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She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. —PROVERBS 31:25
Women for Excellence is a support organization of Elyria Catholic High School, bringing together alumnae, parents, and friends in a spirit of sistership. Through the Circle of Grace, faith-filled programs, and educational and social events, we strive to deepen our faith, forge lasting friendships, and make a meaningful impact on our school community.
Join us as we amplify our voices, strengthen bonds, and champion Elyria Catholic’s mission in meaningful ways. Experience the unique blend of faith, friendship, and impact that Women for Excellence offers-- where every woman can thrive and make a difference.Circle of Grace Awards Fall 2025 Grants- On November 18, members of Circle of Grace reviewed twelve grant proposals and selected eight projects, awarding a total of $7,300 in funding to support innovation, faith, and enrichment across our community.
Fall 2025 Funded Projects:
Mrs. April Hanlon – Elyria Catholic Model United Nations Spring Conference
Jeromy Rohwer ’28 – Courtyard Renovations
Mrs. Kelly Budinger – Nutribullet Pro-Plus Blenders for Foods & Nutrition
Quinn Rohwer ’27 – Elyria Catholic Walking Rosary Garden
Grace Obermiller ’26 – Panther Tech: Elyria Catholic FIRST Robotics Team
Joseph Simonetta ’27 – New Piano for Music Ministry and Panther Chorale
Mary Kay Soltis ’28 – Campus Ministry Cornucopia
Mrs. Danielle Esposito – Field Trip to the Vivian von Gruenigen, MD STEM Center of Excellence
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Contact Us For More Information:
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Ms. Melissa Byrdybyrdyelyriacatholic.comDirector of Annual Giving & Donor Relations -
heidersbachelyriacatholic.comPresident
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Circle Of Grace:
Inspired by Our Lady of Grace, our Elyria Catholic patroness, the Circle of Grace empowers members to address the needs of Elyria Catholic High School with a spirit of generosity and compassion. Members review grant applications and select projects that support faculty and staff special projects and student academic enrichment. This structure ensures that our contributions make a meaningful impact on both the growth of our educators and the enrichment of our students’ experiences.
Membership:
Open to all Elyria Catholic alumni and friends, and new members are always welcome!
You don’t have to be a member to participate in our events. However, members gain a special voting right, allowing you to be part of the decision-making process that shapes how we support Elyria Catholic.
Register
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Circle of Grace is a strong, inclusive community of women who pool their gifts to create opportunities for future generations of Elyria Catholic students through grant giving. As the giving arm of Women for Excellence, Circle of Grace directs the power of women giving together into projects that make a real impact for our faculty, staff, and students. Grants are awarded twice annually—in the fall and spring.
What we Fund:
Projects should advance the mission of Elyria Catholic High School: To empower young adults to identify and use their God-given gifts to learn, worship, and serve, guided by Catholic tradition. We especially welcome proposals that:- Strengthen faith and learning opportunities;
- Increase community involvement in our local community and beyond; and
- Support innovative and experiential student learning and programming.
Eligibility and Submission:- Any faculty, staff, or student in the Elyria Catholic community may apply.
- Applicants may request up to $2,000.
- Proposals are evaluated on how they reflect Elyria Catholic’s mission and Circle of Grace priorities.
- Complete all questions on the grant proposal application.
Reporting & Recognition:- Grant recipients will share outcomes in a brief presentation/interview with Circle of Grace.
- Attendance at the spring Women for Excellence event is highly encouraged.
Deadlines: Two Cycles per year- Fall Cycle: Proposals due October 17, 2025.
- Spring Cycle: Deadline TBD (to be announced in early spring).
Once you have read the guidelines and believe your application meets them, please submit your application using the Google Form.
Google Form
President and Principal Services Approval Form:
Please upload completed form per instructions provided in the Grant Application.
ApprovalForm
If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Byrdy- Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations.
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Educational & Social Events:
- 2026 Lenten Event: Tuesday, March 10
- 2026 Spring Event: Thursday, May 7
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Be a part of Women for Excellence by joining one of our volunteer committees:
- Faith-Filled Committee: Foster spiritual growth through gatherings and service projects, creating opportunities for reflection and connection within the community.
- Social & Educational Committee: Connect with others through networking events and workshops that inspire learning and build lasting relationships.
Learn More
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