Congratulations to Central Catholic Class of 2025!!!

Central Catholic High School’s Class of 2025 graduated on Monday, May 19.  The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, and the 105th commencement ceremony was held in the Sullivan Center.

The class earned many honors and distinctions.  Here are some highlights of our top students:

The Bishop’s Cross
The highest honor bestowed upon any graduate of a Catholic High School in the Diocese of Toledo is the Bishop's Cross, which dates to the year 1873.  It is given to one boy and one girl from the graduating class.  Students who receive the Bishop’s Cross are Catholic students who clearly strive to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.  They manifest an active life of Christian charity in the way they relate to and serve their neighbor.  These students are respectful, kind, virtuous, considerate, authentic, positive, have a strong moral character and prayer life, respect, and a love for learning.  

The Bishop’s Cross recipients from the Central Catholic Class of 2025 are Alexander Cherry and Alivia Fineske.  Alex was Summa Cum Laude on the honor roll and was a member of Campus Ministry, Ambassadors for Life, and the swim team.  He will attend the University of Toledo.  Alivia was an Irish Ambassador and a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Student Council, the Campus Ministry Core Team, the IrishTHON Core Team, the Sideline Spirit Core Team, and the varsity girls’ tennis team.  Alivia also received awards for outstanding scholarship and achievement in theology, English, science, social studies, and yearbook.  She will attend Hillsdale College to major in marketing and graphic design. 

Valedictorian - Dylan Hegedus
Dylan was a member of the National Honor Society, Insignis Society, Sideline Spirit Core Team, IrishTHON Core Team, and Campus Ministry Core Team.  He was an Irish Ambassador, Summer Success leader, retreat leader, varsity soccer captain, and a varsity tennis player.  He participated in Youth Leadership Toledo (YLT), Youth Encouraging Excellence In Philanthropy (YIPEE), and the Toledo YES Project.  Dylan received awards for outstanding scholarship and achievement in theology, English, math, science, social studies, and the school newspaper.  He will attend the University of Notre Dame and major in mechanical engineering.

Salutatorian - Max O'Mara
Max was a member of the National Honor Society, the Insignis Society, the Sideline Spirit Core Team, the Glee Club, yearbook staff, Spanish Club, Mindfulness Club, and the varsity soccer team.  He was the Student Council secretary, an Irish Ambassador, a freshman retreat leader, Freshman Success leader, and he participated in the Toledo YES Project.  Max received awards for outstanding scholarship and achievement in theology, Spanish, and social studies.  He will attend the University of Michigan to study neuroscience

Heritage Speaker - Ella Schuberg
The Heritage Award is given to the third ranking member of the class, and the recipient speaks about the heritage of Central Catholic High School at the commencement ceremony.  Ella was a member of the National Honor Society, Glee Club, Drama Club, the softball team, and the tennis team.  She was also an Irish Ambassador and a freshman retreat leader.  She received awards for outstanding scholarship and achievement in theology, social studies, and theatre arts.  Ella will attend Hillsdale College to major in politics and musical theatre.

Servant Leadership Awards are presented to the students who have submitted the most service hours in the Class of 2025 during their four years at Central Catholic.  Samantha Darrow and Dylan Hegedus are this year’s recipients. 

The Reverend James E. Steinle Senior Leadership Award is given in honor of a former principal of Central Catholic and recognizes seniors who have demonstrated strong qualities of leadership and service without receiving formal recognition.  The recipient of this award is a leader without necessarily holding an office of any kind, and it is the character and example of the individual that has earned him or her this honor.  This year’s recipients are Dylan Hegedus and Esme Platz.  

The Donnelly Christian Discipleship Award is presented to students who exemplify the life of a Disciple of Jesus Christ - seeking to know, love, and serve God and our neighbor.  The award is named in honor of Central Catholic alumni, the Most Reverend Robert Donnelly (Class of 1949) and Reverend Martin Donnelly (Class of 1956).  Maleak Johnson and Gabrielle Knighten are this year’s recipients.

The St. Cecelia Award recognizes the overall outstanding Glee Club member whose musical talent and dedication has positively impacted the entire organization.  This year’s recipient is Ella Schuberg.

The St. Genesius Award recognizes the Glee Club student who has consistently produced exceptional artistic and entertaining performances that have advanced and showcased the accomplishments of the Glee Club.  This year’s recipient is Kaden Brown.

The John Philip Sousa Award is the most prestigious award for high school band students, and recipients are added to the national database and become part of the historical record for the award.  The recipient demonstrates superior commitment and musicianship to our band program.  Richard White III is this year’s recipient.

The String Orchestra Award is the highest honor for a member of the high school orchestra and recognizes excellence in playing, contributing in a positive way to the ensemble, and demonstrating leadership skills.  Above all, this student has displayed a genuine, positive attitude for four years.  This year the award goes to Grace Criswell.

The Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Awards are given to a senior male and a senior female who have displayed exemplary sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity.  This year’s recipients are Addison Brinkman and Dominic Spinazze II.  

The OHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award is given to the senior boy and girl with the highest grade-point average who have received a minimum of four varsity letters in all sports combined.  This year’s recipients are Dylan Hegedus and Ella Schuberg.

The Tom McHugh Award and the Margaret Mary Volz Awards are presented to the one male and one female student athlete who have lettered in at least two sports this year, maintained at least a 2.0 grade-point average after seven semesters, maintained a good discipline record, and are the top-ranking student-athlete according to the awards criteria as established by the Athletic Committee of the CCHS Board of Directors.  This year’s recipients are Beau Gardner and Jordan Traver.