The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
STUDENTS PAINT ROCK IN HONOR
Recent graduate Jakob Hwang, 17, died June 11 from cancer
Elyria Catholic High School students organized an event to paint the school’s spirit rock in honor of former Elyria Catholic student Jakob Hwang, 17, who died June 11 from cancer.
On June 12, current and former students, along with Elyria Catholic faculty, came together to remember Jakob, who recently graduated from the school.
“The rock was originally going to be painted to show Jakob the students were thinking of him, but sadly, plans had to change due to the sad news,” said Sara Lanzola, the school’s minister. “The students got behind Jakob throughout his year and a half battle.
“And today, the event serves as a way for everyone to come together during this tough time.”
Megan Jancsura, 16, a junior at Elyria Catholic, was one of two girls who organized the painting.
“Keileigh Hayes and I both heard about Jakob’s situation and knew we had to do something,” Megan said. “We were both deeply saddened by the news and decided the rock was a good place to show him we were thinking of him.
“We quickly organized
"The students got behind Jakob throughout his year and a half battle."
— Sara Lanzola, minister at Elyria Catholic High School
the event today when the news of his passing dropped yesterday.”
Amy Butler, president of Elyria Catholic High School, said Jakob’s family has their best wishes.
“The school was a second home for Jakob, and we are going to miss him,” Butler said. “Later, we are having a funeral mass in the gymnasium, the Coliseum.
“That was one of Jakob’s wishes and we are more than happy to honor that.”
Megan said the rock is painted lime green in honor of Jakob, who had non Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“We will also be painting ‘#hwangstrong’ which was a hashtag we’ve been using on social media to show support,” she said. “We will also include the day he was born, Sept. 11, 2000, and the day he passed, June 11, 2018.
“I’m thankful for the turnout today. The last day of school was June 1, so it is great to see everyone coming back for Jakob. We know he is here with us in spirit.”
Alex Steindl, 17, a senior at Elyria Catholic and former soccer teammate of Jakob’s, said he was glad they could do this.
“It’s good the team can get together for Jakob,” Alex said. “He was a great person to be around, and we are all going to miss him.”