The following article will be published in the October edition of Saginaw Township Living magazine.

Nouvel Celebrates Homecoming and School’s Legacy

Tessa Pinkerton, Nouvel Catholic Central Admissions & Marketing
Mike ​Kolleth, Photographer

Nouvel Catholic Central celebrated 40 years at Homecoming last year. This year was celebrated by inviting that first graduating class back to walk on the field before the game. Quite a few members of the class of 1985 and other alumni visited for homecoming, and/or the following weekend at Nouvel’s 3rd Annual Gala. Homecoming each year brings some of the same traditions: the parade, football game and crowning of the king and queen, while also providing service opportunities. For the student body, service is embedded into everything they do. Our parade extended the route to visit Wellspring for some cheer and members of the court visited with residents earlier in the week. The residents love seeing the students and have created some incredible friendships.  

The legacy of Nouvel athletics continues beyond that weekend, as does the Panther Pride. Forty years later, it is still a key component of campus. The new era, as Nouvel, has seen many outstanding athletic successes and developed student-athletes through education and competition. Since its inception, Nouvel’s athletes have collectively won 32 State Championship/runner up finishes and 79 MHSAA Regional Championships. The program has proudly produced MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarship recipients and numerous Academic All-State winners. Additionally, several past student-athletes are now raising their families and giving their time serving as coaches and mentors.

This spring season alone, teams enjoyed a postseason the student-athletes and coaches worked toward for a number of years. Girls’ tennis and soccer, co-ed track and field, and boys’ golf all enjoyed trips to states with strong performances all around. Each team included a well-rounded group of student-athletes at all grade levels, with some standout seniors preparing to compete at the collegiate level. Once again, Nouvel’s senior class had five athletes committed to competing at the collegiate level, prepared to succeed in and out of the classroom.

The success of athletics with a continued history of strong academics has positioned the school well. Nouvel has seen growth in recent years. Dan Decuf, head of school, shared “It is a great time for families to explore the opportunities that await their own children in a safe, nurturing environment that celebrates all of their individual talents and unique gifts. The student body has increased in numbers, especially in the younger grade levels, adding additional classrooms. Moving the 7th and 8th grade to the now high school and junior high campus has allowed for new opportunities for our older students. We are seeing continued growth in test scores and development that has come from hard work by our teachers and staff. Our students are graduating prepared to succeed and ready to thrive. We are grateful to our Nouvel and parish community for their continued support over these 40+ years.” 

Nouvel Panthers have many opportunities to live out the mission to learn, love and lead… courageously. Panther student-athletes enjoy incredible opportunities to shine on the field and as leaders in their community. For more information on Nouvel athletics, please visit www.NouvelCatholic.org/Explore.