ARGIRO, VRSANSKY and SHOEMAKER   enjoying the excesses of Rome !!
ARGIRO, VRSANSKY and SHOEMAKER enjoying the excesses of Rome !!


                                  The teachers at Upper St. Clair High School 
                                       were similar to those around the country. 

                                 Some inspired
us
to go on and do great things... 
                       others  just thought we should cater to them. (see photo above)  

         No wonder we didn't learn anything in school !!  :) :)

  
      


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     Dr. Ronald Christ  - Basketball Coach
     
     For those Classmates who were in my class 
     either in fifth or sixth grade, here is a test question
     for you:

     Do you remember the " ALL DAY TREATMENT ? "
          Would you be able to explain it to others?

                  ronaldchrist@hotmail,com



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I am very excited to be invited to the Class of  '65 reunion.  I taught many of you in either fifth or sixth grade so I look forward to seeing you again.  In case you are wondering what happened to me since I left teaching, I became the Principal of Johnston School in 1961. I was only there two years when I was appointed the position of Elementary Supervisor in charge of all elementary schools.  While serving in that position, I took a sabbatical leave to spend 15 months at Penn State and I received my Doctor's Degree in 1967.  In 1970, I left USC to teach at California University and remained there until my retirement in 2001.  I taught teaching methods courses as well as graduate research courses.  In addition, I supervised student teachers.

I have been divorced and remarried to a wonderful woman for the past twenty years.  We live in Jefferson Hills, which is close enough for us to attend USC basketball games,  You may recall that I was the first high school basketball coach USC ever had, serving from 1957-1961 and my love of the game has never waned.  Ron Christ

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                           English Teacher... Mr. Brosnahan

                           Mr. Brosnahan called most of us by our
                           "last" name and was known to be a tough
                           teacher. Those that made it through his class
                           appreciated it in the long run !

                           " What's your major malajustment ?"

                            bros1@earthlink.net



 I retired in 1999 after teaching forty and a half years, most of which were at USC as a teacher and English Curriculum Leader.  I feel blessed to have been able to have found a profession that I loved.  In fact, after retiring, I have continued teaching.  I taught graduate education and observed student teachers for Chatham College.  I currently am teaching English composition for the Community College of Allegheny County, Washington County Center.  Many of you will remember my wife, Carol, who student-taught with Mrs. Akers.  We were married in December, 1963, and will celebrate forty three years together this December.  Shortly before I retired, we fulfilled a dream and purchased an old house in East Washington, PA where we currently live.  We raised three children, Sean, Kelly, and Molly, and now have eight grandchildren.  We spend our time doing a great deal of babysitting, and we also travel, having been to Europe several times.  Carol and I hope to be able to attend the reunion which should be enjoyable for both of us, since Carol remembers many of you fondly as do I.    Bob Brosnahan

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     Chemistry Teacher... Mr. Zuraw

     Everyone enjoyed this teachers enthusiasm 
     for chemistry even if we could not appreciate 
     the chemistry itself !  

     zuraw@pulsenet.com

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After you all left in 1965, I managed to hang on for another 32 years at USC until I retired in 1997 with 40 years in the classroom.  In 1995 my wife and I did what we had planned to do for about 30 years.  We bought an historic house to restore.  We now live on 10 acres just outside of Washington, PA in a house that was built in 1790.  We have been working happily on the house and a large barn for the past 11 years.

My family consists of my daughter Vicki from my first marriage who lives near Phoenix.  Maggie and I have four children.  Pete and his wife Zandra and two grandsons, Calvin 4 and Quinn 2 live near Boston, Michael and his wife Elizabeth live in Lancaster and Julie who lives either in her house on Long Island or her brownstone in Brooklyn depending on when we talk to her.  Cathy, our youngest daughter unfortunately died suddenly in 1984 at the age of 12.

In January 1998 I began working part-time for a non-profit agency in Pgh, ASSET, Inc.  Our mission is to improve the teaching of science at the elementary school level.  I have enjoyed the work very much.  Just last week with the passing of the new state budget, we got a multimillion dollar grant to expand our program throughout the state.

Maggie and I are looking forward to seeing all of you on August 19th.  I'm sure I will have no trouble recognizing any of you since I'm sure you haven't changed a bit since June 1965!   Vic Zuraw

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                      Girls Phys Ed Teacher...Lois Nesbitt

                      How can anyone forget "Square Dancing" 
                      with the boys and the white one-piece gym
                      suits that had to be starched !


                               laclark@auxmail.iup.edu




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I will be so excited to attend the reunion.  We just came back after visiting our first grandson.  He was born on Feb 28...8 lbs and 12 oz.  I didn't get married until 1977 so I am about 10 years behind.  The first thing I did was go to my library and get my 1965 Clairvoyant and go through it and remember all the wonderful experiences I had at USC.  I remembered the GAA girls, leaders club, cheerleaders and gymnastics club.  As I recall, the cheerleaders were one of the most talented squads I worked with at USC.  Nancy was captain and the seniors were Jayne, Gwen, and Linda.  I think there was another Meek on the 1962-63 squad.  Not only were they full of pep and great spirit but they were excellent athletes.  Ofcourse, I will never forget our GAA and Leaders Club.  I had so much fun with them. It was never the same once they organized sports for girls.  We were able to get a lot of students involved with activities.  

I believe IUP has an outstanding program in teacher education.  I was teaching, in my field, classes in teacher education.  I specialized in motor development, safety education, and individual and dual sports.  I also helped to supervise student teachers.  I coached women's field hockey, basketball and finally swimming.  I did alot in aquatics.  I taught lifeguarding, WSI, beginning and intermediate swimming and fitness swimming.  I also taught in our summer Aquatics School with Dr. Ralph Johnson.  I retired in 2000 as an Associate Professor of HPE.  I had been working on a Doctorate at Pitt but I ran out of time.

Would love to hear about all the success stories from the Class of '65...

Can't wait to see everyone !    Lois Nesbitt Clark


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                  Spanish Teacher... Betty Scalise

                      Does anybody still have their 
                             " Spanish Notebook ?"

                      Does anybody even know how to 
                       say "notebook" .... in Spanish ?

                      bascalise@comcast.net


                      
"I was born in Pittsburgh in 1941.  I was raised in Beechview and graduated from South Hills High School.  My first job after graduating from Pitt in 1962 was at Upper St. Clair.  The high school was not yet finished when I had my interview with Dr. Streams.  We picked our way through the construction site !  Except for one US History class, I taught various levels of Spanish all three years that I was on the faculty.  In 1965, I decided to go back to grad school full time and left Pittsburgh for the University of Wisconsin where I got an MA in Spanish in 1967.  I served with the Peace Corps in Colombia, married, moved to Michigan, acquired three children (two adopted, one born to me), divorced, moved to California, and in 1977, relocated to a small town here in central valley where I still live.  Although I loved teaching, I spent the last 27 of my nearly 40 years in the "school business" as an administrator, mostly as a principal.  My kids are grown, of course, and I now have six grandchildren.  My daughter and her family live in Connecticut...my sons are here in California.  I retired a year ago which has left me with more time for travel, family, friends, and community work -- all of which I enjoy.  It will be wonderful to see my former students again.  I hope they remember me with the same joy and fondness with which I remember them"


             

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  Looking forward to seeing "everyone" saturday evening!

    
Betty Scalise

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                               French Teacher...Ms. Rocher

                               Ooh  La La!! ...Mademoiselle...
                               What "great" glasses you have...
                               Not sure who's we like better... 
                               yours or Ms. Scalise's. 

                               Were they a language thing?


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                Latin Teacher...Mr. Vrsansky

                      " Serious Up " now...

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20th year of retirement ... Travel to Las Vegas and California with family ... Good times at senior center with new friends ... Heart surgery 3 1/2 years ago ... Wife passed away 3 1/2 years ago ...Two grandchildren, Samantha, 2 years old and Trevor Joseph, 3 months old.

79 years old and having fun !!!!!  
See you at the Reunion.

Joseph Vrsansky

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                Social Studies Teacher - Peggy Brakeman
                                                                    Grinager


                                peggygrinager@aol.com

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Graduate of Edinboro University - 1960
Did Graduate work at: Clarion University, Pitt at Johnston, Carnegie Tech, Pitt

Taught at Fairview Junior Senior High School, Upper St. Clair High School, North Allegheny Middle, Intermediate, and Senior High School. Retired in 1999.

Married: R. Bruce Grinager in 1964 (42 years now), Worked for General Motor: Pontiac Motor Division, Retired.

Children: Beth Grinager Knaiuff, Carlen Grinager Capenos, Annette Grinager

Grandchildren: Lorraine Capenos, 7, Clayton Capenos, 4, Ryan Kaniuff, 5, and Emma Kaniuff, 1

What I do now: Play in a handbell choir, sing in Cranberry Civic Choral, Docent at the Senator John Heinz History Center, Docent at Sample (one room) School, (built in 1874), Cranberry Historical Society, Red Hat Society, Vice Moderator of Northmont Presbyterian Women, Deacon and Elder and member of the Capital Project Committee at Northmont, attend Club Julian to swim and workout many times a week to keep me strong.

Have been lucky to travel to: England, France, Germany, Italy, Monte Carlo, Norway, Hawaii, Guam, Australia, Argentine, several islands in the Carribean Sea, and have been in just about all of the mainland United States!

Have been very lucky to have a happy, good, and full 67 years of life!!!!

WE OLDER PEOPLE HAVE TO KEEP BUSY!!!!!!!

Peggy "Brakeman" Grinager







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          Language Teacher...Sue Baggs

          " Nest ce pas "


                   bumer@duq.edu

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It is really hard to believe that you are having your 40th/41st USC Class Reunions; in some ways it seems like yesterday that I was your young teacher and you were my even younger students!  I didn't teach all of you, but I would love to hear from anyone who would like to say "Hello"!   bumer@duq.edu

Not unlike many women in my generation, I left teaching before the birth of my first child, Amy, in 1969.  Amy is now the mom of our dear grandchildren, Chloe, three and a half, and Mason, three months.  Our Son Jim was born three years later, and he and his wife live in the Pittsburgh area, also.  I stayed home for several years and then decided that I wanted to continue working with people but in a different capacity, so I got my M.Ed and Ph.D in Counseling at Pitt.  I am currently in my 19th year of working at Duquesne University Counseling Center, where I am the associate director.  Counseling students who are working through the tasks of late adolescence/early adulthood is interesting and fulfilling.  Obviously, I am not many years (or perhaps even months!) from retirement, but I keep moving my as yet unarticulated date for this event; guess I am just not quite ready!

In addition to spending time with family and friends, we enjoy travel, and France is my favorite place to visit.  We had an especially moving trip to Normandy last year, and we are getting ready to explore Burgundy in late August.  I also enjoy reading and cooking ( and eating, alas! ), and I belong to a book club that has spirited discussions.  We just returned from a big family vacation in Hilton Head where three generations managed to co-exist happily under one roof for a week.

I thank you for inviting me to your reunion, and I am sorry not to be able to be there.  I look forward to hearing about it.  Have a wonderful time, and you have my heartiest congratulations on attaining this great milestone.   Sue (Baggs) Bumer

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                                 Math Teacher...Mr. Saunders

                                 Strikes one as being a rather quiet,
                                 thoughtful individual.

                                 When asked what he liked about St. Clair
                                 he said ...I'm impressed by the behavior
                                 of students...no need to discipline...so far

                           However I do have a few prize prospects 
                                         ( Now... who would they be ? )

                                 
                               

                 

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School year 1964-65 was my second year of teaching after one year in Penn Hills.  That year I had mostly freshmen and sophomores... but I did have a senior homeroom.  J.J. Bianchin looked like he should have been the teacher instead of me !  I have lots of great memories of USC High School starting with your class.  I ended my teaching career in 2003 and now, my wife Liz and I travel (Hawaii last), spoil grandchildren (Ryan and Hayley) and take care of our home in Peters Twp.  
I look forward to seeing everyone in August.    
James Saunders

jasaunders@adelphia.net                              

                
                 

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          Mr. Donald Stoicovy - Vice Principal

                 djstoicovy@adelphia.net

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Graduated Burnham High School 1949
University of Pennsylvania 1949-1951
US Air Force 1951-1954
Graduated California University of PA 1957
Fort Couch Jr - Sr High School

Taught in the USC School district for 29 years. During those 29 years taught Science and Social Studies at Fort Couch Middle School and Social Studies, American Cultures and European History at the High School. Was assisant  principal at Fort Couch, assistant principal at the High School, principal at Fort Couch and finally, principal at the High School. Sponsored many of USC's activities such as Student Council, World Affairs, AFS, and Jr. Achievement. Also functioned as the Activities Director, Athletic Director, and Assistant football coach.

Married - Father of four daughters and two sons. All children graduated from USCHS.  Daughter Karen (Stoicovy) Momyer is a teacher at USCHS.

Thank you for inviting me to your class reunion! 
Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Donald C. Stoicovy

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                    Franklin Carr - Guidance Counselor

                                  jaelce@libcom.com

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Franklin Carr                              
              
I retired from USC in 1985.  Enjoying life as an old geezer with my family...especially my teenage granddaughters.  After retiring I served for ten years on the Slippery Rock University Alumni Association Board of Directors including two as President.  I'm looking forward to your reunion and hope to see many of you.  One of the rewards of being an educator is to learn of the many wonderful accomplishments of our former students.

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        Science Teacher...Mr. Kirkwood

        Taught us how the inside of a toilet works...

        Now that's what I call important !!

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I'm really enjoying my retirement years through my continuing involvement in the lives of others through ministry work.  I've taken several short term, three week mission trips to Russia, Romania, and Slovenia with the Jesus Film Project and even smuggled some bibles into China with the Bible League.  For a number of years my wife and I have been holding weekly church services in three assisted-living homes in our area.  God has been good to us and our four children and ten grandchildren.

          I've attached a recent picture of me and my wife of 52 years, so you don't mistake me for one of your classmates !!  Remind me to tell you a joke about that.
I'm looking forward to August 19th.      Herb Kirkwood
 

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                              Home Economics Teacher... Ms. Ross


                               grammy323@comcast.net


Hi all! Gosh - it would be great to be able to be with you - but I have house guests from Isenburg, Germany visiting me and the U.S. all that week and weekend. Have a wonderful time and please keep in touch. Hopefully at the next one I can join you.
I am still working as a Food Service Broker, mostly part-time. I love the job - it is about people and food, two of my favorite things. All four of my daughters, their spouses and my nine grandchildren are healthy and doing well. I am so blessed to have them all within a 15-mile radius of me. There is a special someone in my life and we are spending a lot of time together traveling in his motorhome and seeing the United States by the back-roads. Never expected that to happen after Wayne died in 2001. But he is the widower of one of my college roommates and we have decided to become more than the friends we have been for the past 25 years. I am sure you can guess from this - my life is good and am enjoying every moment of it. Again, the best to each and everyone of you. I can't wait to read about what each of you is doing. Phyllis Ross


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         Math Teacher...Ms. Smith

         Able to teach Algebra so one could
         actually understand it ...

      
                bdhart@kennett.net

After teaching 15 years in USC, I went with Peters Township School District as a mathematics supervisor.  In 1990, I moved to eastern Pennsylvania and took a position with Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, also as a mathematics supervisor.  After retirement, I have continued in mathematics education by teaching at the Delaware County Community College.  One of the most exciting and rewarding professional activities I have had is to have been one of a team of authors writing a middle school mathematics textbook series.

Sadly, my husband, George Smith, died in 1984.  In 2002 I met a great guy, Bob Hart, and we were married in December of 2002.  We have a great life finding time for travel, volunteer work, and lots of sports activities.   Barbara Smith Hart

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                                 English Teacher...Mr. Runkle

                                 Remember Mr. Runkle bumping into
                                 a file cabinet and saying "excuse me"
                                 as if it was a person ?

                                 1965 was his last year at USC... 
                                  we were the lucky ones...
 

                                  mrunkle183@comcast.net

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Two months after leaving Upper St. Clair in 1965, I married Nancy (an English teacher at Peabody High School in Pittsburgh) and the same day sailed to Greece, where I had a Fulbright teaching grant for two years.  After returning to the United States, I went to the University of Chicago for an M.A. in Library Science, stayed there as a librarian for 34 years (director for the last 24), and retired in 2004.  I always enjoyed my work but now am enjoying not working.

Through the years, memories of particular instances with students at Upper St. Clair occasionally pop into my mind out of nowhere.  My five years there were formative years for me.

Out son, Seth, was born in 1970 and our daughter, Elizabeth, in 1972.  Both live here in the Chicago area, and we see them frequently - one of the great pleasures of our lives.  It occurs to me that some members of the Class of 1965 might have children older than ours.

We are all in good health. Nancy retired from her later-life career as a social worker. We are traveling and relaxing.     Martin Runkle
        

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               Boy's Phys Ed Teacher...Mr. Perinis

               Who remembers Coach Perinis driving
               around in his "upside-down bathtub" or
               was that a Nash Rambler ?

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I retired from teaching in 1993 after 32 years at Upper St. Clair High School.  My coaching included basketball, baseball, and girls golf for 18 years.  Cherry, Barzler, Bruschi, and Bob Schnure were some of the boys I recall playing both baseball and basketball in 1965.  I am still involved in sports as a swimming official.  Civil War living history, since 1988, has been a special way to  combine my love of teaching kids and historical reenactments.  Every spring, Gary Navoney and I participate in Boyce Middle School Civil War Days.  I enjoyed camping and travelling the USA with my motor home for 10 years.  Now I travel between my homes in Peters Township, Niantic, CT and rent a condo for two months near St. Augustine, FL.  I have been fortunate to be able to travel to Alaska, Europe, and a special trip to my family homeland in Greece last year.  I still play golf and enjoy watching the super Steelers, Pirates and being with my wife Jeannette, son in CT, daughter in England and two grandchildren- Alexandra at FSU (in photo) and Andrew graduating from CMU this year.  I look forward to your reunion in August.      Alex Perinis

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             Mr. Rusciolelli - Social Studies Teacher
                                           Assistant Football Coach

                       "Took a special interest in his players"

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                               Typing Teacher...Mrs. Fischer

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                  Math Teacher...Mr. Thomas Smith

                  "Witty"  red headed teacher of Plane 
                  Geometry who raised flowers and
                  sold Christmas Trees.

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                             Spanish Teacher...Ms. Haight

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               English Teacher...Ms. Talerico

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                                Shop Teacher...Mr. Fischer

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                Choral Director...Mr. Wood

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                                    Band Director...Mr. Ruzzini

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                  Art Teacher...Mr. Pavlov

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                                  Science Teacher...Ms. Knauber

                                  " I don't see why you people don't
                                  understand this... "

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                English Teacher...Ms. Croushore

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                                  Math Teacher...Mrs. Becker




REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED ON...


Hazel Akers...Joe Airgiro...George Betcher...Clarence Brown...Dr. Eichorn...

Mary Houston...Betty LaValley...Edgar Mehaffey...William Merritt...Dr. Niles Norman...

Capitola Poellot...Jean Koesel...James Shoemaker...John Small...Dr. Carl Streams...

John Wasson...Dr. Stanley Zingle