Baccalaureate - Class of 2024

Mary Olsen ’24 was selected to deliver the Reflection to her classmates, family, and friends at the Baccalaureate Liturgy on Tuesday, May 21 in the Memorial Gymnasium.

Through her reflection, Mary spoke to her classmates about the power of faith, encouraging them to follow God.

"Although we have many differences and different talents, we are all loved by God…Even through the ups and downs, we have put our faith in our God given talents together to do amazing things…When listening to God he will guide you in the right direction, specifically when making big decisions."

In the fall, Mary will be attending Marist College (NY) and plans to major in Human Biology.

"I am hoping to complete a master’s degree in athletic training program, with a goal of becoming an Athletic Trainer for a Division 1 college."

During her time at CCHS, Mary immersed herself in academics, activities and athletics. She was a successful three-sport varsity athlete - Soccer, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field (Outdoor Captain) - and also participated in Student Ambassadors (Leadership Team), Student Alumni Association (Executive ;Board), the Raider Review Newspaper (Managing Editor), Chess Club, and Campus Ministry. She also finds time off campus to stay involved in her church youth group.

"The Central Catholic 'family' feeling is what makes CCHS so special - no other high school has this feeling, and this is what I’m going to miss most about Central," said Mary.

"CCHS became a second home for me where I was truly comfortable to be myself. The teachers were all awesome making my experience here the best. All of the friends I have made here are great people and really feel like family."

"All of the traditions we do at Central, such as liturgies, really add to the family feeling since they bring everyone together. Being able to be open about my faith in my high school really brings the family feeling as well."

Service

Mary also made time to serve others in a variety of ways.

"For two summers during my high school years, I took part in workcampNE, which serves families through free home repairs. This past February, I was able to go on a service trip out of the country to El Salvador. For the week we were in a remote village working alongside with workers to build 12 latrines. In both situations, developing relationships with the people I helped was my favorite part. I have met some really cool people in both experiences."

Faculty & Staff Role Models

"Throughout my Central experience, all of my teachers have made the best experience here for me. Mr. Hart (Mr. Timothy Hart '85, Campus Minister) and Mrs. Blaszak (Mrs. Vicki Blaszak, Campus Minister) have always been there for me and are some of the most genuine people I know.

During my encounter retreat, Mr. Hart was my adult leader and he really made the experience great, and Mrs. Chase (Mrs. Diana Chase, Religious Studies Faculty) also has made an impact on me at Central. She is always genuinely interested in everything that everyone does and makes an effort to learn about everyone. Also, the way she teaches about Jesus is inspiring, she got everyone in my class engaged and listening. She has helped me through a lot this year and I would really like to thank her for that.

Mr. Romero (Mr. Christopher Romero, World Language Faculty) has helped me grow not only in my public speaking, but also in my confidence. In public speaking this year, Mr.Romero has always been my hype man, encouraging me when giving all of my speeches. At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t as confident in myself, but as Mr. Romero encouraged me, my confidence grew not only in the class, but also in my daily life. He is an awesome teacher and has impacted many students at Central.”

Raider Legacy

Mary’s sister Emma Olsen ’17 and brother David Olsen ’19 are Raider alumni.