Central High celebrates learning

As Board of Education trustees, village officials and community members came to the Central High School on Nov. 17, they were welcomed by students along every step away from the front entrance to the library. Then, they were greeted with the aroma of French toast, eggs, ham and sausage prepared by students from the culinary program.

Guests enjoyed their breakfast while Principal Dr. Joseph Pompilio, in his 11th year at Central, welcomed them. He said that while education has gotten a lot of negative press lately, the American Education Week program was a chance to celebrate the industry. “Central, with its diverse population, is already doing many things well,” he said.

Pompilio noted that 94 percent of last year’s graduating class went on to two- and four-year colleges. He cited the student achievement on Advanced Placement exams. And Student Council President Brian Sinko talked about the importance of the many extra-curricular activities the school offers.

Visitors got a chance to talk with many students and learn about the projects they are working on in class. Seniors Parmeet Singh, Max Field and Rida Zainab talked about an English assignment for “Catcher in the Rye.” They created a mock Facebook page for book character Holden Caufield, then had guests fill out a survey about their own use of the social networking site.

Nickisha Samety discussed a math assignment in which students used functions to calculate what cell phone plan would be the best for someone’s individual needs. She said the project showed how a math concept learned in school can be applied to the real world.

The animal club showed off some of the creatures it has, including an iguana, snake, cave gecko, turtles and guinea pigs. Students from the club are responsible for taking care of the animals, including feeding them, cleaning out the cages and tanks, and taking them home over school breaks.

There was also poetry in Spanish, a fitness presentation from the phys. ed. department, student artwork and music from the Chamber Orchestra.