Allentown Central Catholic High School began the 2018-2019 school year Aug. 27 for freshmen and Aug. 28 for all students.

Summer was full of exciting events and achievements for CCHS students.

The cheer squad saw success at the Pine Forest Competition Camp in mid-August. Their awards included first place for overall small varsity, first place for cheer routine, second place for sideline cheer and the most improved award.

Students were also academically involved over the summer. Senior Christine Wiktor took part in a research internship in August at Cabrini University in an invertebrate cell biology lab taught by Sheryl Fuller-Espie, Ph.D., DIC. She studied the antibacterial effect of protein from Eisenia hortensis.

Senior Natasha Kuklis spent two days in July at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton to conduct experiments and participate in biomedical research. She was awarded this opportunity by the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science in May.

CCHS students also spent the summer examining their faith. Some students participated in the Quo Vadis and Quo Fiat retreats at DeSales University in July. During their time there, they learned about possible religious vocations and the opportunities they had ahead of them.

Viking football began Aug 25 at Stroudsburg High School, where the Vikings defeated the Mountaineers 38-14. Senior player Logan Bachman was the first Frantz Trophy Player of the Week on ESPNLV Calling All Sports for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. He ran 223 yards during the game and scored three touchdowns. The next game was against Parkland Sept. 1 at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

Vikette tennis is also off to a strong start with a record of 3-0.

The annual new student picnic was held Aug. 26 in the school parking lot, known as “The Pits.” Freshmen, transfer and international students attended with their families. They were greeted by Central’s faculty, staff and Viking Mentors, a group of upperclassmen who aid new students during their first months at CCHS.

Homecoming weekend will be Sept. 21 and 22. The dance will be held Sept. 21 in Rockne Hall; the football game will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown.

The Vikings will face off against East Stroudsburg North. All alumni band members are invited to play with the marching band during the game. Contact Mr. Craig Albert at calbert@acchs.info with any questions. A Homecoming Food Truck Tailgate will also be held Sept. 22.

The eighth annual Matthew J. Spade Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 8 at the Locust Valley Golf Club in Coopersburg. The shotgun start will be 8 a.m., followed by Chinese and silent auctions noon and lunch noon to 2 p.m. Signups are available on the school website, acchs.info.