Spring remains a busy and productive time for students at Allentown Central Catholic High School.

The Biology Olympics team placed second in the Biology Bowl at Cedar Crest College April 13. Junior Sydni Ernst took third in the medical biology and physiology individual event. Other team members included seniors Andrew Buck and Snow Du and juniors Vinny Bet and Anthony Wilson.

The Academic Bowl Competition for middle school students was held at Central April 15. St. Ann School, Emmaus took first place; Good Shepherd finished second. Other competing schools included St. John Vianney, St. Joseph the Worker, St. Michael the Archangel and St. Thomas More.

The Vikette lacrosse team held its senior night celebration April 18. Seniors honored included Kelly Arner, Cynthia Canario, Melissa Guznay, Emily Hlavac, Trecia Ingabire, Valerie Kline, McKenzy Leauber, Jess Li, Veronica Pasko, Era Shaqiri and trainer Luyao Wang.

Viking tennis held its senior night April 17. Seniors Sean Barry, Derek Basta, Samuel Cadman, Charles Carbonetto, Shaun Coulter, Morgan Cowen, Jake Horoshko, Nicholas Patruno and Adam Zielinski were honored.

Hlavac was recently named Coordinated Health’s Athlete of the Week. She had a total of seven goals and two assists and became the girls lacrosse program’s all-leading scorer in two games.

The Allen Invitational Track and Field Meet was held April 20 at J. Birney Crum Stadium. Central medaled in multiple events. First place winners included senior Emily Deschler in the girls 3200 meter run and senior Aaron Shoemaker in the boys 1600 meter run. Second place winners included senior Alyssa Deschler in the girls 1600 meter run and the girls 4x800 meter relay team, which featured Alyssa Deschler, Emily Deschler, Emily Jobes and Devon Montanari.

Members of the track and field team volunteered at the St. Luke’s Half Marathon April 22. Teammates cheered on runners and handed out water during the race.

The second annual Viking Baseball Senior Athletes Teacher and Staff Appreciation Night was held April 27 at Limeport Stadium during the game against Parkland. During the night, senior players honored a person who has profoundly impacted their life during their high school career.

Senior Conner Nejad is the 2018 recipient of the Randy Krause Award, which honors a Viking baseball athlete who “exhibits persistence and courage in the face of challenges.” Nejad was recognized for his persistence during the rehabilitation process for his fall football injury in order to be ready for the spring baseball season. He was also honored for his leadership on Kairos, a senior retreat held three times a year. The award was awarded by Team Krause, an organization that supports pancreatic cancer research.

Seniors Shannon O’Neill and Harison Stevens are the 2018 recipients of the Bishop’s Scholarship. The award is given by the Diocese of Allentown and recognizes students who represent the beliefs of a Catholic education and represent Christian values. Recipients are judged on character, service to the community and school, participation in school activities and being a practicing Catholic.

National Honor Society Inductions were held April 24. The ceremony featured speeches from current NHS President Andrew Buck, Vice President Diana Kocsis, Treasurer Colton Schrettner and Secretary Erin Arevalo. A speech was also given by a 2003 Central Catholic graduate who was a member of NHS.

Student Council elections were recently held. The 2018-2019 Central Committee is made up of President Samuel Vaughan, Vice President Natasha Kuklis, Treasurer Joshua LaRock and Secretary Lauren Minutella.

The Central City Project held a community dinner April 25 at Immaculate Conception Church. The menu was American themed, featuring foods from the nation’s many regions. Community dinners are held throughout the year around holidays to benefit the local Allentown community.

On April 25, students embarked on a retreat to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine and Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. The day was a moving religious experience and falls among numerous spring retreats.

The writing club held its section annual writing forum April 25. The event featured professional guest writers and other informative sessions.

A designer purse bingo to benefit the spring musical will be held May 6. Doors open 12:15 p.m. with games beginning 1 p.m. Featured brands include Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Vera Bradley. Food and special games will also be available for purchase. There is a discounted cost for advance registration and a higher amount at the door.

The 2018 junior and senior prom will be held at DeSales University May 11. Students are eagerly awaiting this night and are busy preparing.