My name is Michael Thaddeus Mondak (born on July 10, 1985 in Portsmouth, Virginia). I currently attend Penn State Shenango in Sharon, Pennsylvania. My father, Richard, (Slovak-Italian descent) an alumnus of The George Washington University and the University of Nebraska, served in the United States Navy for 20 years, serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990 during the first Gulf War, in which he served aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). He is currently a Surgical Physician Assistant with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My mother, Katherine Adrian Mondak, nee Zaurski (Polish-Hungarian descent), who attended what is now Penn State Greater Allegheny, is a homemaker and Craft Artisan.
Education edit
From 1989 to 1990, I attended the now-defunct Aesop School in Portsmouth, Virginia. I was part of the junior kindergarten class there. My teacher was Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson. Our principal's name was Laura Alford. I was part of the school's final graduating class, because the school shut down in the summer of 1990.
From 1990 to 1995, I attended James Hurst Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Here is a list of all my teachers that I had while at James Hurst: Sharon Garnett and Linda Suter in kindergarten, Virginia Ward (nee Woodward) for first grade, Pamela Lipkins in second grade, Deborah Rasberry in third grade, and Julie Smith (nee Gartman), Glyndell Griggs (who is still there), and Shirley Porter for fourth grade. Our principal from when I arrived there until 1993 was Mr. William Wiseman, and from 1993 until I left, our principal was Mr. James Victory.
In 1995, my father retired from active service in the Navy and we moved to Hermitage, Pennsylvania. From 1995 to 1996, I attended Notre Dame Parish School. My teachers included: Margaret Elliott for homeroom, English, and science, the late Toni Campagna for Spanish, Marla Dalessandro (now the principal) for social studies, and Marlene Misavage for math. Maureen Albritton taught religion and computer science.
From 1996 until 2003, I was educated in the Hermitage School District. While I was attending Delahunty Middle School from 1996 to 1997, I had the following teachers: Mr. David Orrico for homeroom, English, and social studies, Mr. Bill Brest for math, and Mr. Paul Estock for science. From 1997 to 1999, I attended the former Hermitage Middle School. In seventh grade, I had the following teachers: Mr. Phil O'Mahen for math, Mr. Ray Olsen for health, Mr. Frank Styduhar for Physical Education, Mrs. Darlene Fealko for Home Economics, Mrs. Rita McVey for computer science, Mr. Michael Nardone for world cultures, Mrs. Lauren Carine for English, Mrs. Shannon Moran (nee Lisi) for emotional support, and Mr. Tim Jones for physical science. During eighth grade, my teachers included: Mrs. Linda Unangst for English, Mr. Paul Sanders for American cultures, Mr. Barry Wooten for Economic Geography, Mr. Tim Jones for earth science, Mr. Bruce Bittler for math, Mrs. Cheryl Spenzer for art, Mr. Robert Avril for unified arts, Mrs. Moran for emotional support, and Mr. Olsen and Mr. Styduhar for health and physical education respectively.
From 1999 until 2003, I attended Hickory High School. The one teacher I had for all four years at Hickory was Mrs. Paula Leeds, who I had for French class. For three of the four years, I had Mrs. Diana Allen for learning support class. The teacher I had for two of the four years was Mr. Doug Levis for physical education. Here is a sampling of some of the teachers I had for one of the four years I attended Hickory: Rice Whaley, junior year history class, Rick Ladjevich, sophomore year physical education, Laura Mount (nee Messer) for driver's education, Jean Peachman for sophomore year chemistry, Chris Marecic, for mechanical drawing, and Luke Hickey, whom I had for sophomore year learning support. I was involved with many extracurricular activities during my four years at Hickory. On June 4, 2003, I received my high school diploma.
In 2004, I started my college education at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. While I was there from 2004 until 2005, I majored in sports management and was involved with Catholic Campus Ministry and Colonial Theater, performing in shows such as Footloose, Grease, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
In the summer of 2005, I started attending classes at Penn State Shenango, where I currently attend classes as of 2008. I am involved with the History Club. Every year, the History Club puts on an annual competition known as the History FaceOff, which I have won for the past three years. I have also served as a writer/researcher for "Win Phil Nash's Money" and "Win Melissa Eaton's Money", and will be a writer/researcher for the 2008 History FaceOff. I am currently advised academically by Steven A. Navarra and mentored academically and personally by Dr. Melissa A. Eaton.
Interests away from the classrooms edit
Away from the classrooms, I am a trivia sponge who enjoys a good round of golf during the warmest months of the year, watches lots of television (especially game shows), and spends time with his family and friends. I am frequently referred to by the females on campus as "the balloon man", because I usually am seen carrying colorful balloons around the campus, giving them to some of the females on campus. I have taken the online test for Jeopardy! Whoo hoo! Nerds rule!