Striving Forward - Spring 2023

Striving Forward

Our Core Values

„ Commitment to excellence

„ Spirit of respect and compassion

„ Personal integrity

„ Willingness to serve

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

Sometime ago, Rich Troha reminded us that the class of 2023 will be the 50th to graduate from Lake Catholic. Needless to say, our Marketing and Advancement teams went to work crafting a celebration plan worthy of such a feat.*

The tribute to our five decades and 50 graduating classes started back in January on our website and in social media, and it will continue through the class of 2023’s graduation ceremony.

In this edition we’re featuring stories that add to the celebration, starting with our profile of Diane Pinchot. Remembered by most Lake Catholic alumni/historians as Sister Fidelis, she not only crafted the school seal but also contributed to the mission and values that remain an important part of our school identity and legacy.

Next, I invite you to take a walk down memory lane. Our “50 Years of Graduates” section will have you reminiscing about pop culture, wonderful teachers and favorite memories from across the last five decades.

“Our Cougar Family Tree” series continues with a profile of the Zappitelli Family. We also hear of lessons learned at Lake Catholic from Dr. John Feller (‘78) in “Our Cougar Spotlight”, along with other regular features such as “What’s Happening in Cougar Country” and “Alumni Updates.”

On a personal note, I will be retiring at the end of the school year concluding my latest phase at Lake Catholic — alumni husband, parent, alumni parent, administrator and now retired employee!

It has been an absolute thrill to be part of an organization recognized as one of the best places to work in Cleveland, filled with mission-oriented stewards of the faith and students who thrive every day.

‘Til we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mark Crowley President

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.

*Many thanks to our Marketing and Advancement teams that celebrated our 50th — we had much to start with.

What’s Happening in Cougar Country

Career Fair Leads to Shadow Day with FBI for One Senior

With career aspirations to be a government analyst or investigator, David Mordini (‘23) turned a conversation at the Lake Catholic Career Fair into a day of exploration and mentoring at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cleveland Field Office.

Senior Awarded Full Tuition from The Ohio State University Scholarship Program

Tristan Sanders (‘23) was awarded the Excellence Scholarship through The Ohio State University’s Morrill Scholarship Program. The award includes full in-state tuition for eight semesters and recognizes academically talented students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, service and social justice activities.

Winter Sports Teams Send Athletes to State Competitions

All winter sports teams had successful seasons. Girls basketball won a sectional title, boys basketball won a district title, boys swimming won its first conference title in school history and girls swimming repeated as conference champions.

To top off the winter months, the swimming and diving teams combined to send 17 athletes to the state meet, the indoor track and field teams sent a combined 10 runners and jumpers to that state meet and the season was capped off by two wrestlers competing in their state tournament.

Grease is the Word

The Performing Arts Department put on one of its most successful shows–both in terms of performances and ticket sales. Grease ran from March 2 to March 5 in front of full houses, as all four shows sold out! In total more than 2,000 tickets were sold.

Congratulations to the entire 60-member cast and crew, and the Lake Catholic Performing Arts Department–Chair and show director, Scott Posey, Jim Slike (‘07) and Jennifer Bretz–on a wonderful spring musical.

Annual Class Challenge Results

In February, the school hosted its annual class challenge – a friendly competition between alumni classes to see who would give the most. The challenge raised $147,942 that will provide tuition assistance, merit scholarships, academic programming and more to current students.

Congratulations to the Class of 1976 (most donors) and the Class of 1983 (most funds raised).

If you missed the class challenge but would still like to donate, scan the QR code or visit lakecatholic.org/giving

What’s Happening in Cougar Country continued

Students Compete in the NordsonAcademic Challenge

Lake Catholic students, Andrew Zalar (‘23), Michael Skalicki (‘23) and Thayer Fontana (‘23) went headto-head with students from Jackson High School (Massillon) and Minerva High School in the NordsonAcademic Challenge. The Cougars finished second with 560 points, behind Jackson (670) but ahead of Minerva (420). The episode aired March 25 on News 5 Cleveland.

Students Deepen Faith at Kairos Retreats

Both the girls and boys spring kairos retreats were an opportunity for students to further their relationship with God and build stronger bonds with their peers. Both retreats were at the Loyola Retreat House in Canton. The boys went in February, while the girls second retreat was in March (their first was back in October).

Mock Trial Team Splits Competitions

Congratulations to our Mock Trial Team on a great showing in late January. It won one of their trials, but lost the second one.

Congratulations to Kendall Pikor (‘26) who won Best Witness and Grace McCalligan (‘24) who won Best Lawyer. In a fun twist of events, alumni Judge Paul Malchesky (‘90) was the judge for one of their competitions.

The 39th Annual Lake Catholic Gala was held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the school’s Media Center. From the stilt walkers to the fabulous emcees and the aerialist to the student performance of “A Million Dreams,” the event was truly one extraordinary night. All funds raised that night directly support the current and future students of Lake Catholic High School through scholarships, academic support programs, extra-curricular activities, and tuition assistance.

Memories of a Lake Catholic Pioneer

With her red high-top sneakers and a habit, known as Sister Fidelis. She helped lay the groundwork for not only the first graduating class, but also the 49 that followed.

Diane Therese Pinchot, OSU, MFA, has lived through historic times. As a young Ursuline nun, she wore a habit and lived a somewhat cloistered life in the convent. Then came the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, bringing changes in Catholic liturgy and the Ursuline community. She mourned the death of friends during the Vietnam War and was deeply moved by the 1980 murder of Ursuline sister Dorothy Kazel and other religious women by the military in El Salvador. Acts such as these inspired her to social justice activism and civil disobedience that led to a brief sentence in federal prison in 2009.

But at the heart of Diane’s story are her roles as artist and teacher. After her undergraduate degree at Ursuline College, she earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and later an MFA in Ceramic Sculpture in 1990 at Ohio University. She

devoted 51 years to teaching, including 38 years as a professor of art at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike and earlier assignments at Saint Ann’s and Beaumont School in Cleveland Heights. She is now a working artist and community advocate at Article studio and gallery in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood.

Among her most treasured memories are the six years she spent teaching at Lake Catholic High School. She was among the original faculty members, teaching art and theology. Only 24 years old when she joined the school, Diane describes an exciting time of many “firsts.”

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG WOMAN

Born and raised in Cleveland, Diane was the second oldest of six children. “I was quiet and shy but active – so to keep me busy and happy, my mother put us all at the kitchen table to paint. I attribute my artwork

Diane’s art is grounded in faith, love and nonviolence. She creates a sacred connection between social justice and the arts, with work exhibited regionally, nationally and internationally.

to my mother. Even when I got older, I could ask ‘Mom, what do you think of this?’ and she could always tell me. She really had an eye for art.”

Diane recalls also being inspired by her Villa Angela High School art teacher, Sister Andre. “Back in the 1950s and 60s, there weren’t many choices for women – either nursing or teaching, married or single life. I looked at Sister Andre and thought ‘She’s doing art, she’s teaching, she’s happy and fun. I want to be just like her!’”

Diane Pinchot, 1971.

After graduating from Villa Angela in 1963, Diane entered the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, following in the footsteps of her beloved older sister Judith Ann (Sr. Miriam Fidelis OSU). She earned her BA in Art Education from Ursuline College in 1968 and began teaching.

“LAKE CATHOLIC? I HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PLACE!”

As a young teacher, Diane’s first assignment was at Saint Ann’s in Cleveland Heights. “The kids were full of life and taught me so much. When we were first assigned to teach, our Mother Superior told us if you can teach 6th and 7th grade, you can teach anything!” She recalls sitting in the chapel at St. Ann’s in 1969 with other Ursuline sisters, waiting to get envelopes with their “obediences” or assignments for the coming year. “I opened my letter and had to read it three times. Lake Catholic High School? I had never heard of this place!”

administrators gathered regularly to finalize the school’s mission, vision, and even to help choose the school mascot, a cougar. As an artist, Diane was asked to work on cougar drawings and design the school seal and class ring. She was excited by collaborative efforts to launch a new Catholic school. “In those early days, that’s when the energy and passion started. We were all from different areas of Northeast Ohio, from Cathedral Latin to St. Joe’s and elsewhere. We all had high ideals and we got students involved, too.”

Diane remembers students wanting to help in any way they could, even knocking on the convent door at St. Mary’s in Mentor where she lived to deliver red high-top sneakers to wear with her habit. “I was only ten years older than them. They wanted me to hear the music of Woodstock since I had been pretty much blocked from news for the past seven years. They were just so much fun!”

Construction delays in 1970 meant the first Lake Catholic classes were held in seven classroom rooms at Mentor Shore Junior High School. Teachers helped drive students from all over the region. Diane remembers getting up at 4:30 a.m. to begin pick-ups, even picking up athletes after a week-long training near Columbus once. “It felt like a family. I remember a

feeling of community spirit. Even when we didn’t have a school building yet, we’d meet as an art club. We’d all beg to get in on the weekends to do banners for the football games. Those were pioneer days. We had our first everything – first football game, first dances, senior prom, and plays. At our first retreats we really got close to the students, sharing their spiritual lives. It was a powerful time.”

THE HOLY ART OF TEACHING

Diane’s favorite part of being a teacher was seeing those “lightbulb moments” when students completed a work of art, realizing their gifts and their own worth. “My life had really changed when I first took art classes at Ursuline College. A wonderful teacher, Sister Kilian Hufgard, took me under her wing and asked, ‘Why do you do art? What is it you want to say? What is in your heart?’ It was then my art started to expand and grow. I tried to do the same for my own students.”

Describing it as “the hum of the holy,” she aimed to create a spiritual space for students to explore art and develop their own person, going beyond the technical aspects. While at Lake Catholic, she loved the way the school integrated music, drama and art. “We only had about 220 students at the beginning, and many were involved in all three, with art students doing backdrops for plays or supporting the bands, chorales and sports.”

Since she had journeyed with them through all four years at the fledgling school, Diane was asked to be senior moderator for the first Lake Catholic graduating class of 1974. “It was so hard to send them off. We had grown so close. Students were united in good times and bad, standing by each other no matter what.”

Diane is excited to see Lake Catholic continue to be a place where men and women build community and take on leadership roles. She appreciates that the arts still play a central role both in education and the physical space inside the building.

As Lake Catholic recognizes its first 50 graduating classes, Diane believes it is important to honor the achievements of graduates. “They have changed society, some of them becoming important figures with leadership roles in business, the community and family life, too. Each generation at the school believes in the mission. Lake Catholic instilled a deep sense of self-worth, and they give that back to others.”

“Those were pioneer days. We had our first everything – first football game, first dances, senior prom, and plays. At our first retreats we really got close to the students, sharing their spiritual lives. It was a powerful time.”

– Diane Pinchot

Diane’s artistic influence at Lake Catholic lives on today in the designs of the school seal and class ring.

TOSS YOUR CAPS: 50 Years of Graduates

Take a look back at Lake Catholic classes through the decades

In 1970, when Lake Catholic High School first opened, 221 ninth graders walked through the doors towards their futures. It was the beginning of something new and exciting.

Those students eventually became the first graduating class of Lake Catholic 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 growing Lake Catholic community.

To-date more than 10,000 students have become Cougar alumni. Another 104 will be joining the pack in May of this year.

Over the next few pages, we’ll celebrate life at Lake Catholic through each decade, from our humble beginnings to our current happenings – and the many milestones in between.

Pop Culture Through the Decades

The hair, the pants, the shoes, the makeup...What was the prominent style of your decade?

Bellbottoms and platform shoes of course! Wouldn’t leave home without them…

Long straight hair parted in the middle.

The Farrah Fawcett hairstyle was coming into style.

Need I say more? BIG HAIR!

White socks over forest green socks.

For me, it was covering my vest in concert pins!

Big Bangs

Lots of perms! Leather mini-skirts, leggings, shirts with shoulder pads.

“Bright colors and mullets! I remember Sister St. Ann continually stopping me and telling me I need a haircut (just in the back).”

– David Zimmerman (‘91)

Lots of argyle

Polos and popped collars

Snapback hats

Guys having long bangs while girls had the puffed up comb over.

Chunky highlights and frosted tips.

HOT HITS

“Songs that make me think of high school” playlist

Faculty & Staff Favorites

Who was your most memorable teacher or staff member?

What was the most important thing you learned from them?

Mrs. Zappitelli, she was my freshman homeroom and Spanish teacher. She was always so kind and caring towards her students.

George Humphrey gave me a love for theatre and Diane Pinchot gave me a love for art.

Mr. Tomba loved English and writing and got us all to love it.

Gerald Dwyer was always even keeled, was very direct and effective in teaching Geometry, and had a great sense of humor which occasionally came out. As he said on the first day of class, “It is harder to get an F than an A in my class”

Mrs. Miller was tough but taught me a lot, not just about history but about some life lessons as well. I loved the way she taught history as a story.

Mrs. Bernot helped me, and at times forced me, to realize the importance of just being a kind and loving person. She expected and also selflessly gave respect to everyone at school. Couldn’t have asked for a better person to be on my path.

Mrs. Richmond (Spanish) cared for more about me as a person than just a student. She met with me during her free period to chat about life, always had a hug, and helped me through some definite struggles

Frank Soria just seemed like a happy person at almost all times, not an easy thing to be when surrounded by 900 high school aged kids every day!

Mr. Len Orcino taught music and music theory. Gave me a lifelong love of music.

If I had to pick just one, it would likely be Mr. Gary Boylan, who is now deceased. He was the band teacher and he really made a huge impact on how much fun it was. He also taught us by example that it’s okay to be yourself and have fun, regardless of what others may think.

Your Favorite Memories

Whether it was in a classroom, a hallway, gymnasium, on the stage, on a field, or on the dance floor, what is your favorite Lake Catholic memory?

“The student section cheering on the 1974 football team as they went on to be undefeated. We were at the Mentor Memorial stadium at the time, and you could literally feel the bleachers bowing as we were jumping up and down, cheering along with the cheerleaders.”

“Working backstage on theatre productions.”

“Class retreats with close friends.”

“Bye Bye Birdie.”

“Carrying the US flag for Lake Catholic in the 1976 St. Patrick’s day parade in Cleveland.”

— Patricia Collins Pattison (‘74)

— Donna Rastoka-Halko (‘76)

— Concetta Sole Hartman (‘84)

— Elizabeth (Quigley) Wharry (‘76)

“Our homecoming theme was ‘A Night in Paris’ and Mr. Troha and the shop class built us an Eiffel tower to put on stage and also brought it to the dance venue!”

“Getting ready for and driving to Friday night football games — lots of laughs, loud music and after party hang outs.”

— Alison (Loiacono) Constantino (‘03)

“In many scenarios, the best times were when the class was hanging out together. Whether at retreats, sporting events, pep rallies, or school dances.”

— Corey Regovich (‘14)

“Going to State Championships.”

“Calm Before the Storm.”

— Regi Strauss (‘05)

Forever Shall She Guide Us

What is something you will forever associate with Lake Catholic?

Cougars

Lifelong Friendships

Green & Gray

Alma mater

Pass on the torch of loyalty

Until it lights the sky

With fire of faith and wisdom

Throughout Lake Catholic High Forever shall she guide us

With friends to lead the way

The spirit deep inside us shines For the green and gray

Green lockers

“Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar”

The chapel

The auditorium

The uniforms

Very caring teachers

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The main hallway

Commitment to excellence and willingness to serve.

Cougar Spirit

Roots in my faith, value of family and the value of community.

Our 50th Graduating Class: The Class of 2023

See what the class of 2023 had to say about how Lake Catholic has prepared them for their future after graduation.

Lake has prepared me by teaching me to be a better person and work hard to get the things I value in life.

– Nicholas Thompson

It’s taught me a lot about life and that if you want change then you need to be the one to start it.

– Anna Sanford

It showed me that having good people around you and supporting you will make everything so much happier for you.

– Savannah Marincek

Lake Catholic has taught me to always strive to be better in anything I attempt. I have been taught to never settle and to put forth my best effort into everything I do.

– Brianne Martin

It has prepared me by bettering my communication skills, giving me connections to others outside of Lake Catholic, and showed me how to become a better leader.

– Kaylee Vanjo

The Lake Catholic Campus Through the Decades

See how the Lake Catholic campus has expanded and evolved over the past 53 years and how it is continuing to evolve to meet the needs of students today.

The construction of the Lake Catholic campus began in 1969 and was completed in March 1971. The original plans for the building included an attached convent. When that did not move forward, stained glass was added to the chapel instead.

Since opening in 1970, the school has expanded its footprint to include new facilities such as the wrestling and weight rooms.

In 2009, the track and football field was updated to turf and all-weather materials and bleachers were added.

The space that is now part of the Zappitelli Strength Conditioning Room was originally an outdoor courtyard when the school first opened. It was later changed to a multi-purpose room to hold study halls before transitioning to what it is today.

The new atrium and LAKE sign were added to the front of the school and dedicated in March 2006. A new “Welcome to Cougar Country” sign was added inside in 2023.

With a generous donation from the Skalicki family, a new project-based learning program and space will be developed in the current Media Center. Shown here is a conceptual rendering; a focus group comprised of faculty, staff and students will work towards determining a layout that will optimize collaboration and technology within the space.

Starting in 2009, student artwork is displayed on ceiling tiles outside the halls of the art room.

The Zappitelli Family

Those labors started in 1982, when brothers Robert and John Zappitelli, both graduates of Painesville Harvey High School, started a basement business preparing tax returns. Today, the family owns Zappitelli Financial Services and Zappitelli Enterprises, a commercial real estate management firm. The former handles tax returns for more than 12,000 personal and 2,000 professional clients through 11 offices in the Cleveland area. The latter has a portfolio of more than 40 local properties, including twenty Zappy’s car washes and the North Ridge Event Center in Painesville.

Running these iconic local businesses is a family affair. Robert and his wife, Carole (nee Andrews ‘78), brother John and his wife, Renee, and sister Mary Baniewicz (Dr. John Baniewicz) all have a hand in the various operations. So do the siblings’

eleven adult children, all of whom graduated from Lake Catholic High School between 2005 and 2014.

But business isn’t the only thing that this tight-knit family has in common. Lake Catholic memories are also something they all share.

BIGGER THAN LIFE, FULL OF ENERGY

Carole recalls the newness of the school, which had opened its doors only five years before her graduation. “The school was like a whole new world. It was bigger than life and full of great energy. I was focused on art and loved it. There were no female athletics back then, but I got involved in pep rally planning and creating banners.”

When the time came to send her own five children to school, Carole was confident of the path they’d take. “A Catholic education was very important to my parents, and to Bob’s parents, who were immigrants from Italy. And I had such a great experience at Lake Catholic that I wanted it for my own children.”

“The choice was made for me,” says Carole’s daughter, Josephine Burch (‘05), with a smile. “But it was a choice for which I was always grateful. The Catholic education reinforced the values we were being taught at home. Lake Catholic was a place to become good citizens, good stewards of the community, and good Christians.”

Carole’s nephew, Mark Baniewicz (‘13), is the second youngest of the 11 cousins. He recalls being drawn to Lake Catholic from an early age. “My childhood was filled with memories of watching Lake Catholic sports, including cheerleading, which my sister participated in. I knew early on I wanted to be a part of that community.”

A DEVOTION TO ATHLETICS, A LEGACY FOR THE COMMUNITY

When it comes to Lake Catholic High School athletics, the Zappitelli legacy runs deep. All eleven cousins participated in sports at the school.

Mark, for example, lettered in both basketball and football and quarterbacked the gridiron squad into the 2011 OHSAA

Spend time driving around Lake County these days, and you’ll likely cross paths with the fruits of the Zappitelli family’s labors.

Division III playoffs. He later played football at John Carroll University.

Josephine says, “I played softball and was a football and basketball cheerleader. Some of my best memories at Lake Catholic were as a student-athlete.” She also continued her athletic career in college, playing softball at Notre Dame College.

But the family’s devotion to athletics extends beyond individual achievements on the fields and courts. Their generous donations have helped the school in numerous ways, including upgrades of some of the school’s athletic facilities—the weight room and softball field. When the Zappitelli Family Strength and Conditioning Complex opened in 2017 it gave a new generation of studentathletes access to state-of-the-art training and equipment for years to come.

“Part of why we give back is because each of our legacies is vital,” says Carole. Though she never had a chance to compete in athletics at Lake Catholic, Carole nevertheless recognizes the importance of them in developing her children, nieces,

The Zappitelli Family The Zappitelli Family

and nephews. “It’s so important to be coachable, to be a good team player, and to think of someone other than yourself.”

To that point, the family also funds an annual scholarship for six graduating student-athletes — one each from the baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, basketball, and wrestling teams. “It’s not based on academics, financial need or athletic achievements,” says Carole. “It’s a scholarship for those athletes who bring all of their talent to the field, court, or mat every single day. It’s for solid teammates who can be relied on.”

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

For Carole, Josephine and Mark, Lake Catholic will always be important to themyet it holds a special place in different ways.

“Lake Catholic provides the complete package,” says Carole. “It’s everything the

students need: spiritual, educational, social, stewardship. All the important, tried-and-true values that transcend time are nurtured and reinforced there. And it’s a beacon — a place you can come back to. It’s very comforting.”

“To me, it means ‘family,’” says Josephine. “When I see my classmates now, we pick up right where we left off. We grew up with the same values, and I know my friends are raising their children the way we were raised. I always feel at home at Lake Catholic.”

Mark adds, “It really laid the foundation for who I am. It developed me not only academically but personally — the way I handle relationships with others. It laid the foundation for me as a man, a husband and a friend.”

“I look forward to the day when my grandchildren head down Bellflower Road,” adds Carole. “Because I know they’ll get the best education they can.”

Jackie (‘14)

Bonnie (‘12)

AJ (‘07)

Sarah (‘08)

Mark (‘13)

Lucy (‘10)

Diana (‘08)

Annie (‘06)

Josephine (‘05)

John (‘10)

“It’s everything the students need: spiritual, educational, social, stewardship.”

— Carole Andrews Zappitelli

Carole Andrews Zappitelli (‘78) & Robert Zappitelli

John & Mary Baniewicz

John & Renee Zappitelli

Robert (‘11)

Dr. John Feller

When Dr. John Feller (‘78) reflects on the ups and downs that have occurred throughout his life – one common thread continues to help him navigate them all: the lessons he learned at Lake Catholic.

Feller is a Lake Catholic alumnus with an impressive resume. Metallurgical Engineering and Material Science degree from the University of Notre Dame. Former flight surgeon and Major with the U.S. Air Force. Ohio State Medical School. Stanford University diagnostic radiology residency and teaching post. World-renowned lecturer in over 60 countries, and California-based radiologist. More than 30 scientific papers and a textbook published. Yet, according

to Feller, all these accomplishments would not have been possible without his Lake Catholic education.

“The values and skills Lake Catholic taught me are important to the ‘connect the dots story’ of my life,” he said. “Lake Catholic challenged me in ways that taught me so much. Every time I do a speaking engagement, I use the skills I learned while acting on stage at Lake. Every time I

write a paper, Lake is with me. And every time I travel internationally, I think about Sr. Roberta’s world religions class. She showed us how the core beliefs of religions worldwide are fundamentally the same, and that we share more similarities with others than differences.”

Enrolling in Lake Catholic was the first challenge Feller faced at the new school, which had a long waiting list to get in. Feller’s parents had recently moved the family to Mentor and set up a meeting with Lake Catholic’s principal at the time, James E. Simonis. “My dad and I sat across the table from Mr. Simonis and I said, ‘If you let me go here, I will take the hardest classes you have.’ Despite no room in the incoming class, Principal Simonis let me in. To this day I still think about the opportunity he gave me.”

Feller is the second oldest of eight children, and his six younger siblings also attended Lake Catholic High School. While Feller’s career has taken him all over the world, he and his wife Karen raised their children in California. When their daughter Kaitlin (‘07) approached them in 2005 and asked if she could live with her aunt Laura’s family in Mentor for two years to finish high school

John at the NASA Flight Test Center in Edwards Air Force Base, July 1986.

at Lake Catholic, he fully supported the decision. “Kaitlin was concerned that the value system she learned at home was not aligned with what she was experiencing in her California high school. I was very proud that she had the leadership and foresight to make that type of decision.”

Feller enjoyed reflecting on his own time at Lake Catholic, and the journey it took. He says he was a kid that needed to be kept busy, and his teachers recognized that. “I’m sure I was a handful. I was a 98-pound wrestler with a lot of energy. I remember being in Elaine Paulett’s study hall doing a handstand on my desk. She said, ‘I can either give you detention or you can audition for the next play.’ Despite no experience in theater, I chose the latter!” He wound up doing plays every year after that, and he recruited other wrestlers to join in the fun. Feller was also part of a work/study program that allowed students to work as janitors in the building to help pay for tuition. “I paid for half of my Lake Catholic education that way.”

The values of “Learn. Earn. Return.” are ones that Feller has always tried to practice, and volunteerism and service remain a big part of his life. After graduating, he attended Notre Dame on an ROTC scholarship. At age 21, he volunteered at Lake County Memorial Hospital West in the emergency room and as a home caregiver for terminally ill patients in Hospice. That experience led to his desire to pursue medicine, where he knew he could make an even bigger impact. Today, in addition to his roles as the founding partner of Desert Medical Imaging and Chief Medical Officer for HALO

Precision Diagnostics, he commits a week each month to teaching. “My mindset coming out of Lake Catholic was, ‘it’s great if you can have a linear impact, but it’s better if you can have a geometric one.’ That’s why research, development, invention, academic writing and teaching have always been a big part of my professional life.”

Feller’s accomplishments are many, yet he notes that Lake Catholic also prepared him for the adversity he would face in life. Car accidents took away his high school friend Rob Dudek the week of graduation and his sister several years later. His son Alek –adopted from Romania - could never shake the sense of abandonment and committed suicide. Not long after, his wife’s sister died from colon cancer, and the Fellers opened their home to her two children –

— Dr. John Feller

turning sorrow into joy. “I think it’s important to recognize how faith and rock-solid convictions get you through. If your values are strong, you’re not afraid. I credit Lake Catholic with teaching me how to embrace not only extraordinary opportunities but also how to face extraordinary adversities.”

“The values and skills Lake Catholic taught me are important to the ‘connect the dots story’ of my life.”

Faith and family have always been an important part of Feller’s life.

Getting ready to receive his diploma in 1978.

Alumni Updates

Ladies Night Out Private Winetasting

Cheers! The Lake Catholic Alumni Association Women’s Wine Pairing took place in January at the Urban Vintner (Ed Trebets ‘89 was our host) in downtown Willoughby. It was an evening filled with great wine, food and fun! Special thanks to alumni-owned business The Wild Goose, Redhawk Grille and Cardinal Auto Wash and Drive Thru Beverage for their generous donations and support!

Lindsey (Garofalo) Pekarcik (‘00) opened Craft Hair and Salon - a modern, high-end salon–in Kirtland, OH.

Kelly (Royer) Dolyniuk (‘00) has transitioned from the COO role at Propy, a Global Real Estate Blockchain company. She is now building out the Florida market for Monroe Capital, a $16 billion Private Credit fund.

In 2022, Dom Polito (‘00) founded Youvisors – an advisor to sports business professionals and the students who dream to join them, in the hopes of helping sports management students and professionals obtain full-time employment.

As part of its year-end wrap-up series, Crain’s Cleveland Business named Tom Bernot (‘89) to its “New Faces in New Places in 2022” list. Bernot was named president of the marketing firm Falls & Co. in September of 2022. He is also the chief operating officer.

Michael Bernot (‘01) is the new Executive Director of the West Side Catholic Center, where he has been since 2018. The West Side Catholic Center assists all who come in need of food, clothing, shelter, advocacy and a path to self-sufficiency.

Alumni Basketball Tailgate

Alumni from across the years came out to enjoy the annual Lake Catholic Alumni Association Winter Tailgate on February 10. A great time was had by all.

Michael Sivert (‘01), a fifth grade teacher in Hudson City Schools, was recently elected President of OhioASCD - a community of educators that advocates sound equitable policies, and promotes research-based best practices in learning, teaching and leadership.

Casey (Townson) Bruening (‘12) welcomed baby girl Madeline a few months back. Congratulations Casey!

The rock band LoConti, which includes three Lake Catholic alums, Henry LoConti (‘18), Michael LoConti (‘19), and Eric Sconyers (‘19), was recently named to Axios Cleveland’s “9 Clevelanders to Watch in 2023. The band’s first album is set to release in April or May of this year.

CAMPS

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.

ALUMNI

Cynthia Cook (‘75)

Rita Kovac (‘76)

Joseph DeSantis (‘77)

Kathleen Grandillo (‘78)

Karen Carter (‘79)

Kevin Shoda (‘79)

Nicholas D’Angelo (‘80)

Thomas Lowery (‘81)

Charlene Pastura (‘81)

Michael Flynn (‘82)

Dennis Duda (‘88)

John A. Fazzone (‘90)

Victor Matteucci (‘95)

Mark Mrva (‘95)

Angela Kidner (‘00)

Ryan McBride (‘02)

William Clements (‘05)

FORMER EMPLOYEES

Dave Holian

Paul Imm

Sister Mercia Madigan

Gene Pipoly

FRIENDS OF LAKE CATHOLIC

Jay Battung

James Delli

Mary Edelman

John C. Fazzone

Rita Hamley

Louis Severino

Lake Catholic’s summer camp programs offer a chance to develop and refine skills, learn about new topics, and meet new friends. Camps range from arts and music to athletics and leadership. Available to adults and kids!

FOR PROGRAM DATES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT

LAKECATHOLIC.ORG/SUMMER-CAMPS