MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Central Catholic family:

It's a great honor to be the new full-time president of Central Catholic High School. I'm very grateful to all the faculty, staff, parents, and students who have given me advice, prayers, and support. Every note and handshake is much appreciated. I will do my best to make sure Central Catholic continues its legacy for many more years.

I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Directors for their commitment to finding the most qualified individual to lead Central Catholic and for affirming that I am the ideal candidate for the position. Finally, I want to thank my wife and family for their support as I take on this new challenge. I am committed to the Catholic Marianist mission of Central Catholic and will work tirelessly to uphold its values.

What a year this has been! You will read an article in this issue about an alumnus that designed and painted a new mural on campus that reads “Central Will Shine” and pays homage to our fight song. It certainly has been the Year of the Buttons as our entire student body has shined bright.

Our Central High students have had some incredible successes! Here are just a few examples:

• Voted #1 Best Private School in MySA Reader’s Choice Poll

• The JROTC Color Guard and Chaminade Guard named the #1 team in the nation

• Four Military Academy Appointments (West Point x2, Air Force Academy, US Naval Academy)

• District & Regional Champs for Football, with 2 All-American Team Selections

• TAPPS State Champions for Cross Country and Track & Field

• TAPPS State Finalist for Baseball

• TAPPS Academic Meet Gold Medalists

• Two National Merit Finalists

• Robotics First Place Champs

And the list can go on and on…

When our students succeed in the classroom and on the field of play…Central Will Shine.

When our alumni achieve great things in their respective fields and in their personal lives…Central Will Shine.

When our young men and alumni become filled with the Spirit of Mary and embrace our Marianist charism to become good sons, good brothers, good husbands, and good fathers…Central Will Shine.

Please enjoy this issue of the Blue & White as it will showcase some of the achievements I mentioned above. Central has and will continue, to shine bright for all to see. This year has been one I will never forget for many reasons. The most important one of all is that each of you plays a part in Central’s legacy. With a Loyal Heart,

Jason Longoria ’96, President