During the 2016-17 academic year, Central High School of Lunenburg is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The anniversary celebration will kick off with the homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., when the Central Chargers play the Bluestone Barons on Charger Field in Victoria. All former students and faculty members are invited to be present.

Fifty years ago on Sept. 8, 1966, the doors of Central High School opened to students for the first time.

“And now, the school is commemorating a ‘Purple and Golden anniversary — 50 years of Charger pride’ in a school that has produced a legacy of academic and athletic excellence, as well as a history of life-long friendships that have been formed there,” according to the CHS 50th Anniversary Committee. The committee of present and former faculty members was organized to plan commemorative activities.

The members of the Class of 1967, the school’s first graduating class, as well as faculty members who were at Central that first year, will receive special recognition before game time at the homecoming event. To be included, these honorees are asked to arrive at the football field no later than 6:30 p.m., check in, and go out on the field to be announced individually by name at approximately 6:40 p.m., prior to the national anthem at 6:45 p.m.

Members of the Class of 1967 who plan to attend are asked to contact Anne Hamlett at woodpark1@centurylink.net or call or text (434) 480-0284 prior to Oct. 14.

“Traditions that started 50 years ago will continue the night of homecoming. Former students will see the Charger football team in action, sing the Charger “Fight Song,” enjoy the cheerleaders routine and the “Marching Charger” band, and meet the Homecoming Court,” the release stated.

Information about the 50th anniversary year can be found by visiting www.facebook.com/chslunenburg50. Students and faculty are encouraged to like the page and to share it with their friends in order to spread the word.