Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School Announces Class of 2018 Cardinal Wuerl Scholar Awards

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1 Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School Announces Class of 2018 Cardinal Wuerl Scholar Awards Eighth Grade students Matthew Esser, Isabella Haberstock, Rylee Kopchak, Camden Laconi and Reilly McSteen awarded Prestigious Scholarship to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School Pittsburgh, PA May 5, 2014 Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School is pleased to announce the five recipients of the Class of 2018 Cardinal Wuerl Scholar Awards: Matthew Esser from Saint Kilian Parish School; Isabella Haberstock from Saint Sebastian Parish School; Rylee Kopchak from Saint Alphonsus Parish School; Camden Laconi from Butler Catholic School; and Reilly McSteen from Saint Alphonsus Parish School. The Cardinal Wuerl Scholars Program offers five incoming freshmen the opportunity to establish themselves as academic and student life leaders of their class. Scholars are offered unique access to resources and opportunities that provide enhanced leadership and personal development opportunities throughout their high school years. 140 students competed for the honor this year based upon academic performance, the completion of a competitive essay, an interview, and demonstrated leadership and service to the Lord. The Scholars were awarded $5,000 tuition scholarship for their freshman year. The award increases to $6,000, $7,000 and $8,000 tuition scholarship for each successive academic year allowing each to receive a total of $26,000 in tuition scholarship awards throughout their four years at CWNC. Additionally, the scholarship award includes appointment to the Cardinal Wuerl Scholars Council for their years at CWNC. The council is the initial student/administration liaison group of their class and has access to and interaction with CWNC administrative team. The Scholars are the lead representatives of the student body to the community. They also attend the annual Positive Life Seminar at the Duquesne Club and an annual council roundtable luncheon with Bishop David Zubik in Pittsburgh.

2 In addition to maintaining superlative academic and behavioral standards, these outstanding students will demonstrate their commitment to the Marianist Tradition of Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School through participation in at least one school, parish or community service organization. Cardinal Wuerl Scholars will serve as representatives of the school in meeting with donors and community leaders as examples of excellence in Catholic education. Pictured from left to right: Camden Laconi, Reilly McSteen, CWNC President Charles Bober, CWNC Principal Kellie Abbott, Matthew Esser, Rylee Kopchak and Isabella Haberstock.

3 About the Class of 2018 Cardinal Wuerl Scholars Matthew Scott Esser Matt, the son of Scott and Cindy Esser of Gibsonia, is a student at Saint Kilian Parish School and a parishioner of Saint Kilian Parish in Cranberry Township where he volunteers at the Lenten Fish Fry and participates in service projects. Matt excels in Chess, Forensics and Theater. Matt won first place in the Diocesan Forensics Finals this year in the drama category, earning a perfect score from the judges. Matt is a member of local theater groups Act One Theater and the Jeter Backyard Theater. He most recently starred as Aladdin in the Saint Kilian Parish School performance of the same name. Matt is a member of the Saint Kilian Parish School Cross Country and Soccer teams and enjoys boating, kayaking, fishing, and hunting with his family and friends in his free time. Isabella Dorian Haberstock Isabella, the daughter of Paul and Teresa Haberstock, is a student at Saint Sebastian Parish School and a parishioner of Saint Sebastian Parish in Pittsburgh. Isabella has a passion for reading and literature. She is a member of the Saint Sebastian Book Club and the NaNoWriMo writers program, through which she just completed her fourth novel in a series. Isabella is working on her Silver Award as a Girl Scout Cadette through a service project aimed at increasing awareness the effect autism has on individuals and families. Isabella also volunteers at Glade Run where she assists with horticulture therapy and grooms horses used in an equestrian therapy programs for the autistic. Isabella also enjoys archery and Tae Kwon Do where she holds a third degree black belt. Rylee Megan Kopchak Rylee, the daughter of Dan and Stacy Kopchak, is a student at Saint Alphonsus Parish School and a parishioner of Saint Kilian Parish in Cranberry Township. Rylee is a member of the Saint Alphonsus Forensics and PJAS teams. She received a first place award at PJAS this year and plans to attend the state competition at Penn State University. Rylee is service minded and volunteers at the Harvest Home Dinner, Fish Fry and has helped plan several charity 5K races. She is the reigning Diocesan Girls Varsity Cross Country Champion and also plays soccer, basketball, and runs track for Saint Alphonsus.

4 Camden Alexander Laconi Camden, the son of Scott and Wendy Laconi, is a student at Butler Catholic School and a parishioner of Saint Paul Church in Butler. Camden is active in his parish both in liturgy and ministry. He commonly serves as an Altar Server during Mass in addition to serving meals to those in need at the Saint Paul Parish Community Dinners. He also volunteers at the Butler County Food Bank and at Butler Catholic School as a Market Day volunteer. Camden is a member of the Butler Catholic School Student Council and Forensics team. His recent performance of Jimmy Valvano s ESPY award acceptance speech in the declamation category earned him the title of Forensics All-Star. Camden was Varsity Team Captain of the North Pittsburgh Catholic Ironmen, Varsity Team Captain of the Butler Catholic School Basketball team and was named to the Diocesan Roundball All-Star Team. He also plays Federated baseball and AAU basketball. Reilly Reagan McSteen Reilly, son of Jeff and Terri McSteen, is a student at Saint Alphonsus School and a parishioner of Saint Alphonsus Parish in Wexford. Reilly is an active student at Saint Alphonsus where he is a member of both the Forensics and PJAS teams and volunteers at the annual Harvest Home Dinners and Lenten Fish Fry s. Reilly combines his love of the outdoors and fishing with community service through the YMCA Pittsburgh, Kon-o-kwee, and Deer Valley camps where he volunteers as a groundskeeper and serves as a mentor to younger campers and members. Reilly is also a member of the North Pittsburgh Catholic Ironmen football team, the Saint Alphonsus basketball team, the Saint Alphonsus volleyball team and a Brad-Mar-Pine baseball team. About Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School (CWNC), formerly North Catholic High School, is founded in the rich educational tradition of the Roman Catholic diocese of Pittsburgh and the Marianist charism. We welcome students from various communities and faith experiences. Our mission is the formation of Christcentered young adults who are leaders in their communities, known by their intellectual, practical, ethical and human skills. CWNC provides academic excellence in the context of Gospel values and sends graduates out to the world with a global vision recognizing the dignity of every human life, the need to pursue justice and the service of others. CWNC, currently located in Pittsburgh, PA, is moving to Cranberry Township, PA in the Fall of

5 Pictured from left to right: Reilly McSteen, Isabella Haberstock, Matthew Esser, CWNC Principal Kellie Abbott, CWNC President Charles Bober, Rylee Kopchak and Camden Laconi. Press Contact: Stacye DeJulius, Director of Marketing x.2118, ###