November 7, 2025 | Issue #57

 
 

Alumni Spotlight

 
 


Jeff Prescott '98


At Elyria Catholic High School, our alumni carry forward not only the lessons learned in the classroom, but the values of faith, compassion, and connection that define the EC experience. Dr. Jeffrey Prescott from the class of 1998 embodies these qualities in both his professional life and personal journey.


Read more...


Yadier Perez '25 Earns Scholarships at

Baldwin Wallace University


Yadier Perez '25 of Lorain was among 733 students who earned named scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. Yadi is majoring in business administration and earned the George & Fran Boyer Scholarship. He was also one of over 500 first-year students who earned a $16,000 Fellows' Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievements in high school.


Yadi is continuing to enjoy his love of football as a member of the Baldwin Wallace football program. Congratulations, Yadi!

Please send your own Panthers in the News updates to Garen Distelhorst, distelhorst@elyriacatholic.com.

Elyria Catholic Hosts First-Ever Grand Homecoming Reunion


Last month, Elyria Catholic welcomed back Panthers from 52 of our 75 graduating classes for our first-ever Grand Alumni Reunion at the corner of Poplar and Gulf. Hundreds of alumni returned to reconnect, reminisce, and cheer on the team at the Homecoming football game.


We’re thrilled to announce that this will become an annual tradition! Stay tuned for the official date of our 2026 Grand Homecoming Reunion—to be announced once the 2026 football schedule is finalized. Click the Gallery button above to see highlights from this memorable event!

For more information, please contact Rachel Toth, Director of Strategic Operation & Events, at toth@elyriacatholic.com.

 

Coming Events

Discover the untold story of courage and justice in Radium Girls—a gripping drama inspired by true events.


Set in the 1920s, this powerful play follows Grace Fryer, a young dial painter who takes on the U.S. Radium Corporation after she and her coworkers begin falling mysteriously ill from the very substance they worked with every day. As public admiration for radium soars, Grace’s health declines—and her determination grows. Battling not only a powerful company but also the fears of her own community, Grace’s fight shines a light on the cost of silence and the power of one voice to spark change. Radium Girls is a haunting, timely, and deeply human story of resilience in the face of injustice. Purchase tickets at elyriacatholic.com/tickets to reserve your seat(s) today!

 

Philanthropy & Engagement

 

Elyria Catholic’s Annual $10,000 Cash Raffle is Underway!



Here’s your chance to win $10,000 while supporting the Panther Fund, which fuels so many of the programs, people, and projects that make EC thrive.


Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased at elyriacatholic.com/cashraffle. We’ll draw the winning ticket on Friday, December 19, 2025—just in time for a joyful Christmas surprise!


Not in Ohio, but still want to get in the game? Contact Becky Essenmacher, Cash Raffle Administrator, at (440) 230-8619, and she’ll be happy to purchase your ticket on your behalf.


Get your ticket today—and good luck, Panther Nation!

ALUMNI, ARE YOU IN?


The Panther Fund Alumni Challenge is on! Make a gift, rally your class, and compete for a spot on the Panther Fund Champion banner in the Coliseum. The class with the highest participation by June 30 wins!


Check out the top 3 classes and see where your class stands.

1st Class of 1965:10%

2nd Class of 1952: 9%

3rd Class of 1975: 8%


Support today’s Panthers. Cement your legacy. Join the challenge: elyriacatholic.com/give

 

Join the Circle of Grace

Be a Woman for Excellence


Women for Excellence supports Elyria Catholic High School by fostering women’s philanthropy through faith-filled programming, social and educational engagement, and collective giving.


Together, we make a lasting impact on future generations of EC students. Join the Circle of Grace and be part of a powerful community of women making a difference.



To learn more about joining Women for Excellence, visit link or contact Melissa Byrdy, Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations byrdy@elyriacatholic.com.




Panther Pride with a Purpose!


Get ready to ROAR for Elyria Catholic this Giving Tuesday! 


Our 2025 campaign is focused on enhancing campus security — ensuring our students, staff, and visitors have a safe environment to learn, worship, and serve together.


Early Giving begins November 22 — your support powers our mission and transforms lives.

Class Reunions

Elyria Catholic Class of 1966 - 60th Reunion!


The Class of 1966 is planning a 60th Reunion, and we need your help to reconnect with all our classmates! The Reunion Committee is gathering contact information, and we want to make sure Elyria Catholic has your updated details.


Please click the Alumni Update Form button above or [HERE] to update your information. Help spread the word! If you know classmates who aren’t receiving communications from EC, please share this message with them. Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Future Panthers

Calling All Future Panthers!


“It’s Always a Great Day to Be a Panther!”

Join the Fun:

  • Future Panther Club – Open to children in PreK through 6th grade, this brand-new club is packed with exciting activities, Panther spirit, and special opportunities throughout the year!
  • Annual Football Cheer Clinic – A fan-favorite event where young cheerleaders can learn from the best and show off their Panther pride!

Don’t Miss Out!

Sign up today and be part of the fun, the spirit, and the Panther tradition! Check out all of the info below.

In Loving Memory

 
 

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