Giving Tuesday, a day of charity to kick off the holiday season, was very successful at Allentown Central Catholic High School. The school’s donors raised $3,200 Nov. 27, more than double the total contributions from 2017.

The beginning coding class traveled to St. Joseph the Worker Nov. 29 to demonstrate “Sparki,” a robot the class has been constructing. Sparki has the ability to draw, sense an incline and navigate around a surface’s edge. It was displayed to the sixth grade students at St. Joe’s, who greatly enjoyed the presentation.

The 2018 Fall Sports Awards were held Nov. 30 following a school Mass. The event celebrated a successful season at ACCHS. The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Scholar Athlete Nominee and MVP for each fall sport were also recognized.

The drama club presented “Willa Wonkie and the Chocolate Tour” Nov. 30 through Dec. 1. The play, a parody of the classic Willie Wonka story, was enjoyed by the audiences and was the culmination of months of hard work.

The Advent Retreat took place Dec. 5 in Bethlehem. Those on the retreat visited Central Moravian Church, toured the Nativity Putz and attended Mass at Holy Infancy Church. The retreat was led by Fr. Mark Searles and Sr. Sophia Marie.

The Scholastic Scrimmage Team celebrated a 425-95 victory over Lehigh Valley Academy at a PBS competition Dec. 5. The team was later defeated by Parkland in a single-elimination round. Members of the team included seniors Ryan Schanta, Matt Simcoe, Alex Strohl and juniors Alan Garger and Karina Mihura.

The Class of 2020 Student Council held a Christmas Karaoke Night Dec. 7 in Masson Auditorium. Those in attendance were encouraged to come in Christmas attire. People performed holiday songs and everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

The Key Club volunteered at Mary’s Shelter in Bethlehem Dec. 8. Mary’s Shelter is an organization which provides residential and non-residential services for pregnant women and women with newborns. The members of the Key Club cleaned, sorted and organized the pantry in addition to various other projects.

The National Honor Society Canned Food Drive was a huge success. Students collected 1,661 cans, which were donated to Catholic Charities. All students who participated earned a dress down day. NHS is holding its annual toy drive through Dec. 17. Students are encouraged to bring in a new, unwrapped toy. Donations will benefit the Central City Project’s Snack and Shop, which will be held Dec. 19 at Immaculate Conception Church in Allentown. The Snack and Shop provides local families in need with clothes and Christmas toys

The 16th annual 40 Hours Retreat will be held Dec. 13 and 14 at ACCHS. The two-day event will focus on the school year’s theme, “Alive in the Spirit.” The retreat is attended by all students and features Mass, discussions and songs. There will be a nighttime worship Dec. 13 at the school and a half-day Dec. 14.

The ACCHS Committee Student Council will hold a bingo and basketball night 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14 in Masson Auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door or during lunch periods through Dec. 14. ACCHS family and friends are welcome. Attendees are invited to watch the Vikette basketball game against Parkland 7 p.m. in Rockne Hall after bingo.

The Jingle Jam Christmas Dance will be held 7-10 p.m. Dec. 15 in Rockne Hall. The attire is dressy/semi-formal and the dance is open to all ACCHS students. Tickets will be sold during lunch through Dec. 14.

The Central City Project will hold its annual Christmas clothing drive through Dec. 18. The drive benefits families in need in the Jordan Heights neighborhood of Allentown. Requested items include jackets, shirts, pants, sneakers, hats, gloves and any other clothing apparel, all of which must be in good condition. Donated items will be used at the Central City Project’s Snack and Shop Dec. 19. Donations can be dropped off at the ACCHS Campus Ministry Office 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. before Dec. 18. Contact Patrick Markham at pmarkham@acchs.info with any questions.

The concert band and chorus Christmas Concert will be held 7 p.m. Dec. 19 in Masson Auditorium. All are welcome to attend this event and enjoy the holiday music.

The ACCHS calendar raffle will run until Jan. 11, 2019. All Central families will have the chance to sell 2019 calendars that give the purchasers daily chances to win monetary prizes ranging from $50-500. For each calendar sold, families will receive $12 from the purchase toward their student’s fundraising fee. For order forms and more information, visit acchs.info/calendar-raffle.

Registration is open for the ACCHS SAT Prep Course. Classes will be held Saturdays in winter 2019; January dates are Jan. 12, 19 and 26, 2019 and February dates are Feb. 9 and 16, 2019. Courses will take place 9 a.m. to noon and will be held in Barry Hall. There is a cost for the math and verbal classes. Students may also take just one section for a discounted price. To register and for more information, visit acchs.info/sats.