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 and 1995-1999 in March.

Today we highlight the first half of the 2000s (’00-‘04). Images from all these memories can be found on the school’s Communications page.

2000

The Class of 2000 was the 27th graduating class from Lake Catholic. Some of the highlights from the year include honoring the school’s 30th Anniversary with Mass celebrated by Bishop Pevec as a community, as well as introducing the Student Government, senior class officers and senior homeroom representatives to the new school year. The Cougar Band was in full swing, and the LC Singers performed to perfection. The year also included memorable moments from Homecoming of the Court and dance attendees and the Broadmoor Christmas Party. Cougar athletics were strong and produced impressive seasons for the girls soccer team; the football cheerleaders; the volleyball team that made it to the regionals; the swim team who added boys to the team; and the football and baseball teams welcomed new head coaches in Tom Lombardo and Dennis Woods. Lake Catholic also showcased its performance perfection with the Spring Musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, and a new event was introduced to Lake Catholic – Field Day! The senior poll continued to be a time-honored tradition. The Class enjoyed a memorable Prom, Passing of the Touch Ceremony and topped off its high school careers by participating in a special Graduation Ceremony.

2001

Highlights from the Class of 2001 include introducing the Student Government Officers, Senior Class Officers and Senior Homeroom Representatives to their new school year. The class also shared memorable moments from Homecoming, MORP and provided meaningful service through the annual Broadmoor Christmas Party and Bloodmobile. Cougar athletics were strong and produced impressive seasons for the boys soccer team; boys golf; the volleyball team who made it to the regionals once again; as well as the boys and girls basketball teams. The Performing Arts Department showcased its talents with the Spring Musical, “Brigadoon”, and the senior poll highlighted memorable classmates in unique ways. The Class enjoyed a memorable Prom, Passing of the Touch Ceremony and announcing the special Christian Life Awards. They topped off their high school careers with an impressive Graduation Ceremony including the senior members of the Symphonic Choir’s special song. 

2002

The Class of 2022 was the 29th graduating class, and its school year started by introducing the new school government, including the Student Government Officers and Senior Homeroom Representatives to the student body. The class also worked hard to be outstanding LC Ambassadors throughout the year at Open Houses, during Shadow Days and whenever needed to be Lake Catholic’s best representatives. The Class of 2002 shared memorable moments from Halloween, Homecoming, and provided meaningful service through the annual Broadmoor Christmas Party. Cougar spirit was alive and flourishing as the football team won a state championship, Anthony Constantino won an individual state title in wrestling and the volleyball team qualified for its first state tournament. The gymnastics team was also strong and had an impressive season to remember. The Spring Musical was a showstopper with an amazing performance of “West Side Story” (and a certain School Chaplain made his acting debut as well). The Class shared many memorable moments at school masses and prayer services, in Christian Leadership Class and at Kairos Retreats. The senior poll highlighted memorable classmates, including the class couple who took their relationship to the altar! The Class enjoyed a memorable Prom and Passing of the Touch Ceremony. 

2003

The 30th graduating class from Lake Catholic started off with the introduction of the new school government, including the Student Government Officers and Senior Homeroom Representatives to the student body. The class also worked hard to be outstanding LC Ambassadors throughout the year at Open Houses, during Shadow Days and whenever needed to be Lake Catholic’s best representatives. The Class of 2003 shared memorable moments with the Homecoming Court and at the dance, and provided meaningful religious experiences through school liturgies, retreats and service projects. Cougar spirit was alive and flourishing at school pep rallies to get ready for impressive seasons from athletics produced state championship appearances for the volleyball team again, as well as the swim team. There were impressive seasons for the football cheerleaders, girls tennis, as well as hockey (which had two players that would later become Cougar Hockey Coaches). The Seniors enjoyed many fun extracurriculars throughout the year including performances by the LC Scientists and a huge turnout of seniors for the Bowling Club.  The LC Singers were amazing, and the Spring Musical was a showstopper with an outstanding performance of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The senior poll highlighted LC’s memorable classmates and the Class enjoyed a memorable Prom. They said goodbye to Lake Catholic’s Chaplain Fr. Dave Woost as well.

2004

The Class of 2004 shared memorable moments on Halloween and with the Homecoming Court and at the Dance. Service was an important part of student life through the Broadmoor Christmas Party and meaningful religious experiences through school liturgies, retreats and service projects. Cougar spirit was alive and flourishing at school pep rallies to get ready for impressive seasons from the athletics. The Varsity Girls Volleyball team were District Champs, and there were impressive seasons for the Boys Varsity Soccer Team (welcome back to Ohio and the Columbus Crew, Evan Bush), the Girls Competition Cheerleaders, the Varsity Football Team, and the Boys Varsity Baseball Team. The Seniors enjoyed many fun extracurriculars.

Be sure to check back in a few weeks as we continue our Countdown to the 50th Graduating Class with the second half of the classes from the 2000s (’05-’09).