CATHOLIC HIGH Winter Magazine
Embrace The Crusader Experience 2025-2026
Step into our building and discover the energy of our thriving programs in academics, athletics, music, and the arts, each designed to help you grow into your fullest potential. Our students, teachers, and families are here to welcome the next generation of the Lancaster Catholic High School Crusader family.
Get in touch with us to learn more about visiting and special events. We look forward to meeting you!
Dear LCHS Family,
The most commonly asked question when I run into folks is, “How are YOU doing?”
Visit LCHS
SCHEDULE A TOUR
The best way for your family to learn about LCHS is to visit and experience it first-hand. We look forward to helping you explore how your family may benefit from joining our community. You can choose a day and time that works best for your student’s schedule!
SHADOW FOR A DAY
Prospective students are invited to spend the day at LCHS. Participate in classes, tour the school, and meet current Lancaster Catholic Crusaders who will show you all of the opportunities we have to offer.
Visit www.lchsyes.org/visit/ to schedule a tour or shadow day!
Applications are now open for the 2025-26 school year!
Visit www.lchsyes.org/apply/
Angela Baumler ‘97
Director of Enrollment Management
ò abaumler@lchsyes.org
ò 717-509-0313 ext. 1
Claribel Media
Latino Enrollment Assistant, Hablo español
ò cmedina@lchsyes.org
ò 717-509-0313 ext. 2
While it has been a very busy seven months, I can sincerely say, “I’m doing GREAT!”
It’s hard to answer otherwise when you are surrounded by amazing students, faculty, staff, families, and friends. We have a truly amazing community!
The Winter Magazine is historically our opportunity to share stories of student and alumni success, while also updating you on projects at Lancaster Catholic. This edition will do that, while also telling a significant story of our prehistory. Have you ever considered what was happening on Juliette Avenue before our beloved home was built? The stories of our history and founding are about to take center stage as we prepare for the 100th Anniversary of Lancaster Catholic High School.
As you read through these stories and highlights, I ask for your continued prayers for our students, families, and faculty. The work we do remains sacred, essential, and countercultural. Be assured of my prayers for each of you!
Peace & blessings,
Meet Mr. Van Eman - New LCHS Principal
An interview with Mrs. Hockley ‘96
In February, Sean Van Eman will join Lancaster Catholic as the school’s 15th Principal and I could not be more thrilled! Every time we meet and talk, my enthusiasm grows for our students and our faculty! Sean, thank you for following God’s call and joining us at Lancaster Catholic!
While wish that everyone could meet you personally as soon as you arrive, that might be overwhelming, so thank you for joining me in this conversation so our community can begin to know you.
Q: What experience have you had in education? (grade levels, positions, types of educational institutions)
I first began my teaching career as a special education teacher with Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV and then Grove City Area School District. During that time, I also taught a 6th Grade CCD class with my local parish which was a very rewarding experience.
After obtaining my Master’s Degree from Duquesne University, I began my educational leadership career with Intermediate Unit 1 as a Special Education Supervisor and Principal in K-12 schools. While enjoyed being in these positions, I started to seek experiences in schools that weren’t considered “specialized” as was the case for most of my career. I was then hired at Central Greene School District as the Director of Academic
Accountability and Intervention overseeing all K-12 curricular programs, grant programs, and much more. This experience made me a more well-rounded leader, but I began missing interacting with students and staff which led me to being hired in my hometown as the Principal of New Castle Sr. High School.
Even though I had great success as a leader in New Castle, it was during this time that I realized God was definitely calling me to Catholic education. And with that said, I now know God allowed me to gain a multitude of leadership experiences as they’ll be needed in my new position as Principal of Lancaster Catholic. God is good!
Q: What initially sparked your interest in education and what keeps you motivated?
I’ve always enjoyed teaching, interacting with and guiding youth. I feel it’s what God has called me to do in life, and when reading about the saints, like St. John Bosco and his commitment to youth, it affirms my decision. What keeps me motivated is seeing students at the beginning of their educational journey, seeing growth, and lastly watching them obtain their diploma. The four years students are in high school can truly determine the rest of their lives, so I view my role with the utmost importance to make sure students succeed.
Q: As you transition from public education to Catholic education, what are you most excited for?
I’m most excited to live and share the Catholic faith while on the job! Not too many people can make that claim, and I’m so thankful to God for this opportunity. While I’ve had a lot of valuable experiences in public education, it bothered me, more and more, that my faith had to be “left at
the door.” In my new role, I plan to not only utilize my educational experiences, but also be a model and leader of our Catholic faith to our students, staff, and community.
Q: It is truly a gift to be able to live your faith “out loud” here at LCHS and I am excited for you to experience it.
As you have come to learn about Lancaster Catholic, what do you find most compelling?
Without a doubt, I quickly saw the rich tradition and history as most compelling at Lancaster Catholic. There is a healthy sense of pride with
students, staff, and alumni when attending this school, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Go Catholic!
Q: Your family is making a big move for this new position. How are they feeling about joining the Crusader family?
Thankfully, I’ve had overwhelming support from my wife and 6 children. Being that my wife is originally from York, PA, my family is very happy to be closer to many cousins that live in the area. While none of my children
are high school age yet, they will be in a few years, and they’ve already determined the courses, extracurriculars, and many opportunities Lancaster Catholic offers that they’ll be participating in.
Q: We will most certainly be happy to welcome all of the Van Emans as Crusaders! Is there anything else you want to share with the community?
I strive to be a servant leader, and others have commented I’m very visible and approachable. Please don’t hesitate to say hello and chat
with me as I’m eager to get to know everyone in the Lancaster Catholic family. God bless!
Rossmere Ballpark
Before Lancaster Catholic was built in 1929, the grounds of the school were home to Rossmere Baseball Park. Built in 1904, it served as home to Lancaster’s minor league baseball team the Lancaster Red Roses, and hosted boxing matches for International Boxing Hall of Famer Leo Hauck, Sr. In 1919, Babe Ruth and the Boston Red Sox played the local Klein Chocolate Club in an exhibition game at Rossmere. Rossmere’s peak came, however, from 1925 to 1927 when it served as the Sunday home of the Harrisburg Giants. The Giants, a Negro Leagues team in the Eastern Colored League, led by hall-of-fame player-manager Oscar Charleston, called Rossmere their Sunday home due to a legal loophole that let them skirt the Commonwealth’s “blue laws” which prevented Sunday baseball games.
Across their three seasons at Rossmere, the Giants regularly dazzled fans and were happily cheered on by thousands of Lancastrians. Their league games brought numerous Hall of Famers to Lancaster. Over three seasons the Giants played 25 games, going 17-3 in exhibition games and winning three of their five league games,
In advance of our 100th Anniversary
As Lancaster Catholic High School approaches her 100th anniversary, we are seeking interested volunteers who would be willing to serve on an Anniversary Committee. This committee will seek to honor our history, celebrate our success, and launch us into our second century. If you are interested in serving on our Anniversary Committee, please contact Kyla Hockley ‘96 at khockley@lchsyes.org.
with one suspended due to weather. In 2020, Major League Baseball finally recognized the Negro Leagues as “major league”, recognizing the games played at Rossmere as “major league”. These remain the only five major league games played in Lancaster’s history.
Despite this, the greatest baseball team to ever call Lancaster home has been largely forgotten. A group of local historians and organizations are working to rectify this on the team’s 100th anniversary in Lancaster. In June 2025, we plan to erect a historical marker outside Lancaster Catholic celebrating Rossmere and the Giants. Additional community events in partnership with Lancaster History and the Lancaster Stormers are planned. It is time to honor Rossmere Baseball Park and the Harrisburg Giants’ role in Lancaster history. We look forward to honoring the players who came before Lancaster Catholic and encourage your support in any way possible.
What is LEAD?
LEAD is a leadership program at LCHS that began as a retreat. Then, in 2023, it evolved into a program with the help of Robert Cybulski and former principal Terry Klugh. Students are nominated by faculty and staff to participate in this opportunity. This program's primary mission is to instill the principles of Disciple Leadership in students and encourage them to live out the six leadership principles. LEAD members meet weekly, focusing on one of the leadership principles each month, with guest speakers sharing their insights monthly.
Disciple Leadership prioritizes people over profits, serving others selflessly, and leading with humility and love. It helps reflect Christ’s teachings, showing respect, compassion, and care for others.
In LEAD, we have subcommittees to help address and solve problems around the school. Zach Dresh and I are the executives of the School Spirit sub-team. We've revived the Crusader Crazies, bringing back the Crusader
Crazies Shirts, and are working on increasing school spirit. Overall, we are trying to make school a better place for students.
LEAD has taught me the value of humility in leadership: listening to others, admitting mistakes, and receiving criticism. Being a Disciple Leader is about serving and helping others grow, not seeking titles or recognition. This perspective has deepened my faith and commitment to Christ’s teachings.
Another thing I've learned is that teamwork is a key lesson. A Disciple Leader uses “we” instead of “I,” recognizing that we have to work together for a collective effort. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Mark 9:35: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Ultimately, LEAD has transformed my leadership skills and faith, inspiring me to serve and support my community with love, compassion, and humility.
Written by Mary Weinheimer ‘26
Written by Dr. Jeremy Traff, Director of Data Analytics and Strategy at SDOL, and Ted Knorr ‘69, Negro Baseball League Historian and
SABR member.
If you’re interested in getting involved, learning more, or supporting this effort please email jeremytraff@gmail.com
The Dolores (Kirsch) Smith ‘65 Multimedia Learning Center
“A Wise Heart Seeks Knowledge”
As the motto for Lancaster Catholic High School, generations of students have lived this in their academic pursuits as students. At the heart of our home on Juliette Avenue is the Library. As a student, I remember learning how to do research using the card catalogue. organized notecards, formatted bibliographies, and studied for tests with my friends. I could count on Miss Martin for direction and support as I worked to turn the knowledge I sought into an academic product.
It is no surprise that technology has shaped our acquisition of knowledge, as well as the way in which we share the knowledge we have gained. Through the leadership and generosity of Stephen Smith ‘64, this project extends his personal commitment to Catholic education and innovation that began with the STEM Center in Phase 1 of our Cherish - Love Honor Campaign. Steve’s daughter Shannon represents the family, which includes her siblings, Sean, Stephen, and Tonya, in designing the multipurpose hub in honor of their mother.
The Dolores (Kirsch) Smith ‘65 Multimedia Learning Center will open in the Fall of 2025.
This transformation of the heart of our home will allow for both the acquisition of knowledge and the transformation of that knowledge into visual products, housing a traditional Library, a digital illustration lab, a 3-D design computer lab, and a broadcasting studio.
As Lancaster Catholic remains committed to ensuring that all of our students have access to curricular offerings that distinguish them in the marketplace, we recognize that skills
Faculty Spotlight of Jeff Stoltzfus
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became a teacher at LCHS?
in visual arts, graphic design, and video production are employed in almost every profession. This project will enhance current course offerings in broadcasting (dual-enrollment with the University of Pittsburgh), photography, and 3D design, while also opening up new opportunities in digital illustration, graphic design, film, and photo editing. Our Art students will be further supported with greater access to digital equipment that is unrivaled across Lancaster County, while our Photography students will be able to grow their skills as they continue their success in the Scholastic Art Awards.
This project will complete the construction phase connected to the Sursum Corda Student Life Center and has been advanced through the generosity of a few donors who knew of this dream. In addition to the multimedia center, which will be easily visible, we will also complete upgrades to our sprinkler system according to Manheim Township specifications.
As of January 15, 2025, we have $1.25 million dollars committed specifically for this $2 million dollar project.
Written by Kyla Hockley ‘96
We hope that our foresight and commitment to Catholic education will inspire others within the community to support the completion of this worthwhile renovation project.
-Stephen Smith ‘64 & Shannon Smith
Please contact Kyla Hockley ‘96 or Joe Sahd ‘01 if you are interested in supporting the completion of this project.
Paying it Forward
As with all our projects, I feel honored to play an active part in enhancing learning environments. The opportunity to work on The Dolores (Kirsch) Smith ‘65 Multimedia Learning Center is even more rewarding as a 1995 graduate. When we started working with LCHS, much of the building remained unchanged from the days in which wandered the halls. Breathing new life into the building and creating spaces that inspire current and future students is something that I certainly never dreamed of while sitting in Mr. Ressel’s art class all those years ago. The art program at LCHS and the portfolio of work that I created while there created the spark that led to my career as an interior designer. Having the opportunity to give back feels wonderful!
Megan Rippon ‘95
Interior Designer at Marotta Main Architect
A: I spent 15 years working in television and youth ministry, which really shaped my ability to connect with young people. Teaching just feels like a natural part of who am. My journey to Lancaster Catholic High School started as a substitute teacher for the broadcasting class. When a full-time position opened up during the pandemic, I applied, making what I like to call a "COVID pivot." My degree is in Web Design and Interactive Media, but I’ve also worked in music recording and photography, so I bring a diverse skill set to the classroom. I’m now in my fifth year at LCHS and it’s been a learning experience, especially figuring out lesson plans, but the students have been incredibly helpful in this journey.
Q: What excites you most about the new multimedia learning center? How will this multimedia center help students prepare for real-world applications or careers?
A: One of the biggest challenges we face now is sound interference from other classrooms when recording. While we already have great technology like new computers and 3D printing machines, having a more permanent and professional studio space will make a huge difference for students working on their projects, particularly the broadcasting show. I’m eager to see how the space will foster more student creativity and teamwork. Our Digital Video Media Production class is a dual-credit course where students learn the principles of digital media and this new center will give them a better sense of what it’s like to work in a real-world media environment. With more room and better resources, students will be able to grow their skills and prepare for careers in the field. This is just the beginning.
8th Annual Crusader Legacy Classic Recap
Thursday, October 3, 2024 - Conestoga Country Club - Lancaster, PA
On Thursday, October 3rd, one hundred and eleven golfers enthusiastically participated in Lancaster Catholic High School’s 8th Annual Crusader Legacy Classic, which was held at Conestoga Country Club (Lancaster, PA).
Thanks to all of our generous sponsors, golfers, and benefactors, this year’s event raised over $75,000 for our students! Proceeds from this annual event are so critical as they help to underwrite Lancaster Catholic’s Academic, Athletic, Fine & Performing Arts, and Campus Ministry offerings, as well as provide tuition assistance funds that allow for the gift of a Catholic High education to be more affordable.
Please mark your calendars for our 9th Annual Crusader Legacy Classic, which will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Bent Creek Country Club!
Thanks for everyone’s ongoing support of our students through this popular, annual event. Go Crusaders!
TO THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENT-WINNING TEAM:
Apex Advertising (Eagle Sponsor)
Ron Weaver ‘01
Matt Scaccia ‘01
Alex Veronis ‘08
Chris Christensen
Homecoming weekend
HOMECOMING 2024
our
On Saturday night, we hosted a “Candy Land” themed dance that transformed Berger Gym into a colorful wonderland. Students danced the night away, creating sweet memories to last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable weekend possible. Go
Before Friday night's big game, our alumni tailgate brought Crusaders from across generations together to reminisce over delicious food and drinks. Laughter and memories filled the air as old friends reconnected. The football game itself was electric, with fans packing the stands to cheer on the team. At halftime, Maya Kirchner ‘25 was crowned Homecoming Queen, adding a magical touch to the evening.
kicked off with
Spirit Week traditions, culminating in an energetic Field Day where the Powder Puff game took center stage. The Sophomores stole the show with a hard-fought victory against the Seniors!
Crusaders!
HOMECOMING 2024
LCHS is fortunate to have dedicated members of the Class of 2019 who are actively giving back to their alma mater. Just five short years after they walked the halls as students, these passionate alumni are now stepping into roles as coaches and volunteers!
Every Homecoming weekend ends with our Alumni Citation Lunch where we celebrate exceptional members of our LCHS community. Sylvia Ann (Zangari) Buller '76 was honored for her dedicated service to Catholic education, while Paul D. Hinnenkamp '79 was honored for his outstanding professional achievements. It was a wonderful gathering to acknowledge their remarkable accomplishments!
Bob Gramola ‘75 performed the honorary coin toss at the homecoming football game. This marked the final toss of his 41-year career as a PIAA football and basketball official. Bob was the starting quarterback of the 1974 LCHS championship team, he was named "Official of the Year" in 1993 and 2006, and he officiated two state football championship games!
Alumni Citation: Nominate Today!
If you know an exceptional person worthy of this singular honor, we encourage you to nominate that individual by visiting www.lchsyes.org/alumnicitation/ or by scanning the QR code.
If you have any questions and/or comments, our Office of Advancement would love to hear from you by calling 717.509.0313 or emailing advancement@lchsyes.org. Thank you and Go Crusaders!
Congratulations to our 2024 Homecoming court!
Back row - Ciara Coronado, Addison Elliott, Margaret Bila, Stella Higgins, Ryleigh Brewer; Front row - Leah Brighter, Mary Loiseau, Maya Kirchner, McKenzie Matters, Yirandi Rodgriguez
Fall Sports Student Hightlights
THE GIRLS SOCCER TEAM WON THE SECTION FOUR TITLE!
Section 4 Awards
ò 1st Team: Harper Bolesky ‘27, Naomi Dresch ‘26, Olivia Havrilla ‘26
ò 2nd Team: Sara Reynolds ‘27, Caitlin Reynolds ‘27, Rowan Stevens ‘27
ò Assistant Coach of the Year: Emily Fix ‘15
ò All Academic: Miranda Peris ‘25
THE BOYS SOCCER TEAM WON THEIR FIRST SECTION THREE TITLE!
Section 3 Awards
ò 1st team: Carson Spangler, Jr. ‘26, Stephen Scott ‘26, Logan Kratz ‘26
ò 2nd team: Luca D'Orazio ‘26, Will O'Malley ‘26, A.J. Minney ‘25
ò All Academic: Marcus Berdecia ‘25
BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Section 3 Awards
ò 1st team: Leah Droter ‘28
ò 2nd team: Isaac Moore ‘28 and Amelia Atkinson ‘28
ò Leah Droter ‘28 won the District Class 1A race and captured the gold!
GIRLS TENNIS
Serafima Billis ‘28 was named a Section Three All-Star
FIELD HOCKEY
Our Field Hockey team showed incredible growth and determination, laying the foundation for future success.
A huge thank you to our cheerleaders for their unwavering energy and spirit, supporting all our fall sports teams and giving their best every step of the way!
OUR FOOTBALL TEAM
MADE IT INTO DISTRICTS!
LL-League Recognition
Brandon Way ‘26
ò Class 2A - 1st Team
ò Leading rusher
Zach Dresch ‘25
ò Class 2A - Honorable Mention
David Stefanow ‘25
ò Leader in passer efficiency rating
Colton Hegener ‘26
ò Leader in receptions
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Coach Brett Hoffman was named Section 3 Coach of the Year!
ò 1st Team: All-Stars in the LL League -
Molly Wentz ’25 and Lily Warren ‘25
ò Molly Wentz ’25 was named to the District
Three Class 2A All-Star girls volleyball team
Student Highlights
FALL PLAY
Our students put on a wonderful performance of ‘The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong!’ as the show was filled with laughter and unexpected twists!
LLMEA COUNTY CHORUS
Four FPA students attended the 2025 LLMEA County Chorus Festival along with 200+ other students from Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
DISCOVER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK:
To celebrate, students wore spirit wear from their elementary schools to show their alumni pride!
MEN AT WORK RETREAT
Another successful Men at Work Retreat is in the books!
From work projects to deep discussions on Theology, these boys did it all. It was a weekend filled with growth, laughter, and brotherhood!
FOOD DRIVE
Our Thanksgiving Food Drive brought in over 1,000 items and $1,200 in gift cards to go in the baskets that students took to local churches!
PEN PALS
For the second year in a row, Señora Ringlein’s Spanish 3 and 4 students have had pen pals with students from Mitchell High School in South Dakota!
THE FRAME CLUB
Filmed their latest short film which was a Christmas parody trailer called SCHOOL ALONE!
2024 CHRISTMAS CARD
Abigail Klein ‘25 designed our beautiful 2024 Christmas card.
Piper Davidson ‘27, Drew Olsen ‘25, Sophia Romero ‘26 and Mallory McVey ‘27
Student Highlights
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Crusaders joined students from Our Mother of Perpetual Help School to sing Christmas carols for the retired priests at St. Clements in Ephrata.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS!
We introduce our new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
SCHOLASTIC ART COMPETITION
"Autumn Nostalgia" by Stella Higgins '25 and "Waterfall" by Olivia Edmund '25 were two of the many student-made pieces of art that were submitted to the Scholastic Art Competition. Winners to be announced soon!
NHS
The LCHS chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed 37 new members at this year's induction ceremony!
NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
The LCHS Chapter of the National Art Honor Society inducted nine new members this school year! To be invited, students must have completed two years of high school art, maintaining at least a B average, as well as submit artwork and teacher recommendations.
Alumni Happy Hour
Lancaster Catholic events create a vibrant sense of community and Crusader pride, offering opportunities for alumni and friends to stay connected and engaged.
On November 29th, we hosted a memorable Happy Hour event at Root, a beloved spot in Downtown Lancaster owned by 1991 graduate Rob Garpstas. After nine successful years, Rob closed Root’s doors in December 2024 to embrace a well-earned retirement. We are grateful for his dedication to the community and wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life!
Camden Davies ‘21 & Lauren Brommer ‘21 Paula (Falk) Book ‘72, Mimi (Tomlinson) Newcomer ‘76 & William Baumler ‘72
Andrew Longenecker ‘13, Lauren Carroll ‘14, Jackson Houston ‘14, Mr. Bentz, Kyle Harnish ‘13, Carmelo Cruz ‘13
Alumni Spotlight - Living our Mission Class Notes
Dr. Mike Lowe ‘98
Intellectually Astute
After graduating from LCHS, earned my MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine and served as administrative chief resident in general surgery at Emory University. In 2018, was honored with the Society of Surgical Oncology’s Young Investigator Award for my research on enhancing immune responses to melanoma. My clinical and research focus remains on cutaneous malignancies, particularly melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Deacon Andrew St. Denis ‘15
Passionately Faithful
Reflecting on my time at Lancaster Catholic, I am grateful for the constant invitation to grow in faith. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the chapel, everything began and ended with prayer. My experiences on Kairos and 4th Day retreats were especially formative, deepening my relationship with Christ through the sacraments and our Catholic High community. These moments led me to where am today.
Emily Fix ‘15 Socially Responsible
After earning a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education, I began teaching 2nd grade at St. Leo the Great. Looking back, Lancaster Catholic shaped my values and passion for Catholic education. My involvement in athletics, the arts, and Christian Service taught me time management, leadership, and compassion. Serving as a Kairos leader with Father Lavell was especially transformative, deepening my love for teaching in a Catholic setting.
Cody McSherry '21 Max Molina ‘15 Fayra Molina ‘17
is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, a classically trained accordionist and organist who has spent the last four years performing with the Tamburitzans, a renowned folk performance group dedicated to celebrating Eastern and Southern European cultural traditions.
studied Business Administration at Millersville University after graduating from LCHS. After launching his career in banking, a passion for photography quickly took hold. What started as a hobby soon blossomed into something much more as Max began making connections and landing gigs at sports events.
pursued her education at Millersville University, where she studied speech communication with a public relations track and a minor in Latino Studies. She is now thriving as a Public Relations Specialist at a sports marketing agency based in Philadelphia.
Lancaster Catholic played a pivotal role in shaping my path, providing the strong foundation upon which I’ve built my life of service and research in medicine. This same foundation has guided nearly 17,000 alumni before me and will continue to inspire future Crusaders.
LCHS matters because it serves as the educational bedrock of Lancaster County, instilling in its students a sense of purpose, community, empathy and love while encouraging and supporting each student’s unique talents, strengths, and passions. It provides a community of learning that helps each student realize his or her full potential grounded in respect, wellness, and faith. The continuation of this legacy depends on our commitment and support.
This faith, nurtured at LCHS and strengthened in college, ultimately led me to hear God’s call to the Priesthood. Now, as a Transitional Deacon at Seven Sorrows BVM, I strive to bring Christ to others, just as was taught. Being an LCHS Crusader is a profound blessing, and I pray this mission continues to form passionate disciples. Please keep our LCHS community and me in your prayers as I prepare for ordination this June. May God bless you and Lancaster Catholic High School.
Service has always been central to my life, instilled by family, teachers, and community experiences. Through programs like Waves of Mercy, Catholic Heart Work Camp, and coaching, I’ve embraced opportunities to give back. This year, I’m honored to step in as head soccer coach and to have coached LCHS’s first girls’ wrestling team— an unexpected but incredible blessing. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of service and mentorship.
To current LCHS students: embrace service, appreciate those around you, and know that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
As a triple major in Slovak Studies, French, and Classics, Cody balances his academic pursuits with weekend tours across the country, sharing music and history with audiences from Indiana to Nevada. In October, he recently performed his final local show at Warwick Middle School and plans to pursue graduate studies after graduation in the spring. Best of luck to Cody as he embarks on his next adventure!
In February 2024, his hard work paid off when he was offered a position with the Philadelphia 76ers as part of their content team. Max now spends his days courtside, capturing unforgettable moments from practices, games, and events. He is truly living his dream, and we couldn’t be more proud of his success. If you’re ever at a game, be sure to keep an eye out for Max — and don’t forget to say hello!
One of Fayra’s standout projects that she is part of producing is the Taste of Tennis — a unique fusion of tennis and culinary arts that kicks off major tournaments. She collabs with some of the top tennis players and manages social media accounts for the events. Fayra loves building connections and seeing her efforts come to life with every event. We’re incredibly proud of all she’s accomplished!
On an annual basis, the LC Fund is the cornerstone of support for all areas of student life at Lancaster Catholic. From Academics to Athletics, Campus Ministry to Fine & Performing Arts, the fund bridges the financial gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating each student. Catholic High’s ability to faithfully serve our students relies on the generous
On Friday, October 18th, we invited the LCHS community to come together for the LCHS Day of Giving—a 24-hour fundraising campaign designed to inspire collective participation in annual giving from students, families, faculty, staff, grandparents, alumni, and friends.
Every gift, no matter the size, made a meaningful impact. Contributions ranging from $5 to $50 added one more donor to our cause, helping to move the needle and support our mission. The Day of Giving focused on generating critical financial resources for the Lancaster Catholic Fund, ensuring that every dollar directly benefited our students, teachers, and staff.
contributions of our passionate community. The figures below, as of January 17, 2025, showcase the progress we’ve made—and highlight the need for continued support to reach our 2024-2025 fundraising goal. We are truly blessed and deeply grateful for every contribution that helps sustain our mission!
Strategic Plan
An anniversary is a date in which we commemorate an event. An anniversary naturally compels reflection and resolution. With our centennial anniversary on the horizon, aside from celebrating our rich history, many of you may be thinking, “What does the future of Lancaster Catholic High School hold?” I would say that the future holds growth, promise, and opportunity. I can confidently say that we are headed in a great direction because of the work done by so many in our school community to strategically chart the path forward. This is such an exciting time to be a part of Lancaster Catholic High School! So many people are not just looking for change and growth, but they are committed to helping to make it happen. The thirst for better facilities, better education, and a better connection to our faith is contagious.
Governance, Plant & Facilities, and Student Life) began in 2022 and was paused during our leadership transition last year. An updated Steering Committee Report was completed in January to highlight strengths and weaknesses in each domain so that we have a proper assessment of the current state of the school. From here, a group of stakeholders representing parents, donors, alumni, students, and faculty will prioritize the top three issues in each domain of the high school.
ExtraGive: $32,349
Phonathon: $5,735
Thanks to the dedication of students and volunteers, we successfully held our phonathon—a cherished school tradition! “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to speak with LCHS alumni, while simultaneously supporting the school’s fund through the phone calls. It was an experience that my friends and will talk about for years!”
-Dominick Rotella ‘25
is still needed to reach our 2024-25 LC Fund Goal Give by visiting www.lchsyes.org/give/
Our next strategic plan will run from 2025-2030. Strategic planning creates achievable goals through time management and resource allocation. When done well, a strategic plan will improve operations, provide focus, set priorities, and increase collaboration. The Board and Administration have contracted with an independent Catholic education growth consultancy firm, Partners in Mission, to lead us through the process of writing the plan.
The progression of gathering information and data in 8 domains (Academics & Technology, Advancement, Catholic Identity, Enrollment & Marketing, Finance,
What all of that really means is this: We have taken a deep look inside Catholic High. We have identified the strengths that will help Mrs. Hockley and her leadership team to know what they should keep doing. We have also identified weaknesses in our departments, as well as opportunities for us to grow. From all of that, we can now define what our ideal vision looks like for each of these domains. Over the next five years, the Board, Committees, and Administration will follow a chart of intentional tasks that will lead us to achieve our vision for the school. When completed, our beloved Lancaster Catholic High School will look better than when we started. It will be a competitive educational institution, sought after across Central Pennsylvania, where our mission to form students who are intellectually astute, passionately faithful, and socially responsible can enrich our community well into the next century.
Written by Sarah (King) Ganse ‘98, Board of Directors Chair
Vision Statements for Lancaster Catholic High School
Academics & Technology
Lancaster Catholic High School continually deepens its rigorous curriculum through highly qualified faculty to grow college and career-bound disciple leaders, utilizing modern technology and evolving instructional techniques.
Advancement
Our relationships have grown and expanded. We have an energized and community-wide understanding of our value proposition which attracts capital resources that fuel our mission at Lancaster Catholic High School.
Finance
Catholic Identity
Lancaster Catholic High School’s culture of living for Christ permeates every aspect of the school.
Enrollment & Marketing
The larger community understands the value proposition that Lancaster Catholic High School brings. Admission to Lancaster Catholic High School is highly sought after.
Plant & Facilities
Lancaster Catholic High School has an improved, attractive, and modernized campus.
Governance
The Lancaster Catholic High School Board provides long-term and strategic leadership, financial support, and expertise to the Administration to successfully achieve the Strategic Plan.
Student Life
The school’s co-curricular offerings honor God with the gifts that He has bestowed upon our community as demonstrated through disciple leadership. Student Life fosters a culture of belonging and helps students grow in mind, body, and soul.
Lancaster Catholic High School is deemed fiscally healthy according to national standards for thriving Catholic schools.
Guardians of Our Youth LCHS Wish List
In November, we celebrated Mass surrounded by the warmth of our community, with some beloved former faculty and staff joining us. Their familiar faces brought back cherished memories, making this moment even more special!
Alumni
Crusaders we ask that you pass along your personal and professional accomplishments for us to include in our "Alumni Class Notes" in our "Catholic High-Lights" emails and our Lancaster Catholic Magazines. There is nothing more we love than hearing how you are doing!
Visit
www.lchsyes.org/classnotes/
or scan the QR code to submit yours today!
The Guardian Angel Fund
The Guardian Angel Fund at LCHS provides vital support to our students, families, and staff during times of crisis or hardship. A key focus of the fund is ensuring all students have access to lunch every day. By contributing you directly help combat food insecurity among our students, enabling them to focus on their education and reach their full potential. Our goal each year is to raise $10,000 and our students have been doing a great job running monthly bake sales to generate dollars. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Partner with us to nourish young minds and build a brighter future for our students.
Fund a Student's Lunch for a School Year - $300
If you are interested in donating to The Guardian Angel Fund or would like more information, please contact our school social worker Alex Wiest at awiest@lchsyes.org.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our alumni and friends for their incredible generosity. Your continued support through purchases from our LCHS wish list has a profound impact on our students, teachers, and staff. By providing essential resources, you help us create a more enriching and inspiring learning environment. Take a look at some of the top items on our wish list right now:
Campus Ministry
Retreat Activities - $2,000
Sponsor a Kairos Retreat - $8,000
The Arts
Cricut BrightPad Go (set of 2) - $200
Foreign Language Department
Spanish Classroom Library - $500
Library
Gift cards to Barnes & Noble for new books - Any amount is appreciated!
Math Department
Texas Instruments TI-30XS Multiview Scientific Calculator (Set of 25) - $19.99/piece
Physical Education Department
Polar H10 Transmitters - $90 each
This technology will allow students to monitor their workouts and adjust accordingly to reach their ideal heart range to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Athletics Department
Honda Utility Vehicles (2) - $15,000 each
Science Department
Set of 400ml beakers - $140
Sponsor a bus for a field trip - $500
Field trips provide desirable learning experiences for our biology, anatomy, and environmental science classes.
Independent Science Research Fund - $500
This fund pays for competition fees, transportation, and student supplies for Science Fair competitions.
If you have any questions or would like to assist with donations for any of the wish list items, please contact Mandee Sahd-Havrilla (msahd-havrilla@lchsyes.org) in the Office of Advancement by email or by calling 717-509-0313. Thank you!
To see the complete list:
www.lchsyes.org/wishlist/ or scan the QR code
Pictured left to right: Steve Ihnat, Jackie Cicchetti, Kent Reigner, Grace Strittmatter, Patrick Duffy, Donna Cunningham, Anita Discavage, Don Discavage ‘62, Sue Martin ‘72, and Tom Fertal
Dan Cotchen ‘81 and Patrick Duffy
Upcoming Events
Monday, March 1, 2025 @ Lancaster Catholic High
LCHS is tipping off the 2025 Crusader Craziness! This exciting class competition not only energizes our community but also provides critical support for the Lancaster Catholic Annual Fund, bringing us closer to our fundraising goal.
As NCAA March Madness heats up, we challenge you to create your own legacy by supporting LCHS. Imagine yourself at center court with the crowd roaring—will you seize the moment and make a difference?
GRANDPARENTS DAY
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 @ Lancaster Catholic High
Grandparents Day Returns to LCHS! Mark your calendars and join us for a special celebration at school, starting with Mass. It’s a wonderful opportunity to honor and connect with the grandparents who mean so much to our community. More details will be shared soon!
The year’s focus is on engaging new donors. If you haven’t given to the LC Fund yet this year, you’ll want to be ready to make your donation in March. If you have given, encourage you your fellow alumni to join in on this friendly giving competition.
All Crusaders are invited on Saturday, March 29th Crusader Craziness Celebration from 6-9 PM in Berger Gym!
ATHLETIC HALL OF HONOR
Sunday, March 23, 2025
11:00am - 2:00pm @ Bent Creek
This year we will be honoring
ò Michelle Benko Goff ‘97
ò Gordie Eck ‘00
ò Zach Shedleski ‘04
Brunch Buffet - $35 per person. Please RSVP by March 12th to Lori Wagner at lwagner@lchsyes.org
SPRING MUSICAL
April 3-5, 2025 @ Lancaster Catholic High
Fun fact: The cast is very young, with more than 2/3 of its members being freshmen and sophomores! Visit www.lchsyes.org/matilda/ to purchase tickets!
CAREER DAY
Monday, April 7, 2025
@ Lancaster Catholic High
This day is designed and organized by the class as part of their final project to give fellow students an up-close look at various career paths and connect their learning to the real world. Community members, leaders, and alumni come into the classroom to share insights about their careers and details about the necessary education and training for career success.
If you are interested in holding a session during our Career Day, please contact Mandee Sahd-Havrilla in our Advancement Office at msahd-havrilla@lchsyes.org or 717.509.0313
Saturday, April 26, 2025
@ Lancaster Country Club
This year's Saint John Paul II Excellence in Leadership Award recipients are Reverend Peter I. Hahn ‘74 and Reverend Daniel F.X. Powell. These two individuals are being honored for their service to Lancaster Catholic specifically, Catholic education as a whole. Purchase tickets at: www.lchsyes.org/gala/
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR SUCCESS!
