WHEREAS, With the first graduating class of South Philadelphia High School in 1910, the Alumni Association was born. In those early days, there were actually two separate entities, since the School itself was divided between girls and boys. By the early 1940s, the Associations had merged, and a strong tradition of history, generosity and dedication had begun in earnest; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, a few of the members "chipped in" money to help a graduating senior with tuition; thus was born the now well-established Scholarship Fund. In the ensuing years, awards, trophies and memorabilia have earned a permanent place in the School, but the heart and soul of the Alumni Association has become its Scholarship Fund, now valued at over a half million dollars. Since 1990 alone, the Alumni has granted in excess of $300,000 to various institutions in the name of specific students, and on average, over the last ten years, $30,000 has been administered to each graduating class; and
WHEREAS, Through an Annual Awards Banquet, a Mid-Week Luncheon, general fund-raising efforts and the generosity of alumni and alumnae, the fund has grown and prospered. This year, the Association's 90th Anniversary, will also be marked by an all-class "Reunion 2000," sure to attract members of the "Southern" family from all over America; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association on the great occasion of its 90th Anniversary. We thank its members for their enormous contributions to their Alma Mater and its students, and we extend to each of them our gratitude and very best wishes.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Bill Esher, Class of 1946 and President of the South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association, as evidence of the respect and sincere admiration of this legislative body.
End