Sewickley Academy: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Sewickley Academy, a distinguished private, independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1838. Throughout its existence, the Academy has fostered the development of determined, courageous, and caring individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in diverse fields. With a network of over 4,000 alumni across the globe, Sewickley Academy stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of its graduates. This article seeks to highlight some of the Academy's notable alumni, showcasing their accomplishments and contributions to society.

Arts and Culture

Sewickley Academy has a strong tradition in the arts, nurturing the talents of students who have excelled in various creative disciplines. The Academy's commitment to the arts is evident in its support for student art programs through visual and performing art studios, a ceramics studio, music practice rooms, a black-box theater, Rea Auditorium, and the Campbell Art Gallery.

John T. Barr ’69: Award-Winning Photojournalist

John T. Barr ’69, an award-winning cover and feature story photojournalist, embarked on his journey at Sewickley Academy as "the kid with the camera." Over his illustrious 35-year career, his work has been featured in renowned publications such as UPI, the Los Angeles Times, Gamma Presse Images (Paris), and USA Today. He has also served as a contributing photographer for the Washington Post, a special correspondent for the New York Times, and a contract photographer for Time/Life publications in conjunction with Gamma/Liason photo agency.

Brian Hutchison ’89: Broadway and Film Actor

Brian Hutchison ’89 has graced countless theater productions on and off Broadway, earning critical acclaim for his performances. Notably, he starred as Alan in the Tony Award-winning 2018 revival of “The Boys in the Band,” and in the 2020 Netflix movie adaptation. He was inducted into Sewickley Academy’s Arts Hall of Fame.

Beth (Richardson ’60) Clements (Beth Gutcheon): Acclaimed Author and Screenwriter

Beth (Richardson ’60) Clements, famously known as the author Beth Gutcheon, has penned ten novels, including "Death at Breakfast," "Gossip," "Good-Bye and Amen," and "Still Missing." Her screenplay of Still Missing was adapted into the critically acclaimed film Without a Trace. She has also written screenplays for Paul Newman, Sally Field, and Barbra Streisand, among others. Additionally, Ms. Gutcheon’s first books on quilt-making helped spark the studio art quilt movement, and she originated the “Tweter”, a two-person sweater, a popular college fad in the 1960s.

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Athletics

Sewickley Academy's Athletics Program plays a crucial role in fostering the development of personal and team excellence in student-athletes. The Academy's no-cut policy ensures that any student can participate on any team of their choosing. Since 1986, Sewickley Academy has been a member of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and competes in District 7 of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

Jason Linkes ’94

Jason Linkes ’94 was a terrific all-around baseball player during his years at Sewickley Academy, recognized in the 1994 WPIAL all-Section Team (third base), and as one of the Top 20 in Batting Averages (.542) and RBI’s (26). He went on to play for St.

George Raftis ’05

George Raftis ’05 was named Sewickley Academy’s Best Male Athlete in 2005 where he was named to the 2005 All-State team, and in 2004 was a major factor in the team’s WPIAL Championship and 2004 State Runner-up accomplishments on the court. George went on to play at Allegheny College (D III) where his record made him 2nd All-Time in Career Rebounds (747), 3rd All Time Career Field Goal Percentage (53.6%) and 5th All-Time Career Points (1,294).

Public Service and Law

Sewickley Academy alumni have also made significant contributions in the fields of public service and law, demonstrating a commitment to serving their communities and upholding justice.

Victoria Clarke: Communications Strategist and Public Servant

Victoria Clarke has been at the center of some of the most historic events in the United States in recent years, serving in various high-profile positions. As Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, she played a crucial role in shaping the public's understanding of the war on terrorism, from the first moments of 9/11 to embedding correspondents with military units in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She also served as press secretary for President George H.W. Bush's 1992 re-election campaign and was a close advisor to Arizona Senator John McCain.

Judge William L. Standish: United States District Judge

Judge William L. Standish, a graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia Law School, has had a distinguished career in law. He began as a litigator at Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay in Pittsburgh and was later appointed to the bench by Governor Dick Thornburgh. In 1982, he won a general election for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was appointed to United States District Court by President Ronald Reagan for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he continues to serve with distinction.

J. Steve Mikita: Assistant Attorney General

J. Steve Mikita is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Utah, serving as legal counsel for Utah's two largest state agencies that provide protection and services for people with disabilities and vulnerable adults. He is also a national expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Mr. Mikita was the first student in a wheelchair to attend Duke University where he graduated magna cum laude.

Science and Medicine

Sewickley Academy has produced alumni who have made significant contributions to the fields of science and medicine, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and improving the lives of others.

Dr. James Bower '80: Neurologist and Researcher

Dr. James Bower '80, now serves as associate professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is a leading researcher of movement disorders and Parkinson’s disease and has published over 70 articles on the subject in the last 14 years. Dr. Bower helped to develop a Neurology Residency program in Ethiopia which has since graduated 11 new neurologists.

Lt. Col. E. Michael Fincke: NASA Astronaut

Lt. Col. E. Michael Fincke served as co-pilot on the Soyuz TMA-4 spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS), Expedition-9 (April 18-October 23, 2004) where he continued ISS science operations, maintained space station systems, and performed four spacewalks. Fincke is currently assigned to the crew of STS-134 to the International Space Station.

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