Class of 2004 Honors Classmates with Scholarship Donation
September 27, 2024
As the members of the Lake Catholic Class of 2004 began planning their 20-year reunion, not only did they want to plan a party, but also come up with a way to give back to the school they called home for four years.
In the end, in addition to their reunion in August, they collected and made an impactful donation to the Erin (Gaydos) Carlisle Memorial Scholarship in memory of their classmates Erin and Mollie (Stanic) Hoar.
That scholarship was awarded earlier this month, with both the Gaydos and Stanic families on hand, to Lake Catholic senior Max Barnes (St. Mary of the Assumption).
“When the committee came together to decide how we wanted to honor Mollie and Erin with the funds we raised at our reunion, a scholarship was an easy choice, as their friendship left a lasting mark on many lives,” said Pam Schneider, from the Class of 2004 who helped plan the class reunion. “It was a true blessing to use the funds raised at our reunion to support a current student in their memory. This gesture reflects their enduring legacy and the positive impact they had on the lives of those who knew them.”
Erin passed away in 2011 in a boating accident, while Mollie passed away in 2018 after a battle with cancer.
Soon after Erin’s passing, her family began the memorial scholarship in her honor (as well as one at Gannon University, where Erin earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2009).
Her favorite quote on her Facebook page at the time of her passing was, “I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Erin’s mom, Marianne, said at the scholarship presentation reception that Lake Catholic played a key role in instilling this passion in Erin and her family is proud to see current Lake Catholic students follow in her footsteps. It’s in this spirit that part of the criteria for the scholarship remain – a student who has a positive attitude, discreetly shows kindness to others, and goes the extra mile to reach out to others when it might not be the most popular action to take. The student must live as an exemplary young adult consistent in living the Lake Catholic mission statement and core values.
“These are the values that others see in you Max,” Marianne said. “We are proud and honored that you are receiving this scholarship in Erin’s name.”
The Stanic family was gracious of her classmates including her in the donation they made, and reminded everyone of the great life Mollie had, but also the legacy she left behind in her three young daughters.
Mollie’s sister, Becky (Stanic) Cervenka (’05), said that Mollie continued to be a cheerleader in life long after Lake Catholic – that she loved organizing parties, especially one with a good theme, because she was able to gather friends, family, and strangers to celebrate someone or something she loved.
After graduating Mollie continued to strive to embody Lake Catholic’s Core Values, especially a willingness to serve. Becky said Mollie excelled at caring for others, particularly her family.
“She was born to be a mom, she was phenomenal at it,” Becky said. “There was nothing she loved more. She celebrated each of her girls for their unique personalities while fostering strong relationships between them. In the short time she had with them, she ensured their life was filled with love, family, and community. She always said it takes a village to raise a child and she made sure to build one for them before she left. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor her legacy and show her girls how much their mom meant to people than through this scholarship.
“Max we wish you all the luck in the world. Continue to work hard, be compassionate, and serve others, but do it like Mollie did. Make it a party.”
Lake Catholic Becomes First Lake County School with Howley Scholars
September 25, 2024
Lake Catholic became the first school in Lake County to partner with The Howley Foundation, whose mission is to create social and economic mobility and improve lives by providing quality educational opportunities.
Earlier today, five Lake Catholic freshmen who excel academically and in extracurricular activities were awarded renewable scholarships from The Howley Foundation.
Amarion Levitt (from St. Jerome School), Gabriella Rios (Urban Community School), Lilly Macek (St. Gabriel School), Finnigan Kilbane (Mater Dei Academy), and Mason O’Donnell (St. Mary of the Assumption) met with representatives from The Howley Foundation for lunch where they were presented with a congratulatory letter, a certificate, and their Howley Scholar pin.
“I came out last (academic) year to see what Lake Catholic was all about,” said PJ Reindel, the Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer of The Howley Foundation. “I was really impressed with what the school does and the environment that the leadership and faculty have created. You can see the character formation. You see it when you pull in – Enter to Learn and Exit to Serve. It’s right there. You come here for academics, but it’s so much more than that. And that’s what made it a perfect fit for us to partner with Lake Catholic.”
Nick and Lorie Howley formed The Howley Foundation in 2001, with the intent of helping students, all students, regardless of financial means, receive the best education possible. The Howleys firmly believe that education is one of the most important catalysts for promoting positive change in individuals and society as a whole.
Starting with one student scholarship at a local Cleveland Catholic high school, they have grown the Foundation and the Howley Scholars Program to provide meaningful tuition assistance in 2024 to more than 1,400 scholarship students in Cleveland and Philadelphia, as well as in other high schools and colleges around the United States.
The scholarships are funded with a four-year pledge if the students meet the maintenance criteria – maintaining a 3.0 GPA, participating in, and meaningful contributions to, extracurricular activities, and remaining in good standing with the school.
“The partnership with Lake Catholic was formed just months ago and we are so excited to have the support of the Howley Foundation,” said Lake Catholic Director of Advancement Carla Ronnebaum (’00). “They have made such an impact on education here in Northeast Ohio, and we are grateful Lake Catholic students are now able to benefit from such a great foundation.
“Our hope is to continue this partnership every year culminating with a total of 20 students at Lake Catholic being honored as prestigious Howley Scholars.”
Lake Catholic Inducts Seven Into Athletic Hall of Fame
September 17, 2024
On a memorable evening this past weekend, Lake Catholic High School proudly hosted its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring seven extraordinary individuals whose contributions and achievements have left an indelible mark on our school's athletic legacy.
Mark Sullivan ('78), a standout defensive lineman and wrestler, was recognized for his exceptional athletic prowess. As a First Team All-Ohio defensive lineman and an All-Ohio wrestler, Sullivan's high school career set a standard of excellence and determination.
Rich Severino was celebrated for his remarkable 28-year tenure as the Cougar Volleyball program's head coach. Under his leadership, the team achieved 548 career wins, made six state trips, and secured the school’s first girls' team state title in 2010, following a runner-up finish in 2009.
Jess Sabath ('03) was honored for her stellar volleyball career, where she earned first-team all-district honors four times. A force on the court, Sabath was a second-team All-Ohio selection as a sophomore and a first-team All-Ohio pick in her junior and senior years, leading the Cougars to their first State Final Four appearances.
Sean Kelly ('98) was recognized for his exceptional cross country and track career, culminating in a state championship in both sports. Notably, Kelly remained undefeated in cross country during his senior year, recording the best time at the state meet across all divisions.
Meghan Gaydos ('98), the girls basketball program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,175 points, was honored for her remarkable career. Despite missing half of her freshman season due to a torn ACL, Gaydos led the Cougars to the regional finals during her senior year, demonstrating resilience and skill.
Dan Welly ('81) was remembered as the first-ever three-sport captain in football, basketball, and baseball at Lake Catholic. Welly’s legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements; his character and impact on his teammates and community continue to resonate long after his passing in 2011.
Sam Colacarro, the longtime Athletic Director whose name is synonymous with Lake Catholic’s athletic department, was celebrated for his 50 years of dedicated service. Though semi-retired, Colacarro remains a familiar and cherished presence at Cougar home games.
* * * * * *
With the more than 300 attendees in their seats, the evening kicked off with each inductee being escorted to their seats by our current student-athletes, who were dressed in their team’s uniform, as The Script’s Hall of Fame played over the sound system.
Principal Tom McKrill ('07) opened the ceremony by reflecting on the integral role athletics play in shaping character and community.
"Athletics have always been the heartbeat of Lake Catholic," McKrill said. “Today, we honor those who have set the bar high and inspired future generations with their extraordinary achievements.”
After the benediction from Fr. Dave Woost, President John Morabeto also welcomed everyone and announced that the school will create an Honor Wall as a place to celebrate our Hall of Excellence and Athletic Hall of Fame members, with this class serving as the first to be highlighted on the Wall.
Next to the stage was the emcee for the evening, Tim Armelli. He announced that “the five distinguished members previously inducted into the Hall of Excellence for their athletic achievements have been welcomed into our new Athletic Hall of Fame.”
Those five members are Coach John Gibbons, Dave Youdath (’80), Linda Oster (’83), Dave Rastoka (’83), and Joe Jurevicious (’93).
As we celebrate this historic occasion, Lake Catholic High School proudly acknowledges the enduring impact of all these distinguished individuals. Their achievements and dedication continue to inspire and elevate our athletic programs, reminding us all of the power of perseverance, leadership, and community spirit.
The ceremony concluded with the Cougar Pride Marching Band’s rendition of the Lake Catholic Alma Mater, and it led everyone out of the auditorium with the playing of the Fight Song.
Congratulations to our inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class—your legacy will forever be a part of Lake Catholic’s storied history.
The Hall of Fame induction videos and photos from the event can be found on our Athletics Hall of Fame page.
Lake Catholic Unveils $1 Million Locker Room Renovation: A New Era for Student-Athletes
September 04, 2024
On August 23, Lake Catholic proudly celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated locker rooms, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing top-notch facilities for our student-athletes. This impressive $1 million renovation project, which commenced in May, was fully funded by the generosity of our benefactors, demonstrating their unwavering support for our school's athletic programs.
“Our student-athletes deserve facilities that reflect their hard work and achievements,” said John Morabeto, President of Lake Catholic High School. “This renovation is a testament to the generosity of our benefactors and the collective dedication of our community to our mission. We are thrilled to provide our students with an environment that supports their growth and success.”
The renovation, which started in May at the end of last school year, introduces a range of state-of-the-art features designed to enhance both functionality and comfort. The boys' locker room now boasts 100 brand-new lockers, including distinct areas designated for the football and boys' soccer teams. The girls' locker room, which accommodates 35 new lockers, is currently divided between the volleyball and girls' soccer teams, as well as the cheerleaders. To ensure that all teams have optimal access, locker room rotations will be organized according to the sports seasons.
“The new locker rooms are a game-changer," said football coach Marty Gibbons ('11). "They provide our players with a space that reflects the hard work and dedication they put into their training. The upgrades will undoubtedly boost team morale and performance.”
Each locker in both facilities is equipped with padded seats, two separate lockable compartments, and multiple hooks, combining convenience with security. Additionally, both locker rooms feature a dedicated coaching area complete with whiteboards for pre-game strategies and in-game instructions.
The renovation also includes new amenities for physical education classes, with extra lockers added to both locker rooms. The upgrades extend to the shower facilities, with eight individual shower stalls installed in each locker room, including one designed for handicapped accessibility. New bathroom facilities complement these enhancements, ensuring that the locker rooms meet the highest standards of comfort and accessibility.
“The renovation is a fantastic upgrade for our volleyball team," said new coach Tess Connolly-Alcantara ('16). "The added amenities and improved facilities will give our girls the edge they need and make a real difference in their daily training and preparation.”
The newly renovated locker rooms are part of the larger Zappitelli Family Athletic Performance Center. The Zappitelli family has been instrumental in funding previous improvements, including the weight room and softball field renovations. Their ongoing contributions underscore a deep commitment to enhancing Lake Catholic's student-athletes experience and performance.
The team room, generously donated by the Pecjak family in 2020, remains a centerpiece of our athletic complex. This addition exemplifies the spirit of community and support that defines our school's approach to fostering athletic excellence.
The opening of the new locker rooms is not just a celebration of our past achievements but a look forward to an exciting future. With these enhanced facilities, Lake Catholic reaffirms its commitment to providing our student-athletes with the best resources to excel both on and off the field. Thank you to all our benefactors for making this transformation possible and for continuing to support our mission of excellence in athletics and beyond.
Here’s to many more victories and memorable moments in our upgraded locker rooms at the Zappitelli Family Athletic Performance Center!
Photos and videos of the new spaces can be found on our athletics page
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