Even with winter sports right around the corner, some of Allentown Central Catholic High School’s fall athletes are still persevering in playoff games.

The Viking and Vikette soccer teams celebrated successful seasons, with both teams progressing to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District 11 2A semifinals and finals, respectively.

The Vikette Volleyball team defeated rival Bethlehem Catholic Nov. 2 to become the 2023 District 11 champions.

The girls won their game against North Pocono in the first round of 3A playoffs Nov. 7 and played Spring Grove Nov. 11.

The football team finished its regular season with an 8-2 record and won 35-7 against fourth seeded Bangor in the District 11 Class 4A semifinal Nov 3. The Vikings faced Bethlehem Catholic Nov. 11 in the District Championship game, for a chance at their fourth consecutive District Championship title. The games both ended too late for this edition, so check the school’s social media pages for scores.

All winter athletes must register by Nov. 16 to participate in the first day of practice.

A current Family ID registration is necessary, and athletes must also receive an official PIAA physical completed after June 1. These requirements must be fulfilled before Nov. 16.

All athletes must also complete an impact test every two years to participate in athletics. LVHN provides free physicals at ExpressCare and Care on Demand locations. Go to acchs.info/athletics for all the details regarding these policies.

All boys lacrosse alumni are invited to play in the alumni game 3:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Grange Field, 360 Grange Road, Allentown. A social for all families will follow at 1760 Pub and Grille, 1176 Trexlertown Road, Trexlertown. Raffle tickets for lacrosse cornhole boards will be sold at the game and the social afterward and you do not need to be present to win. Both the game and the social are free for attendees. Email acchsboyslacrosse@gmail.com with any questions.

The ACCHS Red Cross Club will host a blood drive Nov. 17 for students to donate blood.

Flyers are posted throughout the hallways with information and students may sign up outside of Campus Ministry.

The ACCHS Winter 2023 Spirit Wear Store closes 11:59 p.m. Nov. 16. Orders will be given to your organization or delivered to your home. Visit https://corporateimagesinc.chipply.com/ACCHSSchoolSpiritWear/ to place your order.

Campus Ministry invites all male Central students to the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Visit Nov. 30. The bus will leave school 7:15 a.m. and will return around 2:50 p.m. Retreat participants will tour the seminary that forms the Diocese of Allentown’s priests. Please bring money for cheesesteaks or pack a lunch. Register through the link found in the online weekly newsletter.

DeSales University will host the 12th annual Diocesan Men’s Conference Nov. 18.

All men and their sons are welcome to attend this year’s event, with the theme “Ask, Knock, Seek.” Presentations will focus on faith inspiration in today’s world. Go to menaliveinchrist.org for more information and to register.

The seventh annual Freshman Tuition Credit Raffle is now open.

Three Class of 2028 students will earn a total of $10,000 toward their tuition through this raffle. To enter the raffle, go to www.acchs.info/apply, complete the ACCHS online application, and send the registration fee through the PayPal link. The earlier you apply, the more chances you have to win!

Apply by Nov. 30 for the $4,000 drawing, by Dec. 31 for a $3,000 drawing or by Feb. 4, 2024, for the last drawing of $3,000.

Anyone who applies before the deadline is automatically eligible for the raffles and applying before Feb. 4, 2024 eliminates the application fee. Contact Director of Admissions Cara Meskill at 610-437-4601, ext. 148 or at cmeskill@acch.info with any questions.

Support the Vikette softball team by attending its gift card bingo Dec. 1 at St. John the Baptist Social Hall, 924 N. Front St., Allentown. Each ticket includes 15 hardboard games and five specials and the event will feature basket raffles and food for purchase. Doors open 6 p.m. and games will begin 6:45 p.m.

If interested, contact a member of the ACCHS softball team or email eldrost@gmail.com.

The ACCHS National Honor Society’s food drive will run through Nov. 17.

Students who donate five or more items will earn a dress down day Dec. 1. Food items will stock the Central City Project’s food pantry, which helps combat food insecurity around Central’s urban campus.

To ensure the pantry is well-stocked, each grade should bring in designated items. Ninth grade students should bring boxes of macaroni and cheese, pasta and spaghetti sauce.

Tenth grade students should bring hot or cold cereals, peanut butter, jelly and meals in a can (chili, stews and ravioli).

Students in 11th grade should donate canned fruit, rice, soups, vegetables and healthy snacks.

Seniors are asked to donate canned tuna, chicken, beans and meals in a can. The pantry will also accept other miscellaneous items like condiments. Tab tops are preferred for all items and donated items may not be glass or expired.

The first quarter ended Nov. 3 and report cards are posted on Sapphire. Go to the document center on the left side of the welcome page and select Reports.

Please direct any inquiries about grades to your student’s teacher. If they are struggling, encourage them to seek assistance through daily tutoring by National Honor Society students, both before school in the media center and during all lunch periods.

Student tutors from DeSales University come to Central 3-4 p.m. every Thursday in Room 206 and math tutoring is offered during all extended homeroom days. Freshmen tutoring/study hall sessions are also hosted 3-4 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 206. Call the studies office at 610-437-4601, ext. 103 with any questions about these programs.

All teachers also have posted office hours to answer questions and review material.

The school will be closed Nov. 22-27 for Thanksgiving Break.

Happy Thanksgiving to the Viking Nation!