ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

HOUSE ATTENDANCE COMPETITION - As we start the new year, Romero and Kolbe are only separated by one point atop the House Cup standings. Casey and Teresa are still within striking distance, especially with major events like lip sync happening this month. In addition to lip sync, there are three different attendance competitions occurring throughout January and February. The first is this Wednesday's wrestling match at 5:30 PM in the downtown gym. When you arrive, sign in with Mr. Harvey or Mrs. Perry. Come out and support our wrestlers as they compete against Ottawa Hills and Godwin Heights. 

NO MORNING MASS THIS WEEK - Fr. Colin will be away this week and will return next Tuesday, January 13 to celebrate 7:15am morning Mass with our school community.

WINTER THEATER WORKSHOP - The theater department has a wonderful opportunity for you! If you have been interested in getting involved either on or behind the stage but were unsure of where to start, listen up! Instead of our traditional Shakespeare winter, we have a free two day workshop and showcase with director Mr. Topie! Come learn how to deliver monologues, work in small scenes, or operate the technical side of a show! The workshop is on January 15 beginning at 5 and the showcase is January 17 at 4, both being located at Aquinas' PAC. More information is found here! Mr. Harvey will be available this week during B lunch, and in his room (310) for any questions you might have!

DRESS DOWN DAY FRIDAY - Friday, January 9th will be a CC Spirit Day (dress down) as a fundraiser for the Cougars for a Cause Club. Cost is $2 for jeans or $5 for sweatpants. You can donate any amount above and beyond! You will pay in your 1 carrier on Friday morning. The money raised will be used to purchase items this year for Kent County Animal Shelter, Saving Souls Pet Alliance, DeVos Children’s Hospital, and other community organizations. As a reminder, no slides/sandals - uniform appropriate shoes only; Must wear pants - no shorts or skirts (outside of uniform bottoms); - No spandex, leggings, or stretch/yoga pants. Show your pride and wear your CC gear!

KAIROS 10 - Seniors - this is your last opportunity to attend this retreat for your senior year. There are a very limited number of spots available for Kairos 10, to be held from February 3rd through February 6th. If you would like to attend this retreat, please submit your registration materials as soon as possible. If you are interested in attending Kairos 10 this February, please fill out the registration Google form, complete the permission slip, and submit payment to the CC Main Office or pay via Infinite Campus by January 9, 2026. Registrations for the February retreat will be accepted on a first come, first served basis - until spots are filled.

• Kairos 10 Registration Form: K10 Registration (2026) Link
• Permission Slip: K10 Permission Slip Link - (Also available in the Campus Ministry Office, Room 208)
  
  • Forma de Excursión (Spanish): K10 Enlace de Forma de Excursión

• Financial assistance is available. Please contact Dcn. Dennis Rybicki at dennisrybicki@grcatholiccentral.org if you are in need of any financial aid.
• If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Dcn. Dennis Rybicki at dennisrybicki@grcatholiccentral.org or Sarahi Thang name at sarahihernandez@grcatholiccentral.org 

BLOOD DRIVE - Mark your calendars! The third CC Blood Drive of this school year is happening January 30th, 2026. If you're 16 or older, this is your chance to make a difference—one donation can help save up to three lives! Bonus: Those who donate or volunteer multiple times may qualify for a special red cord to wear at graduation!

• Ready to donate? Sign up here
• Want to volunteer? Sign up here 

COUGAR GEAR - The Downtown Den is now open and available for your shopping needs! The Den will be open on the following dates:

• Friday January 9th from 5:30-8:00pm - Varsity Boys & Girls vs Ottawa Hills
• Tuesday January 13th from 5:30-8:00pm - Boys vs FHN
• Tuesday January 20th from 5:30-8:00pm - Girls vs Grand Rapids Christian - 
• Friday January 23rd from 5:30-8:00pm - Varsity Boys & Girls vs FHE
• Tuesday February 10th from 5:30-8:00pm - Girls vs FHN
• Friday February 13th from 5:30-8:00pm - Varsity Boys & Girls vs FHC
• Tuesday February 17th from 5:30-8:00pm - Boys vs Grand Rapids Christian
• Monday February 23rd from 5:30-8:00pm - Girls vs Pewamo Westphalia

CAREER TALKS - We have a few opportunities for interesting and informative Career Talks in the next two weeks. Sign up in Focus Time.

• Thursday 1/8 - Erin Marten, a Research Chef at Van Eerden Foods will talk about careers and opportunities associated with culinary arts.
• Tuesday 1/13 - Allyssa Hagenah, from Douglas J Aveda Institute will come talk about opportunities surrounding careers in cosmetology.
• Thursday 1/15 - Nate Stickler, Marketing Director at Tanger Outlets will come to explore career opportunities in the areas of business and marketing.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - See the scholarships SPREADSHEET for available opportunities and information on how to apply.

BEGINNING WITH BREAKFAST - A hot breakfast of the chef’s choice will be offered daily. All breakfast combos are served with fruit, juice, and milk

LOOKING AHEAD FOR LUNCH - Lunch Combos are served with an entree, fruit, veggie, and milk

• Wednesday, January 7 - Mac & Cheese, Muffin, Apple, Celery
• Thursday, January 8 - Turkey & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Fruit Cup
• Friday, January 9 - Pizza, Fruit & Veggie Bar

BLESSING OF THE DAY - May God's hand in yours see you through every fear. May the onset of fear be your signal to look to God standing close to you. May God's love be your shield and may the whisper of God's "Be not afraid" drown out the clamor of your misgivings and worries. May you know courage and may you, in turn, be encouragement and comfort to all those on your path who are afraid and vulnerable. May the God of Courage bless you. --Maxine Shonk, OP