Catholic Central proudly recognizes the Top Ten Scholars of the Class of 2026, who have exemplified academic excellence, leadership, and dedication throughout their high school years.

Congratulations to the following outstanding students:

Philip Calabrese

Parents: Marcello Calabrese and Sandra Calabrese 

Resides in: Novi

Parish: Holy Family Catholic Church

Middle School: Novi Middle School

Clubs/Activities: Finance Club (Board Member), Shamrock: Intentional Disciple (Vice President), Soccer, Quizbowl (Co-Captain), National Honor Society, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Flying Shamrocks (Senior Aviation Council Member), Spanish Honor Society, Shamrocks for Veterans, Kairos 47 (Rector)

Volunteer Work: Volunteered for the Live Like Lou Foundation (assisting a community member with ALS); Volunteered as an Altar Server at Holy Family Catholic Church; Volunteered my time to teach the elderly how to use technology through Shamrock ID

Honors and Awards: National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, Global Seal of Biliteracy - Functional Fluency in Spanish, Catholic League All-Scholastic Honor, DECA Math Competition Award, Gabriel Richard Honor, Catholic League Soccer Team All-Academic Award, Various Department Awards

Where will you be attending college? Michigan

What is your planned major? Business

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

My time at Catholic Central has been such a blessing in my life. I have met my closest friends, experienced lots of fun and competition, and furthered my faith at Catholic Central. The school has given me such a well-rounded education rooted in academics and practical knowledge. Catholic Central is an amazing school of opportunity that allowed me to strive to meet my goals and serve others through good works. 

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

My favorite memory of my time at Catholic Central has been every experience I've had with the soccer program. Every captain's practice, game, and team event was always super fun, and I enjoyed it so much. 

René Salinas Carrillo

Parents: Criztel Carrillo-Salinas and Julio Salinas

Resides in: Farmington Hills

Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows

Middle School: Our Lady of Sorrows

Clubs/Activities: Bowling (Captain), Chess (Captain), Esports- Super Smash Bros (Captain), Chess Club (President), HOSA (Officer), Marching/Symphonic Band (Band Council), National Spanish Honor Society, Finance Club, JV Volleyball, National Honor Society

Volunteer Work: Helped make kits for the homeless at St. Edith; Ran drive-thru at St. Patrick's fish fry; Mentored kids at O.L Smith Middle School 

Honors and Awards: AP Scholar With Distinction, Global Seal of Biliteracy for Working Fluency, Scholastic All-Catholic Award for Top 10 GPAs in the Class of 2026, College Board National Recognition Program School Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Father James W. Elmer, CSB Memorial Scholarship Award, Gabriel Richard all years, 1st Place HOSA Regionals 2025, Top 10 HOSA States 2025, 3rd Place HOSA Regionals 2026, 7th Place HOSA States 2026, Bowling All League 2025 and 2026, Bowling All Academic 2026, CHSL Team Bowling Champions 2025, Score 1 (Highest Score) at Regional Solo and Ensemble, Score 1 (Highest Score) MSBOA Band Festival 2025, Top 12 Individual Smash Bros Player at States 2025, State Semifinalist Esport Team 2025, State Semifinalist Chess Team 2024, and Various Department Awards for Superior Achievement.

Where will you be attending college? University of Notre Dame

What is your planned major? Political Science 

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

I've grown in my confidence and my willingness to try new things and meet new people. Specifically, I've learned the importance of committing to a common goal. 

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

Singing the Alma Mater in the rain after losing the home-opening football game freshman year. 

Jack Conners

Parents: Brad and Katy Conners

Resides in: South Lyon

Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel

Middle School: St. Regis

Clubs/Activities: Varsity Volleyball (Captain), Shamrock I.D. (President), Rocks Vitae (Vice President), Senior Class Treasurer, Chemistry Club (Board Member), Law Club (Executive Council), National Honor Society, HOSA, Quiz Bowl, Kairos Retreat Leader, Latin Club

Volunteer Work: Basketball Coach, Altar Serving, Boy Scout Eagle Project, Retirement Home Technology Assistance

Honors and Awards: Eagle Scout, Scholastic All-Catholic, All-Conference Selection (Volleyball), HOSA State Qualifier

Where will you be attending college? Notre Dame

What is your planned major? Finance

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

Catholic Central has directed me to strive for virtue and excellence in all that I do.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

Helping to plan and run the 2026 DRIVE, where we broke $1.2 million raised, as well as Law Day.

Hrushi Deshetty

Parents: Murali Deshetty and Annapurna Deshetty

Resides in: Farmington

Middle School: Our Lady of Sorrows

Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society, Volleyball, Engineering Club (Co-Founder and President), Architecture Club (Treasurer), Newspaper (Co-Editor in Chief), DECA, Finance Club, HOSA 

Volunteer Work: Pomeroy Living and St. Anthony's Healthcare Center 

Honors and Awards: NMSQT Commended Student, AP Scholar with Distinction, DECA State Champion- DECA national qualifier, state level roleplay medals 1 and 2, and test medal, Scholastic All-Catholic Award, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music- Passed highest Grade exam, Grade 8 Piano performance exam, and got merit on Grade 5 Theory, Gabriel Richard 

Where will you be attending college? Georgia Tech

What is your planned major? Nuclear and Radiological Engineering

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

Catholic Central is definitely the best environment for achieving great things. Being surrounded by smart, ambitious people automatically makes you smarter. I would not be the man I am today without the people around me.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

My favorite memory was definitely DECA. Going to nationals in Florida was really fun.

Jeremiah Furtado

Parents: Rosemarie Furtado, Roland Furtado

Resides in: Novi

Parish: Holy Family 

Middle School: Our Lady of Good Counsel

Clubs/Activities: HOSA (Officer), Chem Club (VP), Esports Chess Varsity Team, Kairos Leader, Chess Club, Latin Club, Rocks Vitae, Shamrocks ID, Tennis, Academic Team, Pickleball

Volunteer Work: K-3 Literacy Tutor (underserved kids), NHS Tutor, Hospital volunteer, chess coach, altar server

Honors and Awards: Harvard Book Prize - Junior, Rensselaer Medal Award- Junior, Fr. James W. Embser, CSB Memorial Scholarship Award (annual), Fr. Gabriel Richard Award (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior), 1st Place, Science Fair (Sophomore), Rating of Excellent, 2024 State Science Fair (Sophomore), 1st Place, HOSA Bowl regionals (Senior), 2nd Place, HOSA Forensic Science Regionals (Junior), 3rd Place, HOSA Forensic Science Regionals (Sophomore), 10th Place HOSA Forensic Science States (Sophomore), 3rd Place, 2024 HS Individual K-12 State Chess Championship (Sophomore), 1st Place, U1000 2024 Michigan Chess Championship  (Sophomore), 91st Percentile, Junior Ranking Nationally in Chess (based on ELO rating), 5th Place, 2023 MI Junior 9-12R

Where will you be attending college? Notre Dame, Michigan, or Seton Hall

What is your planned major? Pre-medical - Biology 

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

Catholic Central has challenged me to grow academically while strengthening my discipline and time management skills. At the same time, it has helped me deepen my faith both individually and with others by my side.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

I would say my favorite memory of my time at Catholic Central was this year's DRIVE. I spent a lot of time with my friends and classmates, and I did not have the worries of schoolwork. Plus, winning DRIVE definitely helped make it more enjoyable.

John Kiousis

Parents: Pete Kiousis and Melissa Skauradchun

Resides in: Waterford

Parish: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Middle School: St. Patrick White Lake

Clubs/Activities: Varsity Wrestling, Engineering Club (Founder and Secretary), Orchestra (Bass), Football, Volleyball, CC/DC (Bassist and Organizer) 

Volunteer Work: Greek Orthodox Church Festival Volunteer, Esports and Wrestling camps, Craft for Community for a Mission to Nicaragua, working with the local community of El Transito

Honors and Awards: Candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program – Dept of Education, National Merit Commended Scholar, Global Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish), National Honor Society, 4 CHSL Scholastic All-Catholic Awards, AP Scholar, Perfect ACT, 10 Recognition for Superior Achievement Awards, Gabriel Richard (Dean’s List) all years, Wrestling: 3 varsity letters, 2 team state championships, Division 2 (excellent) rating at the 2026 Solo & Ensemble – District XII Music Festival (String Bass) 

Where will you be attending college? University of Michigan College of Engineering

What is your planned major? Electrical Engineering

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

Beyond academic growth, Catholic Central has made me an athlete willing to endure the pain of hard work for the rewards in all parts of life. CC strengthened my faith through theology classes and the Kairos retreat. I finally found other musicians with whom I could play and perform, and I gained an appreciation for literature and poetry.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

One favorite memory is performing Black Sabbath for the whole school.

Krish Lal

Parents: Payal Lal and Nirish Lal

Resides in: Farmington Hills

Middle School: University of Detroit Jesuit

Clubs/Activities: Band, Chemistry Club, Esports, Tennis, HOSA, National Honor Society

Volunteer Work: CEO of Books for Joy nonprofit, Hospital Volunteering at Corewell Health, SAT Tutoring with Schoolhouse, and Volunteering at American House Senior Citizens Home.

Honors and Awards: National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, College Board National Recognition Program School Recognition Award, Top 10 Scholastic All-Catholic Award, Gabriel Richard, several class academic awards

Where will you be attending college? Michigan or Michigan State

What is your planned major? Pre-medical

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

My time at CC has helped me achieve academic excellence, given me the opportunity to get involved in many activities, and helped me grow as a person and better understand myself. 

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

My favorite memory was going to Rome for the band trip. 

Kyler Paris

Parents: Wade Paris and Yvonne Paris

Resides in: White Lake

Middle School: St. Pats White Lake

Clubs/Activities: Engineering Club (Founder & Project Leader), Shamrock Prep Hockey (Assistant Captain), Volleyball, National Honor Society, Architecture (Project Leader)

Volunteer Work: Volunteer Youth Hockey Coach for the Lakeland Hawks, where I lead drills, teach skills, and mentor young players to build confidence and teamwork. I also provide peer academic support by helping classmates understand difficult concepts and assignments.

Honors and Awards: ACT 35, AP Scholar with Honor, College Board National Recognition Award, Scholastic All-Catholic Regional Award (Top 10, Class of 2026), National Honor Society, Gabriel Richard Academic & Superior Achievement Awards, Science & Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit – Rating of Excellence

Where will you be attending college? University of Michigan College of Engineering

What is your planned major? Mechanical Engineering 

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

Catholic Central has shaped me into a disciplined and service-oriented leader. Through athletics, academics, and coaching, I’ve learned that true leadership is about supporting others, whether that means mentoring younger players or helping classmates succeed.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

My favorite memory at Catholic Central was stepping onto the volleyball court for the first time my sophomore year, having never played before, and gradually becoming part of the team.

Charles Prince

Parents: David and Jennifer Prince

Resides in: South Lyon

Parish: St. Joseph Parish

Middle School: Millennium Middle School 

Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society, Newspaper (Co-Editor-in-Chief), Engineering club (Founder), Chemistry club, HOSA, Soccer, Volleyball 

Volunteer Work: I served Mass at Miles Christi Family Center most Sundays. I have also helped them set up for various events. I have done service with Fleece and Thank You as well. 

Honors and Awards: I have received the Gabriel Richard every quarter. I have also received AP Scholar with Distinction, the National Recognition Program, and All-Catholic Scholastic awards.

Where will you be attending college? University of Michigan

What is your planned major? Electrical Engineering 

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you? 

Catholic Central has done a great job of helping me improve in my strengths, but it has also helped me grow in my weaker areas. I feel Catholic Central has helped me grow, especially in my faith, and has prepared me for the next chapter of my life. Catholic Central has prepared me to stay firm in my beliefs when I face conflict in the future. 

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

My favorite memory at Catholic Central was my freshman year drive. Every assembly was filled with energy and school spirit, and this was a time you could clearly see the brotherhood. It united the class and created a bond in us that would last our entire time at Catholic Central. 

Austin Semp

Parents: Dr. Brad Semp and Mrs. Lee Semp

Resides in: South Lyon

Parish: Oak Point Church in Novi

Middle School: Millennium Middle School

Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society, Varsity Volleyball (Captain), Engineering Club (Co-founder and Vice President), Freshman and JV Football

Volunteer Work: I volunteered at a veterans home with Volunteers of America to help serve food to homeless veterans in Detroit. 

Honors and Awards: National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, All-Catholic Scholastic

Where will you be attending college? The University of Alabama

What is your planned major? Engineering 

How has your time at Catholic Central impacted you?

My time at CC has pushed me to become the best young man and scholar I can be. The highly ambitious yet supportive academic environment helped me to flourish in my knowledge and ability, and classroom learning thrived with collaboration and deep-rooted understanding, not surface-level competition among students. The strong sense of brotherhood built up my confidence and courage throughout high school, and it greatly supported my journey in faith. As graduation nears, I’m confident that CC has prepared me for anything that life has in store for me.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Catholic Central?

My favorite memory from CC is when our football team beat Belleville during the playoffs. The sheer elation in the crowd and sense of belonging I felt in the student section is something I'll never forget.