Life of the late Principal Lisa Licht remembered by Franklin, Elyria community

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The life of former Franklin Elementary School Principal Lisa Licht was remembered June 8 by many people at her former school.

Students and staff at Franklin gathered in the school’s courtyard to celebrate Licht.

Licht died of natural causes March 28 at University Hospitals in Cleveland. She was 45.

Staff and friends of Licht shared the memories of her and her commitment to not only Franklin, but the

Elyria City Schools community.

Licht’s family was at the event to see the legacy she left behind.

Her son Steven, who is an Elyria High School Class of 2018 graduate, also was in attendance.

Steven Licht and members of his family received gifts in his mother’s honor.

Assistant Principal Linda Simon said at the celebration that the bridge Licht built was for success for her students and to the future.

Simon and Elyria High Principal Tim Brown, community volunteer Jeannie Bradley and Mayor Holly Brinda expressed the success through gifts presented to the community for Licht’s legacy.

Simon shared the sign of the new Rainbow Garden, decorated by Franklin student Sophia Villafane, that will be decorated throughout Franklin.

It eventually will be moved to the district’s upcoming Hamilton Elementary School, 1215 Middle Ave.

The Rainbow Garden was an initiative special to Licht which was kick-started by Bradley, Simon said.

Brown introduced the new scholarship in honor of Licht.

The $500 scholarship will go to seniors who attended Franklin.

The scholarship will be offered for the next 13 years, Brown said.

The first winner in its first year was Class of 2018 graduate Diamond Brown.

A proclamation from Brinda also was given to the school by Kevin Brubaker, president of the Elyria School Board. Brinda was unable to attend the celebration.

Licht’s life also was celebrated in song throughout the memorial by Franklin students and Elyria High School’s Madrigals choir.

Franklin students sang “This Little Light of Mine,” with power.

The Madrigals performed “Rise Up,” with pride.

Tears, love and life were celebrated and shared with all guests in attendance.

Current Franklin Principal Jessica Barawacz said the students worked hard practicing their performance of “This Little Light of Mine,” as well as painting rocks for the celebration.

“The goal of today was to celebrate Lisa,” Barawacz said. “She did so much good in our school and school community. We just really wanted to celebrate that.”

She recalled Licht’s passing as an extremely hard time, not only for the district and those close to her, but to Franklin’s staff and students.

“Lisa was Franklin,” Barawacz said. “It was hard.”

The school wanted to give let some time pass so they could have an end of the year celebration in her memory, Barawacz said.

She joked that Licht did not want to be the center of attention and would be mad at them for making a fuss about her.

Yet, Barawacz said that Licht deserved the celebration for the love, light and dedication she continuously gave.

Licht’s brother Tom Eidam and father, Bernie Eidam, of Solon, said the event was amazing to be a part of and they are very appreciative of the support they received.

Eidam said he’s very happy to hear of the scholarship and the Rainbow Garden that are made in his sister’s memory.

They said it’s still very hard for them to know that Licht is gone, but they felt the overwhelming feeling of love and care by the Elyria Schools community.

“She is missed,” Eidam said as he and his father fought back tears. “It’s still difficult. Still getting used to it.”