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Monday, November 26, 2001

By Patricia Sheridan, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Thursday's feasting gave way to Friday's fabulous fete at the Pittsburgh Hilton for the 111 young women being presented at St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind's 38th Annual Medallion Ball. The event is the established venue for awarding the Joan of Arc Medallion to high school seniors in recognition of their volunteer work.

	A graceful display of youthful elegance at the 38th Annual Medallion Ball. (Lake Fong, Post-Gazette)

A minimum of 100 hours is required to be a Medallion candidate; the ball also serves to introduce Pittsburgh's next generation to the joys of generosity. Something needed more than ever since Sept. 11. Proceeds from the evening benefit Pittsburgh Vision Services.

The romance of traditional attire, white ball gowns for the girls and white tie and tails for the escorts, enhanced the enjoyment of the evening, as did the proud parents, families and friends who came to celebrate the occasion.

And as nearly 1,200 of them crowded the ballroom lobby for the pre-presentation reception, Bishop Donald Wuerl hosted a special gathering in the Presidential Suite before heading down to the King's Garden Room to join the receiving line. Helping His Excellency greet the guests were auxiliary president Mary Ellen Maher (with Dr. John), ball chair Shelley Peconi (with Maurice) and co-chair Donna Wehrle (with George).

Among those exchanging pleasantries before the program were Jack and Rhodora Donahue, Kathy and Tighe Freyvogel (their daughter Patricia was presented), Dr. Robert and Ellen Warner (their daughter Elizabeth was presented), Susanna Freyvogel, George and Gloria Ley, Mindy and James Higgins, Dr. Larry and Jackie Ellis, Mary Ellen Bosick (her daughter Jenny was presented) with Paul O'Palka, Sue and Mark Gleason (their daughter Erin was presented), Don and Terri Hastings , Richard and Debbie Talarico and Mary and Chris Wilson.

"Two thousand young women have received the Joan of Arc Medallion to date," said mistress of ceremonies Eleanor Schano Feeney, whose granddaughters Lindsey Berrick and Jessica Helt were among those waiting anxiously to get theirs. Once the presentations were complete, strains of "Camelot" filled the air for the Grand March and Promenade, as cameras flashed, capturing the elegance for posterity.

Ball chair Shelley Peconi, Bishop donald Wuerl and co-chair Donna Wehrle. (Lake Fong, Post-Gazette)

Blooms had the ballroom blushing with centerpieces of pink, white and red roses atop tall silver flutes, which reflected the glow of votives below. Pink bows on the backs of white slipcovered chairs paired with black tablecloths created an atmosphere of sophisticated innocence. Indulging in the ambiance were Ann and Rob German (their daughter Laura was presented), Joe and Peggy Santelli (their daughter Kara was presented), Rick and Beth Hosking (their daughter Lauren was presented), Trudy and Bob Ward (their daughter Meredith was presented), Cathy and Rick Pieper (their son James was an escort), Veronica and Louis Guarino (their son Louis III was an escort), Mary Beth and Chuck Kremser (their son Ryan was an escort), John and Diane Fisher (their son Pat was an escort) and Dr. Mike and Slo Casey (their son Mike was an escort).

The Rick Purcell Orchestra and the John Parker Band kept the young ladies and their gallant gents on the dance floor long after a dinner of filet of beef au poivre and Chilean sea bass was served.

Among those making the most of a memorable moment were medallion girls Andrea Dugas (with John Gilkes), Lea Tambellini (with Daniel Ayer), Natalie Boyd (with Matt Welch), Nicole Hill (with Aaron Block), Talia Thomas (with Mitchell Baseman), Kelly Ferris (with Brian Pennesi), Christine Stypula (with Joe Goodman), Kate Quinlin (with Mark Hofmann), Gillian Bernard (with Michael Krygowski), Sarah Humphrey (with William Maher III), Caitlin Reilly (with Richard Soeder), Sarah Monteverde (with Trey Whitlock) and Nicole Yagelski (with Brandon Yagelski).