As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we look back on a year defined by faith, excellence, athletics, and service at Catholic Central High School.

From powerful moments of spiritual growth to academic accomplishments, championship performances, and the everyday bonds that strengthen the Shamrock community, our students continued to live out the mission of forming men of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.

Below, we highlight some of the top stories from the year across four key areas of Catholic Central life: Faith, Academics, Athletics, and Brotherhood.

Faith and Service

Students Find Brotherhood and Renewal on Fall Kairos Retreat

Several times throughout the school year, upperclassmen have the opportunity to attend one of the school’s most meaningful traditions - the Kairos retreat. Guided by Campus Ministry and trained student leaders, participants step away from daily routines to reflect, pray, and strengthen their relationships with one another and with God. 

Catholic Central Students Participate in Annual GDK Day of Service

Shamrocks kicked off their Thanksgiving break by participating in the annual GDK Day of Service. Instead of attending regular classes, students from every homeroom volunteered either on campus or at locations throughout Metro Detroit. 

Father Fulton Blesses Student-Created Baptismal Font Ahead of Historic OCIA Mass of Welcome

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Catholic Central celebrated a historic OCIA Mass of Welcome as 31 students were formally welcomed into the Catholic faith during a special school-wide liturgy celebrated by Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton.

Each student received the Sacrament of Confirmation, while 17 students were also baptized, marking the largest OCIA class in school history.

Prior to the Mass, Father Fulton held a special blessing ceremony for a baptismal font created by Nick Schrameck ’26 and Van Smedley ’26 as part of Mrs. Julia Ribits’ art class. The student-designed font was then used during the liturgy for the baptisms, adding a meaningful and personal touch to the celebration.

Jeremiah Furtado ’26 Named 2026 Ranalletti Award Recipient

Principal Father Fulton, CSB, announced Jeremiah Furtado ’26 as the recipient of the 2026 Ranalletti Award. Furtado has accumulated nearly 200 hours of community service during his time at Catholic Central. He has served as a Kairos leader and has been actively involved in school liturgies over the past several years.

Robotics Students Use 3D Printer to Build Prosthetics for Amputees

In November, Catholic Central Robotics students, under the guidance of Director Joe Lemieux, developed prosthetic limbs for amputees in Guatemala using the school’s advanced technology and 3D printing equipment.   

Academics

Catholic Central Announces Five 2026 National Merit Semifinalists and Seven Commended Students 

Catholic Central announced that five members of the Class of 2026 have been named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, including Jonah Barcelon ’26, Christian Curtis ’26, Krish Lal ’26, Austin Semp ’26, and Gavin Tisch ’26.

Seven seniors were also named National Merit Commended Students, including Philip Calabrese '26, Griffin Carver '26, Hrushi Deshetty '26, Jeremiah Furtado '26, John Kiousis '26, Gabriel Mio '26, and James Womac '26.

John Kiousis ’26 Achieves Perfect ACT Score

Catholic Central is proud to recognize John Kiousis ’26 for earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, the highest possible composite score on the ACT.  

Catholic Central Band Invited to Perform in 2027 London New Year’s Parade

During a special band assembly held on February 23, 2026, in front of the entire student body, the Catholic Central Marching Band was formally invited to perform in the 2027 London New Year’s Parade.

Academic Team Wins 15th Straight State Championship

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the varsity academic team competed in the NAQT Michigan Class A State Championship, defeating Okemos 395-285, and marking the program's 15th consecutive Michigan State Championship.

Finance Club Surpasses $400,000 Milestone in Student-Managed Portfolio

This year, the Finance Club has surpassed more than $400,000 in total assets under management, cementing its place as one of the most successful student-run investment programs in the country.

Athletics

Catholic Central Wins 2025 D1 MHSAA Football State Championship

Detroit Catholic Central won the 2025 MHSAA Division 1 Football State Championship on Sunday, November 30, defeating Cass Tech 42–19 at Ford Field. This victory marks the program’s first state championship title in 16 years.

Christian Laettner Visits Catholic Central, Hosts Basketball Camp

Basketball legend Christian Laettner spent the day at Catholic Central this winter, working hands-on with our basketball team and connecting with alumni for an inspiring conversation on leadership, preparation, and legacy.

Athletic Signing Day Sets Record at Catholic Central

Catholic Central celebrated a historic Athletics Signing Day on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as 33 Shamrock student-athletes committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at colleges and universities across the country. The ceremony, held in the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, marked the largest signing class in school history. 

Varsity Wrestling Celebrates Fourth Consecutive Division 1 State Championship

On February 28, 2026, the varsity wrestling team earned its fourth consecutive MHSAA Division 1 Team Wrestling State Championship title, defeating Hartland High School 43-16. The 2026 title is the 19th overall team state championship in program history and the 12th under Mitch Hancock ‘00.

Catholic Central Celebrates 7th Straight MHSAA D1 Hockey State Championship

This year, the varsity hockey team won its seventh consecutive MHSAA Division 1 State Championship on March 7 with a 6–0 victory over Northville at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, marking the program’s 24th state championship. Eight of those titles have come under the leadership of Head Varsity Hockey Coach Brandon Kaleniecki ’00.

Ryan Dye ‘26 Announced as the 2026 Whelan Award Winner

Catholic Central is proud to announce that Ryan Dye '26 has been named the 2026 Whelan Award winner. 

Dye is a multi-time, multi-sport varsity letter winner, two-sport captain, and two-time All-State selection who has been a member of multiple state championship teams in both hockey and lacrosse. A MHSAA Scholar Athlete finalist and CHSL Scholar Athlete nominee for both hockey and lacrosse, he has also been an active member of the school’s current OCIA group, all while maintaining an impressive 4.05 GPA. In the fall, he will attend Mercer University, where he plans to study finance. 

Brotherhood and Activities

Catholic Central Welcomed 12 New Educators for the 2025–2026 School Year

Catholic Central started the 2025-2026 school year by welcoming 12 new educators to our faculty. They joined a passionate team of over 70 full-time teachers who dedicate each day to forming young men of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.

Also this year, Catholic Central welcomed Ray Robinson, Jr., and Jake Petro ‘19 to the admissions team, Simon Juncaj ‘11 as Director of IT, and Alex Toth ‘17 as Music Director. 

Catholic Central Announces Leadership Transition to Support Long-Term Mission and Growth

In September, Catholic Central announced a leadership transition and long-term succession plan in which Mitch Hancock ’00 was appointed Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 school year; Fr. Fulton will transition into Vice President of Mission and Spirituality for the 2026-2027 school year; and Matt Lewis was named Dean of Students for the 2025-2026 school year.

Catholic Central Installs Time Capsule During Boys’ Bowl Spirit Week

On October 1, 2026, Mike Carrier ‘06 and the student council installed a time capsule in the wall of the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science that will be opened during the 125th anniversary of the school, in approximately 27 years. 

DRIVE 2026 Surpasses $1.2 Million, Marks Second Straight Million-Dollar Year

Catholic Central’s 2026 DRIVE officially crossed the million-dollar mark for the second year in a row, concluding its 10-day tuition assistance fundraiser with an extraordinary total of $1,200,514.00 raised.

Catholic Central Hosts Third Annual State of the School

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

George & Mary Turek Hall of Science Announced as the 2025 CAM Project of the Year

The Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) has named Detroit Catholic Central’s George & Mary Turek Hall of Science as its 2025 Project of the Year. The award was announced during CAM’s 140th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly the Suburban Collection Showplace) in Novi. 

Thank you to our students, parents, community, faculty, and staff for making 2025-2026 another successful year to remember!