The Paw

This week's Alumni Spotlight highlights Brendan Fenner (Class of 2017), who is an Acquisitions Associate at Raith Capital Partners.

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

I support Lake Catholic because it has given me so much. The lifelong friendships, college preparation, and strong sense of community are just a few of the things that come to mind.

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

I wish others knew about the depth and reach of the Lake Catholic community—especially after graduation. I can recall many times when a fellow alumnus was happy to talk about their career and connect me with others in their field. It’s also always great coming back to the area to catch up with former classmates, teachers, and coaches.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

Outside of spending time with friends, definitely the Chick-fil-A in the atrium.

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

I’m currently living in New York City, where I’ve been since graduating from Ohio University. It’s been a great experience both personally and professionally. Recently, I moved from JP Morgan to Raith Capital Partners, where I focus on commercial real estate debt-related investments.

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 Susan Richlak (Class of 1987).

Why do you support Lake Catholic?

Lake Catholic provided me not only with the educational background needed to succeed in college and law school, but, more importantly, with the community that gave me my longtime circle of friends, all from the class of '87. Many of us locally get together routinely, and our larger group of 11 friends still has an almost daily group text chat and try to gather and travel when we can to celebrate each other and to be together for life's precious moments. This kind of community is irreplaceable. 

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

The Catholic mission has always been important to me, along with the connection with St. John Vianney parish, but the sporting events seem to be the occasions that draw me back to the community.

What do you wish others knew about Lake Catholic?

At Lake Catholic, there is just an intangible something that provides the basis for such lifelong friendships that seems to be felt by so many classes year after year. You just do not hear other people speak of this type of connection when they think about their high school experience.

What is your favorite memory of Lake Catholic?

Not sure if it is a favorite memory, but I was recently talking about the Calm Before the Storm Pep Rally days, where the whole student body would be quiet the whole day — in the halls and in lunch, etc. (not an easy feat!) and then erupt upon command as the pep rally commenced. Such a cool experience!

Why did you choose Lake Catholic for your children?

I wanted my children to have the Catholic foundation to their education, and I wanted them to experience that intangible something in the Lake Catholic family.

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

Continuing my solo law practice of helping clients with their estate planning and probate needs. We strive to provide practical advice and education to put clients at ease during these times.  

After more than 30 years in the practice of law, I have also started a women's resource company (On Purpose 86400) to help companies and women's groups provide engaging personal development workshops and activities for female leaders to encourage women to live their lives with intention, all 86,400 seconds a day. 

My husband, Dale, and I are learning to be empty-nesters as our children, Sarah (Class of 2016) and Ethan (Class of 2019), pursue their careers and begin their young adult lives. Thankfully, we have our French Bulldog Tito to keep us entertained, and we have started to do some traveling abroad, recently to Italy, Greece, Dublin, Paris, and London, and I am planning the next one! 

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 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.