Extracurricular Activities and Programs

Central Catholic’s Marching Band and Concert Band exist as both extracurricular activities and
accredited courses.

As a course, the concert and marching bands attempt to develop student interest and skill in instrumental music and music appreciation. They are conducted as a regular course meeting
each day of the cycle.

As an extracurricular activity, the band represents Central Catholic at school functions, including
football games, assemblies and concerts, and also at local festivals and parades. Previous musical
instruction is an advantage, but the student need not possess great skill. If the student possesses the
desire and interest, the courses should develop the necessary skills.

Jazz band is for the more advanced instrumentalist who is interested in exploring current jazz repertoire. Students are introduced to various jazz styles, composers, and jazz theory while experiencing improvisation. Performing opportunities include various school functions and seasonal concerts. This group is open to any grade level and no audition is necessary

The Chess Club meets regularly after school throughout the year for competition among the
members and with teams from other schools. Members improve their skills and enjoy the fun of
competition. 

Central Catholic’s Viking Choirs receive academic credit. Freshmen are encouraged to register for
the Freshman Vocal Music course, which teaches basic vocal technique and introduces music theory
through the current choral repertoire. Upperclassmen are encouraged to continue choral singing by
registering for the Vocal Music course, which develops singing technique through a more advanced
choral repertoire.

The Viking Choirs participate in holiday events, seasonal concerts, and volunteer performances
at local hospitals and institutions. The student is at an advantage if he has a musical
background, although not necessarily in vocal music. If the student possesses desire and interest,
the course should develop the skills needed.

Students in E-Sports take their video gaming to another level with organized competitive gameplay between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines

Environmental Club has a mission to foster stewardship for God’s creation through prayer, learning,
awareness, responsibility, and initiatives. The club began with grassroots student interest and is sustained
by those who actively strive to understand and care for the environment and community around us. Any
student is welcome to join Environmental Club to support the efforts to learn more about sustainable
practices and care for creation.

The Central Catholic Forensic Society (CCFS) provides students with opportunities to develop public
speaking skills through participation in a variety of speech activities. Students also broaden their knowledge of philosophy, literature, politics, current events, and social issues in preparation for tournament competition.

CCFS offers students opportunities to travel to schools in Pennsylvania and neighboring states to debate, speak, and perform dramatic readings. Students participating in CCFS uphold a standard of excellence dating back to the 1960s. Central Catholic FS students have won many state championships, including the prestigious Lincoln Douglas debates. Central Catholic has been one of the most dominant clubs in our district and in the state. CCFS membership is open to all students.

Free Verse is Central Catholic and Oakland Catholic’s student-run a cappella group. The group was founded in 2016, and it is named after the type of poetry written without regular rhyme or meter. Student-created and student-led, Free Verse is true to its name, giving creative and entertaining performances that represent the group’s interests from pop hits to film scores and everywhere in between. Group members collaborate to build original performances and develop skills in musicianship, vocal technique, and ensemble.

Free Verse performs at the Christmas and Spring choir concerts and regularly competes in the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA). The group has won awards for Outstanding Vocal Percussion and Outstanding Arrangement, and in their most recent competition, they won Outstanding Choreography for “The Free Verse Film Score Medley”. Auditions are open to all students and are typically held in the fall and spring at the group’s discretion. 

By the end of the first nine weeks of their ninth grade year, students are recommended
by their teachers to participate in the Freshman Ambassador program. Students who accept
this appointment will be trained prior to completing any task for the program. The Freshman
Ambassadors primarily work as host students on Shadow Days for prospective students
throughout the school year. Their tasks include welcoming eighth graders to the school, taking
them to classes, explaining the various traditions and functions of the school, immersing them
in the culture, and giving them a tour of campus. In addition to hosting students on Shadow
Days, the Freshman Ambassadors are invited to help at admissions events in the spring, such as
Spring Open House. At the end of their freshman year, these students are invited to become
Viking Ambassadors. 

FBLA is a nonprofit educational association of student members preparing for careers in business
or who are just simply interested in learning more about the free enterprise system. FBLA gives the
students the competitive edge through career exploration, self-improvement and community service
opportunities. As a chapter, we can provide our students with an opportunity to develop leadership
skills through many activities and conferences.

Central Catholic’s literary magazine, the Harlequin, allows students with an interest in writing, art
and photography to explore, expand, and display their talents. The annual publication contains
student stories, poetry, drawings, and photography reviewed and selected by student editors guided
by a faculty moderator.

The Masque, Central’s Drama Club, generally presents stage productions in the fall and in
the spring. Participation is open to the entire student body through announced auditions.
Although previous stage experience is an asset, it is not required. The Masque seeks interested,
cooperative individuals who are willing to devote approximately eight weeks to rehearsals after
school or in the early evening, and sometimes on weekends. The Masque performs for the
general public and has maintained a reputation for excellence.

The work of the Stage Crew is literally done behind the scenes. Almost everything
connected with the use of the McGonigle Theater and stage involves the Stage Crew. They
are responsible for maintaining the stage and stage equipment in working order. The Stage
Crew is also responsible for constructing and maintaining the production sets as well as
implementing the lighting, sound, and special effects. Although some technical knowledge is
an asset, it is not necessary for membership. More important is a willingness to work hard, a
spirit of teamwork, and a desire to see a project through to successful completion.

The Student Council is designed to provide its members with an opportunity to exercise leadership, service, and creativity within the context of student government. The executive offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer are supported by two elected representatives from each class and homeroom representatives. All officers uphold the Student Council Mission Statement based on Lasallian values and goals. The Student Council encourages and facilitates student involvement and student representation in the life of the school.

Elections are held each spring. A student nominates himself by submitting a completed application to the Student Council Moderator before the established deadline. Nominees must have a minimum 80% cumulative academic average and not be academically or disciplinarily ineligible. Nominees must receive approval from the Faculty and Administration and undergo review for conduct, dependability, scholastic achievement, interest in school activities, and contributions to a positive school environment. Nominees with a significant number of conduct points may be subject to further review. Nominees who meet these requirements are permitted to campaign. Peers select Council Members by vote. Once nominated, an officer must uphold the Student Council Mission Statement and function as a servant leader of Central Catholic. He must attend Council meetings and events and be willing to forego other activities that compromise his time commitment or duty to the Student Council, such as the Viking Victory Auction.

An officer may be dismissed from the Student Council for misconduct, major violations of school policies, disciplinary ineligibility, failure to maintain an 80% average, or neglect of duty. Final decisions on removal of officers will be made by the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs in consultation with the Student Council Moderator.

Central Catholic sponsors the De La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society. The purpose of the society is to stimulate diligent scholarship, constructive leadership, meaningful service, and worthy character.

To be eligible for membership in the NHS, candidates must have a cumulative adjusted QPA of 4.5000, have been attending Central Catholic for at least one semester, and exemplify the traits of scholarship, service, leadership, and good character. Members are selected by a majority vote of the Faculty Council. For continued membership, an academic average of 4.5000 must be maintained.

Students should have a minimum of two current or ongoing school activities and two current or ongoing involvements outside of school to be eligible for consideration. The Faculty Council makes the final decision concerning activities.

The student who exercises leadership:

• Is resourceful in proposing solutions to problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
• Demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities
• Influences in peers in upholding school ideals
• Contributes ideas that improve the life of the school
• Is able to delegate responsibilities
• Exemplifies positive attitudes
• Demonstrates academic initiative
• Demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school or community activities
• Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility he undertakes

The student who serves:

• Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal attitude
• Participates in school and/or community activities
• Volunteers his dependable, well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
• Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult responsibilities
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school

The Ministry Program fosters spiritual development of the Central Catholic community by facilitating
liturgies, retreats, and service opportunities through fostering a supportive community in the school.
The board works to animate the students’ faith lives through service with each other and with the poor.
The program strives to involve all students and encourages upper-class members of Lasallian Ministry
to offer leadership and support to younger students.

Lasallian Ministry Staff:

• Mr. James Donahue, ’03, Vice President of Lasallian Mission and Ministry
• Brian Urso, Director of Lasallian Outreach
• Mr. John Rende, ’10, Campus Minister
• Fr. Tom Kadlick, Chaplain

The FIRST Robotics Team designs, programs, and builds a robot to compete in various competitions around the country. The team is a part of the FIRST organization which is an international high
school robotics competition that changes every season. Each year, students, coaches, and mentors work
through a packed schedule to complete a robot that weighs less than 125 lbs.

In the fall, the team completes an offseason project to get new team members acclimated with various
robotics systems. The official season starts in early January running through early March. If you enjoy
electronics, programming, and hands-on projects the FIRST Robotics Team is for you. No prior
experience is necessary and we can teach anyone who wants to learn more about robotics. The team is
open to all grade levels.

The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science is a regional and statewide competition wherein students
present their individual research projects to a panel of judges. The regional competition is in February, and
the state competition is in May.

• Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF)
  The Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair is a regional and statewide competition wherein students present their individual research projects (poster format) to a panel of judges. This is a springtime event, and winners of categories are eligible for the national competition.
   
• Penn State Science Symposium (PSSS)
  The Penn State Science Symposium is a statewide competition wherein students present their individual research projects to a panel of judges by either an oral or poster presentation. The competition is held in the spring.
   
• Science Bowl
  The local and national competition demands lightning thinking and a vast knowledge base, as students are challenged to answer a series of difficult questions spanning the realm of science and math. The regional competition is held in February.
   
• Science Olympiad
  The Olympiad is a regional, state, and national competition consisting of over 20 creative events spanning the realm of science and engineering. This is a spring competition.
   
• Brain Bee
  This event, which is hosted by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, is a team competition designed to test students' knowledge of neurobiology. The competition is held in February.

• Fairchild Challenge
  The Phipps Conservatory hosts this environmental science competition. It consists of 5-6 separate
  student submissions throughout the school, spanning the realm of ecology/environmental science.
  The competition is held throughout the year through student submissions.
   
• Envirothon
  This team consists of 5-6 events in the area of ecology/environmental science. Top school finishers proceed to the state-level competition held in the spring.
   
• ACS Chemistry Competition and National Chemistry Olympiad
  Students compete in a regional chemistry competition with two participants to be nominated for
  eligibility in the National Chemistry Olympiad. Olympiad participants can then compete for spots
  on the national and international teams. The competitions are held in the spring.
   
• PA Governor’s STEM Competition
  This is a competition in the month of February in which students will engage with their local
  community to learn about STEM-related careers and the skills necessary to be successful. They
  work in a team of 5 students to build a model. They will be asked to present their findings and
  explain the practical applications of their device to a panel of judges. The challenge will test teams’
  communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while providing a unique opportunity to
  share their creativity with students from across the state.

The Central Catholic Ski and Snowboard Club is a club activity that hosts local and day-long trips
during the winter season. We aim to have one trip to Seven Springs before Christmas Break followed
by one each month during January, February, and March. Our end of the season outing is a day
trip to an out-of-state resort. Transportation for Club trips is provided for a minimal fee. Skiing/
snowboarding equipment may be rented on-site or personal gear may be brought on the bus as well.
The additional expense of the group-rate lift pass is for anyone that does not possess a season lift pass.
The Ski and Snowboard Club is open to students of all skill levels. 

Since 1930, the Towers has continuously chronicled the events of the Central Catholic school
year. Producing a yearbook entails an editorial staff, underclass staff members, and a faculty
advisor. The staff functions as a team, gathering and organizing factual and pictorial material
to present an accurate, comprehensive, and creative view of the year. The staff plans and
assigns writing and photos, structures page layouts, correctly and meticulously proofs copy,
crops pictures to capture and crystallize the focal points of interest, scans page proofs, and
meets deadlines. While primarily an elective for upperclassmen, all students are encouraged to
participate; they need only to contact the faculty advisor.

The Viking Ambassador program was introduced in 2018. These students give tours to
prospective students and families, are knowledgeable of all aspects of the school, and can answer
questions about various subjects. As an ambassador, students are required to attend events such
as Viking for a Day and Open House. In addition to required events, students are invited to
participate in other events throughout the school year such as the Mothers’ Guild Fashion Show,
Accepted Students’ Night, and the Viking Victory Auction. All students are invited to apply to
the Viking Ambassador program.

The Viking, Central Catholic’s student newspaper, introduces students to the world of print
journalism. Student writers divide their efforts among news, features, sports, and opinion writing.
A student editor oversees each section, making it unique in itself while contributing to an overall
product that informs and entertains its readers.

VNN, the Viking News Network, broadcasts each morning during the homeroom period.
Anchors provide students with important (and sometimes less important) information on
activities, sports, and upcoming events. Technicians set up and run the broadcast, while
cameramen run the equipment. If you enjoy knowing what’s going on before anyone else, can
enunciate your prepositions, and know the difference between talking and babbling, VNN may
be looking for you.