Central Catholic High School is a Marianist college preparatory school, and every Marianist school focuses on the “Five Characteristics of Education.” The five characteristics are educate for formation in faith; provide an integral, quality education; educate in family spirit; educate for service, justice, and peace; and educate for adaptation and change. I am currently in my junior year at Central, and ever since my first day of freshman year, I have felt these characteristics at work.
The first characteristic, educate for formation in faith, is expressed through the dedication of our religion teachers and retreats. While at Central, students are given the option to go on retreats with their class, and on those retreats, we grow closer to each other and most importantly, to God. This year the junior class had the special privilege to go on a Father and Son Retreat which extended the opportunity to grow closer to our fathers or male role models.
The second characteristic, provide an integral, quality education, is demonstrated through the rigorous curriculum and within extracurricular activities. This year, I enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, which strive to better prepare students for the work ethic they will need in college. In addition to A.P. courses, I am involved in extracurricular activities. As the head of the electrical team for Central Catholic’s brand new Robotics Team, I am able to receive hands on experience that helps me develop skills that I will use later in my career.
The third characteristic, educate in family spirit, is expressed through our teachers. Not only does the faculty at CCHS genuinely care if students understand the subject material, but they also care about how everything outside of school is going and that we are handling daily life changes well.
We are educated for service, justice, and peace, the fourth characteristic, because each year we are required to complete a certain amount of service hours. To have the opportunity to serve with my Central brothers is a humbling experience that reiterates how we should all be thankful for what we have.
Finally, at Central Catholic, we are educated for adaptation and change, the fifth characteristic. The lessons we learn, both academic and life, instill in us a sense of comfort in knowing that we are prepared for whatever life has in store. If I had not made the decision to come to Central Catholic three years ago, I do not think I would be as well equipped for the future as I am now.
Jack Betancourt, '17
As a student in my 11th year in the catholic school system, I feel I am finally understanding the true value of my family’s investment in this school system, and more specifically, Central Catholic. Here at Central, I am not merely another number in the school system, but rather a student, a young man, a brother, with the opportunities to be even more: a teammate, a friend, a mentor, a scholar, a leader, and a man of God. Central Catholic is establishing a foundation for me to take my first steps in the real world, with its enriching Marianist traditions, intrinsically mutuality environment of the brotherhood, and a myriad of athletic and academic opportunities.
From the start of my 1st year at Central Catholic, I have been sure to try to take full advantage of the academic and athletic opportunities that CC provides. With numerous AP classes, the Central Catholic education is diverse and challenging, which appeals to many different intellect types. The school further caters to the student body through its dual credit programs in conjunctions with St. Mary’s University. Truly, the only thing that could hinder one’s education at Central is themselves.
While Central provides my classmates and I with a quality education, the paramount function of this school has always been to mold young men in the spirit and values of the Catholic faith. The student body has the opportunity to attend daily Mass in the chapel, along with daily communion during both lunches. In this way, Central makes it possible to become a man of faith, academics, and good character. Retreats and service opportunities provide another opportunity for student to grow and assist those in need.
Despite only being in my third year at Central Catholic, I am positive that the spiritual, academic, and social upbringing I have experienced at this school will last me a lifetime.
Josh Knecht, '17
For 164 years, Central Catholic High School has provided a tremendous education and a spiritual background. When one first walks into the halls of Central, they can sense the hard work and strong faith of the school and those who have attended it. Central has a history of preparing its students for college and later like and this is evident in the stories of the alumni. Those who return to CCHS always reiterate how Central truly developed their studying and academic skills that ultimately made their college years easier. Personally, Central has bettered me in both my academic life and my faith. When I was in eighth grade, academics came easy for me because I wasn’t challenged enough. The very first week of being a student at Central, I was challenged more than I had been in my entire life. Above all else, my religion class was my most difficult course. Central Catholic is focused around religion and faith is prioritized in educating the student’s spirit. On my sophomore retreat, I felt like I was on a path toward failure and sin. I found resolution by just talking with a few of the upperclassmen! Without Central I’m not sure where I would be today or what my future would hold. Central has an unmatched amount of potential for the growth of its students. It’s truly up to the students to decide if they will accept the challenge and become young men of greatness.
Michael Marotta, '17
Central Catholic has positively influenced my life in several aspects. At Central, I am academically challenged, spiritually connected, and have found a great sense of community. When I was in elementary and middle school, I never felt as if I were being challenged by academics, but at Central the learning environment is fun and competitive, yet rigorous. What I enjoy about the academic environment is that hard work and positivity are encouraged, rewarded, and most importantly appreciated. I have no doubt that my teachers and the curriculum at Central have more than prepared me for any college I aspire to attend.
Not only does Central challenge its students, it focuses on developing men of character through faith and from the moment I began my journey at CCHS, my spiritual life has continued to grow. I have never felt closer to God than I do when I’m at school because when you walk into the building, you feel the presence of God; He is always available. If I need to pray or have some time to myself, I can go to the always-open chapel and talk to Him. Students are also welcome to attend daily communion service during lunch with Reverend Cowie S.M. I always feel content and enriched after I receive the Eucharist, and in those quiet moments with the Lord, I am truly at peace.
Lastly, the most enduring impact Central has had on me is the sense of community. I will never forget my first day of school as a freshman. I didn’t know anyone, and at lunch some of my classmates noticed that I was alone and nervous, so they invited me to sit with them. They are now some of my best friends, my brothers. I never thought that I would tell ten plus men a day that I love them, but I do and I’m proud to do so. I am blessed to be part of the Central family and to call myself a student of Central Catholic High School.
Patrick Urrutia, '16
I am forever grateful to my family, friends, teachers, and most of all, God, for this opportunity to go to a place that values honor, courage, integrity, and commitment as much as I do. I'm ready for both the opportunity and challenge of a lifetime and I promise to make the most of it. I hope to make Central Catholic shine in Annapolis!
Vincent Vasquez, '17
As a young adult, there are many life changing challenges that I feel can only be solved by attending Central Catholic High School. When I was a new student I was well accepted by the student body and faculty. I had never felt so at home in such a short amount of time. The teachers at Central made me feel comfortable when raising my hand to expressing my ideas or solutions to problems in class. The Central Catholic way of life has not only helped me mature in my academics, but it has also strengthened my spiritual bond with God.
The Catholic order, who are at the core of every aspect of the school, is still very much involved in students’ everyday life, here at Central. The Marianists are a very active community who emphasize Mother Mary as a model of discipleship and their mission is to bring Christ into everyone’s life by forming people of faith. Having my own mother as someone who helps guide me through life, I find it very fitting that the spiritual life at Central has Mary at the center of my education. For example, the Marianist teachings are present in our religion courses, extracurricular activities, ceremonies, and each day when we stand for the Three O’clock Prayer. One of the greatest men that I have ever encountered is my freshman religion teacher, Father Don Cowie! He is the kindest person and has helped me through dark times by shining a light of faith upon me; he truly emulates the Holy Spirit. These are just a few of the ways Central Catholic has made an impact on both my academics and spiritual life.
