On Feb. 2, a week’s worth of activities and celebrations that focused on the joy and benefits of faith-based education wrapped up across Northeast Ohio as Catholic Schools Week 2020 came to an end.
The week serves as a time for the entire Catholic community to embrace the commitment of Catholic school students, staff, alumni and families to parish school and high school education. Each day showcases how Catholic schools ground entire communities in faith and are committed to academic excellence while building values and student character.
“As parents, we are constantly thinking of how to raise faithful, spirit-filled children,” said Frank O’Linn, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Cleveland, and the father of four.
“Families are making decisions each day in the light of encountering Christ. This week is designed to be hyper-focused – a nationwide effort – to celebrate with grateful hearts all the elements that make our schools a wonderful place for students in kindergarten to seniors in high school and beyond,” O’Linn said.
Lakewood Catholic Academy is one example of embracing the mission of providing youth to teens an all-encompassing Christ-centered environment. As Catholic Schools Week concluded, LCA partnered with St. Edward and Magnificat high schools for what they called “a big finish.”
“We are blessed to have relationships with incredible Catholic high schools like St. Edward and Magnificat. These schools allowed their talented students to perform for our little saints,” said Brian Sinchak, LCA president. “The nationally recognized dance program at Magnificat and the one-of-a-kind Trash Talkers (drummers) from St. Edward High School put on an energizing performance that helped us to conclude a spirit-filled Catholic Schools Week,” he added.
Abby, an LCA eighth-grader, said after the performance that she appreciated seeing the performers and was anticipating high school next year.
“I am able to appreciate and look forward to the opportunities that will be available to me in high school. I believe it is important that high school students collaborate with Catholic elementary schools, as it provides an opportunity for older students to showcase their talent and for younger students to enjoy and be inspired by it. I really enjoyed seeing the Trash Talkers and the Magnificat Dance Team perform, and hope that I am able to showcase my talent as they have when I am in high school,” she said.
Joey, an LCA student whose father is on the staff at St. Edward, reflected on feeling to connected to both schools as he has grown. “They are two welcoming, motivated and faith-filled communities that pursue excellence day in and day out,” said Joey. “The two tightly knit schools are blessed with phenomenal students and leadership. The St. Edward Trash Talkers and the Magnificat Dance Team came to LCA today and put on tremendous performances. They brought their talents, energy and smiles to Lakewood Catholic Academy, which enlightened my classmates and me.”
