CPCC To Hold Central High Rededication and Multi-Class Reunion

Central High School, located on the campus of Central Piedmont Community College (corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Kings Drive), holds a great deal of history and memories for many of Charlotte’s leaders and community members. To preserve its rich history and past, hundreds of Central High School alumni joined together in 2002 in a fundraising campaign to support the former Central High School facility and Central Piedmont Community College. On Sunday, September 30 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., CPCC will host a multi-class reunion and re-dedication of the Central High School building. Alumni from the Class of 1923 to 1959 are invited to join in this historic celebration.

Central High School was Charlotte’s first public secondary school and operated from 1923 to 1959. During its history, Central High established a tradition of academic excellence and engendered the ongoing loyalty of generations of students. Remarkable leaders who graduated from Central High School included the late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt; journalist, historic author and public relations professional Jack Claiborne; Jim Beatty, the first man to break the four minute mile indoors; City Council member Patsy Kinsey; retail guru George Ivey, Jr. – just to name a few.

To celebrate and preserve the memory of their school, devoted alumni initiated the Central High School Legacy Campaign in 2002. Contributions from alumni and friends of Central High created the Legacy Fund to provide scholarship funds for students at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and to maintain the Central High Building as part of the College’s campus.

The Central High campaign efforts began in 2001 when College Administration joined Jim Beatty and others in a discussion about preserving the Central High building. A steering committee was formed for the Central High Legacy Campaign and led by co-chairs Jim Beatty and City Council member Patsy Kinsey.

To date, more than 997 gifts and pledges have been made to the Central High Legacy Campaign by alumni and friends. The fundraising campaign has been a tremendous success to date with more than $375,000 donated and pledged to honor and maintain the legacy of Central High School. As the fund matures and pledges are fulfilled, many more students will realize their dream of attending college at CPCC because Central High alumni gave back to honor the education they received at Central High.

On June 17, 2006, a garden, which was made possible by the fundraising campaign, was showcased at a dedication event across the street from Central High School. A commemorative plaque lists the Legacy Campaign donors.

In addition, Central High Legacy Campaign funds were used to complete work on the façade of the Central High building, which was completed this fall and will be featured as part of the dedication on September 30. Today, the Central High School facility houses CPCC’s registration, counseling, tutoring, and financial aid services, as well as classrooms.

”Central High School and CPCC share a rich history and legacy of academic excellence,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of CPCC. “We are extremely grateful for the generous contributions provided to the College by Central High alumni and friends. This gift will have a lasting impact on our institution and our students.”

Make Plans to Attend:
What: Central High School Re-Dedication and Multi-Class Reunion
When: Sunday, September 30 – 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Central High School building – CPCC Central Campus – corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Kings Drive
For more information, contact the CPCC Foundation at 704.330.6869.

CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.