Cheryl Nelson and David Lewis are right at home as 35-year educators in the Archdiocese of Detroit: Nelson at Dearborn Divine Child, from where she graduated in 1975; Lewis at Novi Detroit Catholic Central, a 1979 Shamrock alumnus.

Both were among dozens of educators recognized at the Catholic League Prep Bowl for their lives dedicated to Catholic education.

Nelson, whose entire career has been at Divine Child, where she teaches math, says she derives great satisfaction hearing former students tell her they were totally prepared and successful in college, thanks to the education they got at Divine Child.

Lewis’ career in administration began with one year at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, eight years at Livonia Ladywood and a year at St. Gemma School before arriving 25 years ago back at Catholic Central, where he is an assistant principal.

He looks upon his choice of a Catholic education career as a way of giving back to the Church.

“I enjoy watching students walk across the stage at commencement, knowing that I played a part in their success,” he says.