Marian Catholic High School Celebrates Record Attendance and Unprecedented Support at Distinguished Alumnus and Hall of Fame Celebration

Marian Catholic High School celebrated a historic evening on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as more than 220 alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends gathered for the school’s 4th Annual Distinguished Alumnus and Hall of Fame Celebration in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium.

The event marked the largest attendance in the history of the celebration, with over 100 Marian alumni in attendance — another new record for the school. Alumni and supporters traveled from Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, Connecticut, and communities across Pennsylvania to return home to Marian for an evening that showcased the deep pride and enduring spirit of the Marian family.

“There was an incredible sense of pride, gratitude, and love for Marian throughout the evening,” said Fr. Robert Finlan, Principal of Marian Catholic High School. “To see so many alumni and friends return home to celebrate Marian’s history, mission, and future was both inspiring and humbling. The support shown by our community continues to demonstrate the lasting impact Marian has on generations of students and families.”

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when John Lavelle ’81 announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship in honor of his parents, Marianne Lavelle and the Honorable John Lavelle. The scholarship will benefit an incoming Marian Catholic freshman from Carbon County and will provide opportunities for future generations of Marian students.

In another significant announcement, an endowed scholarship in honor of longtime Marian educator Jack Huber and his wife Marcella was funded during the evening through gifts from attendees, aided by a generous anonymous $25,000 matching gift from a Marian alumnus who credited Mr. Huber as a major influence during his years at Marian Catholic.  The scholarship will be awarded annually to an incoming freshman at Marian from the Jim Thorpe area. George Demetriades ’77 and former Marian faculty member Jonathan Warke were instrumental in originating this scholarship fund idea.  

The celebration also raised more than $100,000 to benefit Marian Catholic High School’s scholarship fund as well as the school’s capital improvement and program fund. These funds will directly support Marian’s mission of providing a faith-based, college preparatory education while continuing to enhance opportunities and facilities for current and future students.

The evening honored distinguished alumni and Hall of Fame inductees whose achievements and service reflect the values and traditions of Marian Catholic High School. Family members, classmates, and friends gathered to recognize the accomplishments of this year’s honorees and celebrate the enduring legacy of Marian Catholic.

Receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award this year were John P. Lavelle, Jr., Esq. ‘81, and Sophie A. Kozuch Cuthbertson, Esq. ‘91.

The Hall of Fame Inductees were:

Joseph and Mary Dvorak and Family, P ’73, 74, ’77, ’78, ’80, ’82, ’84, ’86, ’91, GP ’03, ’05, ‘25

Jack ’46 and Anne Mulderick ’50 Cannon and Family, P ’74, ’75, ’76, GP’ 95, ’97, ’04, ’05, ‘06

Janet Bonenberger

Joe Svetik ‘67

The Very Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Yenushosky ‘69

Ann Witcofsky Guth ‘80

Susan M. Yacapsin McGorry ‘84

John Huber P ’89, ’90, ’91, ’93, ’97, ‘98

Fr. Finlan thanked the many volunteers, sponsors, donors, alumni, and attendees who helped make the evening such a success. “Events like this remind us that Marian is far more than a school — it is a family,” 

Fr. Finlan said. “The generosity and enthusiasm shown by our alumni and friends ensures that Marian Catholic will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s celebration. The 5th Annual Distinguished Alumnus and Hall of Fame Celebration will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2027 in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium at Marian Catholic High School.

For more information about supporting Marian Catholic High School or establishing a scholarship fund, please contact the Marian Catholic Advancement Office at (570) 467-3335 or visit MarianCatholicHS.org.

About Marian Catholic High School

Marian Catholic High School is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic high school located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in Hometown, north of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania for students in grades nine to twelve from many communities and many faiths in Schuylkill, Carbon and Luzerne counties.  It is located in and sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown. It was established in 1954 after the consolidation of St. Jerome's High School in Tamaqua, St. Mary's High School in Coaldale, and St. Ann's High School in Lansford. Its original location consisted of a three town campus located in the towns of Tamaqua, Coaldale, and Lansford. In 1966 Mauch Chunk Catholic High School in Jim Thorpe joined Marian Catholic High School.

Since the founding of Marian High School, its mission has been and continues to be developing students spiritually, morally, academically, and socially by integrating the teachings of Jesus Christ with a value-centered curriculum. In a safe family atmosphere, the faculty and administration, challenge students not only to reach their highest academic potential, but also to adopt a disciplined work ethic necessary to become contributing self-sufficient citizens who give witness to the Catholic Faith. 

Photograph Attached:

First Row, Seated Left to Right, Jack Huber, Ann Witcofsky Guth ‘80, Sophia Kozuch Cuthbertson, Esq. ’91, Janet Bonenberger, Sue Yacapsin McGorry ’84 and Mrs. Mary Dvorak

Second Row, Standing Left to Right, Catherine Cannon Watkins ‘76, Loretta Cannon Davis ’74, John Lavelle, Jr., Esq. ’81, the Very Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Yenushosky ’69 and Joe Svetik ‘67