Posts Tagged "Giving"
Class of 2004 Honors Classmates with Scholarship Donation
September 27, 2024
As the members of the Lake Catholic Class of 2004 began planning their 20-year reunion, not only did they want to plan a party, but also come up with a way to give back to the school they called home for four years.
In the end, in addition to their reunion in August, they collected and made an impactful donation to the Erin (Gaydos) Carlisle Memorial Scholarship in memory of their classmates Erin and Mollie (Stanic) Hoar.
That scholarship was awarded earlier this month, with both the Gaydos and Stanic families on hand, to Lake Catholic senior Max Barnes (St. Mary of the Assumption).
“When the committee came together to decide how we wanted to honor Mollie and Erin with the funds we raised at our reunion, a scholarship was an easy choice, as their friendship left a lasting mark on many lives,” said Pam Schneider, from the Class of 2004 who helped plan the class reunion. “It was a true blessing to use the funds raised at our reunion to support a current student in their memory. This gesture reflects their enduring legacy and the positive impact they had on the lives of those who knew them.”
Erin passed away in 2011 in a boating accident, while Mollie passed away in 2018 after a battle with cancer.
Soon after Erin’s passing, her family began the memorial scholarship in her honor (as well as one at Gannon University, where Erin earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2009).
Her favorite quote on her Facebook page at the time of her passing was, “I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Erin’s mom, Marianne, said at the scholarship presentation reception that Lake Catholic played a key role in instilling this passion in Erin and her family is proud to see current Lake Catholic students follow in her footsteps. It’s in this spirit that part of the criteria for the scholarship remain – a student who has a positive attitude, discreetly shows kindness to others, and goes the extra mile to reach out to others when it might not be the most popular action to take. The student must live as an exemplary young adult consistent in living the Lake Catholic mission statement and core values.
“These are the values that others see in you Max,” Marianne said. “We are proud and honored that you are receiving this scholarship in Erin’s name.”
The Stanic family was gracious of her classmates including her in the donation they made, and reminded everyone of the great life Mollie had, but also the legacy she left behind in her three young daughters.
Mollie’s sister, Becky (Stanic) Cervenka (’05), said that Mollie continued to be a cheerleader in life long after Lake Catholic – that she loved organizing parties, especially one with a good theme, because she was able to gather friends, family, and strangers to celebrate someone or something she loved.
After graduating Mollie continued to strive to embody Lake Catholic’s Core Values, especially a willingness to serve. Becky said Mollie excelled at caring for others, particularly her family.
“She was born to be a mom, she was phenomenal at it,” Becky said. “There was nothing she loved more. She celebrated each of her girls for their unique personalities while fostering strong relationships between them. In the short time she had with them, she ensured their life was filled with love, family, and community. She always said it takes a village to raise a child and she made sure to build one for them before she left. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor her legacy and show her girls how much their mom meant to people than through this scholarship.
“Max we wish you all the luck in the world. Continue to work hard, be compassionate, and serve others, but do it like Mollie did. Make it a party.”
New Lake Catholic President named by Diocese of Cleveland
June 01, 2023
Earlier today, the Diocese of Cleveland named John Morabeto as the next President of Lake Catholic High School.
An accomplished leader and strong proponent of Catholic education, John has extensive experience in institutional advancement, having served as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland for 11 years, securing more than $150 million for endowment growth, facility improvements, and faculty
formation.
A product of the Diocese of Steubenville’s Catholic Central High School, John holds a master's degree in higher education administration from the University of Akron and a bachelor's degree in management and marketing from Kent State University.
John expressed his excitement about the opportunity to serve as the President of Lake Catholic stating, “Education rooted in our Catholic faith has been a lifelong commitment for me as a student, a professional, and as a parent. Its mission and outreach are critical as we look to form the young men and women of the next generation in this challenging world. I have experienced the grace Catholic education has provided my family and I am impassioned to help others experience it as well. I look forward to joining the Lake Catholic community and advancing this important work in Lake County and across the entire greater Cleveland area.”
Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools, Michael Zelenka, shares in the excitement surrounding Mr. Morabeto’s appointment, “The Diocese of Cleveland’s Office for Catholic Education believes that John’s strong Catholic faith, proven track record in advancement efforts, commitment to Catholic education, and leadership acumen signals an incredibly bright future for Lake Catholic.”
Lake Catholic Principal Tom McKrill added: "I am very excited to work with John Morabeto as we look to maximize the opportunities for Lake Catholic. Mark Crowley has done great things for our school. I look forward to continuing his work, and the mission of Lake Catholic, into a bright future with John."
Morabeto replaces Mark Crowley, who announced his retirement early in 2023. Crowley's last day with Lake Catholic will be June 30.
“Mark has provided steadfast leadership to Lake Catholic through an important time in its history by focusing on mission and the unique charisms of the Lake Catholic experience. “Today the school enjoys steady enrollment and growing community support to ensure financial stability and position Lake Catholic for future growth,” Frank O'Linn, Ed.D., Superintendent of Catholic schools said back in January. ”Mark as also assembled a talented team to lead and sustain Lake Catholic for the future."
Now, Morabeto will take over the reins of that team and lead Lake Catholic into a promising future.
Family makes major pledge to Lake Catholic for school’s project-based learning program
January 26, 2023
(The image is just a sample illustration of what the space could look like.)
Lake Catholic High School is pleased to announce a major gift to benefit collaborative learning. The Skalicki family has made the generous pledge that will help fund the school’s innovative project-based learning program.
The Skalicki family has been a supporter of Lake Catholic for many years. This latest donation is a testament to their commitment to the school and its mission of educating students in a collaborative learning environment.
“Lake Catholic is blessed to have many multi-generational families with aunts, uncles and cousins sharing the Lake Catholic experience – The Skalicki Family is no exception with a dozen relatives from three families attending Lake Catholic,” said Lake Catholic President Mark Crowley. “They shine in academics, fine and performing arts, spiritual life, student government and really anything they put their mind to.
“They have also been generous in helping us transform the educational experience with this investment in our Media Center. We expect it to serve as a catalyst throughout the building.”
The project-based learning program at Lake Catholic encourages students to take an active role in their education. Through the use of technology and collaboration, students are able to work together to solve problems and complete projects. This type of learning encourages students to think critically and develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
“This transformational gift will provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for our students and faculty,” said Lake Catholic Principal Tom McKrill. “The Skalicki family has been a strong supporter of Lake Catholic, and their vision aligns very well with the future of Lake Catholic.
“We are taking the time to rethink old norms by examining a broader more individualized perspective on what our students’ success is and how they achieve it. The Media Center project will come with faculty and student development to gain knowledge, acquire practical skills, and develop personally. We are excited for this opportunity the Skalicki family is providing us with, as we enter a new era at Lake Catholic High School. “
The donation will be used to purchase the necessary equipment and materials for the project-based learning program. This includes capital improvements to the space, furniture upgrades and improved technology.
McKrill said he plans on putting together a focus group comprised of faculty, staff, and students, to come up with the best working solutions for the entire media center space. The school will work with Ohio Desk, an office furniture dealership in Cleveland, to reimagine, plan and build the new space.
“Our family’s contributions over the years have always been geared towards strengthening the school’s technological capabilities and improving the opportunities available to both current and prospective students,” said John Skalicki (Lake Catholic Class of 1993), who made the donation along with his brother Robert (’89), sister Barb Schoen (’95) and their parents, Zeljko and Amalija. “We are excited to be considered a catalyst in Lake Catholic’s project-based learning movement and hope our financial commitment inspires others to help fund this initiative for years to come.”
The family’s donation is a major boost to the school’s efforts to provide a top-notch education for its students. By investing in the project-based learning program, Lake Catholic is ensuring that its students are prepared for the future.
“Our faculty are already teaching with Ben Franklin’s adage in mind, ‘TELL ME and I’ll forget; SHOW ME and I may remember; INVOLVE ME and I’ll LEARN’,” Crowley said. “Research has shown that the contemporary furniture we will be purchasing with the Skalicki Family donation engages the students and teachers even more, thereby increasing the student’s learning.
“We are so grateful for their support.”
If you, your family and/or your business are interested donating for future projects, please contact Carla Ronnebaum, our Director of Advancement, either by email or by phone (440.578.1020 ext. 234).
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