The Paw

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights Melissa Taddeo-Bogo (Class of 1999), who is the Lead Instructor at Club Pilates Mentor.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

Education is a necessity—not a privilege. I believe in the power of guided learning, the importance of setting high standards, and the value of creating rewarding opportunities for the next generation. Lake Catholic will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I first discovered my passion for movement and became actively involved in community life—foundations that continue to shape who I am today.

What specific areas or missions are you drawn to at Lake Catholic?

Athletics and Performing Arts

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

I wish more people knew just how welcoming Lake Catholic is. It was a saving grace to me during one of the most pivotal times in my life. They embraced me when I needed guidance the most and helped me see that I was capable of more than I ever believed. Their support made a lasting impact, and I carry that with me to this day.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

The last day of Senior Year. Sitting in the gynasium and taking in the final moments of walking the halls, saying "Hello" to my friends, and seeing all the teachers, staff, and peers who helped shape me into the person I am today. It is a Core Memory of hearing Time of Your Life by Greenday play, as we said our goodbyes.

What are you currently up to? What's new and exciting that you have going on now?

Lately, life has been full of movement—literally and soulfully. I’ve been pouring my energy into helping people reconnect with their bodies through the practice of Pilates, creating spaces where everyBODY feels welcome. Through community engagement events and pop-ups, I’ve been working to make this practice more accessible, approachable, and joyful. Most recently, I’ve had the honor of helping launch the brand new Club Pilates (2257 Mentor Ave). Watching this fresh community take root and rise in their own practice has truly been a dream come true.

If you're interested in being a part of our Alumni Spotlight, or would like to nominate someone, please reach out to our Director of Alumni Relations Bill Weaver.

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights Karyn (Cervelli) Stovicek (Class of 1975), who is retired but works part-time as a secretary at Wickliffe High School.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

I believe that Lake Catholic does try to instill its core values in all of its students; that students should always strive for excellence, possess personal integrity, be respectful and compassionate towards others, and help others as well.

What specific areas or missions are you drawn to at Lake Catholic?

I'm not drawn to any one specific area, although both of my daughters were a part of athletics. I like that students have opportunities to explore a wide variety of interests, something that wasn't available when I was a student way back when we were the second class to graduate from Lake Catholic.  

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

Hmmm, I can name a few terrifying memories (Shorthand class with Miss Savage), running down the main hall with Therese (Laffey) Hasul away from Sister Thecla, who was carrying a ruler to measure the length of our uniform skirts; breaking my foot during an evening gymnastics class. Funny memories, like birds landing on the open classroom windows that faced the indoor courtyard that doesn't exist anymore; walking down 306 after school with a bunch of friends (when it was a two-lane road) to get pizza at Longo's before the busses arrived at the school to take students to an away game, dances in the cafeteria with live bands; the annual talent show when the Forrai twins rode bikes on stage and were throwing DoubleMint gum out to the audience; a field trip downtown to see the play Hamlet which we were reading in Mr. Tomba's English class and a trip to Cedar Point. I have a lot of memories and I can't name just one favorite memory, but I appreciated the opportunity to meet a lot of new people.

Why did you choose Lake Catholic for your children?

I sent my daughters, Christina (2002) and Deanna (2008), to Lake Catholic because I wanted them to feel more like an individual rather than a piece of a larger group. I felt that Lake was the best place to give them a good academic education and to be in a place that tried to model Christian values. 

What are you currently up to? What's new and exciting that you have going on now?

I recently retired from my full-time job where I worked for 38 years. I wish I could tell you that I'm doing something exciting and amazing like I'm on the next flight to the moon, or that I've discovered the cure for cancer, but alas no. I love being a grandma to Eleanor (18 months) the world's best granddaughter, and I'm looking forward to traveling while I'm still ‘young.’

If you're interested in being a part of our Alumni Spotlight, or would like to nominate someone, please reach out to our Director of Alumni Relations Bill Weaver.

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights William Valentine (Class of 2011), who is a Special Agent for the U.S. Secret Service.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

The opportunities that I received at Lake Catholic played a key role in shaping where I am today. When I stepped through the doors for the first time, I could sense the feeling of family. Some of my closest friends to this day are from my class. Coming from a larger public school system, you don't always get that same sense of community. The people I went to school with and the teachers/staff I interacted with on a day-to-day basis showed me a different side of life, and for that I am grateful. Attending Lake Catholic led me to attending Mercyhurst University, which in turn led me to my work in government service.

What specific areas or missions are you drawn to at Lake Catholic?

Athletics. Watching the volleyball team three-peat the last few years has been awesome. Kara Oster and Tess did a great job leading the girls. And I have to give a shoutout to the 2010 State champs as well! That team was dangerous.

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic is a place where students receive an excellent education while keeping God at the center of their experience. During my time there, a couple of the religion classes that I took with Mr. Ellis stood out as especially impactful. They challenged us to think deeply about life's big questions - What is faith? Why do we have it?

Mr. Ellis often reminded us that “faith is hope.” Those classroom discussions encouraged me to reflect on how we live our lives in the image of God and whether our actions reflect Christian values and the teachings of Jesus. Even today, I often find myself thinking back to those moments and asking … How do I want to be remembered? Not just by my peers, but also by God?

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

My favorite memory has to be the Final Four run we had in 2010 with the Boys Soccer program. That season was magical, and some of my greatest memories were made with that team. 2010 was a really big year for Lake Catholic - the football, soccer, and volleyball teams all played in Final Four games that year.

What are you currently up to? What's new and exciting that you have going on now?

I just returned from a five-day assignment at the Vatican. Vice President Vance and his spouse attended the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. I helped provide site security around Rome for the VP and his wife when they went out to explore the city in between official meetings. Now that I am back home, I am working on my criminal cases and looking forward to enjoying the beautiful summer in Cleveland.

If you're interested in being a part of our Alumni Spotlight, or would like to nominate someone, please reach out to our Director of Alumni Relations Bill Weaver.

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights Angela Granchi (Class of 2018), who is a Project Manager and Product Specialist at Solidarity Health Network.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

I support Lake Catholic because it helped shape every part of who I am today -- my faith, my friendships, my values, and my resilience. LC wasn’t just a school to me; it was a foundation. It gave me lifelong friends who have become like family, friends I’ve stood beside in weddings and will walk through life with forever. The faith I built at Lake Catholic has been my anchor through all the highs and lows. 
I’ve stayed involved with LC ever since graduating—first as a student, then as an alum, and now as a coach. Giving back to the same community that poured so much into me is a blessing. I support Lake Catholic because I believe in its mission and its impact. It truly transforms lives, and I’m living proof of that.

What specific areas or missions are you drawn to at Lake Catholic?

Athletics have always been a big part of my life, and coaching at Lake Catholic has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had since graduating. But it’s more than just a sport; it’s the opportunity to mentor, to encourage faith on and off the field and court, and to walk with these young people the same way others once walked with me. That mission of building strong character through faith and community is what continually draws me back.

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

I wish people knew how much of a lifelong impact Lake Catholic makes. It’s not just four years; it’s the foundation for who you become. The faith you develop there stays with you in the hardest seasons of life. LC gave me more than an education; it gave me family. Some of my best friends, true, lifelong friends who I’ve stood beside in weddings, came from my time at LC. The community doesn’t end after graduation, and the values stick with you forever.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

There are too many to count, but if I had to pick one, it would be the moments that weren’t necessarily big events, but the everyday connection with friends who became and will remain family to me. Whether it was late nights after practice, retreats that strengthened my faith, or those meaningful conversations with teachers and coaches, those are the memories that shaped me and helped me become who I am today. Being part of Lake Catholic wasn’t just about academics or athletics, but about becoming the person God was calling me to be.

What are you currently up to? What's new and exciting that you have going on now?

Right now, I’m in the middle of building my first home, which has been such an exciting and humbling journey. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown since my time at Lake Catholic. As challenging as this process can be, my faith—something LC deeply instilled in me, continues to carry me through. I’m also still heavily involved with Lake Catholic, coaching cheerleading for the past three years. It’s been such a gift to give back to the school that gave so much to me.

If you're interested in being a part of our Alumni Spotlight, or would like to nominate someone, please reach out to our Director of Alumni Relations Bill Weaver.

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights Jamie (Laturell) DelVecchio (Class of 2006), who is a sports medicine physician at Precision Orthopedics in Chardon.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

I support Lake Catholic because it helped shape me into the person I am today. It gave me so many opportunities, both athletically and academically, to pursue my goals. At the same time, the sense of community, support, and values that were instilled in me have stayed with me throughout my life.

What specific areas or missions are you drawn to at Lake Catholic?

Athletics

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

For those who have not attended Lake Catholic, I think it is important to know there is a strong sense of community there.  Lake Catholic provides an environment that encourages growth and offers support in all different areas.  It truly feels like a family.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

My favorite memory of Lake Catholic is making it to the regional finals with our soccer team!

What are you currently up to? What's new and exciting that you have going on now?

I am currently working as a sports medicine physician at Precision Orthopaedics in Chardon.  I have been there for seven years and I love getting to take care of patients close to where I grew up.

My husband and I have been married for 10 years. We stay busy at home with three young kids - 8, 5, and 3.  We love being involved in their school events, sporting activities, and traveling as a family.

I recently ran the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21st. After playing high school and college soccer, I started running to stay active. I fell in love with distance running and the marathon. Running the Boston Marathon became a dream of mine. I finally qualified for Boston last year and had the opportunity to run it this past April. 

If you're interested in being a part of our Alumni Spotlight, or would like to nominate someone, please reach out to our Director of Alumni Relations Bill Weaver.