Marian Catholic High School is proud to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Graceann Nihen McNealis ’77, P ’97, ’99, Jerome Dvorak ’82, P ’25, and The Very Rev. Eugene Ritz ’00. Each will begin a three-year term ending on June 30, 2028. Their diverse experiences and deep ties to the Marian community reflect our ongoing commitment to mission-driven leadership.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Graceann, Jerome, and Father Ritz to the Board,” said Board Chairman Dave Bielen ’69, P ’91, GP ‘24. “As proud alumni, they bring a valuable perspective that strengthens our vision for Marian’s future. We hope their example inspires more alumni to reconnect, get involved, and give back to the school that shaped them.”

Graceann Nihen McNealis ’77, P ’97, ‘99

Graceann Nihen McNealis was born and raised in Lansford.  She attended Saint Ann’s School and continued her Catholic education at Marian, graduating in 1977.  Graceann owned and managed a staffing service for 18 years before joining her husband, Gary, in their family-owned business, McNealis Insurance Agency.  Graceann has attained several Pennsylvania State Insurance designations.

“Marian has always had a special place in my heart.  My parents valued Catholic education and made sure my siblings and I attended Marian.  My love for Marian spilled over into our marriage.  Well before my two sons attended Marian, my husband and I worked the hamburger stand at Marian football games on Saturday afternoons, and continued to serve in various capacities throughout our son’s time at Marian.  I look forward to working with the Board and my local community in order to increase enrollment and give other children the opportunity to experience the Marian Catholic High School difference.”

Graceann is an active member of St. Jude Church in Mountain Top.  Both she and her husband, Gary, co-chaired the Parish’s new church Capital Campaign.  That dream of a new church became a reality in 2017.  They are the parents of two Marian graduates, Gary in 1997 and Patrick in 1999.

Jerome Dvorak ’82, P ‘25

Jerome Dvorak serves as the Executive Director of The Bloomsburg University Foundation and is one of 9 Dvorak children to attend Marian.  A resident of McAdoo, Jerome is a graduate of Juanita College with a degree in finance and financial management.  His siblings who graduated from Marian are Joseph ’73, Linda ‘75, John ’77, Mary ’78, Jeffrey ’80, Jene ’84, Jude ’86 and Catherine ’91.  In addition nieces, Nina Garzio Thompson ‘03 , Amanda Garzio-Hadzick ‘05, her husband Zane Hadzick ‘03, and in-laws, Paul ’78, Lynn  ’81, and Cheyeanne Bray ’15 are also graduates.  His daughter, Julia, graduated from Marian this past June 2025.  Jerome and his family are active members of All Saints Catholic Church in McAdoo.

"It’s a true honor to join the Board of Directors at Marian Catholic High School, a place that has meant so much to my family and me. As one of nine Dvorak siblings to graduate from Marian, and now as a proud parent of a recent alumna, I’ve seen firsthand the lasting impact of a Marian education. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a school that helped shape our lives, and I look forward to supporting its mission and future."

The Very Rev. Eugene Ritz ‘00

A native of Tresckow, after graduating from Marian, Fr. Ritz began studies for the Priesthood at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook. During his time in the seminary, he earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology.  Fr. Ritz was Ordained to the Priesthood in 2009 and spent the next eight years in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He was Assistant Pastor at Saint Catharine of Siena Parish, and Chaplain of Berks Catholic High School, Reading. He also spent four summers and the 2017-2018 academic year at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. where he earned a degree in Canon Law, or Church Law.  He has since spent two years as Chaplain at Notre Dame High School, Easton, and spent five years as Diocesan Chancellor. He also serves as a Judge on the Diocesan Tribunal which principally serves to adjudicate proposed cases of Marriage nullity.

Since 2023 Fr. Ritz has also served as the Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Allentown, an assignment wherein he acts at the primary contact between the Diocese and her Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians, as well assists Bishop Schlert in coordinating and overseeing the personnel needs of the Diocese of Allentown. Fr. Ritz currently calls Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield as his home, where he is a resident priest and sees several graduates of Marian each weekend!

“I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Marian Catholic High School, the place that helped shape not only my education but also my vocation. As a son of Tresckow and a proud Marian graduate, I carry with me deep gratitude for the formation I received there—spiritually, academically, and personally. I look forward to giving back to the school community that gave me so much, and to helping ensure Marian’s mission continues to thrive for generations to come.”

 About the Board of Directors

Marian Catholic High School is incorporated under a Board of Directors that provides the school with invaluable leadership, direction, and support in fulfilling its mission of school governance. The Board of Directors meets throughout the year and new members are elected annually.

Members of the Board of Directors for the 2025-26 school year will now include: Dave Bielen ’69 P ’91, GP ‘24, Patrick Boyle ‘03, Jerome Dvorak ’82, P ’25, Larry Furey ‘79, Kathy Reinhart Goff ’97, P ’20, ’23, Dan La Bert ’93, John Lavelle, Jr. ’81, Graceann Nihen McNealis ’77, P ’97, ’99, Maria Montero ’94, P’13, Sr. Rose Mulligan, IHM ‘84, Erin O’Gurek ‘03, Shannon Boyle Pietrak ’95, The Very Rev. Eugene Ritz ’00, Jim Sauka ’66, P ’93, ’94, ’96, ‘00, Ashley Shickora ’03, and Bill Stulginsky ’69.

Dave Bielen ’69, P ’91, GP ’24 will serve as Board Chair, Larry Furey ’79 as Vice Chair, Sr. Rose Mulligan, IHM ’84 as Secretary and Bill Stulginsky ‘69 as Treasurer.

Committee Chairs for the 2025-26 school year are John Lavelle, Jr., ’81, Governance and Nominating Committee, Bill Stulginsky ’69, Finance Committee; Larry Furey ’79, Advancement Committee; Jim Sauka ’66, P ’93, ’94, ’96, ‘00, Facilities Committee and Patrick Boyle ’03, Enrollment Management and Marketing Committee.