Blue & Gold E-Blast – June 30th 2026

In addition to rehearsing for the performance, campers enjoyed several special sessions throughout the week. They received behind-the-scenes tours of the dressing room, costume room, and set storage area, giving them a glimpse into all that goes into bringing a production to life.

One of the highlights every year is “Improv with Mr. Pete.” Local theater actor Pete Fernbaugh generously returns to drama camp each summer to lead this favorite session. Through fun and engaging games, he teaches young performers how to think on their feet and confidently continue a performance when unexpected mistakes happen on stage.

By the end of the week, campers were already talking excitedly about the next 5th and 6th grade musical. If you missed Friday’s performance, don’t worry—we have a feeling you’ll be seeing many of these talented young actors take the stage again in the elementary musical next spring!

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Crusader Heritage – Alumni & Admin Spotlight:

 

Jennifer (Filby ’94) DiMarzo

There’s a “new” Vice Principal at BJKM for the 2026-2027 school year – but she’s no stranger to Steubenville Catholic Schools. Jennifer (Filby) Dimarzo (CCHS ‘94) attended Holy Rosary Grade School. She credits one of the teachers there for being the one of the biggest influences on her life and for her desire to be a part of Catholic education. That teacher was her mother, Ruth Marie Filby.

 

 

“As a child, I looked forward to helping her decorate her classroom every year, and I was always so amazed that no matter where we went, there were always students coming up to talk to her. Though I only ever had her as a Music teacher and for 6th Grade English, her reputation and the legacy she left as a teacher gave me something to strive to emulate.” Ruth Marie sadly passed away shortly before her daughter officially followed in her footsteps and started her first teaching role, but the ”emotional support and great teacher advice” she imparted during college and student teaching will forever inspire Jennifer in her vocation of Catholic education.

In addition to her mother, Jennifer credits the faculty of CCHS for forming her into who she is today. Miss Naptes, Mrs. Cammilletti and Mrs. Cartledge, all left their mark by imparting the virtues of fostering a personal prayer life, perseverance, and maintaining lasting relationships.

Jennifer came to appreciate the hard work and efforts of longtime CCHS English teacher Mrs. Wilkins in a particular way. “When I returned to grad school 25 years after I graduated from college, I realized that the writing skills that I obtained at CCHS were second to none. I think there were times when I was younger that I took my education at CCHS for granted, until I realized that a lot of other students were not as blessed as I was.”

While at CCHS, Jennifer participated in Christians Concerns Club, FHA, Foreign Language Club, National Honor Society, Retreat, and Track. She has many fond memories of her time in high school. One humorous instance she shared was when the principal tried to deny her entry to a fish fry, believing she was not a CCHS student. (Fish Fries were restricted to Crusaders only at that time) Her friends intervened, and the Principal apologized. It came out that he did not recognize her as a student because she had never gotten in trouble at school or been sent to the office. Jennifer has a good attitude about this funny episode, “I still laugh about that memory whenever I attend the fish fries as an adult”.

 

 

Jennifer has had an incredible and fulfilling experience teaching in the classroom, but this coming school year will be taking on a role in administration as Vice Principal of BJKM. She chuckles a bit when thinking about how God lays the foundations for the fulfillment of His plans in our lives in ways we might not expect.

“Mrs. Danaher asked me to sit down and talk one day and she said that she saw something in me that we needed in our school, and she asked me to go back to school. I told her I was not interested. She smiled and made me promise to pray about it. Then God took control.”

Jennifer earned her Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration from West Liberty University in 2025. While her degree and experience in the field have prepared her well for her new role, and while she is excited to continue serving our Crusader students and families in this new capacity, it is definitely a time of mixed emotions.

“As I packed up my classroom for the last time at the end of May, I went through so many boxes and so many more memories made me smile, and some made me cry. I reflected back on so many students, both their victories and their struggles. I came to the realization that I can still have big impacts on the students, it is just going to be on a much larger scale, and I am looking forward to that with eagerness, enthusiasm, and gratitude.”

 

When asked what advice she would give current Crusader students, Jen said, “Never take your education for granted. Our school system is special, not just because of the rigorous academics or athletics, but because we put God first and at the center of all we do.”

She then continued, “Steubenville Catholic Schools has been my safe haven and my “home” since I was in First Grade. I pray that all of our students know that, although they may only be in our schools for a few years, our schools will always be “home” to them as well. We welcome our students to come back to visit, and we would absolutely love for them to return as educators, coaches, and even administrators one day!”

 

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 Making It Possible – Fall 2026 Sponsor Opportunities

 

Each year alumni and friends step up and make our important and time-honored Fall traditions and programs of Homecoming a reality.

We are opening up the Sponsor window for 2026 – click below to sponsor your favorite program for Fall of 2026 OR sponsor ALL THREE to make the biggest impact!