Viking and Vikette basketball are underway and going well. The Vikings started the season with a 63-42 win over Boiling Springs Dec. 9 at the Paul Corby Tip-Off Tournament. Their record as of Dec. 22 is 3-0 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference league after victories over Whitehall, Liberty and Northampton. The Vikettes are also off to a strong start with a record of 3-0 after games against North Pocono, Whitehall and Liberty.

Seniors Emily Deschler and Tom Munshower were recently named EPC Scholar Athlete winners. Deschler won for her participation in cross country and Munshower won for golf. Senior Dat Lambert was also recently nominated for Coordinated Health’s Athlete of the Week award for his strong performance on the basketball team. He was also named Tournament MVP at the Paul Corby Tip-Off Tournament, at which the Vikings bested Boiling Springs 63-42.

The 15th annual 40 Hours Retreat was held Dec. 14 and 15 despite a snow delay on the morning Dec. 14. The celebration featured music by Sean Malloy and Ryan Gutshall; nuns from convents in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania were guest speakers.

The competition cheer team was awarded first place in Coed Performance at the Parkland Cheer Competition Dec. 16. Sophomore Maria Cerimele placed first in jumping and junior Grace People took third in tumbling.

Central’s service programs have been working hard before Christmas. The Big Brothers Big Sisters club recently celebrated a huge milestone. This year marks the 15 year anniversary of Central’s partnership with the organization. On Dec. 19, 30 members of the club were paired with 30 students from Sacred Heart Elementary School and enjoyed each other’s company at the annual Christmas party.

The Central City Project held its Christmas Snack-and-Shop Dec. 20 at Immaculate Conception Church. At the event, less fortunate members of the Allentown community were able to receive toys and clothes donated by Central students. The night was a huge success and was a great opportunity for all parties involved.

Students celebrated the last school day of 2017 Dec. 22 with a Christmas-themed dress down and a performing arts show. Money collected for the dress down benefited the Serving Our Soldiers Club and the afternoon show featured the chorus, concert band and dance team.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is partnering with ACCHS for a boys basketball Christmas tournament, which will be held Dec. 28 and 29 in Rockne Hall. Dec. 28 will feature two games: Pocono Mountain West vs. Notre Dame and Freire Charter vs. Central. On Dec. 29, the consolation and championship games will be held. The event’s special guest is Dr. Gabe Lewullis, a former Viking basketball player. Questions can be directed to Dennis Csensits at 484-547-5737 or dcsensits@acchs.info.

Central Catholic will hold a $3,000 tuition credit raffle for applicants to the Class of 2022. To enter, go to acchs.info/apply, complete an application and send it with the registration fee to your partner school’s main office or to Central Catholic. Three winners will be chosen December through February 2018. Applicants who apply before Feb. 11, 2018 will save on the application fee.