Summer break is underway, but there is plenty of ongoing activity as schools get ready to begin another academic year next month.
For two schools in the diocese — Communion of Saints School and Lake Catholic High School — summer brings some big changes.
Communion of Saints School in Cleveland Heights has changed its name to St. Ann School at Communion of Saints Parish. According to Father Anthony Marshall, pastor, and Beth Yakawiak, principal, “This name change reflects our commitment to honoring our rich heritage while securing the future of quality Catholic education for our community.”
Yakawiak assumed the role of principal effective July 1 after serving as religious education director at Communion of Saints Parish. A parishioner, she brings 25 years of experience to her new role.
They explained that the name St. Ann has a special place in the hearts of many parishioners and the broader community. St. Ann, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus’ grandmother, symbolizes the nurturing and foundational role of family and education in our faith. “By adopting this name, we pay tribute to the legacy of St. Ann and the generations of families who have been part of our school community,” they said.
Father Marshall and Yakawiak said Communion of Saints School has been a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth for decades. “Our dedicated faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially,” they said. “The renaming to St. Ann School at Communion of Saints Parish reaffirms our commitment to these core values and our mission to educate the whole child.” The school educates children in preschool through eighth grade.
Looking forward, they said the name change represents their dedication to continuing the tradition of providing high-quality Catholic education. “St. Ann School at Communion of Saints Parish will continue to offer a rigorous academic curriculum, rooted in Catholic values, that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. We are excited to build on our strong foundation and to welcome new generations of students and families into our community.”
A special Mass and dedication ceremony will take place in the fall at Communion of Saints Parish-St. Ann Church.
Father Marshall said Communion of Saints Parish is a vibrant Catholic community located in the cities of Cleveland Heights (St. Ann Campus) and East Cleveland (St. Philomena Campus). “We are dedicated to living out our faith through vibrant worship, authentic evangelization, and compassionate service,” he added.
For more information about St. Ann School, contact Yakawiak at 216-932-4177.
Meanwhile, officials at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor announced a refresh of the school’s brand identity after an 18-month planning and collaboration process.
The new look includes updated academic and athletic logos, a refined school seal and a modern, unified visual language that reflects the school’s values, heritage and continued commitment to growth. At the heart of the rebrand is a desire to ensure that the school’s visual identity matches the strength of its mission, its people, and its future.
“This is more than just a new logo,” said President John Morabeto. “It’s a commitment to clarity, consistency and connection. We’ve created a bold, cohesive identity that allows every department, team, and program to speak with one unified voice while still honoring the core of who we’ve always been.”
The new branding launched on July 1 across campus, communications and digital platforms.
The updated school seal preserves the original symbolism crafted in 1971 by Sister Diane Pinchot, OSU (formerly Sister Fidelis), a founding member of the faculty and the seal’s original designer.
“Changes are sometimes challenging to a community,” she said. “But they’re also a sign that the community is alive and growing. What I see in this renewed seal is the same meaningful symbolism — preserved, modernized and ready to carry Lake Catholic forward.”
Each element of the seal continues to represent a key part of Lake Catholic’s spiritual and educational mission:
- The sun depicts the human interaction with God in the Paschal Mystery.
- The torch symbolizes the ongoing search for truth.
- The olive branch reflects the school’s pursuit of peace.
- The cross and waves are drawn from the insignia of the bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, a reminder of the school’s diocesan roots.
- The cross remains a symbol of salvation in Christ.
- The interlocking rings, now featured as a standalone element of the rebrand, represent a deep partnership of life and love in the Lord.
Also included in the rebrand are new academic and athletic marks, a refined color palette and brand guidelines that bring consistency across signage, uniforms, digital platforms, and print materials.
“As an alum and a coach, seeing a brand that’s fresh but still familiar is exciting,” said Tess Connolly Alcantara, class of 2016, who is the assistant director of athletics and head volleyball coach. “It feels true to who we are —and who we’re becoming.”
The rebrand is one of the early initiatives connected to Lake Catholic’s recently launched Strategic Plan, which called for the development of a clear and compelling brand strategy as part of the advancement domain.
“This rebrand is a first step in our broader vision for Lake Catholic,” said Morabeto. “It symbolizes a school that is rooted in faith, tradition, and excellence — while ready to meet the moment and move boldly into the future.”
Lake Catholic, founded in 1970, serves students in grades 9-12.