Catholic school to host 70th Anniversary Ball

Elyria Catholic High School is celebrating 70 years of Catholic education in Lorain County on April 6 with its 70th anniversary Ball and 2019 Forward Gala. The evening features Cleveland Diocese Bishop Nelson Perez as the keynote speaker and will honor distinguished alumni Mikayla Molnar, a 2013 Elyria Catholic High graduate, and Mary Pronesti Siwierka, a 1974 graduate. Also honored are generous benefactors Judith Glenn, a 1984 graduate, and Matthew St. Marie, a 1983 graduate. Alumni will enjoy a walk down memory lane with a display of alumni photos and school artifacts showcasing 70 years of excellence, compassion, faith, tradition and community, according to a news release from the school. The walk will finish with a tour of the school’s new Maker Space where students will help attendees fly drones and drive the school’s first Robotics robot. Elyria Catholic alum and 2010 graduate Spencer Roule will serve as the auctioneer. The event includes a live and silent auction, unique raffles, cocktails and appetizers, a delicious sit down dinner catered by AVI Executive Catering and served by Elyria Catholic students, the release said. The evening will conclude with dancing to favorite hits from the last 70 years courtesy of Steve Kemer, DJaybird Entertainment. Presented by Elyria Plastic Products, Hileman Group and other sponsors such as Old Republic Title, Luxury Heating, Party Place, CommStar and the Elyria Catholic High School Class of 1957, the groups are helping to make the event a success, the release said. The live and silent auction provides some of the needed funds to support Elyria Catholic students, the release said. The committee is seeking donations of special experiences, tickets to sporting events, gift certificates to local restaurants, health and beauty products and services, home services or products, new electronics, vacation rentals and airline miles, the release said. The silent auction will open one week prior to the event and is available to the community utilizing a GiveSmart online bidding application. Auction items are due by March 1. Contact Michelle Hoffman, director of Advancement, at hoffman@elyriacatholic.com or 440-2308618 to arrange a pickup of your donation. The 70th anniversary Ball committee is trying to locate artifacts and mementos from alumni of different decades to display on their walk down memory lane. Contact Kelsie Stites, director of Alumni Relations, at stites@elyriacatholic.com or 440-230-8619 if you have something the committee could borrow to display at the event. All are invited to attend this special community celebration. Tickets are $75 per person and available at www.elyriacatholic.com/2019forwardgala. All proceeds will directly benefit the students and athletes of Elyria Catholic High School.