School in ‘business of growing children’

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of four stories on each of the businesses being inducted this year into the Blair County Business Hall of Fame.

Since 1922, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School has provided a Catholic education to students from Altoona and surrounding areas.

The school will be one of four institutions inducted into the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame Oct. 19 at the Blair County Convention Center.

"We are thrilled and honored," said Judy Ward, director of development and alumni relations. "It is an honor to be in the same category with the other businesses who were inducted before us."

Under the oversight of Bishop John J. McCort, students began classes in 1922 at five different parish halls, while Altoona Catholic High School was constructed on Sixth Avenue.

A new Catholic school for juniors and seniors opened in 1960 on Pleasant Valley Boulevard. That school, named after Bishop Richard T. Guilfoyle, who died in June 1957, was added onto in the 1980s to allow all four high school grades to be under one roof.

The school was renamed Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in August 2008, after governance of the school was transferred from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School Inc., a nonprofit corporation.

Sister Donna Marie Leiden, director of education for the diocese, is pleased for BG to receive the recognition.

"I think it is wonderful. We are a business; we have a budget; we employ people," Leiden said. "I am thrilled people recognize what education is. We are in the business of growing children. Look at the business people we have put into the area, who have graduated from our school."

Some of the prominent BG alumni include Joan Lozinak, co-owner of the Altoona Curve, Class of 1959; Sister Mary Ann Dillon, president of Mount Aloysius College, Class of 1962; Blair County Judges Tim Sullivan, Class of 1977, and Daniel Milliron, Class of 1973; Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Class of 1963; John Wolf, chairman of Wolf Furniture Co., Class of 1955; J. Douglas Wolf, president of Wolf Furniture Co., Class of 1980; Richard Fiore, vice president of L.S. Fiore Inc., Class of 1969; and Michael Fiore, vice president of L.S. Fiore Inc., Class of 1980.

Religion is at the heart of everything at BG, said Sister Beverly Hmel, assistant principal.

"There is a spirit about the school. It is hard to describe - you just feel it," said Joan Donnelly, vice principal, a 1976 BG graduate.

BG's goal is to provide value-centered education rooted in the Catholic faith and principles.

Students are required to take religion class each year, and Mass is celebrated monthly at the school. All students are required to offer a minimum of 25 hours of Christian service per school year.

"Students and teachers practice the teaching of Christ in all things they do," said Bernie Kubitza, principal and corporation president.

"We teach students to give back to the school, church and community to a greater extent than a public school," Kubitza said.

BG's largest graduating class was 240 students in 1968. Like many other area schools, BG's enrollment has declined, and the average graduating class now numbers about 90 students, Kubitza said.

The smaller numbers are an advantage. "We have a safer environment than many public schools. Classes are smaller, and the teachers get to know the students. This creates a pleasant atmosphere for students," Kubitza said. "Education is very personalized. The students aren't treated as statistics and numbers. They are treated as individuals - that is one of the differences between BG and the larger schools."

Donnelly said there is a high percentage of students involved in school activities. "Students often belong to three or four clubs and play more than one sport. We have a very active student body," she said.

Bishop Guilfoyle students come from 21 parishes in Altoona and surrounding areas as far away as State College. Students from all religious denominations are welcome.

Today, students can earn up to 12 college credits through the advanced placement and dual enrollment programs.

The dual enrollment program is maintained with Mount Aloysius College, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and St. Francis University, with credits accepted by many colleges and universities.

BG's success stems from its dedicated staff and strong support from families, Kubitza said.

"We have an experienced staff - a lot have 25 to 35 years' experience. They have a commitment to the philosophy and goals of the school," Kubitza said. "What has amazed me is the commitment and love the families have for the school. Those who send kids here have to make a financial commitment. I give the parents a lot of credit. They have a dedication and strong love for the school and value a Catholic education."

BG takes great pride in its extracurricular programs.

The boys basketball, girls basketball and cheerleading teams all have won state titles. The BG girls basketball team has won five state championships, including this year.

"Discipline is the key to our success," said Lisa Georgiana, BG director of marketing and public relations and a member of BG's first girls state championship team. "The coaches are very good at defining roles. They provide roles for the kids so they are productive. They are able to focus on the fundamentals of the sports."

"It is amazing [for] a school of our size that we put out the kind of teams we have. Student discipline is a key."

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.