The Knightly News May 22

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!

Do you need help with your homework? Are you struggling in a class? Tutoring is available every Tuesday and Thursday in the library from 2:45-4:15 pm. No appointment necessary; just come to the library after school.

If you failed a class in high school, you need to recover the credit. You can do this by completing a class on Edgenuity. Credit recovery help will be available every Monday and Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 pm in the library. No appointment necessary; just come to the library after school.

Please note that unit tests MUST be taken in the library during a credit recovery session. No phones will be allowed during testing.

Knights Take the Mic — Poetry Slam 2026!

The library was packed, the energy was electric, and our Central Knights showed up and showed OUT at the 2026 Knights Take the Mic Poetry Slam and Spoken Word Event! Students from across the school filled the room with original poems that were honest, powerful, creative, and deeply moving — and it was one of the most memorable events of the entire school year. From the moment the first poet stepped up to that microphone, it was clear that this was going to be something special.

What made this event so remarkable was not just the talent on display — it was the courage. Standing up in front of a room full of people and sharing something you wrote, something personal, something that comes from deep inside you — that takes real bravery. And our Knights delivered in every single way.

Just a few highlights from an incredibly talented group: Samantha Sek (10th grade) wrote, memorized, and recited a lengthy and stunning poem about herself titled "They Ask Me What I Want to Be" — a performance that left the room in awe. Katelyn Phonsavath (12th grade) wowed everyone with "If the Moon Were Human," a beautifully crafted poem full of personification and imagery that showed a level of craft well beyond her years. And Junior Brownell (12th grade) brought the house down with his passionate poem and song "Central High School" — including these words that stopped us in our tracks: "Central High School, the place where every culture, religion, and different language are welcome... the school for many opportunities for great dreams and goals." We could not have said it better ourselves, Junior. Those words belong on a wall.

The Winners of the 2026 Poetry Slam are:

🥇 Individual — 1st Place: Allison Carillo

🥈 Individual — 2nd Place: Edward Jerez

🥉Individual — 3rd Place: Kevin Mexher

🥇 Group — 1st Place (tied): Jose Antonio Montano Bejarano & Dario Cruz

🥇 Group — 1st Place (tied): Katelyn & Katherine

Congratulations to every winner and to every single student who participated. You are all winners for having the courage to share your voice. This event was a true community effort from start to finish and we want to thank Ms. Jackson for coordinating this incredible event and bringing this vision to life, and to all the Central staff who supported the work and helped make it happen. It truly takes a village and this village showed up in the most beautiful way.

Honors Night 2026 — Celebrating Our Best!

Last Thursday evening, Central High School came together to celebrate some of the most accomplished students in our building at Honors Night 2026 — and the room was absolutely filled with pride, joy, and love from start to finish. Families packed the seats, cameras were out, and the feeling in the air was one of pure celebration. Nights like this are exactly what we work so hard for all year long.

The evening opened with the recognition of our Valedictorian, Marvin Pacaja Garcia, and our Salutatorian, Rachel Mull — two students who have represented Central at the absolute highest level and have made this entire community incredibly proud. And in a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening, Marvin stayed right up on that stage with us and soaked in every single second of it — as he should. You have earned every bit of this moment, Marvin, and we could not be more proud of you.

The celebration continued with the recognition of all of our Honors Students — students who maintained at least an 88 average all four years of high school. That kind of sustained academic excellence across four years is no small feat. It requires discipline, dedication, and a commitment to showing up and doing the work every single day. Every one of those students deserves to be celebrated loudly and proudly.

The evening also included some truly impressive milestone recognitions. 11 seniors earned the Commissioner's Seal, a distinction that recognizes outstanding academic achievement at the highest level. 7 students earned the Gold Seal of Biliteracy, and 36 students earned the Silver Seal of Biliteracy — recognitions that celebrate the incredible linguistic talents and hard work of our multilingual community. These students have worked in two languages every single day and their achievement reflects both their dedication and the strength of who they are. And scholarships were awarded to students recognized for their excellence in Athletics, Academics, Resilience, and Creativity — a beautiful reminder that greatness at Central looks many different ways.

A huge thank you to our Guidance Department for organizing and running such a beautiful and meaningful evening. The love and care that went into every detail of Honors Night was felt by everyone in that room. To every student who was celebrated, to every family member who packed that room with love, and to every teacher and staff member who helped these young people get to this moment — Honors Night was for all of you. We are so incredibly proud.

Knights Making Waves — Certified Lifeguards!

We are so proud to share that two Central Knights have completed a rigorous 27-hour lifeguard certification course and are now officially certified lifeguards! This is not an easy certification to earn — it demands endurance, focus, water safety skills, and a serious commitment to the safety and wellbeing of others. These students rose to every challenge and came out the other side with a credential that can open real doors for their futures.

Congratulations to Jeremiah Whitley (Senior) and Jonathan Ramos (Class of 2025) on this incredible achievement! These two young men put in the work, showed up for every session, and earned every bit of this certification. Lifeguarding is a skill that saves lives, and these two Knights are now equipped to do exactly that.

And the story is not over yet! Two more Central students are already signed up for the next round of the certification course — and we cannot wait to celebrate them when they cross that finish line too. The momentum is building and we love to see it!

A very special thank you to our Community Specialist Ivan for connecting these students with the opportunity through the rec center and helping make this possible from the very beginning. This is exactly the kind of community partnership that changes the trajectory of a young person's life and we are so grateful for your investment in our Knights.

We are incredibly proud of Jeremiah and Jonathan and we cannot wait to see what comes next. Congratulations!

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 — Jason "Big6" Estrada

Central High School is home to some truly extraordinary people — and this week we want to shine a spotlight on one of them. Jason "Big6" Estrada is a staff member who brings something rare and remarkable to our building every single day, and it is long past time we celebrated him properly.

Jason Estrada is not just a familiar face in the hallways of Central. He is a former 2004 U.S. Olympian, one of the most decorated amateur boxers in American history, and the founder of Big6 Boxing Academy right here in Providence, Rhode Island. His resume in the sport is nothing short of extraordinary. He is a three-time United States amateur super heavyweight gold medalist — the first super heavyweight in history to accomplish that feat. He won the National PAL amateur super heavyweight gold medal three times, the National Challenge super heavyweight gold medal three times, two National Junior Olympics gold medals, a gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, and was named USA Boxing's Male Boxer of the Year in 2003. He represented the United States on the world's biggest stage at the 2004 Athens Olympics — and he did it all with the same heart and discipline he brings to Central every single day.

But what makes Jason truly special is not what he has won. It is what he gives. At Big6 Boxing Academy, Jason has built something rare — a true community. An old school boxing gym in Providence that is known for serious training, a welcoming atmosphere, and a coaching staff that genuinely cares about every single person who walks through the door. The gym offers programs for kids, teens, and adults at every level — from complete beginners to serious competitors — and it is recognized across the city as a place where people come to build not just strength, but confidence, discipline, and character. People from other gyms come to Big6 just to spar, and that reputation speaks for itself.

At Central, Jason connects with students in a way that is truly unique. Kids love him. They trust him. He uses physical fitness and the discipline of boxing as tools to help young people navigate challenges, channel their energy in positive directions, and believe in themselves. He meets students where they are, he listens, and he shows up for them in ways that go far beyond any job description. For many of our students, Jason is a mentor, a role model, and living proof that greatness is possible — because they see it standing right in front of them every day.

In his spotlight photo, Jason is pictured with Josh, a Central student he trains, right after Josh's very first fight. That photo says everything you need to know about who Jason Estrada is — a champion in the ring and an even bigger champion for the young people around him.

If you or someone you know is interested in boxing or fitness, we encourage you to connect with Jason and check out Big6 Boxing Academy right here in Providence. We are so grateful to have Jason "Big6" Estrada in our building and in our community. Thank you for everything you bring to our students every single day. Central is better because of you.

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.

More information will be shared as we get closer to these important milestones.

Athletics Weekly Update

It has been an incredible week for Central Athletics and our Knights are making noise across every sport!

On the court, our JV Volleyball team are your Division 2 STATE CHAMPIONS — and that never gets old to say! Our Boys Volleyball team kept the momentum going with 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 and let's get loud for our Knights!

On the track, our Girls Track team had a standout week 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. And at the Freshman State Championship, Aubre Batista had a phenomenal showing, finishing 6th in the 200m and 7th in the 100m. Outstanding work all around!

On the diamond, our Softball team is battling hard through the playoffs. After picking up wins over Mt. Pleasant and Times 2 and celebrating a beautiful Senior Night honoring Neilah Martinez #3, the ladies are still fighting and need your support! Come out to Aldo Freda Field today at 4:00 PM as they take on Classical in the elimination round of the playoffs. Let's pack those stands!

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

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

Virtue of a Knight: Honor — April

This month, our Virtue of a Knight focus is Honor — doing the right thing even when no one is watching, acting with integrity, and holding yourself to a high standard in all that you do. We are proud to recognize the following students for demonstrating honor in consistent and meaningful ways.

• Silvia Claribel Acan Ramirez (9th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Tang

Silvia consistently demonstrates honor in her everyday actions. She follows expectations, treats others with respect, and makes responsible choices even when no one is watching. Her commitment to always doing the right thing sets a powerful example for her peers and helps strengthen the character and reputation of our Central community.

• Ruth Germosen Morfe (10th Grade) — Nominated by Dr. Tate & Ms. Maleiko

Ruth exemplifies honor through her character, quiet strength, and unwavering composure. She treats others with respect and maintains her calm demeanor even when those around her don't. When redirected, Ruth accepts responsibility gracefully and turns every correction into a learning moment — a true sign of maturity and integrity. Ruth is also a natural leader who encourages those around her to be their best selves, often going above and beyond to help her peers and teachers without ever being asked. Ruth has been nominated by both Dr. Tate and Ms. Maleiko — two different staff members who independently recognized the same honorable character she brings to every space she enters. We are so proud of you, Ruth!

• Joselino Gonzalez (11th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Veliz Ochoa

Joselino consistently demonstrates honor by making the right choices, even when no one is watching. He shows integrity in his actions, treats others with respect, and takes full responsibility for his behavior. His positive attitude and unwavering commitment to doing what is right reflect beautifully on himself and on our entire Central community.

• Kiara Bautista (12th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Kozak & Nurse Cardin

Kiara embodies honor through her honesty, accuracy, and tireless work ethic. In Anatomy and Physiology, she approaches every task with genuine dedication and integrity — giving her full effort and holding herself to a high standard every single day. Beyond the classroom, Nurse Cardin has also recognized Kiara for her kindness, politeness, and the consistent respect she shows toward everyone she meets. Kiara has been independently nominated by both Ms. Kozak and Nurse Cardin — proof that her honorable character is not situational, but simply who she is. We couldn't be more proud to celebrate you, Kiara!

Honorable Mentions — Honor

We also recognize the following students for demonstrating honor throughout the month of April:

• Justin Sanchez (9th)
• Tomas Saquic (9th)
• Jeffrey Ortiz Mota (9th)

• Yahaira Velasquez Martinez (10th)
• Juan Montano (10th)
• Regalodelcielo Tambah (10th)
• Hunter Evans (10th)
• Ximena Dayana Hurtado Navarrete (10th)

• Joel Salas Tebalan (11th)

• Eduardo Gomez (12th)
• Zayi Manderena (12th)

Thank you to our staff for uplifting student character and to our students for continuing to model the values that strengthen our Central community. Next month's virtue is Integrity — stay tuned!

Summer Opportunity — AI & Data Science Camp at Bryant University!

Attention students! Bryant University is hosting an AI & Data Science Camp this summer — a hands-on program where students will explore how Artificial Intelligence and data are changing the world and learn how to be part of it! Topics include Generative AI, Python Programming, Data Visualization, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality, and Numerical Fabrication. The camp runs Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The enrollment fee is $200, due upon acceptance. A limited number of need-based full and partial scholarships are available for those who qualify. Applications are being accepted through June 2026. Scan the QR code to apply today!

Mental Health Awareness Month — Take Care of You!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our Student Support Department wants to remind every Knight that taking care of your mental health matters. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, there are small but powerful steps you can take every day to support your own well-being. Check out this month's awareness poster for five helpful self-care tips for your mental health. And remember — you are never alone at Central. If you need someone to talk to, stop by Room 105 to connect with our Student Support team. We are here for you!

Mayo es el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental — ¡Cuídate!

Mayo es el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental, y nuestro Departamento de Apoyo Estudiantil quiere recordarle a cada Knight que cuidar de su salud mental es importante. Aunque a veces puede parecer abrumador, hay pequeños pero poderosos pasos que puedes tomar cada día para apoyar tu bienestar. Consulta el cartel informativo de este mes para conocer cinco consejos útiles de autocuidado para tu salud mental. Y recuerda — nunca estás solo en Central. Si necesitas hablar con alguien, visita la Sala 105 para conectarte con nuestro equipo de Apoyo Estudiantil. ¡Estamos aquí para ti!

Welcome from the Central High School Library!
Mrs. Silva is your Library Media Specialist (email:
darshell.silva@providenceschools.org)

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