Elyria Catholic High School and the Alumni Office are proud to announce the selection of six recipients of the new Distinguished Alumni Awards and Our Lady of Grace Benefactor Award. Elyria Catholic High School, established in 1948, remains steeped in its pillars of Excellence, Compassion, Faith, Tradition, and Community. We would like to recognize the members of our Elyria Catholic family and community who remain strong and steadfast examples of Elyria Catholic High School’s character and those who have wholeheartedly contributed to the school’s success.
On April 21, 2018, at our 2018 Forward Gala, A Night Under the Lights, Elyria Catholic High School will honor some of our graduates and community members with these awards. The event will be held in our Coliseum. Tickets are $75 and includes tours of the updates to the school, as well as a program to honor the award winners, a live and silent auction with online bidding, his & hers raffles, an open bar, a sit-down dinner, and dancing. This event is open to the public; reservations can be made by calling Michelle Hoffman, Director of Advancement, at 440-230-8618.
Those selected for this year’s awards are:
On April 21, 2018, at our 2018 Forward Gala, A Night Under the Lights, Elyria Catholic High School will honor some of our graduates and community members with these awards. The event will be held in our Coliseum. Tickets are $75 and includes tours of the updates to the school, as well as a program to honor the award winners, a live and silent auction with online bidding, his & hers raffles, an open bar, a sit-down dinner, and dancing. This event is open to the public; reservations can be made by calling Michelle Hoffman, Director of Advancement, at 440-230-8618.
Those selected for this year’s awards are:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Christopher Burton '02
Christopher Burton is a 2002 graduate of Elyria Catholic High School. Upon graduation he attended Miami University where he received a B.S. in
Business and later an MBA. Christopher has many professional achievements. As the Global Director of Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications at
RIDGID®, he collaborates with global stakeholders
to improve the brand’s identity and positioning in all
world markets. This role not only benefits the brand, but also the 1,500 employees, all from RIDGID’s
world HQ here in Elyria. Recently these efforts were recognized nationally when Christopher and his team received the advertising industry’s prestigious Silver ADDY Award, which recognized the company’s creative thinking on one of RIDGID’s most high-profile communications vehicles.
Christopher’s dedication to the people and places he cares about runs deeply. He was instrumental in helping Elyria Catholic with our rebranding effort,
using his extensive experience in marketing to give back to the school community in ways that will help
set Elyria Catholic apart from other schools.
Business and later an MBA. Christopher has many professional achievements. As the Global Director of Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications at
RIDGID®, he collaborates with global stakeholders
to improve the brand’s identity and positioning in all
world markets. This role not only benefits the brand, but also the 1,500 employees, all from RIDGID’s
world HQ here in Elyria. Recently these efforts were recognized nationally when Christopher and his team received the advertising industry’s prestigious Silver ADDY Award, which recognized the company’s creative thinking on one of RIDGID’s most high-profile communications vehicles.
Christopher’s dedication to the people and places he cares about runs deeply. He was instrumental in helping Elyria Catholic with our rebranding effort,
using his extensive experience in marketing to give back to the school community in ways that will help
set Elyria Catholic apart from other schools.
Father Neil O'Connor '59
Father Neil O’Connor is a 1959 graduate of Elyria Catholic. In his many years of service to the Church and the Diocese of Cleveland, he served as the
former principal of Cleveland Central Catholic High School, and most recently he retired from St. Columbkille Parish in Parma.
At Cleveland Central Catholic, Father O’Connor was
a role model for all students. He worked tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure that any young person in the inner city who wanted a Catholic education could receive one. He represents the true EC pillars of excellence, compassion, faith, tradition, and community. Father O’Connor has been a true inspiration to the teachers, the young people he has led, and the parishioners he has guided to faith.
former principal of Cleveland Central Catholic High School, and most recently he retired from St. Columbkille Parish in Parma.
At Cleveland Central Catholic, Father O’Connor was
a role model for all students. He worked tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure that any young person in the inner city who wanted a Catholic education could receive one. He represents the true EC pillars of excellence, compassion, faith, tradition, and community. Father O’Connor has been a true inspiration to the teachers, the young people he has led, and the parishioners he has guided to faith.
Young Alumni Award
Margaret (Meggie) Griffin ’15
Meggie Griffin graduated from Elyria Catholic in
2015. She placed fourth in her class and was a
National Merit Commended Scholar. She is the daughter of two EC alumni, Michael and Vickie
Peloquin Griffin. In addition to her parents and
sister, nineteen of her relatives have or are currently
attending Elyria Catholic High School.
Meggie is a junior at Fordham University in New York where she is studying psychology and
anthropology; she plans on working with children in vulnerable situations after she graduates. She
has made the Dean’s List at Fordham and is on track to graduate Magna Cum Laude. At Fordham
she is involved with Urban Plunge, and she has worked with “Bronx is Blooming” to clean up and
refurbish some of the parks in the Bronx. For the past three years, she has also volunteered at the
Murray Weigel Nursing Home for retired Jesuits, providing music therapy for Alzheimer’s patients.
Recently, she became a member of Project Sunshine. This program allows students to visit and play
with children in local hospitals. During her relief trip to Ghana last summer, her GO Team worked
with PaceGhana. They participated in a cultural exchange, lived in a village called WoraWora
(pronounced RaRa) and worked to clean up the local hospital's children and maternity wards, as well
as completely repainting them. Meggie is currently doing a semester abroad in Galway, Ireland.
2015. She placed fourth in her class and was a
National Merit Commended Scholar. She is the daughter of two EC alumni, Michael and Vickie
Peloquin Griffin. In addition to her parents and
sister, nineteen of her relatives have or are currently
attending Elyria Catholic High School.
Meggie is a junior at Fordham University in New York where she is studying psychology and
anthropology; she plans on working with children in vulnerable situations after she graduates. She
has made the Dean’s List at Fordham and is on track to graduate Magna Cum Laude. At Fordham
she is involved with Urban Plunge, and she has worked with “Bronx is Blooming” to clean up and
refurbish some of the parks in the Bronx. For the past three years, she has also volunteered at the
Murray Weigel Nursing Home for retired Jesuits, providing music therapy for Alzheimer’s patients.
Recently, she became a member of Project Sunshine. This program allows students to visit and play
with children in local hospitals. During her relief trip to Ghana last summer, her GO Team worked
with PaceGhana. They participated in a cultural exchange, lived in a village called WoraWora
(pronounced RaRa) and worked to clean up the local hospital's children and maternity wards, as well
as completely repainting them. Meggie is currently doing a semester abroad in Galway, Ireland.
Ryan Ksenich ’12
Ryan Ksenich is a member of the Elyria Catholic
Class of 2012. His education at Holy Trinity School
in Avon prepared him for success at Elyria Catholic High School. He was Elyria Catholic’s 2012 Valedictorian and a National Merit Finalist. At EC, he shared his faith, time, and talents among many
student organizations and athletic teams.
Ryan’s academic record enabled him to consider multiple, competitive scholarship offers from
universities. His strong faith drew him to
Franciscan University of Steubenville. After
graduation,Ryan attended Oxford University in England to study Computer Science and
Mathematics, while pursuing an MBA in Film Production at John Paul the Great University, and a programming position with Google. He chose to combine his faith and creative abilities by taking a position as a Production Assistant at Eternal World Television Network in Birmingham, Alabama. There,
he participates in nearly every behind the scenes capacity, traveling the US from coast to coast,
producing television content that continues to help spread the Good News.
Class of 2012. His education at Holy Trinity School
in Avon prepared him for success at Elyria Catholic High School. He was Elyria Catholic’s 2012 Valedictorian and a National Merit Finalist. At EC, he shared his faith, time, and talents among many
student organizations and athletic teams.
Ryan’s academic record enabled him to consider multiple, competitive scholarship offers from
universities. His strong faith drew him to
Franciscan University of Steubenville. After
graduation,Ryan attended Oxford University in England to study Computer Science and
Mathematics, while pursuing an MBA in Film Production at John Paul the Great University, and a programming position with Google. He chose to combine his faith and creative abilities by taking a position as a Production Assistant at Eternal World Television Network in Birmingham, Alabama. There,
he participates in nearly every behind the scenes capacity, traveling the US from coast to coast,
producing television content that continues to help spread the Good News.
Our Lady of Grace Benefactor Award
Lorne Elbert
Lorne is receiving this award posthumously. Lorne gave graciously of his time, talents and treasures
to Elyria Catholic. He made sure his children went through EC and encouraged his grandchildren to
do the same. He was instrumental in procuring funds for new lighting on the Elyria Catholic Knights of Columbus field as well as the EC’s Pot-of-Gold event. He was a true believer in the potential of the Elyria Catholic community. Lorne was a humble person who never really wanted any glory, but continued to work tirelessly to ensure a successful EC event. He worked diligently for everything he had, but was not afraid to give it away to people in need. He was a constant reminder that good people meant something, whether they had money in their pocket or not.
Lorne Elbert is a well-known name in the Elyria Catholic community. His commitment to EC’s missions and values serve as an example to anyone who sets foot in the school. EC is forever grateful to have had such an outstanding partner within our school family. He will always remain an honored member of Elyria Catholic.
to Elyria Catholic. He made sure his children went through EC and encouraged his grandchildren to
do the same. He was instrumental in procuring funds for new lighting on the Elyria Catholic Knights of Columbus field as well as the EC’s Pot-of-Gold event. He was a true believer in the potential of the Elyria Catholic community. Lorne was a humble person who never really wanted any glory, but continued to work tirelessly to ensure a successful EC event. He worked diligently for everything he had, but was not afraid to give it away to people in need. He was a constant reminder that good people meant something, whether they had money in their pocket or not.
Lorne Elbert is a well-known name in the Elyria Catholic community. His commitment to EC’s missions and values serve as an example to anyone who sets foot in the school. EC is forever grateful to have had such an outstanding partner within our school family. He will always remain an honored member of Elyria Catholic.
Fred Pond
Fred Pond is a very passionate man who commits himself to noble causes here in his hometown of Elyria. His passion for education, STEM and Catholic education in Lorain County is evident in his support of local schools, especially Elyria Catholic High School. Oftentimes calling ECHS the “gem of Lorain County,” he has provided much support in terms of guidance, scholarships, and donations. With his guidance and the generosity of Ridge Tool and Emerson, Elyria Catholic had one of the first full-campus Chromebook programs in the area. More recently, the school has repurposed facilities such as a broadcasting studio
and renovated the restrooms. Soon, a “Creator
Space” will provide students with a hands-on opportunity for experiential learning. When asked, he graciously supports scholarship funding activities and welcomes students and faculty to the RIDGID campus for tours and training.
Fred’s passion for Elyria Catholic spans this entire category and provides an example for others looking
to support Catholic education in Lorain Country. Fred has an active history with local schools and colleges, serving in leadership positions with funding initiatives. Fred holds a BS degree from Phillips University, and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College. He served in the United States Coast Guard. Fred was a long term member of the Business Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank. He was on the Board of EMH Regional Healthcare Systems, and was the former United Way Campaign Chair, including a stint as Vice-Chairman of the Lorain County United Way Board. His support for education, and particularly STEM, has provided local schools to have continued success in areas of technology and enrollment.
and renovated the restrooms. Soon, a “Creator
Space” will provide students with a hands-on opportunity for experiential learning. When asked, he graciously supports scholarship funding activities and welcomes students and faculty to the RIDGID campus for tours and training.
Fred’s passion for Elyria Catholic spans this entire category and provides an example for others looking
to support Catholic education in Lorain Country. Fred has an active history with local schools and colleges, serving in leadership positions with funding initiatives. Fred holds a BS degree from Phillips University, and an MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College. He served in the United States Coast Guard. Fred was a long term member of the Business Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank. He was on the Board of EMH Regional Healthcare Systems, and was the former United Way Campaign Chair, including a stint as Vice-Chairman of the Lorain County United Way Board. His support for education, and particularly STEM, has provided local schools to have continued success in areas of technology and enrollment.