Jaya Jones, 283: A Legacy of Excellence
Jaya Jones, 283, is well-known for her athletic achievements at Central High.
As a dual-sport athlete, Jaya excelled in both field hockey and track and field, where she set school records in shot put and javelin.
Her strong family ties to Central have been a source of inspiration and support, and Jaya is extremely proud to be able to carry on that legacy.
“Central has made a huge impact on my life in more ways than I can count. Central has given me lifelong friends and mentors, taught me extremely valuable lessons, and truly prepared me for the next steps in my journey, just to name a few. ”
As Jaya begins her new chapter at Norfolk State University this Fall, she is eager to elevate her skills both academically and athletically. She is also excited to push herself to compete at a high level and start taking classes related to her career interests.
She is currently majoring in Exercise Science with plans to become a Sports Physical Therapist. Her own experiences with overcoming injuries through physical therapy sparked a passion to one day work with other athletes to help them recover and get back to play.
Jaya’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from family support and the importance of persevering through adversity. Her achievements and legacy will undoubtedly inspire future Lancers to embrace their own journeys with determination and pride.
Frank Bevenour, 283 and Aaron Levanthal, 283: Champions on and off the Field
Frank Bevenour, 283, and Aaron Levanthal, 283, members of the 2023-24 Central baseball team, epitomize the spirit of teamwork and excellence. Their leadership was pivotal in securing the Public League Championship this past Spring. They were also featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer article about Charlie Manuel’s significant donation to Philadelphia Public League athletics. This donation provided much-needed support to the league, enhancing the opportunities for student-athletes across the city.
When reflecting on how his time as a Central athlete has prepared him for college, Frank shared,
“Having to balance my sports schedules and academic workload taught me time management, work ethic, and other skills that will come in handy at the University of Pittsburgh. I think Central did a great job instilling proper study habits to help me become the most efficient student and athlete.”
He also has strong family ties to our Dear High. His father, Jay Bevenour, is a Digital Art Teacher at Central, and sister, Molly, 278, was a CHS softball standout and a current Philadelphia Phillies ball girl.
Acknowledging the impact of alumni support, Frank shared,
“Alumni events helped me build relationships and gain support for our projects. Mr. Horwits, 251, our class sponsor, played a crucial role in making senior events memorable.”
Aaron shares a similar sentiment about the role of alumni,
“Central is built on the strength of its alumni association. As a student you feel the love and community from the Lancers that came before us. Not only in the building, but also everywhere in the US!”
Aaron also highlighted a pivotal moment when alumni support made a difference in his own life,
“During training for the Air Force, I worked with Coach McCray, 246, who helped me achieve a personal goal. This experience showed me the power of asking for help and the impact of mentorship.”
As they head to the University of Pittsburgh, both Frank and Aaron are inspired by their experiences and the support they’ve received.
Frank aspires to give back by contributing to improvements in Central’s baseball facilities, while Aaron looks forward to sharing his military career insights with future Central students.
The Impact of Alumni Support
The experiences of Jaya, Frank, and Aaron illustrate the enduring impact of Central’s alumni network. Their stories highlight how alumni support extends beyond financial contributions—it encompasses mentorship, encouragement, and a shared commitment to the school’s legacy.
As we celebrate the achievements of these exceptional students, we’re reminded of the crucial role that alumni play in sustaining and enhancing Central’s programs. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing their stories, alumni help ensure that future generations of students continue to benefit from the rich traditions and opportunities that make Central High a beacon of excellence.
For those inspired by these stories, consider how you can contribute to Central’s vibrant community. Every act of support helps build a stronger future for our students and preserves the legacy that Central High proudly upholds.
Congratulations and good luck to Jaya, Frank, and Aaron as they move onto their next chapters—your achievements are a source of pride for Central High and a shining example of what it means to be a Lancer.
