Central High School Captures Christmas Spirit

A Message from David Prescott, Principal at Central High School… Toy Drive. It’s Christmas time again and for the students of Central High School, it is a wonderful opportunity to take the less fortunate in our local community under our paw.

Special thanks to Dr. Janet Stevens of the School Board office for providing the wish lists of 89 families who are struggling to give their children a Merry Christmas this year. Each class was given the Christmas list of a boy or girl.  In the response, students could go out and buy presents for them. The students of Central High School understand that Christmas is not just about the wonderful gifts, but more importantly it’s about learning the gift of giving.

Band Semester in Review. The Wildcat Band saw many successes this semester on and off the field.

We are proud of the hard work the students have put in and are thankful for the tremendous support from parents, faculty, and the community  at-large.

On the field, the Wildcat Band, led by James Henderson, competed at two marching band festivals. The band received Best-in-Class in all categories at the Dutchtown Invitational in class single A.  At the McNeese competition, the band entered in AA competition where they, once again received superior ratings along with Best-in-Class for Drum Major.

The CHS Jazz Band, led by Patrick Bordelon, continued to excel with lively performances around the community including the Central Christmas Tree lighting, CCSS events, and recruitment trips.  Recently, the Jazz Band was moved to the final selection committee as one of seven schools in the nation to be considered to perform at the National School Board Convention.

Off the field, our band students continue to represent Central High School in hon-or ensembles including the Louisiana Youth Orchestra, Winter Guard International, and most recently with seven students making the All-Parish Honor Band.

We are proud of our students with all they have accomplished in such a short time.  Next semester, we will strive to continue this tradition of excellence with performances at District Festival with the Jazz Band and Concert Band, Silks performances at MA competitions, continued dances from the Kittens at local sporting events and anywhere we can go to enhance the spirit and pride of the community of Central.

Christmas Showcase. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Central High School presented its Christmas Showcase, combining the talents of the Central High Piano & Choral Department and Traditional Theatre Department.  The Piano program consisted of group piano numbers, as well as solo numbers. Many of these students are first-time piano players, and they did a great job. The Choral program featured the CHS Beginning and Concert Choirs performing a few classical pieces and favorite Christmas classics such as “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and several others.

The CHS Piano & Choral Department is directed by first-year director Mary Ann Russell, a Central High alumnus. Mrs. Russell has done an outstanding job with our students this year, and we are excited that they will perform at the annual Choral Festival next semester.  The CHS Traditional Theatre Department presented its Christmas Show entitled “Last Stop Till Christmas.” The featured actors in this show were comprised of the Advanced Acting class.

“Last Stop Till Christmas” is set at a bus stop where each group of patrons is greeted by Angela, spreading a little good cheer. Each patron has his own agenda and wishes that the busyness of the holidays — shopping, family outings, and work — would pass. Angela provides each patron an opportunity for their wish to come true.

“Last Stop Till Christmas” provided the audience with an idea of the true meaning of Christmas.

Don’t miss the next production of the Traditional Theatre Department — their spring musical in May.