What's Happening in Cougar Country

It took a few days, but the Torch of Loyalty was finally passed on burning through all the snow dumped on Northeast Ohio last week.

Lake Catholic was all set to present the Torch of Loyalty Award at its President’s Circle event last week, but the event ended up being postponed (and eventually canceled) because of the severe winter weather that passed through the area. 

Not to be denied, President John Morabeto presented the award on Monday, December 9, to the Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve at its Christmas Luncheon.

“My first interaction with the Christ Child Society came a few weeks after I was hired a year and a half ago as President of Lake Catholic when I had the pleasure of meeting Elaine (Cordiano), Mary (Blankschaen), and later Annie (Johnson),” Morabeto said. “They shared the mission of your organization and the passion of its membership. It was evident from that very first meeting that Lake Catholic was in good hands with partners like the Christ Child Society.

“The partnership between Lake Catholic and Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve began in 1995 and since that time, more than $200,000 in scholarship funding has been provided to Lake Catholic students. Let that sink in… $200,000!

“It is because of each of you and the good work of your organization that we are pleased to share the Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve as the 2024 Torch of Loyalty recipient.”

Since 1983, the Christ Child Society of the Western Reserve has worked to meet the growing needs of children in Lake County. It works directly with many social service agencies, healthcare facilities, and schools to identify under-resourced, in crisis, and at-risk children who would benefit from our services.

Lake Catholic senior Megan Joy, who along with her twin brother, Luke, has been Christ Child of the Western Reserve scholarship awardees each of their four years, was on hand to thank the group as well.

“I am incredibly grateful to be one of the recipients of the Christ Child Society Scholarship,” Megan said. “This scholarship has been a blessing to both me and my family, helping to ease the financial burden so I can focus on my classes and activities, like theater and lacrosse. The opportunity to be a part of this amazing community has been life-changing, and it motivates me to give my best both in the classroom and beyond. I am deeply thankful to the Christ Child Society for believing in me and my future.”

The Torch of Loyalty Award, which is the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed upon an individual, family, or organization, is a celebration of those who exemplify the core values of the school—commitment to excellence, compassion, integrity, and service—through their dedicated and selfless efforts. Recipients of the Torch of Loyalty Award are those who have gone above and beyond to support the school’s mission, ensuring the success and continued growth of Lake Catholic for generations to come. Whether through philanthropic initiatives, long-term commitment to our mission, or significant contributions to the betterment of the school community, these honorees make a lasting impact. 

The award was accepted by Christ Child of the Western Reserve President Bobbie McArthur. 

Last year, just before his retirement, the school honored Fr. Marty Polito, for his 20 years of ministry at Lake Catholic with the inaugural award.

The Torch of Loyalty award highlights not only the importance of loyalty and generosity but also the profound influence that committed individuals or organizations can have on shaping the future of education and the community. By recognizing these exemplary contributions, the Torch of Loyalty Award encourages others to follow in their footsteps, cultivating a culture of giving, unity, and support within the Lake Catholic family.