Central High School lyceum series kicks off today

LYCEUM (Webster's definition)

n. 1. A place of exercise with covered walks, in the suburbs of Athens, where Aristotle taught philosophy.

2. A house or apartment appropriated to instruction by lectures or disquisitions.

3. A higher school, in Europe, which prepares youths for the university.

4. An association for debate and literary improvement.

Central High School's earliest archives refer to lyceums that offered an array of educational and entertaining opportunities for students in an era preceding the widespread availability of radio and television. Guests from around the world brought glimpses of culture and information to our high school and challenged students to seek academic, artistic and athletic venues beyond the confines of our community or to remain, thereby assisting in creating a more sophisticated Cape Girardeau.

A segment of our centennial celebrations, lyceums return to Central High School after more than five decades to enrich the lives of current students and staff socially, intellectually and spiritually. They will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in our award-winning library. It is our desire that members of the community join us when topics of personal interest or edification are presented. The series begins today with state Sen. Jason Crowell sharing his perspective on public service.

Visit our centennial website, http://centennial.capetigers.com/, to remain au courant with the numerous Central activities, recognitions and events during the 2011-2012 academic year. This is an extraordinary time to be a Tiger, whether graduate, Tiger parent or patron.

Come home to Central this year for a concert, a play, athletic competition or academic enhancement offered in our lyceum series.

Julia Howes Jorgensen is the librarian at Cape Girardeau Central High School and a member of the class of 1969.