Monsignor Duncan presided at the Mass at which students, teachers, parents and pastors gathered to celebrate and pray for our diocesan schools.

Senior Jessica Wojtczak  was named a Semifinalist in the 71^st annual Intel Science Talent Search.  This is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Jessica is one of 300 finalists out of 1,839 entrants, the largest number this competition has seen in over a decade. She will receive an award of $1,000 from the Intel Foundation with an additional $1,000 awarded to CC. 

Jessica's entry in the competition investigated emotion and the role of sleep in memory consolidation as a way to determine how the brain prioritizes and controls memory.

“Jessica is Catholic Central's second semifinalist in the past three years in national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competitions, which is a compliment to both the individual student and our science program,” said Principal Greg Deja. “John Capodilupo, currently studying at Harvard University, was a finalist in the Intel competition in 2010 and placed sixth nationally. Like John, we know Jessica will have tremendous opportunities to showcase her talents in the future, and Catholic Central could not be more proud of her.”       

Past participants in the Science Talent Search have received some of the world’s most prestigious honors.  Alumni of the search have gone on to win seven Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, three National Medals of Science and 11 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships. Academy Award winner for Best Actress Natalie Portman is also included among the search’s prestigious alumni. 

Catholic Schools Week

January 29 -February 5, 2011

Catholic Central High School

Monday, January 30

✤The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics – Catholic schools are held to very high standards, and help each child reach his or her potential. Service – giving one’s time and effort to help others, as both an expression of faith and good citizenship. Today, we will begin the week with an introduction to Catholic Schools Week.

Tuesday, January 31; Memorial of St. John Bosco

✤The vocation of educating young men and women in the Catholic faith is at the heart of Catholic Central H.S. Today, we acknowledge the service that our clergy, teachers, staff, and youth ministers do to further this important mission. WE CARE will sponsor an Appreciation Breakfast buffet for the faculty and staff. Faculty will also enjoy a dress-down day.

✤ Representation of our student body as well as Concert Choir will accompany Monsignor William Duncan and students from throughout the diocese in a special Mass to celebrate Catholic Schools Week at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

Wednesday, February 1

✤ Today, we recognize the gift of our students. Catholic Central students exhibit a model of service to our church and community. We take the opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate them for their service. Students will have a free jeans day and will receive a free treat at lunch.

✤The Fine Arts Department presents its annual Fine Arts Concert at 7:00pm in the CC Gymnasium. All are welcome to come and hear members of the choral and instrumental departments, view our student’s artwork, listen to poetry from Writer’s Club and catch a sneak preview of our upcoming musical “Seussical”. Admission is free.

Thursday, February 2; Presentation of the Lord

✤The Fine Arts Department presents its annual Fine Arts Concert at 10:15am in the CC Gymnasium. All are welcome to come and hear members of the choral and instrumental departments, view our student’s artwork, listen to poetry from Writer’s Club and catch a sneak preview of our upcoming musical “Seussical”. Admission is free.

✤ Friday, February 3; Memorial of St. Blase

✤Today, we gather as a school community for Eucharist. All are welcome to join us for liturgy at 10:00am in the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. In a special way, we invite all alumni and parents to join us. At this celebration, we will commission the various liturgical ministers from within our school to emphasize the gifts they bring to our worshiping community. A special blessing of the faculty will also take place during this liturgy.

In our first tournament Women's Foil earned Gold & Bronze. This weekend, nine schools, with over 400 students competed at Culver Military Academy.  Six events were, Foil, Epee & Sabre, Men's and Women's. Medals for top eight finishers. CC/WC Men's foil 3rd place medal, Third place team. Women's Foil 1st, 3rd & 7th, with the 1st place team trophy. Welcome to the Great Lakes Fencing Conference. Exchange student (Natan) Jitrlada Chawalitcheewinme, a first year fencer, completed the fourth slot in women's foil to help capture the 1st place team trophy.

Our Santa, senior Alex Mays was quite the hit!

Eighteen students made holiday projects, decorated (and ate) snacks and played games with the children living at the shelter. This time of year the HOPE kids are at DCC about every other week- so they have developed relationships with some of these children.

More photos on Facebook

December 5, 2011

Dear Parents of Current Students,

In order for Catholic Secondary Schools to prepare, plan and welcome students to a new school year we have developed some very specific budget setting and enrollment processes.

We begin the budget setting process as early as August of the current school year in preparation for the next year.  Throughout the current year, we will draft an estimated budget reflecting enrollment trends and typical expense patterns of Catholic Central and West Catholic High Schools based on data collected by the Business Office.

Using projected enrollment numbers and those estimated costs, the Business Office will develop standard operating and student budgets for the awarding of grants and scholarships, staffing and labor costs, supplies, operations, programming, Campus Ministry, course offerings, transportation, etc.

Ninety percent of our operating revenue comes from tuition, so an enrollment deadline of March 1 allows us to gain an accurate projected student count early in the year. This allows us to better prepare for staffing needs, the scheduling of core courses, class size, additional course offerings, extra-curricular offerings, including athletics and the performing arts, bus runs, and campus ministry.

Since three quarters of the student population is made up of returning students we feel that it is a reasonable expectation for us to have 75 percent of course schedule and staffing needs identified by the enrollment deadline.  Ultimately, we want our faculty to feel certain of their employment and of the courses they’ll be teaching. Our goal is to have a course and daily schedule in place on the first day of classes to insure the best use of our resources and your investment in your child’s education.

As you are aware, course registration cannot take place until enrollment is complete. Yet we have experienced a recent trend toward late enrollment on the part of many of our returning families. This trend has a negative effect not only on staffing but also on programming, possibly compromising our number of course offerings – especially singleton classes, such as Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Late enrollments also put a strain on the master schedule as we attempt to balance course offerings; class sizes are affected; and individual student schedules must be adjusted to accommodate changes.

To help remedy the situation, we are reminding our returning families to enroll no later than March 1, submitting both the completed Tuition Contract forms and the $100 (per family) enrollment fee to the Business Office.  Further, beginning in 2012 returning families who do not complete the enrollment process by March 1 will be assessed an additional amount in enrollment fees for a total of $400*, per a recent policy passed by the CSS School Board. 

To clarify, the enrollment process is as follows:

* Complete a Tuition Contract

* Pay the Enrollment Fee ($100 per family if paid by March 1)

* Complete the Payment Processing Agreement

* When the enrollment process is complete, your student may register for classes.

By making use of these budget setting and enrollment processes, we can provide an efficient start to the school year, a higher degree of employment certainty for faculty and staff and continued high-quality programming. We ask that our families also consider these goals when enrolling your student(s) for next year.  Necessary enrollment forms will be mailed to homes and available on the school websites near the end of January 2012.

Please don’t hesitate to contact your building principal with questions.

Sincerely,

Tom Maj
President, Catholic Secondary Schools

* Please notify the Business Office if your future enrollment is uncertain due to job status change, medical issue, or other hardship.

Download the letter (pdf)

Some of our students were named All Conference athletes this fall.

First Row-Johnny Karadsheh (Football), Jorgie Watson (Girls Swimming), Taylor Vera (Girls Swimming), Julie Ingle (Volleyball), Mike Baldwin (Boys Soccer), Joe Ellis (Boys Tennis) 

Second Row-Kevin Vicari (Football), Andre Cargill (Football), Joe Craven (Football), Matt Lennon (Cross Country), Tom Lake (Boys Tennis)

Third Row-Ryheem Stokes (Football) Ryan Bradley (Football), Miles Morrissey (Football), Mike Priest (Boys Soccer)

Click to watch an animation of the architect's rendering of the renovated chapel.

The renovation will be an updating of the current chapel, which was made possible through a generous gift more than 30 years ago from the Morrow family. The project is aligned with the Catholic Secondary Schools strategic priority to be a community of faith, creating environments where all may encounter the living God.

The new chapel will feature an enhanced presence in the school hallway, using seasonal colors, liturgical symbols and a large window to draw people inside. A redesigned inner space with updated colors, new liturgical furnishings and sacred art will provide an atmosphere of reverence.

Read more here or click Donate below make a gift to the CC Chapel Renovation fund.

 Donate

Please direct any questions to Karen Weber, (616) 956-1513 or Mary Hendrickson, (616) 957-9424

Catholic Central Marching Band

In addition to their high placement, the percussion section received an award for “Best Percussion” out of the bands in their class.  It was a great way to end the competition season for the band. 

It was Catholic Central's first league title in football since joining the OK conference three years ago.

The Cougars are the reigning Div. 4 state champions.

Read the story on MLive.

The CC band students performed their 2011 marching band show titled "It's About Time" and were adjudicated by three judges in the area of Music, Marching and General Effect.  This is the second consecutive year the Cougars have received a Division One rating.

While the underclassmen all enjoyed their class Retreats the senior class gave back to our community, donating their time around Grand Rapids at God's Kitchen, Kid's Food Basket, In the Image, VSA of Grand Rapids, YWCA Domestic Crisis Center, St. Vincent de Paul's, SteepletownMinistries and cleaning up the CAT.

The senior class developed goals at their COREX retreat that included being leaders in not only the school community, but the community at large.  This was a day to start making that a reality.

The first annual Evening of Excellence honored three Catholic Central luminaries: alumnus Darren R. Jackson (left);  Sr. Robert Ann Erno (center);  and alumus Peter Ragauss (right). Also shown are CSS President Tom Maj and Advancement Director Christine O'Driscoll.

The gala award dinner celebrated three exceptional individuals who embody the mission and ideals of the school. Mathematics Department Head Sister Robert Ann Erno received a Lifetime Achievement Award commemorating her 41 years of teaching Catholic Central. Also honored were Baker Hughes CFO Peter Ragauss CC '75 who received the Distinguished Alumni Award and CEO of Advance Auto Parts Darren R. Jackson CC ’82, who was the recipient of the Dominican Spirit Award.  In addition, the Education Excellence fund was established in honor of Sr. Robert Ann and more than 100 Dominican teaching Sisters who have had a significant influence in the life of Catholic Central since its founding in 1906.  

Students raised $102,395 last Wednesday in the 20^th Annual All A’s Walk, topping their $100,000 goal by more than $2,000. 

Nearly 1,200 students walked three miles to John Ball Park in the culmination of a month-long effort to raise funds to assist Catholic Secondary Schools families with tuition costs.

On behalf of our current and future families, Catholic Central's Advancement Office would like to express its thanks to all the students who participated and to our sponsors who helped make this very important annual event possible.

All Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Legacy of Faith

The win brought CC's record on the season to 5-7-1.

Read the complete account on MLive.

He will work with Catholic Central alumni to reconnect them with the school and with each other through celebrations, ceremonies, networking events and other gatherings. He also is charged with garnering support among alumni whether as volunteers or donors. 

Read the letter Coach T sent to alumni this week.

Seniors Ryan Pelak, David VanderZee, Jonah Potter, and Brian Lach have been named as Semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program.

This scholarship program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Pelak, VanderZee, Potter, and Lach, along with 16,000 other academically talented high school seniors, will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, which represents less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.

Additionally, Catholic Central is proud to announce seniors Abigail Esch, Madylan Horrigan, Jordan Sykes, and Tyler Sykes were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars. Although Commended Scholars do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, these students are candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

"It is very gratifying for us, as a school, to see the talents and hard work of our students and faculty receive this recognition," said Principal Greg Deja.  "Celebrating scholarship is paramount as we continue to build our academic program, so we congratulate, again, the class of 2012 on their scholastic achievements."  

Read this and other news releases on the GRCSS website.

Detail from "Noah's Ark"

Using bits of broken crayon as their medium, students in the schools worked independently on different panels. They will see the finished work for the first time on display at Cathedral Square during ArtPrize.

Read Suzi Furtwangler's ArtPrize profile here.

Mark Weber CC '05 relates his experiences filming parts of "Strong Bodies Fight" in Bangladesh.

This year’s theme – This is the Day - reiterates how our daily decisions affect those around us, and suggests to donors that today is the day to reaffirm their commitment to Catholic education in Grand Rapids through their generous gifts.

Guests enjoyed a complimentary lunch followed by a short program featuring a successful alumnus from each high school. Father Pete McCormick, a 1995 West Catholic graduate, is the current Rector at Notre Dame’s Keough Hall.  Mark Weber, who graduated from Catholic Central in 2005, is a filmmaker whose recent work, “Strong Bodies Fight” is the story of the Notre Dame boxing team and its fund raising efforts for the Holy Cross Missionaries fighting poverty in Bangladesh. Both spoke on the difference a Catholic school education can make in the life of an individual and in turn, the world. The West Catholic Jazz Band and Catholic Central Capella Choir provided music.

The Annual Fund provides tuition assistance for students with financial need. Last year about $1.7 million was provided with an average grant of about $2,500. The goal of the drive this year is to raise $ $429,700, a 10 percent increase over last year’s pledged total.

A mass to mark the start of school was held Thursday morning at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Father Tom Tavella spoke about how we are all "One Tribe," which was the senior class's theme this year for their Community Religious Experience (COREX) retreat. The seniors later challenged the entire student body to strive for excellence academically, morally, in spirit and in mind.

Transitioning from the cathedral to the gym the seniors left, holding hands and creating a "tunnel," cheering students, parents and staff into the gym for the opening day rally. It  set the tone for community, positivity, and a Christ centered organization.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, September 2, 2011 – The Board of Directors of the Catholic Secondary Schools announced today the appointment of the following four new board members:

Mr. John Brechting is a Project Engineer in the design, development and coordination of industrial system and manufacturing facilities construction for BP&R Engineering, Inc. in Holland.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a licensed professional engineer.  John is a member of Holy Trinity parish in Grand Rapids.  He and his wife, Patricia, have 5 children.

Mr. Thomas McGovern is President of Rockford Construction Company, Inc. in Grand Rapids, and brings extensive experience in facilities and construction management.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management from Grand Valley State University.  Tom is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Grand Rapids.  He and his wife, Jackie, have 3 children.

Mr. Kevin McGrath is Vice President of Sales & Marketing for First Telecommunications in Grand Rapids, and brings experience in the marketing and classroom technology planning.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Baltimore.  Kevin is a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Grand Rapids.  He and his wife, Kasie Lynn, have 3 children.

Mrs. Cheryl Ora is a Supply Chain Manager within Steelcase, Inc.’s Wood Division, and brings extensive experience in communications and organizational change management to our Board.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Public Administration from Western Michigan University.  Cheryl is a member of St. John Vianney Parish in Wyoming.  She and her husband, Ben, have 2 children.

“We filled some important needs with these appointments,” said Reverend R. Louis Stasker, Pastor of the Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools.  “Each of them brings gifts and broad experiences to our Board that will enhance our ability to deliver a quality, faith-filled education to the students of Catholic Central and West Catholic high schools.  I am honored to make these appointments and look forward to their contributions over the coming years.”

The Board wishes to acknowledge and express deep gratitude to Mr. Steven Abid, Mr. Pius Ezeh and Mrs. Mary Beth Barkeley for their years of service as members of the Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools Board.

The Class of 2012 began their last year at Catholic Central with the three-day COREX (Community Religious Experience) retreat, August 13-15.

“One Tribe One Vibe” was the theme of the retreat. “It was a very successful retreat,” said English department faculty member Kate Schafer. “The kids and the parents did a great job, and I think everyone came away with a good vibe about themselves, each other and the school.” Shaefer also described COREX this way: “Transformative, unifying, whole-hearted, strengthening, dedication, bonding, good times.”

Said senior parent Jen Hartman (mom to Alexis): “The energy of the seniors during COREX 2012 is indescribable.  The Class of 2012 has the ability to do great things as they have truly embraced being one tribe with one vibe.”

Read the MLive account here.

Re

Summer Reading Academy students show how many books they read over the summer.

In less than two months, the 14 students read a total of 229 books (compared to 120 books during their entire 8th grade school year) and 44,716 pages.

The students posted an average 8 percentile growth on their High School Placement Test Reading Post-Test.

Ms. Faith Marko and Ms. Julia Reynolds coached the students, encouraging them to read constantly to build comprehension and vocabulary.

The cast of the combined CC/WC drama production of Our Town got started over the summer with two read-throughs over pizza at the Catholic Information Center.

Show dates are October 27, 29 and November 3, 5 at 7:30 p.m. and October 30 and November 6 at 3 p.m. with all performances at the Performing Arts Center at Aquinas College.

For a rundown of the cast and a couple of photos, go here.

In Tianannmen Square

The trip featured stops in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Highlights of the trip included: climbing a steep portion of the Great Wall and singing the Catholic Central fight song at the top, visiting the Terra-cotta Warriors museum site in Xi'an, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The students were able to practice their Chinese with the local people on a daily basis.

At the Great Wall of China

Those who participated in the trip included:

Students: Catholic Central: Maggie Lawrence, Owen Kane, Lauren DeWitt, Grace Tomaszewski, Jon Rupert, Mark Dyehouse West Catholic: Katrina Marks Faculty: Kai-Ling Wu, Chinese Teacher and Sandy Vesbit Spanish Teacher Adults: Karen, Bill, Katie, Patrick Lawrence, Tom Marks, John Vesbit and Suzanne Sapita

Beginning at noon on Sunday, July 10, buses and vans filled with church youth groups from around the United States will arrive in Grand Rapids ready to repair nearly 80 homes with basic carpentry, roof repair and painting.

About 450 volunteers will spend the week “camping” at Catholic Central where they will sleep on classroom floors, eat in the cafeteria, shower and participate in evening programs.

The Grand Rapids Workcamp is organized through the Group Workcamps Foundation and sponsored locally by Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM).

Youth and adults will work on houses for elderly, disabled and underprivileged homeowners in the greater Grand Rapids area who were selected through an application and review process. The repairs the campers make will allow residents to remain in homes that might have otherwise been deemed unsafe for habitation.

A camper’s typical day begins at 6:45 a.m. with a wake-up call and they are kept busy

until 11 p.m. when the “lights out” call comes. On Wednesday, the teen volunteers

will have a free afternoon to visit some West Michigan local attractions including a visit to Lake Michigan.

“The Grand Rapids Workcamp volunteers will donate about 12,000 hours of labor

that is worth at least $80,000 to our community,” said Deborah J. Nykamp, President/CEO,

Catholic Charities West Michigan. “Their hard work and dedication to helping others will

provide help and create hope to those in need.”

“Hosting the Workcamp is not only a sign of Catholic Central’s commitment to the city of Grand Rapids, but also reflects the importance of service for our school community,” said Principal Greg Deja.  “We are pleased to play a small part in assisting these volunteers to benefit our city.”

The Group Workcamps Foundation is a non-profit interdenominational Christian volunteer

home-repair organization headquartered in Loveland, CO. This summer, an anticipated

30,000 young people and adults will volunteer their time to repair homes for a week

in 64 Workcamps in communities across the United States and Canada.

Following is the text of a letter sent by Father R. Louis Stasker to diocesan parish priests and Catholic Secondary Schools faculty, staff and parents today regarding changes in CSS leadership structure:

"Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools (GRCSS) soon will undergo modifications to its administrative structure as approved this week by Walter A. Hurley, bishop of the diocese of Grand Rapids and based on recommendations from the secondary school board, the superintendent of schools, the Connecticut-based consulting firm Catholic School Management, parents and myself.

"The new structure is consistent with findings in an ongoing study of diocesan school governance commissioned by the diocese with Catholic School Management as part of the “Our Faith, Our Future” initiative.

"The new structure calls for the organization to be led by a canonical administrator – a pastor – with a president heading up external affairs for the schools. A principal at each high school will be charged with oversight of internal affairs, including day-to-day operations within the buildings. 

"I will retain my role as pastor, and current Principal Thomas Maj will assume the duties of president. Associate Principal Greg Deja of Catholic Central will take on the responsibilities of principal at Catholic Central. Jack Young, who is currently associate principal at West Catholic, will serve as interim while a search is conducted for a permanent principal for the school. 

"In my role as pastor, I will ensure adherence to canon law and will have specific reserved powers. As president, Tom Maj will be responsible for GRCSS external affairs, including oversight of mission effectiveness, business affairs, fundraising, board relations and liaisons with external constituencies, including parishes and the community. The principals will be charged with overseeing faith community, academic and student affairs for their respective buildings.

"The new structure more closely aligns the two Catholic high schools under a common vision while still allowing them to serve their unique communities. This process of restructuring and further defining roles is the next in a series of steps necessary to achieve the strategic priorities stated in our vision, which was adopted in 2010 along with 12 strategic priorities that are critical to building and maintaining a sustainable organization.

"These changes further align the organization and support the vision of our high schools to continue to be renowned as high-quality Catholic schools preparing students to realize their full potential as active participants in their faith communities. I have put my full support behind Tom Maj as a leader who is tremendously capable of guiding our schools toward a sustainable, viable future. "

For more detail on the CSS administrative restructure, see the Q & A.

Media Inquiries: 616-292-3177
kathleenvandervelde@grcss.org or

kathleen.vandervelde@gmail.com

10:30 a.m. lunch buffet

12:15 Shotgun start

5 p.m. banquet

Download the pdf for all the details plus a signup form.

The Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools School Board elected officers for 2011-12 at its regular meeting on June 9, 2011, as follows:

Mark Scott, Chairman. A member of St. John Vianney Parish, Scott is corporate controller at Autocam Corporation. He is entering his sixth year as member of the Board and has served as chairman since 2007.

David Veneklase, Vice Chairman. The executive vice president for organizational development at Davenport University, Veneklase is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish. This will be his third year on the Board, having served as secretary in 2010-11 and as chairman of the Strategic Planning Vision Committee from 2009 - present.

Michael Lown, Treasurer. Beginning his fifth year as a Board member, Lown belongs to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and is director of accounting & tax at Fox Motors. He served as Board treasurer from 2007-present.

Donald Duba, Secretary. A member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Duba is an attorney at law for Duba & Duba, PLLC. He is entering his second year as member of the Board.

All were elected unanimously and will serve in these capacities until the June 2012 Board meeting.

Cougar boys baseball took the Division 2 regional championship  Saturday in a 3-2 victory over Forest Hills Northern.

It was the first regional crown for Catholic Central since Coach Brett Serba played in 2003.

CC advances to the state finals against Gull Lake at at 2 p.m. on Tuesday June 14 in Holland.

Read the Grand Rapids Press account here. 

It is the Cougars' first girls lacrosse state title.

Read the article in the Grand Rapids Press here.

The win earned the Cougars (24-9) a spot in Saturday's regionals at Hope College. Their game against Holland Christian starts at 1:30.

See the Grand Rapids Press article.

The girls lacrosse team won the regional title and will compete in the Division 2 state championship game on Saturday.

The number three Cougars (17-3-3) beat Livonia Ladywood 16-12 at Okemos on June 8. 

 They will play Bloomfield Hills Academy of the Sacred Heart, a 13-12 winner over Flint Powers Catholic, at 2 p.m. Saturday at Troy Athens.

See the Grand Rapids Press account of their regional win here.

The Athletics Boosters held their annual spring sports celebration at Noto’s on June 6. Many teams and individuals were honored for their accomplishments.

2010-11 Team Honors (pdf)

2010-11 All-State and All-Conference Athletes (pdf)

Scholar Athletes

Fifty-seven students were honored as OK Conference Scholar Athletes with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

See the list:

2010-11 Scholar Athletes (pdf)

The girls varsity soccer team was crowned Division 2 champions with an exciting 1-0 win over Holland Christian on Saturday, June 4.

Girls Varsity Soccer

District Championship vs Holland Christian

June 4, 2011 at 2 p.m.

Grand Rapids Christian High School Stadium

Maggie was chosen based on her outstanding performance and high ratings at the state Solo and Ensemble festival in March.  This is one of the highest honors high school musicians can earn and Maggie is the first instrumentalist in the past 10 years from our Catholic high schools to earn this honor -- Congrats Maggie!

The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) featured three student ensembles at the festival - The Honors Band conducted by John Williamson (CMU), The Honors Orchesta conducted by Kypros Markou (Wayne State University) and the Honors Jazz Ensemble conducted by Bill Sears (Interlochen.) These groups were comprised of students who participated in either the MSBOA State Solo & Ensemble Festival or the MSBOA State Jazz Ensemble Festival. These groups performed individually on Saturday afternoon after performing that morning in the Collage Concert.

Catholic Central junior, Adalyn Johnson, was awarded the  Kettering University Technology Award for 2011. The award is given to an outstanding junior who excels in the sciences, technology or mathematics.

CC Associate Principal Greg Deja, left, with Adalyn Johnson after she was presented with Kettering University's 2011 Technology Award by Kettering alumnus Robert Mock, far right.

The award is sponsored by Kettering/GMI alumni and is intended to give students well-deserved recognition, as well as attract qualified students to careers in engineering, mathematics, technology and the sciences. Awardees receive a bronze medallion with the Kettering seal and a portfolio personalized with their name. These students may qualify for Kettering’s Merit Scholarship and are encouraged to apply for admission to the university. 

Students file past the statue of Mary during the May 26 Marian service at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Each touched the statue as a way of sending a part of themselves with the gift being sent to Haiti next month.

Archibishop Poulard was installed after the previous Archbishop was killed in the January 2010 earthquake. The statue was on display at Catholic Central during the month of May before being shipped to Haiti for presenting to the Archbishop.

First year coach and alumnus, Steve Pangle coached masterfully leading his men to a victory and returning the title to CC for the first time in 5 years.

Join filmmaker and 2005 CC grad Mark Weber for the Grand Rapids premiere of “Strong Bodies Fight” at Celebration Cinema North (E. Beltline & Knapp) on Thursday, June 23. A dessert and cash bar reception will start at 6:45 p.m. with the film screening at 8.  A Q&A with Mark will follow the screening.

“Strong bodies fight, that weak bodies may be nourished” is the motto of the Notre Dame Boxing Team, which annually hosts an intramural charity tournament called The Bengal Bouts to support the Holy Cross development efforts in the poverty-stricken country of Bangladesh.

Founded by legendary football coach Knute Rockne in 1931 and perpetuated by 80 years of blood, sweat, and tears, the Bengal Bouts represent a sacred tradition of dedicated students lacing up their gloves in a fight much larger than the ring in which they box.

Now 80 years in the making, “Strong Bodies Fight" is the unique and inspirational story of three groups of people - the Notre Dame boxers, the Holy Cross Missionaries, and the people of Bangladesh - reaching out across the globe to join forces as one Team in the FIGHT against poverty.

Awards

WINNER, Best Feature Documentary Film - Monaco Charity Film Festival 2011 (Europe)
WINNER, Gold Kahuna Award - Honolulu Film Awards 2011
WINNER, Silver Palm Award - Mexico International Film Festival 2011
FINALIST, Best Documentary and Audience Choice awards - John Paul II International Film Festival 2011
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Foursite Film Festival 2011
WINNER, Accolade Award of Excellence for a feature documentary, 2010
WINNER, Accolade Award of Merit  for Directing to William Donaruma, 2010

Website: www.strongbodiesfight.org  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sbfmovie

The evening began with the seniors and juniors presenting their research at a poster session.Guests had an opportunity to meet the young scientists, hear about their research and ask questions while enjoying refreshments. The poster session was followed by the keynote address by Dr. Marsha Rappley, the dean of MSU's Medical School. The seniors closed the evening by formally presenting their research.

 Participants in the symposium included: Seniors Ann Marie Jakubowski, Annie Dreisbach, Mark Farha, Mitch Cavanaugh, Vi Nguyen and Nick Mac Donald. Juniors presenting were Jonathan Cernanec, Tyler Sykes, Jordan Sykes, David VanderZee, Peter Nguyen, Nicole Guadino, Steven Springer, Griffin MacDonald and Jessica Wojtczak.

Read more about the nominees - and winners - of the Man and Woman of the Year awards.

Learn where this year's seniors will be attending college in the fall.

Read the farewell from Coach T. and editorials from senior Blue & White staffers.

Read all this and more in the Blue & White online.

Catholic Central graduated its largest class in five years on May 17, with 209 seniors crossing the stage to receive diplomas. More than $7.7 million in scholarships has been offered to students in this year’s senior class, amounting to an average of more than $36,000 per student.

Highlights

Valedictorian
Tuong Vi Nguyen

Salutatorians
Mitchell Cavanaugh
Maureen Daum

Magna Cum Laude
Tuong Vi Nguyen
Mitchell Cavanaugh
Maureen Daum
Mark Farha
Nnenna Ezeh
Nicholas MacDonald
Margaret Lawrence
Matthew Wallick
Eric Sink
Ann Marie Jakubowski

Man of the Year

Keegan McCorry

Woman of the Year

Kaitlyn Hoffman

National Achievement Scholar

Nnenna Ezeh

National Merit Scholar

Maureen Daum

National Merit Finalists

Margaret Lawrence

Keegan McCorry

Grace Tomaszewski

Matthew Wallick

National Merit Commended

Mitchell Cavanaugh

Scott Dripchak

Matthew Fallon

Ann Marie Jakubowski

Patricia Williams

See the complete programs for CC’s Mass and Commencement Ceremony here.

Our choirs will perform a full program of contemporary choral music as well as several solos and small ensembles at Fenian's Pub in Conklin this weekend.

"Catholic Central Cabaret" takes the stage at Fenian's Pub at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday. The pub is located on Main Street in Conklin.

Tickets are $10 at the door.

Read the story on WZZM's MY Town Grand Rapids Central website.

 Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools would like to invite students entering 6^th-8^th grades for the 2011-12 school year to audition for the Catholic Central/West Catholic joint production of Thorton Wilder’s Our Town. 

We will be casting two boys and one girl who can play 10-12 years old.  Incoming freshmen at either high school are also invited to audition for a role (10 males, seven females, extras). 

Auditions will be held Wednesday, June 1 at West Catholic (choir room) and Thursday, June 2 at Catholic Central (music room) from 3:30-6:30 p.m.  

To sign up for an audition time on either day or for more information, please contact (maryharwood@grcss.org or call (616) 233-5961.

In their second season - and first year of eligibility - the Davenport University Panthers have qualified for the USA Rugby D1 National Tournament, to be played this weekend at Stanford University. Five players on the DU team are Catholic Central or West Catholic alumni:

Reece Czarnecki

1st Year

5-11

175

Wing

Wyoming, Mich. / West Catholic, 2010

Keenan Dolan

2nd Year

6-4

220

Lock

Lumberton, N.C. / GR Catholic Central, 2008

Erin Hillary

2nd Year

5-8

165

Center

Grand Rapids, Mich. / GR Catholic Central, 2008

John Nowak

2nd Year

6-3

220

Lock

Grand Rapids, Mich. / West Catholic , 2008

Gabe Sochanek

1st Year

5-7

220

Hooker

Grand Rapids, Mich. / West Catholic,  2010

DU will take on Harvard in the semifinal game, which will be streamed live this Friday, May 13 at 4 p.m. PST (7 p.m. MI Time) at www.ustream.tv/usarugby.  National Championship final takes place Saturday, May 14, 4 p.m. PST (7 p.m. MI Time) and will be streamed at www.ustream.tv/usarugby.

Read the news release.

"You Are Awesome!" Pep Rally Details:

The community is invited to attend the pep rally celebration for Coach T:

Date: Friday, May 20

Place: Catholic Central Gymnasium, 319 Sheldon Mall, Grand Rapids

Time: 2:30 – 3 p.m.

Cake and coffee in honor of all retiring CC faculty members will follow the rally.

In an email to CC parents, alumni and friends today, Principal Tom Maj wrote:

It is with great thanks and admiration that I announce the retirement of Mr. Dick "Coach T" Truskoski after 31 years as teacher and coach at Catholic Central.

Since he first came to CC in 1978, two generations of Catholic Central students have studied science or played football, basketball or softball for Coach T. He helped lead COREX for 22 years, and he was a Science Olympiad coordinator. In 1993 he earned an Excellence in Education Award. In 2005 he was Catholic Central's Teacher of the Year.

"You are Awesome!" Pep Rally

But probably the thing you all remember most is Coach T's tremendous Cougar Spirit as Catholic Central's number-one pep rally leader and fan.

Catholic Central students and alumni from every class for more than 30 years fondly remember chants of "We are CC!" and "You are Awesome!" reverberating through the gym. They remember too the many spectacular pep rally entrances: On horseback. Riding a Harley. Dancing to "Thriller" as the Grim Reaper. Rappelling from the ceiling.

All these are reasons we're honoring Coach T in the most fitting way we can think of: with a pep rally. Please join me and the entire CC community in bidding him farewell:

"You are Awesome!" Pep Rally
Friday, May 20
2:30 p.m.
Catholic Central Gym
Cake and coffee will follow in honor of all retiring CC faculty members.

Well Wishes for the Future

On behalf of Catholic Central students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents, I'd like to express my utmost gratitude to Coach T for his service, dedication and the very fine example he set for thousands of students over the years. He was and is the consummate teacher and the very embodiment of Cougar spirit. We all look forward to the occasional visit to campus and to hearing him announce Cougar football on the radio this fall. Above all, we wish him well in whatever endeavors the future may hold.

I hope you all will join us in celebrating Coach T's long and Cougar Spirit-filled career. See you on the 20^th in the gym.

Sincerely,

Tom Maj, Principal

The current issue of the Blue & White, Catholic Central's award-winning student newspaper is now online.

Find it in Student Life > Student newspaper

We will post future issues as we receive them.

On May 6, VSA Michigan will celebrate their annual Festival Day with more than a dozen collaborating arts-based organizations and 2,000 special needs students and community members. The event, themed Arts for All, will kick off VSA Michigan’s 25^th anniversary.

About 125 art and music students from Catholic Central along with the West Catholic Jazz Band will volunteer at the event, a celebration of the arts for children and adults with disabilities. Participation is an honor and a privilege for students, and something they look forward to every year, according to social studies instructor and HOPE volunteer coordinator Kris DeYoung.

With the theme Arts for All, VSA is collaborating with area organizations that also focus on art and provide students a chance to experience a diverse range of art including but not limited to: music, dance, creative expression and painting.  All attendees and organizations will come together at the event held at the Grand Rapids Public Schools Lincoln Campus under VSA’s mission and compass: Disabling Disabilities with Art.

To celebrate VSA’s anniversary, students, volunteers and artists will o hand paint individual tiles that will be collected and collaged into a large community mural.

Catholic Secondary Schools is proud to unveil a newly designed Alumni News with the Spring 2011 issue, which arrived in mail boxes this week.

The clean, uncluttered design makes use of color photography throughout to connect the community of alumni, friends and family of Catholic Central and West Catholic high schools.

Regular departments include news from the schools, alumni, advancement and the Foundation for Catholic Secondary Education (FCSE). There is also a letter from Pastor/President Rev. R. Louis Stasker and a memorial listing for deceased classmates.

The Class Notes page will be a place to read about the accomplishments and life changes for classmates, such as a new job, new marriage, new baby, etc. Announcements and photos for Class Notes should be sent to communications@grcss.org.

View the current issue on the GRCSS website at Communications > Alumni News magazine

If you are an alum of Catholic Central or West Catholic and have not received your copy by May 9, please email communications@grcss.org with your current name, name at graduation, current email and mailing address. We'll get a copy out to you right away and put you on the mailing list for future issues.

As the State of Michigan wrestles with difficult economic decisions, including cutting millions from public education, Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools continue to offer thorough and sound intellectual formation by expert faculties in a faith-based setting for less cost-per-student. The results: 

(Download and print the entire message, or keep reading below.)

·         Our graduates average a full point or more higher on the ACT compared to their peers at state colleges and universities

·         Our students account for nearly 15% of the area’s National Merit Semi-Finalists

·         College scholarships and awards to the graduating classes over the past five years average over $5 million

·         97% of our graduates go on to college, are accepted into their majors, and graduate in less than five years (depending on their program).

·         Our bands and choirs consistently receive first division ratings at district and state competitions

·         Our students have provided service in Haiti, Latin America, Africa, Appalachia and Grand Rapids

·         Within the past three years, six graduates have entered seminary or convent

·         Our sports teams have achieved  five state title appearances and four titles in the past 12 months

If you’re interested in having your son or daughter join a community of students from five counties, 21 school districts, and 31 communities all desiring to effect real change in the world, Catholic Central or West Catholic may be the right choice.

Your student will experience a combined interdisciplinary study with practical problem-solving skills. He or she will gain new perspectives that come from Catholic theology and a Catholic intellectual tradition that is thousands of years old. Our unique locations and history enrich all of our offerings, from innovative courses like pre-engineering and research, to the performing arts and athletics. Our dynamic faculty provides training within the context of personal attention that is unmatched. Care is given to the development of the imaginative, emotional and creative dimensions of every student in all courses of study.

Now more than ever, there is no better place to attend high school that at one of our Catholic secondary schools. That’s why I invite you to accept my personal invitation to visit and learn more about us. For an appointment at Catholic Central call (616) 233-5816. We are enrolling students now for the 2011-12 school year.

Sincerely,

Thomas Maj
Principal
Catholic Central High School
West Catholic High School

Congratulations to the 2010-11 staff of the Blue & White, Catholic Central's student newspaper.  They were recently honored by the American Scholastic Press Association, earning the top prize in this national competition:  First Place with Special Merit. 

The 2010-11 staff of Catholic Central's student newspaper, the Blue & White, earned a Gold Award from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association for their performance.

The following students earned individual awards for their articles.

Ann Marie Jakubowski ('11)

1st Place:  News Story

2nd Place:  News Analysis

2nd Place:  In-depth Feature

Vera Vujicic ('11)

Honorable Mention:  News Story

3rd Place:  Sports News

Honorable Mention:  Sports Page/Spread

Andy Miles ('13)

3rd Place:  News Analysis

Honorable Mention:  In-Depth Feature

Michelle Koenigsknecht ('11)

2nd Place:  Informative Feature

3rd Place:  Front Page Newspaper Style

Brian Lach ('12)

1st Place Sports Feature

Teagan Burns ('13)

Honorable Mention:  Informative Feature

Allison Canum ('12)

Honorable Mention:  Human Interest Feature

2nd Place:  Human Interest Feature

Staff

1st Place:  Editorial

Assoc. Principal Greg Deja and Ellie DenBraber with Good Citizens Chairperson Lisa Pietrzak

She received the award and a certificate at a luncheon sponsored by the Sophie de Marsac Campau chapter of the DAR on April 26.

DenBraber is the second student from Catholic Central to win the contest in three years. She plans to study at Grand Valley State University.

Congratulations to Senior Keegan McCorry who is the 2011 recipient of the Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship.

The scholarship was established in honor of the Grand Rapids astronaut who died with his crewmates in a launch pad fire in 1967. It is awarded each year to an outstanding high school senior planning a career in math and sciences.

McCorry will attend Michigan State University. See the complete story from MLive here.

In turn, students receive a valuable lesson in cross cultural understanding, spiritual strengthening and development, and developing skills that are sharpened through their practice of humanitarian aid.

Activities for Blessed to Bless include partaking in the PAIL Project developed by Rays of Hope for Haiti. For this unique and life-changing outreach, students are asked to fill pails with food, personal care or baby items for shipment to Haiti, where our Haitian staff will distribute them to people affected by last year’s devastating earthquake. See the flyer for more information.

Students are also being encouraged to solicit for items to be auctioned at the Annual Rays of Hope "Blessed to Bless" fundraiser on April 28 at English Hills Terrace from 6 - 9 p.m.

Students who wish to volunteer are encouraged to plan a volunteer day at the Rays of Hope for Haiti warehouse located at 446 Grandville Ave SW in Grand Rapids, 49503.  From this location students will help sort, pack and ship supplies to help with earthquake and medical relief in Haiti as well other countries worldwide.

In addition students will raise funds to paint and ship a four-foot statue of Mary as a gift from Rays of Hope for Haiti and Catholic Central to the new Archbishop of Port au Prince, Guire Poulard, who was installed after the previous Archbishop was killed in the earthquake. The statue will be painted and on display at Catholic Central during the month of May before being shipped to Haiti for presenting to the Archbishop.

Students from Catholic Central and West Catholic spent Alternative Spring Break in Haiti helping people in the town of Seguin, a community about 20 miles south of Port au Prince.

Tim Ryan, director of Haiti Needs You, organized the trip with staff and parents from both high schools. The students checked water quality of home water filters, helped build latrines and provided tarp coverings to protect peoples’ corn stalk homes from the rain. They also worked and played with children in a local school.

Students who attended included, from Catholic Central: Shea Farley with her mother, Geraldine;  Leah Vicini with her mother, Mary Ann; and Joseph Leeuwenburg with his mother, Katherine. From West Catholic: McKenzie Samuelson, Kathryn Miller, Valerie Stacey, Rachel Golembiewski, Taylor TenBrock, and Jakob Berguist  with his father Dr. Michael Bergquist

Plans are for the joint mission trip to become a yearly occurrence.

See the video from Fox17 News.

More information: haitineedsyou.com

The Mock Trial team had a great day at the state championship on March 29. Our students represented CC well, and although they did not make it to the semi-finals, were ranked in the top 10 teams in the state!

On the same day, the team participated in the Cooley Law Day trial, presenting their case against the West Catholic team.  This offered students an opportunity to interact with lawyers and law students. The trial was recorded and each student will get a DVD copy.

Finally, the team was interviewed for the radio program The Lawyers, which will air on Law Day (May 1).

We have always been very proud of Catholic Central High School and thankful that we were able to send our children to this fine academic and Catholic institution.  Our pride and love significantly increased over the past few weeks following the accident of our daughter, Mary Kathryn. 

The team dedications, love, support, food, visits and, most importantly, the rosaries and prayers have given us great comfort during these difficult and challenging times.  We know that God is hearing your prayers and answering them by continuing to heal Mary. 

How can we ever thank all of you enough?  All of the teachers, students and administrators have a special place in our hearts and we know Jesus is pleased with you.  We are so blessed to be a part of this magnificent Catholic community and we look forward to that day when Mary again joins all of you in those blessed halls.  May God Bless You!!

Dave, Kathie, JoAnn, Kyle, Dominic and Mary Kathryn Lefere

The CC music department’s musical Guys and Dolls opens Wednesday night, March 23, at the Aquinas Performing Arts Center.

About 80 students have been working really hard to continue a long tradition of excellent musical theater at CC. Guys and Dolls is a really great show - very entertaining - you are going to love it!

Performances are March 23 through Saturday, March 26. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and there is a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students. To reserve your tickets call the box office at (616) 456-6656.

Sophomore Desree Ortega-Furgeson took sixth place in the North American Cup Division II Women's Foil Fencing Championship (non-school competition).

She lost to a 20-year-old competitor from Mexico, 12-15. Desree is now considered the sixth best female foil fencer for Division II (C and under, all age brackets, including college and adults) in the entire North American continent. Congratulations, Desree!

Sponsored by the research arm of the United States Department of Defense, the annual high school science competition is designed to encourage and develop oral presentation skills and the ethical conduct of original research. Scholarships are awarded to highly talented students from across the nation.  

Ann Marie and Vi placed in the top six in the state and are invited to take part in the national competition in San Diego at the end of April.

The girls’ varsity basketball team fell short in quarterfinal play Tuesday night with a 54-47 loss to Three Rivers.

The current Class B state champion Lady Cougars were fearless in their efforts:  Tiesha Stokes scored 20 points with 11 rebounds, Shellis Hampton 14 points and Alex Heffron 11 points. The rest of the team however combined for just two points, contributing to the loss.

The team was 24-2 on the season. Great run, Cougars!

CC took its first-ever state championship in hockey in a 7-2 win over Calumet in the Division 3 finals last Saturday, March 12, in Plymouth.

It was the first state championship in 21 years for any West Michigan team.

Donald Sund had a hat trick while Cam Kwaiser scored two goals for the Cougars. Zach Schaap and Josh Berry each scored one. Goalie Andrew Stec recorded 26 saves.  The team ended the season with a 24-5 record.

Congratulations Cougars!

The boys' swim team broke four school records at the Division III state swim meet held March 11 and 12 at Holland Aquatic center.

Participating for CC were: Mitch Cavanaugh, Michael Johnson, Aaron Schwallier, Andrew Grabow, David Vanderzee, Charlie Hendrickson, Jake Swailes, Nick McKiever, Mike Nachtegall, and Jon Radlinski.

Saturday’s Division III state swim finals were a time of celebration for Catholic Central, but it was also the end of an era for John Hams. Hams, who has coached with boys swimming at Catholic Central for 28 years, coached his final meet when he led the Cougars Friday and Saturday at the Holland Aquatic Center.

Eight from the CC boys' swim team have qualified to compete in the state swim meet in Holland on March 11 and 12.

Mitch Cavanaugh, Andrew Grabow, Aaron Schwallier, David Vanderzee, Michael Johnson, Charlie Hendrickson, Mike Nachtegall, and Jon Radlinski all have qualified. 

There is the potential to break at least two school records at the state meet, according to Coach Greg Grabow.

Diocesan Catholic School students, including many from Catholic Central, raised $10,995 in the “Change for Water – Water for Change” project recently to benefit the Malawi Connection.

The Michigan-based charitable organization provides assistance to the people in the East African country of Malawi through projects that are sustainable and promote self-reliance.

The Malawi Connection matches contributions and uses  the funds to drill wells in villages without fresh water sources.  The change collected by our students will help bring about great change for others.

The girls' varsity basketball team defeated Hudsonville Unity Christian, 50-32 Tuesday night in the regional semifinal game.

It was an emotional win for the Lady Cougars, who were playing their first game without junior guard Mary LeFere. She remains hospitalized after a car accident last Saturday.

The team will meet Grand Rapids Christian (No. 8, 21-2) tonight in Allegan to compete for the Class B regional championship.

The Cougars won Monday night, 51-35 vs. Forest Hills Northern.  The team also had three seniors nominated to the OK Gold All-Conference team.

Connor Hogan and Brendan Penny were named 1st Team All-Conference, and Zeke Mojica-Skinner was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference team.

The next game will be against Forest Hills Eastern at Forest Hills Northern, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9.

The Catholic Central family will gather in the Cathedral of St. Andrew today, March 7, at 2:30 in a prayer service for junior Mary LeFere who remains hospitalized after a March 5 car accident.

Please join us in offering prayers and support for Mary and her family. May God grant comfort to all those in need during this difficult time.

The girls’ basketball team won 63-26 over Comstock Park in the first round Class B district championship game last week.

They’ll face Hudsonville Unity Christian on Tuesday in Allegan. The Cougars (22-1) are ranked No. 2 in Class B and are the reigning state champions.

Cougars! Come out and support your team.

Ten CC seniors competed in a mock trial competition at the Kent County Courthouse on Saturday, March 5, placing third in a field of 13.

They acted as lawyers and witnesses for the plaintiff and then for the defense in three separate trials regarding cyber stalking.

Our students were not only well prepared, but they showed how well they were able to think on their feet and communicate clearly.

They now willcompete at the state competition in Lansing on March 26.

The program is in its first year at Catholic Central, and its success is largely due to the dedication and hard work of our students and the two lawyer coaches who helped prepare the students for competition. They are Mike MacDonald (father of Nick), who is a federal prosecutor, and Kent County Prosecutor, Kellee Koncki (mother of Jack).

 Students who participated were: Haley Brennan, Brian Courtade, Scott Dripchak, Nnenna Ezeh, Nick MacDonald, Sarah Meyerholtz, Vi Nguyen, Evan Weiss, Matt Wallick and Tricia Williams.

Congratulations to the boys varsity basketball team in their first-ever win outright of the OK Gold Conference championship!

The team finished the season with a 17-3 record. They head into district playoffs on Monday, March 7, at Forest Hills Northern High School, 7 p.m. vs. Forest Hills Northern.  The team would love to see the visitor's side filled as we play the host team in the first round.

Nicki Joseph was named Student of the Month for February at Kent Career Technical Center.

Nicki was recommended by her teacher, Mr. Russ Wallsteadt, for Student of the Month in his “Early Biotechnology” class because of her high achievement.

Congratulations, Nicki!

They will compete LOCALLY at the Delta Plex on Saturday March 5, at 6 p.m.  Come on out and cheer on the girls!

On Friday, Feb. 25, the Capella Choir participated in the MSVMA District Choral Festival for the fifteenth year, and for the fifteenth year they received an “Excellent” rating.

This is a tribute to the hard work of the students in the Capella Choir.

The process includes singing two pieces in front of adjudicators as well as participating in a graded sight reading exercise (singing a piece of music they have never seen, with no accompaniment). Their performance earned them a very high Excellent rating, which allows them the opportunity to participate in the State Choral Festival in May.

Their performance at District Festival is yet another example of the excellence strived for – and achieved - by the choral department of Catholic Central High School.

The Concert Band earned straight Division One (Superior) ratings at the MSBOA District 10 Band Festival in Grandville on Feb. 24.

The band performed three pieces in the Grandville High School auditorium, while being judged by three highly qualified and experienced music educators.  Following that, they went to the sight-reading room, where they were judged on the performance of two pieces they had not seen before. 

They received the highest marks from all adjudicators and were excellent representatives of Catholic Central.  The performance qualifies the band for State Festival in March.

Great work, band!

Three CC students were among 18 finalists in a field of about 250 who submitted entries in this year’s President Gerald R. Ford Student Essay Challenge. They were second-place winner  Steve Jakubowski , Emily Prins, who earned a top-six honorable mention,  and Maggie Weighner. Steve was awarded a savings bond.

The topic was integrity, according to instructor Tiffany Marrinan. “Although each … took a different approach, all [of the essays] revealed the  character, skill, and intelligence of our students,” she said.  “Emily wrote of how much she values the sacrifices her family has made to send her to Catholic Central, Maggie wrote of personal choices she has made and Steven’s intellectual approach was incredibly thought-provoking.”

The students were honored in a ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Museum on Feb. 21.

In a communication addressed to CSS current and prospective parents, CSS School Board Chair Mark Scott wrote:  

I am writing today on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Secondary Schools to provide some historical perspective and facts underlying our newly implemented high school admissions policy.

Research shows that students with academic gaps as they enter high school are likely to fall further behind in an academically challenging environment where few remedial resources are available to assist them.  Although Catholic Central and West Catholic have modest resources to assist with reading deficiencies, our high schools historically have not had programs or the necessary staff in place to adequately assist academically challenged students or those with significant learning differences.

In an effort to address these practical realities in a timely and forthright manner, the Board and administration agreed on a two-pronged approach to better serve all prospective families in the future:

1.    The consistent use of minimum admissions standards to ensure all incoming freshman are adequately prepared for high school work.

2.    Feasibility exploration and development of remediation programs in areas where the most need is present.

Believing it to be in the best interest of our schools and community, the Board adopted admissions standards in June 2008 that are slated for full implementation for students seeking enrollment in our high schools in the fall of 2011.  Modeled after best-practice admissions criteria used by Catholic high schools throughout Michigan and nationally, these standards take into account standardized test indicators for academic potential, what we expect of incoming students in the areas of behavior and discipline and what we can realistically provide today in the way of academic support for students.  You may read the admissions policy on our website here.

Additionally, the Board and administration are in the early stages of conducting a needs analysis with regard to special education and remediation programs for our high schools.

* * * * * * * * * *

For the past five years, our high schools have required incoming students to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT).  During its 50-year history, the HSPT has been administered by high schools throughout the country to measure skills deemed most critical to a new high school student.  The HSPT is a skills-based test much like the ACT in that it requires students to think in a thorough, quick and strategic manner while insisting upon accuracy and the consistent use of logic and wisdom.  It judges writing, verbal and mathematical ability which are so vital to a student’s success at the high school level and beyond.

The HSPT scores submitted for this fall’s incoming freshman class were assigned one of three status designations:  unconditionally accepted, conditionally accepted and deferred.  As I write to you today, no student has been denied admission to our high schools.

Unconditional acceptance.  Students filing applications accompanied by HSPT scores above the 30^th percentile were accepted unconditionally without further review.

Files of applicants with HSPT scores below the 30^th percentile, but above the 20^th percentile were subject to further review by the Principal, Associate Principals, Director of Guidance and the department heads of our two high schools’ English, Math and Science departments.  Additional factors were considered before making final determinations, including:

·         Grades in core curriculum classes at the middle school level.

·         Standardized test scores submitted by partner schools.

·         Resources available at the high school level to assist with remediation and special education/learning difference needs.

Those with HSPT scores in this range who had proven consistency in other areas of academic achievement also were accepted unconditionally.  I am happy to report that 85% of those applying to our high schools were unconditionally accepted.

Conditional acceptance.  Students with scores below the 20^th percentile were either conditionally accepted or deferred based upon the strength and consistency of their academic record in middle school and on other standardized test scores submitted by partner schools.

Those conditionally accepted (about 12% of our applicants) must successfully complete a three-week summer school program led by our staff and designed to reinforce essential reading and/or math skills necessary for achievement at the high school level.  They also will be required to limit their freshman course load to six classes to ensure focused effort on core classes during the first year.

Deferred acceptance.  Students with deferred acceptance based upon their academic record (about 3% of our applicants) have been offered an opportunity to retake the HSPT.  They also must successfully complete the summer school program described above.  Their applications will again be reviewed and final decisions made after these requirements have been met.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Board is singularly motivated to accurately assess the abilities of incoming students and to provide families with an objective determination that will best serve each child’s educational needs.  As expressed in our Vision Statement, it is our desire that all children can be served within the walls of our two great high schools – Catholic Central and West Catholic – and we will continue to strive to broaden the spectrum of services we can provide to our students.

However, in the interim, we must be good stewards of our financial resources through the fair and accurate assessment of what we have to offer in the way of assistance and accommodation to those students functioning below grade level.  Further, we are obliged to provide professional, honest and compassionate feedback about your child’s academic standing and our ability to serve any special needs he/she may have.

As always, please continue to pray for those involved in leading our schools, and in particular, pray for those individuals who may have hoped for a different outcome from the admissions process.  It is our sincerest wish that these actions are understood to be as they are intended – the utmost expression of our desire to help all students reach their full potential.

If you have any questions or concerns you would like to address to the Board, please submit them to our on-line mail box at www.surveymonkey.com/s/5TDFRJJ.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Scott

Chairman

Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools Board

All parents and alumni were invited to attend the celebration, where recently trained Eucharistic Ministers were commissioned and students who participate in the liturgical ministries of music, Liturgy of the Word, Servers and Ushers were blessed, emphasizing the gifts each brings to the worshipping community.

Congratulations to members of the Catholic Central Band who participated in the District 10 MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday, February 5.  The students represented Catholic Central very well with more than half of the students in the band performing in an ensemble or solo that was adjudicated by experts on their instruments. 

The number of students heading to State Festival  is more than doubled from last year!

The following students received a Division One rating and will participate in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival on March 26:

Maggie Weighner – Oboe solo

Sarah Brasseur – Piano solo and Flute solo

Tim Priest and Jessica Leon – Flute Duet

Tim Priest (CC), Anna Brechting and Teresa Brechting (from WC) – Flute Trio

Jessica Leon – Flute solo

Aaron Schwallier – Clarinet solo

Andrew Ayers – Trumpet solo

Ben Miron – Trumpet solo

Michelle Valente – Piano solo

YooRi Kim, Rosie Cusack and Maggie Weighner – Woodwind Trio 

Katie Cordes, John Mirandette, Kirsten Leon, Michelle Valente, Sarah Brasseur and Javier Rodriguez – Percussion Ensemble

The students below also participated on Saturday receiving a Division Two and/or comments from their adjudicator for help to continue their success:

Parker Webster, Doug Zeeff, Brandon Cook, Connor Saukas, Theresa Valente, Stephen Talaga, Michael Pulte, Eden Wisnewski, Caitlin Saladin, Matt Graves, Kelsey McDonagh, Hannah Soltysiak, Jacob Len, Aaron Schwallier, Maggie Weighner, Tim Priest, Grace Tomaszewski, Josh Volk and Brittany Bindon. 

Congratulations, students!

Three athletes from Catholic Central signed national letters of intent to play their sports at a college or university on National Signing Day, Feb. 2.

Congratulations to:

John Haley – Hillsdale College Football

Alex Heffron - Michigan State University Women’s Soccer

Bronson Hill - Eastern Michigan University Football

Live Signing Day event at Celebration Cinema

Football signees, from left: John Haley, Bronson Hill, Dan Pittman, Mitch Bredberg, Zach Smith

Catholic Central and West Catholic football players who signed letters of intent for next year participated in the 2011 High School Football Signing Day at the Celebration Cinema North on Thursday, Feb. 4.  The event was presented by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association – Region 6 Directors.

At the invitation of West Michigan state legislators, the football teams from Grand Rapids West Catholic High School and Catholic Central High School took a trip to Lansing on Tuesday, Feb. 1, to be recognized at the state capitol for their dual 2010 MHSAA championships.

West Catholic and Catholic Central football teams and coaches pose at Michigan's captiol with Rep. Roy Schmidt, Sen. Dave Hildebrand and Rep. Brandon Dillon (front row, center). 

Sen. Dave Hildebrand (R), Rep. Brandon Dillon (D) and Rep. Roy Schmidt (D) extended a joint invitation for the teams to be recognized together before the State House and Senate.

The recognition took place on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday morning and, due to differing rules, from the House gallery on Tuesday afternoon.

For the first time in school history last fall, both Div. 4 Catholic Central (12-2) and Div. 5 West Catholic (13-1) made playoff appearances in Detroit. Both returned to Grand Rapids with championship trophies in their respective divisions.

“Everyone who had any interaction with the teams walked away thoroughly impressed,” wrote Senior Legislative Aide Ed Kettle in a note to Principal Tom Maj.  “You and the teachers and obviously the coaching staffs have so much to be proud of. It was a pleasure to have them visit Lansing.”

Congratulations to both our teams!

On Tuesday, December 7th, both Catholic Central and West Catholic High Schools were recognized for their Football State Championship titles. This is the first time in history that both schools competed for the State Championship at the same time and brought home the State Championship trophies in the same weekend.  In recognition of this achievement, both schools were honored with a Proclamation of Achievement during the City Commissioner meeting by Mayor Heartwell.  During the presentation, Principal of both high schools, Tom Maj briefly spoke about how proud he was of the two schools. He was quoted as saying, “I couldn’t have written a better ending to the football season.”  He also pointed out that the football teams started on the same field in August in the INAUGRUAL CATHOLIC BOWL and finished their seasons with victories on Ford Field.   Congratulations again to our football teams - Two Schools. One Goal. Catholic Education Wins!

To view previously published News Briefs which feature many of our successes, please click on the link below.

News Briefs Archived