The annual ceremony recognizes former student-athletes whose achievements, leadership, and contributions have left a lasting impact on Nativity’s athletic tradition. This year’s Hall of Fame class includes Amanda Kuperavage Lad, Brian Forney, Chris Dimmerling, and Lari McAlonis, each representing excellence across multiple sports and eras.
Below are the official biographies of the 2026 inductees, presented as provided.
Biographies
AMANDA KUPERAVAGE LAD
The daughter of Vince and Karen Kuperavage of Port Carbon, Amanda Kuperavage Lad graduated from Nativity BVM High School in 2004. After high school she continued her academic and sport career at DeSales University where she received a BS degree in Sport and Exercise Science with a minor in Sport Management. From there she went on to Gardner-Webb University where she received her MA in Exercise Science and Pedagogy.
While at Nativity, Amanda garnered varsity letters in four sports: volleyball, basketball, softball and track and field. As a volleyball player, Amanda helped her team advance to league, district and state playoffs. During her junior year, the team won silver in the Schuylkill League and District Tournaments and placed fifth in the State Tournament. Amanda was named to the All-District 2nd Team. In her senior year, the team won silver in the District Tournament and Amanda was named to the All-Area 1st Team.
For four years, Amanda helped the Golden Girls Basketball team earn honors. In her freshman year, the team won the District Championship and was the State Runner-Up. Sophomore year saw a repeat at States with Nativity winning the State Runner-Up title. As a junior, Amanda and her teammates won silver in the Schuylkill League Championships. In her senior year, Amanda was named Honorable Mention on the All-Area team for her achievements with the Nativity Golden Girls District Runner-Up and State Runner-Up teams.
Amanda also enjoyed playing softball. As a sophomore, she was named to Honorable Mention on the All-Area Team. She was part of the District Champion Team during her junior year. It was the first district championship in 20 years. For her efforts as a junior, she was named to the All-Area Second Team. During her senior year, she once again received All-Area Honors as she was named to the Second Team.
After high school, Amanda continued her athletic career at De Sales University where she earned a starting spot midway through freshman year on the basketball team. She played all 4 years and as a senior, the team won the MAAC Conference title and finished with a NCAA D3 Sweet 16 appearance.
Amanda pursued her interest in sports by working as a strength and conditioning coach. She coached at Bucknell University, Gardner-Webb University and Monmouth University where she served as the Director of the Strength and Conditioning program until she resigned to stay at home with her young children.
Amanda resides in New Jersey with her family.
BRIAN FORNEY
Brian Forney, the son of George and the late Barbara Forney of Pottsville, is a member of the 1999 graduating class of Nativity BVM High School. During his time at Nativity, he accumulated 9 Varsity letters in three sports: football, basketball and track and field.
Football was Brian’s most accomplished sport playing both offense and defense. During his time at Nativity, Brian set one-time school and area records garnishing then school record for receptions in a season (57), leading the whole area in receptions (57), yards (874), and receiving touchdowns (8) as well as leading the team in defense with 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. He was recognized as the 1999 Associated Press Small School Third Team All-State WR/TE. Brian was also named to the 1st Team Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association All-Star Team, to the Republican Herald All-Area 1st Team, to the Reading Eagle All-Anthracite Team, and as a starter for the Schuylkill County South All-Star Team.
In the winter, Brian switched his abilities to basketball. He earned 2 Varsity letters and became part of the 1999 school record setting team—at the time with the most wins (21) in a regular season. As a starter, he helped his team win a state playoff game (first Nativity Hilltopper team to do so) and a District 11 silver medal. He was a top defender in the Schuylkill League.
As a four-year Varsity member of Nativity’s Champion Track and Field Team, Brian was part of a championship run. He ran the 400, 1600, and 3200 relays, placing 3rd in the Schuylkill League and Districts. He was a member of the Schuylkill Relay Champion Shuttle Hurdle Relay and was named to the Schuylkill League Division II All-Star Team. During his four years, Nativity Track and Field never lost a Dual Meet and captured 4 straight Schuylkill League Division II Championships.
Brian received the Outstanding Male Athlete award at graduation and earned a scholarship to play football at Kutztown University.
He graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology earning a degree in carpentry. Brian is currently employed as a Superintendent for Target Building Construction for which he was named the 2019 Superintendent of the Year for the Delaware Valley.
He currently resides in Schuylkill Haven with his family.
CHRIS DIMMERLING
Chris Dimmerling currently resides with his family in Maine. During his high school years at Nativity, he commuted from the home of his parents, James and Mildred Dimmerling of Saint Clair.
Chris played four sports—Cross Country and Basketball all four years, Baseball for 3 years and Track and Field his senior year, until he graduated from Nativity in 1987.
Chris excelled in running as is evident by his championships and medals. Twice he was named an All-League Runner in Cross Country. Chris qualified for States twice in Cross Country. In 1986, he was League Champion and District Runner -Up. Chris placed 12th at States that same year and led Nativity to its first ever Schuylkill League Championship as a Division II team.
Although Chris only ran track his senior year, he still managed to capture some gold. He was League Champion in the 1600 M run and District Champion in the 1600 M run. He was also part of the 3200 M relay team which took District gold that year.
As a basketball player, Chris averaged 11 points per game for his four years as a starter on the squad. For his first three years at Nativity, Chris was also a starter on the baseball team.
After graduation, Chris continued his education at the University of Rhode Island where he graduated in 1992 with a degree in Political Science. Currently, Chris is a sales manager for National Marine Manufacturers Association. He stays involved by volunteering, coaching Little League, and as President of Baseball Boosters.
LARI MCALONIS
Lari McAlonis is the daughter of Arlene McAlonis and a 1983 graduate of Nativity BVM High School. After graduating, she continued her education at DeSales University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Lari was a four-year varsity athlete for the Golden Girls Basketball and Softball teams. She was also team Captain her Senior Year. Throughout her career, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship, serving as a role model for her teammates. One of the most memorable moments of her athletic career came when she helped lead the softball team to a victory over Conrad Weiser High School, advancing the Golden Girls to the state championship game—an achievement she considers the greatest game she ever played. As a standout shortstop, Lari’s defensive excellence, consistency, and game awareness made the pitchers’ jobs easier and were instrumental to the team’s success. Her contributions on and off the field exemplify the qualities this award is meant to honor.
A fellow teammate (who is a member of Nativity’s Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class) explains why she nominated Lari for this award: “Lari was the starting shortstop of my team for 4 years. She made my life easy as a pitcher. My go-to girl, a great hitter! “
Lari currently resides in Florida with her family.