Honoring and Recognizing Roman Catholic High School on the occasion of their Quasquicentennial (125 years) Anniversary of Catholic Education in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Roman Catholic High School was founded in 1890 in accordance with the provisions of the will of Thomas E. Cahill, a Philadelphia businessman and prominent Catholic layman and was the first tuition-free central Catholic High School established in America. Its conspicuous excellence and national reputation for superiority in accordance with the Catholic principles of education have made it the model upon which many schools throughout the country were patterned. These hard-won successes have earned Roman the honorable title as "Flagship of the Archdiocesan School System"; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, this institution has delivered to our community and the world distinguished leaders in a vast variety of professions and human endeavors. By offering a continually expanding curriculum which integrates moral values, religious teachings and academic studies, Roman Catholic High School has made outstanding contributions to the rich cultural and intellectual life of our City; and

WHEREAS, Evidencing the affection and respect that they hold for their alma mater, the active Alumni Association has worked tirelessly, year after year, to provide annual scholarship funds. During the threat of the school closing in 1986, these former graduates offered not only moral support, but collaborative efforts with the school administration and parents to recruit new students from schools and parishes throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey. These efforts culminated in the increased enrollment of approximately 250 new students per year, a student body representing 160 different parishes and a student body that boasts the highest scholastic standard within the Archdiocese; and

WHEREAS, The outstanding accomplishments at Roman, however, are not restricted to the classroom. To tip-off the 125-year celebration of their school, in line with a continuing tradition of athletic superiority, the Cahillites skillful took the 2014-2015 Catholic League Basketball Championship as well as the state title, proving positively that teamwork is indeed the hallmark of this extraordinary institution of learning; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby honor and recognize the Quasquicentennial (125th) Anniversary of Roman Catholic High School and congratulate the triad composed of administration, students and alumni whose concerted efforts have served generations of young men so well.

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