The McDonald triplets, Ashley, Ryan and Shawn, agree they are thankful to have attended Catholic school and for the breadth of experiences they’ve had at Nouvel Catholic Central High School.

“Everything I have ever wanted to do at school, I have been able to do at Nouvel,” Ryan said.

Ryan has participated in many of Nouvel’s offerings, including the school’s clay target team, which he joined as soon as it began in 2021, the theater program and the Honor Guard, made up of 10 seniors.

“Our job is to guard the cross of Jesus when entering the church and exiting the church. We are also extremely reverent to the Lord,” he said.

Shawn, also a member of the Honor Guard, theater and tennis team, said faith-based activities have “heavily improved (his) morale and drive to go to school.”

“One of the best experiences I have had at Nouvel was our senior retreat (at Hartley Nature Center),” he said. “My favorite experience … was an affirmation exercise, where we wrote affirmation notes to each other. I have had fellow students come up to me (afterwards),  acknowledging notes that were written that day, showing truly how wonderful the experience was.”

Being involved in many opportunities, including National Honor Society, tennis, theater and drum major, Ashley said she has grown as a disciple of Christ. She was also elected Homecoming Queen.

“As I began my first year of high school, my eyes opened to growing my faith by reaching out and helping others. Our teachers guide us and give us opportunities to make a difference in our community,” she said. “I also tried to reach out within our student body to help those that needed support. By serving those around us we not only make a difference in their lives, but enrich ours in the process.”

Each of the triplets have also been involved in service opportunities, and Ryan and Shawn did their projects to earn the rank of Eagle Scout at Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary.

"I spent my childhood going to school there, and it was the best childhood I could ever ask for. When I was looking around for places to do projects, I immediately said yes to Nouvel Elementary when they gave a suggestion for a project,” said Ryan, who refinished bookcases in the library.

Shawn designed a mural, which he painted with students.

“I decided to paint a mural, as it would be visible, faith-promoting and something that students could participate in,” he said. “It was very rewarding. When one of the students asked me why I made the mural paint darker on the sides, I explained that it was because the further you get away from the cross,  representing our faith, the darker it can be. I have since heard that comment repeated by teachers and students at NCCE, and I am grateful people are embracing the goal I set out to achieve. The mural is an example of how much even one can accomplish with the help of fellow students, teachers to guide the way and the faith as the light of life.”

Ryan echoed his siblings that his faith has grown over his years at Nouvel.

“Nouvel High School is filled with virtuous and kind people. The faculty ties faith into the school lessons and the community is extremely nice and kind,” he said.

“Nouvel is a welcoming community with teachers who strive for us to be successful for our future,” Ashley said. “Nouvel helps us to live our call to ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:18).