What's Happening in Cougar Country

When the doors to Lake Catholic High School opened in 1970, 221 ninth graders walked through. It was the beginning of something new and exciting.
A few years ago, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary of those school doors opening. The celebration, however, was muted because of the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. 

Those 221 students, back then, eventually became the first graduating class of Lake Catholic. That was in 1974. One by one, year by year, students continued their march through high school and eventually across the stage to receive their diplomas, adding to the number graduating classes. So now, not slowed by the pandemic, we are able to countdown the months until we can celebrate Lake Catholic High School’s 50th graduating class – the Class of 2023.

As we move toward May 20, 2023, when this year’s seniors will turn their tassels and become alumni, we will look back at the decades of classes that came before them. 
We took a look at the 1970s (’74-’79) in January, along with 1980-1984 and 1985-1989 in February and 1990-1994 just a few weeks ago.

Today we highlight the second half of the 1990s (’95-‘99). Images from all these memories can be found on the school’s Communications page.

1995

The highlights from the Class of 1995 start with a special Homecoming celebration, followed by the traditional Turkey Day and Broadmoor Christmas Party. The Marching Band, Flag Corps and Majorettes kept the Cougar fans entertained with their talents; the girls cross country team won the North Coast League for the first time since 1985; and the wrestling team had a great season, with Brandon Steinmetz winning an individual state championship! The dance team joined the ranks of outstanding Cougars teams, and the baseball team made it to the regionals. But wait…who could forget the Spike-A-Delix volleyball cheerleaders?! The year was filled with many well represented groups in the academic arena including the Honors Government Classes’ participation in the Constitution Competition, the Mock Trial Team and senior Carla Janz winning the grand prize in the physical science category at the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair. The LC Ambassadors made sure all prospective students and visitors were shown true Cougar hospitality and the Performing Arts Department gave us a wonderful production of  the musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.” The Class of ‘95 participated in the traditional Passing-of-the-Torch Ceremony and topped off its high school career with a special Graduation Ceremony and the chance to leave its mark (numerically!) at Lake Catholic.

1996

The Class of 1996 honored the 25th Anniversary of Lake Catholic and took a look at alums with children in the class– including Mona Cambeiro Gazella (’76) & daughter Melissa, Maureen Jorz Roesch (’76) & daughter Emily, Kirk Stonebrook (’75) & daughter Shanna and Therese Laffey Hasul (’75) & daughter Sarah. There was a special 25th Anniversary Mass. The year continued with Homecoming and its Court, followed by the Broadmoor Christmas Party. The Lake Catholic staff even took time to celebrate Cleveland Indians fever (they were the Indians back then)! The year was filled with many well represented clubs and organizations including the Senior Class Officers and Reps, Teen Institute/SADD and National Honors Society. Seniors made the Gala one of the most exciting, and the Performing Arts Department gave us a wonderful production of the musical, “Starmites.” The year was filled with great seasons for the girls tennis team, the football and basketball cheerleaders, and gymnastics. It was also the inaugural season for the hockey team. 1996 saw the departure of long time Chaplain, Fr. Marty Polito. The class of participated in the traditional Passing-of-the-Torch Ceremony and topped off its high school careers with a special Graduation Ceremony and the chance to leave its mark (numerically!) at Lake Catholic.

1997

The Class of 1997 welcomed Fr. Dave Woost to Lake Catholic as the school chaplain and former chaplain Fr. Marty Polito for the school year’s opening mass and introducing the Senior Class Officers and the NHS Executive Officers to their new school year. The year included wonderful performances by the flag corps and majorettes, LC Singers, the Symphonic Choir and the Spring Musical, “Gold Dust”. School athletics produced impressive seasons for the boys golf team; Jeannette Kirchner in gymnastics; The boys and girls cross country teams; the boys basketball team (regional semifinalists); wresting team; and the baseball team. The seniors enjoyed a memorable Prom and awarded the traditional Senior Poll winners their accolades (including the Class Couple who confirmed their love at the altar!). They topped off their high school careers by awarding the Christian Life Awards and participating in a special Graduation Ceremony.

1998

The Class of 1998, and the 25th graduating class at Lake Catholic, started its senior year with Bishop Pevec celebrating mass with Fr. Dave Woost and introducing the new Liturgical Dancers to the liturgy; and introducing the Senior Class Officers, Student Government Officers, and the NHS Executive Officers to their new school year. The year also included memorable experiments from your very own Lake Catholic Scientists. The Homecoming King and Court were introduced and followed by a dance to remember. School athletics produced impressive seasons for the basketball cheerleaders, the girls basketball team who made it to the regional finals, the wrestling team boasted two state champions in Mark Becks and Ryan Simmons, the girls and boys track teams who celebrated Sean Kelly’s state championship, and the softball team that made it to the state tournament. Lake Catholic also showcased its performance perfection with the Spring Musical, “Anything Goes.” The seniors enjoyed a memorable Prom and awarded the Christian Life Awards to Sean Kelly and Meghan Gaydos. They topped off their high school careers by participating in a special Graduation Ceremony.

1999

The Class of 1999 started its year off celebrating Mass as a community as well as introducing the Student Government Officers, and the NHS Executive Officers to their new school year. The year also included memorable moments from Homecoming of the Court dance attendees, school rallies, and the Broadmoor Christmas Party. Cougar athletics were strong and produced impressive seasons for the girls tennis team that took first place in the North Coast League Tournament; the dance team; and the softball team that was North Coast League and Northeast Ohio Tournament Champions. The Child Development Class completed a successful graduation of future Cougars; the Mock Trial Team took third place out of 24 teams; and the Science Fair participants represented Lake Catholic in fine fashion. The Performing Arts Department showcased its Spring Musical, “Guys and Dolls.” The seniors enjoyed a memorable Prom and topped off their high school careers by participating in a special Graduation Ceremony.

Be sure to check back in a few weeks as we continue our Countdown to the 50th Graduating Class with the first half of the classes from the 2000s (’00-’04).