Embedded Files
St. Joseph High School's Official Student-Produced Newspaper
Editor & Graphic Design: Julie Wilson '23
Editorial Staff: Brad Roxberry '23, Jesse Bernot '23 & Nick Sarno-Brown '24
Advisor: Mrs. Schratz
WINTER 2023
Ice hockey brought Mikhail Trofimov '26 and Nikita Oleksiienko '26 to the St. Joe's community.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
Mikhail Trofimov '26 plays forward position for the Esmark Stars in New Kensington.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
Nikita Oleksiienko '26 guarding the goal for his team, Esmark Stars.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
Freshmen international students from Ukraine and Russia have a new beginning in the U.S.
By Sophia Doyle ‘25 and Knij’e Middlebrook ‘25
Two unlikely friends, Mikhail Trofimov '26, from Russia, and Nikita Oleksiienko '26, from Ukraine, were introduced this fall to the United States to pursue their passion for hockey and to continue their education at St. Joseph High School.
“I’ve played hockey since I was 4 years old, so why wouldn’t I like a sport I’ve played my whole life?” Oleksiienko said.
He did not expect it to bring him to the States.
When reflecting on the past year he recalled,“Some of my dreams came true. Two of them were to visit America and go to an NHL game.”
Coming to the U.S. allowed him to continue his education here at St. Joe’s and to play on the ice. He is the team's goalie.
“Because of Russia, I couldn’t do my favorite thing: play hockey. Not long ago, a Russian rocket hit one of the best arenas in Ukraine and now other hockey players won’t be able to play a match,” Oleksiienko said.
The conflict has changed much more than just his hockey schedule.
“Because of the war, I didn’t see my dad for almost a year,” he stated.
Over the past 11 months, the war between Russia and Ukraine has brought countless families heartache and loss. In a few rare instances, such as for Oleksiienko, there is the hope of new possibilities.
“Moving to America keeps me safe because I am tens of thousands of kilometers away from the hostilities," said Oleksiienko. "And although I miss my family, I am excited to play hockey here in America!”
Playing sports in America has not only brought new opportunities for his hockey career, but also new friendships.
“This year has brought some good things into my life. For example, I met so many other friends,” Oleksiienko proclaimed.
Another, more unlikely relationship, was created when teammates from different countries met for the first time at hockey practice. Mikhail Trovfimov '26 is a foward on the team.
“We didn’t meet at school. We met in hockey,” Trofimov said.
The two young men are a part of a program in New Kensington in which local families host international students during their hockey training and high school studies in America. Host families provide a home to the student athletes so that they can continue their education and gain valuable experience in a hockey league.
“Our friends have actually been doing this for years, and asked us if we would like to give it a try this year,” said Jen Scolaro, Trofimov's host parent.
This is Trofimov's first time leaving Russia and being away from family, so he has to depend on the Scolaro’s for support in getting acclimated. It is difficult for him to communicate with his coaches and teammates, as well as his teachers and classmates too.
“My host parents here help me study and strategize for hockey,” Trofimov said.
Leaving his life behind to train for hockey and hopefully become a professional player is an immense act of bravery.
“I want to attend college here, and go to the NHL,” Trofimov responded.
Although Trofimov texts and FaceTimes his family everyday, it is not the same as seeing them in person. During the winter break, Trovimov visited his family and he had the opportunity to introduce a member of his host family to them.
“Our son actually joined Mikhail over winter break to see his parents and meet his family. We are all family to each other now,” Scolaro said.
Despite the conflict between their homelands, these two young hockey players are trusted teammates and friends. While some people in their situation might have responded with resentment towards each other because of the war, Oleksiienko and Trofimov prove that friendship should be based on an individual's character.
“It’s not difficult being friends," Oleksiienko said. "He is a good person.”
Superintendent Peduto, Principal Minick, and President Kaniecki after Minick recieved the Golden Apple Award.
Photo credit: Sharon Farrell
Superintendent Michelle Peduto presenting Principal Kimberly Minick with the Golden Apple Award.
Photo credit: Sharon Farrell
Diocese of Pittsburgh recognizes Mrs. Minick’s dedication to Saint Joseph High School
By Nicholas Sarno-Brown ’24
Saint Joseph High School Principal Kimberly Minick received the 2022 Diocese of Pittsburgh Golden Apple Award on November 30, 2022.
Minick had an open-ended conversation on winning the award. She “never anticipated” winning the award in the principalship “so soon”.
This is her 33rd year of being in education. Before coming to Saint Joe's, she was a teacher and principal for 10 and 12 years at Mt. Alvernia High School in Millvale. She has been assistant principal for 11 years at SJHS. This is the first school year (2022-2023) that Minick is principal at SJHS. Minick knew she would be principal at Saint Joseph High School.
“It was always part of the plan,” Minick said. "I was invited to Saint Joe's by Mrs. Kaniecki and had a fantastic opportunity. I was aware of the reputation of SJHS in the community of which I grew up. Saint Joe's has such deep roots in tradition and value. It’s a one of a kind place."
With Minick being in education for thirty-three years, she offered advice to students that may want to become a principal, secretary, or a teacher.
“Make sure it’s your passion. Your destiny finds you,” she said.
For someone who has never heard of SJHS, Minick said, “Have your son or daughter come and spend the day with us." She continued, “No school would ever put out a bad brochure or a bad website.”
On giving up, Minick said she will not.
“(I will) never give up on the students or teachers. They are the heartbeats of the school.”
Minick is not the first at SJHS to recieve the prestigious Golden Apple Award. She is now the third individual to recieve the award at our school.
Another awardee, Biology and Science Research teacher, Cathy Greco won the award back in 2006. Greco was nominated by the Englerts, the parents of one of our students.
Greco recalls what the dinner ceremony was like. "It was a very nice dinner,” she said. “Mrs. Kaniecki attended, Mr. and Mrs. Englert, Mrs. Ventorini, my pastor Monsignor, my husband and my two kids,” all came to support her, she said.
When she received the award, she had been at SJHS for 5 years. She previously came from teaching at Mount Saint Peter Elementary School both full and part-time for more than 15 years.
“(SJHS is a) supportive community based on Christian values and traditions," Greco stated.
Another recipient of the award is the current President of SJHS. Beverly Kaniecki won the award in 2008 and was the first high school principal to receive it.
Kaniecki was geophysical assistant at Gulf Research & Development Center in Harmarville before coming to Saint Joe's. She started teaching at SJHS on March 1, 1979.
When asked to describe SJ in two words, she said, “Family and student-centered."
Melanie Dietrich taught English for 3 and a half years at St. Joe's.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Sarno-Brown '24
English teacher resigns after a decade of teaching
By Katie White '23 and Bezawit Yitnalem ‘23
After more than 10 years of teaching high school students, 3 1/2 of which were at Saint Joe's, Melanie Dietrich is taking a step back.
Earlier in January, Dietrich formally put in her resignation.
“It was not an easy decision,” she admitted, “It was because of medical struggles I had to deal with last year. I need to take some time to reevaluate my medicine and procedures to help me get better. It's not for any other reason.”
On her break, Dietrich plans on getting better. She will be focusing on her health more and spending time taking care of herself.
“I will do a lot of reading because that’s where my passion lies,” she said, “but getting better is my top priority right now.”
While teaching here, she has made many memories that she will cherish.
“I’ll miss my students. I joke that you all become my kids when I’m here. We spend as much time with you as we do with our own families,” she revealed. “I’ll miss the camaraderie of the Humanities building. We have a dynamic relationship with Mrs. Schratz, Mr. Wesolowski, and Mrs. Litz.”
“It wasn’t easy,” Dietrich confessed, “I love being here and being with you guys in the classroom and being part of your journey. I’m going to miss that a lot.”
Alumni, Laurel Wolfe '18, Michael Pater '08, and Natalie Brock '11 are now teaching a new generation of students at SJHS.
Photo Credit: Sophia Doyle '25
Graduates return to lead and teach at their alma mater
By Knij’e Middlebrook ‘25 and Sophia Doyle ‘25
A few of St. Joseph’s alumni have returned to the school, but this time as teachers for a new generation of students. Choosing a high school is a life changing decision. High school education will help a person shape their future by providing the skills necessary to pursue one's goals and aspirations.
“It was always assumed that this is where I would go,” recalled Beverly Kaniecki while discussing why she studied at St. Joseph High School. To be offered an opportunity and to be chosen in a school that allows only a limited number of students is an honor.
“It was very selective at the time, so you had to take a test to be enrolled,” Kaniecki remembered.
Today at St. Joe’s women's sports are extremely popular and competitive. But it wasn't always that way.
“During my time in high school there were no women sports other than cheer,” recalled Kaniecki.
Kaniecki graduated from St. Joseph High school in 1964 and went on to graduate from Carlow University with a BA in Mathematics and certification in secondary mathematics. She took many math courses at Pitt throughout the years as well. She also went on to graduate from Duquesne University with an MA in Education and certificate in secondary administration.
In 1990, Sister of St. Joseph Margret Berry was principal, but resigned. Kaniecki was a math teacher at the time with the necessary credentials needed for administrators. She was appointed to be principal of the high school, and Sister Regina Claire came out of retirement to be her assistant while she continued to work as a math teacher. Throughout her years at St. Joseph High School, while as a student and a teacher, her experiences brought her wisdom. She knows they were all a part of God’s plan.
“I learned to use the gifts I was given and to give back to God,” said Kaniecki.
We as a community all have the same opportunities, but different interactions along the way and different stories to tell about St. Joe’s. “I think we should tell more stories about the past, so we do not get lost from our roots,” concluded Kaniecki.
Our community brings people together and creates long lasting emotions and memories.
“I miss my classmates,” commented Michael Pater, Class of 2008. “We had a fun class and good memories. I enjoyed coming to school because of them.”
Becoming a teacher at St. Joe’s was not Pater’s plan, though he always knew it was an option because he majored in Catholic Theology and education.
“I wanted to teach high school, but I didn’t anticipate coming back here,” said Pater.
Now, as a teacher, he enjoys watching the development of his students.
“Getting to watch you guys grow and develop into young men and women is such a fun part of teaching,” expressed Pater. “I’m lucky to witness it.”
In his years of high school, Pater played tennis, was a member of the bowling team, and played one season of soccer during his senior year. Right now, he is an assistant for our bowling team and head coach for our frisbee team.
“ I am proud of our teams, and they are improving well,” shared Pater.
No one truly knows what their future career holds. Natalie Brock from Class of 2011, always knew she wanted to help people.
“My particular job allows me to see everybody. Since I am academic support, I can kind of go around to anybody. I like helping people,” proclaimed Brock.
Within the time of her high school years there were a few adjustments to our traditions and ways of learning.
“I miss the football Turkey bowl,” Brock admitted. “We would have a football game on the lawn, and all of the girls would decorate shirts for the boys,” she continued .“It was really fun because it led up to Thanksgiving break,” conveyed Brock.
Even as we look back, 2011 was not too long ago, we experienced St. Joe’s in a very different way.
“I also miss having a gym at the YMCA,” said Brock. “We would get on buses and drive up to the YMCA, and you would do different activities for a couple of weeks,” expressed Brock.
Not only did some traditions change, but the everyday schedule changed as well. Currently, St. Joe's has a 30 minute lunch period, but it is only during the 10 minute break on Fridays that are students able to go outside.
“We used to have recess since lunch was 30 minutes, so after about 15 minutes we were able to go outside and just talk and chill,” said Brock.
Many St. Joseph alumni miss the old traditions they used to experience during their time in high school.
“I miss participating in some of the events that the school had, it’s different when you are a teacher you kind of just get to watch everyone. I also miss having my friends to hangout with,” commented Laurel Wolfe, who is in her first year of teaching at St. Joe’s.
Wolfe graduated from St. Joe’s in 2018 and attended St. Franciscan University to study education and English, and also minored in Latin. Although she currently teaches the Latin course at St. Joe’s, it was not always her plan.
“When I was a senior I decided that I wanted to major in education and pair that with English instead of Latin, but when I was taking my senior year Latin class, I really loved it and decided that I wanted to minor in it,” said Wolfe.
Throughout her time taking Latin courses in high school, she was taught by Wayne Schiebel, the former Latin teacher at St. Joe’s who retired last year.
“I remember Mr. Schiebel joking when he went around our class and asked what everyone was majoring in and I said ‘Education and English and minoring in Latin’ and he made a joke and said ‘ Oh here is my replacement’ . So it is just funny how that all worked out,” remembered Wolfe.
Although Wolfe attended St. Joe’s for her high school education, being on the other side of the classroom can bring new interactions and a new outlook.
“My favorite part about teaching here is the people. I love all of the students that I teach and even seeing the students that I don’t teach. Everyone is just so kind, and the other teachers here are wonderful and supportive. Mrs. Kaniecki and Mrs. Minick are wonderful and the teachers and students are just so kind,” said Wolfe.
Page updated
Report abuse