Voice Recognition
X

Nazareth Academy

Grade School

Alumni News

ALUMNI UPDATES

We love sharing news of what our alumni are doing! Graduates are invited to submit updates and/or photos to be posted. Either email your news to Pat McGarvey at [email protected] ~ or ~ complete Survey. 
 
 
     
Proud Alumni Spotlight!



THANKS TO ALL OUR ALUMNI WHO PARTICPATED IN OUR HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT:
Evan Darmohray, '24; Sean Harrison, '24; Ryan O'Neill, '25; Rocco K., '25; John Morgridge, '25; Gary Seifert, '25; Kaitlyn Campbell, '26; Kelly Konrad, '26; Krystof Telischak, '26; Roscoe Pazdunkiewicz, '26.  We are grateful for their support and time in speaking with our current students.


JOHN DIORIO, '10
For John Diorio, his education at Nazareth Academy Grade School was about more than academics ~ it was about building the foundation for the person and educator he would become. Nazareth taught him the importance of accountability, hard work, perseverance, and taking pride in everything he does.
After graduating from Archbishop Ryan High School, John continued his education at Holy Family University, where he earned his B.A., followed by an M.S. in Education from Gwynedd Mercy University. Today, as a K–5 Reading Interventionist, John has a special appreciation for the Nazareth teachers who challenged him, believed in him, and supported him along the way.
Looking back, John recognizes how much those early lessons and relationships shaped his journey. The teachers who once encouraged him as a NAGS student helped inspire the educator he is today and he carries those lessons with him as he helps the next generation of students discover their own potential.
Greatest memory? “It’s hard to pick a single one. I think as a whole, eighth grade was the time I remember most fondly.”
Advice for current NAGS students: “Step out of your comfort zone, especially if it means being your most authentic self.”


FIRST TEE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
We are so proud of our Nazareth Academy Grade School alumni who have been awarded First Tee – Greater Philadelphia High School Scholarships! Your hard work, dedication, and love of the game are something to celebrate.
Congratulations to:
Benton H. '23  •  Sean H. '24  •  Emily D. '25  •  Maddie I. '24  •  John M. '24
Wishing you the very best on the greens and in the classrooms! 
Keep swinging for success!


MICHAEL WILLIAMS, '93
Following his graduation from Holy Ghost Prep, Michael attended Haverford College majoring in Biology. His educational path then led him to Temple Law School to earn his degree in law and is now a self-employed attorney. His fondest memories of NAGS are too many to list and he encourages current students to "Try your best always."



CHARLES BUDD, '92
After earning a degree in Psychology at Holy Family University, Charles now works in Human Services Management. He hopes that our current students "Dream Big" and make the most of their elementary years at NAGS. 


JOHN VALOVAGE, '80
John attended Holy Ghost Prep and graduated from Father Judge in 1984. He earned his B.A. in 2005 at Holy Family University.  He states that his NAGS education helped him learn critically and prepared him well for high school. Looking back on his elementary education, John loved every moment at NAGS. To current students, he says, "You are lucky, enjoy every moment!"

FRANCIS CHAMBERS, '65
Occupation: Retired Truck Driver
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS? My favorite class was History and I felt very comfortable at NAGS.
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS? Treat others the way you would want to be treated. 
I would also like to reconnect with some of my old classmates!


JANNINE ELIZABETH (MALUS) ZERRES
Education after NAGS:  Farmington High School, Farmington, CT, Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City, NJ
College Major: Accounting
What are you doing now? I work for Cogency Global, Inc. in New York, NY, as a Compliance Analyst
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Yes!
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS?
Sister Laurian, I believe was the Sister’s name. She was older and she reminded you more of a drill sergeant than a teacher, I am an Episcopalian, I had come to NAGS from public school and she scared me. Then I realized just how much she cared. I never forgot her and I carried her caring along.
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS?
Listen and never stop trying to exceed your own expectations of yourself. Keep your faith central in your life. And remember that practice does not stop at the Church or the classroom door.
Since we moved, I never got to graduate from NAGS. In fact I was only there two years but it has remained a part of me. Thank you!
LISA MIKULA, '87
 Education after NAGS:  Council Rock High School North, Temple University
College major: BS Secondary Education, English, Master of Occupational Therapy
What are you doing now? Occupational Therapist and Home Health at St. Mary's Home Care/Trinity Mid Atlantic
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Yes, especially the Forensics Program
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS? The school dances and movies in the Multi-Purpose Room
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS?
Work hard and cherish your time at NAGS. Those years go by so quickly so enjoy them!

SCOTT TAGGART, '88
 Education after NAGS:  Holy Family University, Syracuse University College of Law
What are you doing now? Attorney
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Yes, except for 6th grade.
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS? Friends and sports.
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS?
Keep your options open but commit fully when you find your thing.



SHERILYN TITTERMARY McCOLLUM, '96
Education after NAGS:  Nazareth Academy High School, Temple University, B.A., Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
What are you doing now? I am currently a Rheumatologist at Comprehensive Arthritis Care Consultants in Huntingdon Valley, PA
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Yes.
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS? The wonderful teachers were the best part.
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS? Work hard and pursue your passions!

ALEXANDRA GREGORY, '04
 Education after NAGS: Nazareth Academy High School,  Temple University, Theater Major
What are you doing now? I am currently a full time dog Trainer at K9 Basics Dog Training in Marlton, NJ
UPDATE: Alex is the owner of Furst Steps: Puppy Education, Training and Socialization
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Absolutely.
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS?
My fondest memory at NAGS is our 8th grade homeroom teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Smith. She made us laugh a lot – she was truly wonderful and very much missed now.
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS?
Keep in touch with the friends you make in grade school! I still have the friends I made in first grade!


LIZ HELLINGS, '09
Education after NAGS: Nazareth Academy High School, University of Delaware with B.S., M.S. Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences,Veterinary degree at University of Pennsylvania, Texas A & M
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Yes!
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS? 8th grade Graduation Dance
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS? Keep in touch with your teachers.


SAM HELLINGS, '14
Education after NAGS: LaSalle College High School, University of Delaware
College major: Chemical Engineering
Do you feel that your NAGS education properly prepared you for high school and beyond? Yes.
What is your fondest memory of your time at NAGS? When Mrs. Culp brought me into the 8th grade Math Class (I was in 1st grade) and I told them what it was called when you tried to divide by “0”.
Do you have any advice for current students in making the most of their elementary education at NAGS?
Stay out of trouble.
Comments: My love for Math, the Sciences and music all began at NAGS.


© 2026. Nazareth Academy Grade School.
All Rights Reserved.

Our Mission Is Family