On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Catholic Central hosted the Third Annual State of the School in the Grand Hall of the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science.

The event featured guest speakers President Ed Turek ’85, Principal Father Patrick Fulton, CSB, keynote speaker Principal-Elect Mitch Hancock ’00, and Head Varsity Football Coach Justin Cessante ’99, who shared important updates as the school approaches our 100th anniversary.

Highlights of the evening included:

Fundraising Totals (Year to Date)*

• Overall: $3,260,723
• Annual Fund: $317,927
• Endowment: $1,036,384
• Tuition Assistance: $159,104

*Numbers do NOT include DRIVE totals 

President Turek shared plans for a new Grotto, an outdoor dedicated prayer space for students, as well as its potential layout. He also discussed the Catholic Central legacy, opportunities, and what’s next, including Mitch Hancock becoming CC’s first lay Principal while Fr. Fulton assumes a newly created role as VP of Mission and Spirituality.  

Father Fulton reflected on Catholic Central’s Basilian mission and the central role of faith in school life. He discussed the three pillars of a Basilian education: formation of the whole man, relationships, and student accompaniment. 

Principal-Elect Hancock reviewed academic performance and program growth, including strong Advanced Placement participation, college placement outcomes, and continued investment in instructional resources. 

Highlights included:

• #1 All Boys HS in MI
• Top 20 in USA for Athletes
• Largest Private HS in MI
• 100% College Acceptance Rate
• 140+ courses offered, including 15 AP courses 

In his keynote address, he also spoke about the responsibility of stepping into the role of principal. He outlined priorities for the coming years, including strengthening Catholic identity, supporting faculty excellence, innovation in the newly created Aviation and Business curriculum, and continuing campus improvements.

Coach Cessante wrapped up by speaking about the football program’s recent successes as D1 State Champions while emphasizing the broader purpose of athletics at Catholic Central, developing discipline, teamwork, and leadership.