Central Catholic Honors Thomas Novak ’67 with Posthumous Diploma

TOLEDO, OH — Central Catholic High School honored the life, service, and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Thomas Eugene Novak ’67 with the presentation of a posthumous diploma during a special halftime ceremony on Friday at Gallagher Stadium.

The recognition took place in conjunction with Central Catholic’s home football game against crosstown rival St. John’s Jesuit and the school’s Military Appreciation Night. Members of the Novak family joined Head of School Kevin Parkins on the field as Tom was formally recognized as a graduate and member of the Class of 1967.

Novak was born in Swanton and attended St. Richard Catholic School before coming to Central Catholic. During his time on Cherry Street, he walked the same hallways as generations of Fighting Irish, shared classrooms with his fellow students, and played football for Central Catholic.

During his senior year, Novak answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing basic training, he was deployed to South Vietnam.

On December 21, 1968, just two and a half months after his 19th birthday and during the fifth month of his tour, Lance Corporal Novak was killed in hostile action in Quang Tin Province.

He was only 19 years old.

Like so many young men and women who have walked the halls of Central Catholic, Novak had dreams for his future and a lifetime of possibilities ahead of him. Although his service to our country prevented him from completing his senior year and receiving his diploma, his connection to Central Catholic — and his place within the Fighting Irish family — has never been forgotten.

Friday’s ceremony remembered Novak not only as a United States Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also as a classmate, teammate, friend, brother, son, and proud member of the Central Catholic community.

In front of the Fighting Irish community gathered at Gallagher Stadium, Parkins formally recognized Novak as a graduate of Central Catholic High School and presented his family with an honorary diploma as a member of the Class of 1967.

More than five decades after his sacrifice, Central Catholic is proud to ensure that the life and legacy of Thomas Eugene Novak will forever remain part of the school’s history.

Tom, you will always be remembered — and you will always be a part of the Central Catholic Family.