The Knightly News June 5th

Welcome back to this week’s edition of The Knightly News, your all-in-one stop for celebrations, updates, and reminders from around the Central community. Let’s keep the pride strong and the momentum going!

A Knight in Paris — Prom 2026!

Friday night, our Central Knights seniors had the night they deserved. Prom 2026 — A Knight in Paris — was a magical evening filled with elegance, excitement, and memories that the Class of 2026 will carry with them for the rest of their lives. From the moment they walked through those doors, it was clear that this night was something truly special.

Our seniors showed up dressed to impress and ready to celebrate — and celebrate they did. The energy in the room was electric from start to finish as classmates who have been on this journey together for four years came together one last time to dance, laugh, and soak in every single moment of the night they had been waiting for all year.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the crowning of our Prom Court — and our Knights did not disappoint! Congratulations to our Prom King, Prom Queen, Prom Prince, and Prom Princess, who were chosen by their peers and wore those crowns beautifully. Being selected by your classmates for this honor is a reflection of the love and respect your community has for you — and every member of this year's court deserved it completely.

Want to relive every moment? Check out the full professional photo gallery from the evening at the link below — and tag yourself and your friends!

https://iknowjustincase.smugmug.com/Event-Photography/School-Events/Central-High-Prom-2026

To every senior who walked through those doors on Friday night — thank you for letting us be part of your journey. You came to Central as freshmen and you are leaving as Knights for life. Prom was just the beginning of the celebration — graduation is right around the corner and we cannot wait to cheer you across that stage. We love you, Class of 2026!

ACCESS Celebration — Our MLL Students Deserve to Be Celebrated!

This week we threw a party and it was well deserved! Our Multilingual Learner students who showed major growth on the ACCESS assessment this year were invited to celebrate their hard work and achievements at a special ACCESS Celebration — and it was a moment we will not soon forget.

Students enjoyed cake, connected with their peers, and took a moment to simply breathe and celebrate themselves — because after a year of hard work, dedication, and pushing through every challenge that comes with learning a new language, they absolutely deserved it. And setting the perfect vibe for the afternoon was none other than DJ Kabeza from La Mega radio station, who brought the energy and made the celebration feel like the real event it was.

This celebration was about so much more than cake and music. It was about recognition. It was about looking our MLL students in the eye and saying — we see you, we see your growth, and we are proud of you. Learning a new language while navigating school, family, and everything else life throws at a teenager is no small thing. These students show up every single day, work harder than most people will ever know, and continue to grow in ways that inspire everyone around them.

A huge thank you to our MLL Department for organizing this celebration and for continuing to pour into our multilingual learners not just on test day — but every single day. You are making a difference that will last a lifetime.

So Long Seniors — We Will Miss You!

Thursday June 4th marked a bittersweet and beautiful day at Central High School as we said goodbye to our beloved Class of 2026 on their very last day as Central Knights. Staff and underclassmen lined the hallways for our annual Senior Clap Out — cheering, applauding, and sending our seniors off with the love, pride, and celebration they have more than earned.

There is something truly special about a Senior Clap Out. It is a moment where the entire school community pauses to honor the young people who have walked these halls, shaped this culture, and left their mark on Central High School. For many of our seniors, it was an emotional walk — and rightfully so. Four years of early mornings, late nights, hard work, big wins, tough losses, friendships, growth, and memories all led to that moment in the hallway.

To the Class of 2026 — you came through these doors as freshmen and you are leaving as Knights for life. You have made us proud in every way imaginable. We have watched you grow, cheered you on, and been honored to be part of your journey. Whatever comes next — college, career, military, or your own path — know that Central will always be rooting for you.

Graduation is just around the corner on June 8th at 7 PM and we cannot wait to celebrate you one final time. Go out there and change the world, Class of 2026. Once a Knight, always a Knight!

Emily Wray Wins Patricia Edwards Art Scholarship!

We are so proud to share some incredible news! Central Knights freshman Emily Wray has been awarded the Patricia Edwards Art Scholarship through the Rhode Island Foundation — a well-deserved recognition of her incredible talent, dedication, and growth as an artist.

As her teacher Ms. Nina Jarvis shares, Emily is a shining example of how persistence and practice to hone a skill truly pays off. Emily will be using her $500 scholarship to attend a course at RISD this summer — and we cannot think of a more perfect way to continue her artistic journey.

Emily, we are so incredibly proud of you and we cannot wait to see what you create next. Congratulations!

Meet our Valedictorian — Marvin Pacaja Garcia!

Marvin was born right here in Rhode Island to a family with roots in Guatemala. His parents work in construction — showing up every single day with their hands and their hearts to build a better life for their family. And Marvin has honored that sacrifice in the most incredible way — graduating as Central's Valedictorian and heading toward a future in Electrical Engineering or STEM.

Marvin credits his success to the people who never stopped pushing him. His father Hector L. Machic, who always told him to surpass every limitation he set for himself and do more than he ever thought he could. His mother Elsa Garcia, who showed up as a kind and nurturing presence and always offered an ear. A huge shout out also to the staff who made a difference — Mr. Jimps, Ms. Ricci, Ms. Kozak, Ms. Marchetti, and Ms. Jarvis — thank you for investing in Marvin every step of the way.

When he is not studying, Marvin enjoys doomscrolling, playing video games, and taking a well deserved nap — and after the year he has had, we say he has earned every single one of those naps!

One of the most important things Marvin learned at Central was how to manage his time — understanding that time can feel longer or shorter depending on how you use it. His advice to future Central students? When you get a new assignment, break it down into smaller steps so it is digestible. Go step by step. Words of wisdom from someone who lived it.

And Marvin wants to leave you all with this — Once a Knight, Always a Knight.

We are so incredibly proud of you Marvin. Go change the world.

Meet our Salutatorian — Rachel Mull!

Rachel came to us from St. Louis at just 8 years old and today she is graduating from Central High School with a 98.17 GPA — and we could not be more proud of the young woman she has become.

Rachel wants to be a history teacher after graduation and honestly, we already know she is going to be an incredible one. She credits her success to the people who never stopped believing in her — her mom Mimeka, a CNA who works long and hard hours and shows up for Rachel every single day, her sister, her amazing advisor at CCRI David, and her counselor Ms. Ricci. That is a village worth celebrating.

When she is not studying, you can find Rachel unwinding with The Sims after a long school day — and we respect it!

Her advice to underclassmen? Pay attention. Ask your teachers for help. Think about your mental health and your body. And stay in school. One of the most important things Rachel learned at Central was to separate herself from crowds she knew were not the right fit — and to do her own thing. That kind of wisdom at 18 is everything.

Central High School Virtual Art Exhibit — Now Live!

Our talented Central artists are on display and the exhibit is open to everyone! The Central High School Virtual Art Exhibit is now live and accessible to the public — showcasing the incredible creative work of our student artists. We invite students, families, and the entire community to visit the exhibit and show our Knights some love! After viewing, please take a moment to fill out the feedback form — your kind words mean the world to our artists.

🖥️ View the exhibit: sites.google.com/providenceschools.org/centralhighartexhibit/home

📝 Leave feedback: Scan the QR code or use the feedback form link!

RISD Project Open Door — Apply Now!

Attention student artists! Applications are now open for RISD's Project Open Door Saturday Portfolio Program! This free program offers art classes for teens interested in developing their creative talents, exploring different approaches to art-making, and building a portfolio for college or future endeavors. Portfolio classes take place every Saturday from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM on the RISD campus, beginning October 3, 2026. The deadline to apply is June 12th — but don't wait, the sooner you apply the better your chances of being accepted! Scan the QR code to apply. For questions, see Ms. Mulcahy in Room 333, Ms. Jarvis in Room 329, or Ms. Fontes in Room 351.

Staff Spotlight — Ms. Gail DeCecco

Some people find their way to Central. Ms. Gail DeCecco found her way back — and that says everything.

Ms. DeCecco's Central story actually began the way many great ones do — unexpectedly. She came in as a long term substitute just before Thanksgiving break in 2010, the teacher never came back, and the rest, as they say, is history. What started as a temporary assignment became a calling. She went on to teach here, left for a time, and then came back — this time as our Principal — a role she has held for the past two years. Central has a way of bringing people back, and we are so grateful it brought her back to us.

When asked what makes Central special, Ms. DeCecco's answer says everything about who she is and how she sees this community. She describes Central as uniquely positioned in the city and in the context of urban education — a place where multigenerational Providence families stand shoulder to shoulder with families who are here for the very first time. That mix of people, perspectives, and dreams, she says, is something you simply cannot replicate anywhere else. At Central, you have the opportunity to meet people at different places in their lives — and sometimes you can offer them an education that puts them on the path to their dreams, or the support they need in a difficult moment to simply get through.

To be somewhere where you can be steady for someone. To offer safety and support. To be a witness to someone discovering their own brilliance — that, Ms. DeCecco says, is what made teaching so meaningful and so joyful for her. And she is right. That is exactly what she has done here, day after day, year after year.

When asked what she wants to leave behind, Ms. DeCecco shared something that stopped us in our tracks. She talked about space and time — and how Central is truly what its people make it. Every student, every staff member, every family that has walked through these doors has become part of Central's legacy. And that legacy does not just stay in the building — it lives inside the people who were shaped here. You carry Central with you. And Central carries you. That is the truth of what this place is — regardless of what anyone on the outside may think. Her message to every Knight is simple and powerful: take pride in yourself, in your school, and in your accomplishments. Because Central is something to be proud of.

When she is not leading, Ms. DeCecco enjoys reading and watching 60 Minutes — and for anyone in education looking for a powerful read, she recommends a book called Make It Stick. We have a feeling it is as good as the person recommending it.

Ms. DeCecco — thank you for everything you have given to this school, these students, and this community. From long term sub to principal, your journey at Central has been one for the books. We are honored to have you as our fearless leader.

At Central, we know it takes a community to help every Knight shine. This section highlights resources, events, and opportunities for the adults and partners who support our students every day.

Orthopedics Express Appointments

Attention athletes and families! Ortho RI, the official Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Partner of the RIIL, has expanded their Express hours at their Providence location, making it even easier to get specialized care for acute orthopedic injuries. No need to wait — same-day and next-day appointments are available!

Providence Express Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Call 401-777-7000, Option 1 or visit orthopedicsri.com/ortho-ri-express to book your appointment!

Join the School Improvement Team & Community Action Board

Are you interested in having a voice in shaping Central’s future? Students, families, and community members are invited to join the School Improvement Team (SIT) and the Community Action Board. These groups work collaboratively to support school improvement efforts, strengthen partnerships, and uplift student and family voice.

If you are interested, please call Central to let us know, or fill out the short form below. We would love to have you be part of this important work!

Graduation Information – Class of 2026

We are excited to share important details for Graduation 2026

Graduation Ceremony

📅 Monday, June 8, 2026

⏰ 7:00 PM (Students must arrive by 6:00 PM)

📍 Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets)

1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI

Graduation Rehearsal

📅 Monday, June 8, 2026

⏰ 11:30 AM

📍Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets)

1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI

⚠️ Please note: Students must attend graduation rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Athletics Weekly Update

What a week it has been for Central Athletics — our Knights are competing hard and representing Central with everything they have across every sport!

On the track, our Girls Track team had a standout performance at the Class Championships, finishing 1st in the 4x100m relay! Individual highlights included Jeraryah Gomes taking 1st place in both the 100m and 200m, Francesca Barimah finishing 6th in the 100m, and Jordan Teaway finishing 4th in the long jump. At the Freshman State Championship, Aubre Batista had a phenomenal showing, finishing 6th in the 200m and 7th in the 100m. And today our JV Girls Track team is traveling to Coventry for the State Meet beginning at 4 PM — let's go Knights! 🏃

On the court, our Boys Volleyball team picked up a big Quarterfinal playoff win over Pawtucket Schools and are now headed to the Semifinals against Westerly — date and location to be announced. Stay tuned! 🏐

On the diamond, our Softball team is still fighting through the playoffs and needs your support! The ladies take on Classical today in the elimination round at Aldo Freda Field at 4:00 PM. Come out and pack those stands! 🥎

Our Varsity Baseball team continues their strong season, fresh off a headline-making win over Prout that was featured in the Providence Journal with photos by David Delpoio. ⚾

Let's go Knights — playoff season is here and every game counts!

Virtue of a Knight — May: Integrity!

Our Virtue of a Knight for the month of May is Integrity — and the four students we are celebrating this month are living proof of what it truly means to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Integrity is more than honesty. It is showing up with your whole self, owning your mistakes, following through on your commitments, and being the kind of person others can count on. This month's winners embody every single one of those qualities and we could not be more proud to recognize them.

• 9th Grade — Joseyris Figueroa Herrera (nominated by Ms. Mulcahy) Joseyris approaches everything she does with ambition and heart. In her artwork, she sets goals that go above and beyond what is expected — and when things get hard, she does not abandon her vision. She pivots, she perseveres, and she sees it through. She walks away from every project with pride because she stayed true to what she set out to create. That is integrity in its purest form.
• 10th Grade — Edward Babbitt (nominated by Dr. Tate) Edward is a behavior role model in every sense of the word. He follows the rules not because someone is watching — but because it is simply who he is. He owns his mistakes, admits when something is incomplete, and speaks up for his classmates. He is honest, fair, respectful, and consistent. Edward Babbitt is exactly the kind of student and person this award was created for.
• 11th Grade — Jonathan Cruz (nominated by AP Bevilaqua) Jonathan is a peer tutor who does not just show up — he shows up with great spirits, every single time. He has taken on more tutees than required and has not missed a single session. Jonathan is the kind of person who quietly and consistently does more than what is asked of him, and that says everything about his character.
• 12th Grade — Scarlett Vasquez Ventura (nominated by Mr. Chase) Scarlett is a strong, confident leader and advocate who uses her bilingual abilities to support English learners in the classroom without ever being asked twice. She translates with energy, care, and warmth — connecting with people she has never met as if she has known them forever. That kind of generosity and integrity is a gift to everyone around her.

We also want to recognize the following students who were nominated this month for demonstrating Integrity in their own meaningful ways. Being nominated by a teacher or staff member who sees your character up close is an honor in itself — and every one of these students deserves to be celebrated:

Honorable Mentions:

• Aayevin Monteiro (10th Grade) — nominated by Ms. Amaral
• Randy Alonzo (10th Grade) — nominated by Ms. Amaral
• Armando Lopez Fernandez (10th Grade) — nominated by Ms. Tang

Congratulations to our May Virtue of a Knight winners and to every student who was nominated this month. You make Central proud every single day.

Introducing the Golden Knight of Excellence — We Want Your Voice!

All year long, we have celebrated our students through the Virtues of a Knight program — recognizing one student per grade each month for embodying virtues like Discipline, Respect, Leadership, Discernment, Humility, Perseverance, Honor, and Integrity. It has been one of the most meaningful traditions of this school year and we are so proud of every student who has been nominated and recognized.

Now, as we head into June, we want to close the year with something truly special. We are excited to introduce the idea of the Golden Knight of Excellence — a year-end recognition tied to June's virtue of Excellence that would honor one student per grade who has demonstrated excellence in character, conduct, and commitment throughout their entire year at Central.

But before we finalize anything, we want to hear from our entire community — staff, students, and families alike. This recognition belongs to all of you and we want the process to reflect what feels meaningful and worthy to the people it is meant to celebrate. Some of the questions we are thinking through include — who should be eligible? How should winners be selected? What would make this recognition feel truly bigger and more special than our monthly awards?

Your voice matters and it carries real weight in shaping what this becomes. As a family member, you know your student better than anyone — and your perspective on what makes a Golden Knight is something we genuinely want to hear. Please share your input by filling out the short form at the link below — it only takes a few minutes and means so much to us!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3Lav_ZnvLz3Ar08MEsoYAI64pwr0Zz8Vy9JV9ppq83o9eZA/viewform?usp=header

Thank you for being part of what makes Central so special every single day.

Free Expressive Art Workshop for High School Teens — Creative Heart!

Attention students! Adoption Rhode Island is hosting a free 6-part Expressive Art Workshop Series called Creative Heart — High School Age, designed to help teens build strong, positive relationships through art! All you need is an interest in art, a desire to hang out with new friends, and a willingness to explore your creative side. Snacks will be provided!

The series runs July 22nd through August 26th from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Adoption Rhode Island Providence office. All potential participants will be asked to complete a brief screening with the group facilitator to ensure it is a good fit. The workshops are led by Emily Natale, LMHC, ATR-BC — a Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

To register, visit crm.bestnotes.com/portal/adophdmosz/menu or scan the QR code on the flyer. For more information, contact supportinfo@adoptionri.org or call 401-865-6000 x310.

Celebrating Puerto Rican Culture — Free Community Events!

The Cultural Heritage Center at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket is hosting a series of free events celebrating Puerto Rican culture as part of La Pequeña Sanse de Rhode Island 2026 — and we want to make sure our Central community knows about it!

Here is what is coming up:

🎬 June 25 at 6 PM — Grand Premiere of the documentary "Las Leyendas de Bomba" (The Legends of Bomba) right at the Cultural Heritage Center. Come witness this incredible film celebrating the history and legacy of Bomba!

💃 June 26, 6–8 PM — Bomba Boot Camp with Daniella Hernandez! Come learn how to dance Bomba with one of the most experienced Bomba dancers around. All are welcome!

🎉 June 27, Noon–4 PM — Carnaval! Featuring a Parade Procession at 1 PM. Free cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, and ice cream at Chokito Corner! Kids are very welcome!

Parking is available at 200 Esten Ave. behind the Village Lofts. All events are FREE and open to the community. Come celebrate!

Welcome from the Central High School Library!

Students are always welcome in the library!
Library hours are Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 2:45PM
Library can be open before/ after these times by request.
1st semester 2nd period and B Lunch the library is closed; 2nd semester 1st
period and B Lunch library is closed.
A pass from a teacher is required to visit the library during regular class
times.
If you want to come to the library during A or C Lunch, you must get a pass
in the morning.
Check out the new Central High School Library Site for resources, events,
activities and more by clicking the button below.

Did you know Central has its very own food pantry? Central Cares is here to support our students and families with free food and pantry items — no questions asked.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, please stop by the main office to access the pantry or learn more.

Because at Central, we take care of each other. 💛

Check Out The Pantry Stock

Interested in finding food related resources closer to home? Use the button below to open the Food Finder application and find resources close to you.

Do you want your pictures or information included in next weeks newsletter? Fill out the form below