Dear Alumni, Faculty, and Friends,

As the school year has come to a close and we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges that Central has experienced, we are confident in the strides we make to continue to move Central High School forward and to new heights.

It should be no surprise to anyone that we have, and continue to have, the best administrative team and the best faculty, parent, and alumni communities.

Most importantly, Central High is proud to have the absolute best student body in the city of Philadelphia.

Not only does Central High School continue to excel in the area of athletics, but we also continue to thrive academically.

Let’s take a dive into our student body’s accomplishments:

Our athletic teams have shined in the Public League throughout the 22-23 school year.

We added 10 Public League Championship trophies to our awards cases. 

• Girls Cross Country 
• Boys Cross Country
• Girls Tennis
• Girls Soccer
• Girls Volleyball
• Girls Softball
• Girls Badminton
• Girls Lacrosse
• Boys Swimming
• Boys Baseball

Central High School is proud to offer the most robust International Baccalaureate programming in Philadelphia. Lancers earned an average score of 5 out of 7 on their IB assessments. Over 90% of Central High School IB students earned an IB diploma, exceeding the international average of 80% achievement.

This year, we were proud to celebrate Over 340 students received a score of 3 or better on their AP examinations. Over 240 students received a score of 4 or better, and over 200 students received the top score of 5/5 on their AP examinations. 

Earlier this year, we were proud to induct 43 students into the Barnwell Chapter of the National Honor Society.

The future of the 282nd class is abundantly bright. The 524 members of 282 have accepted seats in the top universities across the country. A few examples include Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Yale, Howard, Spelman, Lincoln University, Morgan State University, NYU, Boston University, Northeastern, University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Drexel, Temple, La Salle, Thomas Jefferson, Haverford College, Swarthmore College, Saint Joseph’s University and many more.

Two members of the 282nd class are Questbridge Scholarship Recipients: full tuition, room, and board throughout their undergraduate career.

This year, we also had two National Merit semi-finalists.

Five students received the prestigious Liberty scholarship: full tuition for four years at Drexel University.

In the area of Science, we are proud to celebrate 7 award winners in the PA Junior Science Fair, as well as 6 Pennsylvania Science Olympiad medal winners.

The RoboLancers, Central’s largest student club, were awarded the FIRST Impact Award at Nationals in Houston, Texas.

In the area of the Arts, we are proud to celebrate 38 Scholastic Art competition award winners. One student won a gold key for her portfolio—a first time accomplishment in Central High School’s history.

We proudly celebrated over 30 All-City student musicians involved in Band, Choir, and Orchestra. One 282 student has participated in an All City Fellowship throughout the school year, receiving individual lessons from members of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

As we conclude this academic year, let us celebrate the achievements of our students and acknowledge the dedication of the Central High School Faculty.

Thank you to the alumni community who have contributed considerably during the 2022-2023 school year.

Here are a few highlights:

• Dr. John T. Williams Sr. (194) a member of the 194th class, donated $75K to Central High School on Giving Tuesday. His donation supports our Science department as well as the Leading the Way Capital Campaign.
• The 204th Class made over $30K in contributions towards the Capital Campaign.
• Dr. Leon Malmud, (208) donated a preliminary $50K to outfit a student tutoring center on the second floor. It was unveiled in April and is already a big hit among the students.
• The 224th Class contributed over $50K to outfit a Digital Arts Labs on the third floor. This state-of-the-art lab provides our students with access to graphic design programming.
• The 225th Class has reached their goal of $55K in support of our Social Studies Department.
• The 251st Class contributed over $30K contribution towards the Capital Campaign.
• Our annual Career Day was a huge success. Over 100 members of our alumni community shared their career experiences with students both in-person and virtually.
• The 2023 Annual Reception was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate students, faculty, alumni, and friends, including members from our Home and School Association and 1836 Society. Keith Leaphart, D.O., MBA (251) gave a compelling speech that connected with attendees from the 194th class through the 285th class.

All in all, the Associated Alumni of Central High School supports Central High School in a manner that creates conditions for us to be the best.

A special thank you to outgoing President Neil Deegan (263) and commend him on his years of service and dedication to Central High School and the Board of Managers.

Thank you to Executive Director, Cynthia Lech (263) for her continued leadership in and the direct support she provides our school and alumni community.

This August, we look forward to welcoming members of the 286th graduating class.

Thank you for your presence, contributions, and support.

We are forever Central-Made!

Warm Regards,

Kate Davis, 264

CHS President