DETROIT — There was more than baseball when the Catholic High School League crowned three division champions May 22 at The Corner Ballpark in downtown Detroit.
Presentations were made by Vic Michaels, director of the CHSL, between the games saluting the accomplishments of remarkable individuals in academics and athletics.
Excellence in Teaching
Allison McCulloch, the Bishop John Quinn Elementary School Teacher of the Year, is a preschool teacher from Guardian Angels Catholic School in Clawson. As a teacher, she creates a warm, faith-filled environment where young children begin to grow not only academically, but also spiritually. Her commitment extends far beyond the school day. Her work doesn’t stop at the classroom door; she has sponsored numerous families and staff members through RCIA, walking beside them as a guide and witness of faith. Allison embodies the heart of Catholic education — living out her vocation with grace, humility, and a love that radiates Christ.
James Higdon, the Bishop John Quinn High School Teacher of the Year, is in his 10th year of teaching engineering, math, and physics at Brother Rice. He has been part of the Brother Rice family since he started attending high school there in his freshman year. After James graduated from college, he came back to Brother Rice as a member of the Edmund Rice Volunteer Corps. It was then that James felt the call to teach, coach, and become more involved in their Kairos retreat program for students. James has coached countless track and cross country athletes over many seasons. His time at Brother Rice is a witness to his faith and to the message of unwavering love and hope that Jesus brings to the school.
Excellence in Athletics
Kaitlyn Pallozzi, the 2025 Walt Bazylewicz Female Athlete of the Year, is a student-athlete who redefines excellence both on and off the field. Pallozzi, of Farmington Hills Mercy High School, has dominated the softball diamond with talent that’s earned her national acclaim, and a future spot at the University of Alabama. But what truly sets Pallozzi apart is her humility, her fierce loyalty to teammates, and her leadership through servant spirit. Whether she’s striking out batters or supporting her team while sidelined with injury, Pallozzi embodies the values of the Catholic League.
John “Trey” McKenney III, the 2025 Walt Bazylewicz Male Athlete of the Year, of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep, is one of the most decorated basketball players in CHSL history: a Mr. Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, and the school’s all-time leading scorer. He is also a model of humility, leadership and service. He is a National Honor Society peer tutor, camp moderator, and devoted community servant. On his way to the University of Michigan, McKenney represents the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete in the Catholic League.
Winning Edge Awards
The Winning Edge Awards Committee presented three awards: to Ben Arkwright of Clarkston Everest Collegiate for $1,000; Lee Krueger of Novi Detroit Catholic Central for $1,000; and to Mitch Brewer of Madison Heights Bishop Foley for $6,000.
The Winning Edge Award comes through the generosity of longtime friends and admirers of the late Catholic League director Walter Bazylewicz. During challenging times, rather than accept budget cuts and possible league closure, “Bazy” set in place a funding base that secured the league's survival. The creator of several programs, including the Prep Bowl, it was under “Bazy's” term that girls championships and the Catholic League Hall of Fame were formed. It is the hope of the people who contribute to this fund that recipients will carry on the “Winning Edge” tradition.
Contact Don Horkey at [email protected].
