Many graduates of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School have found great career success in the education field. A few have found their way back to the area and have become vital cornerstones to the success of our Catholic schools. One of those individuals is Peggy Beck.
Peggy (Clay) Beck graduated from Bishop Carroll in 1976. After her time on Husky Hill, she enrolled at Saint Francis University and earned a BS in Elementary Education. She then continued taking courses at Marymount University in Virginia and IUP for her Instructional II certification. Upon her graduation, Peggy began teaching second grade at Saint Aloysius Catholic School in Cresson. After moving to Virginia, she returned to the area and began teaching Kindergarten at All Saints, where she continued for 26 years. Peggy made the transition to working in the Altoona-Johnstown Education Office. In her new role, she could be involved in Catholic education in a different way. Shortly after taking the position, the pandemic hit, and Peggy expressed how impressed she was with how quickly the schools of the diocese transitioned to continue educating students. “We have amazing administrators, faculty, and staff who have gone above and beyond to make sure our children had what they needed to grow during these challenging times.”
Peggy’s family has a long history with Catholic education. Two of her sisters also graduated from Bishop Carroll, along with 16 of her nieces and nephews. Her husband David is a 1974 alumnus, as well as their three children, David (’00), Tim (’03), and Emily (’05). Her grandchildren attend Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Bishop Carroll has made an important impact on Peggy’s life. She commented, “The teachers, religious and lay people, helped me grow in my faith, not only in religion classes, but through their way of life. I received a solid education and was able to continue at a Catholic university.” She is also very proud of her career in Catholic education. “I have enjoyed working with the children and families in Cresson. Kindergarteners are a special group. It was always important to me to make learning fun for them. If they want to come to school and feel loved there, they’ll learn. Watching those children grow through All Saints and then high school, many at Bishop Carroll, has been a joy. There is no better feeling than going somewhere and having a student come for a hug and tell you about what they are doing now.”
Always a supporter of Catholic schools, Peggy emphasizes how well the schools provide not only a solid academic foundation, but faith through prayer and teachers who lead through example in a caring atmosphere. “Catholic schools are important because they grow the next generation of faith,” she said. “They teach a way of life which includes faith and service. Our students are well-prepared for the next step in their life, whether it is furthering their education, the military, or employment.”
Peggy hopes that in the future, Bishop Carroll and all Catholic schools experience growth. She adds, “I hope that everyone will visit their local Catholic school. Once they do, they won’t want their children anywhere else. Our schools are more affordable than most people realize with scholarships available to students. Catholic schools also ground our children in their faith, teaches service to others, and gives an excellent education. In a world that can seem pretty confusing, our schools are able to teach values that our children need!”
Peggy has had a great impact on so many individuals over the years. Mary Frances (Connell) Truscello, BCCHS graduate of 1971, taught with Peggy at All Saints for many years. She commented, “I had the pleasure to teach at All Saints with Peggy for 18 years. She was, and still is, one of the most kind, caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable teachers I have ever known. Her love for her students was evident from the affection the children in the entire school showed her every day. After Peggy left All Saints and she would return on diocesan business, the buzz throughout the whole school was, ‘Mrs. Beck is here!’ The students all wanted to go to the front hall just to say hello and to tell her they loved and missed her. But most of all, I am blessed to be able to call her one of my dearest friends. I can truly say that my life is much fuller because of Peggy Beck. She is one in a million!”
So many of her former students hold her in the highest esteem. Bishop Carroll senior and All Saints alum Alayna Przybys said, “Mrs. Beck was one of the best teachers I have ever had. I may have only had her in kindergarten but the difference she made in my life was amazing. She was always so loving, optimistic, and encouraging. I am forever grateful that I was able to have her in kindergarten as well as see her every day until 8th grade graduation!” Alexis Ditosti, BC senior and All Saints Alum commented, “Mrs. Beck was always my favorite teacher at All Saints. She has admirable patience and taught me valuable lessons that I will never forget. She always encouraged me to do my best and to never give up.”
Thank you, Peggy, for your years of dedication to Catholic education! We are proud to call you a Husky!