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Alumni News

Alumna Melissa VerCammen ’03 Returns to SSA with Washington Latin Honors Choir

On April 2, Shady Side Academy welcomed back to campus alumna Melissa (Nevola) VerCammen ’03, who returned with her Honors Choir from Washington Latin Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., where she serves as choral director. The visit marked a joyful reunion and a meaningful musical exchange between VerCammen’s students and SSA’s Chamber Choir.

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Jake Rogal '06 Takes Olympic Basketball Behind the Scenes

Jake Rogal '06 has built a career on capturing untold stories, and his latest project, "Court of Gold," takes viewers inside Olympic basketball like never before. The six-episode Netflix series follows four teams—USA, Canada, Serbia, and France—on their journey to gold at the 2024 Paris Games, featuring stars like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Victor Wembanyama.

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Celebrating the Release of "The Haunting" by Cate Peebles ’97

Shady Side Academy alumna Cate Peebles ’97 returned to Pittsburgh on Saturday, Feb. 8, to celebrate the release of her latest poetry collection, The Haunting, published by Tupelo Press. The event, held at Bottom Feeder Books, was especially meaningful as the bookstore is owned by fellow SSA alumnus Mike Seamans ’01. Peebles was joined by poets Diana Khoi Nguyen and Avery Robinson for an evening of readings and literary conversation. 

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Embracing the Challenge: Izee Powell '21 Thrives in Division I Hockey

Shady Side Academy alumna Izee Powell '21 has become a key player for the Dartmouth women's hockey team, embracing the challenges of Division I athletics with determination and grit. Last season, the junior defenseman recorded six goals—four on the power play—and nine assists, finishing fourth in team scoring and second among defensemen. But for Powell, success isn’t just about points. 

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Jordan Foley ’07: “Let’s Chow” Joins Forces with the Robert Irvine Foundation

Originally founded as an independent nonprofit, “Let’s Chow” was established in 2020 by U.S. Navy Lieutenant and Judge Advocate Jordan Foley ’07 to empower veterans and military spouses with culinary skills, providing a path to sustainable careers in the culinary industry post-service. Through its Food Truck Training Program (FTTP), “Let’s Chow” offers veterans and military spouses a full suite of support, including culinary and business training, marketing guidance, event booking, and one-on-one mentorship, equipping participants to launch and grow their own food businesses.

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Men Enter Car First Book Cover

Last spring, Charles Beares III ’55 published a memoir titled "Men Enter Car First," which offers a fascinating look at his self-proclaimed "colorful" family history. The book covers two exciting worlds: the amusement park business on his father’s side, connected to West View Park, and the vibrant circus life on his mother’s side

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