The Paw

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights Scott Jalwan (Class of 2002).

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic was a vital part of my growth as a teenager. The teachers, staff, and students all had a positive impact on me throughout my four years there. I support the school because I want future students to have the same meaningful experiences and sense of community that I did.  

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

I’m especially drawn to athletics and the overall sense of community at Lake Catholic. I’ve always been proud to see so many athletic programs thrive. Even living in Florida, I still feel connected to the Lake Catholic community and love seeing the school continue to grow and succeed.  

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic is more than just a school; it’s a true community where everyone can find their place. It’s led by great people who care deeply about the students and their families. It’s also incredible to see how many second and third generations have chosen to attend. That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident, and it speaks volumes about the culture and impact of the school.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

As a former football player, my favorite memory has to be winning the 2001 State Championship. As a senior, celebrating that moment with a big group of teammates, many of whom I’d been playing with since freshman year, when we originally set this State Championship goal, was the perfect way to cap off our high school journey. It’s a core memory I’ll always carry with me.  

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

I’ve been living in Sarasota, Florida, since 2006 with my wife, Jamie, and our sons, Connor (9) and Kyle (8). I don’t make it up to Lake Catholic as often as I’d like, but I’m always happy to host fellow Cougars visiting Florida! I’ve spent my career working in municipal parks and recreation departments in various leadership roles, serving the community much like Lake Catholic once served 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 Mark Baniewicz (Class of 2013), who is a CFP at Zappitelli Wealth Advisors.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

I support Lake Catholic because of the special people I've met along the way, dating back to my time as a student-athlete, to my time as a coach there for six years, to today. Many of the most impactful relationships of my life are with the people I've gotten to know through Lake Catholic connections — teammates, coaches, and staff I worked with during my time coaching, parents, and friends. The community is built on such quality individuals, and I feel very fortunate to be an alumnus and supporter today. I hope that the students and families who currently attend Lake Catholic will have the experience I had, which I loved and that shaped me into the man I proudly am today.

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

Athletics has always been my connection to the school. I played football and basketball for the Cougars and continue to support both programs today. I’m close friends with Coach LeRoy and the baseball program, and I was extremely excited to see them make history by winning the first state championship in baseball at Lake Catholic.

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

The strength of the community. Lake Catholic is built on a special community of individuals who are God-centered, family-oriented, quality people.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

My favorite athletic memory at Lake Catholic was throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to Richy Miller to beat Avon late in the fourth quarter during my junior season, which advanced us to the playoffs. We beat Avon 9–0 and moved on to the OHSAA playoffs the following week. Rich and I still talk about that play today. It’s one of many lifelong memories I’ve made with lifelong friends on the fields, playing for LCHS and the LCHS community.

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

My wife Melissa and I are expecting our second son at the end of October 2025. Our other son, Markie, will be 2 in December. We’ve been keeping busy with work and family, attending Lake Catholic football games, and supporting Coach Gibbons and the program. The work the coaching staff puts in every day to impact the lives of the young men involved has always inspired 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 David Thorne (Class of 2012), who is a World Languages teacher, head cross country coach, and assistant track coach at Lake Catholic, and also a real estate agent at Platinum Real Estate.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic has been such a great experience for me, both as a young adult and currently. I love the community and the mission.  

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?

Going to events with my friends and being involved. We used to tailgate the football games and even the school musicals. We made the most of our time at Lake. I would want current students to know that going to these school events creates some of the best memories. 

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

I have so many great memories, such as the school dances, sporting events, practices, and long hours in the weight room. 

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

Currently, I am heading into my second year of marriage to my beautiful wife, Amanda. I am a new uncle, and we are having an exciting cross country season at Lake Catholic. Outside of my passion for teaching, I am building on my Real Estate business. 

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 Marty Loncar (Class of 1992), who is the CEO of Citywide Solutions Inc.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic is a special place for me. I had an awesome experience when I was there, and it has been a great place for my kids. This place is a family to me and makes me smile when I walk through the doors. I am really excited about the leadership John Morabeto brings to the school, and the positivity in the halls is awesome. My kids have loved everything about it since day 1!

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

Sports! I help coach the football team, and my son, Marty, is a senior captain. My daughter, Lola, is also a captain of the volleyball team. So blessed and proud of them. The entire athletic department is unmatched!  

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

The sense of family and faith - that is what this place is all about. The relationships I made 30 years ago are still strong today. There are great people here: Marty Gibbons, Jimmy King, Tess Connolly, to name a few. They truly care about your kids and want them to grow as people, and they hold them accountable. Academically, we cater to everyone, which to me, is very special.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

Personally, when I was there, winning the first football state championship and making lifelong friends!   For my kids, is just watching them grow and love the place they are at.

Why did you choose Lake Catholic for your children?

Ha. My kids didn't really have a choice. Honestly, since their childhood, we have stayed involved with Lake Catholic, so when the time came, there really wasn't a choice; they wanted to be at Lake Catholic. Families want more educational opportunities, especially college courses at the high school level. While Lake Catholic has exceptional offerings for this, my advice would be to let your kids enjoy the high school experience. Let them be kids and enjoy their friends! It's four years that have a lifelong impact on your child! My kids love being at Lake Catholic and love their friends and the school.  

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

I own a security company with my business partner Mike Tominc ('98).  Mike runs our office in Dublin, OH, and I run our office here in Mentor.  We do security, access controls, fire systems, and gate automation for both commercial and residential customers. Last year, we worked on adding access controls to Lake Catholic. So that was a project that meant a lot to me.  

Currently, I live in Concord with my beautiful wife Stephanie and have four children who have all attended or currently attend Lake Catholic - Vince (2019), Mia (2020), Marty (2026), and Lola (2028).

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 Ethan Richlak (Class of 2019), who is a med student at the University of Pittsburgh.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic played a pivotal role in my growth as a student and, more importantly, as a person. 

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

I think that the Science Department has always done a great job of cultivating students’ interests in STEM, and I value the service-oriented mindset instilled in me through the Campus Ministry.

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

There is such a strong sense of community and tradition at Lake Catholic that sticks with you long after your four short years at Lake Catholic.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

Meeting up everyday with friends in the Campus Ministry office fishbowl room for some unproductive study halls.

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

Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Pitt, pursuing a career in plastic surgery. I’m fortunate to be volunteering with Operation Smile, where I’ve gotten the chance to travel on international medical programs (see my friend Evelyn from the Philippines) and will be representing them on a panel at the UN General Assembly this fall.

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.