In brief: South Hills man sworn into USMMA, TJ fall play going virtual and more

Sworn in as midshipman

Peter John Copetas, a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, was recently sworn in as a midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Copetas was nominated by Congressman Conor Lamb to attend USMMA, located in Kings Point, N.Y., and one of the nation’s five federal service academies.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator.

All USMMA graduates earn both a bachelor of science degree and a Merchant Marine Officer license, and incur an obligation to serve the country as an active or reserve officer in the U.S. armed forces.

As part of his four-year education, Copetas will spend one year training as a cadet aboard ocean-going vessels.

Fall online play set

A global pandemic will not stop Thomas Jefferson High School’s drama department from taking the stage this fall.

The department will perform two one-act shows directed by Julie Tipton, English and communications teacher, to empty seats Nov. 20-22.

Shows will be recorded and posted online because of covid-19 safety precautions.

The first show is “Our Place” written by Terry Gabbard. It features melancholy characters along with comedic characters throughout the play, shifting from drama to comedy.

The second show is “Ghosts in the Machine” by Eric Coble. Consisting of seven teenagers, the play takes a dramatic turn when the teens start receiving strange messages on their smartphones.

For details about the event, contact Julie Tipton at jtipton@wjhsd.net.

Thanksgiving blood drive

St. Gabriel’s is hosting a virtual Thanksgiving Blood Drive in honor of Father John Haney. Through Nov. 21, donors can donate at any of the Vitalant Donor Centers. The closest center to the church is at the Manor Building, 4701 Baptist Road in Whitehall. Register online at vitalant.org or call 412-209-7000 to schedule an appointment and use group code #G0040081. All donors will be entered into a restaurant gift card raffle after the final donation date.

St. Elizabeth Elementary School sales

St. Elizabeth Elementary School is selling 2021 Lottery Calendars. The calendars are $30 with daily payouts of $50, nine days with a payout of $100 and two days at $150. Winners are determined based on the evening PA Lottery Pick 3 number — straight hit, first draw only. To request a specific number, please contact the school office or email sstumpf@st-elizabeth.org.

The school also is selling Enjoy Books for $30 each. Books will be sold through Dec. 20 at school and the rectory through December.

For details, call 412-881-2958.

LifeSpan Meals on Wheels seeking cookie donations

As part of its 11th Annual Holiday Sweet Treats Cookie Campaign, LifeSpan needs 450 dozen cookies to distribute to its senior citizens. Donations of homemade cookies can be dropped off by Dec. 11 at LifeSpan’s main office, 314 E. Eighth Ave. in Homestead. For questions or additional drop off locations, call 412-464-1300 or visit lifespanpa.org.