March 31, 2025 | Issue #53

Alumni Spotlight

Jayson Graham '08

After spending four years in the halls and on the field at Elyria Catholic, Jayson Graham took the tools he learned and the relationships he built with him beyond the corner of Poplar and Gulf.

He credits the culture at Elyria Catholic as one of the things he remembers most about his time as a student. “The students, coaches, teachers, and staff all shared a strong sense of pride and belonging. Looking back, it’s clear how much accountability was embraced by everyone at EC. It was a culture of continuous improvement from the top down, fostering lifelong relationships. To this day, many of my closest friends are people I met through EC.” Read more:

Coming Events

Three Performances Remaining this Lenten Season

This Lenten season, experience the Living Stations of the Cross with the Elyria Catholic students. All performances begin at 7 p.m.

Elyria Catholic is off to the races!

You won’t want to miss the Night at the Races: Run for the Roses event coming to the Coliseum this spring! Join us Friday, May 2 for an evening of horse races, dinner, drinks, silent auction, alumni awards, and more!

Horse naming opportunities are now available as well! Come up with your most clever name to be featured in one of our many horse races that evening! To RSVP by April 1, visit elyriacatholic.com/natr

Can’t attend but still want to contribute? Check out our Amazon wishlist to donate to our silent auction! For sponsorship opportunities or to donate to our silent auction, contact Landyn Sito ’13 at sito@elyriacatholic.com

Explore EC this Spring

We welcome interested 7th graders and their families to explore EC this spring. Learn more about our Spring Open House on May 1, 7th Grade Experience Days, and the Practice High School Placement Test (HSPT) by scanning the QR code above or visiting elyriacatholic.com/explore-ec. Please share this information with family and friends. #LoyaltyThatNeverDies

Philanthropy & Engagement

Would you Rather Support EC Students or Pay Ohio Taxes?

This question may sound preposterous, but it is not. The State of Ohio literally allows you to

direct your Ohio tax liability (up to $750 for an individual or $1500 for a couple) to EC in support of tuition assistance for our students.

Here’s how the program works:

Step 1 – estimate your State of Ohio tax liability (Form 1040 IT, Line 8c) to ensure your liability reaches the thresholds mentioned above.
Step 2 – donate to the Angel Scholarship Fund and select Elyria Catholic as the beneficiary. Click here: https://www.catholiccommunity.org/give/catholic-education/angel-scholarship-fund
Step 3 – Complete your State of Ohio income tax return. Include your receipt and claim the tax credit. What ever you contributed to the Angel Scholarship Fund (up to $750 for an individual or $1500 for a couple) will be removed from your tax liability

This is money you are already going to spend. By contributing, you can direct your tax dollars to benefit Elyria Catholic rather than simply paying your full tax liability to the State of Ohio. Choose to support EC today!

Click to Submit

Alumni News

Calling all Panthers!

This fall, all alumni are invited to our first ever Grand Homecoming Reunion on Friday, October 10, 2025. Join us in the Alumni tent prior to kickoff of the Homecoming football game v. Holy Name. Your ticket to the event includes your ticket to the game.

Admission for reunion years (ending in 0 or 5) $10
All other class years $20

Registration opens later this spring!

Interested in planning a class reunion but not sure where to start?

We are happy to help! And what better time to plan than our Grand Homecoming Reunion! Rally your classmates to gather in the Alumni tent Friday, and continue the fun Saturday evening with plans of your choice!

Contact Alumni Engagement & Event Coordinator Landyn Sito ’13 at sito@elyriacatholic.com to get started.

EC Alumni Share in March Madness

Friends from the Class of 1994 met at BW3 in North Olmsted to watch opening night of March Madness. Todd Fritz, Joe Frey, Mike Essenmacher, Dean Macur, Matt Kubach

Panther Prowlings

Panthers near and far, what’s new with you? We want to know! Update the EC community and the latest in your world- from promotions, to weddings, baby announcements, and retirement, we want to hear it all! Panther Prowlings will be featured in the upcoming edition of the Panther Prowl. Submit your updates HERE and email photos to annie.cunningham@elyriacatholic.com

In Loving Memory