Spectrum - May 24, 2021

Editorials

Tremmies

Ms. Mather Retires

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Detroit Catholic Central

Volume 84, No. 4 May 22, 2021 27225 Wixom Road, Novi, MI, 48374

Hockey brings home long-awaited title Dominic Apap ‘24

Covid-19 has impacted everyone to this point, and sports teams are no exception. When MHSAA hockey shut down in the state semifinals last season, forward Brenden Cwiek was devastated.

“There is no good way to put the utter disappointment that everyone on the 2020 team faced,” he said. “The only reason I was ‘lucky’was because I still had another season.”

Once Cwiek realized he wouldn’t be defending CC’s 2019 championship, he began to focus on 2021. “Being prevented from playing hockey only made me want to play more.”

Almost 11 months later, CC was finally ready to get back out onto the ice. According to Cwiek, a 2-0 win against Cranbrook set the tone for the rest of the year. “It was probably the most nervous I had been for a game in a while,” he said. “But getting the first goal really solidified the feeling of ‘We are back!’”

The Shamrocks rolled through the rest of their opponents, losing only once.

When the playoffs came, though, the team learned of a positive test within the program. Luckily, Coach Brandon Kalenieki was preparing for this situation since the season started. “It was really tough The Champs parading the halls before the championship assembly to have to deliver that type of news to the won three straight games to clinch a state bring my best every time I hit the ice whethguys,” he recalled. “But we also knew it title, beating Rockford 5-1 in the cham- er it was a practice or game,” Galda said. was always a possibility. We tried to re- pionship. “I think our team won for not This sheds light on the program’s depth, mind them of that throughout the season.” only the seniors of this year, but also the which Coach Kaleniecki spoke about at Seven hours before the regional semi- seniors that didn’t get to finish last year the championship assembly. “You choose finals, the JV blue team was informed they as well,” said junior Kaden Hemme. to go to CC because you want to be great, would be stepping in for the regional semiAccording to junior goalie Nick Gal- and sometimes, there’s a lot of barriers finals against Berkely, a game they won 7-1. da, the championship game was filled put in your way,” Coach Kaleniecki said.

However, their next game, the re- with great emotion. “It was the best feelFifteen players were recognized for gional final against Troy, was much ing in the world,” he recalled. “I just re- personal achievements this season, but tighter, with CC churning out a 2-1 win. member hopping off the bench and skat- Cwiek cares most about the championship.

“This stubborn mentality is what I think ing to the boys and hugging Bobby.”

“The state championship was the only gave us so much confidence in our JV team. We Galda and junior Bobby Masters com- thing on my mind when starting the season. may have been nervous watching those games peted for playing time at goalie throughout Even if I was nominated for hockey player from home, but that was because we knew the this season. “Bobby’s a really really good of the year, I wouldn’t be able to celebrate it JV guys had all the ability to win,” said Cwiek. goalie and he really pushed me this year to with others like I did the state championship.”

Once the varsity team returned, CC

Photo by Gomez

According to Coach Kaleniecki, “Each season has different hurdles and adversity so it’s hard to say one means more than another because each one represents a group of players that went through a lot to achieve something special.

“I think this one will definitely be the most memorable though because of all the things that this team had to go through in the last year,” he added.

Even through a worldwide pandemic and a positive test in the playoffs, this year’s CC hockey team encompasses what it truly means to be a Shamrock.

Quiz bowlers cap off a decade of dominance Josh Bisdorf ‘22

The pressure was on. For the past nine years, CC’s academic team, led by coaches Ben Herman and Chris Gismondi, had prevailed in competition for the state championship. This year would be the tenth.

On April 17, four dedicated young men, sophomore Will Carstens and juniors Liam Cross, Drew Laroo, and Michael Yousif dominated the Division 1 Academic Team State tournament.

It was a year like no other: traveling for tournaments was eliminated, and the sense of competition in play was diminished, but zealous passion for the game of quiz bowl was demanded more than ever.

The arduous season of games, all online, required that the academic team adapt quickly to the new style of competition, such as the lack of a physical buzzer. Instead, they had to type “buzz” into the Zoom chat.

“We had to figure things out as we went,” said Yousif. “So we always fought through our tough times together.”

Up until the state tournament, the boys had a fatiguing season, placing second in tournaments from only a few mi- Quiz ballers (left to right): Drew Laroo, Michael Yousif, Liam Cross, and Will Carstens Photo submitted nor mistakes. “There were definitely rough is evidence of that work. The Shamrocks official games scheduled between the patches, but going home late on a Saturday dominated the match, winning the Division champions from differing divisions. Deafter such a close loss was motivating to 1 state championship 525 - 120. With that troit Catholic Central, Division 1, did not study the topics I missed,” said Carstens. win, the team earned their tenth state title have an official game scheduled at the Then came the day that the in a row, wrapping up a decade of tradition. state tournament with their long-time riboys had been preparing for.

“We had a responsibility to win this year vals Detroit Country Day, Division 2.

“We preach working hard and staying especially for last year’s seniors who didn’t get Halfway through the tournament, dedicated. It doesn’t matter whether we the opportunity to play at states,” said Laroo.

Coach Gismondi received an email from are in person or online; we are going to put The journey was not over yet, how- the tournament director asking if they in the work,” Coach Gismondi asserted. ever. Something was missing. Because would like to play in an “ultra states,” Their finals match against Okemos of a regulation change, there were no

an exhibition match, with the Division 2 state champion team, and he obliged.

“If the opportunity to play more quiz bowl is there,” he said, “we’re going to play more quiz bowl.”

Country Day struck hard right out of the gate, and CC “negged” a question (answered incorrectly before the clue was finished). After six of twenty questions, DCD was leading by a score of 240-(-5).

“For the first time in my three years of quiz bowl, I felt the depth of the responsibility that we had to win,” Cross recalled.

Down 245 points, the Shamrocks maintained their cool, stuck to their training, and “played the packet,” a mindset used to focus and play fearlessly.

The match wasn’t lost yet, so they fought hard for the next fourteen questions and brought the match to a tie, 330-330.

“There was no time to celebrate the comeback. We just had to focus on the next question,” Gismondi said.

One tie-breaker question was proposed.

The first clue was given, yet neither team buzzed in. Then, on the second clue, Laroo quickly responded with the correct answer, earning the Shamrocks the win and the undisputed title as the best team in Michigan.

With the win against their rivals Detroit Country Day, the boys agreed that they were finally satisfied with the many additional hours of studying and hard work they put into their season.

And with the win in the state championship against Okemos, they were proud to bring back another state championship to Shamrock Nation and cap off a decade of success.

2

Editorials

May 22, 2021

CC grad rises to White House office Nick Dewhirst ‘21

We often dream of becoming large influences in the world, but how often do we see that in people close to home?

CC’s own Chris Meagher ‘01 serves as one of three Deputy Press Secretaries under President Biden.

Meagher attended Michigan State University and worked as a sports reporter at The State News during his last semester.

Soon after graduating, he accepted an internship as a sports reporter in Modesto, California. There, he decided he wanted to aim his career towards political journalism.

“It’s one of those things where you just learn by doing,” he remarked. As a high school and even a college student, he had never foreseen himself getting into politics, let alone having his own office in the White House.

Meagher served as National Press Secretary for Pete Buttigieg during his presidential campaign and worked under Governor Gretchen Whitmer for a time.

Most of his mornings begin with a meeting at the White House with the

press team, discussing the political topics that the media will be most interested in. To best determine the hot topics, he and his colleagues regularly monitor major news networks and other media outlets.

Meagher reports directly to Press Secretary Jen Psaki, for whom he prepares a daily press briefing, ensuring she can answer any questions asked. Afterwards, reporters are permitted to go to his office and ask him any additional questions they may have. He helps them best formulate their news stories for public media.

“At any one time, I’m Chris Meagher probably helping 15 to 20 reporters juggle their stories,” he explained.

His work days are lengthy. Meagher wakes up around 5:30 a.m. and scrolls through newsletters and other news feeds to get a general understanding of what’s going on that particular day. He spends most of his

day at the White House and leaves his office by 8:00 p.m. After returning home, he spends his time replying to emails and monitoring the news, especially if there were any significant events that day after Psaki’s briefing.

While Meagher admits that his job is exhausting, he recognizes its key importance. At the beginning of President Biden’s term, Biden and Psaki made the decision to hold daily press briefings “because getting information to reporters is important.”

Meagher and his colleagues are at the center of information flowing out of the White House, so it is crucial they are properly informed to give reporters the information they need.

Meagher admires President Biden’s empathy and is honored to work as part of his administration. Meagher explained that Biden keeps a note card with him that contains the number of deaths of American soldiers in

Suez Canal blockage felt by all Max Chensse ‘22

At the end of March, a 1300-foot container ship, the Ever Given, was stuck in the Suez Canal for six days. It blocked off the canal completely, and was broadcasted by stations everywhere. But what does one ship stuck halfway around the world have to do with what’s going on here in Michigan?

The Suez Canal is a manmade waterway between the continents of Africa and Asia, wholly located in Egypt. It handles 30% of the world’s daily shipping container freight and in 2020 recorded 18,880 ships through its passage with more than 1 billion tons of cargo.

On March 24, the Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal. The ship was situated in such a way that it blocked other ships from crossing through the canal and delivering their goods. Dozens of ships piled up as the Ever Given plugged their path. While the Ever Given was eventually freed, its damage by then had affected not only the landscape of the canal, but also the environment of the economy.

While it was stuck, the Ever Given had housed 18,300 containers, 110 of those being Ikea goods, some destined for the U.S. On top of that, with the Suez Canal expecting anywhere from 50 to 55 ships a day to pass through it, it was estimated that the Ever Giv-

en blocked about $9.6 billion dollars worth of goods a day, including 20 ships of livestock, 15 ships of teas, and 100 ships of oil and natural gas. While some ships had tried to reroute so that their paths wouldn’t cross with the massive container ship, the extra trip still added about 15 days to their journey. As a result, companies began implicating lean theories, where they rely on limited supplies on hand, and depend on raw materials, or pre-assembled components, arriving at the time when they need them. If the items are held up, then the factory cannot run.

The Ever Given was eventually freed on March 29, with the help of 14 tug boats and about 30,000 cubic meters of sand. After being freed, it was required to stay at the Suez for investigation to answer questions of how it got stuck and until its owner paid necessary compensation.

There are now plans in place to widen the Suez Canal by 131 feet to avoid a repeated disaster.

So how does it relate to us? Well, with companies having to now work with late shipments and limited supplies, prices have gone up and some goods have become unavailable. With these events taking place and companies being unable to fluctuate their prices on consumer products, it means next year they will have to make up for the loss of the sale and increase their prices.

Iraq and Afghanistan, and, this past year, he added the number of American deaths from Covid-19. The numbers are updated daily.

Meagher thoroughly cherishes the time he had at Catholic Central. “It was an environment that allowed me to learn and to grow as a person,” he said.

He attributes a significant portion of his personal growth to Coach Magni, whom he ran cross country and track for. Magni’s mentorship guided Meagher through his high school career, and he developed friendships with those on his team that he still maintains today.

Although he has a stressful and occasionally overwhelming position, Meagher treats it with dignity, something witnessed here at CC, particularly in teachers like Fr. Ward, his hurdles coach and math teacher.

“He always pushed me to be the best I could be both in the classroom and on the track,” Meagher said.

New mask mandate creates confusion Tommy Shea ‘21

On Saturday, May 15, at 9 a.m., Governor Whitmer lifted the Michigan mask mandate for individuals who are two weeks removed from their complete Covid-19 inoculation. Last week, the CDC announced new guidelines that would allow fully vaccinated persons to take off their masks indoors; however, this guideline is still superseded by state, county, and city mandates.

Since the surprising CDC release, there has been controversy regarding whether or not individuals will be required to prove their vaccination. Many people claim that HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects them from having to disclose their vaccination status.

This outlook is a fallacy. Businesses can, indeed, require proof of vaccination to enter their establishments. They are required, however, to accommodate medical and religious exceptions without seeking additional medical information. In these cases, individuals would likely be permitted to enter businesses on the condition that they wear a mask. In the event that an individual refuses to wear a mask and refuses to substantiate their vaccination, businesses reserve the right to refuse service.

Conflict will surely arise as businesses establish their own requirements.

Most American colleges and universities are also requiring proof of vaccination from students who wish to reside in campus dormitories. Inoculation verification has largely been

conducted using photographs of vaccination cards. Whether or not these schools will require masks in dormitories and lecture halls is still a mystery.

The new CDC guidelines that may lift masks from public places do not apply to travel. Masks will still be required on public transportation and airlines. With the reopening of international travel also comes the question of whether or not governments will require proof of vaccination or a recent negative test from individuals looking to cross borders. Some politicians have advocated for a Digital Health Pass (DHP) to certify vaccination and ensure safe international travel. However, the passage of similar initiatives by the United States Legislature seems unlikely, so the burden of verification will likely fall to states and even individual airlines themselves.

Required proof of vaccination will vary by establishment. For example, Walmart released their new policy that a simple “yes” or “no” when asked if vaccinated would suffice for employees to not wear a mask. However, Costco will require individuals to sign a form of vaccination confirmation. A “blanket method” of verification will likely not exist, and individuals will have to comply with those processes dictated by each visited business.

The pandemic is not over. Masks will still be a large part of daily life.

However, the revised CDC guidelines are a ray of hope in a grim reality. They are a sign that we will someday successfully return to normalcy.

The Suez Canal blockage spaarked worldwide shipping problems.

Spectrum

Spectrum Staff Written and published by the students of Catholic Central since 1936.

27225 Wixom Road Novi, Michigan 48374 Room 101

Congratulations to

“Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge.”

Moderator Mr. Ianni

Editors-in-Chief Nick Dewhirst Brendan Nordstrom George Nunu

Staff Writers Dominic Aiello Dominic Apap Josh Bisdorf Aedan Branigan-Brown Diego Cabello

Will Carstens Max Chensse Andrew Ciarelli Owen Kummer Drew Laroo

Artist

Andrew Memmer

Photographer Sam Gomez

the Esports team on their recent State Championship

Cole Nogawa Tommy Shea Jack Smith Phobia

Shoutout

3

Seniors

May 22, 2021

SENIOR SUPPLEMENT

Tribute to the Class of 2021

A senior reflects on his four years Jack Smith ‘21

The way things work out sometimes is really quite predictable in its unpredictability.

I think about this as I sit down to write this article, completely blanking on where to begin.

Ten months ago, I was ready to leave this place. I was enrolled at another high school. But then, there was a quick change of mind, I came here and became more involved than I was in any of my other years here, and now I have been assigned to tie it all together neatly in so many words. Of course. I must admit, I’m stuck.

So what I’ve done is chosen to sit and reflect on the past four years and find some sort of continuity, one common factor. The Class of 2021 had an interesting four years (to say the least), and to find one common item would be to find our defining quality. And at the risk of sounding cliché, I believe I’ve found it. It’s a word we’ve heard a lot this year: perseverance.

Perseverance is doing something against

the odds. It’s being dealt a tough hand and managing to make it work. The Class of 2021 faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Our class size has only decreased over the years.

We faced threats and uncertainty in the fall of 2019. And, of course, we continue to deal with Covid-19. As someone who was looking for an excuse to just quietly transfer away, these issues seemed like perfect justifications.

But then I saw the responses. I saw the closeness of my classmates, the strong bonds of brotherhood. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you, I’m the last one to call my CC classmates “my brothers.” But I see now that the brotherhood does exist, and it is strong. In Drive 2021, we defeated the freshmen, something which every class ahead of us said was impossible. During the troublesome fall of last school year, we saw the perseverance of community and the shutting down of any challenge to the brotherhood. And I see now, with the separation that Covid brought for a large portion of the year, that there has been a perseverance of what was thought originally to

be a lost senior year. With the countless hours of work put forth by the teachers, the faculty and staff, Student Activities, the administration, and the students themselves, the Seniors have been provided with some semblance of a normal year. Perseverance is our word.

I have also come to find that Catholic Central is like the Church in that it is not a place, but a people. I remember being told when I was younger that the Church will always persevere. “God is present here,” I was told, “and God is present within all of us. So even if the physical building were burnt down or destroyed, the Church would still exist where God is present.”

The spirit of Catholic Central dwells in the physical building. The halls are filled with tradition, but they are not confined there. We and anyone who has graduated from CC are the tradition. We carry on our shoulders the legacy of every man to walk through this place. We are connected to these alumni through the grace of God, grace which we have received further in our time

Thank you, seniors Cole Nogawa ‘22

There’s something utterly unforgettable about the guys who are one grade older than you. You just can’t seem to get away from them. They’re waiting for you on day one, and they don’t go anywhere, not even for an instant, until you’re forced to part ways three years later.

Many of us juniors first encountered the Class of 2021 before we even decided that we wanted to go to CC. As nervous, timid eighth graders, we were welcomed with open arms during open houses and shadow days. Little did we know, this hospitality was the “bait” of the proverbial bait and switch.

Mr. Herman tells the freshmen every year that the sophomores “wee” the loudest. That they’re fed up with being the underdogs of the school. That they’re just itching to punch

down for the first time in their high school careers. As we soon learned, his assessment was accurate. Over time, though, rivalry and resentment gave way to an incredibly powerful bond.

When the pandemic began to gain traction in mid-2020, everybody pitied the Class of 2021 as the “lost generation.”

As the grade that would never be able to have any fun, carry on traditions, or even participate in anything meaningful.

Instead of rolling over and lamenting their collective fate, however, the seniors banded together and laughed in the (masked) faces of everyone who doubted them.

The Class of 2021 will forever be remembered as the men of CC that did the unthinkable. They designed and executed a record-breaking Drive under unprecedented circumstances, modified an en-

tire school year’s worth of activities to adhere to Covid-19 protocols, and never stopped smiling in the meantime.

It’s been said that the unofficial motto of senior Student Activities is “G.E.,” or “Good Enough.” Despite its ubiquity, this motto is either wholly inaccurate or a display of modesty. Nothing was enough for the Class of 2021.

Sinking hours upon hours into producing a sprawling skit, building a full-scale replica of the Eric Andre Show set, and constructing a wheel of fortune were more than good enough; they were exceptional.

So thank you, seniors, for being our mentors, teammates, and partners in crime.

Thank you for leading by example and showing us firsthand that nothing is impossible.

CC hosts graduation in stadium for second time Diego Cabello ‘22

The senior class has had their year turned around by the pandemic, but, all year, the CC community has been determined to make it work.

Just like how everything has had to be rethought, this year’s graduation was adapted because of social distancing and Covid restrictions.

Normally held every year in Hill Auditorium in downtown Ann Arbor, graduation this year, like last year, was held on the football field.

The layout consisted of the stage in the south end zone and the grads seated in the field in front of the stage, with family seated behind them and in the stands.

It was a 90-minute ceremony with three student speakers: George Nunu (Valedictory Address), Michael Ramirez (Salutatory Address), and Andrew Memmer (Dedicatory Address).

This year, they were allowed six attendees per graduate, unlike last year, which was two.

The seniors approached the event changes with their usual stoicism.

“Everyone still gets their grad party, so it’s not like you’re missing out that much,” Andrew Memmer said. “My senior year experience has already been affected, no in-person DRIVE assemblies, Photo by Mr. Cornish Boys’ Bowl, or student sections, so something like this is how it works.”

Despite the circumstances, Catholic Central has equipped the seniors for their future endeavors, and it’s fair to say that this year has prepared them even better than a normal year.

at Catholic Central. It is now our job to take this grace from God and the principles of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge into the world and amplify their fading presence.

This is what I ask my classmates, my brothers, to remember in our final days.

High school is over, and I don’t think I’m the only one who can admit to being relieved. But education, compassion, and family are never finished. They will never be over.

As we move forward with our lives, remember to check in on each other and be there for one another. Continue to form and build upon the bonds that were created in the classrooms, at the games, and during the assemblies. Extend a hand out to your brothers who are down, for you have no idea when you will be the one reaching up for help yourself.

Seek to be closer with God, and in doing so you can’t help but be closer with those around you.

Phobia shakes his magic 8-ball Phobia ‘29

It’s a wonder that this latest batch of Harvard wannabes and NFL rejects is already on its way to a dismal freedom from my hallways. Even more a wonder is my inexplicable ability to know not only which of them will fail, but also exactly how—in excruciating detail. As much as I’d like to keep my foretellings to myself, it would be an affront to tradition to not share them with you. Even I, Phobia, could never stoop so low.

As with every class, to my dismay, we have our winners.

Kyle Malachowski will score the TikTok girl of his dreams— all of his comments finally pay off. He’ll end up sharing a mansion in Los Angeles (at least until he loses everything in a payper-view fight with Logan Paul’s genetically-enhanced son).

Patrick Culliton, against all odds, will become the first married Archbishop of Detroit. His position will be the result of a life of piety, years of study, and an egregious case of simony. Honestly, he ends up doing a really good job. Somehow.

Billy Malecki stumbles into a graduate-level physics course trying to find a bathroom, and ends up becoming one of the world’s top experts in theoretical physics. He ends up co-starring in a reboot of Bill Nye the Science Guy with Bill Nye himself, who is revealed to be an immortal deity.

Now for the value bin: Nicklas Croskey (yes, that is how his first name is spelled) will open a wildly successful chain of cigar clubs for motorcyclists. Connor Dewan will still be pretty, long after the rest of the class is gone. Gavin Willard will have given over a dozen TED Talks by age thirty.

Erik Dosch will slowly make fun of the rest of you as you all go gray, knowing full well that he did it first and, for that matter, did it best.

What I want to talk about (and what you’re all reading this article for) though, is the losers. Phil Burney, a pro wrestler known for his sheer intimidation factor, will be caught cuddling with an adopted kitten, thereby losing his entire reputation. The Nafso brothers will blow their fortune all in one go during a game of highstakes Go Fish. Boston—this one is the hardest—will accept capitalism as the superior form of economy. It’s truly heartbreaking.

Dom Ripke will add one too many shopping carts to the top of his car, causing it to collapse in upon itself. Ross Johannin—you know what, nevermind, I can’t spell his name. Matthew Paluk . . . actually turns out fine. I don’t know why he’s on my list of losers.

Must be a typo. Worst of all, George Nunu, Brendan Nordstrom, and TheDailyDew are still working on this issue of the Spectrum, and if you’re reading this, it was published post mortem because there is no way they have it in them to deal with Adobe InDesign any longer.

Sure. Some of you will be fine. As a matter of fact, most of you will live a mundane, happy life of financial stability and domestic bliss. BORING. You’re the real losers here, with your functional families and—pah!—love. Regardless of what you do, I’ll still be here.

After all, who else will inform the next generations of sorry, sorry Shamrocks of the only thing they need to remember: I AM PHOBIA.

4

The List

May 22, 2021

Matthew Kozma Most intelligent George Nunu Most likely to succeed

Joey Per

Nicest kid

Will Nofar Funniest kid

The TRE

Voted on by the Gavin

Sam Dersa Best Fall Athlete

Troy McKee

Sickest flow Joe McComb

Billy Shields Best Winter Athlete Nicco Valente Aidan Bishop

Matthew Paluk Holden Dwyer

Most likely to be married in 5 years

Logan Welter Most likely to be a Fox News anchor

Most likely to join a cult

Best athlete no one knows about

Coolest kid

“Fr. O’Neill’s Maple “Oh, you weren’t wanted?””

“Blackjack in the Syrup”

Michael Ramirez Most spirited

“Hancock going down the slip ‘n slide” “Hancock going down the slip ‘n’ slide”

Nick Dewhirst Teacher’s pet

Connor Duncan Patrick Culliton

Jack Guerrera

Worst driver

Kerr

Most likely to become a Basilian

Joel Smith Biggest arms

Michigan State University Jack Anderson Alex Awdish John Bannon Mack Bartels Zach Bixby Nich Borchardt Ian Boudia Jack Brunner Brady Butcher Daniel Cachia Patrick Culliton Brenden Cwiek Jacob DeRocher Holden Dwyer Sean Egan Dylan Fras Marco Fryer Joe Godi Chris Goebel Alex Goolsby Julian Kassabri Connor Katz Greg Kolecki Ronen Lenhard James Lindenberg Jon Paul Lorelli William Matta Joe McComb Boston Meisner Brian Molchan Dominic Morello Michael Morrone Clay Moscovic Gavin Nafso Adetayo Ogundipe Drew Opperman Matthew Paluk Justin Pecora Anthony Penzato Michael Rhadigan John Rioux Jake Stevelinck Pierson Tursi Andrew Vogel Michael Wadowski Tony Wojtasik

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Henry Csicsila Nick Dewhirst Chris Ehresman Sam Gomez Tommy Grace Christav Illikman Andy Johnston Liam Kendall Landon Lodato Kyle Malachowski Andrew Memmer Charlie Mentzer George Nunu Collin Scheuher Tommy Shea

University of Michigan, Dearborn Angelo Rugiero John Kerr Ezekiel Snyder Anthony Swanson Adam Srour

Wayne State University Aedan Branigan-Brown Joey Dombkowski Joe Konja George Lalev Michael Montoni Gavin Nafso Michael Ramirez Donovan Romaya Nolan Rose

Michigan Technological University Brendan Clancy Matthew Cronin Kristian Eoll Garrett Gendjar Ross Johanningsmeier Patrick Kline Chris Kolhoff Aidan Laskey Nathan Linenberg Matthew Puente

Grand Valley State University Michael Anderson Anthonio Bifano Nick D’Abate Jake Diegel Rocco Drummond James Kramer Jimmy Moreau Adam Noteman Gavan O’Neill Michael Sabo Danny Scott Joel Smith Andrew Susitko Stefano Troiani Danny Turek

Best twitter

“Water main “Water main break” break”

LOOK BAC

Favorite ginger

“When Cotton lit his pencil “Whenon Cotton his pencil fire inlitChemistry” on fire in Chemistry”

Most likely to be in dresscode online

Alex Perez

Kid who will argue about one point on an exam he got an A on

Kettering University

University of Loyola Chicago

David Ibegbu Andreas Lanni Drew Pfaff Michael Roycht Jacob Yee

Nick Czarnota Owen LaMarra Thomas Newell Nick Zappia

Hope College Christian Dunaitis Dallas Fisher Jack Guerrera Connor McKee Dario Toppi

Lawrence Technological University Adam Christie Grayson Cook Luke Schafer Dante Williams

Washtenaw Community College Connor Duncan Tim Giese Antonio Rugiero

Saginaw Valley State University Sam Dersa Luke Hieronymus Joey Per

Adrian College Brandon Falk Jack Stephens

“Chasing Fulton “Chasing Fulton out out of the building of the building for formore moredays daysoff” off”

Nick Danno John Fanning Will Nofar Kellan Okray

“Brothers’OUTTA Bowl”H “YOUUUUUU

“Joh “John chec check “The BMX “The‘anti-bullying’ BMX ‘anti-bullying’ in assembly” assembly”

THE Eastern Michigan University

Jake Kolakowski Antonios Mello Jack Pearson Andy Pitlock

University of Detroit Mercy Nathan Arao Aidan Bishop Luke Tomaszek Evan WIlliams

Central Michigan University Bruno Guberinich Jon Silagy

Oakland Community College

“Mr. Gustad’s Math Heaven”

“Mr. Gustad’s Math “CC G Heaven” “Guerrera in Honors “Guer English 2” “CC GRINDERS”

John Bannon Dopest kicks

Kerr

SPEECH

Most likely to mistaken for a freshman

Best Spring Athlete Nick Fox

Jack Leuker

Favorite Nafso

Trine University John Browning Phil Burney

Western Michigan University Will Edwards Michael Dabrowski

University of Alabama Huntsville Andrew Fischer

University of Oklahoma Anthony Adinolfi

Kalamazoo College Josh Getz Chad Ewing

Miami University (OH) Logan Welter

LOOKING

EMMIES

Kyle Malachowski Kid who won’t stop talking about U of M

e Class of 2021

Boston Meisner

Most likely to be a CNN News anchor

Sam Gomez

James Lindenberg Angelo D’Abate

Sexiest voice

Future Mr. Carrier Henry Csicsila

Biggest Mooch

Most likely to wear his varsity jacket next year

Danny Turek Tommy Shea

Favorite Communist

Kid who thinks he’s the coolest kid

Billy Malecki

Kid your mom wishes you were

Matthew Puente George Nafso

e Art Room”

5

Tremmies

May 22, 2021

Most likely to not wash his senior sweater Chris Pro

“Winning the DRIVE twice”

“Winning the DRIVE “Black Jack in the Art Room” twice” “Getting yelled at

Ross Johanningsmeier Quiet kid you never mess with

for chants at hockey games” “Getting yelled at for chants at hockey games” GRINDERS” “YOUUUUUU OUTTA HERE”

Best chess player

Biggest Techie

Donabedian

SLEEP

rrerra in Honors “Brothers’ English 2” “MOSH PIT” Bowl”

Bruno Guberinich Most likely to crush you without noticing

KING CK...

“Oh,“Fr. you weren’t O’Neill’s Maple Syrup” wanted?”

” HERE”

Andrew Memmer

“Cornish “Cornishlikes likes vikings”

hn, stopplaying playing n, stop ckers.

I’m playing kers. I’m playchess. ” ng chess.”

“The Forks” “The Forks”

Jack Anderson

“When the the imposter “When imposterisis sus” sus”

Best art Instagram

Most likely to put answers in his mask

Garrett Gendjar CC Mechanic

Brendan Nordstrom Best writer

Andrew Memmer

Best artist

LIST Northwood University Troy McKee

Boston University Brendan Nordstrom

Maccomb Community College

Bowling Green State University Daniel Whelan

University of Wisconsin Daniel Carstens

Savannah College of Art and Design

Jacob Pallozzi

Thomas Stinson

Cornell University

University of Chicago

Aidan Gottschalk

Calvin University

Jack Leuker Josh Gage

Liam Rohl

DePaul University Jack Smith Richard Obradovich

Penn State University

Life University Camden Trupp

University of Alabama

Nick Cotton

Madonna University Anthony Jentzer

University of Pennysylvania Alex Perez

University of Miami

Billy Malecki

Ruddie Harris

UMASS Lowell

Oakland University

Josh Liike

University of Dayton

Ryan Rotole

University of Notre Dame Matthew Kozma

Ferris State University Ethan Cole

Davidson College Aidan Dimitriou

Liberty University

Albion College Connor Dewan

Arizona State University Hayden Gower

Schoolcraft College Cade Brigmon Cole Corby Nicklas Croskey Valentino Scicluna Jeran Sennett

Aquinas College

Evan Oegema

FORWARD...

Erik Dosch

Colombia College Nicco Valente

St. Clair County Community College

Connor Jaisle

Junior A Hockey Bret Beale Kyle DeMarco Jake Hamilton Brennan Sass Billy Shields Shane Szott

Trade School Connor Stanley- Electrical Peter Merem- Welding

Sienna Heights University Gavin Willard

Purdue University Max Johnson

Undecided Dylan Boer Ian Dixon JC Garbacik Joe Medellin

Other John Brady Drake Moore

6

Farewells

May 22, 2021

CC bids farewell to beloved counselor Brendan Nordstrom ‘21

It was a rainy Monday morning in April. Allergy season was well underway and I could not stop hacking up a lung. As a nervous Eighth grader, I slowly walked into my future alma mater with my mother. We walked into an office where we were greeted with: “Hello, I’m Ms. Mather. I’ll be your counselor at CC.” Four years later and I can confidently say that Ms. Mather has been the greatest help to me throughout high school and into college. She has had an immense impact on my and many others’ lives throughout the years.

Now, after a fulfilling and exciting 13 years at Catholic Central, Ms. Mather is ready to retire. Ms. Mather’s career path has been anything but a straight line, which is why her story of an accounting major transforming the lives of countless high school students is nothing short of incredible.

Ms. Mather’s career as a counselor started as any normal counselor’s: working as an accountant for Ford Motor Company.

She worked as a CPA up until the birth of her second daughter when she sacrificed her work to become a stay-at-home mom for 11 years. Towards the tail end of her tenure as a stay-at-home mom, Ms. Mather decided to take the Dale Carnegie course, a course designed to instill confidence in its students.

This course ended up becoming a major turning point in her life.

Following her completion of the course, she decided to become an instructor. “I saw what it was doing for me at my age and what it was doing for the teenag-

ers. I wanted to do something where I could working and the camaraderie in this departhelp young people become more confi- ment,” she said, “I love the work that I do.” dent and self-assured,” Ms. Mather said.

When asked why she decided to reEventually, Ms. Mather earned her Mas- tire, Ms. Mather had a one-word anter’s degree in counseling, and she spent two swer: family. “I don’t have any family years at different middle school districts. [in Michigan] and it was a year of isolaWhile she originally planned to work as a tion,” she said. “I need to be with family.” middle school counselor, a full-time job beMs. Mather is excited to start her life in came available at Detroit Catholic Central. California since she has spent her whole life The job opportunity piqued her interest as her in Michigan. Her plans for the future include brother was a CC graduate. She was offered getting settled into her new state, taking time the job, and despite her nerves of entering into to relax, meeting new friends, and volunteerhigh school counseling, never looked back. ing in work involving reading and literacy.

So, in January of 2008, Ms. She also hopes to Mather started her career as a high enjoy some of her school counselor at Catholic Central. favorite outdoor “It was ultimately a activities, such great decision,” she said. as kayaking and When asked what the most bike riding. Ultirewarding part of her job was, mately, she said Ms. Mather’s response was simshe wants to “find ply being able to see her students. [her] way around.”

“I’m a mother of two daughters The impact and I never had any sons, so now that Ms. Mather I have all of my boys!” she said. has had on her stuOne of her favorite parts of her dents goes without job is being able to see the same saying. “She is Ms. Mather students throughout their career at one of the hardCC. “When I’m writing letters of recom- est working and most dedicated counselors mendation for colleges,” Ms. Mather said, at CC,” senior Andrew Memmer said. “She “it’s incredible to think back to the first time would always check in on students . . . and she I met them as a freshman and seeing them was very patient with everyone she helped.” grow in many ways, not just physically.”

Nick Nunu ’16 also weighed in on his The thing that Ms. Mather is going to experiences with Ms. Mather during his miss most about Catholic Central is her time at CC. “The dedication Ms. Mather department. She says that her fellow coun- delivered to her students was leagues above selors are not only coworkers, but also what someone would expect from a guidfriends outside of CC. “I’m going to miss ance counselor. It stemmed from her true

Michael Ramirez: 2021 Whelan Award Recipient

The Pop Culture Grid

dedication, care, and love she had for her students. This was clear in every interaction I had with her, from scheduled meetings to just passing in the hallways.” Nick has now earned his Masters of Science with honors in Biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan and is looking forward to medical school sometime in the near future.

“I know I would have not had the opportunity to achieve this if it were not for Ms. Mather,” he said. “My brothers (Mike ’18 and George ’21) and I have all been so blessed to have her as a part of our lives.”

If I had one word to describe Ms. Mather, it would be “caring.” When interviewing her, she said, “I have a memory of every student for a different reason.”

That sort of dedication to her students is unmatched. From helping me pick classes freshman year to the virtual Junior interview to the college application process, my CC experience has only been enhanced due to having Ms. Mather as a counselor.

The work she does for her students and her mentality to drop everything if one needs her help cannot be understated.

Ms. Mather’s commitment to her students will be missed, and the Catholic Central community wishes her well in her retirement.

From the Editors’ Desk

Well, we finally made it. After a year of surprises and constantly battling the unknown, we can end the chapter of the 2020-2021 school year. This was quite possibly the most unconventional year in CC’s history: implementing new guidelines, tweaking traditions, keeping everybody safe, and, overall, persevering.

This year we experienced required masks, online classes, temperature checks every morning, the Boys’ Bowl student section moved to the parking lot, a movie night homecoming, a televised and nearly record-breaking DRIVE, a casino night Prom, and the second ever graduation ceremony at Fr. Elmer Stadium. With constantly changing circumstances and the fight to return to a sense of normalcy, it’s fair to say that this is the most tenacious student body to ever walk the halls of Detroit Catholic Central.

When things seemed impossible, the student body found a way to make it work. When student sections couldn’t happen, the CC student body found a way. When school dances couldn’t happen, the student body found a way. When fear that the spirit of DRIVE would be lost, the student body found a way.

From a contentious election to the vaccine rollout to multiple state championships, this year was everything but uneventful. As the editors of the newspaper, we are proud to be proprietors of the news at Catholic Central. There were many long nights in room 101, working until 10 p.m., as well as many trips to Firehouse Subs. However, being able to hold the finished paper is an untradeable experience.

Of course, it all would not have been possible without our readers. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as the editors of Spectrum in a historic and unforgettable year.

Your Editors, Nick Dewhirst, Brendan Nordstrom, and George Nunu

Who Are They?

Teacher you will miss the most and why

What are you looking forward to in college?

Thing you will take as a momento from CC

This summer I will...

Tommy Shea

Mr. Griffin. He was always there for extra help in class or something else that was bothering me.

New experiences and meeting new people

Friendships and the brotherhood

Work and hang out with friends.

Mr. Geraghty. He makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Not having to cry over Mr. Aiello’s projects

The Grammar Hammer. Mr. Griffin, if you’re reading this, it’s too late.

Mrs. Sharkey. I don’t know how she can teach math and still be happy.

Not going to school with only 800 boys

Sam Gomez

Jack Leuker

The Pimp Daddy chain

...finally party with Mr. Carrier.

Forget 90% of what I learned at CC

7

Campus

May 22, 2021

Ut Fidem: Creating a new sense of brotherhood Will Carstens ‘23

One major consequence of the pandemic has been a profound loss of connection between CC brothers.

Social distancing, masks, and online schooling have kept the school year moving forward but have also dampened the sense of community that defines CC. Here to reinvigorate that sense of community is Ut Fidem. Ut Fidem, which translates to “keep the faith” in Latin, is a club dedicated to the preservation of a community of faith. It promotes the values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge through group discussion.

“The club really embodies everything CC is,” noted cofounder freshman David Kibbey. “It takes down the barrier that guys can’t really talk about their problems.”

Through open talk of both matters of faith and issues important to the lives of its members, Ut Fidem aims to create an open and supportive environment wherein people are free to discuss their struggles.

A meeting may begin with the study of a prayer or Bible verse, which then prompts discussion of related problems with school or home life. This environment allows members both to grow closer to God and to form bonds with people whom they otherwise would never have spoken to.

The current objective of the club is to grow as quickly as possible. “We want to get as many people as possible for next year,” explained Mr. Fras, the moderator.

The group is open to all who are looking to join. Meetings are on Tuesday mornings at 7:10 in room 223. Ut Fidem seeks to foster a new sense of faith in its participants.

Wrestling looks forward Dominic Aiello ‘23

by planning to workout through the summer.

When asked what the most rewardOn Tuesday, March 30, the CC Wres- ing moment during the wrestling seatling fell just short of winning their fifth son was, Mr. Hancock answered, “Seestate title in a row, losing to Davison 29-24. ing the gratification and enjoyment on The loss ended a remarkable streak of the faces of the wrestlers . . . and seeing four state championships in a row, while them overcome challenges. As a coach, an ever-larger target grew on their backs. that’s the most rewarding thing for me.”

When asked how the team was able Of course, our wrestling team doesn’t to retain their title year after year, Coach just learn the best ways to pin their oppoHancock annent. “Our goal swered, “They is to get the embraced the most out of our challenge, they guys, to control embraced beour effort, to ing the target, perform hard, and it motiand to honor vated them to Jesus Christ in work harder.” the way that we Even through perform,” Mr. the pandemic, Hancock said. the team didn’t Senior Phil Burney with the takedown Photo by Mr. Confer The team stop workisn’t just trying, and it paid ing to earn Catholic Central another state off. Coming back from a 36-9 loss to championship or another day off. For Mr. Davison earlier in the season, they Hancock, the state championship isn’t earned the opportunity for a rematch. the most important thing. It’s the bonds “It’s impressive to be able to put that the wrestlers forge with one another. a streak like that together, but all great things must come to an end, so it’s pretty cyclical,” Coach Hancock said.

Even though they had lost, the wrestlers are already preparing for their next season

Rugby transitions from club to team Aedan Branigan-Brown ‘21

With the Guinness Six Nations tournament having concluded, rugby has once again scored in the public eye. This year Wales took home the Championship Trophy, making it their 40th title.

Despite this recent rugby news, that isn’t the only major happening for the sport. The season for the Catholic Central Varsity Rugby Team has officially started.

For the past four years, rugby at Catholic Central has been a club sport.

Despite this, the team has still shown the dedication and hard work of any varsity sport. The training regimen doesn’t just consist of putting in countless hours in the weight room. Running at practice is a necessity, as are drills to strengthen every player on the 15-man team.

Scrimmages over the preseason have shown vast improvement in many of the players. Summer conditioning was right on schedule, but practices for the season were late, starting only in early March instead of the regular January due to Covid-19.

The first varsity season for the Rugby Team had its inaugural game Friday, April

16. The team faced tough competition in a hard-fought match. The ultimate result was defeat for the Shamrocks. Despite this, the team will bounce back, and has plenty of potential. It’s a young team, with only two seniors on the roster, Thomas Newell and Captain Jack Stephens.

Stephens remains confident in the team for the rest of the season. “We have a very young team this year and they are still developing. We just had a lot of guys play their first game, and most of our team is really new to the sport,” he said. “If I had to bet, by the end of this year I would expect all of these guys to be exponentially better..”

Over these past four years it’s been seen that the betterment of players is what CC Rugby does best. The primary example of this is Stephens himself. On signing day, he committed to Adrian College for rugby. The rugby program is new at Adrian, and Stephens had the honor of being their first official signing.

Alumnus hired as new baseball coach Owen Kummer ‘22

Spring 2020 was a very turbulent time for students all across Michigan. While many of us were thrilled that our academics had become abbreviated for the remainder of the school year, student athletes that participated in spring sports were unable to get out on their respective fields to show their stuff in-season.

Thankfully, the state of Michigan has allowed spring sports to continue this year, much to the delight of students and coaches everywhere. Despite this, no one is nearly as eager to witness the absolute hammer that is CC’s spring athletics as our new Varsity Baseball Head Coach, Mr. Ryan Rogowski.

Coach Rogowski started playing baseball at a very young age. He stated that he fell in love with the game while playing catch with his older brother, Casey, in the backyard.

“As soon as I was able to pick up a bat, I was ready to start swinging,” he said, a smile on his face as he recalled the memory.

After graduating from CC in 2002, Rogowski attended the University of Illinois, and after earning a degree in kinesiology, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006. As time went on, Rogowski knew his baseball career would not last forever, so he decided to become a coach.

“I knew that I ultimately wanted to be some kind of coach after playing baseball,” he said. “Physical education is something that I’m very passionate about.”

Rogowski returned to his alma mater to find a team of young, hungry, and talented baseball players.

Always energetic and goal-oriented, Coach Rogowski’s ultimate goal is to bring intensity and passion to the Catholic Central Baseball program.

With a head coach that heavily subscribes to the mantra “Go big or go home,” we can expect to see a team that is always aiming to improve and focused on the end goal of taking home a baseball state championship in the years to come. Coach Rogowski

8

The Back Page

May 22, 2021

CC students take advantage of digital audio workstations Andrew Ciarelli ‘22

Music production is an age-old art that began with cavemen banging rocks and sticks together and somehow evolved into sitting at a computer for five hours straight trying to figure out whether your piano melody would go better with a guitar or some nice bells.

Lucky for some and unlucky for others, possibilities are virtually endless in the world of modern music, where millions of artists strive to master their craft and show the world what months, years, or even decades of experience can accomplish. CC is no exception.

Several motivating factors can push someone towards music. As a trap artist and producer myself, I’d say that this comes from an urge to create. There’s a certain satisfaction from seeing your own hard work in physical form, and music is just one way of getting there.

Senior Tim Giese, otherwise known as producer, singer, and rapper 4POLLO, sees music as a connection with his audience. “Whether it’s something I’m going through or something I see happening around me, I can release an emotion others can embrace,” he explained.

With endless possibilities, the production process varies from person to person. Giese explains that “the key for me is not to try too hard to create something I like, but to let the ideas come naturally.”

Senior and alternative artistAidan Laskey, who goes by Laskoo, elaborated on this, saying that “[making music is] trial and error. I make probably ten songs for every one song that I post.”

Diego Cabello, junior producer for experimental-pop duo Mind Mazes, says that “making music is a process that means that you listen to a lot of music.” The further musicians delve into production, the more appreciation they have for celebrated producers doing the same thing.

To me, inspiration comes mainly from listening to other music. If I hear a song that inspires me, I’ll put my own twist on it and continuously blend elements until I have something similar to the original but mostly my own in style.

Technology has played a huge role in making this possible.

Taking direct samples from other songs is easier than ever, with a large portion of chart-topping hits sampling tracks decades old.

The creation of the digital audio workstation (DAW), software fitted with components previously exclusive to professional studios, was a game changer. “You can pretty much just make music on a laptop,” said Cabello. “Anyone can do it now.”

Besides the simplicity of DAWs, the internet is a huge factor in efficiency as well. According to Laskey, “there are so many audio production tips videos on YouTube that if you want to figure out how to play an instrument or record or mix a song, you really have no excuse.”

Giese even added, “I’ve learned both guitar and piano strictly through YouTube and other free websites. The real struggle comes down to having self-discipline and self-confidence.”

The internet can be more effective than regular music lessons nowadays. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud all allow users to release songs on demand from just a phone app. That raises problems as well.

With universal accessibility, of course the number of artists is skyrocketing, leading to an oversaturated market. Just type one letter in Spotify search and try to reach the bottom of the “Artists” page if you don’t believe me.

The sheer number of underground acts is concerning, as popular musicians fizzle out as quickly as new ones rise.

Above: Senior Tim Giese’s album End My Peace Below: Senior Aidan Laskey’s album Creep

Music world mourns the death of an icon Brendan Nordstrom ‘21

On April 2, the multi-talented hip hop icon and actor, DMX, was admitted to White Plains Hospital in New York after suffering an overdose and resultant heart attack. After a week of life support in a comatose state, DMX sadly passed away on April 9 at the age of 50, leaving behind 15 children and his fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom.

DMX, or Dark Man X, was known for his raspy voice, dog bark ad libs, and songs mixing the intensity of his life with emotional vulnerability. He leaves behind a legacy of searching for light in the darkness and as his label, Def Jam Recordings, said, “[a] message of triumph over struggle.”

Earl Simmons was born and raised in the city of Yonkers, New York, the site of racial tension in the ‘80s and ‘90s. His father left the picture shortly following his birth, and Earl endured an abusive childhood. As an escape, he would walk the streets of Yonkers and befriend stray dogs. This left an imprint on Simmons as his aforementioned dog bark ad libs became a trademark of his music.

In his teenage years he also linked up with another rapper, Ready Ron, who gave him his start in music. It was here that he also chose the name “DMX.” Ready Ron also gave the unknowing Simmons a cigarette laced with crack cocaine, which DMX notes as the first step towards a downward spiral of drug addiction. “Why would you do that to a child?” DMX asked in an interview in 2020.

DMX’s career took off in the early ‘90s as he collaborated with Jay-Z and Ja Rule in a group called Murder Inc. Tensions

in the group led to its separation early into its creation. However, DMX would eventually sign to Def Jam later in the decade.

It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, his debut album, released in 1998 and met overwhelming success as it reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This album also included the hit single “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.” This began a string of five number-one albums, making DMX the first and only artist to complete such an impressive feat.

These albums include Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,

. . . And Then There Was X, which included the hit song “Party up (Up in Here),” The Great Depression, and Grand Champ.

In 2003, he released his most popular song “X Gon’ Give It to Ya.” He was a three time Grammy nominated artist and the winner of an American Music Award.

Outside of rapping, DMX also found his passion in acting.

In 1998 he starred as Tommy Bundy with fellow rapper Nas in

Belly. He also acted in action movies Romeo Must Die in 2000 and Cradle 2 the Grave in 2003 besides actor Jet Li. DMX also made appearances in South Park and Fresh Off the Boat.

Faith was an important aspect of DMX’s life as a Christian, and he read the Bible on a daily basis. He became a deacon with the goal of becoming a pastor before he passed away.

In the song “Damien” from It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, DMX asks, “Why is it every move I make turn out to be a bad one?” Simmons had consistent run-ins with the law throughout the 21st century, including violating parole, drug possession, theft, tax fraud, and more.

DMX’s death rocked the world. Everyone from fellow New York rapper A$AP Rocky to basketball star Lebron James to skateboarding legend Tony Hawk paid their respects.

In the days following his passing, fans have taken the time to celebrate his life and tell stories. One fan recounts how DMX showed up at his local IHOP at 4 a.m. and helped the workers mop the floors. Another fan told of how DMX showed up to a grocery store while she was selling Girl Scout cookies and bought $500 worth to help her win a contest.

In an interview with the podcast Drink Champs in February of 2021, DMX is quoted saying that if he were to die today, his last thought would be that “I lived a good life.”

DMX constantly fought darkness as he grew up in a broken home, lived in a rough neighborhood, and fell down the slope of addiction; however, he constantly fought this darkness with light, and that is the legacy he leaves behind. He is an inspiration and real life testament to “triumph over struggle.”

Library and LSC renovation underway Drew Laroo ‘22

driving force behind the renovation is that “the LSC is expanding and due to its proximity to the library, the library renovation was a natural progression of their expansion.”

“Libraries are always in a constant state of flux as they evolve to respond to new technologies, new collections, and trends,” she continued. “This renovation is a perfect example of that, as computer carrels are no longer needed by students.

They will be replaced by tables and chairs

so students are able to work together, or independently, based on their needs.”

As the library prepares for its next chapter, students and faculty alike look forward to the new amenities the library will offer.

In addition to the library, the LSC will also see changes as a result of the renovation.

According to Mrs. Gatt, “the renovation will benefit the LSC students by offering more space to accommodate our students and their needs.”

In a year that has been full of changes, another one is coming to Catholic Central.

Two of Catholic Central’s most important beacons of learning are set for a new look. The library and Learning Strategies Center (LSC) will both see changes in the coming months that will be aimed at improving the amenities offered by both.

The renovated library will have multiple new features. A separate room solely for printers will be added, allowing students access to them even if the library is closed. In addition to that, the library will contain multiple conference rooms that can be utilized by students. Students working on group projects will now have access to a convenient meeting place to get their work done. The conference rooms will also be useful to students looking for a quiet place to record videos or audio. Left: Construction underway on the Media Center removations According to Mrs. Kolchuk, the Right: A 3D model of the finished product

The renovated LSC will feature private testing rooms and will also contain separate rooms that will be used for group learning.

Finally, the LSC will receive more storage space that will “enable [Mrs. Gatt and Mrs. Swindall] to stay organized and quickly access review sheets for [their] students when they need them.”

Although many changes will be made, space will be preserved for strategies that the LSC has employed in the past. “Our stationary bikes and treadmill will remain for our students to use while reading or reviewing vocabulary words like they do now,” Mrs. Gatt said.

Students will benefit significantly from the renovations in the library and LSC, and they will continue to assist students for years to come.

Photo by Gomez