News

After 21 years of serving Detroit Catholic Central Athletics, Mrs. Johnson retires.

The Indiana Robotics Invitational s a prestigious invitation only competition where the best teams from around the world are invited to compete over the summer on the 2023 Charged Up! competition. The Shambots made the cut of a select invite list out of over 100 team applications. Part of the team will travel to Lafayette, IN July 6-8 to compete.

Varsity Academic Team competed against 304 schools in Atlanta, GA at the NAQT High School National Championship Tournament May 26 and May 27. The Varsity A team finished the preliminary games with a 7-3 record and qualified for the double-elimination playoffs. After losing in the opening round in the playoffs, the team rallied to win five consecutive games, including a win over #6 ranked Kinkaid (TX) to take 8th in the country. The team consisted of senior captain Will Carstens, who was named one of the tournament all-stars, and sophomores Nick Murray, Jacob Barta, and Ben Yancey. 

Read the recent academic team coverage by Neal Rubin of the Detroit Free Press. 

Congratulations to the remarkable Detroit Catholic Central High School Class of 2023 on a triumphant 95th Commencement!

Detroit Catholic Central High School celebrates the top 10 scholars from the Class of 2023, by GPA, for exemplifying academic excellence, leadership, and dedication throughout their high school journey. Congratulations to our outstanding scholars

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Detroit Catholic Central recognized the academic excellence of over 450 students at the annual Academic Awards Banquet.

Watch to learn about the DCC Lacrosse program through the lens of Basil Bowl, a competition between CC and one of its Basilian brother schools, St. Michaels College School in Toronto.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we interviewed our faculty member who has been at Catholic Central the longest - Counselor Mr. Alan Barker

The Detroit Catholic Central Annual Art Show showcased artwork from all levels of the art program during Fine Arts Week

Drama Club presented its production of Larry Shue’s outrageous comedy, The Nerd, in celebration of Fine Arts Week April 28 and April 29.

Detroit Catholic Central's Fifth Annual Poetry Night was a true celebration of creativity, bringing together students, faculty, and the wider community to appreciate the power of poetry.

Catholic Central High School students recently attended the HOSA State Leadership Conference in Traverse City, Michigan. HOSA - Future Health Professionals is a club for students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare industry. The event, which took place from April 26-29, brought together over 2,500 students from across the state to compete in more than 50 different events. Nine Catholic Central students participated in the competition and showcased their skills and knowledge in various events. 

34th Annual Alumni Dinner and All Classes Reunion Honors  Frank Jonna '67 and Dr. Larry Schenden '79 with the Fr. Canning F. Harrison, CSB Distinguished Alumnus Award

Robert Minnick '24 had never played trumpet until he came to Catholic Central where he found his passion for playing in the band and is now a drum major.

Detroit Catholic Central DECA recently competed at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando. A total of 15 Shamrocks competed at the highest level, and two teams in the Virtual Business Challenge placed 8th and 12th respectively. Additionally, the chapter earned 4th place in the National Muscular Dystrophy Association Fundraising Challenge.

The 2023 FIRST Robotics season saw the CC Shambots FRC team 5907 celebrating a new level of success with the team winning two blue banners and awards at both the state and world championships. 

The Catholic Central Music Department performed its annual spring concert assembly April 27, ahead of the department's formal concert for the broader community May 7, 7 PM at Mercy High School. 

Eleven students involved in Catholic Central's Order of Christian Initiation of Teens entered the Catholic Church Wednesday, April 26 during an all-school Mass celebrated by Bishop Hanchon. 

Sam Michael's Menswear Representative Dennis Young spoke on the topic "Dress for Success: Appearance Does Matter". With over 50 years of experience in the men's clothing industry, Mr. Young shared his insights on the importance of appearance in all aspects of life, wardrobe building, fit, tailoring, and quality. He also provided tips on what constitutes business casual and how to ace your next interview.

MUN sees successful year as program grows

Documentary filmmaker, Tyler Besh ‘09, came back to CC to speak to Jennifer Teed’s film production classes about his new documentary, A Techno Tragedy, and share an early cut of the film. 

Catholic Central is honored to have been awarded the Diamond Food Donor Award by Loaves and Fishes of Southwest Detroit, presented by LFSD Board Members April 18, 2023. LFSD is a non-profit collaborative providing small pantries with the funding to assist residents in Detroit in breaking the cycle of hunger.

David Kibbey '24, Chase Ziegler '24, and Drew Lehnert '24 were featured on the cover of The Ville Magazine for their efforts in organizing the Northville Concours d’Elegance.

Varsity academic team competed in the 2023 NAQT State Championship Tournament at the University of Michigan, securing their 12th consecutive state championship.

The CC Shambots had a great showing this past weekend in the Michigan State Championships! 

After graduating from Catholic Central in 1979, Larry attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983.  After ND, he went on to the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating with a M.D. degree in 1987.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Frank’s family immigrated to Detroit, Michigan when he was 6 months old; he was one of seven children.

Follow along with the Detroit Catholic Central Hockey Program as they win the MHSAA Division 1 State Title and set new records in the process.

We return to Head Coach Mitch Hancock '00 as he reflects on a successful season, celebrating a MHSAA D1 State Championship and 7 individual state champions. This year's team title sets the MHSAA record for most state titles from one high school in Division 1.

Brandon Naurato '03 Named Permanent Head Coach of Michigan Hockey

Detroit Catholic Central High School welcomed Kathy Tosoian, MA, LPC, Director of Educational Services and Youth Development with Dale Carnegie Courses offered by Will Enterprises, Inc., to campus on Friday, March 31. Tosoian led a workshop on how to disagree agreeably, providing students with valuable tools to maintain harmony while acknowledging disagreements.

Catch some of the highlights from our Incoming Student Night, where our newest Shamrock families came together to celebrate! With 250 families currently registered, it's shaping up to be an amazing class, and there is still time for you to join!

Detroit Catholic Central welcomed home over 45 alumni CC Hockey players and their families for a fun-filled, competitive day of CC Hockey and camaraderie Sunday at USA Hockey Arena, the home of Catholic Central Hockey.

The 17th season of the Catholic Central Alumni Association Basketball League (AABL) concluded on March 26, with the annual finals and family gathering at CC. Thank you to all the players and family members for making this year’s season a great success and one filled with many fun memories!

The Shamrock Bar Association gathered Thursday at Catholic Central for its spring meeting. The gathering included Mass, camaraderie, and a discussion on the topic of “Michigan Estate Planning Law, An Overview of Consideration for You and Your Clients.”

Maintaining his #1 state ranking, Laing now continues onto the Junior Olympic National Championships this April at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He is on the cusp of being part of the US Olympic development team for shooting sports, with a chance to be part of the Paris 2024 Olympics for Team USA.

Max Stossel spoke to Catholic Central students in an all-school assembly Monday about the pitfalls of social media. Stossel spoke specifically about how these apps are designed to be addictive and some of the negative ways that they can impact our self-image, relationships with friends, family, and those around us. 

The CC Spirit was alive and well at the 2023 Florida Reunion on March 18. The atmosphere, weather, CC camaraderie, food, and hospitality of the Sharky’s on the Pier staff and Pachota Family was top notch at our annual gathering in sunny Florida!

Evan Kinter ‘23 achieved a major milestone recently by earning the distinguished Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. His accomplishment shows determination and dedication and  encompasses leadership skills, service to the community, and skill-building activities. Through this process, Evan has gained essential life skills needed to become successful as he goes through life. 

Detroit Catholic Central High School welcomed back alumnus Pete Davis '95, President & CEO of IMPACT Management Services, on Friday, March 17 as part of the school's DRIVE Development Day series. The series brings professional learning opportunities to students across grade levels to hone their leadership skills and gain real-world experience.

Integrated Design Solutions (IDS), designers of the George & Mary Turek Hall of Science, spoke to students interested in architecture careers as part of the Career Conferences series sponsored by the Counseling and Advancement & Alumni Relations Offices. 

The Detroit Catholic Central High School Symphony Band and String Orchestra competed in the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association's District Festival on March 9 at Thurston High School. 

Detroit Catholic Central DECA  attended the DECA state conference in Detroit from March 9-11 , competing in numerous events at the State Career Development Conference. The CC DECA chapter earned three chapter awards including the 2023 "Gimmie 5" award recognizing our continued commitment to increase our student membership.

Detroit Catholic Central Hockey defeated Brighton 3-0 in the 2023 Michigan High School Athletic Association D1 State Championship Saturday night at USA Hockey Arena before 4,090 fans, marking four consecutive state championship wins for Shamrock Hockey. The program made MHSAA history, being the first team in the 49-year history of the MHSAA tournament to shutout their opponent throughout. The win marks Catholic Central's 95th MHSAA state championship win in school history. 

Detroit Catholic Central High School welcomed Inspirational Speaker Jacob Brown on March 8 to speak to students about the importance of embracing failure and using it as a stepping stone to success. Brown spoke to the students about the benefits of taking risks, learning from mistakes, and never giving up.

Learn about the Detroit Catholic Central High School DRIVE fundraiser through the lens of the success of the 2023 school year where the students raised $802,814.13 for tuition assistance.

Detroit Catholic Central High School launched its 2022-2023 DRIVE Development Day series March 3, beginning with guest speaker Monish Verma, a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the wealth management industry. Verma is Managing Partner at Vardhan Wealth Management, an independent wealth management firm based in Farmington Hills.

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC)  season kicked off in January, and the CC Shambots are moving into high gear.

Eleven students journeying through the Order of Christian Initiation of Teens (OCIT) at Catholic Central traveled to the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit this weekend along with their sponsors to celebrate the Rite of Election with Archbishop Vigneron and hundreds of fellow catechumens and candidates across the archdiocese.
 

Detroit Catholic Central congratulates Eric D. McPherson ‘83, who was sworn in as a new member of the road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Board. 

Harrison Nguyen’s interest in medicine began as a child. He knew from an early age that he wanted to help people live the best lives they could. Now, having earned his medical degree in 2018 and board certified in dermatology, he is currently on a Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, Nguyen is living out his mission to bring cures to those who need it most. 

Brian Chaney ‘91, CEO of Chane Reaction Counseling Services, returned home to Catholic Central on Wednesday, February 8 to share his life journey and provide students a glimpse into the world of social work and counseling.

Richard Kuzma '61 returned home to Catholic Central February 6 to speak to students in the finance club. Mr. Kuzma provided insights into career options within finance and shared real-life experiences from his career as a CFO.

Andrew Bianchi ‘23 picked up a trumpet for the first time at the start of Beginning Band his freshman year. Now a senior, Bianchi has advanced to Symphony Band, overcoming challenges and learning important skills along the way. Bianchi shares how the program has impacted him and advice to students who may be considering music at Catholic Central:

From Student Activities, Aluminator Editor-in-Chief, to coaching, Mr. Mike Carrier '06 embodies Christ through living out Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge each and every day.

Michael Rose '03, Associate Director of Ground Vehicles Robotics for Army Future Command, returned home to Catholic Central on Tuesday, January 31 to share his career journey with students interested in engineering. The talk was part of the Career Conferences series sponsored by the Counseling and Advancement Offices.

Join Head Coach Stephen Juncaj '18 as he prepares the Esports team for the fall championship tournaments in Rocket League and Super Smash Bros.

Catholic Central welcomed back home over 45 alumni hockey players for a good dose CC camaraderie and fellowship January 21. Alumni and their families gathered at USA Arena on the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Rink, the home of Catholic Central Hockey.

Detroit Catholic Central High School today announced Justin Cessante ’99 has been named the 13th head coach in school history.

This Christmas, Catholic Central Marching Band traveled to Europe to perform as well as soak in the once in a lifetime cultural experience alongside family and friends.

Joshua Gandy '13 is an Ironman contestant, “The Power of a Growth Mindset” podcast co-founder, and a former four-year collegiate track & field athlete at North Caroline State. Now, he works within STEM to bridge the technology gap with communities of color.

Entire Student Body Certified by Spring 2026

Follow Head Coach Mitch Hancock '00 as he prepares the wrestling team to compete in the 2022-2023 assembly dual.

The George and Mary Turek Hall of Science is scheduled to finish construction in 2024. To better prepare Catholic Central for this giant leap forward in technology and educational tools is Amy Ely, Catholic Central’s new Director of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Brothers Anthony Tomey ’99 and Michael Tomey ’07 are building an enterprise that strengthens their family and their community. It started nearly 20 years ago when Anthony was playing baseball with the Detroit Tigers organization and Michael was a student at Our Lady of Sorrows. The family purchased their first Jimmy John's store at Grand River and Haggerty Road in Novi.

Detroit Catholic Central High School was proud to celebrate Basilian Scholastic Mr. David Basil as he was instituted to the role of acolyte, in addition to recognizing 10 students in the Order of Christian Initiation for Teens (OCIT) Rite of Welcome and Acceptance December 8 on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The Catholic Central music department held its annual Christmas concert assembly for the student body on the morning of Monday, December 5, under the baton of Mr. Logan Bonathan '07

More than 1,000 students, faculty, and staff of Detroit Catholic Central High School participated in an annual day of service across Southeast Michigan Wednesday, with 37 groups serving in Detroit and surrounding areas ahead of Thanksgiving.

Shamrocks collected $4,032 and over 5,000 food items in support of Loaves & Fishes of Southwest Detroit and Grace Center of Hope in Pontiac during the month of November.

Catholic Central celebrates the Basilian Bicentennial and recaps the Meet & Greet honoring the Basilian Fathers at Catholic Central on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

A Detroit Catholic Central student group that allows students to formally join the Catholic Church continues to gain popularity. This year, ten members have joined the school’s Order of Christian Initiation for Teens (OCIT) program. It is modelled after the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and prepares students for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist.

Mr. Rudy Seichter '59 spoke with business and marketing students Wednesday, sharing tips and life lessons learned after a successful career in the business world. Seichter primarily spoke on his time managing the sales department for a computer company in a pre-personal computer era. 

Alumni guest speakers Private 1st Class Maxwell Bartol ‘18 and Walbridge Group Vice President Mr. John Linenberg '89, PE, LEED AP BD+C met with students interested in the Army and engineering, respectively.

Ms. Jennifer Sprys-Tellner has joined the guidance department as a college and career resources counselor. Ms. Sprys-Tellner will help students with all aspects of the college admissions process; she will work tirelessly to send every student on the right path for them. 

Detroit Catholic Central National Honor Society (NHS) inductions took place Thursday, October 21, 2022 in the Robert Santello ‘58 Gymnasium. Parents and students gathered as Guidance Counselor and NHS Moderator Mr. Alan Barker, Principal Fr. Patrick Fulton, and Vice Principal Mr. David Lewis welcomed inductees into the society.

Named after the Greek word meaning “God’s time”, Kairos invites students to step back from the challenges of teenage life as they examine their relationships with God, family, friends, and sel

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Spanish teacher Jennifer Manriquez interviewed three students to hear how they celebrate their heritage.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, guest speaker Mr. Chris Okoye ‘14, Social Studies Teacher and Freshman Moderator Mr. Ben Herman ‘98, and Athletic Director Mr. Aaron Babicz ‘93 spoke to students during homeroom assemblies on their personal journeys in mental wellness. 

Mr. joe Lemieux takes on the role of head coach and program director of FIRST Robotics at CC

The road to Eagle Scout within the Boy Scouts of America is no easy process. In fact, only four percent of scouts have earned the rank since the organization’s inception in 1911. Catholic Central is proud to recognize countless student and alumni Eagle Scouts, including Jacob McKee ‘23.

The Most Reverend Byrnes celebrated Mass, met with students, and toured campus.

Alumni speakers Travis Charette ‘10, Ken Dabrowski ‘60, and  Dr. Matthew Confer ‘13 shared expertise with students in their selective fields

Finance club members attended the Detroit Economic Club's annual Auto Show Luncheon, hosted by CEO of Delta Airlines

23 total scholars recognizes for national achievement

23 students total recognized nationally for scholastic achievement

23 total students recognized nationally for academic excellence

This spring, 22 Catholic Central students won the Global Seal of Biliteracy based on AP Spanish exam achievements. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is an international credential awarded to individuals displaying proficiency with language skills in two or more languages.

Freshman William Drake Patterson says believing in yourself and having confidence in your ability is critical to achieving success. This powerful statement was delivered to more than 1,000 students from across the Midwest earlier this summer at the Jack and Jill of America Mid-Western Region Teen Conference. 

Mrs. McSweeney comes to us with an extensive background in education and in parochial school admissions.

When Rebecca Mulrooney began her career as an engineer, she had no idea it would lead her to teaching high school, but Mrs. Mulrooney says that she has never felt more purpose in what she does.

Matthew Doneth '12 is on the forefront of changing the narrative for those who stutter.

Spotlight on Fine Arts Teacher Jennifer Teed and an inside look at the student media team, Shamrock United Network

The Detroit Catholic Central Academic Team traveled to Atlanta, Georgia May 27, emerging victorious as the national champions at the High School National Championship Tournament (HSNCT) of the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT). The win secures the program’s fifth national championship win and first HSNCT Championship win since 2001.

Detroit Catholic Central recognizes the academic excellence of our top 10 students from the Class of 2022.

Students host field day for 90 elementary students at the Academy of the Americas, a bilingual public school in Southwest Detroit

Spotlight on Colin Harris ‘22, the brains behind the 2022 DRIVE video games and app development

Catholic Central DECA finished second in the nation for the DECA MDA National Fundraising Challenge, competing against approximately 3,200 high schools. Additionally, the three-man sophomore team, J-Cubed, finished third in the Virtual Business Entrepreneurship event.

Roshi Turner '25 invited by USA Swimming to take part in National Diversity Select Camp at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

Bronze medal-winning Olympian, US Amateur Open Champion, and eight-time state championship winning wrestling coach to receive league’s highest honor.

Catholic Central welcomed Wisetta Dolsey from Five Star School of Etiquette for a workshop on first impressions Friday, April 29. Dolsey coached students on mastering the etiquette skills necessary to excel in any social or professional setting and making a lasting first impression on a date, job interview, or interaction with a professor. 

Pinto spoke to students interested in medicine April 25 as part of CC’s Career Conferences series.

Pulitzer Prize winner Bryan Gruley ‘75 returned to Catholic Central April 12 to speak with current students interested in writing and journalism as part of Catholic Central’s DRIVE Development Day series.

Over 50 students sharpened their leadership skills with Dale Carnegie 9 Steps to Becoming a Successful Leader on Friday, April 8, through DRIVE Development Days. Kathy Tosoian, MA, LPC, Director of Education Services & Youth Development, coached students in speaking skills and confidence. 

James Burns ‘04 and Mitch Eisenstein ‘05 spoke to students interested in careers in financial planning, accounting, and sports management on March 15 as a part of CC’s Career Conferences series.

Founder of BD’s Mongolian Barbeque and Grill and CC Alumnus Billy Downs III ‘84 spoke to students interested in entrepreneurship on April 5 as a part of CC’s Career Conferences series.

Catholic Central welcomed Michigan State University Football Director of Player Engagement Darien Harris to kick off our 2022 DRIVE Development Day series on Friday, April 1. Harris  discussed Michigan State's NIL program "Evergreen" and what high school athletes should be doing now to shape their brand and image.

Alumni Fred Lauck ‘61 and Michael Meister ‘83 recently visited forensic science classes to share practical applications in related fields.

Spencer Hicks ‘09 spoke to students interested in careers in engineering on March 29 as a part of CC’s Career Conference series. 

John Rehm ‘86 spoke to students interested in careers in marketing and advertising on March 23 as a part of CC’s Career Conferences series.

Andrew Kil '23 heads to the American Legion High School Oratorical National Competition for a chance to take home the first-place scholarship prize of $25,000.

Catholic Central  Alumni Kyle Smith ‘04 and Corrigan O’Donohue ‘87 spoke to students interested in careers in law services, law enforcement, and city planning on March 16 as a part of CC’s Career Conferences series.

Seniors involved in campus ministry broke Focus: Hope's record for the most food boxes packed by a volunteer, filling up 30 pallets, which equates to 1,650 boxes of food and lives impacted.

Dr. Grant Prior, DDS ‘14 spoke to students interested in dental and medical careers February 16 as a part of CC’s Career Conference series. 

Despite the towering responsibility of being a full-time student, part-time business owner, and newly inducted city council member, all while dealing with the tragic passing of his father, Casey remains humble, confident and joyful – traits he learned from his father and teachings he says learned at Catholic Central.

The Shamrocks were victorious with a 64-4 win over Grandville, and live coverage was provided by student members of the Shamrock United Network.

The assembly match serves as an opportunity for Shamrock Wrestling to share its love for the sport with the wider Catholic Central community. While each year’s assembly match typically raises funds for a community need, this year’s cause was clear: honoring the lives lost last week at Oxford High School.

The Catholic Central music department held its annual Christmas concert assembly for the student body on the morning of Monday, December 6, 2021. The performance was an abbreviated version of the concert held for the broader community on the night prior, featuring the concert band, jazz band, orchestra, and symphonic band.