At Lakewood Catholic Academy, our cherished traditions aim to connect students, parents, grandparents, and alumni alike. These annual events give our LCA families things to look forward to each year, and most importantly, create bonds between all age groups on campus. In this piece, we’ll highlight some of our favorites, and also draw clear connections back to LCA’s Mission & Vision. These events aren’t only super fun and joyful, but serve a deeper purpose in alignment with our mission as a Catholic community.
Why are traditions important?
Traditions and special events are a big factor in what sets LCA apart. Above all, annual celebrations help create a sense of belonging and continuity. Year after year, families gather to celebrate, laugh, and reflect on our shared values, crafting experiences that sparkle like confetti in our collective memories. As families dive into these events, they build strong ties not just to the school, but to one another.
LCA’s Traditions and Our Mission
- 🍂 Fall Festival: This lively outdoor bash, orchestrated by the Saints Service Organization, kicks off autumn with a bang! Families can revel in hayrides, sip cider, and play games galore. For parents who enjoy party planning and can’t get enough pumpkin spiced everything, Fall Fest is a fantastic way to get involved on campus. We take great pride in the ways we collaborate with our families to build a holistic educational environment, and this event really is a team effort.
- 👵👴 Grandparents’ Day: Every year, our K-4 students roll out the red carpet for their grandparents, inviting them to a day filled with joy and fun activities. This celebration not only honors family, but also reminds us that every child is a unique gift, deserving of unconditional love and respect.
- 🏫 Classroom Transformations: Twice a year, our classrooms get a makeover fit for an HGTV transformation show! Teachers turn their rooms into enchanting environments, captivating students’ imaginations and supporting their emotional and creative growth. It all feeds back to our core values as a school, where creativity shines bright!
- 🌟 Best Day of School Ever: Seventh graders get a VIP pass to adventure each year… just last month, they visited Browns Stadium to learn outside the box. Their day included an awesome session with magician and Guinness World Record holder, Rick Smith, Jr.
- 🏃♂️ Amazing Race: While the seventh graders enjoy their best day of school ever, eighth graders embark on an urban scavenger hunt around downtown Cleveland. This thrilling adventure boosts their confidence and helps them feel right at home in a city environment, preparing them to be global citizens who are ready to explore the world!
- 🤝 Great Lake Shake: This fierce but friendly competition allows students to polish their communication and business skills. With a strong handshake and a dash of charm, they become principled individuals ready to make waves in the ever-changing world of business!
- 🧳 Student Travel: We continue to add new travel opportunities each and every year, but our longest-running staple is our eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. It’s a whirlwind of history and adventure. Students learn about our country’s past firsthand, turning the journey into an unforgettable lesson that aligns perfectly with our mission to educate future leaders.
As we celebrate these lively traditions at LCA, we realize they are more than just events — they’re the heartbeat which unites our community. They connect all of us, regardless of age, through love, laughter, and collaborative leadership. Together, let’s keep our spirits burning bright and committed to making every moment count… not just from day to day, but year after year.
