Jun 10, 2011 4 min read

Belle Vernon Area High School held its annual scholarship dinner June 1 at the Willow Room to honor the top 10 percent of the Class of 2011 and name the class valedictorian and salutatorian.

Nicholas Anthony Gruber was recognized as the valedictorian for the class. He is the son of Matthew and Elizabeth Gruber and plans to attend Penn State University to major in chemical engineering.

The Class of 2011 salutatorian is Tanner Alan Sebastian, son of Joseph and Renea Sebastian. He will attend Robert Morris University majoring in English education.

Kelsey Jo Zborovancik is the third ranked student. She is a daughter of Gregory and Kim Zborovancik and plans to attend Duquesne University to major in pharmacy.

Ranked fourth in the Class of 2011 is Mara Katherine Sawdy, daughter of William and Mamie Sawdy. She will attend Westminster College to major in environmental science.

Tyler Steven Verin, son of Stephen and JoAnn Verin, is the fifth ranked student. Verin plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and has not yet decided on a major.

Mary Elisabeth Spang is ranked sixth in the class. She is the daughter of Ronald and Lisa Spang. Spang plans to attend Penn State University and major in English.

Ranked seventh is Nicholas Peter Sewchek, son of Peter and Connie Sewchek.  He will attend Penn State University and major in engineering science.

Nicholas Edwin Glotfelty is the eighth ranked student. He is a son of Scott Glotfelty and Deborah Grant. Glotfelty will attend the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg majoring in chemistry.

The ninth ranked student is Seth William Gregor, son of William Gregor. He will attend Penn State University to major in bioengineering.

Mario Leone, son of Joseph and Marian Leone is the 10th ranked student. He will attend Penn State University and major in computer engineering.

Elissa Michelle Vaverka is the 11th ranked student. She is a daughter of Jaroslav and Donna Vaverka. She plans to attend California University of Pennsylvania to major in biology.

The 12th ranked student is Zachary Matthew Carson, son of Matthew and Christina Carson. He will attend the University of Pittsburgh majoring in mechanical engineering.

Ranked 13th is Jena Renee Lexie, daughter of Jeffery and Carla Lexie. She will attend Slippery Rock University majoring in pre-engineering and physics.

Brandon Lee Dugan is the 14th ranked student. He is a son of Raymond and Dawn Dugan and plans to attend Taccoa Falls College (Georgia). He plans to major in pastoral ministries.

The 15th ranked student is Tyler Scott Pirilla, son of Frank and Kim Pirilla. He will attend Duquesne University to major in Pharmacy.

Ranked 16th is Eric Carl Porter, son of Pamela Porter. Eric will attend California University of Pennsylvania majoring in graphic design.

Mary Elizabeth Wardle is one of two students who tied at the rank of 17th in the Class of 2011. She is a daughter of Ralph and Rosemary Wardle and plans to attend St. Francis University of Pennsylvania to major in physical therapy.

KoreyAnne Smith is the second student tied at 17th. She is a daughter of Thomas and Kathryn Smith and will attend Westminster College to major in Spanish and international business.

The 19th ranked student is Autumn Lizbeth Fields, daughter of Michael and Libby Fields. Fields will attend Kent State University majoring in fashion merchandising.

Ranked 20th is Colin Lee Hildenbrand, son of Keith and Lynne Hildenbrand. He will attend Full Sail University (Florida) to major in game development.

Rounding out the top 10 percent for the Class of 2011 is the 21st ranked student, Mark Francis Harris. He is a son of Charles and Mary Harris and will attend St. Vincent College to major in arts administration.

Belle Vernon Area High School will hold its 45th Annual Commencement Exercise at 7 PM on Friday June 3 2011 at James Weir Stadium. 1990 BVA Graduate Craig Fayak will be the guest speaker.