Posted
October 03, 2024
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Whether competing on the wrestling mat, traveling the globe, showcasing his skills in Mock Trial, or pushing his limits as a candidate for the prestigious IB Diploma, senior Jack Lentz of Bay Village has truly made his mark. But just four years ago, he was an eighth grader at Saint Raphael School facing the big question—where to attend high school. As admission season kicks off, we caught up with Jack to hear about his journey.
Jack's relatives who have attended St. Edward include his father, Patrick Lentz '97; his uncle, Martin Lentz '94; and his cousins, Daniel Lentz '14, Brian Lentz '17, Grady Lentz-Pieffer '23, and Evan Lentz '28.
"I have a long legacy at St. Edward," Jack explains. "My dad, uncle, and cousins are all Edsmen, so a love for the school was instilled in me when I was young." Nevertheless, Jack points to his eighth-grade visit when he made his final decision. "I ended up enrolling because of the atmosphere," Jack says. "There is no other school like St. Edward because of the people, the classes, the clubs, and the spirit of brotherhood we all feel."
Today, Jack extends that spirit to incoming eighth graders as a Student Ambassador. "I love showing visitors around the school," he shares. "Being an Edsman is all about the bonds and connections we form, and I hope I can help future students understand just how much we value relationships."
When I think about our school, I see a place where generations of men have grown, learned, and thrived because of the foundation built by those who came before us. This legacy is something we’re all a part of, and it’s something we continue to build together."
One of Jack’s most defining experiences at St. Edward has been his involvement in the top-tier wrestling program. As a dedicated athlete, he has invested countless hours into training and competing, becoming a part of the program’s storied legacy. "Wrestling is at the heart of my time at St. Ed’s," Jack shares. "It demands a lot of time and effort, but stepping into that wrestling room—where generations of Eagles have given their all—is both an honor and a privilege."
The 2024 Wrestling Team with their Duals State Championship trophy
As class president, Jack represents the voice of the student body in meetings with school administration, while also leading committees for all-school rallies, the Homecoming Dance, and Senior Prom. Beyond his leadership role, Jack contributed to St. Edward’s Mock Trial team, which made history by winning the school's first-ever state championship in 2023. One of his most transformative experiences, however, came last summer during a mission trip to Jamaica, where he and his classmates built houses, fostered relationships with those in need, and learned the true meaning of service through accompaniment. "It was a life-changing journey," Jack reflects.
In addition to his extracurricular achievements, Jack has excelled academically and is a candidate for the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma. Currently applying to several top colleges, including Princeton, the University of Chicago, the University of Notre Dame, and Boston College, Jack’s future ambitions have been shaped by his experiences at St. Edward. Inspired by his time on the Mock Trial team, he plans to study economics, political science, or pre-law.
"Before I came to St. Edward, I never imagined I’d develop an interest in law," Jack shared. "During my freshman year, I tried to get involved in as many clubs as possible, and one of those was Mock Trial. It introduced me to the complexities of law while also improving my public speaking skills. Mock Trial sparked my passion for law and shaped my goal of becoming an attorney in the future."
The 2024 Mock Trial Team
Jack's hard work and commitment to excellence reflect the core principles St. Edward aims to cultivate in its students. Yet, along the way, he has also come to appreciate the importance of slowing down. When asked what advice he would give his eighth-grade self, Jack reflected, "I would tell myself to embrace the moment. Mr. Williams [Owen Williams ’13] has always said, 'Be where your feet are,' and I've come to understand just how valuable that advice is. These last three years have flown by, and if I could go back, I'd remind my younger self to fully enjoy everything St. Ed’s has to offer, without feeling the pressure to grow up too fast."
As he prepares to graduate next spring, Jack is poised to join the ranks of the more than 19,000 alumni who have come before him, building upon the legacy of excellence that has defined St. Edward for 75 years and counting!
Jack Lentz '25 speaking at the Celebration of Leadership event