St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School named 2023 Best Private School in Fayette County

By The Catholic Accent

UNIONTOWN – Fayette County has 15 private schools, including two Catholic grade schools and one Catholic high school. But only one of them has the distinction of being named 2023 Best in Fayette County. St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School in Uniontown won that distinction after being nominated for  Best in Fayette 2023 awards presented by Nemacolin earlier this year. On Nov. 9, Bishop Larry J. Kulick celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. John the Evangelist Parish to congratulate administrators, parents and guardians, and students for their exciting accomplishment.

During his homily, Bishop Kulick said students at the school are being built up as a dwelling place for God with dignity and purpose. 

“That is why I believe St. John received this award, Bishop Kulick said. “ I am also sure the judges made the award for a number of reasons, like the outstanding administration and faculty, tremendous students, excellent education, and STEM and sporting programs.”

The award was presented by Nemacolin during a ceremony at the  resort. this fall. In presenting the award, the judges said the school is a well-respected, outstanding faith-based school. With its one-on-one initiative and newly created STEM lab, the students are kept up to date with the latest technology. Students are able to compete on the local and state levels in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. The administration and faculty are well qualified and dedicated to the success of every child.

Principal Christine Roskovensky said winning the award means so much to her, the faculty, students and parents because it confirms there is something special about the school.

“This is my 40th year at St. Johns. I was here 15 years as a teacher, and this is my 25th year as principal,” she said. “We work really hard, and the faculty is awesome, and the kids are wonderful, and our parents are second to none. It means so much to be No. 1 in Fayette County. It sounds like just a number, but after all these years and all of the hard work all of us have put in, it just means the world to us.”

Following the Mass with Bishop Kulick, students gathered in the gymnasium for a special video presentation for Bishop Kulick and Dr. Nancy Rottler, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Greensburg. Bishop Kulick was also presented with cards made by students for priests in the Diocese of Greensburg, which Bishop Kulick said he is delighted to be able to distribute.

Roskovensky said the school faculty, staff, students and parents are like family, which sets it apart from other private schools.

“ I have an outstanding faculty. I could ask them anything and they will do what I ask them to do,” she said. “They work hard, they love the kids and I am blessed to be principal of such a fabulous place”.