Oct. 18, 2018

2018 Halls of Fame honors 10

Ten individuals were inducted into the Upper St. Clair High School Halls of Fame on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018. Nine alumni and one retired administrator were honored at the annual induction ceremony and recognized at the Homecoming football game.

“All of our Halls of Fame inductees serve as notable role models for our students and as stark reminders of their own unlimited potential,” Dr. John T. Rozzo, superintendent of schools, said. “In many ways, our Halls of Fame event represents and celebrates the actualization of our district’s mission and vision.”

The 2018 Halls of Fame inductees include: 

• Academic Hall of Fame: John M. Bornyas, retired administrator; Melissa Lentz, Class of 2000; Karen Pillar, Class of 1988; Jean Kogut Raazi, Class of 1990; Shailesh Rao, Class of 1989; and Glenn C. Rice, Class of 1974
• Arts Hall of Fame: Susan Lynn Castriota, Class of 1975; and Chuck Rea, Class of 1995 
• Athletic Hall of Fame: Jerry Berteotti, Class of 1989; and Austin Wilding, Class of 2012

Founded in 2000, the Upper St. Clair Halls of Fame honors those who have distinguished themselves in academics, the arts, or athletics at the high school, collegiate or professional level and who, in so doing, have contributed to the pride and prestige of Upper St. Clair High School. 

“When I consider all of the possible metrics of what truly makes a great school district, one of the most significant factors is the impact that a school’s alumni and faculty have had on the world,” Dr. Rozzo said. “Our 10 inductees have made an indelible impact on our community, our nation and our world. They are truly remarkable and I am so proud of their deep roots here in Upper St. Clair.”

Learn more about our 2018 Halls of Fame Inductees

Dr. John M. Bornyas (Academic, Staff Inductee):  After a full career in education, Dr. John Bornyas retired from Upper St. Clair School District in 2012. He taught both social studies and English during his tenure in Upper St. Clair. In addition to teaching, Dr. Bornyas served as the director of curriculum for grades 7-12 and instructional principal. His degrees include a doctorate in Education in Administrative and Policy Studies. He also earned a bachelor of science in secondary education, a master of arts in school counseling, and a master of science in human resources.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bornyas was the senior class sponsor, St. Clarion sponsor, assistant yearbook sponsor, assistant swim coach, summer abroad counselor, and musical house manager. He served on the board of trustees of the Bradley Center, board of directors of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Museum, and board of directors of the Allegheny City Central Association. After retiring from Upper St. Clair, Dr. Bornyas served as an adjunct professor, an off-campus graduate site coordinator, and doctoral program liaison at Point Park University. He also was an interim principal for Quaker Valley Middle School and Osborne Elementary School in the Quaker Valley School District.

~ Written by Sara Steve and Keith Kerber, grade 11

Melissa Lentz (Academic):  Melissa Lentz, class of 2000, is the founder of the management consulting firm M. Hatter Consulting, but she started her journey at Upper St. Clair where she was the editor-in-chief of the St. Clarion Newspaper, the president of forensics, a member of the National Honor Society, Quill & Scroll Honor Society, Medallion Ball, and a class valedictorian. Shortly after her graduation from USCHS in 2000, Melissa wrote a letter to the Upper St. Clair School Board to save the Forensics team, which was in danger of being cut for budgetary reasons. Since her letter, the Forensics team has gone on to win the 2017 PHSSL State Championship, as well as produce multiple State Champions and National Finalists.

Melissa graduated from Duke University in 2004 with a bachelor of arts in public policy, a minor in political science, and a certificate in markets and management. She had a number of collegiate internships that include the U.S. Senate, Larry King Live, CNBC Europe World News, and Fleishman Hillard.

Melissa has consulted for 40 percent of the world’s top brands in a decade-long career in the advertising industry including: P&G, Nike, Microsoft, Crayola, Coca-Cola, Pepperidge Farm, Caesars Entertainment, Ann Taylor, Visa, American Express, Six Flags Theme Parks, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle and Blackberry. She was an AWNY GenNext Award Honoree and her company was on the Fast Companies Most Innovative Companies List.

~ Written by Ian Rankin, grade 11

Karen Pillar (Academic):  Karen Pillar, class of 1988, attended the University of Notre Dame, during which time she volunteered with Miryam’s Women Shelter of Pittsburgh and organized the student volunteer program at the South Bend Center for the Homeless. While studying at Duquesne University School of Law, Karen initiated a summer legal internship serving homeless and runaway youth with Legal Aid for Children in Pittsburgh, while interning at the Economic and Community Development Clinic.

Currently, Karen serves as the managing attorney of TeamChild’s King County office, which is a not-for-profit law firm for youth in Washington state. While at TeamChild, Karen founded the Children’s Mental Health Task Force, an advocacy group consisting of Washington state advocacy organizations representing low income children and families. Furthermore, Karen’s achievements include co-creating an alternative high school program called Project SCOPE, in addition to lobbying for reform to the child welfare system and for improved representation for youth in state care at the state and federal level. Karen’s recognitions include the 2017 Stella Mae Carmichael Award, an organization that honors families who open their hearts and homes to children in foster care. In addition, Karen serves as a member of the Access to Justice Rule Committee. In the past, Karen was Community Outreach Coordinator to the Notre Dame Club of Western Washington, as well as the Chair of the Social Justice Commission of St. Therese Catholic Church.

~ Written by Jamison Stout, grade 11

Jean Kogut Raazi (Academic): Extremely experienced in international finance and business, Jean Raazi, class of 1990, was an incredibly involved student while at the high school, was a class Valedictorian, and was a member of the National Honor Society, the soccer team, and served as the Clairvoyant Yearbook editor. After graduating from the College of William and Mary with her bachelor’s degree in economics and the University of Maryland with an MBA in finance, Jean began her work on Wall Street with an eight-year tenure at Citigroup, where she was promoted to managing director, as well as working in credit research roles at Lehman Brothers and Goldman Sachs. In 2015, Jean became CFO of a London-based fashion startup, Reve En Vert, which produces luxury clothing and accessories. Jean serves as a business consultant for small- and medium-sized companies in real estate, online retail, and hospitality. Currently, Jean, who resides in Narrowsburg, New York, is serving as CFO for design-and-build firm Catskill Farms. Furthermore, Jean served on the board of the Make-A-Wish International foundation for six years. In her free time, Jean is an avid runner and swimmer, as well as a yoga instructor.

~ Written by Jamison Stout, grade 11

Shailesh Rao (Academic):  Shailesh Rao, class of 1989, is the vice president international Operation of Twitter, but he started his journey at Upper St. Clair where he was a three-year varsity athlete and president of the Forensics Club. Some of his forensics achievements include being a state finalist in Original Oratory and ranked third in the nation in Student Congress.

Shailesh has a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania with Honors, a bachelor of science degree from the Wharton School with a concentration in finance, and an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management. While at the University of Pennsylvania, he was a finalist of the senior honor award, Leader of the Year. Prior to joining the management team that took Twitter public, he was the managing director of Google India, a director of local search for Google at its Mountain View headquarters, and vice-president of products at Yodlee. 

Shailesh is not only ranked as one of the 50 most powerful leaders in India, but he received the Google Founder Award for the creation of Google Maps and Google Earth. He is also currently serving as the COO of TPG Growth and The Rise Fund, the largest social impact fund in the world. He also serves on the Board of Directors for JLL, a leading real estate services and Fortune 500 company. Shailesh Rao is currently interested in yoga, swimming, and angel investing in technology startups.

~ Written by Ian Rankin, grade 11

Glenn Rice (Academic):  Glenn Rice, Ph.D., class of 1974, is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who has been involved with the founding and building of nine venture capital backed biotech and Internet companies as founder, CEO, COO, and VP of research. The companies have led to multiple breakthrough FDA approved drugs in cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular, ocular and dermatological indications; new drug development platforms; and significant investor returns through IPO’s, corporate acquisitions, product royalties and drug licensing. He has also headed the Biosciences Division at Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park and has significant international business experience, having established and built three biotech companies in China, as well as having extensive track records in India, Taiwan and Singapore.

Dr. Rice is an investor on more than 22 patents or patent applications and has authored over 75 manuscripts and book chapters. He is a recognized expert on cancer research and drug development and has been an organizer, chairman and plenary session speaker of dozens of international medical conferences in the United States, Europe, Singapore, China and Taiwan related to this topic. Dr. Rice was nominated by California’s governor to the California State Board of Trustees of the Medical Health Professionals Foundation in Sacramento. Currently he is developing a new anticancer drug for children with neuroblastoma, and serving on several boards of public and private high-tech companies as well as the board of the Silicon Valley Venture Capital Roundtable. He splits his time between his Quantum Limit Vineyards in Napa Valley, Calif.; a home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and traveling the far ends of the world by boat.

~ Written by Lindsey Robison, grade 11 

Susan Lynn Castriota (Arts):  Designer and entrepreneur, Susan Lynn Castriota, class of 1975, was a trailblazer from an early age, as the first female student to enroll in Upper St. Clair High School’s drafting and architecture class. In addition, Susan, who won numerous awards for her artistic talents while at the high school, earned a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where she earned Dean’s List all eight quarters. Working as a greeting card designer, Susan’s designs were recognized by First Lady Barbara Bush and the American Heart Association, as well as the National Cathedral and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, who granted Susan permission to illustrate their likeness, a rare privilege. Furthermore, Susan worked with the White House Historical Association on her award-winning book, “Wilson and the White House Pups.” Susan is also known for her local TV cooking show and her line of glass cooking lids, called Cuchina Safe, which has been recognized by HSN and QVC. While not working on her designs, Susan enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two grandchildren, who reside in the South Hills, as well as traveling and reading.

~ Written by Jamison Stout, grade 11

Chuck Rea (Arts): Chuck Rea, class of 1995, was a National Thespian Society member, a Student Council executive officer, and a choir section leader while at Upper St. Clair. He graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning a spot on the Honor Roll.

After graduating, Chuck traveled the country for 10 years, performing in musicals such as, “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Mary Poppins.” During his time in musical theater, Chuck worked with Pulitzer and Tony Award artists. Currently, Chuck serves as manager of software engineering at Forbes Media. In his free time, Chuck enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

~ Written by Jamison Stout, grade 11

Jerry Berteotti (Athletics):  Jerry Berteotti, class of 1989, was a three-year letter winner in both football and baseball, as well as a varsity golfer his freshman year. Jerry played quarterback for the first WPIAL championship team in USC history where he combined for 1,000 yards of passing and rushing and was named Almanac/Advertiser quarterback winner for his senior season. Jerry also was an exceptional baseball player as he was a varsity starter for three years. He was a WPIAL All-Star Section and Post-Gazette South Baseball All-Star in 1989. Jerry also won the Joseph Argiro award for being the most valuable baseball player, as well as the most outstanding senior athlete in 1989. As of the end of the 2017 season, he still holds the all-time records for single season and career batting averages.  

After high school, Jerry attended the University of Pittsburgh on a baseball scholarship. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Jerry was a three-year starter as a catcher and designated hitter, and graduated as a top 10 catcher leader in RBI’s and doubles. He was signed as a free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994, where he was invited to spring training and was named the Hardest Working and Most Improved catching prospect by his peers. Jerry played in the minor leagues before becoming a bullpen catcher for the Dodgers.  

After his baseball career, Jerry returned home to join his father in the family restaurant business. He now owns and operates Pizzaz Italian Restaurant in Peters Township. Pizzaz is a very popular spot, and also provides support to USC endeavors with gift cards and raffles, booster organizations with advertising in sport programs, and participates in USC recognition events.

~ Written by Keith Kerber and Sara Steve, grade 11

Austin Wilding (Athletics): Austin Wilding, class of 2012, was a four-year letterman in cross country, wrestling and track. Austin qualified for WPIALs all four seasons in all three sports. In his senior wrestling season, he finished third at the WPIAL Championship and sixth at the PIAA Championship. In 2012, Austin was awarded the KDKA Extra Effort Award, Waldie-Shaeffer Award, Congressional Leaders of Tomorrow Award and the Superintendent’s Academic Achievement Award.

After graduating high school, Austin attended the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, where he majored in economics. During his collegiate wrestling career, he was a four-year letter winner, New York State Collegiate runner-up, and team leader in pins his sophomore season. Austin was on the Dean’s List every semester and graduated in the top five percent of his class.

Currently, Austin is a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, weightlifting and hanging out with his dog, Stevie Nicks. Austin has five younger siblings — Corey, Brooks, Hannah, Mary, and Lydia.

~ Written by Sara Steve and Keith Kerber, grade 11