Former Staffulty Return to Central Catholic to Celebrate Mass

Former teachers, administrators, and staff members returned to Central Catholic on November 29 for the 2nd-annual “Celebrate Central Mass” with our student body in Krompak Hall.  They also enjoyed a reception in the Kress Family Library afterward.  Nearly 30 people attended the event that is designed to honor Central Catholic’s past and celebrate our present.

According to CCHS Head of School Kevin Parkins, the “Celebrate Central Mass” started as a random idea to see if people would be interested in coming back, and it has now become one of our favorite events.  “We stand on the shoulders of our former faculty and staff, and they put a lot of love and energy into this school,” he said.  “Hearing them share their stories and seeing their camaraderie, even after some of them have been away for many years, is wonderful.  When I interact with alumni, they always ask me about their former teachers and talk about what a difference they made in their lives.  It’s important that we bring them back and let them know that they made such an impact.”

Charlotte Best (Class of 1967), who taught English at Central Catholic from 1971 until her retirement in 2015, said, “The current Central Catholic family really understands the tradition of the school, and the people here have always been fantastic.  There’s such power in the faculty and staff, and they are a large part of the success of the school.  It also says a lot when you realize how many CCHS alumni continue to come back to teach and work here.”

“I remember when I was here, we were working on expanding the campus and creating the computer lab,” said Mike Smith, who was the 1st lay principal at Central Catholic beginning in 1984.  “We also came up with the slogan that Central Catholic is its people.  That really defines everything about CCHS and continues to be true.  When I walked into the building today, it still felt like home.”  Mike has 3 children who graduated from Central Catholic.  He started the education program at Lourdes University, and he recently retired from Baldwin Wallace University. 

“I really enjoy coming back to support my alma mater and to see the current students,” said Carolyn Eaton (Class of 1981), who worked as the alumni and admissions event coordinator from 2001 to 2009.  “I also get to see my former colleagues who have become great friends.”  Carolyn now works at the University of Toledo as a medical research compliance analyst.

Central Catholic appreciates the opportunity to honor our former faculty and staff, and we look forward to having them join us for this special event again next year!!!