Souls of Shaler Area

Julie Nigro, Family and Consumer Science teacher “At the end of every summer, there was a fair, called the Grange fair.  It was one week before school started and the highlight to every kid's summer, including mine."

Frank Spiker, Police Officer "After a domestic with a couple, where I got the woman in touch with the right contacts to help her, she came up to me and gave me and my partner a hug.  She said, "No one ever helped me before." That made us feel really good about our jobs and was definitely the best compliment I've ever received." 

Carrie Heim, Substitute Teacher "My favorite thing to do is gather with my immediate and extended family to celebrate during the holiday season. It is a time when we share stories about our family and reflect upon years past and family that has left us, while cherishing the time we have together."

Heather Verbanic, Physical Education Teacher “ The strongest people are the people who have dealt with hardships and have learned from them: people who have enough personal strength to be accepting or understanding of others. They also think knowledge is power. People who are weak in this world are lacking confidence and personal security, but that's why it is hard for them to understand others and they are afraid of what they don't understand.”

Daniel Sullivan, Technical Education "When I was in college one of my high school teachers allowed me to come in and  rebuild a motor for my truck. My teacher's only requirement was that I help out the kids who were in the class.  Sometime during the year, in conversations with him on what I was doing in college, it was suggested that I look into doing what I was already doing there: teaching others."

Dennis Reagle, Science Teacher “If I could write a message to my children I’d say, as long as you're doing what makes you happy and taking care of those who depend on you, you're making me happy."

James Hellinger, Science Teacher   “My father left my family when I was in 7 th grade.  This experience made me the person I am today.  In some ways, I may have benefited from it.  I got my first job at age 14 and have worked ever since. It caused me to mature much quicker and take life more seriously.”  

Melissa McConville, Math Teacher "Upon graduation from Saint Vincent College, I was awarded the President’s Award. The winner of this award was determined by the SVC college community -professors, faculty, staff and student body. This humbling and inspiring award had a big influence on my confidence as a student leaving college to find and make a place in the world. I can’t express how much it meant to me to receive this honor from so many people that believed in me and that I admired - teachers, mentors, and friends. I still feel such humility and pride as the winner of this award. I hope as a graduate and alumnus I have continued to bring pride to the Saint Vincent College community. "