2009 Inductees
Andrea Mackowick Bartko, Esq. Class of 1980
Andrea Bartko, Esq., traveled a somewhat indirect—but very successful—path to her current position as a partner with Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP, in Pittsburgh, PA.
After Center High, Andrea attended Robert Morris University where she earned an Associates Degree in three semesters, having been able to test out of an entire semester “due in no small part to Mrs. Vettorazzi’s and Mrs. Arbutina’s tutelage,” she says, admitting with pride and amusement that she is referred to as “Grammar Lady” at work due to her CHS training.
Taking a position with Duquesne Light Company after leaving Robert Morris, she worked her way up the ranks. Deciding that an accounting degree would be useful for many career paths and still working full-time at DQE, Andrea returned to Robert Morris to earn a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Accounting, where she frequently appeared on the Dean’s List. Shortly thereafter, she decided to enroll in a joint JD/MBA program at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, where she received her Master’s and law degrees. After graduation, she served as Senior Attorney, Compliance Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary for the DQE Financial Corp and clerked for the law firm Prickett, Jones in Wilmington, Delaware.
Next came her current job with Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP, where she is a Partner in the firm’s Business Group. Her focus is on commercial real estate, start-up and divestiture issues, mergers and family- and owner-managed businesses, and general corporate law. She is admitted to practice in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. She is a member of the American, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny Bar Associations.
A member of The National Association of Women Business Owners, she is a former board member and legal director for the Pittsburgh Chapter. The organization honored her for her pro bono work on the organization’s behalf, promoting women entrepreneurs.
Andrea and her husband Kevin Bartko reside in White Oak, PA. When time permits she likes to catch up on her reading.
Michele Bendekovic Class of 1986
Michele Bendekovic earned a BA in History from Indiana University of PA after leaving CHS in 1986. Enrolling next in St. Francis University, she earned an MA in Industrial Relations.
“I have always worked in law firms, starting as a paralegal and working my way up to Director of Attorney Recruiting and Professional Development,” says Michele. Currently she holds this position at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, a firm with offices in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Michele manages firm-wide, in-house professional development and training programs in addition to lateral attorney and graduate recruitment endeavors. Her firm is the first to create this position for a non-lawyer. She plays a key role in energizing the firm’s diversity action plans.
Michele is frequently in demand to speak or write on topics related to lawyer professional development and is active in the National Association for Legal Professionals, serving as the Chair of the Lawyer Professional Development Consortium as well as chairing the Nominating Committee and serving as a Board member.
Her professional memberships include National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP) where she serves on the Attorney Development committee, the Attrition Workgroup, and the Publications Advisory committee.
Michele has found time to contribute to her community. She is a volunteer and former Membership Committee member for Pittsburgh Cares, a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 1982 to offer a more “user friendly” approach to volunteer service. She has also been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh as a volunteer for the At School Program.
Michele is a resident of Coraopolis.
Charles J. Betters Class of 1967
Beginning as a worker for his father’s plumbing business, Charles J. Betters rose to become manager and had the vision to expand the company into an interstate commercial general contracting firm which does business in multiple cities in the Eastern United States.
In 1993 he acquired the former J&L/LTV Aliquippa Works. Today this site is home to Beaver Valley Flag, Inc.; U.S. Gypsum; and the new Beaver County Jail.
In 2004, “Chuck,” as he is known in Center, partnered with Jerome Bettis to form Bettis/Betters Development LLC for the purpose of acquiring and redeveloping Brownfield sites in the Detroit metropolitan area. This partnership resulted in extensive environmental remediation, infrastructure improvements, 2000 residential units, a 15-story signature building, 300,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, and a hotel.
Chuck has always been a generous supporter of school functions, especially his sponsorship of the Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament, under the C. J. Betters/Center Holiday Classic Foundation. The first tournament (1992) at CHS consisted of four local teams in a two-day event with four $500.00 scholarships awarded (one to each participating team). The tournament, which outgrew its CHS venue, is held at the CCBC Dome. Beginning in 2006, eight students each received $1000.00 scholarships. Well over $92,000 has been awarded through the Foundation’s generosity.
To honor his deceased daughter Chuck created a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation as part of the C.J. Betters/Center Holiday Classic Foundation for the purpose of supporting the tournament, but also to provide assistance to families experiencing financial hardship because of having seriously ill children. This included funding Roxann’s Dream Fund and the Angels R’ Us Fund by working with the Beaver County Cancer & Heart Association to identify and assist these families.
Currently he resides in Brighton Twp. He has three children: Roxann Betters-Albanese (deceased), Charles J. Betters II, and Jennifer Laracuente; seven grandchildren: Nicolas, Isabella, and Sophia Albanese; Khaleil and Emilio Laracuente; and Charlie and Sebastian Betters.
Edward Currie, PhD Class of 1967
Edward Currie, PhD is a psychologist in private practice in Beaver, Pennsylvania, and has served as the school psychologist for the Center Area School District for the past fifteen years. He received his doctorate from Mississippi State University, and has been licensed as a psychologist since 1990. In addition, Ed holds certifications as a school psychologist, biofeedback therapist, and as an addiction counselor diplomate. Ed works with co-occurring disorders and provides wrap-around evaluations for children in Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services. Other areas of his practice include conducting evaluations for Social Security disability, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Employee Assistance Program for the nuclear power plant, as well as providing case management supervision for the Beaver County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Office. Ed is on the associate staff at the Medical Center, Beaver. He is an adjunct instructor, teaching industrial organizational psychology and educational psychology at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, for Pennsylvania State University.
In the late 1970s, Ed became involved in self-help recovery programs for substance dependency. He was a co-founder of an area self-help recovery fellowship, and has maintained involvement for thirty-two years. Because of this involvement, Ed was selected to serve as a consumer member of the original Board of Directors of Drug and Alcohol Services of Beaver Valley, and later served on the Beaver County Jail Advisory Board. His community service inspired him to further his education in counseling and psychology. Initially employed as a therapist, Ed eventually became the Executive Director of Drug and Alcohol Services of Beaver Valley, a position he held for eight years. He resigned to accept the position of School Psychologist and Director of Special Education with the Center Area School District. After completing his doctorate, he began his full-time private practice and continued in the capacity of part-time school psychologist.
Ed is married to the former Margo Hreso, also a CHS graduate. They have one daughter and son-in-law, Helene and Will Adams, and one grandson, William Joseph Adams. Ed and Margo have a second home in St. Augustine, Florida. Ed is an avid biker and Harley enthusiast. When not working his usual twelve hour days, Ed enjoys the Florida beach, biker events, and 10K races.
Daniel DiCola, M.D. Class of 1970
After graduating from CHS in 1970, Dan DiCola earned a B.S. in Science-Biology from West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV (Phi Beta Kappa), and then received his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency at Latrobe Area Hospital, Latrobe, PA, and became Chief Resident in 1981 specializing in Family Practice.
Teaching has been a big part of his career. He has served since 1981 on the faculty of the Latrobe Area Hospital Family Practice Residency Program, and as an instructor of Family Medicine at Jefferson Medical College. In this capacity, he has been chosen “Outstanding Teacher” numerous times. Under Gov. Thomas Ridge he was named a Physician of Distinction and has been a two-time nominee for Pennsylvania Family Physician of the Year. He has authored a chapter “Key Points in Family Practice” in a Board Review Primer.
Currently Dan also serves as Medical Director of the ISH Mountain View Home Nursing Home, Greensburg, PA, and is co-director of the Geriatric Assessment Clinic at Latrobe Area Hospital.
At the Latrobe Hospital he has held membership on numerous committees and has served in every administrative capacity including Medical Staff President and membership on the Board of Directors
Dr. DiCola’s community activities include The United Way of Westmoreland County and chairmanship of the Medical Staff Group outings which raise funds for medical scholarships, health care scholarships, alternate therapies for cancer patients, and Camp Focus which provides mental health counseling for children.
Dr. DiCola served for many years as a basketball coach and referee for Latrobe Junior Pro Basketball but recently gave this up because “I can no longer run faster than 10-11 year olds!”
Dan and his wife Victoria reside in Latrobe, PA, and have two sons: Bradley, 26, (Pitt, WVU; engineering) and Daniel, 24, (Duquesne, WVU; Finance).
Larry D. Lucci Class of 1976
When Larry Lucci graduated from CHS in 1976, he already had a job. In fact, he was the “Z” of Z & G Enterprises and his company was incorporated while he was finishing his senior year. Later his brother Sam Lucci, III, joined Larry and Frank Witkowski (the “G” of Z & G Enterprises). The scope of their work at the time was custom home building, remodeling, and masonry work. Cabinet sales and installation were added and today Z & G Enterprises is the parent company of Cabinet World. The only original Z & G person still with the company, Larry serves as its CEO. Headquartered in Center Twp., Cabinet World has four other Southwestern PA branches.
When Habitat for Humanity first was started in Beaver County, Larry was a major volunteer. Eventually he became the president of the local organization and then served as a board member. During his five year tenure as president, Larry developed a program in cooperation with Whirlpool whereby the new home occupants could receive free appliances. His company provides discounted kitchens with free installation and is still involved in the program.
Larry and his wife Elaine Edwards Lucci are active members of the Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church, Aliquippa, PA. Larry, who has sung in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years, serves as a church elder.
Larry and Elaine are parents of two CHS graduates: Larry, Class of 2000, and Abby, Class of 2003. They reside in Center Twp.
Larry can be seen on TV in Cabinet World commercials and heard on the radio. We think he may have coined a new word when he tells us to “cabinetize!”
Dr. Michael Sisk Class of 1979
Dr. Michael Sisk, a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, opted to locate his chiropractic office in the Borough of Monaca, not too far from where he grew up. When asked why he came back to Beaver County, Mike said, “I’ve always admired the values and traditions of our area. It’s a good place to live and raise a family.”
Public service has been a large part of his life. Beginning in 1989, he served eight years on the Center Area School District Board. Currently he is a Center Twp. Supervisor. Extending his service further afield, he serves as the Chairman of the Democratic Party in Beaver County.
These are the positions the public knows about, but those who know Mike well tell us that he has on several occasions seen areas where local families have had needs and has quietly worked behind the scenes to organize fund raisers or sponsor events to help these community residents.
“Doc,” as many call him, played football for CHS and also for Washington and Jefferson. Center High’s athletes know they have a friend who understands their “pain”: physically and mentally! He is a great fan and supporter of all the athletic teams in the district.
Anyone who visits him will find evidence of his enthusiasm for sports when they check out his office walls which are covered with many posters and autographed photos from events he has attended: professional sports--football, basketball, baseball, hockey, NASCAR races, plus photos of local teams he has sponsored and the basketball player he “adopts” each year.
Dr. Sisk and his wife Verna Dugan Sisk, also a CHS graduate, reside in Center Twp. with their son Colin.
Michael G. Zeglinski Class of 1984
Michael Zeglinski’s career path has been a steady climb upward. Beginning as a relief pharmacist in Western PA, the Duquesne University graduate worked as a pharmacist in Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pa, and then became National Director of Chronicare Operations, Gentiva Health Services in Warrendale, PA, for a ten year period.
“Mike” spent the next five years as Area Vice President, Pharmacy Operations, for PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy, a subsidiary of CVS Corporation. He supervised a $500 million budget and a staff of 300 full-time workers including pharmacists, nurses, pharmacy technicians and 70 Call Center Customer Service Representatives.
In 2008 he became the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives for CVS Caremark Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, a position he still holds.
Having over 15 years experience in the specialty and home infusion pharmacy industry, Mike has lectured at the Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, and is a member of the National Home Infusion Association. He has also addressed The World Congress Leadership Summit on Driving Process and Performance Excellence held in Chicago, IL, and spoken at the Ninth Annual 340B Coalition Conference concerning compliance with Federal and State Laws in Washington, D.C. He holds membership in the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, the American Management Association, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, American Pharmacists Association, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (he holds a committee membership for their fund-raising).
Mike has earned an MFA in Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, and is a Board Member of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with the Pittsburgh Opera, Westmoreland and Wheeling Symphonies and many other local groups.
Licensed also in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Tennessee, Mike resides with his wife Georgina and their Sheltie “Tempo” in Wexford, PA. Golf, reading, cooking, wine tasting, and traveling keep him busy—he has traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe and in Central America where his skill in speaking Spanish serves him well.
