Petey Podcast

Send us Fan Mail This summer, the Lorain County Children's Pioneer Theater (LCCPT) program is celebrating an incredible milestone—50 years! And what better way to celebrate than by heading to a pineapple under the sea with SpongeBob the Musical ? Joining us today are two guests with deep connections to the program: Maddie Riley, a preschool teacher with Elyria's Early Childhood Village a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with two inspiring educators, Sharron Goodsite and Andrew Menner, members of the Elyria Special Olympics committee to talk about one of Elyria's most anticipated spring traditions—their 10th Annual Spring & Vendor Craft Fair! Held at Elyria High School, this all-day event brings together nearly 70 talented crafters and vendors, offering everyt...

Send us Fan Mail Broadcasting live from the famed Elyria Apple Festival in the heart of Downtown Elyria, your Petey Podcast hosts, Marty and Amy, are here to share all the signature events and mouthwatering food that makes this festival truly special. We also had the pleasure of chatting with some talented students from Elyria High School, as well as the Elyria Schools' Pink Cookie expert, Ri...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Petey Podcast, we sit down with educational leader, Dr. Courtney Griffiths. Courtney began her journey in Elyria as an assistant principal at Elyria High School, the district's largest school, where she quickly established herself as a collaborative and visionary leader. Her commitment to academic excellence and vast experience that included previous leader...

Send us Fan Mail  On this episode of Petey Podcast, we’re thrilled to introduce one of the newest members of our leadership team — Kate Petiya, Assistant Principal at Elyria's Early Childhood Village! With many years of experience teaching preschool right here in the very building she now helps lead, she brings a deep understanding of early childhood education, special education and our commu...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to another episode of Grad Chat Chronicles on Petey Podcast , where we spotlight the stories, successes, and community impact of our incredible graduates — and the organizations shaping our neighborhoods. Today’s episode is both illuminating and empowering. We’re diving into the world of residential electricity with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the electric comp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Petey Podcast, we’re joined by Jay Banyasz, Director of Sports Performance for Elyria Schools. Jay is a visionary who is transforming the way high school athletes approach training, health and long-term wellness. His innovative program is built right into the school day--from mobility and strength to nutrition, mental health, and recovery, his classes are coveri...

Send us Fan Mail Four years ago, we sat down with Ethan Trampush, a remarkable young man who had just graduated high school and earned a full congressional scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our podcast was in its early days—his story was one of our first, and one we never forgot. He returns now as a West Point graduate and a newly commissioned officer in the U.S. Arm...

Send us Fan Mail Elyria Apple Festival Princess Pageant Chair, Jen Parker, is back! Jen joined us on Petey Podcast to shine the light on the Apple Princess Pageant -- what it involves and how to take part. She explains how to sign up, what participants can expect and how the pageant brings the contestants and the community together. Whether you're thinking about joining or just curious how it...

Send us Fan Mail The trivia battles continue! In Round four of Basinski's Brain Busters, two more of our quick-witted school principals--Stacey Gatten and Michelle Nimene--step up to the mic for a head-to-head showdown of fast facts, funny guesses and racing to beat the buzzer (literally!) With the Ultimate Showdown just around the corner in August, the pressure is on—only the top-scoring pri...

Send us Fan Mail The competition is heating up! In this third installment of our wildly fun Basinski's Brain Busters series, principals from across the district go head-to-head in a spirited battle of wits, random facts and ridiculous questions. From pop culture curveballs to school-themed stumpers, no topic is off-limits—and no answer is too silly. Who will rise to the top and who will crack...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of our Fall Sports Spotlight Series, we sit down with the Head Coach Matt Wilson of the Elyria High Pioneer Football program as he heads into his second season at the helm—energized, focused and excited about the direction the program is heading. With summer training in full swing, he talks about how a strong, structured sports performance program is already paying...

Send us Fan Mail As part of our Fall Sports Spotlight series, we welcome Donovan Belizaire, Head Coach of the Elyria High School Pioneers Boys Soccer Team. Donovan is a leader who’s making an impact both on the field and during the school day. As a dedicated high school counselor by day and coach by season, he brings a powerful combination of mentorship and motivation to the lives of student-athle...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Basinski's Brain Busters on Petey Podcast! This is Episode 2 in our special trivia showdown series — where knowledge meets personality, and the stakes are bragging rights! Today, things are getting competitive between two of our district principals, Jim Rollence and Brett Heighberger--middle school versus high school. Who will rule the trivia throne in this ep...

Send us Fan Mail With the end of another school year, we sit down with Elyria Schools Superintendent Ann Schloss to reflect candidly on the year: where we’ve been and where we’re headed. There've been major milestones this year, and some unexpected challenges, but all along the way -- many achievements to celebrate. And, don’t miss our next chat in August with the superintendent in our offici...

Send us Fan Mail  In this inspiring episode of Petey Podcast, we sit down with Elyria High School's newest assistant principal — someone who’s truly grown with us, Amanda Belcher. From walking the halls as a student herself, to returning as a dedicated teacher, and now stepping into a leadership role, her journey is one about roots, vision and leading in the very place that helped shape her....

Send us Fan Mail In this kickoff episode of our Petey Podcast Fall Sports Spotlight series, we sit down with Coach Jerry Chizmar, head coach of Elyria High School's cross country team, to dive into what makes the program special, how student-athletes can get involved and what it means to compete at a high level. Coach shares insights on training, team culture and the unique challenges and rew...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Petey Podcast, we sit down with a former standout Elyria High School football player, Tracy Sprinkle, who rose to play at The Ohio State University, and has now returned to Elyria with a powerful mission. Hear his journey from the gridiron to giving back, as he shares how his passion for fitness and the community in which he was raised led him to open a fitness...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Petey Podcast delves into a beloved summer tradition that’s been shaping young performers in Lorain County for decades. We’re joined by Lorain County Children's Pioneer Theater Director, Maddie Riley (a preschool teacher with Elyria Schools),  and Director/Producer Alex Craig (an Elyria High School graduate). Pioneer Theater will boast a brand-new home this su...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Petey Podcast, we celebrate a groundbreaking victory for the Elyria Robotics Team 44113T of middle school students who made history by earning the State Championship Title at a VEX Robotics tournament held at the Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton —the first time ever for any middle school in our district. Hear from the young champions themselves as they share...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a courtside conversation with Elyria's middle school basketball coaches, Head Coach Kyle Rospert, and Assistant Coach Tavon Kurtz, and Athletic Director Mat Siwierka, as they reflect on an unforgettable season. Their seventh grade team went undefeated, claiming the championship title in the Southwestern (SWC) Conference. Hear how unity, athleticism and genuine fri...

Send us Fan Mail In this fun episode, we’re chatting with a group of incredible high school special education teachers who’ve gone above and beyond to create a one-of-a-kind program that’s changing lives. Meet the masterminds behind Pioneer Perk Cafe-- Sharri Goodsite, Maison Belshaw, and Kelsey Montgomery -- a student-run coffee shop inside their school where their high school students are not on...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on this episode for a fun look into our upcoming Preschool Enrollment Fair on Saturday, April 5 . Principal Jackie Plantner is our guest on Petey Podcast, and she shares all the great things she and her staff have planned for that day. On April 5 , parents can take a tour of the Early Childhood Village (EECV)--see the classrooms, meet the staff and see for themselves what...

Send us Fan Mail The Elyria Special Olympics Spring Craft and Vendor Fair is back--April 12, 10AM to 3PM at Elyria High School! This EGG-citing event benefits the Elyria Special Olympics and offers a day of fun for the whole family. Join us as we chat with the amazing organizers behind this community event--Teachers, Sam Boneta and Sharri Goodsite. This year you'll find over 60 unique vendors...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a new series in Petey Podcast called, The Grad Chat Chronicles , where we reconnect with amazing graduates and hear about their journeys after high school! In this episode, we’re catching up with the incredible Lilly Parker, a 2024 Elyria High School graduate, who’s been a leader and go-getter from the start. From being active in academic and extracurricular clubs at hi...