Top stories for the week of June 29 from the Fox Chapel area

Here are the top stories for the week of June 29.

• The Rev. Michael Decewicz retires from Sharpsburg’s St. Juan Diego

The Rev. Michael Decewicz retired July 1 from his Sharpsburg parish but plans to remain a common sight in the borough.

“I love Sharpsburg,” he said. “It will be a challenge leaving friends in the neighborhood but my health is such that I can’t continue to do as much.”

Decewicz, 70, is leaving his administrative duties to run the church’s Addition Recovery Ministry (ARM) in Harmar.

Decewicz piloted the program in 2018 and it has since flourished to include weekly meetings, virtual programs, expert speakers in recovery, Facebook Live reflections and fundraisers.

•Fox Chapel Area High School earns elite conditioning program award

Fox Chapel Area High School earned the Strength of America Award to recognize its elite conditioning program. The honor comes from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

The district is among two in the state to receive the award.

“Our program is a district approach that is not just about athletic performance,” Athletic Director Mike O’Brien said.

“I think that really encompasses our mission, and this is a great opportunity to educate people on what we do and want to continue to build.”

• Anonymous $2 million gift to Shady Side Academy will help transitions

Shady Side Academy received an anonymous $2 million gift to help students that might have a challenging educational or cultural transition.

It is the largest programmatic donation in school history.

“The gift will expand student access to individualized learning support, mentorship and guidance, and better ensure all students maximize their potential at SSA,” President Bart Griffith said.

• Students honored as Positive Athletes.

Fox Chapel Area’s Samantha Dunlap, a four-year standout for the Foxes soccer team, was among student-athletes recognized as the 2021 “Most Positive Athlete in their Sport” in Western Pa. by the Positive Athlete organization.

Positive Athlete, which features former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward as a spokesman, recognizes student-athletes who have high character and are team-oriented leaders who experienced winning and losing and have shown passion and caring for the school and community.

Dunlap also played basketball and was a member of the unified track and field team.

She also is the club president for Best Buddies and part of numerous other school organizations.