Titan Talk With Dr. Graham

Last night’s graduation was truly one for the books. With an estimated 6,500 guests in attendance, perfect weather, and the unmatched pride of watching our seniors shine, the evening was filled with joy, love, and celebration.

Our graduates had their moment.

It was nothing short of beautiful.

We’re writing today to address a concern we’ve heard from a few community members, and we want to speak to it directly.

During the ceremony, barriers were placed along the field, and we understand how this may have appeared to some as creating a sense of separation between our graduates and their families. That was not our intention, and we acknowledge that what we got wrong was not explaining in advance why we made that choice.

George Daniel Field features a high-quality artificial turf field. We are incredibly proud of our field, and how it represents a significant investment in our student-athletes and school community. As responsible stewards of public resources, we take seriously the task of preserving it.

In the days leading up to graduation, our seniors are reminded repeatedly about what footwear is allowed on the field, particularly the fact that high heels can puncture the turf’s protective membrane. Rather than attempting to monitor the footwear of 6,500 guests, we decided to limit access to the field and instead invited families to meet their graduates at the south end of the stadium for photos and celebration.

We want to be clear: this was never meant to separate our community from the celebration. It was a decision made to protect our facilities while still ensuring our graduates had their special moment. But we should have communicated that better ahead of time — and for that, we apologize.

At Lorain City Schools, we value transparency and trust. When we fall short, we own it. Thank you for your continued partnership and for being a community that always shows up for our Titans.

With gratitude,
Lorain City Schools

There is resilience, and then there are Lorain Titans.

If you tell them there is something they cannot do, watch them stand defiantly in your face.

Watch them practice for weeks to gather the strength to rise from their wheelchair and stand before a crowd of thousands to accept their high school diploma, on their own two feet.

Jaycob Martinez is that Titan, and Tuesday night was his moment.

With cheers ringing out — and safety officer Jacob Quiones and personal attendant Serena Rodriguez on standby, Jaycob turned this year’s graduation ceremony into a moment of pride. In a wheelchair since a stroke at just 12, Jaycob left Lorain High School on his own terms.

Like a Titan.

And he was not alone.

The Lorain High School Class of 2025 — 417 strong — walked across the stage Tuesday night at George Daniel Field not just as graduates, but as storytellers, each one carrying a chapter of hardship, growth and triumph that led to this moment.

Principal Melissa Cheers called them a “positive force” — an example for those coming behind them. READ MORE

They didn’t always walk the same hallways, take the same classes, or sit in the same seats together. But the 92 graduates of Lorain High School’s Success Academy are bound by something even stronger than routine — resilience.

In the largest graduating class in the program’s history, these students have proven that the path to a diploma doesn’t have to be traditional to be transformational.

Many came to Success Academy, Lorain High’s alternative program, after facing challenges — dropping out, parenting young children, or working full-time jobs. Some thought they’d never graduate. Others were told they wouldn’t. But each one found a reason to keep going.

Their stories of perseverance were chronicled in a documentary, showcased for the first time a week before graduation during the Success Academy’s final family dinner. And as these students walked across the stage Tuesday evening at George Daniel Field — alongside the hundreds of others who make up the Lorain High School Class of 2025 — their journey deserved special recognition.

READ MORE