St. Anthony School Programs: Creating Opportunities for Students with Special Needs
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Spring 2006


We've Moved


Students from St. Alexis visit the new St. Anthony's Administration Building while on a recent field trip.

The St. Anthony School Programs Administrative Offices have moved. Our new contact information is:

St. Anthony School Programs
2000 Corporate Drive, Suite 580
Wexford, PA 15090
Fax: 724-940-9064
Phone: 724-940-9020*

Development Phone Extensions:
Gary Lasinski, Executive Director Ext. 103
Karen Babeji, Director of Activities Ext. 104
Kathleen Tomko, Administrative Assistant Ext. 101
Joe Wilson, Business Manager Ext. 108


School Phone Extensions:
Mark Sieg, Chief Operating Officer Ext. 115
Gary Eiseman, Vocational Director Ext. 107
Lisa George, Education Director Ext. 105
Gayle Johns, Administrative Assistant Ext. 102
Jo Ann Sepsi, School Nurse Ext. 106
Lisa Hendrickson, Behavior Health Couns. Ext. 109


The U.S. Postal Service will only forward our mail for a brief period. Please update our information in your records.


Inclusive Games


Raymond Gamble races in the 50-yard dash at this year's Inclusive Games with help from his friend Robert Begley from Word of God.

St. Anthony students, families and staff put on their tennis shoes for some good-natured competition at the annual Inclusive Games at St. Paul Seminary this spring. The Inclusive Games give our students an opportunity to compete with a general education buddy in a variety of games and activities both individually and as a school team. This year students competed in activities such as the 50-yard dash, long jump and soccer kick as they practiced good sportsmanship and teamwork. The day concluded with an award ceremony where everyone received a trophy, and our kids were reminded that everyone's a winner when they do their best. What a great way to end the school year with some physical fitness, family fellowship and fun. Thanks to all of our families and donors who supported this event. It's an activity our students look forward to all year.


A Message from the Executive Director



Dear Friends,

As St. Anthony School Programs concludes another school year, I would like to thank you for your generosity and support of this unique program. Our uniqueness has led us to be a national model, as well as a pacesetter for special Catholic inclusive education. Our program is founded upon the premise that every student at St. Anthony's is capable of learning, living, working and playing in his or her school or community. By providing a wonderful and specialized educational program, our goal is to provide each of our students the capability of becoming an active participant and contributing member of society.

We don't have the luxury to cut corners on our students' education. We are asking for your support. A gift today is an investment in the future for our students.

My best regards,
Gary D. Lasinski
Executive Director


St. Angela Merici Welcomes St. Anthony Program

After more than 100 years of educating students, St. Colman's School will be closing its doors at the end of this school year. In response, St. Anthony's will be relocating our Resource Room to St. Angela Merici in White Oak. In preparation, St. Anthony Staff has been working closely with the St. Angela Merici staff to ensure a smooth transition for our students. Our staff has spoken at parent meetings, staff training sessions, and in May conducted a disability awareness training for the St. Angela Merici students in order to give them a better understanding of our program and students. Soon our students will be visiting the site to have a tour of their new Resource Room and meet some of their new classmates. The Principal and staff at St. Angela Merici have welcomed us, and our students and staff are looking forward to being part of this outstanding school.


Summer Camp

With another school year coming to an end, it's time for our families to turn their attention to summer activities. St. Anthony's is pleased to be able to provide a second location for Summer Camp this year. Joining the camp already in place at Word of God will be a four-week camp program at Saints Simon and Jude. We are able to provide this camp free of charge to our students, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Last year, camp participants visited the zoo, had a swimming party and ended the summer with a talent show. This year's camp staff is already gearing up for another great summer of field trips, crafts, and special activities.


Bowl-a-thon


Students Tim Booker and Liz Sattler with golf Emcee Stacy Smith and Golf Committee member Bob Maida.

Pins were flying at the bowling alley this year during the St. Anthony Bowl-a-thon. Over 130 bowlers came out to support this event. We all enjoyed a day of bowling and an opportunity to win some great auction prizes while raising $4,321 for our program. Way to go students!


Golf Invitational

We were blessed with another beautiful day for our golf outing held April 17th. This sold-out event welcomed 120 golfers to play one of the most premiere courses in the country—Oakmont Country Club. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier participated as a celebrity golfer. He teed off with each of the foursomes as they made their way around the course. Rocky added a fun twist to the day and many of our golfers were able to go home with an autographed golf ball. The 2006 Golf Committee, chaired by Board Member, F. Duffy Hanna, solicited sponsors, gathered donations for the silent auction and sold ads—making this our best golf outing ever. Thanks to everyone who supported this event, and we hope to see you back again next year.


Save the Date

Opportunity Award Dinner
Friday, November 3, 2006
Westin Convention Center
Cocktails 5:30 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.


84 Lumber Classic


Student Sabrina Filipek enjoys cheerleading with her friends at St. Thomas More.

This year St. Anthony's is participating in the Charity Partners Program for the 84 Lumber Classic scheduled for September 14-17, 2006. As part of this program, you can purchase discounted tickets for this pro golf tournament directly through our office. It's a win/win situation...You get to see one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country and St. Anthony's gets 100 percent of the proceeds of the ticket sales. Tickets are being sold for $15 each (gate price $25) or a "four-by- fore" package of 4 tickets for $50. Consider purchasing tickets for the Classic through St. Anthony's this year. Tickets make great employee rewards, sales incentives or a great gift for anyone who enjoys golf. Tickets are available through July 31, 2006. For information on ordering tickets, call us at 724-940-9020 ext. 104. Remember that all proceeds from this ticket sale allow us to continue our mission of providing a caring Catholic education to children with special needs.


Happy 10th Anniversary


Graduates of the St. Anthony Post Secondary Program take time from the reunion to pose for a photo.

The students, staff and alumni of our Duquesne Program celebrated 10 years of vocational and life skills training for our students at our Duquesne site with a reunion party. 110 students, staff, alumni and their families gathered together to renew friendships and celebrate their lives. Our staff and students were excited to hear about our alumni's jobs and accomplishments after graduation.


Please Help

Whether it is academics, after-school sports or cultural activities, our inclusive program gives children with mental disabilities an opportunity to experience all that life has to offer. This year, a student played Joseph in his school's Christmas play, and another student gets 100 percent on his weekly spelling tests which he takes with his first grade class. Did you know that 87 percent of the students completing the Duquesne Program go on to be self-sufficient, working at paying jobs and/or living independently?

These are just a few examples of our students' successes. Our students have much to do and learn, but they are fortunate that they don't have to do it alone. They rely on support from their families, the experience of the St. Anthony School Staff and the kindness of friends who remember them through their charitable gifts.

As you know, we rely on our donors to help us reach our goals each year. We ask that you consider making a charitable gift to St. Anthony's so that we may continue with our mission of providing a loving, inclusive Catholic educational setting for these special children. An envelope has been provided for your convenience.

Thank you in advance for your support. Please remember our children in your prayers. They remember you in theirs.


Congratulations Graduates!


Duquesne Business School's American Marketing Association sponsored a fashion show which raised $400 for our program. St. Anthony students Nicole Hardiman, Kerri Seddon and Kristin Wagoner enjoyed helping to model the fashions for this event.

Congratulations to Matthew Anderson, Timothy Booker, Emily DeFrancesca, John (Jack) Flaherty, Nicole Hardiman and Kerri Seddon for completing the Post Secondary Program at Duquesne. These students graduated on May 26, 2006, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors!

We also congratulate David Bechtold, Eddie Belasco, Devin D'Amico, Joey Dragan, Paul Groark, Kaila Marshall, John Mozeik and Kristy Swencki for completing the High School Program. We are excited that many of you will be continuing with St. Anthony's by attending the Post Secondary Program.

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