Pittsburgh

The Annual Pittsburgh Marathon

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by Reese Price

Pittsburgh streets came alive as GS students along with thousands of runners recently took on the marathon’s weekend festivities.

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Marathon took place over the weekend of May 2-3, bringing record braking participation into the city. With 52,000 participants filling the streets, this was Pittsburgh’s largest marathon in history.

“Pittsburgh really showed up for all of the runners, even in the colder temperatures,” Business Teacher Mrs. Rachael Pozik said. “My favorite sign that I saw was from Business teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton that said ‘Sub Plans?’ That really made me chuckle.”

The weekend featured multiple events for all ages and skill levels. Runners and walkers competed in the full marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, marathon relay, 5K and kids’ races. The events went through Downtown, Oakland, the Strip District and the North Shore, giving participants a full tour of the city.

“My favorite part of the half marathon race was running across one of Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges,” senior Quinn Dieter said. “The views of the city and all of the people cheering really made it memorable.”

GS students were among those who took on the challenge, participating across several races. Senior Brody Burkholder, Onno Lohmann and Jordan Span each ran the half marathon. Whether running for personal bests, fitness or for fun, GS represented the school with pride in Pittsburgh.

“My pr before the race was 7:05 per mile, and during the race I was able to run 6:42,” sophomore Silas Bogert said.

Junior Silas Bogert poses with his medal after finishing the half marathon.

Photo Courtesy: Silas Bogert

Training for these races often requires months of preparation. From early morning runs to balancing schoolwork and athletics, many students endured the physical and mental strength needed to cross the finish line.

“The race is very mentally challenging,” Bogert said. “What helped me was prayer in every discouraging section, especially after running up hills, like the West End Bridge that was approximately 6.5 miles into the race.”

Beyond the race itself, the marathon weekend pulled the community together. Volunteers, spectators and local organizations came together to support the runners, making the event more than just a competition, rather a celebration of hard work and determination.

“My favorite part of racing is continuously seeing what your body can do, how far you can push it and how all of your hard work and discipline really pays off,” Pozik said.

As the largest marathon to date, this year’s event left a lasting impression on the people who participated. For GS students, it was an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, one mile at a time.

“I would absolutely do it again,” Dieter said. “Pittsburgh is one of my favorite half marathons to do and I plan to continue the tradition in future years.”

Pittsburgh’s Performer of the Year Award  

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By: Kerrick Shaw 

From ballet dancing to “My Heart Will Go On,” to starring in a Eugene-O’Neill-written play, Pittsburgh’s 2024 Performer of the Year has always been a star. 

GS graduate and Point Park University alum Melessie Clark was named the 40th annual Performer of the Year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for her work in Pittsburgh-produced plays in 2024. 

Clark starred as Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten, a story of love and redemption written by O’Neill, and Elizabeth Darcy in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, a play celebrating forgiveness by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. 

Clark as Elizabeth Darcy in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.

Photo Courtesy: Jan Hoover

“Being named performer of the year is an accomplishment I’m still taking in,” she said. “It means so much because I believe it’s a culmination of years of work. It’s one of those things where you say, ‘oh, how nice would that be.’ And, because it wasn’t something I was necessarily aiming for, it just means that much more.” 

Past performers acknowledged by the Post-Gazette include Billy Porter, Wali Jamal and Monteze Freeland, all of whom shine a light for her on the influence she can have on her audience. She described the recognition of her work in doing what she loves as “priceless.” 

“In this career, there’s moments that prove to you that, ‘oh, I think that I can actually do this,’” she said. “Most recently, I got to do a Eugene O’Neill play which was an incredible highlight, getting to tackle that kind of material. It was really nice getting to dig my teeth into a play with heavy themes like that.” 

Clark as Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten.

Photo Courtesy: Beth Barbis

She found her way into performing through dance, having taken lessons at Darlene’s Dance Company, a Greensburg studio, when she was 10 years old, eventually moving onto Sandra Lynn’s. She explained she “couldn’t wait” to be in high school and to be a part of GS’ musicals, Bye Bye Birdie being one of the productions that sparked this flame.  

“I don’t think he’s there any longer, but Dr. Orange, who taught choir, was really my entry point into theater,” she said. “Mr. Lenzi also played a pivotal role in me appreciating writing when it comes to theater and literature in general. He introduced us to excellent playwrights and writers, like Lorraine Hansberry. I think my favorite memory was getting to cold read A Raisin in the Sun in class; I really think that was the start of me exercising my cold-reading-skills for auditions.” 

Ms. Maurissa Auer, who was a junior when Clark was a freshman, performed with her on two musicals for the school: Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hello, Dolly! Ms. Auer explained that Clark “always gave it her all” regardless of what part she was playing, also adding that she had a “powerful personality.”  

“Melessie always stood out; she was such an outgoing kid who lit up any room she was in,” Mr. Mark Zahorchak, who taught Law and Economics her senior year, said. “You never know how far a student is going to take it, but I’m not at all surprised with what she has accomplished. She and her brother are two of the best to come through here; they’re just great people.” 

Some GS students, like senior Declan Joseph, have seen her perform live and have even met her. Joseph stated that her stage presence was “really exciting to watch.” 

On top of acting in musicals, as well as in multiple TV series, she has modeled for brands such as Macy’s and Gabe’s; she has done runway shows in collaboration with local Pittsburgh artists; hosted two red carpet events; done voiceover work for companies like Sheetz; judged pageant competitions and much more. 

“The first time I really got to step into a lead role was my senior year when we did Sweet Charity,” she said. “I researched the musical and wanted to be Charity so badly, so I prepared and auditioned. All of those skills that I learned really prepared me for my future.” 

After being named Performer of the Year, next up for Clark   is a new musical production this spring at the Public Theater in Manhattan titled Goddess. The Public Theater has been the home of various musicals that have made it to Broadway, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton and, more recently, Hell’s Kitchen by Alicia Keys. 

“I hope everyone knows their dreams are possible,” Clark said. “If I can do it, you can too. Don’t be afraid to ask, don’t be afraid of feedback from your mentors and peers. That is the core of growing and moving forward. Keep dreaming big.”