Striving Forward - Fall 2023

Striving Forward FALL 2023

The Magazine of Lake Catholic High School

In This Issue…

10

INSPIRING CONFIDENCE: MEET JOHN MORABETO, NEW PRESIDENT OF LAKE CATHOLIC

15

ADVANCEMENT REVIEW

COUGAR FAMILY TREE: 24 OUR THE TURK FAMILY

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the third edition of Striving Forward, the magazine for and about the Lake Catholic community.

This past June I had the honor of becoming the fifth President of Lake Catholic High School, and I have been overwhelmed by the warm reception from students, parents, faculty and alumni. This is a special place with a rich, proud history and traditions! I am honored and humbled to be a representative of Lake Catholic. Thank you for making my transition so smooth.

Throughout the summer, I took time to get to know the administrative team so that we can

Our Mission: Lake Catholic High School is an educational community centered in the mission of Jesus Christ where the young men and women of diverse interests and abilities are encouraged to learn, to work, and to think for themselves.

Our Core Values

continue to build our mission-driven purposes, set goals and expectations, and create plans for success. Our Principal, Mr. Tom McKrill (‘07) and I have developed a strong, cohesive working relationship and I have started to reach out to members of our external community.

We have invited alumni, parents, benefactors and prospective students to campus for various events and kicked-off the start of the 2023-2024 school year! Lake Catholic is a vibrant place with a challenging curriculum, competitive sports and a Catholic spirit of service. You should remain very proud of Lake Catholic High School. I am truly impressed!

And yet the challenges for Catholic education are more difficult than ever. The competition amongst private schools for a fewer number of prospective students is fierce, the resources for public schools have expanded, and expenses are ever-increasing. As the team and I proceed, we will focus on growing enrollment, expanding community engagement and increasing philanthropic support. We will develop our strategic direction to provide insight and transparency, actively share the plan with our community, and begin to dream about what the future holds for generations to come here at Lake Catholic.

I look forward to meeting many more of you throughout my tenure as President. With the passion of our community, the talented team here on campus, and a thoughtful strategic direction we will continue to provide the same formative educational experience that has impacted the lives of so many before! Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community and Go Cougars!

Commitment to excellence Spirit of respect and compassion Personal integrity Willingness to serve

John Morabeto President

Have a story idea?

Send it to StrivingForward@LakeCatholic.org

What’s Inside UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3

Catholic Schools Week 22 – 23 CREATING EXTRAORDINARY…

4–9

MARCH 7-10

Spring Musical MARCH 23

40th Annual Gala

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN COUGAR COUNTRY

MAY 13-17

Senior Project

24 – 25 OUR COUGAR FAMILY TREE Scan for Lake Catholic Calendar

10 – 13 INSPIRING CONFIDENCE: MEET JOHN MORABETO

26 – 27 OUR COUGAR SPOTLIGHT

Striving Forward is a publication for and about the Lake Catholic Community.

Editor in Chief: Matt Trem Managing Editor: Regi Strauss (‘05) Designer: Jennifer Minning Grimes

15 – 19 ADVANCEMENT REVIEW

28 – 29 ALUMNI UPDATES

Contributing Writers Gay Eyerman (p10, 24) Julie Schuler (p22, 26) Lake Catholic Staff Photography Full Stop Photography Wetzler’s Studios Lake Catholic Staff & Community Printing & Distribution Consolidated Solutions

20 – 21 THE NEW FACES & SPACES OF LAKE CATHOLIC

30 – 31 CLASS REUNION LAKECATHOLIC.ORG

3

What’s Happening in Cougar Country Welcome Back Cougars!

Several school traditions helped get students ready to kick off the school year before the official August 23 start date.

Seniors painted the rock at the main entrance and held the Senior Sunrise on the turf field. Campus ministry and student government welcomed the Class of 2027 and transfer students during their orientation.

The Frosh Fire Tradition Continues Lake Catholic’s freshman class once again enjoyed the tradition of Frosh Fire. Nearly the entire Class of 2027 was in attendance for a night of games, music and fun - and, most importantly, the bonfire! The event was postponed one week due to the flooding and tornado that hit the Mentor area the evening before the originally scheduled date. The senior class hosted the event, and most of the Class of 2024 was in attendance. This was the only Frosh Fire experience for the senior class, since they missed their fire in the fall of 2020 due to COVID.

4

Striving Forward

FALL 2023

Save the Date(s)!

The Performing Arts Department announced this season’s student shows. The fall play is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with performances on

November 16-19, 2023. Keep an eye out

for the spring musical announcement with performances scheduled on March 7-10, 2024.

Hundreds Attend and Learn at Summer Camps During the summer months, Lake Catholic hosted 21 camps covering Campus Ministry, performing arts, visual arts and athletics. More than 500 kids and adults filled the halls, the fields and the auditorium from the end of May through the end of July.

Bishop Malesic Blesses the New School Year Lake Catholic hosted Bishop Edward Malesic and the Bishop’s Convocation this August, with more than 200 elementary and high school principals and presidents, youth ministers, high school campus ministers, Newman campus ministers and parish catechetical leaders from eight different counties participating. Bishop Malesic returned on September 15 to celebrate the Opening School Mass (pictured) with students, faculty and staff.

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What’s Happening in Cougar Country continued A Weekend Under the Stars Students, staff and alumni celebrated homecoming weekend with a variety of events, including a pep rally at the end of Friday’s school day and the traditional tailgate hosted by the Alumni Association, the Green & Gray Backers, and the Gridiron Club. The Lake Catholic Football Team defeated Canton Central Catholic, 37-20. On Sunday, students danced the night away with their Homecoming King and Queen, Charlie Trinetti (‘24) and Zoe Pesek (‘24).

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Striving Forward

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Embracing Grace for the School Year Lake Catholic faculty and staff prepared for students to return to campus by participating in an on-campus retreat.

Led by Michael Zelenka, the Diocese of Cleveland’s Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools, the day was centered around the theme for this school year — Embrace Grace.

The retreat included time for a variety of discussions and reflection. Large group sessions, small group settings, and personal reflection and prayer gave attendees the chance to focus on the mission and gifts of the Holy Spirit: Discerning those Gifts, Accepting those Gifts and, finally, Deploying those Gifts.

The day concluded with Mass, celebrated

by Reverend Andy Gonzalez. He is currently vicar at St. Gabriel School but will be spending time around the Lake Catholic campus this school year.

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What’s Happening in Cougar Country continued

An “Outta This World” Open House Lake Catholic welcomed more than 200 people to school for the first Open House of the school year.

Nearly 100 of those were current seventh or eighth grade students who were given an “Outta This World” experience — this year’s theme.

The Cougar Pride Marching band welcomed guests who were then given a tour of the school by one of the more than 90 student volunteers who helped out that night.

Each academic department had games or presentations ready for their visitors, while the Dance Team performed in the auditorium and all the athletic teams were represented in the gym. Families also had a chance to meet with the Finance Department, our Guidance Counselors and even our International Student Admissions staff.

“It was a successful night, which we hope leads to a lot of future Cougars,” Director of Admissions Emma Maloney (‘11) said.

Eighth grade shadow days and family tours will now start in earnest and run through the end of April. The next Open House will be Thursday, December 7.

Cougar for a Day More than 30 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth graders took part in the Cougar For A Day program in early October. Future Cougar cheerleaders joined the varsity team for a practice earlier in the week and then performed with them at the football game against Walsh Jesuit. The Cougar Pride Marching band welcomed kids to its practice as well and then performed with them pre-game. Strength and Conditioning Coach Jimmy King (‘11) met with the junior high football players telling them about a day-in-the-life of a member of the Cougar varsity team, and then they enjoyed part of that night’s game from the sideline.

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Striving Forward

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18 Students Awarded Scholarships from Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve Eighteen Lake Catholic students were honored and awarded scholarships by the Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve (CCSWR). CCSWR is an organization primarily dedicated to child welfare, with its motive and spirit to be a love of Christ expressing itself in personal service for children and youth regardless of race or creed. Scholarship recipients included: Victor Arenas (‘24), Carley Dondorfer (‘24), Joey Lonchar (‘24), Katie Morgan (‘24), Alyssa Naro (‘24), Mia Schaefer (‘24), Katie Sowko (‘24), Kyle Boyd (‘25), Caden Boyes (‘25), Carson Gilbert (‘25), Megan Joy (‘25), Luke Joy (‘25), Jimmy Meden (‘25), Angelina Capra (‘26), Kaelyn Nemeth (‘26), Kiera Nemeth (‘26), Brayden Mann (‘26) and Robert Vidmar (‘27).

Students & Alumni Make a Splash in Willowick Lake Catholic students turned out to support their classmates and alumni at the 61st Annual Willowick Watershow. The Watershow is an end-of-summer tradition that showcases the lifeguards and children of Willowick as they perform choreographed acts in the water for a capacity crowd at the city’s Manry Pool. The event also collects canned goods for donation to the Lake County Food Bank.

This year’s Willowick staff included many Lake Catholic students and graduates: Directors - Kara Maiden (‘20) and Natali Trem (‘20) DJ - Jack Lausin (‘18) Light Operator - Ken Suponcic (‘89) Instructors and Performers - Parker DiCello (‘24), Gigi DiDomenico (‘24), Jimmy Gibbons (‘25), Jack Gogala (‘25), Sarah Grubach (‘23), Joey Mausser (‘23), Katie Morgan (‘24), Tino Perkovic (‘25), Zoe Pesek (‘24), Ace Peterlin (‘25), Katie Sowko (‘24), Holly Suponcic (‘25), Izzy Trem (‘25), Sophia Trem (‘23), Charlie Trinetti (‘24), and Frankie Trinetti (‘25).

Lake Catholic Community Art Show The Lake Catholic held its largest Community Art Show in the history of the show from October 9-20.

There were 76 pieces of art on display are from 19 artists. Eight artists are alumni spanning 31 years (1989-2020) and five are faculty or staff.

A reception for all artists was held on Thursday, October 12.

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Inspiring Confidence Meet John Morabeto, New President of Lake Catholic Growing up in Steubenville, Ohio in the 1970s, John Morabeto’s grandfather gave him a golden ticket to opportunity. And it’s made all the difference.

ministry retreats known as ‘Search,’ like

in the student loan industry with KeyBank.

the Kairos retreats in today’s Catholic

He worked there for 13 years, advancing

high schools. These were a big part of my

from sales rep to vice president roles as a

experience and meant a lot to me. I grew

regional and then national territory sales

in my Catholic faith, and that’s lasted a

manager. When the federal government

lifetime.”

took over administration of student loans,

In this working-class steel mill town along the Ohio River, Morabeto attended the

When Morabeto graduated from

public grade school. Both of his parents

Steubenville Catholic Central in 1983, he

went on to Steubenville Catholic Central

took out student loans and headed north to

But a new opportunity came knocking, and

High School, and he was expected to follow

study business at Kent State University. The

it was a perfect fit for Morabeto’s experience

in the family tradition. But when Morabeto

first in his family to attend college, he loved

in business, education and development.

was a teenager, his mother found herself

Kent State and soon developed confidence

Saint Ignatius High School was looking for

raising two boys on her own and unable to

that he could make it in the world beyond

a fresh perspective on fundraising; one that

afford the school’s $800 annual tuition, a

Steubenville. “I was a resident assistant in a

would take them to the next level. They

high price at the time. His Italian immigrant

dorm and liked being on a college campus,

wanted to create a full-fledged development

grandfather saw potential in his young

so I ended up going to the University of

operation, so Morabeto was hired as their

grandson and offered to pay for Morabeto’s

Akron for a graduate degree in higher

Vice President of Advancement to set

tuition.

education administration.”

policies, procedures and goals.

“As a 15-year-old boy, I didn’t know the

He was soon off and running in his

At Saint Ignatius, Morabeto led a 12-person

impact it would have on me for the rest

professional career, selected from a pool

team that increased the school’s annual

of my life,” Morabeto says. “Through my

of 800 applicants for the role of Assistant

fund campaign gifts and secured new

grandfather’s generosity and the experience

Director of Admissions at the University

commitments to their endowment growth,

at my high school, I received a good

of Akron. Three years later, a former UA

facility improvements and faculty formation.

education and got involved in campus

colleague encouraged him to apply for a job

“I was able to galvanize a team around a

development, working as Cleveland Clinic’s Director of Development for the Heart and Vascular Institute.

mission we all believed in. And I became

“

Through my grandfather’s generosity and the experience at my high school, I received a good education and got involved in campus ministry retreats… These were a big part of my experience and meant a lot to me.

I grew in my Catholic faith, and that’s lasted a lifetime.

”

10

Morabeto shifted his talents to institutional

A CAREER IN EDUCATION & BUSINESS

Striving Forward

— John Morabeto

FALL 2023

very comfortable representing the institution and going out to engage the community.”

“LAKE CATHOLIC IS A PROUD AND PASSIONATE COMMUNITY” In June of 2023, Morabeto accepted his next challenge as the new president of Lake Catholic High School. He’s excited and humbled to share his expertise and the lessons he learned at Saint Ignatius and in the business world.

Like other Catholic schools across the country, Lake Catholic faces challenges

“

y focus will be on M engaging the community of benefactors, including civic leaders, community organizations, businesses, alumni and parents.

”

– from declining enrollment to pandemic

As president, he will drive the strategic

provide financial assistance for students

recovery and concerns about long-term

planning process. His expertise is in the

who want to come but can’t afford it, the

sustainability. But to Morabeto, those

process itself, as he looks to the community

momentum will change. It starts with a

challenges can be met head on, and he

to define the ideals they want to see. “We’ll

good, clear vision and strategic plan, one

is optimistic about leading a team that will

go deep and ask lots of questions and get

that gives people confidence and provides

help define the school’s future direction and

the leaders to envision where they want

them with the opportunity to invest in our

secure sustainable financial resources.

this school to be five years from now – in

success. We won’t get there tomorrow,

academics, spirituality, athletics, technology,

but I’m confident we can put together the

the arts and so on. It’s a process of eliciting

framework to make the school thrive, not

information that tells us what we want to

only for the students here today, but for their

look like in the future. Then my job is to find

own kids 20 years from now.”

“My focus will be on engaging the community of benefactors, including civic leaders, community organizations, businesses, alumni and parents. Lake Catholic has what it takes, with a proud and

the resources to support that.”

passionate community ready to help. We

Morabeto is quick to acknowledge that

“WE NEED TO BE BOLD AND DECISIVE”

want to get people spreading the word that

there is not one silver bullet answer. “If we

When tackling any challenge, confidence

this place is on the rise.”

engage the community and they support

is a game-changer. Morabeto already

initiatives, if we improve our facilities, if we

sees great strengths in the Lake Catholic

LAKECATHOLIC.ORG

11

community and plans to confidently build on those. “We need to be bold and decisive, to move forward, and believe that we can do it. We have 50 years of history, and a passionate community of people interested in helping. There will be growing pains, but people will see that philanthropy can be very impactful and it spreads to others.”

As an example of being “bold and decisive,” Morabeto led the charge to promote the July 1 expansion of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship program. It’s designed to give families up to $8,400 in annual tuition aid when they have a child attending private school. Lake Catholic has become a leader in promoting the program to current and new families, with full support from Morabeto.

“With EdChoice funding, students who never had the option can now consider Lake Catholic. It allows us to spread our own financial resources farther and enriches

John has been diligently working with his advancement team to set Lake Catholic up for success.

years, this program will allow us to dream a

in the classrooms, and better salaries for

little bigger.”

teachers and administrators. That can all happen with support from the community.

our school with different perspectives while

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

remaining firmly Catholic. It gives kids the

Morabeto acknowledges the reality that in

same opportunities I had. It’s from the state

Catholic education if you’re not growing,

of Ohio and not my grandfather, but it’s the

the competition is passing you by. “You

same idea. I hope and expect that, over the

must have newer facilities, better resources

Ultimately, it’s excellence in academics that attracts families, and some are also looking for a place with more traditional ideals and a Catholic culture. They’re looking for a place to call home. That’s what we have at Lake Catholic.”

John’s entire career has focused on providing opportunities for education for others, and in the last 13 years, specifically around Catholic education. Morabeto sees himself as a “culture creator,” helping to encourage an environment where faculty and staff expect the best of themselves.

“We all need to grow in our own Catholic faith, so that faith makes its way to the classroom. I’ll focus on opportunities for faculty and staff to grow spiritually, because that will ultimately feed the students.”

“I have high expectations and want people to know that Lake Catholic is going places... and we want you along for the ride. We welcome families, alumni and friends of Lake Catholic to stay connected, visit

One of the things John has made a priority in the early part of his tenure is meeting the Lake Catholic community, including the students.

12

Striving Forward

FALL 2023

campus and make yourselves at home.”

“

We all need to grow in our own Catholic faith, so that faith makes its way to the classroom. I’ll focus on opportunities for faculty and staff to grow spiritually, because that will ultimately feed the students.

”

— John Morabeto

A Family Affair Morabeto credits his wife of 27 years, Marie, as a huge support during the transition to his new role. The couple first met in Akron while he was in graduate school and later made their home in Lakewood. Marie has worked in the healthcare industry and was an active volunteer at Lakewood Catholic Academy and Saint Joseph Academy, where both their daughters Olivia (22) and Emily (24) attended.

For fun, Morabeto enjoys cooking, golf and home improvements, having nearly completely renovated their 1921 Colonial home. He and Marie are family-oriented and enjoy spending time with their daughters. They recently helped Emily move to Rochester, NY, and are excited to see Olivia start her first teaching job.

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13

e h t ve

Sa

! e t Da 40TH ANNUAL

Lake Catholic Gala 6 pm | Saturday, March 23, 2024

Scan for Tickets and Sponsorships

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Striving Forward

FALL 2023

Advancement Review 2022–2023

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15

Tuition and Endowment From year ending June 20, 2022

STUDENTS ENROLLED:

454

TUITION:

COST TO EDUCATE A STUDENT:

TUITION ASSISTANCE NUMBER OF FAMILIES:

16,228

424

11,100

$

$

TUITION ASSISTANCE AMOUNT:

1,328,407

$

TOTAL ENDOWMENT: $1,682,221

REVENUE AND EXPENSES Diocesan Support: $1,340,004

Major Gifts: $797,265

FMV of Building: $1,340,004 Plant Operation/Depreciation: $ 758,016

State Funding: $610,842

Instructional: $584,117

Annual Fund: $203,963

Administration: $405,845

Other: 193,395 $

Events (Gross): $123,785 Net Tuition and Fees: $4,381,739

REVENUES: 7,650,993

Athletics: $261,482 Student Services: $167,018 Events/Fundraising: $66,087 Advancement: $58,724

$

Other: $52,601 Wages and Benefits: $3,673,529

EXPENSES: $7,367,423

Creating Extraordinary Futures Total Number of Donors GIFT AMOUNT TOTAL:

253,098

$

Alumni and Non-Alumni and Organizations

Total Number of Gifts from those Donors

includes Car Raffle and Class Challenge

New Donors

LOYAL DONORS:

30 Donated Last 10 Years 138 Donated Last 5 Years 325 Donated Last 3 Years

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Striving Forward

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Returning Donors

967 1149 139 342

2023–2024 GOAL: $385,000

5,812 Donations & Raffles

$

15,200

$

$

$

37,325

Fund the Mission Live Auction

21,000 Sponsorships

$

29,100

$

24,451Silent Auction

THE GALA

Ticket Sales

TOTAL DONATED: $133,278

Class Challenge!

Total Amount Donated Largest Donation Smallest Donation

$

150,944 $ 15,000 $ 5

WHERE DONATIONS CAME FROM

Class of 1976 Top Funds Raised: Class of 1983

Top Class Participation:

ALUMNI PARTICIPATION IN CLASS CHALLENGE 300

SAVE THE DATE!

1980s

250

The next Class Challenge will be in February 2024.

200 150 100

1970s

50

1990s 2000s

0

2010s

Alumni Participation breakdown is the Fund for Lake Catholic only.

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TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP MONEY AWARDED OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS:

11.6 MILLION

$

Class of 2023

Class of 2023 86% 82% 18% 6%

Going into the workforce after graduation

5%

Attending trade school after graduation

Striving Forward

Attending college in Ohio

Attending Catholic institutions after college

Top 10 Colleges and Universities the Class of 2023 is attending:

18

Attending college after graduation

FALL 2023

1. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 2. UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON 3. LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE 4. KENT STATE UNIVERSITY 5. CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

6. JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY 7. AKRON UNIVERSITY 8. OHIO UNIVERSITY 9. MIAMI UNIVERSITY 10. NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

The newest Cougars, the Class of 2027, are from:

Class of 2027 100

110

108

80

75

70

60

40

20

0

21 STUDENTS ENROLLED

ROMAN CATHOLIC APPLICANTS

MINORITY APPLICANTS

14 CATHOLIC SCHOOL APPLICANTS

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

PLACEMENT EXAM SCHOLARSHIPS

ALL SAINTS BERKSHIRE SCHOOL CHARDON SCHOOLS CONNECTIONS ACADEMY CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CORPUS CHRISTI ACADEMY EASTLAKE MIDDLE HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL HOME SCHOOL JOHN R WILLIAMS JULIE BILLIART MADISON MIDDLE MAYFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL MENTOR CHRISTIAN OHIO VIRTUAL ACADEMY OUR LADY OF THE LAKE OUR SHEPHERD LUTERHAN PINNACLE ACADEMY SHORE MIDDLE SCHOOL SS. ROBERT & WILLIAM ST. GABRIEL ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION ST. JEROME ST. MARY CHARDON W-E SCHOOL OF INNOVATION WILLOUGHBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

ALL LAKE CATHOLIC STUDENTS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR A STATE SCHOLARSHIP! The EdChoice Scholarship program is now available for all Ohio students. The program allows for students to apply state funds to their tuition at a participating school, which Lake Catholic is proud to be!

Scan the QR code for to see FAQs and learn more.

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The New Faces & Spaces

of Lake Catholic SCIENCE & MATH WING

The first phase of the

renovation and redesign of the school’s media center was completed in August. The space holds study halls throughout the day and is used by faculty and staff for professional development and meetings. It is also open before and after school for students to use. The second phase, which will include the entrance and tutoring space should be completed by the end of the calendar year.

Introduced in 2023, the Chess Club meets once a week in the newly renovated Media Center to bring mindbending strategies and fun-filled battles to the board.

Welcome Zach Berdysz Study Hall Monitor

PERFORMING ARTS

Welcome Carolina Kane Art Teacher

Welcome

Welcome

John Morabeto

Steve Patt (‘85)

President

20

Striving Forward

Director of Finance

FALL 2023

Welcome Robyn McLaughlin

Business Office Coordinator

Reverend Andy Gonzalez joined as our new pastoral vicar. Originally assigned to St. Gabriel School, Fr. Andy spent most Thursdays at Lake Catholic throughout the beginning of the school year. He has been reassigned to St. Joseph in Strongsville at the end of 2023 and we await word on a new chaplain.

Mass will be held in the chapel every Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. throughout the school year. A parent-led saying of the rosary will follow mass. Students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents and grandparents are all welcome to participate.

HUMANITIES WING

CHAPEL

MEDIA CENTER

Welcome Sharlene Cleveland German Teacher

VISUAL ARTS

MPR

SPECIALISTS

ADMINISTRATION

ADMISSIONS

Welcome

CAFETERIA

Sarah Cartwright School Psychologist

GYM & FITNESS AREA

ATRIUM & ENTRANCE

Welcome Nate Skonieczny

International Student Admissions Specialist and Wrestling Coach

A new bell schedule has been introduced that includes shorter lunch periods but an earlier dismissal.

We are proud to welcome six international students from Spain and Brazil for the 2023-24 school year.

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Creating Extraordinary Ministries

Opening minds and hearts to the meaning of Mass Many Lake Catholic students spent years studying the Catholic faith during grade school and attending Mass with their families. Yet, despite all this learning, Lake Catholic’s campus ministry team recognized an opportunity to take students “back to basics” to help them explore how everyday moments of Mass have a much richer, deeper meaning.

For theology teacher Adam Nestor, the opportunity to explore this deeper meaning is a central part of his annual Sacraments lesson plan each spring as part of the regular curriculum for all juniors. “We want to show students that despite all they’ve already learned about their faith, there’s always more to explore. In the same way that there’s more to math than 2+2=4. You also have algebra and geometry. Religion should be the same – there is more here that will continue to fill our hearts as we grow.”

This year, Nestor and the theology team recognized that these types of lessons could kick off the year with a greater purpose, allowing students throughout the school to more deeply appreciate how everything from kneeling to receiving Communion are truly personal experiences that allow students to form a greater bond with God and their faith.

In preparation for Lake Catholic’s first all-school Mass celebrated

by Bishop Edward Malesic on Friday, September 15, Nestor used the first two days of school to take all students through the meaning behind rites in the Mass, giving them a quick refresher on becoming what he calls Sacramental Scholars. “You can’t just say, ‘this is just what we do because God said so.’ That’s an unsatisfying response and it brushes off people’s desire to learn.

There are so many beautiful details in our faith. I want to give students as many answers as possible.”

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Striving Forward

FALL 2023

“

here’s a pattern to the stories in the Bible, like the T wedding feast at Cana and multiplying the loaves and fishes. In each of these, Jesus takes what people have and turns it into what people need. You come to Mass with anxiety, fear, worry, loneliness. You bring it to Jesus during Mass, and He turns it into what you need: peace, patience, hope and support.

”

“

ass may seem like a performance, with the priest on the altar and you in the audience.

M But it’s not. It’s something we all are invited to actively participate in.

”

“

utside of the auditorium, O where we celebrate Mass, there is a plaque that represents how everything we do as a school community stems from celebrating the Eucharist together.

It’s important for students as well as the teachers.

”

“

fter we receive Communion, we reflect for a brief A period. Sometimes it’s only 20 or 30 seconds. People wonder why. Think about the story of when Jesus commanded Peter to walk on water. Peter did, until he got distracted by how strong the wind was and began to sink. That 20 or 30 seconds of reflection gives you time to focus on what you’ve received versus experiencing those strong winds.

”

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Our Cougar Family Tree

The Turk Family Their love story began at Lake Catholic High School and new chapters continue to be added over the years. Jeannine (nee Kovach ‘88) and Gregg Turk (‘88) met during their freshman year. Their friendship grew in sophomore year Spanish class, and they began dating during their junior year.

After college, they married and raised three children who went on to attend Lake Catholic. Luke (‘14), Elizabeth (‘16) and Abbey (‘17) all have their own stories to tell about how the school left a lifelong impact on their education, friendships and faith.

Back in her parish grade school days at St. Mary’s in Mentor, Jeannine knew she wanted to attend a Catholic high school. “I looked at another school but decided Lake

(L-R) Gregg, Abbey, Elizabeth, Jeannine, Luke and family dog Benny enjoying some quality time together over the summer.

Catholic was clearly the place for me. It felt

now I get a special, warm feeling there. High

Both Gregg and Jeannine felt that Lake

like home, with many of my friends going

school can be a rough time in life, and the

Catholic’s strong academics prepared them

there.” Gregg grew up at Our Lady of Mount

Lake Catholic community helped me grow

for college. Jeannine attended Kent State

Carmel in Wickliffe and followed an older

closer to God.”

and then Ursuline College for education,

brother to Lake Catholic, a place that soon became home for him too.

For Gregg, Lake Catholic’s football and baseball teams provided him with a wide

Jeannine describes Lake Catholic as a big

group of friends, many of whom he is

family with friendly people. It was a place

still close to today. He remembers the

where it was easy for her to find a niche,

understanding and compassion he received

from sporting events to school musicals to

during his junior year when his dad passed

Campus Ministry. “It was important to me

away. “Having that group of friends and

that it was Catholic. I remember spending

support from teachers and coaches was

time in the chapel with religion classes. Even

extremely important during a difficult time in my life.”

24

Striving Forward

FALL 2023

becoming a teacher at St. Gabriel’s, while Gregg studied business and accounting at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).

He spent his career in finance at several manufacturing/wholesale companies and recently retired. He now works part-time at Urban Vintner winery in downtown Willoughby, a business he co-founded with Ed Trebets (‘89), an old friend from Lake Catholic.

“

Growing up, we heard a ton of great stories about Lake Catholic from our parents. We wanted to make our own great memories.

”

— Luke Turk (‘14) RAISING NEXT GENERATION COUGARS

“My experience was totally positive and

Gregg and Jeannine’s son Luke recalls

social skills I needed for the University of

a strong sense of community at Lake

Dayton where I studied business.” She now

Catholic, with close friends on the hockey

works in public accounting in downtown

and football teams. “Growing up, we heard

Cleveland.

pushed me. It gave me the academic and

a ton of great stories about Lake Catholic from our parents. We wanted to make our

Elizabeth hopes others will have the high

own great memories.”

school experience she and her siblings had

A lifelong friendship between Gregg and Ivan began at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Wickliffe and continued to grow at Lake Catholic.

at Lake Catholic. “That sense of comfort

experiences there and eventually sent both

Luke describes the academics as

and of family, where everyone can just be

of his own sons to Lake Catholic. It was a

challenging, including religion classes that

themselves. I hope the school can bring

special place to him. We want his name to

sparked thinking in deeper ways. From AP

alumni back for coaching or teaching, to

live on and to help other families have the

classes to sciences and choir, the wide

share their good experiences. And I hope to

opportunity for a Catholic education.”

range of courses prepared him well for

one day send my own kids there! We were

CWRU while the strong athletic program

so lucky to have that experience and would

developed a competitive spirit that helped

love to see others have the same

when he transferred to the U.S. Naval

opportunity.”

Academy. He has returned to Lake Catholic to speak to students about his career in the military and currently serves in the Navy.

A TRADITION OF GIVING BACK Gregg and Jeannine

Elizabeth (‘16)

While their parents gave them a voice in

have stayed close to

choosing their high school, Elizabeth was

Lake Catholic, from

confident in choosing Lake Catholic. “Our

supporting the school’s

faith is super important to us. We grew

auction as a young couple

spiritually in our religion classes, and the

to more recently hosting or

Kairos retreats were amazing and eye-

providing wine for alumni events

opening as you never know what people

and school receptions. In honor of

are going through. When I went to John

their close friend and former classmate

Carroll for college, I did similar retreats and

Ivan Begovic (‘88) who passed away

Labre ministry to the homeless. I 100%

suddenly in 2019, the Turks, along with

recommend Lake Catholic and speak

fellow classmates Tom Gibbons (‘88),

highly of it all the time. The service projects,

Steve Jacobs (‘88), and Pete

the moral values, the sense of family all

Trykoff (‘88) created a scholarship

shaped me into the person I am today.”

which provides $2,500 in tuition

She currently lives in downtown Cleveland

support for two Lake Catholic

with her sister Abbey and works in product

students each year.“Ivan felt

marketing for Sherwin-Williams.

the same way about Lake

Abbey was involved in the Spiritual Life group and service projects at Lake Catholic.

Abbey (‘17)

Luke (‘14)

Jeannine (nee Kovach (‘88) & Gregg Turk (‘88)

The Turk Family

Catholic that we did,” explains Gregg. “He saw our kids’

LAKECATHOLIC.ORG

25

OUR COUGAR SPOTLIGHT:

Jeff Fenner If you’re a Lake Catholic alum – or you’ve been involved in any Lake Catholic alumni event – you’ve likely heard the name Jeff Fenner (‘84).

Always present in behind-the-scenes life at Lake Catholic during the past 10 years, Fenner has raised his hand many times to contribute to the past, present and future success of the school – serving as former President of the Alumni Association and current Chairperson of the Lake Catholic Advisory Board. Along the way, roles as parent, football booster and lacrosse booster club president also found their way onto his calendar.

the momentum Mark [Crowley, former

years later – but I wouldn’t have it any other

president] started get lost. There are

an eye on things at the school. How were

way.”

incredibly positive things happening at Lake,

with the campus? When our son was in 7th grade and started looking at high schools, I realized there were more tangible ways to get involved,” he says.

and the Advisory Board can help [new The Advisory Board is a critical resource

president] John Morabeto, principal

at Lake Catholic, providing support and

Tom McKrill and their teams continue to

counsel to the school’s president in ways

move the school forward.”

that advance the school’s mission and vision. “While we don’t make decisions or

Fenner’s initial involvement in the Alumni

Laura (Feller) Stacy (‘81), a fellow parent

set policy, we can advise the president in

Association also came from a suggestion:

and alum at his son’s grade school (St. Mary

any way that the president needs,” Fenner

this time the asker was Crowley, who was

of the Assumption in Mentor), suggested

explains.

the school’s president at the time. “The

that Fenner look into joining the Lake Catholic Advisory Board. “I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll check it out.’ Here I am, more than 10

association went through some ups and After serving as a board member since

downs over the years and was somewhat

2012, Fenner took over the reins when

inactive until around 2017. Then Mark brought it back.” As the co-owner of a

I t’s very rewarding to play a role in helping to fund and promote the association’s Legacy Scholarship… Reviewing the application essays and getting to meet the recipients is very impressive. You can see first-hand the caliber of students who choose Lake Catholic as their home.

”

26

finished his term. “I didn’t want to see

“After I graduated from Lake, I always kept the teams doing? What was happening

“

former chairperson John Redmond (‘80)

Striving Forward

FALL 2023

— Jeff Fenner

communications firm in the area, Fenner’s experience was a good fit for building awareness around the association’s mission – to keep alums connected.

“It’s very rewarding to play a role in helping to fund and promote the association’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship is available to any child or grandchild of an alum. Reviewing the application essays and getting to meet the recipients is very impressive. You can see first-hand the

caliber of students who choose Lake Catholic as their home,” he says.

As an active participant in Lake Catholic today, Fenner hasn’t lost touch with the Lake Catholic of his past – both what it meant to him and how much it’s changed.

“Walking in the doors in 1980, we had over 300 kids per grade.

Changing classes was like driving down the Shoreway,” he says. “We were still a

Turkey Day is a day dedicated to service and community and is a tradition that continues at Lake Catholic today

young school and there was a newness

majored in Communications and continued

“When I look at Lake Catholic today, I see

to everything.” Just like today, Fenner

to play baseball. After working for many

a school that’s truly building a dynamic

got involved in school life – serving as

years at a local publishing company where

student experience – from academics to

homeroom rep his freshman year, working

he met his wife Cindy, he joined her at

spiritual growth to extracurriculars. It’s

on the newspaper and playing baseball.

B Communications, the company they

one of the reasons I continue to volunteer

co-own. When it was time for their son,

there. You can see a difference being made

Brendan (‘17), to select a high school,

that helps the wider community. It benefits

going to Lake Catholic was a natural fit.

generations to come.”

A favorite memory of Fenner’s involved the school tradition of Senior Turkey Day. Right before Thanksgiving, the Senior class would dress up in Halloween-type costumes and do a day of service in the community.

Then they’d return to the school where the Junior class would prepare and serve them a full Thanksgiving dinner. “I can still see the pictures from the yearbook,” he says. “Sharing a meal with your classmates created a bond even though we were too young to know it. It’s memories like that keep people connected even decades later.”

After high school, Fenner attended Cleveland State University where he

“

alking in the doors W in 1980, we had over 300 kids per grade.

Changing classes was like driving down the Shoreway.

”

— Jeff Fenner Cindy, Brendan and Jeff celebrating Brendan’s graduation from Ohio University in 2021.

LAKECATHOLIC.ORG

27

Alumni Updates Morgan Bukovec (‘14) organized and hosted the first annual “Lake Side Flea” Arts Fest + Flea Market at Headlands Beach State Park in August. It featured over 40 vendors, live music, food trucks and raised funds for The Friends of Headlands Beach. Morgan said of the event, “I am thrilled to be uplifting the creative community in Lake Country, while giving folks the opportunity to shop local, shop small, and support creative-run small businesses - all while enjoying the hidden gem of Headlands Beach!”

Charlie Malta (‘10), known online as Guice Mann, was featured in Cleveland Magazine for transforming defunct locomotives into art pieces.

Two recent Lake Catholic graduates, Rachel Tallion (‘23) and Kenzie Brugh (‘23) took part in the NFL All 32 Summer Invitational this past summer. Their team was backed by the Cincinnati Bengals and made up of both coaches and student alumni from other local schools.

Rachel and Kenzie were part of the inaugural Lake Catholic Flag Football team in 2021.

28

Striving Forward

FALL 2023

Cadet Sarah Mancari (‘20), an international affairs major from Mentor, Ohio, has been selected as the Brigade Adjutant S1 by the U.S. Military. Her responsibilities as the Adjutant include overseeing personnel and administrative matters pertaining to the regiment, being principal advisor on administrative procedures and regulations and being first cadet on The Plain responsible for forming up the Corps for parades and pass and reviews.

Cadet Mancari is a 4-year member of the Army Rabble Rouser Cheerleading team. She has earned the Superintendent’s Award for Achievement, Distinguished Cadet Award, Best Recondo Platoon as a Platoon Sergeant for Cadet Field Training and earned her Airborne wings at Ft. Moore, GA.

Frank Antloga (‘01) got married to his wife, Karla, on August 26 with a number of LC alumni in attendance, including bridal party members Kristina Antloga (‘02), Andrea (Antloga) Benander (‘07), and Tom Antloga (‘05).

Grace Suponcic (‘19) graduated from Kent State University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, passed the NCLEX (the state board exam) and started at the Cleveland Clinic in the Heart Failure ICU.

In Memoriam We remember alumni, faculty & staff, family & friends from the Lake Catholic Community who have passed on from this life into God’s loving arms.

Rachel Brennan (‘16) gave birth to a daughter earlier this summer, June 24, 2023.

ALUMNI

Marty McLaughlin (‘97) was recently sworn in as a Lieutenant in the Willoughby Fire Department.

Amy Beth (Wilson) Schmidt (‘99)

Cindy Bernot (‘76) Francis Martin (‘84) John Ustar (‘79) Mary Vitolo (‘01)

Ben Lausin (‘19) graduated from the University of Cincinnati in May with a Bachelors of Business Management in Finance. He is moving out to Los Angeles to begin a career with Sherwin Williams as an Internal Field Auditor.

FORMER EMPLOYEE Carole Sadd FRIENDS OF LAKE CATHOLIC Mary Lou Beers James Crowley

Kyle Lorek (‘11) and Molly (Royer) Lorek (‘11) gave birth to their son, Ayden Joseph Lorek, on August 26.

Sarah Hasul-Cull (‘96) is working in a new job this year. She is the secretary for athletics and school counseling at the new campus of the city of Wickliffe.

She has three children - Brennan, 29, who’s in his first year of residency, Tyler, 22, who recently graduated from Bowling Green State University, and Kennedy, 19, who’s a sophomore at Boston College. She’s been married to Tom Cull for 19 years.

Anissa (Kotoch) Stark (‘12) welcomed her second child on September 14. She now has two boys, Brady and Brooks.

Margaret Fenner Ronald Forrai Steven Haic Richard Sadd Michael Whitely (‘81) recently had his book, Mission Improve - a memoir in pictures, published. The book is the story of his life, told through pictures and notes. A true renaissance man, he has achieved so many things in his life, but now faces a challenge that threatens to cut that life short.

SUBMIT YOUR ALUMNI UPDATES TO:

LAKECATHOLIC.ORG

29

Cougar Reunions

CLASS OF 1998

“ We did have our 6th reunion!!! It was a great turn out. It was great to catch up with everyone.” – Lauren Denk, Class of 2017

CLASS OF 2003

“ It was so great to see everyone who showed up! We were all saying that we couldn’t believe it had been 20 years!”

– Jessica Sabath, Class of 2003.

CLASS OF 1983 “ Our 40th reunion was truly amazing! We reconnected with over 100 classmates from 1983 and we picked up where we left off. We grew up together and experienced so much during those 4 years. Lake Catholic is “home” to so many alumni and it was good to be home again.” – Dave Rastoka, Class of 1983

CLASS OF 2013

Lake Catholic’s First 50th Reunion Our very first graduating class–the Class of 1974–will be celebrating its 50th class reunion next year. The reunion is being planned for the Fall of 2024. If you are part of the Class of 1974 and want to stay updated on the reunion plans, please send an email with your contact information to Lake Catholic’s Director of Alumni Relations, Bill Weaver (‘84), at bweaver@lakecatholic.org.

CLASS OF 1981

30

Striving Forward

FALL 2023

BECOME A CLASS AMBASSADOR Friendships built in the halls of Lake Catholic extend well beyond the time here as a student. Class Ambassadors are some of the catalysts that help make this happen. They are representatives from each graduating class who keep classmates connected to Lake Catholic updates, activities and events.

Class Ambassadors…

CLASS OF 1978

Communicate with classmates on a regular

basis, either via letter, phone, text, e-mail,

CLASS OF 2017

“ The class of 1978 celebrated their 45th reunion on August 5th at Red Hawk Grille, which was a complete success. It was great catching up with everyone and especially those 1st timers we haven’t seen since graduation! The most special time of the evening was remembering our 23 classmates with a picture board and taking a few moments of silence to recite each of their names. Looking forward to the 50th Reunion.”

– Diana Hillier, Class of 1978

or social media.

Reach out to classmates to collect email

addresses and current contact information.

Locate “lost” members of your class.

Keep classmates up-to-date on school

events and news.

Encourage participation in alumni activities

(i.e. Homecoming, WeGiveCatholic, the annual Class Challenge, Annual Gala, etc.).

HOW TO PLAN A REUNION If you graduated in a year that ends in ‘4’ or ‘9’, planning for your reunion may be in progress for 2024!

1974, 1979

1994, 1999

1984, 1989

2004, 2009

2014, 2019

If you are planning your class’s reunion, please reach out to Bill Weaver (‘84), Director of Alumni Relations, at bweaver@lakecatholic.org to see how Lake Catholic can help with your special event.

Lake Catholic can help with:

Introduce additional ways to keep

your class connected such as creating newsletters, setting up a group Facebook page, or collecting photos for an online gallery.

Serve as a member of the reunion planning

committee.

Promote class participation and

contribution to the annual fund.

We are looking for ambassadors for the following classes: 1974, 1977, 1979, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2023. If you are interested

ARRANGEMENTS

in becoming a Class Ambassador, visit the

We can give you a list of alumni-owned businesses in the area.

Class Ambassador Project page of the Alumni

We can help coordinate with classes that would like to have reunions, tours

and/or masses in the chapel at Lake Catholic.

section on lakecatholic.org or scan the QR code to complete the application form.

MARKETING We can include any reunion information in our weekly newsletter, The Paw,

that goes out to more than 23,000 alumni and supporters.

We can share your information on our social media channels.

CLASS LISTS We can give you access to your class ambassador’s contact information

and our most up-to-date class lists.

LAKECATHOLIC.ORG

31

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