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.

Over the next five months, 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. 

First up, the 1970s. 

There were only six graduating classes from that first decade, but that doesn’t mean they were without accomplishments.

1974

The very first class attended school for the first six months at Shore Junior High. Moving from temporary classrooms to a new building that was only 25% finished did not stop the Class of 1974 from making the most of its first year of high school. This class continued to be the pioneers of Catholic education in Lake County and began to form many of the traditions that are still near and dear to everyone’s hearts more than 50 years later. 

1975

The second graduating class celebrated the school's football team that finished with a 10-0 undefeated season, and the school's first state wrestling champion - Dean DiLillo at 132 pounds. 

1976

The Class of 1976 celebrated our nation’s Bicentennial and the teachers, extracurriculars, clubs and sports that made Lake Catholic “the” school to attend! 

1977

Highlights from the fourth class to graduate from Lake Catholic include the first Varsity Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams; the first Senior Mass and Breakfast; Homecoming Court; Turkey Day; Senior Poll results; and do you remember the “Bachelor Survival” Elective Class?!  Enjoy talented artists’ renderings of the Torch staff and a creative map of the Lake Catholic neighborhood. 

1978

The class of 1978 is remembered for the infamous “Snow Bowl” Football Game; two All-State athletes in Football and Soccer; the 1978 Prom; the “friendliest” seniors; Fifties Day; Project Green; and Lake Catholic Principal Joe Radican – fondly known as Curly Joe taking to the “streets” of the school in style! Do you remember sunbathing in the courtyard?

1979

Highlights from the sixth Lake Catholic graduating class includes the inaugural Baseball and Gymnastics Teams; The Sound of Music Musical; the Honors Assembly and Christian Life Awards; the tradition of the Powder Puff Football Game; Senior Boys Retreats; Senior Class Representatives; Life as a Class of 79 Senior; and the hustle and bustle of the Lake Catholic parking lot when the school day ends! 
 

Select pictures from the yearbooks for these classes can be found at here.