Community Invited to Celebrate Charlottesville High School’s 50th Anniversary

PRESS RELEASE

 

Media contact: Amanda Korman, community relations coordinator, cell: (434) 604-0049; email: [email protected]

 

COMMUNITY INVITED TO CELEBRATE CHARLOTTESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

 

CHARLOTTESVILLE, July 22, 2024—Charlottesville High School is commemorating its 50th anniversary with the theme “Golden Memories: Celebrating 50 Years of Friendship, Achievement and Legacy.”

 

CHS opened its doors on September 16, 1974, replacing Lane as the City’s high school. The first graduating class was the Class of 1975.

 

Fifty years later, Black Knight alumni, retirees, and community members are invited to join current students, staff, and families for a yearlong celebration. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, Charlottesville City Schools is planning official events including homecoming activities, an online alumni art exhibit, and monthly tours of CHS. In addition, community members are invited to host their own events, including alumni gatherings, special performances, sporting events, and outreach initiatives.

 

“We envision that there will be something for everyone to enjoy as we reflect on the rich legacy and enduring spirit of Charlottesville High School,” said Dr. T. Denise Johnson, Charlottesville City Schools Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion and a 1998 graduate of CHS. “Let’s come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build an even brighter future for our beloved institution.”

 

Those interested in proposing an event for the official CHS 50th Anniversary Calendar can fill out this application form. Proposals for events between August-December 2024 must be submitted by August 2. Proposals for events between January-June 2025 must be submitted by November 29, 2024.

 

Community members are also welcome to host private or unofficial events, such as a private dinner party for a specific graduating class.

 

Among the events already planned are an alumni band, chorus, and orchestra concert with retired CHS orchestra director Laura Thomas and retired CHS band director Vince Tornello. The concert is set for Saturday, November 16. There will also be an online alumni art exhibit to showcase the school’s vibrant fine arts community.

 

One additional way to participate is to donate to the “Sponsor a Senior” fund supporting future alumni as they close out their senior year.

 

Visit the CHS 50th Anniversary website https://charlottesvilleschools.org/chs50 for more information.