Local Government TV

▼

Friday, June 07, 2013

Becahi's 2013 Graduates Will Get $12 Million in Scholarships

Maria R. Spirk
Although 193 seniors graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School on June 6, Principal John Petruzzelli awarded 194 diplomas. The last one was for Kasey Roman, who passed away after a sudden illness in her Freshman year. Her twin brother, Jesse, accepted the diploma on her behalf, after which the crowded auditorium thundered in applause. Seniors also established a scholarship fund in Kasey's honor.

Before that, as each graduate's name was announced, moms and dads and other family members really tried to be quiet. But when Eva Rodic's name was called, a small tot shouted, "Hi Eva!" Everyone, even Dean Michael Grasso, started laughing.

Salutatorian Maria Spirk, on her way to Bryn Mawr College, took the time to thank her parents for setting a "fundamental example of how we lead our lives." She is the daughter of Bethlehem City Solicitor Jack Spirk, and his wife, Marian.

Bridget M. Smith
Valedictorian Bridget Smith was also named the top female athlete. In soccer, she set a school record of 71 goals. Called a "warrior" in basketball, she helped lead the Golden Hawks to a District XI championship this year. Daughter of Grace and Edward Smith, she will attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Smith joked that her uncle, who never quite made it, still proudly wears a "I survived Catholic School" T-shirt. She claimed that despite the "Go Home Freshmen" taunts she took in her first year, she was able to meet all kinds of interesting people from China, Korea, Spain, Germany "and even New Jersey."

The top male athlete honored was two-time state wrestling champ Darian Cruz, who will take his 153-8 record to Lehigh University.

Another senior wrestler, Connor Hedash, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Dean Michael Grasso
Principal Petruzzelli stated that over $12 million in scholarships have been awarded to the Class of 2013. "They left quite an impression," he remarked. Although agreeing that "you're each on your own journey now," Petruzzelli concluded, "Always be Beca proud. ... We love 'ya."

Bethlehem Catholic High School is a private co-educational community of the Diocese of Allentown, with approximately 760 students between grades 9 through 12. Established on the south side in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the school is currently located at 2133 Madison Avenue. Children of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome, but students are required to participate in faith-based activities.
at

9 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    The Valedictorian of Bethlehem Catholic will attend UPENN while the Valedictorian of Freedom will attend West Chester, not that there is is anything wrong with that.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thomas AquinasJune 7, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    That's the kind of statement one expects from a Burger College dropout - or typical Penn alum (i.e. Ivy League degree and no common sense or manners).

    ReplyDelete
  3. RossRNJune 7, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    I would love to know the cut between pure academic scholarships and athletic, because Beca has actively recruited so many athletes from area schools it is ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    Actually I'm curious what the real riddle is in Anon 629am's comment - care to speak plainly?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bernie O'HareJune 7, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    Freedom High School has more than its fair share of Ivy League students, and its student population does not have to pay $7,000 per year. As a Becahi grad, i am disappointed by the snobbery at 6:29.

    Very unChristian.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    yes. 6:29's comments are in bad form.

    i'm also tired of hearing the "beca recruits" bullshit like 8:54. 2 of my 3 kids were recruited to play a high school sport by coaches at PUBLIC schools out of their district. complaining about one HS recruiting is like complaining about speeding at the Indy 500

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    How does Moravian Academy play in all this?

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 3:40 PM

    The big question is were do you get the best coke in the bathrooms?

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJune 8, 2013 at 9:09 AM

    Apparently, the bigger question is how to spell "where".

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.