"Here at Central, we are known for our academic excellence, but not for the actual physical building," said SA President Danny Varughese, 272. "We want to help make the building more beautiful so it is an even better learning environment."

Treasurer Shannon Thomas, 272, is especially excited about SA's pending application to the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, the largest public arts program in the United States: "We hope they agree to paint a mural on the large wall in the cafeteria behind the vending machines."

The mural will complement a student project to paint the entire cafeteria, "to make it a more uniform and Central-friendly place -- there are four or five different colors of paint in the cafeteria," said SA Secretary Asha Sankarathil, 272.

The Student Association has already organized committees for fund-raising, painting and the clean-up day. More help and input will be needed, but "this won't be a problem, because we know Central students will all chip in," said SA Vice President Brandon Rose, 273.

"We take obvious pride in our academics, but we also have a lot of pride in our school and how it looks," said Asha, who hopes to become a doctor or physician's assistant.

Future lawyer Danny plans to use his persuasive skills to encourage parents to participate as well. Shannon, a talented artist heading to college for bio-medical engineering/pharmacy, will attend a Mural Arts program. "The hope is that we can then have students paint smaller murals in other parts of the school," she explained.

SA members are also applying for grants from Home Depot and Lowe's, and are seeking advice from Central President Timothy McKenna, who embraced and encouraged the project.

"It will take a lot of work," said sponsor and language teacher Karen Schromsky. "But this will be the kick-start to a more beautiful Central." 

Annie Lin, 272, and Darrell McPherson III, 273, president and vice president of the CHS Student Environmental Action Society, and the Recycling Club have applied for a $2,500 grant to buy new trash cans and recycling bins, create a cell-phone tour (with students narrating places of environmental interest in and around the building) and make Earth Day even better.

How to lend a hand? Donate your RecycleBank points. Go to RecycleBank to check out Central's proposal and to log in. For every 250 points donated, $1 will go to Central's Green School project.

If you're not already registered in the RecycleBank program, which lets Philadelphia residents earn points based on the amount of material they put out in their city recycling bins, get started. There are a lot of ways to earn points by taking green actions on the site. Visit the "Earn Points" section for more details.

"Everyone should definitely do this," urged Recycling Club member Huiwen Situ, 272. "It would do a lot of good for the school."

"This is a great way for the entire Central community to help out; alumni, parents, and staff can all contribute," said sponsor and environmental science teacher Galeet Cohen, 256. The deadline to meet the $2,500 goal is March 15, so get the word out on Facebook and Twitter to friends, family, alumni and parents! It's easy and well worth the effort!

This year, Central is proud to present the Broadway musical "Hairspray!" Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. April 12 and 13, with matinees April 11 (3:30 p.m.) and April 14 (2 p.m.).

Based on the 1988 John Waters movie, "Hairspray!" is a fast-paced flashback into the much different society of 1960s Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad is about to turn everything upside down and takes advantage of wonderful and challenging opportunities. Throughout her groundbreaking journey, she finds love, changes the face of the media and establishes a new normal that teaches acceptance and tolerance. 

You can purchase tickets online or in the Music Department (Rooms 323 and 324). 

Note to would-be advertisers: Space is available in the program. If you would like to place an ad for your business or acknowledge a student performer, this is an excellent way to support the Central community and insure that these kinds of activities remain available to the students. For more information, contact the Music Department or music chairman Stephen Wilensky.

Don't miss the show--save the dates today!

Anyone who has enjoyed a Central graduation ceremony, or had the great fortune to attend International Day, learned about college at College Night, enjoyed this newsletter or participated in the Central family listserv owes a thank you to the Home and School Association 

Pro sports tickets? Museum visits? Fine dining? Works of art? We'll have all this and much more at Party Central! 2013.

This is the Central High School Home and School Association's social centerpiece and fund-raising event of the year, with dinner, music and dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St. in Mount Airy.

Last year, Party Central! raised $14,000 with auctions and raffles of great stuff, ranging from Eagles, Phillies, and Penn State tickets, restaurant gift certificates and museum admissions to orthodontic services and an Apple iPad. The goal this year is to double that amount. For a preview of some of the great items being offered, check out the Party Central! 2013 page on Facebook.

Buy tickets here. Interested in donating an auction item? Contact Al Bixler who can answer any questions about donating goods and services. You can also help by purchasing an ad in the Party Central! program. It's a great opportunity to promote a business, congratulate a student or honor an alum. Contact Emily Adeshigbin for program book information.  

Roster chairman Nicole Gaughan, 257, made her popular presentation about the mysteries of subject selection at the first Home & School Association meeting of the new year on Jan. 9. Ms. Gaughan said she expects to go over the 2013-2014 roster process in February with each member of 273, 274 and 275 before they complete their roster requests online. For background, summary points can be found here.  

Please see any team member for details, or contact coach Rich Weiss. You can have most items personalized with name and number, including tees, jerseys, sweats, hoodies and more. Deadline to place your order is Thursday, Feb. 28. Thank you for supporting our program!