The Central Catholic I know does not tolerate racism

As I went to visit my grandfather in his nursing home, I opened the door for another person who looked at me and said, “At least you’re not a criminal, like the rest.”

Initially, I was confused. Then I realized I was wearing an old Central Catholic High School football shirt.

A lot has happened to my alma mater in the past year. First came another year of athletic and academic excellence. Then came something much less welcome – two instances of possible criminal activity.

I love my old high school; I have immense pride in the school. But stories in the news have started to change the image of Central Catholic and its students.

Start with the story about a student who threw a party at a vacant home in Ceres. The police had to shut it down. After it was over, the home was heavily damaged and the student had to pay for the repairs.

It got worse when two students were arrested after filming a video that was posted on a popular social media app. They threatened another student with a noose, then fired a gun.

Attending college away from Modesto, I learned of this story from a friend and another Central Catholic alum. The video was appalling; so was the fact that these kids could hold so much resentment for another human being.

But I was even more shocked to see the responses of people online, where the story has caught national attention. Everywhere there are comments, and it was comments from some of the adults that left me baffled.

One person said in response to the story, “Press charges to the full extent of the law since in my head, what I would really want to do would get me thrown in jail!”

The most popular was criticism concerning how Central Catholic handled the situation, with people saying the school protects racism.

This couldn’t be further from my experience. The school I know and love is not prejudiced. Teachers and staff constantly promote a positive message and nurture growth for all who attend.

The school is being unfairly associated with the actions of two students. Basing accusations solely on the fact that the people who made this video attend the school is wrong. People need to realize that some people do bad things, and that is not a reflection of the school they attend.

Rumors have been stirring that Central Catholic’s dean, Billy Hylla, was trying to cover up the whole thing. He is being accused of promoting racial tension and racism. This is the furthest thing from the truth.

I spent four years playing for Coach Hylla’s offensive line. He helped shape me into the person I am today. He taught me not only how to block and run plays, but how to be a team player; he taught all of us to play for each other, to play as one unit. When I heard the rumors about him, I was angered because I know Coach Hylla is not a hateful man. I know him as a molder of men, a person who would always put his students’ interests before his own and that he would protect all of us as if we were his own children.

I don’t know what the future holds for my alma mater, but I hope the school bounces back from this unfair labeling. I know Central Catholic High School is an amazing place with a lot to offer. Central Catholic also has one of the most understanding and knowledgeable staffs in the state. In the end, the truth will prevail.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 7:10 PM with the headline "The Central Catholic I know does not tolerate racism."