The 2024 Annual Reception will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 5:30PM – 8:30PM.
The Annual Reception is the signature event of the year and it’s just around the corner!
The reception begins with a cocktail hour which provides ample opportunities for individuals to connect and collaborate.
It is followed by a program that celebrates the achievements of our Lancers, recognizing excellence, and the culmination of hard work, dedication, and talent of inspiring students, and more!
There will be performances from our student musicians, along with a special presentation of the William M. Disharoon (133) Award ceremony which highlights six students who have made a positive impact on their peers and teachers, are leaders in the class, and embody the Lancer spirit.
Every aspect of this event is curated to create memorable experiences that makes it a must-attend event for anyone who loves our dear High!
This year’s Keynote Speaker is NBC Sports Anchor Danny Pommells.
As a proud father of Central High graduates, Kaila (277) and Isabella (282), Danny recognizes the immense value that Central brings to the Philadelphia community.
The Temple University grad and Philly native joined NBC Sports Philadelphia in 2012. He is currently the co-host of the Sixers Talk podcast and provides sports updates for NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBC10. Pommells has also hosted MLS pre and postgame programs, Women’s Rugby World Cup, and English Premiership Rugby programs for NBCSN.
During the 2016 Summer Olympics, he anchored NBC Sports Bay Area’s sports. He is a 5 time Emmy Award winner.
Danny fulfilled a childhood dream when he covered the Super Bowl Champions Philadelphia Eagles. One of the many highlights included interviewing the players as they rode down Broad Street on the team bus.
Prior to joining the NBC Sports Philadelphia team, Pommells spent his time as a weekend sports anchor at KCRA in Sacramento, CA, WGAL in Harrisburg, PA, and WMDT in Salisbury, MD. He also worked as the sports director during his time at WMDT.
As a sportscaster, Pommells has covered many exciting sporting events including the 2013 U.S. Open, the 2007 MLB All-Star Game, plus multiple playoff runs and training camps. His resume also includes covering Baltimore Orioles spring training, and California state basketball and football championships.
Benjamin Blazer, CHS Faculty, Arts School Based Teacher Leader, and Orchestra Director, will give the opening remarks about the Intersections of Art and Discovery.
He attended Temple University where he attained a BM in music theory and double bass performance, and an MM in music composition beginning in 1994 and has resided in the Philadelphia area ever since.
He studied double bass with Anne Peterson of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philly Pops, Opera Philadelphia, and John Hood of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
In the performing realm, Mr. Blazer is a member of the Oscuro Quintet, an Argentinean tango ensemble that also performs new music in a variety of genres. He continues to compose and have his music performed.
Also included with your ticket is cocktail hour, dinner fare, dessert reception. Here is a general timeline of the events for the evening:
5 PM-5:30 PM | 1836 Society Pin Ceremony – Members Only
5 PM | General Registration
5:30 PM | Cocktail Hour and Musical Performances
6 PM | Opening Remarks by CHS Faculty, Benjamin Blazer
7 PM | Keynote Speaker Danny Pommells
7:30 PM | William M. Disharoon Award Ceremony
7:30 PM | Dessert Reception
8 PM | Closing Remarks and Networking
$100 per person | Tickets for alumni members of class 277 or earlier, and friends
$75 per person | Tickets for alumni members of class 278 – 282, faculty, and students
If you would like to provide students with the experience of networking with alumni, please consider purchasing an extra ticket or tickets to sponsor students to attend.
Thank you, we look forward to seeing you!
Register here.
To become a sponsor, please click here to complete the form.
To mail a form and pay by check – download the form, and complete page two.
For questions, please contact the Alumni Office:
Email: alumnioffice@centralhighalumni.com
Office: (215) 845-3308