Students at Allentown Central Catholic High School have started the school year by giving of their time and talents.

The Central City Project at ACCHS has begun its salsa-making process. Students tended to the project’s urban garden over the summer, which grew vegetables such as tomatoes, jalapeños and cilantro. On Sept. 5, participants started making the salsa and packing the jars, which will be sold at various events throughout the year to benefit the CCP and its service projects, such as community dinners and clothing giveaways.

A spirit dress down day was held Sept. 10 to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

Senior football kicker Rustin Seyle is continuing his project with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, “Kicking Cancer One Point at a Time,” which aims to help find a cure for childhood cancers. Donors either make a singular donation or pledge an amount for every point Seyle makes during the season. Last year, Seyle raised $5,763; his goal this year is $6,000. Visit alexslemonade.org for more information.

Religious retreats are in full swing for Central students. International students participated in a retreat Sept. 11, during which they visited Sacred Heart Church. They were joined by Sr. Sofia Marie SCC and Fr. Mark Searles. The Freshman Retreat was held Sept. 12 at the school and featured bonding experiences, silent reflections and Mass.

Back to School Night was held Sept. 13. Throughout the night, parents followed an abbreviated version of their student’s schedule and met their teachers.

Multiple clubs are beginning their years with informational meetings, including the Internat (International) Club, Debate Team, Pep Club and Writing Club.

Central Catholic’s 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. the following night Sept. 22, at J. Birney Crum Stadium, 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 Craig Albert at calbert@acchs.info with any questions. A Homecoming Food Truck Tailgate will also be held Sept. 22.

The Class of 2019 Student Council will hold a Playa Bowls Fundraiser Night at the restaurant, 310 E. Third St., Bethlehem, 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27.

Viking football has a record of 2-1 after a 23-13 win against Nazareth Sept. 8. Senior running back Logan Backhman had another strong game with 256 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The team will host a fundraiser at Chipotle, 3114 Tilghman St., Allentown, 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25. Bring in a hard or digital copy of the flyer, which can be found at acchs.info, or tell the cashier you are supporting the football team.

The Viking soccer season is off to a strong start with a 1-1 tie against Parkland Sept. 1 and a 3-0 win over Nazareth Sept. 5.

The Vikette soccer team defeated Northampton 1-0 Sept. 11 and Bethlehem Catholic 1-0 Sept. 13.

Vikette volleyball shut out Whitehall 3-0 at their match Sept. 11 and Northampton 3-0 Sept. 13. The Vikettes faced tough losses against Parkland 2-3 and Nazareth 2-3 but are looking forward to an exciting season.

ACCHS Mini Vikes Youth Night was held Sept. 8 at the Central-Nazareth game at J. Birney Crum Stadium. Players on the Mini Vikes football team were recognized before the game along with the Mini Vikes cheerleading squad, who performed alongside the varsity cheerleaders during the game.