Category Archives: Photos and Video

Today’s rain managed to hold off yesterday evening for Riverside’s 2013 Commencement Ceremony. It is tradition that the school hosts their program on the football field. But last year, a weather inclement prevented that from happening, leaving seniors stuck in the gym. But this time around, nothing but sunny skies and a warm breeze were in sight.

Graduates and guests were greeted by Michael Brooks, Principal, to begin the ceremony. Leading the Pledge of Allegiance was Michaela Burr, Vice President of the Senior Class. Another class officer, Karlee Pinchotti, Secretary, gave a small welcome speech as well.

Riverside proudly congratulated their Top Five, the highest and most prestigious graduating honor. Each of the students were asked to give a speech with the theme based on “Life Lessons Learned from the Wizard of Oz”. Those students are as following (in alphabetical order):

• Tyler Falk – “Allow Yourself to Dream”
• Austin Hall – “Running Away is Never the Answer”
• Ariana Kelly – “Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road”
• Justin Kording – “Don’t Give Up on Your Principles”
• Morgan Marion – “Believe in Good and Good Things Will Happen”

Ten students also graduated at the top of their class with Honors. Those students are as following (in alphabetical order):

• Bethany Bettencourt
• Kelsey Calve
• Damian G. Cicchinelli
• Shane Cook
• Christian Tyler George
• Dylan Jones
• Cole McDonough
• Austin Ridgley
• Adam Snowden
• Robert J. Weihaus

Musical selections were provided by the Concert Band. The Senior Choral Members also lead the Alma Mater. Brian Churovia, Assistant Principal, congratulated those students with Honors and Awards. Brooks and Churovia along with Superintendent, David Anney, and School Board President, Robert Snyder, presented diplomas to a total of 150 graduates.

After each senior was acknowledged, Maxx Reed, Senior Class President, lead the Tassel Ceremony. Bethany Bettencourt, another member of Senior Class, concluded the ceremony. 150 green caps soon flew through the air and the new Riverside High School graduates exited the stadium, eager to see what their new lives would hold.

EllwoodCity.org welcomed over 44 golfers to Fox Run Golf Course on Saturday, June 1st as part of its 6th Annual Golf Outing and Cookout.  Beautiful skies held true throughout the morning as 12 teams competed in the golf scramble.

The winning foursome captained by Tim Aquino of Physician’s Mobile X-Ray carded a 16-under par 56 to take first place, while the foursomes captained by Kris Heeter and Dave Marshall tied for second with a 12-under par 60. The first place prize included four, separate paid twosomes to Old Stonewall, Seven Oaks Country Club, Pittsburgh National Golf Club, and Strawberry Ridge Golf Course.

Seven skill prizes were awarded on the golf course including three prizes as part of the Seeing Triple 3-pin location on the Par-5 18th hole.  Each hole location held a closest the pin prize with individual winners receiving prizes ranging from golf clubs to free golf certificates for their winning shot.

Over a dozen door prizes were awarded from area businesses that were a part of the cookout that followed the golf outing.

EllwoodCity.org would like to thank the following area businesses for their support in sponsoring the event with a tee box:

• Adams Manufacturing
• Alyssa Harcar – State Farm Insurance
• Appalacian Lighting
• Beth Hazen Nationwide
• Better Living Patio Rooms
• Champion Windows
• ComDoc Printing Solutions
• Dr. Bradley J. Brown D.D.S.
• Ellwood City Family Eye Center
• Ellwood City Hospital
• ESB Bank
• First Commonwealth Bank
• Huntington Bank
• INMETCO
• Ironwood Golf Center
• Kasing Auto Sales & Service
• Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly, & George, P.C.
• Marshall Funeral Home
• NALCO
• Medevac
• Physician’s Mobile X-Ray
• RW Powell Real Estate
• Teolis Funeral Home
• Tony DeCaria – State Farm Insurance
• Zona Tours

Friday night marked the 2013 Commencement Ceremony in Ellwood City. A total of 145 students walked across the Lincoln High School Auditorium stage to receive their diplomas. Of those 145 students, there were six High Honor Graduates and fourteen Honor Graduates.

High Honor Graduates: Michael Brown, John DeCaro III, Lacey Garvin, Alexxa Houk, Kara Sainato, and Matthew Young. Honor Graduates: Matthew Barnes, Kimberly Clark, Gina Cearfoss, Brittany Edwards, Abigail Eisenbrown, Beau Ewing, Taylor Gearhart, Jarod Hart, Carson Kegel, Angela McCowin, Francesca Nardone, Alexis Reisinger, Isabella Williams, Mackenzie Yoho.

Special performances included the National Anthem by Francesca Nardone and “This Is The Moment” by Matthew Barnes. The Commencement Band performed for both the Prelude and Recessional of the program. Members of the Senior High Concert Choir also performed. Soloists included Danielle Agosta, Michael Cannistraci, Carson Kegel, Francesca Nardone, and Alexis Reisinger.

The presentation of diplomas was done by Ellwood City Area Board of Education President, Anthony Buzzelli. There were multiple speeches given throughout the evening. “The Purpose of Life” was done by Valedictorian, Alexxa Houk. Matthew Young, Salutatorian, gave a speech entitled “Never Stop Growing”.

Both Principal, Kirk Lape, and Superintendent, Frank Aloi, recommended and presented the Class of 2013. Morgan Prokovich, Senior Class President, concluded the evening by performing the Tassel Ceremony. The rest of the night was followed by multiple pictures and tears as the class finally got to celebrate their thirteen years of hard work at Ellwood City.

Post Your Graduation Announcement

NOTE TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:  Submit your son or daughter’s graduation accolades, future scholastic plans, party information, and full color photo to EllwoodCity.org for posting on our 2013 Graduation page.

Our graduation page will be available for viewing throughout the summer months recognizing local students who have graduated from high school, college, or technical schools. Visitors are encouraged to email information and student photo to ecstaff@ellwoodcity.org or drop off information at our location within The Color Center at 536 Lawrence Avenue.

Memorial Day is a day in which people across the United States gather together to honor those men and women who have proudly served our country. Ellwood City commemorates those brave soldiers each and every year with a parade Monday morning.

Yesterday was no different. Hundreds of community members lined the streets to watch the procession of the young and old. Both the Ellwood City and Riverside Marching Bands entertained the crowds as cars, firetrucks, and wagons passed by. Among the many participants were the Yellow Ribbon Girls, Ellwood City School Board, RiverCity Baseball team, boy scout troops, and State Representative, Jaret Gibbons. Not to mention the most important people, the numerous past heroes who participated in the event.

Following the parade, a ceremony was held at Christ Presbyterian Church. Guest speakers included Lincoln and Riverside High School students and a performance by the Ellwood City Civic Chorale. American flags were waived, rifles fired, and lives remembered throughout the glorious morning.