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STUDENT LIFE

Field Trips & Experiential Learning

At Catholic Central, learning goes beyond the classroom walls. Our field trips give students powerful, hands-on experiences that bring lessons to life—whether exploring local attractions, museums, historic sites, or nature centers. Highlights include our Civil Rights Trip and a signature experience unique to Catholic Central: a journey to the Gettysburg battlefield. This long-standing tradition offers students an unforgettable opportunity to walk through history, deepening both knowledge and perspective in ways that last a lifetime.

Field Trip

Events & Traditions

CC is alive with events that bring our community together and create lasting memories. From Homecoming Spirit Week and Topper Palooza to Prom, Grandparent’s Day, Topperfest, and the Living Stations of the Cross, our calendar is filled with opportunities for students to celebrate, connect, and grow. Seasonal favorites like Christmas festivities, Catholic Schools week, and the Spanish class Day of the Dead add to the vibrant traditions that make student life at Catholic Central unforgettable.

Homecoming Parade

Servant Leadership Program

At Catholic Central, we believe true leadership begins with service. The Lloyd Sippel Servant Leadership Program honors the legacy of Mr. Lloyd Sippel, a man whose life embodied humility, faith, and dedication to Catholic Central. His briefcase—entrusted to us after his passing—remains a powerful symbol of responsibility and carrying the mission forward.

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Through this program, students engage in meaningful, community service opportunities throughout the year, learning that leadership is not about titles but about showing up with a willing heart. Each year, students who exemplify this spirit is recognized with The Golden Briefcase Award, celebrating their commitment to servant leadership.

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In every act of service, the legacy of Lloyd Sippel lives on—forming Hilltoppers who lead with faith, integrity, and love for their community.

Lloyd Sippel Student Leadership

Clubs & Organizations

Student clubs are the heartbeat of CC campus life. They provide spaces for students to pursue passions, explore new interests, build leadership skills, and connect with peers who share similar goals. Our clubs are always growing and adapting to student interests—so there’s a place for everyone, whether your focus is academics, arts, service, advocacy, or cultural exchange. Along the way, students form friendships and memories that last well beyond graduation.

 

Our current clubs include:

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  • Book Club

  • Cooking Club

  • Faith in Action Team (F.I.A.T.)

  • Faith in Mind (F.I.M.)

  • Hispanic Club

  • Hope Squad

  • Latin American Student Organization (L.A.S.O.)

  • Math League

  • National Honor Society (NHS)

  • Ping Pong Club

  • Student Connectors

  • Student Council

  • Trap Shooting

Clubs

Fine Arts

Our Fine Arts program offers a rich array of opportunities to encourage students to unleash creativity and express artistic talents! Our instructors are professionals in their fields, bringing first-hand experiences and expertise to the classroom. We offer a variety of courses that cover both traditional and contemporary art forms including pep band, choir, guitar, piano, theatre, vocal jazz, dance, and more! Students have the chance to showcase their talents in school productions, art exhibitions, and community events. Embark on a journey of artistic innovation and discovery!

Theatre

HABITS OF A HILLTOPPER

What does it mean to be a "Hilltopper"?

At Catholic Central, being a Hilltopper means more than just academic success—it is about living with faith, integrity, and purpose. Our students are formed through eight guiding virtues, known as the Habits of a Hilltopper.​

 

Each quarter, one virtue becomes a central focus through prayer, scripture, daily reflections, service opportunities, and engaging “Topper Talks” from alumni, community leaders, and inspirational guest speakers. These experiences help students put values into action, strengthening their character and preparing them to lead with confidence in every area of life.

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Harvey

Our beloved mascot, Harvey the Hilltopper, embodies these same virtues. Standing on the mountaintop with determination and grit, Harvey represents the resilience to overcome challenges, the discipline to keep climbing, and the joy of reaching new heights. Just as Harvey is never alone on the mountain, our students are lifted by a faith-filled community that encourages them to persevere, give generously, and grow stronger each day. Together, the Habits of a Hilltopper and the spirit of Harvey inspire our graduates to live as courageous servant leaders who make a lasting impact on the world. 

COURAGE

Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we encourage our students to stand firm in their faith and convictions, even in the face of adversity. Courage is not merely the absence of fear, but the strength to act with integrity and compassion, guided by the Holy Spirit. We inspire our students to be courageous leaders who advocate for justice, speak out against injustice, and serve others selflessly. By fostering a community where courage is celebrated, we empower our students to take bold steps in their academic, spiritual, and personal lives, always striving to reflect the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.

GRATITUDE

We hold gratitude as a core value, deeply rooted in our faith and daily practices. We believe that gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"; it is a profound recognition of the blessings we receive from God and the people around us. We encourage our students to appreciate the gifts of life, education, and community. We teach our students to express their gratitude through acts of kindness, service, and prayer. This value helps them to develop a positive outlook on life, recognizing the good in every situation and the contributions of others. By cultivating a grateful heart, our students learn to live with humility and generosity, always mindful of the grace and love that surround them.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline, in our context, is not about strictness or punishment, but about fostering self-control, responsibility, and commitment to personal and academic excellence. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, we encourage our students to develop disciplined habits that reflect their respect for themselves, others, and the world around them. We believe that discipline is essential for creating a nurturing and orderly environment where students can thrive. By instilling a sense of discipline, we help our students to set and achieve goals, manage their time effectively, and make ethical decisions. This value is reinforced through our daily routines, academic expectations, and community interactions, all of which are designed to support the growth of disciplined, conscientious individuals who are prepared to lead and serve in accordance with Gospel values.

JOY

We cherish joy as a core value, reflecting the deep and abiding happiness that comes from living in God's love. Joy is more than a fleeting emotion; it is a state of being that arises from a grateful heart and spirit filled with faith. We encourage our students to find joy in their daily lives, in their relationships, and in their learning, recognizing that true joy is rooted in the presence of Christ. We foster a joyful environment by celebrating the successes and milestones of our community, engaging in meaningful worship, and promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere. By embracing joy, our students learn to approach life with optimism and resilience, spreading kindness and hope to those around them. This value helps to create a vibrant and supportive community where everyone feels valued and truly loved.

COMPASSION

Compassion involves recognizing the suffering of others and taking action to alleviate it. We encourage our students to develop a compassionate heart, one that is sensitive to the needs of others and motivated by love and empathy. Through acts of service, kindness, and understanding, we teach our students to embody compassion in their daily lives. This value is reflected in our commitment to social justice, community service, and the respectful treatment of all individuals. By fostering a compassionate environment, we aim to nurture students who are not only academically proficient but also deeply caring and committed to making a positive impact on the world. 

RESILIENCE

We value resilience as a core principle, inspired by the enduring strength and faith exemplified by Jesus Christ. Resilience involves the ability to persevere through challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks with a positive and hopeful outlook. We encourage our students to develop resilience by fostering a growth mindset, where obstacles are seen as opportunities for learning and growth. We teach our students to face difficulties with courage and faith, drawing strength from their relationships with God and the community. By promoting resilience, we help our students to build character, maintain their well-being, and achieve their full potential. This value prepares them to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination, always guided by their faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

HUMILITY

Humility involves recognizing our own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding that all of our talents and achievements are gifts from God. We encourage our students to approach life with a humble heart, valuing others and serving without recognition. We teach our students that true humility is not about thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less. This value fosters a spirit of cooperation, respect, and gratitude within our community. By cultivating humility, our students learn to appreciate the contributions of others, work collaboratively, and lead with empathy and compassion. In doing so, they reflect the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

HONOR

We uphold honor at Catholic Central, reflecting the integrity and moral excellence taught by Jesus Christ. Being honorable means living with honesty, fairness, righteousness, and a strong sense of ethical responsibility. We encourage our students to act with honor in all aspects of their lives, recognizing that their actions reflect not only on themselves but also on their community and faith. We teach our students to make decisions that are just and truthful, to respect the dignity of every person, and to take responsibility for their actions. By fostering a culture of honor, we help our students to develop a strong moral compass, guiding them to lead lives of virtue and integrity. This value is integral to creating a community where we trust, respect, and ethical behavior is paramount, preparing our students to be honorable leaders and compassionate citizens. 

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