BOLDLY The Campaign for Elyria Catholic CAMPAIGN CHRONICLES
VOL. 1, NO. 2
JAN 15, 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
“Our students are ready for collaborative, real-world learning— our spaces must be ready too.”
Dear Elyria Catholic Community,
Last month, we celebrated the launch of Boldly EC — a moment rooted in gratitude, faith, and hope for the future of Elyria Catholic.
This month, I want to share why one part of this campaign—the Center for Leadership & Innovation—has become so essential.
On any given day, you might walk our halls and see students gathered in small groups in the hallways just outside their classrooms, laptops open, deep in conversation. They aren’t disengaged or out of place. They’re collaborating, problem-solving, and learning the way today’s world demands—simply in spaces never designed for that kind of work. You might also find a group of students gathered around the round table in my office after school. When I finally asked why they kept coming back, one student said, “We want to work as a team. We want to hear each other’s ideas.” They weren’t coming to see the president. They were coming for the space. Those moments—and many like them—made something clear: our teaching has evolved, our students are ready, but our spaces have not. As we pursue the Ohio STEM designation, that clarity sharpened. We learned that preparation for college, careers, and service isn’t just about technology or curriculum. It’s about environments that support collaboration, design thinking, research, and presentation—spaces that mirror the real world our students are preparing to enter.
The Center for Leadership & Innovation is our response.
It will provide flexible learning spaces, collaborative environments, and a unified Counseling Suite where students can seamlessly access guidance, career exploration, STEM pathways, service learning, and college planning—all in one place. Just as importantly, it allows us to free existing space on campus to create additional classrooms, welcoming students who are already waiting for an Elyria Catholic education. Thank you for believing in our students, our mission, and the spaces that help faith-filled leadership take root. As Boldly EC continues to unfold, I invite you to learn more about the Center for Leadership & Innovation and to prayerfully consider how your involvement—through conversation, advocacy, or philanthropic support—can help bring this vision to life. Together, guided by faith and purpose, we are Boldly EC.
In partnership and faith, Annie Heidersbach, President
CAMPAIGN CHRONICLES
VOL 1, NO. 2
JAN 15, 2026
BOLDLY EC CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR: LANA DURBAN SCOTT '90
As the only Catholic, co-ed high school in Lorain County, EC gives families the gift of choice—and students a place where they can truly belong. I believe every young person deserves that kind of environment, where they’re known, supported, and inspired to use their God-given gifts. That’s why this campaign means so much—it’s about ensuring that spirit continues for generations to come.
BISHOP, DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND: MOST REVEREND EDWARD C. MALESIC
For nearly 80 years this school has formed young people who learn, worship, and serve guided by Catholic faith and tradition. That legacy began with Monsignor Newton's first campaign in the 1940s and continues with today's Boldly EC Campaign. Fundraising is a ministry. An invitation to join is God's work. I am grateful for the support already shown and encourage you to take part in shaping Elyria Catholic's future.
WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS!
TOTAL GOAL: $10.8 MILLION
NOVEMBER 2025 - $7.9M DECEMBER 2025 - $8.1M
RAISED: $8.2 MILLION
JANUARY 2026
CAMPAIGN CHRONICLES
VOL 1, NO. 2
JAN 15, 2026
LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION CENTER
Elyria Catholic boldly envisions its Leadership & Innovation Center, a transformative space designed to cultivate leadership, inspire innovation, and elevate education. This state-of-the-art facility will emphasize collaboration, adaptability, and real-world learning, preparing students to lead in an ever-evolving world.
At its core, the center will feature flexible learning spaces that adapt for group projects, independent study, and presentations, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. High-tech resources will foster problem-solving, creativity, and real-world application, while common areas will serve as hubs for idea exchange and leadership development.
The Leadership & Innovation Center will be key in Elyria Catholic’s pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Ohio accreditation, which recognizes schools that integrate rigorous academics
with innovative, real-world experiences. This space will fulfill a core requirement: providing students with a flexible environment for independent and collaborative work, ensuring they are challenged, prepared, and empowered for post-high school success.
More than a learning space, the Leadership & Innovation Center
will be a launchpad for leadership development, where student organizations, service projects, and entrepreneurial initiatives take shape. This vibrant hub will equip Elyria Catholic students to lead, innovate, and shape the future.
Mrs. Annie Heidersbach President heidersbach@elyriacatholic.com (440) 230-8601
BOLDLY The Campaign for Elyria Catholic For more information on ways to support Boldly EC, The Campaign for Elyria Catholic , please contact:
Mr. Garen Distelhorst Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement distelhorst@elyriacatholic.com (440) 230-8613
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