One School, One Book Summer Reading Comes to Life Through Collaborative Learning
September 19, 2025
The Lake Catholic students have been in classes for almost a month to kick off the 2025-26 school year, but on Thursday, September 18, they returned to summer, if only for an hour.
Classes merged, departments collaborated, and students and teachers alike worked on various projects all relating to this past summer’s One School, One Book reading project – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
This is the third year for the One School, One Book summer reading, and Assistant Principal of Academics Maghen Frindt thinks the overall concept keeps getting better.
“This is something that unifies us all and brings us all together,” Frindt said. “Whether a student worked all summer or spent the entire summer at the beach, our entire community had this one thing in common over those months.”
While each student did take an exam on the book during their English class, Thursday’s special session was a true cross-collaboration between departments and students as grade levels and departments were mixed and combined in various ways. And, as Frindt said, this particular book lends itself to such synergy.
“The first thing we look for when picking a book is whether it’s accessible to our entire community,” she said. “But this book in particular has a log of complex and interesting elements, with touch points in every content level.”
The story follows four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—who are evacuated to the English countryside during World War II. In their temporary home, Lucy discovers a magical wardrobe that leads to Narnia, a land under the spell of the White Witch. Her magic makes it “always winter but never Christmas.”
At first, the children are divided—Edmund betrays his siblings by siding with the Witch—but soon they join together to help the rightful ruler, Aslan the great lion, free Narnia. Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund, but through deeper magic, he rises again. With his help, the children and Narnians defeat the Witch’s forces.
By the end, the Pevensies are crowned as kings and queens of Narnia, ruling for many years before eventually returning to the wardrobe and finding themselves back in the real world—no time having passed.
Some of the deeper themes that come out of the story are good vs. evil; betrayal and forgiveness; courage and growth; faith and belief; and sacrifice and resurrection.
As for Thursday, there was a basic, but minimal framework that the teachers had to follow:
- Make sure they have read the book
- Their lesson/project had to be contained to an hour and could not result in homework
- Take their own content area and ground it in the text
A few examples of what teachers came up with are:
- Ms. Kane (art) and Mrs. Gainar's (culinary arts) group worked on two projects - students prepared a meal similar to the book and got to eat it together and also created trading cards based on the book’s characters, locations, and other items.
- Mr. Clark (art), Ms. Halcomb (English), and Ms. McVicker’s (English) group used AI to illustrate texts from the book. They searched for different quotes and passages and then used ChatGPT to create illustrations, and
- Mrs. Hufgard (science), Ms. Pattison (math), and Mrs. Graff’s (intervention) group used shaving cream to make their own snow.
While students seemed to enjoy the special session, not only working with different students and classes, but also learning differently, besides just a lecture, the singular day has concluded, and the work on next year’s One School, One Book summer project will soon begin again.
The administrative and faculty team will begin reviewing books in November, with the announcement of next summer’s book coming in April or May, before school lets out, Frindt said.
“My hope is that as we continue to grow this program, the faculty, staff, and students will really look forward to the book and days of working together once we return to school,” she said. “What happened (Thursday) is one of the most STEM, STEAM, STREAM-thing we’ve done here since I’ve been here. We were able to pull multiple content areas together and intertwine them for a very productive hour of projects, discussion, and learning.”
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An Extraordinary New Era Starts Now
July 01, 2025
Lake Catholic High School is proud to announce the launch of its refreshed brand identity—a vibrant new look that honors who we’ve always been while embracing all we’re called to become. Rooted in tradition, inspired by what’s to come, and standing as a beacon of community, faith, and family, this new brand marks an important milestone in the life of our school.
More than 18 months in the making, the new identity includes updated academic and athletic logos, a thoughtfully renewed school seal, and a unified visual system designed to reflect Lake Catholic’s mission, values, and enduring spirit. It is the culmination of work shaped by voices across our Cougar community, from alumni to faculty to students, and guided by a deep respect for the history that has brought us here.
“This is more than just a new logo,” said President John Morabeto. “It’s a commitment to clarity, consistency, and connection. We’ve created a bold, cohesive identity that allows every department, team, and program to speak with one unified voice while still honoring the core of who we’ve always been.”
A Seal Steeped in Meaning - Renewed for Today
At the heart of this rebrand stands the updated school seal, which beautifully preserves the meaningful symbols first created by Diane Pinchot, OSU, MFA (formerly Sister Fidelis), a founding member of our faculty.
Each element continues to reflect the profound story of our faith and purpose:
- The sun symbolizes humanity’s encounter with God in the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s saving death and resurrection.
- The torch shines as a symbol of our tireless search for truth.
- The olive branch reminds us of our mission to be peacemakers.
- The cross and waves are drawn from the insignia of the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, anchoring us in our diocesan heritage.
- The cross itself stands at the center, representing our salvation in Christ.
- The interlocking rings, now also given prominence as a standalone mark, reflect our partnership of life and love in the Lord—an enduring sign of the Lake Catholic community.
“Change can be challenging to a community. I have been part of the Ursuline Community for over 60 years, and I understand this challenge. I am also grateful to have been part of the original faculty and staff in the Lake Catholic Community, too,” Sister Fidelis said. "Change can also, besides being a challenge, be a sign that the community is growing and evolving with the times. I like to think of change as a sign of a living and growing community.
"When I saw the new look of the Lake Catholic Seal, I could see the symbols were really the same. What was good and meaningful about the symbols in the original design I created has been preserved and now renewed, and reflects where the Lake Catholic Community is now.
“Congratulations on keeping what is most important at the roots of Lake Catholic Community, preserving the best of the past, and renewing the commitment to meet the challenges of the times with love and courage.”
A unified, modern identity
Lake Catholic’s new brand also introduces fresh academic and athletic marks, a refined color palette, and updated guidelines that bring consistency to everything from team uniforms and campus signage to our website and social media channels.
“As an alum and coach, seeing a brand that’s fresh but still familiar is exciting,” said Tess Connolly Alcantara ('16), who is the Cougars' Assistant Athletic Director and head volleyball coach. “It feels true to who we are—and who we’re becoming.”
Rooted in tradition, inspired by what’s to come
This rebrand also answers a key call in the Lake Catholic Strategic Plan, released earlier this year, which prioritized a clear and compelling brand strategy as essential to advancing our mission.
“This is just the beginning,” Morabeto said. “It represents a school deeply rooted in tradition, but also one that’s inspired by what’s to come—ready to reach new families, engage our incredible alumni, and continue to serve as a beacon of community, faith, and family for years to come.”
Starting July 1, 2025, the new branding will appear across campus, in communications, and throughout our digital platforms, signaling this extraordinary new era in Lake Catholic’s proud story.
Christian Life Award, Lake Catholic's Most Prestigious Honor, Presented at Annual Baccalaureate Mass
May 21, 2025
The Lake Catholic community gathered in faith and celebration for the Class of 2025 during the annual Baccalaureate Mass last night at St. John Vianney.
Held as a spiritual send-off for the graduating seniors, the Mass offered a moment of reflection, gratitude, and blessing. Students, families, faculty, and staff came together to honor the accomplishments of the class and to pray for guidance and strength as they prepare to embark on their next chapter. The ceremony was a meaningful reminder of Lake Catholic’s commitment to faith, service, and community.
During his homily, Lake Catholic Chaplain Fr. Joshua Trefney told the Class of 2025, "I'm so excited for you as you continue to grow and for you to share your gifts with so many other people. Wherever you're going, those places need you.
“Thank you for being the people God called you to be.”
After mass, Lake Catholic awarded seniors Holly Suponcic and Maximus Barnes the school’s highest honor – The Christian Life Award.
The Lake Catholic High School Christian Life Award is the most prestigious recognition presented by our school community. With the inception of this award in 1972, a tradition was established to focus on the active expression of the Lake Catholic Mission Statement and Gospel values both within our school environment and in the greater community. The criteria for the Lake Catholic High School Christian Life Award are as follows:
- The student is an extraordinary witness to the Gospel message and the Spirit of Jesus.
- The student is a person of great integrity who dynamically lives his or her faith, both within the Lake Catholic Community and in the greater community at large.
- The student lives an exemplary life consistent with the Lake Catholic Mission Statement and Core Values.
- The student actively expresses a willingness to serve within the Lake Catholic Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life areas, Lake Catholic Community, Church Community, and our greater community at large.
The school's Campus Ministry also presented two other awards after the mass - the St. Thomas Aquinas Distinction and the Christian Leadership Recognition.
St. Thomas Aquinas Distinction
Lake Catholic’s Mission and Core Values are exemplified through the life and work of our Patron, St. Thomas Aquinas. It is fitting that this Spiritual Life award is named for his exceptional example of faith and his constant quest for academic excellence. This award is granted to extraordinary seniors who have excelled in faith, leadership, and scholarship. They have consistently acted as leaders in Campus Ministry committees, events, retreats, and activities. Incorporating faith, scholarship, integrity, and commitment throughout all Lake Catholic Spiritual Life areas.
Congratulations to: Connor Aurand, Maximus Barnes, Natalya Bergant, Caden Boyes, Ava Budrys Rini, Avery Budrys Rini, George Csepegi, Maria Gallo, Jack Gogala, Brecklin Harrold, Allyson Huber, Luke Joy, Megan Joy, Olivia Kitchen, Devon Keeper, Isabella Leffel, Jimmy Meden, Jazmin Moses, Dakota Mudrauskas, Julia Oster, Annie Owens, George Prosuch, Nick Prostak, Patrick Radigan, Brandon Rangel, Carmella Sowers, Shea Sievers, Gavin Snyder, Caleb Stein, Holly Suponcic, Trey Siepka, Frankie Trinetti, Isabella Trem, Ray Troha, Alexa Udovicic, Nikole Valentino, Audrey Vamos, and Brian Zalar.
Christian Leadership Recognition
Lake Catholic promotes the dynamic expression of our Catholic Faith through exceptional positive actions and solid decisions. Seniors are recognized for embodying the ideals of Lake Catholic High School by consistently acting with faith and leadership throughout all aspects of their high school careers. These students have earned a GPA of 3.5 while consistently acting with extraordinary leadership and holding a leadership position in an extracurricular activity.
Congratulations to: Caden Boyes, George Csepegi, Luke Joy, Megan Joy, Annie Owens, Isabella Trem, Audrey Vamos, and Brian Zalar.
Earlier in the evening, Fr. Trefney also blessed the Service and Academic Honors cords, which will be worn on Saturday at the school's 52nd Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Academic Honors Cords
To earn the Honors Diploma, students must have achieved all six of the following:
- Four credits in English
- Four credits in math
- Four credits in science or four credits in social studies
- Three credits in world languages or two credits in two different languages
- One and a half credits in fine arts
- Maintained an overall high school GPA of at least 3.75 through the last grading period of their senior year.
The following students earned the Honors Diploma, which will be represented by a gold cord and worn at Commencement: Maximus Barnes, Caden Boyes, Ivana Cmeljesevic, Juliette Cowger, George Csepegi, Morgan Davis, Shaun Foley, Brecklin Harrold, Allyson Huber, Sophia Iannini, Megan Joy, Isabella Leffel, Dakota Mudrauskas, Julia Oster, Lily Parrish, Emily Schoen, Caleb Stein, Zachary Stossel, Holly Suponcic, Isabella Trem, and Alexa Udovicic
Service Cords
All seniors must complete the required 50 hours of service in order to graduate. Any student who completes 80 or more hours of service throughout his/her four years at Lake Catholic will wear the service cord for commencement.
Congratulations to the following for earning their service cord: Hannah Aliff, Maximus Barnes, Natalya Bergant, Ava Budrys Rini, Avery Budrys Rini, Cali Cantrell, Filip Cindric, Ivana Cmeljesevic, Juliette Cowger, Shaun Foley, Maria Gallo, Carson Gilbert, Brecklin Harrold, Allyson Huber, Sophia Iannini, Luke Joy, Megan Joy, Rhiannon Kasunic, Olivia Kitchen, Mason Krauss-Kerr, Isabella Leffel, Andrea Leon-Moscosa, Jazmin Moses, Dakota Mudrauskas, Daniel Nguyen, Cross Nimmo, Julia Oster, Annabella Owens, Valentino Perkovic, Ace Peterlin, Patrick Radigan, Meghan Rowan, Carmella Sowers, Caleb Stein, Holly Suponcic, Isabella Trem, Frankie Trinetti, Alexa Udovicic, Audrey Vamos, and Brian Zalar.
The Class of 2025
Prom, Parties, and the Power of One Decision: Lake Catholic and Mentor Police Emphasize Safe Choices
May 01, 2025
Walking the halls of Lake Catholic, it’s unfortunately tough to find a student whose family hasn’t suffered personal tragedy to family members, with alcohol at the root of the situation.
So, again, this Prom and graduation season, Dean of Students Matt Moran has been working with the Mentor Police Department to help the Lake Catholic students understand the dangers of drinking and driving, the effects of alcohol, and how one decision can change their lives forever.
Earlier this month, Moran, other administrators, and a group of students spent the day at the Spire Institute in Geneva, with 1,200 other students from schools in four different counties, for the inSpire to Drive Safely program.
Then this week, officers and officials from 11 different police departments and health agencies were on campus for the annual Prom Blitz.
“Both events are definitely eye openers,” said junior Drew Zegela, who will be going to Prom for the first time this year. “The staged crash site was a tough reminder of what could actually happen.”
Senior Jimmy Meden agreed.
“This year it definitely hit harder,” said Meden, who will be attending Prom for the second time. “I don’t know if I was paying attention more or what, but the stories everyone was telling just really showed the truth and the dangers that are possible. During this time with Prom and graduation parties, those stories will sit with me and be constant reminders of what can happen.”
And that’s exactly what Moran and Dan Radigan, a 1993 Lake Catholic graduate and an officer in the Mentor Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit, were hoping for.
inSpire to Drive Safely
“The stories that we heard out at Spire were so powerful,” Moran said. “You could hear a pin drop it was so quiet while listening to what happened to these families.”
At the inSpire event, Brian Rosenberg, a former Jefferson Area High School student, shared his powerful personal story.
In 2014, when he was 22 years old and attending the University of Toledo, Rosenberg chose to drink and drive—which resulted in the death of a woman. He was convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide, served seven years in prison. He also lost his driver’s license for life.
Now a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, Rosenberg told everyone in attendance that it doesn’t matter how good of a student you are or whether you’ve ever been in trouble—one poor decision can change the lives of many people.
“When I took that drink after work that night, I had no idea what path it would take me down,” Rosenberg said.
He pointed out that people often assume tragedies like this happen to someone else.
“We see the commercials about tragic accidents, but we think, ‘This will never happen to me,’” he said. “Nobody ever stood in front of me and explained what happens after the crash—yes, someone may have been hurt or died, but what about the person who caused it? Unfortunately, my worst nightmare became my reality.”
Also, Dr. Brian Hoeflinger and his wife, Cindy, shared the heartbreaking story of their oldest son, also named Brian, who died at age 18 after driving under the influence.
“We had the perfect life—four kids, two boys and two girls. Our oldest, Brian, was very active in sports, did well academically, and life was just really great,” Cindy said.
But everything changed after one night of poor decisions following a school basketball game.
Cindy received a chilling phone call from one of Brian’s friend’s mother.
Eventually, they learned that Brian had driven alone, crashed into a tree, and the car caught fire, according to reports.
“Sometimes kids think, ‘I would never do anything that stupid,” Cindy said. “Well, my son had a 4.6 GPA from St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, a 32 on his ACT, was a scratch golfer, very well-liked and respected—and he made three really bad decisions that night.”
The Hoeflingers urged students to think before driving or getting in the car with someone intoxicated.
“We’re not experts,” Dr. Hoeflinger said, “but we have experience with what pain a decision like that can cause—not just to the driver, but to a family and a community.”
Prom Blitz
The Blitz event, which also occurs before the Homecoming weekend, is put on during the lunch periods by several agencies. This year, the program was run by the cities of Mentor, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Kirtland, and Kirtland Hills police departments, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Lake County, the Lake Health Department, the UH Lake Health Community Outreach department, University Hospitals, the Ohio State Penitentiary, and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.
Students were able to answer questions related to public safety and safe driving habits, as well as participate in various activities – playing cornhole, walking a straight line, and even throwing a ball - while experiencing how impairment can affect their actions.
“The goal of events like this is to show the effects of alcohol,” Radigan said. “Those worst-case scenarios can happen to anyone. No one is immune. So when we come into the schools, if we can touch even just a handful of students with that message, we consider it a success.”
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