The Allentown Central Catholic High School boys basketball team continues an astounding season, defeating No. 1 Pocono Mountain West 61-59 in overtime Jan. 3. Congratulations to Lucas Mushrush for reaching his 1,000 points during the home game versus Northampton Jan. 13. He is the 20th basketball player in ACCHS history to score 1,000 points.

Congratulations to all of our recent Swimmers of the Week. On Dec. 20, 2024 against Stroudsburg; Jack Shultz dropped 12 seconds in the 500 Freestyle. Three Swimmers of the Meet were announced for the Jan. 4 quad meet against Liberty, Whitehall and Williamsport. Thomás Candian had time drops in both 50 Free and 100 Breast. Molly Hoffman achieved a personal best of the season in the 100 Free. Thomas Scheidel was recognized for being a supportive team member as well as having a six second drop in the 100 Breast.

On Jan. 8, student musicians visited Berks Catholic High School to practice for the 50th Annual Diocesan Music Festival which will take place Feb. 1. The concert band and choir will debut a song written especially for the 50th anniversary celebration.

Therese Gasser has been selected out of 2,000 talented musicians to participate in the 2025 National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honors Festival this spring. Therese is one of the 104 students chosen for this prestigious orchestra. It is the highest level of advancement a student can obtain through the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and The National Association for Music Education organizations. Great job Therese!

The Viking Lacrosse 2025 Season Kick-Off Social will be held 2-4 p.m. Feb. 1 at Volpe’s in Emmaus. The event will include raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, a special “time to tailgate” raffle item and live broadcasting by Eastern Sports Network. There is a cost at the door for food and drinks. Contact Kate Burke at 610-984-4208 with questions.

Join us in Rockne Hall for an open house 2-4 p.m. Feb. 2. This is a great opportunity to tour the campus, meet the principal and faculty, speak with current students and learn about the clubs and activities ACCHS offers. Feb. 2 is also the final chance to register and save $200 on the application fee for the 2025-2026 school year as well as be entered into the $3,000 tuition credit raffle.

Seventh and eighth graders and current students are invited to the ACCHS marching band pizza/practice party. It will be held in the band room 5-6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Students are also invited to the ACCHS color guard clinic 3-5 p.m. Feb. 8 in Masson Auditorium. Join current members to give color guard a try. No experience is needed and equipment will be provided. Wear sneakers and be ready to move. To RSVP, contact Mrs. DePietro at pdepietro@acchs.info.

ACCHS Partner School Basketball Night will be Jan. 28 in Rockne Hall. Watch the Vikettes (JV 4 p.m. and varsity 5:30 p.m.) and the Vikings (7 p.m.) play Parkland. Partner school students can attend for free. The first 50 students to arrive will receive Viking Foam Fingers. There will be other giveaways for all students and also an ACCHS Booster Club spirit wear sale.

Nacel Open Door is searching for a host family for an international student from Mongolia. The student will be a sophomore attending ACCHS for the second semester. She speaks English well and her interests include dancing, art, crafts, singing, watching sporting events and more. She will require a smoke free home. She will have travel health insurance and her own spending money for personal expenses. Host families supply room and board but receive a monthly stipend to help with any extra costs. If you are interested or have questions, contact Hope Egolf at 610-850-1398 or hegolf@team.nacelopendoor.org.