Q&A with Dominic

What is your favorite dinosaur?
My favorite dinosaur would be the Tyrannosaurus Rex, or the Spinosaurus, which will be the main antagonist in my new dinosaur novel, ‘Mimicry.’

What is your favorite superhero?
I have several favorite superheroes. My favorites are Superman and Captain America because they always fight for what is right. They always stand for what they believe in, even if they know they may lose. I also really like Captain Marvel and The Phoenix/Jean Grey from X-men because they are immensely powerful and walk the line of good and bad which makes for a really unique story and plot.

What did you like about BPHS?
I loved the “feel” of Bethel Park. I loved what a strong sense of community we had within the district and the school. Bethel Park was and is a very ideal town to grow up in because while being diverse, it also has the feel of a small town.

What made you pursue writing?
I’ve always been interested in writing and telling stories. I always wanted to do something with literature and creative writing.

What inspired you to write “The Apparition Saga”?
Personally, I was in a really bad place in my life. I was bored and didn’t feel that I was living up to my fullest potential. The Apparition’s/Angelo Drake’s questioning of believing in himself and his struggles spawned from that.

What do you do in your free time?
I like to go out with my friends and spend time with my family. I like to do anything with dinosaurs, art, writing, and superheroes. I always love working on a new project.

If you could be any superhero who would it be?
I would love to be Superman, or my own character, The Apparition. I’ve always loved the idea of meta/mental/force field based powers.

What was your favorite class at BPHS?
My favorite classes were ceramics, art based, and journalism. I also was always interested in biology.

Where do you work?
I am the Inside Sales Manager for IN Community Magazines.

Do you miss high school?
At times yes, I feel like anyone does. It’s a fun, carefree time in a young person’s life. And they should definitely enjoy it.

What sports/ activities were you involved in?
Answer: I was on the Track and Field team. I threw javelin and discus. and I was a part of the founding group that brought back the Bethel Park newspaper in 2004 as well. I was one of the editors.

Who was your favorite BP teacher?
There were so many. My favorite teachers were Ms. Palumbo, Ms. Stark. Ms. Dobos. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Fink and Mr. Nagel.

Do you have any advice for high schoolers now?
Yes, Don’t let others get you down, don’t take yourself, others or life too seriously. Be kind. Be strong. Be tough and Be a hero.