Arcadia Publishing Company is in the process of producing our very own history under the title of South Philadelphia High School. The original title was planned to be: A History of South Philadelphia High School and its Stars, but Arcadia shortened it. Publication is scheduled for August 20, and copies will be on sale at Barnes & Noble, Walgreen’s and Ace hardware outlets.
By completing the form AT THIS LINK, you will receive your own personal copy, autographed by the author, Dr. Tony Evangelisto (class of Jan., 1958). You may purchase the book now at a cost of $25.00 per copy; the price includes shipping and handling, all proceeds will be donated to the SPHS Alumni Assn.
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK
South Philadelphia High School opened in 1907 as the Southern Manual Training School, primarily to prepare immigrant boys for work in various trades. The first class graduated in 1910 and the school was later expanded to include girls. In 1955, the original building was demolished and replaced by a new structure and became what is now known as South Philadelphia High School. South Philadelphia High School has been called “The School of the Stars” because of the large number of former students who have achieved national and international fame in music, movies, and television. While this designation is well-deserved, it represents only a part of the school’s significance. It is an urban public high school that serves a diverse population of immigrant, low-income families. Southern’s graduates have achieved great distinction in many different fields of endeavor such as medicine, law, civil service, military service, the arts, athletics, scholarship, writing, journalism, and teaching. Southern’s history is a testimonial to what is possible when educators provide positive guidance and support to their students.
Author: Dr. Tony Evangelisto (1958) is a Professor Emeritus at The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College). Contributor Marc Adelman (1957) is the SPHS Alumni Association Archivist; Gene Alessandrini (1955), former math teacher and math dept. head at Southern, is an adjunct professor of Mathematics at Camden County College. Both are graduates of Southern. Contributor Carol Evangelisto, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, at The College of New Jersey, in Counseling and Psychological Services. The authors compiled their images from the SPHS Archives, from the Urban Archives at Temple University, and from members of the South Philadelphia High School community.
