News From ...
The Hawk’s Nest
B E T HL E HE M C AT HO L IC H IG H S CH O O L PARE NT NE W S L E T T E R
Published Monthly Online at bethlehemcatholichs.org
A Message From Our Principal...
Dear Parents,
January, 2015
Volume 7, Issue 4
Of Special Interest:
"And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until
it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed
at seeing the star...”
-Matthew 2: 9-10
Becahi by the
Numbers
2
Catholic Schools
Week
3
12 Days of
Christmas
3
Boy’s Soccer
4
Pro-Life Essay
Winners
5
PSAT Feedback
5
National History
Day
5
Becahi will once again “stand up for life” by participating in the “March for Life” to
Washington, DC on Thursday, January 22nd. The March is a truly exhilarating experience as you join with thousands and thousands of others for a common cause – the sanctity of life. So many of those marching on that day will be youth and young adults who
understand this important cause. We are proud that our students can participate and
add their voice to the fight for the unborn. Many thanks to the Knights of Columbus
who help subsidize the bus for those attending.
The Mousetrap
6
A Charlie Brown
Christmas
6
Twilight Evening
At Kirkland
Village
7
At the end of the month, Catholic schools across the country and our diocese will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. This week is a unique and wonderful time in our school
year to focus on the many valuable benefits and tools that a Catholic education offers.
We are so proud that Bethlehem Catholic is a faith-based community that embraces serving others all the while focusing on the development of the entire child - mind, body and
soul. This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.
More information about the schedule of events has been sent home and also available on
our website. We hope you will join us for some of the Catholic Schools Week activities.
Please make a special mark in your calendar for Wednesday, January 28th from 8:30-9:00
a.m. for “Coffee with the Principal”. Stop in for coffee and a doughnut and chat with
the Admin Team and our Board Chair.
Auction Update
8
Auction Raffle
9
Senior Citizen
Breakfast
10
Girl’s Basketball
10
Cheer Team
11
Yearbook Sale
12
Important Dates
13
Happy New Year! May the overwhelming joy and peace that the Magi experienced upon
meeting the newborn Christ Child be with you and your family throughout this wonderful New Year.
As the New Year begins, we embark on several important and exciting events in January.
First up will be Mid-Term Exams from Wednesday, January 14th to Tuesday, January 20th.
The tests, as you know, are important. Please encourage your children to stay focused
and be prepared for them. The exam schedule is available both in the weekly email blast
and on our website.
Continued on following page...
A Message From Our Principal, Continued...
As 2015 progresses, please know that we are committed to providing the best educational experience possible for your
children. We so value being your partners in education and take this responsibility very seriously. May your New
Year be filled with joy, love and good health. Please let me know if there is something I can do for your family. We
are Becahi - all of us!
“And on entering the house they saw the child with Mary, his Mother. They prostrated themselves
and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts…”
-Matthew 2:10-11
With warm regards,
John P. Petruzzelli
“Becahi by the Numbers”
4
Finalists from the Northampton Deanery (Senior Division) in the diocesan Stand Up for Life Essay
Contest
23
Diocesan priests who visited Becahi and participated in our Advent Penance Service hearing confessions for our students
28
Middle School participants in the Christmas Show, A Charlie Brown Christmas
32
Points scored by Senior Basketball player Kalista Walters against East Stroudsburg South to make
her the school’s all-time leading scorer in Girls’ Basketball history
44
Upperclassmen who attended the Pop Culture class field trip to New York City
211
Participants in the first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
545
Grade School students who attended our Christmas play, A Charlie Brown Christmas
711
Dollars raised and spent on toys for Toys for Tots
1510 Dollars raised at our annual Barnes and Noble Book Fair night
3900 Dollars contributed online to Becahi in the #GivingTuesday appeal
Page 2
Catholic Schools Week
During the week of January 25th, schools across the country will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. This week
is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Through the events of the week, schools
focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation. We invite you to pause for some time to thank God for Bethlehem Catholic and the
other Catholic schools in our Diocese. Please join us in praying for our students, faculty, staff and all of our
Becahi alumni. Information has been e-mailed home and posted on our website and social media about the
calendar of events for this year’s Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Catholic
Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Thank you for your support of Catholic education!
12 Days of Christmas
The spirit of Christmas was alive at Becahi the two weeks leading up to Christmas. For the fifth year in a row,
Becahi celebrated the 12 (school) Days of Christmas and on each day, a different gift was given to a lucky student and teacher. Thanks to the generosity of the faculty and staff, students had the chance to win gift card
Christmas gifts. Teachers were treated to different Christmas decoration gifts. Congratulations to the following winners:
Students
Luke Mesko ’15
Hope Walbach ’17
Sasha Kish ’17
Brandon Gill ’18
Angelys Cotto ’16
Mike Lancaster ’16
Jack Jiang ’16
Emily Mouer ’15
Brooke Rau ’16
Natalie Rhine ’18
Matt Shaffer ’16
Austin Hegedus ’15
Teachers
Mr. LaFevre
Mrs. Campbell
Mrs. Tarnowski
Mrs. Solano
Mrs. Susan Miller
Mrs. Henann
Sr. Helen
Mr. Schiller
Mr. McGorry
Mrs. Little
Mr. Messina
Mrs. Leon
Page 3
Boy’s Soccer
The 2014 Bethlehem Catholic boys’ soccer team won varsity/JV sweeps over rivals Allentown Central
Catholic and Notre Dame-GP and bade farewell to 13 senior players.
Senior co-captain Anthony Papageorgiou was named MVP. “Papa’” scored when double- and tripleteamed, and his 17 goals earned him spots on the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference first team, the ExpressTimes third team, and Morning Call’s second team squads.
Other award winners, all seniors:
Co-captain John Spirk won the Captains’ award, and co-captain Josh Soares won the Coaches’award. These
honors went to two young men who always gave all they had, every minute of every game, and set good examples for their teammates.
Rookie of the Year was Ben Keating, a fullback who played with speed and aggressiveness. Defensive player
of the year was Ryan McGinley, whose steady play earned a mention in the Express-Times coverage of
Becahi soccer. The Most Improved Player award went to co-captain Freddie Taylor, in recognition of his
excellent play and increased leadership role.
Seven other seniors played their last game for the Golden Hawks: Cameau Charleus, a fast forward who
opened the field up for the offense; Austin Hegedus, a speedy offensive player who could stretch the opponent’s defense; Alex Vorsa, who played defense and supported the offense as a midfielder; Jared Parkansky,
a versatile player on defense and offense; tough goalies Nikolas Franekic and James Miller, who took a lot
of hits and kept bouncing back; and Peter Demyan, whose play against Easton in the final game earned a
game ball from Head Coach George Andriko.
The varsity team finished the year 4-12-2. The junior varsity squad was 4-6-8, better than or equal to the
opponent in 12 games and close in the others.
Returning 2015 underclassmen with varsity experience include Kendall Campos, Antonio Tavares, Tony
Guzman, Matthew Shaffer, Nicholas Sanzo, John Corley, Drew Thomas, Michael Spirk, Joseph Hawach,
Alex Ward and Sean Redington.
Other junior varsity players included Michael Vanic, Eamon Fitzgerald, Gianni Fraccaroli, Ethan Freiss,
Nicholas Mino, Sean Ryder, Miles Preiss, Michael Flynn, Michael Karoly, Kevin Michels, Sean Smith, Adrian Villa, Anderson Bento, Tom Corley, Brycen Jasionowski, John Locascio, Sammy Khalouf, Glenn Lancaster and Thomas Schadt.
The team performed two community-service activities. The team played bingo with residents at Gracedale,
the Northampton County home, and helped serve meals at St. Phillip and St. James Church in Phillipsburg.
Coach Andriko’s staff included Frank Leon Jr., Frank Leon Sr., Dave Soares and goalie coach Josh Cygan.
Page 4
Pro-Life Essay Winners
Congratulations Corner: We are proud to announce that Bethlehem Catholic has once again placed finalists
in the Diocese of Allentown Stand Up for Life Pro-Life Essay Contest, Northampton Deanery, Senior Division.
Congratulations to Senior Ronan Fitzgerald and Sophomores Alex Kolesnikov, Maria Macaluso and Abigail
Manning. Ronan, Alex, Maria and Abigail will be honored at a banquet on January 18 th where the diocesan
essay winners will be announced. Good luck, to all four finalists! We are proud of you!
PSAT Feedback
Attention Junior, Sophomore and Freshmen parents: All underclassmen received their PSAT score report along with
their test booklet prior to Christmas. Ms. Staples and Mrs. Zettlemoyer held an assembly for Freshmen to provide
the students with information regarding their scores and to answer any questions. Explanations for all PSAT score
report answers and other valuable information are available online at www.collegeboard.com/quickstart. If you have
any questions, please feel free to contact either Ms. Staples ([email protected]) or Mrs. Zettlemoyer
([email protected]) by email or at 610-866-0791, ext. 354.
National History Day
National History Day at Becahi was held Saturday, January 10th. Over 50 projects were entered, consisting of
exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers and performances. The Social Studies Department congratulates all
the students who have worked so very hard to enter this competition. History is happening at Bethlehem
Catholic!
Page 5
Theater News—Becahi Presents “The Mousetrap”
The news on the radio at Monkswell Manor relates a murder that has recently taken place. Mollie and Giles Ralston, the young, newly-married owners of the once-regal estate which they recently converted into a guest house,
hardly notice the news. They are far too busy preparing for the arriving of their first guests—and concerned that
the blizzard raging outside may hamper their arrival.
Thus begins The Mousetrap, a murder mystery play by Agatha Christie. The Mousetrap opened in the West End of
London in 1952, and has been running continuously since then. It is the longest running show (of any type) of
the modern era. The play is also known for its twist ending, which the audience is traditionally asked not to reveal
after leaving the theatre.
Join us in the Becahi auditorium on January 23rd and 24th at 7 p.m. or January 25th at 2 p.m. to see for yourself
how the radio broadcast relates to Monkswell Manor and “whodunit.”
Tickets are general admission and can be purchased through the Main Office starting January 12th or at the door.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students, senior citizens (65+), or military with ID.
Save the date for the other upcoming Becahi Theater productions:
THE PASSION PLAY
March 29th @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Free-will donation to benefit the retired Sisters of St. Joseph
BRIGADOON
April 10th, 11th, @ 7 p.m., April 12th @ 2 p.m., April 17th and 18th @ 7 p.m.
Reserved seat tickets will be available on line starting January 15th!
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Our high school theater students did a wonderful job on the production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” For over
two months the high school students worked as the production staff of the show, filling the roles of director,
producer, choreographer, publicity manager, stage manager, costumer, tech director and more. Elementary and
middle school students from local Catholic and public schools were cast in the production. The shows ran the
weekend of December 5th -7th with a special school show on December 3rd. More than 1,000 people came to see the
production. Congratulations to all the high school students who participated. Well done!
The theater raised over $200 for the Make-A-Wish foundation by participating in Macy’s “Believe” campaign. Theater
go-ers could write a letter to Santa, which the theater delivered to Macy’s to send to the North Pole. Macy’s donated
$1 for each letter to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Thank you to all who participated.
Page 6
Twilight Evening at Kirkland Village
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Senior Citizen Breakfast
Friends from the Becahi Class of 1937, Claire Bellew Skomitz and Maylan Neimeister, share a laugh at the
senior citizen breakfast that followed the annual Candle Mass.
Becahi Girls’ Basketball
Congratulations to senior Basketball player Kalista Walters
who scored 32 point in a win over East Stroudsburg South.
By doing so, Kalista became the all-time leading scorer in
girls’ basketball history at Bethlehem Catholic!
Page 10
Cheer Team
Congratulations to the Cheer Team who finished in first place in the EPC Team Tournament Championship!
Page 11
The 2014-2015
Yearbook
Sale Continues!
Orders will be ending on March 31st.
Bring your order form in today!
Details, along with an order form, can be
found on the Bethlehem Catholic website
at:
http://www.bethlehemcatholichs.org
There are more than just seniors in it! Order yours now!
Page 12
Bethlehem Catholic
High School
VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
The Diocese of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually
abused by a priest, deacon, or employee/volunteer of the Diocese/Parish. Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the Diocese of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should
be extended to these victims by the Church.
Victim Assistance Coordinator
CONFIDENTIAL PHONE NUMBER
(800) 791-9209
Higher Learning
Safe Environment Coordinator
610-866-0581 ext. 19
To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown’s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse
Policy, and Code of Conduct, please visit www.allentowndiocese.org and click on “Youth Protection” in the upper right-hand corner of the page. 
Important Dates
January 2015
February 2015
01
02
03
06
08
09
10
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
21
21
21
22
23
24
25
25
25
27
27
31
03
04-05
06
07
06-08
08
10
11
13
16
17
18
26-27
No School
No School
Cheerleading Competition- 8 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Mass
Dress Down: Auction
First Friday: Language Department
National History Day Competition–9—1 p.m.
Semester Exams: Per 1&8—11:30 a.m. Dismissal
Semester Exams: Per 2&7—11:30 a.m. Dismissal
Semester Exams: Per 3&6—11:30 a.m. Dismissal
Alumni Mass “50 Years on Madison”- 11 a.m.
No School—In-Service Day
Semester Exams: Per 4&5—11:30 a.m. Dismissal
3rd Qtr. Begins
PML Math Contest—8 a.m.
2nd Period Lock Down Drill
Service Trip: Holy Family Manor
March for Life, Washington, DC
Winter Drama Production– 7 p.m.
Winter Drama Production– 7 p.m.
Winter Drama Production– 2 p.m.
Football Banquet– 5 p.m.
Catholic Schools Week begins
Mass: Catholic Schools Week
Service Trip: Kirkland Village
Diocesan Music Festival @ Berks Catholic– 2 p.m.
Page 13
Mass: St. Blaise Day w/Blessing of Throats
4th & 5th Grade Art and Music Day
First Friday: Social Studies Department
Middle School Dance—Grades 6-8
Kairos Retreat @ Monocacy Manor
Bando Coach & Vera Bradley Bingo
Dress Down Day: Squires
Blood Drive
Mini-THON
School Closed—Presidents’ Day
Service Trip: Kirkland Village
Mass: Ash Wednesday
Sophomore Overnight Retreat @ Monocacy