After 2 years of training, Daniel Staniszewski '24 recently passed his flight exam and became a licensed private pilot, fulfilling his dream to fly.

"Ever since my first discovery flight, I have wanted to learn to fly on my own," Staniszewski said. "I just followed my passion."

Staniszewski flies out of Butler County airport to various other private airports in places such as Grove City, Meadville, Allegheny County, and Erie. 

"One of the best parts is being able to experience the awe of travelling so far above everything, and the scenic view you have in a small airplane," he said.

While most high school students his age are learning to operate a motor vehicle, Staniszewski dedicated many hours in a classroom, and in the cockpit, to learn how to fly.

"For now, it's a hobby, and hopefully, one day, it will become a future career, too," he said.

Jennifer McNeil '89 is the new president of Saint Joseph High School. Becoming president of a high school is a huge opportunity and it entails a lot of responsibility. It consists of evaluating faculty and staff members, as well as giving new ideas for the school. 

MacNeil said, “I never thought I would want to become president, but when I retired after 27 years working in IT, I wanted to give back.” 

MacNeil was a student at St. Joe's from 1985 to 1989. She now attends Notre Dame University online to study Catholic Education Leadership. This past summer she interviewed with Bishop Zubik. It turned out to be a positive experience and she is happy with her new role. 

MacNeil plans to regularly interacts with the students.  One of her goals is to sit down for lunch with every class.  

“We brought back Joe’s Diner, because I want to get to know the students names and faces, and I hope to bring a prayer circle together at the end of lunch twice a week,” McNeil said. 

Her new ideas are going to increasingly benefit our school. We are happy to have her as our new president of Saint Joseph High School. 

Every September 11, Natrona Heights hosts a Moving Flag Tribute to remember and honor the lives that were lost due to the attack on the World Trade Center.  Kate Bielak organizes hundreds of local citizens to walk with a flag in order to honor the fallen men and women.  The American flags are donated by the American Legion Post 226.

“We normally get anywhere from 300-400 people throughout the day, from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. We have young and old, families, co-workers, teams, and youth organizations,” Bielak said. 

The tribute moves along Broadview Blvd., right past Saint Joseph High School.  This year they added a police flag that was carried all day, to honor the memory of Chief Justin McIntire.

“I wanted people to be seen with the flags and act as visual reminders of the Anniversary of 9-11. I also added the dedications and timeline to help others see our mission and remember each event of that horrific day,” Bielak said.

Students noticed people carrying the flags along the sidewalk, creating an interest in possibly SJHS participating.  Students learn about the attacks on our country in Civics Class.  

Bielak said, "We love to see younger generations join the tribute because knowing our history is vital for all kids. The most important takeaway from joining us is pride in our country and in our community."

Sophomore Bella Graff said, ”I think it’s important to have people remember what happened, even though we weren’t directly affected by it.”

By Emma Blackburn '25

Sarah Pattock, who recently taught at a school in southern Georgia, found her way home to St. Joseph High School this Fall. A former SJ student turned gym teacher, she is adjusting well and is happy to be back at St. Joe's. 

Pattock said, "Working on the SJHS faculty is really fun, and it's cool to see things from a different perspective. It reminds me of my time at St. Joe's and it brings back a lot of good memories for me."

She admitted that the environment is different from the school she taught at prior to Saint Joe's. She is excited every time she comes into school.

”It`s a nice break from the days that I spend with my daughter to come back and play sports and have fun with all of you," Pattock said.