Calvin Bacall, one of two DLS DECA state champions heading to Orlando, Fla., in late April for international competition, is one of the top students in the Class of 2023. He will graduate summa cum laude. 

Calvin has taken 13 Advanced Placement classes during high school, beginning in his sophomore year; his senior schedule includes AP Statistics, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, AP English Literature and Composition, and AP Spanish (Spanish IV). 

He has been accepted at the University of Notre Dame, and plans to major in Biophysics, which combines Physics and Medicine. He chose Notre Dame because “it is a perfect combination of faith and reason.”

He added, “I will be able to dive deeper into my faith while also learning from world-class professors. Notre Dame also allows the opportunity to pursue an independent research initiative.”

“Calvin’s work ethic in English exemplifies the intellectual curiosity that will lead to his success in whatever field he chooses,” said DLS English teacher Mr. David Kirck - whom Calvin identifies as his favorite teacher. “Whatever the reading, whether in small or large-group discussions, Calvin poses interesting questions and offers keen insights that challenge the class to think more deeply about the literature. Perhaps best of all, he does it all with a tremendous sense of humor. His future is, indeed, a bright one.” 

In addition to his participation in DECA, Calvin is also President of the DLS National Honor Society and of the DLS Medical Club. He is a member of the Stock Market Club, Save Club, Military History Club, and Link Crew. He was a four-year member of the DLS Cross Country team, and a three-year member of the Track team. 

Calvin said he joined DECA in his junior year in order to become more confident and connect with more people. He also coached an IM Basketball team, and has enjoyed playing football during Advisory. 

Calvin attended Smith Middle School in Troy, and originally enrolled at De La Salle because of the International Baccalaureate program. When the program was discontinued, Calvin chose to stay “due to the friendships I had formed and the quality of education I was receiving.”

Calvin advises incoming freshmen to get involved with as many things at DLS as possible. 

“I’m in just about every club available to me, and because of it, I have grown in so many ways,” he said. “Along with this, be sure to meet as many new people as possible. Attending a new school can certainly be a challenge; however, making new friends will help you get through it.” 

Faculty member Mr. Joe Novak has high praise for Calvin. 

“Calvin is a tremendously gifted young man whom I have had the pleasure of teaching twice these past four years at De La Salle,” Novak said. “He is not afraid to speak up and take the initiative, and I have no doubt that he will do great things at Notre Dame. They are truly lucky to have him!”

Calvin lives in Sterling Heights with his mother Alia Razzouki-Bacall, and attends St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in Troy.