lessons for the Scranton Diocese. day in the parish church and grew up in a the children. Catholic home with five siblings. John’s mother, Perhaps this feeling and celebration can Agnes (Lebisch), fondly called him her “little In 1840, Father Neumann decided to join the be summed up in the words of our current bibliomaniac” for his love of books and learning. Redemptorist Fathers, and on January 16, Vice President of the Board of Directors, His father’s name was Philip Neumann. 1842, he became the first to make vows in Mr. Steve Sholder, who said, “When you John, even as a child, also held a keen interest the American Redemptorist foundation. His enter SJNRA, you become part of a family, in art, music, natural science, theology and missionary work took him all over the frontier a community rooted in Christ, with a strong languages. And he loved solitude. John studied of Pennsylvania and states - by boat, history, a vital present and a vision of an at the seminary in nearby Budwiess and at the stagecoach, horse, and on foot. Ten years later, exciting future more powerful than the University of Prague. When he was ready for he was tapped as bishop. On his 41st birthday, past.” ordination, he chose the role of missionary to the March 28, 1852, he was consecrated as bishop United States. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean in of Philadelphia. The 1840s and ‘50s saw peak Congratulations, St. John Neumann April 1836. immigrations of Europeans, especially Germans Regional Academy, may you continue to and Irish, to America’s shores. Bishop Neumann prepare the future through your students He arrived in New York Harbor, and on June learned Gaelic so he could speak with the Irish with learning for a lifetime, and a lifetime 25, 1836, Bishop , ordinary for the immigrants. In 1854, Bishop Neumann returned of learning, and always having the under- Diocese of New York which encompassed all to the Buffalo area to conduct two missions, standing of God and the need to serve one of New York State, ordained John Neumann one in English, and one in German. Later, in another. to the priesthood. After his first Mass on 1854, Bishop Neumann crossed the ocean to June 26, he set out on a 363 mile trip on the be in Rome for the solemn proclamation of the recently-completed Erie Canal. During a stop in dogma of the . Pope Sources: Rochester, he made the acquaintance of Father Pius IX also held an ad limina visit with Bishop • Bachmann - Neumann Connection, a slide Prost, one of the serving the Neumann and encouraged him to establish a presentation with script, by Sister Fran Gangloff, German immigrants there. Upon his arrival in religious congregation of women with the III July 1984, for Heritage Days III. Buffalo, Father Neumann met Father Pax, pastor Order Rule of St. Francis. Bishop Neumann also • His Life was Gentle - the Life of St. John at St. Louis Parish in downtown Buffalo. The went home to Prachatitz to visit his aging father Neumann, a drama and slide presentation in 5 young priest made his way out Main Street and the grave of his deceased mother. Upon his acts with prologue and epilogue, by Sister Fran (Route 5) to the Williams Mill settlement of 1811 return to Philadelphia, Bishop Neumann became Gangloff, October 1977, for Jubilee 1977, year of (Williamsville) and the Alsatian Catholics living acquainted with the desire of Anna Bachmann the canonization. in the area. Father Neumann offered the first and her companions to become religious. On • St. John Neumann - Missionary to the Mass in a partly finished church made of native April 9, 1855, Bishop Neumann conducted the Niagara Frontier: 1836 - 1840, photos and text by Onandagua limestone, on July 17, 1836. reception of the three into religious life and on Sister Fran Gangloff, Western New York Catholic, Ethnic rivalries, such as that of the German - May 26, 1856, he heard their profession of the April 1983, pages 18 - 19. French immigrants from provinces of Alsace and vows of religion. • St. John Neumann, life and times @ History of Lorraine, lay , and anti-papism and of Lycoming County Pennsylvania by John anti-Catholic sentiments, added to the difficulty During the Christmas season of 1859, Bishop Franklin Meginness. of life on the frontier. But Father Neumann just Neumann visited the children he so loved quietly went about ministrering to the people, in several schools throughout Pennsylvania, traveling often on foot, to the far-flung German spent time with his Redemptorist community, settlements at Eden, Alden, Java, Sheldon, Cayuga and called on the Sisters. On January 5, 1860,

- 5 - St. John Neumann Seniors SJNRA NEWS HIGHLIGHTS: Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program High School Campus Enjoys Fitness Factory Agreement Extended Technological Upgrade for a Third Year Hannah Facey, daughter of Peter and Minnette Facey, and Hannah Harris, daughter of David Over the summer months, the SJNRA High For the third year, St. John Neumann has and Janet Harris, both St. John Neumann School Campus acquired 72 new Dell Laptop partnered with The Fitness Factory, 330 Hughes seniors, have been named Commended computers and three computer carts. With this Street, directly across from the High School Students in the 2011 National Merit acquisition, all Academy students, grades 1-12 Campus, to offer our students and athletes a Scholarship Program. Miss Harris is currently benefit from the availability and regular usage state-of-the-art training and exercise facility studying abroad in Germany, but will return to of laptops in the classroom. Our goal is for this free of charge. This is an added benefit not graduate with her class in June 2011. program to get stronger and stronger every only for our athletes, but also for all St. John year so that one day even our Pre-K and Junior Neumann students who wish to improve their About 34,000 Commended Students through- Kindergarten students have access to laptops. general health and physical well-being. There out the nation are being recognized for their is no cost for our students and athletes to use exceptional academic promise. Commended St. John Neumann Students Selected the Fitness Factory facility. We are very grateful Students placed among the top five percent of for Youth Leadership Program to the Fitness Factory for partnering with St. more than 1.5 million students who entered John Neumann Regional Academy so that our the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Three St. John Neumann students were recently students may enjoy another year of fitness and Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship chosen to participate in the 2010-2011 Youth good health! Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Leadership Program, sponsored by Pennsylvania College of Technology. The students are juniors SJNRA Enjoys Second Year of “Recognition of high-achieving students is Alana Androvette, Andrew Cheatle and John Community Arts Center Collaboration essential to advancing educational excellence Mattiace. in our nation,” commented a spokesperson for The 2010-11 school year marks the second year NMSC. “As demonstrated by their outstand- The Youth Leadership Program allows high- that St. John Neumann Regional Academy is ing performance in our highly competitive school sophomores and juniors an opportunity partnered with the Community Arts Center to program, the young men and women named to experience classes that are tailored to issues bring live musical and theatrical performances Commended Students represent some of the facing today’s teens, as well as issues facing to all SJNRA students. Our Junior/Senior High most academically talented students in our today’s society. The program’s objectives are to School students were treated to a performance country. We sincerely hope this recognition will take a group of diverse students and help them of Macbeth on Tuesday, October 19. Our enhance their educational opportunities and recognize their own leadership potential and preschoolers and kindergartners will enjoy “The encourage them in their pursuit of academic their potential impact on the community through Berenstain Bears” on Friday, October 29. Our success.” volunteer opportunities. Students are encouraged elementary students will attend “Star Trek Live” to apply what they learned to promote leader- in February 2011. We are delighted that we can ship amongst their peers, thereby fostering other bring the live arts to all of our students, and students’ leadership potential. SJNRA is proud to be the sponsor of “The World SJNRA Auction Famous Popovich - Comedy Pet Theater” on April SJNRA Marks 135th Anniversary with 1, 2011. Raises Record Family-Oriented Events SJNRA Governance Board Welcomes Amount The St. John Neumann family marks the 135th Father Paul Fontanella anniversary of Catholic education in our area The St. John Neumann Fundraising Committee’s with events planned throughout the year. The Bishop Joseph Bambera has named Father Fourth Annual Auction, “A Mystical Ball. . . A kickoff event occurred on August 25, when Paul Fontanella, Pastor of St. Ann’s Church, to Magical Knight” raised in excess of $86,000 for more than 325 SJNRA family members attended the Board of Limited Jurisdiction for St. John our Academy, the largest amount ever raised the Family Fun Knight, in which they enjoyed a Neumann Regional Academy. Father Fontanella at an Academy event. The auction, held at the cruise aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Boat, replaces the seat held by the late Monsignor Williamsport Country Club on June 19, featured a delicious dinner catered by Tony’s Deli, and Francis Castellano. Please join the St. John live and silent auctions, a live band, and a music by a local band. Neumann family in welcoming Father Fontanella. magician. More than 180 guests were treated The board is eager to work with him and gain his to delicious hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner At our Annual Basket Bonanza on October 15, insight. and beverages. Mr. Lorne Crawford donated his every SJNRA family had the opportunity to auctioneering services for a second year, and win the SJNRA Anniversary Basket, worth over Fr. Paul Fontanella is a graduate of Dunmore treated the audience to spirited bidding on many $500. The Basket contained a gift certificate for a High School, the University of Scranton and St. of the Live auction prizes. 2-hour private cruise aboard the Hiawatha and a Pius X Seminary. He has a BA in Philosophy. variety of SJNRA apparel and merchandise. He attended the Pontifical Gregorian University The entire St. John Neumann family thanks and holds an STB in Sacred Theology. He was the many guests who “Raised their Paddle for On November 14, the Academy family will join ordained to the priesthood in Scranton in 2002 Education” and donated thousands of dollars together for a Thanksgiving Mass and Feast. All and served in the following areas: as Director of to directly support our students in the form of will be treated to a full Thanksgiving dinner, as Religious Formation, Bishop O’Reilly High School donations for new library books, uniform allow- we give thanks for the gift of Catholic Education Kingston, 2002-2006; as Assistant pastor at ance for needy students, lab and transportation in Lycoming County. More anniversary events Annunciation Church, Williamsport, 2006-2007; fees, music and sports sponsorships, and tuition will be announced as the year progresses and as Administrator at St. Joachim, Meshoppen, assistance. The response was overwhelming, and special attention will be given during Catholic 2007-2008 and in 2008 was named pastor of the the support is much appreciated. Schools Celebration 2010-2011, which will be Church of St. Ann, Williamsport. held January 30 through February 5, 2011. Special thanks to the auction prize donors that

- 6 - were in attendance that evening and duplicated their original donation: Robert and Paul Beiter of Beiter’s Home Center who donated two Frigidaire In Their Own Words: washer and dryer combinations; Mr. John Blair of Blair Brothers Goldsmiths who donated two 14 carat yellow gold 1.33 carat diamond bracelets; Mr. & Mrs. Franco Daniele, Francis Neumann Grads Reflect on Daniele and Theresa Tagliaferri, who donated two complete Tag’s with a Touch catering events; their Catholic Education and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Pellegrino who donated a second week at their Myrtle Beach Condo. This incredible show of appreciation raised an additional $8,000 for our Academy.

Congratulations to Drs. Chris Reilly and Theresa Jim Creeley, SJNRA Class of 2009 Phillip Trometter, SJNRA Class of 2010 Bianco who were the winners of the $99/99 Valedictorian Public Policy Major Raffle. They had the option to choose $2,999 in Electrical Engineering Major, With a concentration in American Politics, cash or free tuition for two students. Bucknell University Penn State University/Wilkes-Barre Campus

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bower were the winners of the SJNRA’s writing intensive cur- I have been in the Lycoming Academy’s Magical Glass Box prize, a gorgeous riculum prepared me to write on County Catholic School System custom 14K yellow gold moonstone/ruby a college level. Through taking all my life, from Pre-K through pendant from dedicated SJNRA supporter, Blair AP English classes at Neumann, 12th grade. The excellent teaching Brothers Goldsmiths. I was exposed to a variety of staff at our Catholic school has authors and writing genres. My instilled in me the tools necessary The entire Academy extends our sincere thanks aptitude in writing, which is to produce good quality school to all of the auction attendees, prize donors and attributable to SJNRA, enabled work and test scores that are de- corporate sponsors for making our auction such me to become a Peer Writing Consultant on the manded from praised academic establishments. a success. Bucknell campus. As a peer tutor, I help students Throughout my tenure at SJNRA, I became realize their potential writing abilities, and after familiarized with intense course-work and test Mark your calendars for next year’s auction, “A each tutoring session, I realize how lucky I am to preparation. I learned not only how to produce Knight to Celebrate”, to be held on Saturday, have had such a rich educational experience in homework that satisfied the requirements set May 14, 2011. The fifth annual auction will high school. by the course, but I was encouraged to strive to conclude our year-long celebration of the 135th go above and beyond in order to maximize my anniversary of Catholic Education in Lycoming As an engineering student, I am challenged by grade. SJNRA helped me to want to be the best I County. Join us for a memorable evening! For professors to determine innovative solutions to could be in school and in life. more information, please contact Mrs. Kathy a variety of real-world problems. Often, I am Bahr, SJNRA Development Director, at 570-323- required to do this as a member of a group. My The routine and rigor of Neumann academics 9953, ext. 205, or via email at [email protected]. St. John Neumann education encouraged group has helped me excel beyond most of my work and collaboration to enhance the learning classmates at college. My Neumann education environment, so I was well prepared for this gave me the strong fundamentals of sound aspect of college. Each time a group engineering academic integrity and commitment, which is design project is assigned, I am confident in recognized by the Penn State faculty. Because of my ability to succeed because of my invaluable this, I am considering taking honors courses to experiences working with my classmates in high offer myself more of a challenge. school. The strong and extremely knowledgeable SJNRA The greatest educational benefit to a Catholic faculty and staff have given me the mental education is an education rooted in faith. My tools I need to not only survive my first year in St. John Neumann education not only educated college, but to outshine most of my peers in the me in the Catechism and Church dogma, but classroom. Every ‘A’ I have in my college courses Auctioneer Lorne Crawford engages the also, and more importantly, it taught me about can be attributed to the academic environment Auction crowd in spirited bidding. morality and service. At Neumann, faith is not fostered at SJNRA. This will prepare me for a just taught in the classroom—it is practiced future in law school. daily. For instance, each year students compete Please join us on the following dates for our as a class to raise money for St. Jude Children’s An education at SJNRA fosters in students the Academy Mass at St. Boniface Church at 10 a.m. Research Hospital during penny wars. Also, importance of Christ in their lives and the value • Friday, October 22 students involved in the LEO club work alongside of service to others. It also provides students • Friday, October 29 the Williamsport Lions Club and local charities with strong academic training, enabling them to • Monday, November 1 to improve the Williamsport community through succeed in the competitive world. • Friday, November 19 service. Neumann gives students a great educa- tion, rooted in service learning, that they can take • Wednesday, November 24 with them to college and throughout their lives. • Wednesday, December 8 • Wednesday, December 22 • Wednesday, January 5 • Friday, January 28 • Friday, February 4 • Friday, February 11 • Friday, February 25

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Ring in the Holidays with the SJNRA Gift Card/Tuition Voucher Program

You can support SJNRA this Christmas season when you buy your gift cards through SJNRA. We offer an extensive line of popular retail and restaurant gift cards for all of your holiday gift and shopping purchases. We sell Best Buy, Bath & Body Works, Bon Ton, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, K-Mart, Walmart, Lowe’s, Sheetz, Staples, Borders, and Gap/Old Navy gift cards, just to name a few. We offer restaurants gift cards for Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Ruby Tuesdays, Red Lobster/Olive Garden, Starbucks, Subway, Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays, Hoss’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Triangle Tavern. We also offer gift cards for local stores, such as Purity Candy, Otto’s Bookstore, and Helminiak’s Greenhouses. Weis and Giant gift cards are available for purchase as well. A portion of each gift card purchase benefits our school. Visit our website, www.sjnra.org, call 323- 9953, ext. 215 or email [email protected] for a complete listing of gift cards available, and/or to place your order.

SJNRA Celebrates the 2010-2011 School Year

St. John Neumann Regional Academy Locations and Contact Personnel

Junior/Senior High School Campus and Administrative Offices ...... 323-9953 901 Penn Street Susan Kaiser, System Director/Elementary Principal ...... Ext. 216 Denise Tobin, Junior/Senior High School Principal ...... Ext. 203 Kathy Bahr, Director of Development & Alumni Affairs ...... Ext. 205 Reverend David Bechtel, Chaplain and Director of Religious Formation .Ext. 218 Karen Welshans, Accounting Clerk ...... Ext. 210

Early Childhood and Elementary Campuses 75 Musser Lane, Muncy ...... 546-5272 1650 Sheridan Street ...... 323-0500 710 Franklin Street ...... 326-3738 For more information, please visit our website at… www.sjnra.org

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